Abstract: The addition of gate bias resistors substantially balances the voltage across any number of series-connected FETs, while the feedback control of the gate-source voltage of one FET controls the current through all of the FETs. In this way, the thermal load and voltage stress are substantially balanced for series connected FETs operating in active linear mode (partially on), enabling operation at voltages much higher than the individual ratings of low cost, readily available FETs. Alternatively, series-connecting FETs for active-mode operation is thermally equivalent to paralleling because the FET heat load is practically uniform, enabling operation at much higher current. This concept is extended to a series connection of FETs that can block, pass, and/or limit alternating load current with the voltage applied across all the FETs being either polarity or alternating polarity. We provide analysis, practical design considerations, and simulation results.

Abstract: An amplifier, a circuit, and an optical communication system are provided. The disclosed amplifier may include a first transistor receiving a first portion of an input signal received at the amplifier, a second transistor receiving a second portion of the input signal, an automatic gain control signal that is dynamically adjustable in response to variations in an output of the amplifier, and a varactor that has its capacitance adjusted by changes in the automatic gain control signal and, as a result, adjusts a position of a pole in a transfer function of the amplifier.

Abstract: A miniaturized imaging device and method of viewing small luminal cavities are described. The imaging device can be used as part of a catheter, and can include a solid state imaging device (SSID) including an imaging array, and a graduated refractive index (GRIN) lens optically coupled to the imaging array of the SSID.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling black stretch includes a black stretching unit, an offset adjusting unit and an output unit. The black stretching unit performs black stretch processing on a video signal less than or equal to the maximum value of a black stretch control range in response to a slope of black stretch. The slope of black stretch corresponds to a region between a minimum value and a maximum value of the black stretch control range. The offset adjusting unit adjusts an offset of the black-stretched video signal. The output unit outputs an output video signal corresponding to the offset-adjusted video signal when the offset-adjusted video signal has a positive value in a region less than or equal to the minimum value, and outputs the output video signal corresponding to 0 when the offset-adjusted video signal has a negative value in the region less than or equal to the minimum value.

Abstract: A method of interactive television providing for generating, transforming or displaying video information taking into account individual peculiarities of the user's eye and individual peculiarities of a group of viewer's eyes. The method provides simultaneously all or, at least, two operations from the above operations of formation, conversion and transmission of video signal and display of video information perceptible on the screen of information display facilities for one and/or a group of users or an unrestricted group of users. This is accomplished by one or a combination of various video editing and transmission adjustment techniques.

Abstract: A system provides an image displaying technique that provides stable high contrast even in an area having high brightness. Based on information about an average brightness level of a digital luminance signal, black-correction processing which decreases a brightness level by offsetting the brightness level to the minus side, and increase processing which increases a contrast gain within a dynamic range, are performed for an analog luminance signal or a digital luminance signal, enabling improvement in contrast even where brightness is intense.

Abstract: A video of a negotiable instrument may be provided from a user to a financial institution so that an image of the negotiable instrument may be obtained from the video and deposited in a user's bank account. In an implementation, a user may use a device such as a video camera, a web camera, or a video-enabled phone to convert an endorsed check into a video data file by making a video of the check and storing the video in a video data file. The user may send the video data file to the financial institution, where it may be processed and deposited in an account associated with the user. Any technique for sending a video data file to the financial institution may be used.

Abstract: A system provides an image displaying technique that provides stable high contrast even in an area having high brightness. Based on information about an average brightness level of a digital luminance signal, black-correction processing which decreases a brightness level by offsetting the brightness level to the minus side, and increase processing which increases a contrast gain within a dynamic range, are performed for an analog luminance signal or a digital luminance signal, enabling improvement in contrast even where brightness is intense.

Abstract: A pedestal level of each of the R-Y and B-Y signals (color-difference signals) in a horizontal synchronization time T1 of a horizontal synchronizing signal is detected, and a pedestal level adjustment value for adjustment of the pedestal level of each of the R-Y and B-Y signals is determined based on the pedestal level determined in such a manner that a difference in pedestal level of each of the R-Y and B-Y signals between in the horizontal synchronization time T1 and in a horizontal scanning time T2 of the horizontal synchronizing signal is lessen. The pedestal level adjustment value determined is stored and video amplification-chroma circuit 130 adjusts the pedestal level of each of the R-Y signal and the B-Y signal in the horizontal synchronization time T1 of the horizontal synchronizing signal by an amount of adjustment value stored in.

Abstract: A video signal-processing device that can improve the apparent contrast of the luminance signal at a television receiving set includes a quantity of black expansion computing section for computationally determining the quantity of black expansion when the luminance component of the input video signal is not higher than a first luminance level, a gain controller for regulating the quantity of black expansion as computationally determined by the quantity of black expansion computing section, a quantity of black expansion adding section for generating an output video signal by adding the quantity of black expansion regulated by the gain controller to the luminance component of the input video signal, and a vertical span adding block for integrating the luminance component of the output video signal not higher than a second luminance level for a field.

Abstract: A multi-channel video signal processing circuit with a bias control and respective video channel gain controls. The bias signal, which corresponds to a nominal video signal brightness level, is shared among the video channels which, in accordance with respective video gain control signals, process incoming component video signals to provide corresponding outgoing component video signals such that each one of the outgoing component video signals has a nominal outgoing video signal brightness level related to the bias signal and a corresponding one of the gain control signals.

Abstract: Bias control circuitry and method for use in controlling one or more cathode ray tube (CRT) beam currents.

Abstract: A device for producing a video image sharpness improvement signal (DOC21-DOC22), with black level clipping of an associated video signal, comprises a differential transconductance stage processing the video signal and whose bias currents (Imax) are directly proportional to the active component (?V) of the video signal so as to bring about a black level sharpness improvement signal clipping.

Abstract: A method for controlling dissipation in a video amplifier for a display signal. The method comprises the steps of setting a first current for establishing a first gain bandwidth product in the video amplifier. Generating a control signal in accordance with a slew rate of the display signal. Modifying the first current responsive to the control signal such that the video amplifier gain bandwidth product is controlled in accordance with the slew rate of said display signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling signal gain and reference black level of a video signal. Magnitudes of signal gain and reference voltage for a subject video signal are determined by a common digital control signal, while the reference voltage determines the reference black level.

Abstract: A system provides an image displaying technique that provides stable high contrast even in an area having high brightness. Based on information about an average brightness level of a digital luminance signal, black-correction processing which decreases a brightness level by offsetting the brightness level to the minus side, and increase processing which increases a contrast gain within a dynamic range, are performed for an analog luminance signal or a digital luminance signal, enabling improvement in contrast even where brightness is intense.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit for stabilizing a high tension voltage of a CRT and a method thereof. A feedback unit receives a cutoff voltage from the CRT. A compensating unit calculates a variation quantity of the cutoff voltage on the basis of the cutoff voltage from the feedback unit. The variation quantity of the cutoff voltage is compared with a high tension voltage compensation data stored in a storing unit according to the variation quantity of the cutoff voltage. Accordingly, the circuit for stabilizing the high tension voltage of the CRT and the method thereof can overcome inaccuracy of the high tension voltage compensation due to delay, and cut down the production cost by removing an ABL circuit and a high tension voltage compensating capacitor. Since the ABL circuit is not used, it is also possible to perform partial compensation according to an alternating current variation quantity.

Abstract: A digitized luminance signal, representing the luminance component of a picture signal, is adjusted according to data stored in a memory. The data are output according to the value of the digitized luminance signal and multiplied by a weighting signal generated according to the amount of black area represented by the digitized luminance signal. The digitized luminance signal is then multiplied by a value obtained from the weighted product data. Use of the weighting signal enables the luminance scale to be stretched and compressed according to various different control characteristics without the need to store separate data for each characteristic in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adaptively varying a black stretch control range and a gain according to a mean level of a video signal to control black stretch of the video signal. According to the apparatus and method, the slope and range of black stretch are varied depending on the mean of the input video signal, so black stretch compensation can be adaptively performed depending on the brightness of a screen. Particularly, black stretch compensation can be effectively performed on a dark screen.

Abstract: In order to reduce the total capacity of a ROM used for adjustment of the black level and the white level of a digitized luminance signal for a television receiver, for example, a comparator compares the input luminance signal with a predetermined threshold value, a NOT gate inverts the input luminance signal, a first switching unit selects the input luminance signal or the output of the NOT gate, a ROM outputs an adjustment characteristic signal responsive to the output of the first switching unit, a multiplier multiplies the output of the ROM by a weighting signal and outputs the result of the multiplication as an adjustment value, a subtractor subtracts the adjustment value from the input luminance signal, an adder adds the adjustment value to the input luminance signal, and a second switching unit selects the output of the subtractor or the output of the adder.

Abstract: In a beam current limiting circuit for a video projector, an average current is limited under closed loop control containing an anode current detection circuit 5. On the other hand, a cathode current detection circuit 107 comprises a first resistor and a second resistor in series to a cathode current circuit and detects a cutoff current at the voltage across the first resistor and an average current at the voltage across the second resistor. An offset addition circuit 11 is provided for correcting the detection value of the average current based on the maximum value of detected cathode current, and beam current is limited. Further, means 15 for detecting time change of anode current is provided and if the current value does not change for a long time, the beam current is limited to a smaller value.

Abstract: A CRT display device includes an on-screen display circuit for producing a display signal displayed on-screen on a CRT and superposing said produced display signal on a video signal; a brightness restraining circuit for suppressing the brightness of CRT in a range below an upper limit value based on an anode current of CRT; and a controller for controlling the operation of the on-screen display circuit and the operation of the brightness restraining circuit, and controlling a power supply to turn on or off; wherein when a display signal having a great area ratio of higher brightness portion is a discharging display signal, said controller controls said on-screen display circuit to produce the discharging display signal, upon an instruction for turning off the power supply, and controls the power supply to turn off when the operation of the brightness restraining circuit to suppress the brightness is relieved or stopped.

Abstract: A display apparatus, for instance a television receiver, comprises a cathode ray tube, a first circuit for providing a high voltage to the cathode and a second circuit receiving a gross signal and providing on at least an output at least a luminance signal controlling an electron stream of the cathode ray tube. To reduce stray emission, absence of gross signal is simulated when the apparatus is switched from on to off.

Abstract: A control circuit for use in a video processor utilizes combined automatic kinescope bias (AKB) control, and average individual beam current sensing and limiting in at least one CRT. The control circuit includes automatic kinescope bias (AKB) control circuitry for detecting a magnitude of individual red (R), green (G) and blue (B) cathode currents driving corresponding R, G and B CRTs, generating R, G and B average cathode current control signals therefrom, and using the R, G and B average cathode current control signals as feedback to the video processor to reduce the R, G and B cathode currents approximately equal current amounts.

Abstract: An improved digital cut-off control loop for black level adjustment in a video processor for controlling RGB output signals. The improved circuit advantageously provides a higher resolution of the black level adjustment, and a short cut-off convergence time when the TV set is switched on. The improved circuit can also blank the RGB output when the cut-off control loop has not converged to the correct level.

Abstract: An automatic beam limiter circuit (ABL circuit) calculating an average of a video signal at least a portion of the video signal is provided. After a converter circuit converts an analog signal, which is generated from the video signal, to a digital signal, a horizontal and a vertical average circuits calculate a horizontal and vertical averages of the digital signal at least a portion of the digital signal. The portion of the digital signal is a scanned line of the digital signal on a CRT. A comparison circuit compares a first calculation value calculated between a reference value and the vertical average with a second calculation value calculated between the reference value and the horizontal average, and outputs a first comparison signal and a second comparison signal based on the comparison results. A gain control circuit produces a gain control signal for adjusting the brightness/contrast in response to the first comparison and second comparison signals.

Abstract: A method for controlling dissipation in a video amplifier for a display signal. The method comprises the steps of setting a first current for establishing a first gain bandwidth product in the video amplifier. Generating a control signal in accordance with a slew rate of the display signal. Modifying the first current responsive to the control signal such that the video amplifier gain bandwidth product is controlled in accordance with the slew rate of said display signal.

Abstract: A circuit for regulating a signal, such as a cathode current. The circuit has an input stage for inputting a signal and for producing a sense signal based thereon. The circuit may input timing signals and have a first stage for comparing a first reference signal with the sense signal when a first timing signal indicates and for outputting a first correction signal based on the comparison. The circuit may have a second stage for comparing a second reference signal with the sense signal when a second timing signal indicates and for outputting a second correction signal based on the comparison. The circuit may further have elements for measuring a leakage signal in the input signal during a third time interval. In this embodiment, the first and second stages are further for subtracting the leakage signal from the sense signal prior to the comparisons.

Abstract: A CRT display apparatus capable of displaying images in high contrast and high brightness without causing noises and halftone-reproduction degradation within dark areas is disclosed. The apparatus includes a circuit for generating an R-control signal, a G-control signal and a B-control signal by removing, from each of the R-, G- and B-video signals, portions which are below a predetermined level in amplitude, an amplification circuit for inverting and amplifying the R-, G- and B-control signals, and a selection circuit for selecting, for each of the three G1 electrodes, either a corresponding one of the R-, G- and B-control signals inverted and amplified by the amplification circuit or a potential of a predetermined value in accordance with an instruction from an outside, and applying each of the three G1 electrodes with a selected one of the corresponding one of the R-, G- and B-control signals and the potential.

Abstract: In a black and white level stabilization device, an OSD signal generator (OSD-SG) generates black and white reference signals (OSD-R/G/B), amplifying circuits (VA-R/G/B) amplify the black and white reference signals (OSD-R/G/B) or RGB signals (Ri, Gi, Bi), and a measuring circuit (PNP-R/G/B, RM), coupled to the amplifying circuits (VA-R/G/B), measures a white level and a black level in response to the black and white reference signals (OSD-R/G/B).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adaptively varying a black stretch control range and a gain according to a mean level of a video signal to control black stretch of the video signal. According to the apparatus and method, the slope and range of black stretch are varied depending on the mean of the input video signal, so black stretch compensation can be adaptively performed depending on the brightness of a screen. Particularly, black stretch compensation can be effectively performed on a dark screen.

Abstract: In a projection CRT, an image of high brightness is displayed on a screen as an electron beam emitted from an electron gun is scanned according to an image driving signal. The image is magnified and projected through a lens unit. Here, voltage of a direct current component of the image driving signal is lower than threshold voltage of the screen for scan time and also lower than threshold voltage of the electron gun for retrace time.

Abstract: The format of a color video signal that has been inputted into a CPU from a video amplifying circuit is identified, and based on a given parameter variable according to this identified format, a second grid electrode voltage and the cathode bias voltages of cathodes for the three primary colors are determined, thereby driving a cathode ray tube with an optimal driving condition adequate for the video signal format. This parameter variable may be adjusted through a manual operation, allowing a user to set any desired driving condition for the cathode ray tube.

Abstract: A digitized luminance signal, representing the luminance component of a picture signal, is adjusted according to data stored in a memory. The data are output according to the value of the digitized luminance signal and multiplied by a weighting signal generated according to the amount of black area represented by the digitized luminance signal. The digitized luminance signal is then multiplied by a value obtained from the weighted product data. Use of the weighting signal enables the luminance scale to be stretched and compressed according to various different control characteristics without the need to store separate data for each characteristic in the memory.

Abstract: A control circuit for use in a video processor utilizes combined automatic kinescope bias (AKB) control, and average individual beam current sensing and limiting in at least one CRT. The control circuit includes automatic kinescope bias (AKB) control circuitry for detecting a magnitude of individual red (R), green (G) and blue (B) cathode currents driving corresponding R, G and B CRTs, generating R, G and B average cathode current control signals therefrom, and using the R, G and B average cathode current control signals as feedback to the video processor to reduce the R, G and B cathode currents approximately equal current amounts.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a screen grid voltage of the color picture tube in a color television set having automatic cut-off regulation. The method comprises the steps of, changing a normal operating potential at control electrodes of the color picture tube; adjusting the screen grid voltage about a value until values causing a fly-back line to be alternately visible and extinguished converge on the value; and, resetting the normal operating potential at the control electrodes of the color picture tube.

Abstract: A vertical blanking amplifier and bias clamp boost supply in accordance with the present invention uses the amplified vertical blanking signal to generate the boosted high voltage needed for powering the bias clamp circuits. A latch circuit is used to effectively lengthen the duration of the first vertical blanking pulse so as to ensure that the boosted power supply voltage is generated in the short time interval of one or two vertical scan intervals.

Abstract: A hardware-implemented screen-saver prevents burn-in of an image displayed on a screen of a display product by automatically reducing the video gain, and therefore the contrast, of the image when the portion of the image within a two-dimensional detection window has changed by less than a predetermined amount for a predetermined period of time. A lack of change of the incoming video signal of the image is detected and used to invoke a reduction in contrast of the image displayed on the display product. This allows the image to remain visible, yet reduces the possibility of burn-in of the image in the screen of the display product.

Abstract: A video control circuit controls the gains for red(R), green(G), and blue(B) color video signals inputted to a monitor, the brightness and contrast of a video display on the monitor, and the bias of a cathode ray tube within the monitor. A microcomputer outputs, in an I2C manner, data for a control signal for controlling contrast, brightness, gain and/or bias. The data are inputted to an I2C data process/PWM signal generation section which converts the data to PWM signal outputs. Rectification sections rectify the PWM signal outputs to provide contrast, brightness, gain and cutoff voltage signals. Only two output terminals of the microcomputer are employed for outputting a clock signal and the data for the control signal so as to control contrast, brightness, gain and bias control signals according to output signals of the variable resistors VR11 and VR12 and a bias/grain control section. A clock signal is generated by the microcomputer in synchronization with the data DATA.

Abstract: At the onset of ageing or in the further course of their service life, color picture tubes relatively frequently exhibit a rise in the field strength between the cathode (K) and the Wehnelt electrode (G1) of the respective beam system on account of a blooming effect of the cathodes (K) which is known per se and reduces the spacing between cathode (K) and Wehnelt electrode (G1). The cut-off regulation reacts to an effect of this type in a manner such that the reverse voltage acting between cathode (K) and Wehnelt electrode (G1) is correspondingly reduced in order to be able to drive the same reference cathode current. However, the reaction of the cut-off regulation must be taken into account for the circuit design since this would otherwise result in an unacceptable reduction in the modulation range, which would, in turn, have an adverse effect on the maximum contrast setting.

Abstract: Display apparatus includes a kinescope cathode current sensor (18) coupled to a load (200) for developing a beam current measurement pulse during a beam current measurement interval. Overshoots in the pulses are suppressed by a pulse correction circuit (300) comprising a first capacitor (Ca) coupled from the load circuit (200) to a source of reference potential (Gr) via a switch (Q300); and a control circuit (Ca, Ra, Rb), responsive to the presence of the overshoot, for closing the switch for a predetermined length of time and for opening the switch otherwise.

Abstract: An AKB interface apparatus in a display system (10), includes a video signal processing IC (12) having outputs coupled via respective kinescope driver ICs (18,20,22) to respective kinescope cathodes (K1,K2,K3) for display of a color image, the signal processing IC having an input 27 for receiving an AKB input signal, the driver ICs having respective outputs (28,30,32) providing respective cathode current indicating signals (RP,GP,BP) An interface circuit (100) couples the cathode current indicating signals to the AKB input of the signal processing IC. The interface circuit comprises a load circuit (110) for generating a load voltage (Vo) in response to at least one of the cathode current indicating signals. A leakage correction circuit (130), responsive to said load voltage (Vo), feeds back a leakage correction current (Io) to the load circuit.

Abstract: Supplementary grid blanking and spot burn protection are provided in a receiver/monitor (10) by a grid bias control circuit (50) including a blanking signal generator (60) that produces a blanking output signal (S1) devoid of any picture representative component whenever a vertical blanking signal (VB) or a horizontal blanking signal (HB) is present. A capacitor (C1) strips DC from the blanking signal and the resultant signal (S2) is applied to a modulation input (84) of a grid bias generator to produce an output grid bias reference voltage (Vr) modulated by the AC component of the blanking signal. The reference voltage (Vr) is coupled via a spot burn protection circuit (100) and a grid coupling circuit (120) to the control grids of three projection kinescopes (16, 18, 20).

Abstract: The cut-off level (Vcod) of a drive signal (Vd) of a cathode ray tube (3) is (Ib1, Ib2) occurring at these two levels (Vd1, Vd2).

Abstract: A color display with a white balance self-adjusting function, including a DC-voltage-level/gain adjusting circuit for adjusting, on the basis of adjustment data, the DC voltage level and the gain of each of R, G and B primary color signals, thereby outputting the adjusted signals. Also includes is a CRT driving circuit responsive to the output signals of the DC-voltage-level/gain adjusting circuit for outputting CRT driving signals to drive the color CRT of the display, and a cathode current detecting circuit for detecting currents flowing through the cathode electrodes of the color CRT.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically stabilizing the black level of a displayed picture when (1) an automatic black level stabilizing function is OFF, (2) black level error occurs between at an ON state and at an OFF state and (3) black level variation and picture disturbance occurs during activation and deactivation of the automatic black level stabilizer. Black level variations when the automatic black level stabilizer are OFF is controlled by processing a cathode current in a negative feedback loop and controlling a CRT grid voltage, storing a divided grid voltage during a converging period and processing the grid voltage in another negative feedback loop in order to adjust the grid voltage to an ON state value.

Abstract: A circuit apparatus and method is disclosed for determining the actual beam current of a display device having at least one cathode and that actual beam current is used to both correctly bias a voltage that drives the display device and determine the actual drive voltage according to a desired beam current. At periodic intervals, according to the invention, a series of test voltages in known relation to one another are applied to the display device, and measured cathode currents corresponding to the applied voltages are stored in appropriate memory elements of an correction unit. If at least two of the test voltages is selected to result in a black level, and at least one of the test voltages is selected to result in a white level beam current then the correction unit can precisely determine actual beam current through application of a mathematical relationship between test voltage an measured beam current which takes into account a leakage current between a cathode and a first grid of the display device.

Abstract: A kinescope video driver includes a series connection of a main cascode transistor coupled to a cathode of a cathode ray tube and a video signal amplifying transistor. A second cascode transistor is coupled between the main cascode transistor and the video signal amplifying transistor. The second transistor is coupled to the video signal amplifying transistor through a short wire conductor and to the main cascode transistor through a long wire conductor.

Abstract: A black level detecting circuit compares an input video signal with a current minimum value of input video signals, then detects a difference between the input signal and the current minimum value when the input value is smaller than the current minimum value, and then outputs the detected difference only during a detecting period of the black level, then corrects the minimum value by using this output for renewing the current minimum value, and finally outputs this renewed minimum value as a new minimum value of the input video signal. The black level detecting circuit also latches the minimum value during the vertical blanking pulse and initializes the minimum value during a vertical blanking period so as to detect a black level of the input signal.

Abstract: Video signals to be displayed are applied via a video driver amplifier to the cathode electrode of a kinescope. A beam current sensor, also coupled to the cathode electrode, provides a beam current indicating signal. An AKB regulator, responsive to the beam current indicating signal, supplies a black level correction signal to the driver amplifier for regulating the black level of images displayed by the kinescope. A screen grid supply system is provided for controlling the G-2 (screen grid) voltage of the kinescope as a predetermined function of the black level correction signal thereby forming with the AKB regulator a dual feedback loop for providing black level regulation by both the driver amplifier and the screen grid thereby maximizing or extending the overall black level control range.