37th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 25 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100231672 | Method of improving the electrical conductivity of a conductive ink trace pattern and system therefor - A method and system for improving the electrical conductivity of a conductive ink trace pattern provided on a substrate involves the printing of a conductive ink on a substrate to form a trace pattern thereon, fixing the trace pattern to the substrate and performing calendering on the substrate having the trace pattern fixed thereto. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231673 | IMAGE FORMING METHOD AND APPARATUS - The image forming method includes: an image forming step of forming an image on a recording medium by using aqueous ink, the recording medium showing dimensional change of not more than 0.1% with respect to water content of 1 g/m | 2010-09-16 |
20100231674 | Printer With Release Agent Metering On Drum - A method and apparatus for metering release agent on an imaging member comprises applying a release agent to a rotating imaging member at an application location and then controlling a thickness of the release agent on the imaging member with a rotating metering roll. In at least one embodiment, the method for metering a release agent comprises rotating the metering roll as a counter-roll to an imaging drum such that the metering roll moves in an opposite direction from the imaging drum at a nip between the metering roll and the imaging drum. The metering roll may include an elastomer provided over the substantial portion of its outer surface which contacts the imaging drum. The metering roll may also be forcibly biased against the imaging drum. At least one wiper blade may be provided in contact with the metering roll to wipe excess release agent from the metering roll. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231675 | RECORDING APPARATUS - A recording apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, including: a recording head; a conveyor belt for conveying the medium in a conveyance direction; an attraction device including: a base; a first electrode having first extending portions and a first connecting portion; a second electrode having second extending portions and a second connecting portion; and a protective film provided on the base to cover the electrodes, the attraction device being configured to permit the belt to generate an attractive force to attract the medium to the belt. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are located respectively on an upstream side and on a downstream side, of the head, in the conveyance direction. The first electrode and the protective film are bent such that the first connecting portion is located distant from the head by a distance larger than a distance by which the first extending portions are distant from the head. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231676 | Inkjet Recording Apparatus And Image Forming Apparatus - An inkjet recording apparatus to print onto a surface of a recording medium includes an endless rotation conveyance member with a plurality of through-holes; a suction unit to suction the recording medium on the surface of the endless rotation conveyance member; an ink discharge head including ink discharge nozzles; a blank discharge ink receiver to receive ink through the through-holes; a control unit to make the ink discharge nozzles discharge ink at a predetermined timing; and a fixed plate along an inner surface of the endless rotation conveyance member, the fixed plate including an opening formed in a position corresponding to the ink discharge nozzles and a through-hole. The blank discharge ink receiver is disposed corresponding to the opening of the fixed plate and in close contact with the fixed plate so that an inside space of the blank discharge receiver becomes a substantially closed space. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231677 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE USES OF PRINTER COVERSHEETS - A method for providing multiple uses of printer coversheets comprises providing a printer having a dedicated coversheet tray, a document sheet tray, and a scanning device, and receiving a print command from a user with an associated username. The method includes drawing a coversheet from the dedicated coversheet tray to be positioned adjacent the printed file, the coversheet having a plurality of predetermined username positions and a corresponding plurality of predetermined barcode positions. The method further includes performing a barcode scan of the coversheet, determining at which username position to print the username based on the results of the barcode scan, and printing the username at the next-available username position. The method also includes printing a barcode on the coversheet at the one of the barcode positions which corresponds to the username position at which the username is printed. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231678 | PRINT MEDIUM HAVING CODED DATA AND AN ORIENTATION INDICATOR - Provided is a print medium for use in a printer. The print medium has a laminar substrate defining first and second opposite faces. The print medium further has coded data distributed as a two dimensional pattern across a print area of the print medium. The two dimensional pattern comprises pattern elements, each pattern element encoding the two dimensional position of that pattern element in the print area. The print medium further has an orientation indicator indicative of an orientation of the two dimensional pattern. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231679 | THERMAL PRINTER - In a thermal printer, a first thermal head to print data on one surface of a print medium both surfaces of which are colored in different colors or a second thermal head to print data on the other surface of the print medium different from the print surface of the first thermal head is controlled, and a test image is printed on the print medium set in the thermal printer. Then, in the thermal printer, a print density of the printed test image is detected, and based on the detected print density of the test image and information stored in a density information storage section, it is determined whether the front and the back of the print medium set in the thermal printer is normal. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231680 | THERMAL HEAD - A thermal head includes: a head substrate including a plurality of heating elements arranged in a row; and a heat dissipation member supporting the head substrate, wherein heat from the heating elements is transferred to the heat dissipation member through the head substrate, a surface of the heat dissipation member opposing the head substrate is provided with a heat accumulation adjusting groove which has a recessed shape along the arrangement direction of the row of the heating elements, and both edge portions of the surface of the heat dissipation member in a width direction of the heat accumulation adjusting groove come in contact with a rear surface of the head substrate opposing the heat dissipation member, the width direction being perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the heating elements. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231681 | PRINTING APPARATUS - In a printing apparatus, a dot head moves along a movement path which is orthogonal to a conveyance direction of a passbook, one end side of the head movement path is a speed-up area, a halfway part is a constant speed printing area, and the other end side is a slow-down area. A thermal head is disposed in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of a thermal sheet, and a width size in the orthogonal direction is not smaller than the printing area of the dot head. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231682 | LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICE, PRINT HEAD AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A light-emitting device includes: a substrate; a reflection layer that is provided on the substrate, and that reflects light in a wavelength band set in advance; and a light-emitting layer that is provided on the reflection layer, and that includes a light-emitting region emitting light having wavelengths overlapping in the wavelength band and a surface having unevenness at plural distances from the reflection layer. The surface is provided on a side opposite to the reflection layer across the light-emitting region. The plural distances are set so that wavelengths forming standing waves depending on each of the distances in the wavelength band are interposed each other. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231683 | Light stabilizer, light stabilization method, and printer - A light stabilizer used for an electronic device including a plurality of electronic parts including a light source, a main power source for supplying a drive current to the electronic parts, and a start button for the light source, wherein the light stabilizer comprises, a heating power source that supplies a heating current to the light source to make the light source self-heat in a non-light emitting state, and a control section that executes control so that after the main power source is turned on, the heating current is supplied to the light source firstly out of the plurality of electronic parts to increase temperature of the light source to the degree higher than dew point temperature, and when the start button is pressed down, the drive current is supplied to make the light source emit light. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231684 | LIGHT BEAM NUMBER CHANGEABLE OPTICAL WRITING APPARATUS - An optical writing apparatus includes a light source device that includes a VCSEL having an alignment of at least two channels in a sub scanning direction configured to emit plural light beams in a block. A deflector deflects the plural light beams toward an image bearer that forms an image by changing a line speed of image formation. A control device decreases a number of light beams by turning off a prescribed same number of the channels symmetrically from the both ends of the alignment in accordance with the line speed. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231685 | Television conference apparatus, method of controlling television conference, and computer-readable medium storing control program executable on television conference apparatus - A television conference apparatus that transmits display data to a plurality of terminals includes a first receiving device that receives terminal-specific data, a first display data creation device that creates first display data, a second receiving device that receives position information, a second display data creation device that creates second display data, a display data transmission device that transmits the second display data to the plurality of terminals, an edit authority storage device that stores edit authority information, a first determination device that determines whether each of the plurality of terminal-specific areas includes the position specified by the position information transmitted from a terminal that has the authority to edit the edit data displayed therein, and a command transmission device that transmits a first request information to a terminal corresponding to a first area and that transmits a second request information to a terminal corresponding to a second area. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231686 | Wide angle optical system and image pickup apparatus using the same - An optical system comprises, in order from the object side, an aperture stop, a first lens with positive refracting power, a second lens with negative refracting power, and a third lens, both surfaces of the third lens are an aspherical surface in which refracting power varies in accordance with distance from the optical axis in such a way that the both surfaces have a convex shape facing toward the object side in the vicinity of the optical axis and have a concave shape facing toward the object side in the vicinity of the outer circumference, and the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: | 2010-09-16 |
20100231687 | System and method for capturing, combining and displaying 360-degree "panoramic" or "spherical" digital pictures, images and/or videos, along with traditional directional digital images and videos of a site, including a site audit, or a location, building complex, room, object or event - One embodiment of a system and method for using a 360-degree panoramic camera or 360-degree panoramic video camera for capturing images of a site, location or object, including site audits, may include using such camera at various prescribed heights and locations in conjunction with a processing unit configured to display information and images of the subject site location or object. The processing unit may be configured with a software viewer to display images and information of interest and incorporating icons for purposes of selecting a corresponding point of view or information portal. A compressor unit may be used to receive photographic data from the camera system and interface with the processor. A storage unit may be configured to store captured and combined images of the site, location or object. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231688 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BLOCK-BASED DEPTH MAP CODING AND 3D VIDEO CODING METHOD USING THE SAME - Provided are a block-based depth map coding method and apparatus and a 3D video coding method using the same. The depth map coding method decodes a received bitstream in units of blocks of a predetermined size using a bitplane decoding method to reconstruct a depth map. For example, the depth map coding method may decode the bitstream in units of blocks using the bitplane decoding method or an existing Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT)-based decoding method adaptively according to decoded coding mode information. The bitplane decoding method may include adaptively performing XOR operation in units of bitplane blocks. For example, a determination on whether or not to perform XOR operation may be done in units of bitplane blocks according to the decoded value of XOR operation information contained in the bitstream. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231689 | EFFICIENT ENCODING OF MULTIPLE VIEWS - A new method of encoding multiple view image information into an image signal ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100231690 | MODEL DISPLAY METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL OPTICAL SENSOR AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL OPTICAL SENSOR - The degree of accuracy and the recognition result of a three-dimensional model can be easily, visually confirmed. After a three-dimensional model of a workpiece to be recognized is generated, this three-dimensional model is used to execute a recognition test on three-dimensional information of an actual model of the workpiece. Then, the three-dimensional model is subjected to coordinate transformation processing based on the recognized position and the rotational angle, and the three-dimensional coordinates of the converted three-dimensional model are subjected to the transparent transformation processing onto imaging planes of the cameras A, B, C that take images for the recognition processing. Then, the projected image of the three-dimensional model is displayed in overlaying manner by overlaying on the image of the actual model that is used in the recognition processing and is generated by the cameras A, B, C. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231691 | OSMU (ONE SOURCE MULTI USE)-TYPE STEREOSCOPIC CAMERA AND METHOD OF MAKING STEREOSCOPIC VIDEO CONTENT THEREOF - A one source multi use (OSMU)-type stereoscopic camera is disclosed. The stereoscopic camera includes left and right cameras of which lenses are aligned with parallel optical axes, a separation adjustment unit for adjusting the separation between the cameras, a critical parallax computing unit, a camera separation computing unit, and an image storage unit. The critical parallax computing unit adjusts the focus of the stereoscopic camera to an object and determines the far point of an image so that a maximum critical parallax is computed based on a far point limit parallax of a medium-size display. The camera separation computing unit computes the separation between the optical axes based on the computed critical parallax and drives the separation adjustment unit. The image storage unit stores images photographed by the readjusted cameras. Therefore, stereoscopic video made according to the present invention may be viewed on various sizes of displays. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231692 | System and method for performing motion capture and image reconstruction with transparent makeup - A system and method are described for performing motion capture on a subject using transparent makeup, paint, dye or ink that is visible to certain cameras, but invisible to other cameras. For example, a system according to one embodiment of the invention comprises the application of makeup, paint, dye or ink on a subject in a random pattern that contains a phosphor that is transparent in the visible light spectrum, but is emissive in a non-visible spectrum such as the infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) spectrum; using visible light such as ambient light or daylight to illuminate the subject; using a first plurality of cameras sensitive in the visible light spectrum to capture the normal coloration of the subject; and using a second plurality of cameras sensitive in a non-visible spectrum to capture the random pattern. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231693 | Stereoscopic Exit Pupil Expander Display - The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for providing a stereoscopic display in electronic devices with a diffractive exit pupil expander using sequentially switching between right and left images of one display (e.g., microdisplay). An optical delivery system can provide a sequential left and right image of the display and the illumination is then switched for left and right accordingly using exit pupil expander (EPE) with asymmetric, e.g., highly slanted, in-coupling gratings, sending light practically to only one direction (e.g., one area of the EPE substrate). | 2010-09-16 |
20100231694 | LIGHTING APPARATUS - A lighting control device includes: an irradiation light generation unit that receives an irradiation light signal; coating correcting means for correcting the irradiation light signal so that an irradiation target object can be coated with irradiation light; and an irradiation light projection unit that projects the irradiation light by using the corrected irradiation light signal. The irradiation light includes coating light that coats the irradiation target object, and background light that becomes a background of the irradiation target object. The lighting control device includes: a first coating correction unit that corrects the irradiation light signal so as to cut an outline of the coating light in conformity with a shape of the irradiation target object; and a second coating correction unit that corrects the outline of the coating light in response to a positional relationship between an origin position of the irradiation target object and the irradiation light projection unit. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231695 | Noise Immune Optical Encoder for High Ambient Light Projection Imaging Systems - A 3D stereographic projection apparatus comprises an input for receiving stereographic image data that includes sync signals corresponding to image streams in the image data. A digital light projector projects the stereographic image data. A motor driven rotating filter has a marker disposed thereon positioned in the path of the projected stereographic image data. The motor driven rotating filter separately polarizes the image streams in the stereographic image data. A motor drive circuit, coupled to the input, receives the sync signals and synchronizes a rotation of the filter with the sync signals. A tach sensor, comprising a light transmitter and detector coupled to the rotating filter, detects the marker and outputs marker signals indicating that the marker is detected. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231696 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONTROLLING STEREO GLASSES SHUTTERS - A system, method, and computer program product are provided for controlling stereo glasses shutters. In use, a right eye shutter of stereo glasses is controlled to switch between a closed orientation and an open orientation. Further, a left eye shutter of the stereo glasses is controlled to switch between the closed orientation and the open orientation. To this end, the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter of the stereo glasses may be controlled such that the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter simultaneously remain in the closed orientation for a predetermined amount of time. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231697 | Image display apparatus, image display observation system, and image display method - There is provided an image display apparatus including a signal control unit for receiving an input of an image signal, and converting to a signal for alternately displaying a right eye image and a left eye image, a display panel, input with the signal converted by the control unit, for alternately displaying the right eye image and the left eye image, a surface light source for radiating the panel from a rear surface, a shutter control unit for generating a timing signal indicating a switching timing of the right eye image and the left eye image with respect to viewing eyeglasses including a right and a left eye shutters, and a surface light source control unit for causing the surface light source to emit light in a period shorter than an open period of the shutter according to the switching of the right eye image and the left eye image. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231698 | Image display apparatus, image display observation system, and image display method - There is provided an image display apparatus including a signal control unit for receiving an input of an image signal, and converting to a signal for alternately displaying a right eye image and a left eye image, a display panel, input with the signal converted by the signal control unit, for alternately displaying the right eye image and the left eye image, a surface light source for radiating the display panel from a rear surface, and a surface light source control unit for causing the surface light source to emit light according to switching of the right eye image and the left eye image. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231699 | 3D VIDEO SCREEN WITH POLARIZED PANEL - Screens for three-dimensional (3D) viewing are described that can include a plurality of light sources used as a video screen in conjunction with a switching polarization filter or panel. The polarization panel can be used to synchronize the left and right views interleaved on the screen. Separate left and right video signals can be interleaved into a single continuous digital video signal, for example a DVI signal, which can be displayed by the video screen. By switching the polarization panels in front of the video screen in synchronization with the interleaved data, the images can be directed to the left and right eye of a viewer. A processor can be used to accomplish the interleaving of the signals while providing the necessary synchronization signal for the polarizing screen. Related methods are also described. The light sources can include LEDs, plasma screen, LCD screen, and spatially discrete sub groups of such. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231700 | 3D SCREEN WITH MODULAR POLARIZED PIXELS - Modular light source are described with polarized states and a video screen including a matrix of the modular light sources. Each modular light source may constitute a pixel of the screen. Each pixel may be controlled to emit light in a polarized state. As a result, the screen may generate images with different polarities at any pixel, at any time, in addition to generating non-polarized pixels or images if desired. Using a viewing device, such as glasses, having a lenses with different polarization characteristics, a viewer may perceive an image generated by the screen as having three dimensions. Related methods and computer program products are also described. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231701 | 3D Stereoscopic Display System for Large Format LED Displays - A three dimensional (3D) stereoscopic display system using large format light emitting diodes (LEDs) for displaying 3D image content. The apparatus comprises a grid of LEDs covered by two sheets of polarizing material, a first sheet of polarizing material for polarizing a first subset of the LEDs to form a first view of the 3D image, and a second sheet of polarizing material for polarizing the second subset of LEDs to form a second view of the 3D image. The sheets may be formed by cutting a plurality of openings substantially aligned with a corresponding subset of LEDs. For improved viewing, the apparatus may further comprise a rear diffuser, disposed between the LED display and the first sheet of polarizing material. Also for improved viewing, the apparatus may further comprise a front diffuser, disposed in front of the second sheet of polarizing material, for reducing glare from external light sources. Also an additional method of the application of individual polarizing buttons directly adhered to the individual LEDs incorporating an assembly key for maintaining the correct orientation of the polarizing material. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231702 | IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE AND ENDOSCOPE PROVIDED WITH IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE - An image pickup device mounted at a distal end portion of an endoscope is provided that can make joining work more efficient and simplified, improve maintenance performance and reduce the size and diameter. A distal end portion | 2010-09-16 |
20100231703 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIGITIZING A SPECIMEN WITH FLUORESCENT TARGET POINTS - The present invention relates to a method and an automated fluorescent imaging system for digitizing a specimen with fluorescent target points on a microscope slide. The method uses the fluorescence microscope system for detecting and scanning said fluorescent target points. The method comprises the steps of marking the position of said specimen on said slide by visible marking means to define a specimen area containing said specimen and said fluorescent target points; capturing a bright field image of at least a portion of the slide at a first optical magnification, said portion(s) containing the specimen area and determining, from the visible marking means, a position of target fields falling within said specimen area; and scanning the target fields of the specimen area at a second optical magnification higher than said first optical magnification, said scanning including focusing on at least a part of said target fields. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231704 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A WEB INSPECTION SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a web inspection system. In one embodiment, the present invention is a web inspection system including a web moving unit moving a web of material, a camera positioned adjacent the web moving unit, the camera configured to be in an image capture state or a non-image-capture state, a first illumination system positioned adjacent the web moving unit, the first illumination system constantly illuminating the web of material, a second illumination system positioned adjacent the web moving unit, the second illumination system illuminating the web of material only when the camera is in the image capture state, and a control unit connected to the camera, the first illumination system, and the second illumination system. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231705 | AIRCRAFT LANDING ASSISTANCE - Enhanced vision system for assisting aircraft piloting, the system including a line-of-sight detector for determining the line-of-sight of the pilot of the aircraft, a head mounted display (HMD) worn by the pilot, and a processor which receives the determined line-of-sight from the line-of-sight detector, receives a spatial image of the external scene to the aircraft, generates symbolic information respective of the aircraft piloting, and superimposes the symbolic information onto the spatial image to produce a combined spatial and symbolic image, the HMD displaying the combined spatial and symbolic image to the pilot in real-time, in alignment with the determined line-of-sight. The spatial image may be an image combined from a sensor image and a synthetic image. A communication interface may be coupled to the HMD allowing the pilot to receive and confirm flight instructions. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231706 | Storage medium for storing a signal having successive images for subsequent playback and a method for forming such a signal for storage on such a storage medium - A method of (1) navigating a camera with both translatory movements and attitudinal movements while capturing successive images in an object space and at the same time sensing the translatory and attitudinal movements of the camera with respect to a three-dimensional reference frame of the object space, (2) providing successive computer generated images produced by a computer workstation from the successive images in synchronization with the sensed translatory and attitudinal movements of the camera with respect to the three-dimensional reference frame, and (3) storing the successive computer generated images on a non-transitory storage medium for later retrieval by a playback device for presentation by the playback device of said successive computer generated images to at least one eye of a viewer in an image space for perception of the successive computer generated images. A non-transitory storage medium for storing the successive images is also provided. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231707 | Investigation System and Technique - A method of investigating a glazing panel is disclosed in which a first investigation image of a target zone of the glazing panel is captured and a second investigation image of the target zone is captured. Image data from the first and second investigation images are combined to provide an output representative of the condition of the glazing panel at the target zone. The two investigation images are taken using respectively a black and a white background on the other side of the glazing panel. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231708 | Method of, and Apparatus for, Measuring the Quality of a Surface of a Substrate - A method of measuring the quality of a surface of a substrate is described. The method includes the steps of obtaining a digital image of a portion of a surface of the substrate using an image obtaining apparatus; and measuring one or more physical characteristics of the obtained digital image so as to provide an indication of the quality of the surface of the substrate. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231709 | POSITION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM, POSITION MEASUREMENT METHOD AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM - A position measurement system includes a marker set attached to an object, a camera and a computing apparatus. The marker set includes three or more directed basic markers each having a shape indicating a direction. The directed basic markers are oriented in directions toward a specific point. A positional relationship among the directed basic markers is known. The camera includes a two-dimensional imaging device configured to take an image of the marker set. The computing apparatus computes at least one of a position of the object and an angle of the object based on an image, taken by the camera, of the directed basic markers, which are oriented in the directions toward the specific point. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231710 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE CURVE OF A SPECTACLE FRAME - The invention relates to a method for measuring the curve of a spectacle frame ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100231711 | METHOD FOR REGISTERING MODEL DATA FOR OPTICAL RECOGNITION PROCESSING AND OPTICAL SENSOR - To easily generate model data having high recognition accuracy and being consistent with measurement conditions and installation environment of each of optical sensors. Basic model representing a range in which a workpiece can be optically recognized is inputted, and pieces of processing of imaging and measuring the workpiece under the same condition as that in an actual measurement and matching feature data of the workpiece obtained from this measurement with the basic model are executed for a plurality of number of cycles. Then, in the basic model, information is set as unnecessary information where the information cannot be associated with the feature data of the workpiece in all of the pieces of matching processing, or where the number of times or ratio the information cannot be associated is more than a predetermined reference value, or where the information cannot be associated with the feature data in any one of the pieces of executed matching processing. Then, the unnecessary information is deleted from the basic model, and information after each deletion is identified as model data to be registered and is registered to the memory. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231712 | Image capturing apparatus and image capturing method - In an image capturing apparatus, an image recognition device detects an object to be monitored and calculates an object luminance and object coordinates by performing a recognition process on the detected object. A control device calculates a position and an illuminance in space where the object exists on the basis of the object luminance and the objet coordinates, calculates a camera parameter on the basis of the calculated position and illuminance and a present camera parameter, and controls the camera parameter of a video image capturing device according to the calculated camera parameter, so that the exposure amount is adjusted. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231713 | MONITORING CAMERA DEVICE - The present invention provides a monitoring camera apparatus which can measure camera installation height easily with a simple configuration. The monitoring camera apparatus includes a distance detecting unit and direction detecting unit. The distance detecting unit detects subject distance D to a subject using an autofocus function. The direction detecting unit detects a shooting direction θ of the imaging unit rotated by a rotating mechanism. A height calculating unit calculates camera installation height H by converting the detected subject distance D into vertical length using the shooting direction θ in which the subject distance D is detected. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231714 | VIDEO PATTERN RECOGNITION FOR AUTOMATING EMERGENCY SERVICE INCIDENT AWARENESS AND RESPONSE - Video analysis capabilities can be integrated into an emergency response system and/or a video operations center (VOC) monitoring for emergency incidents. At least one computer program driven response action involving detecting patterns in video streams that comprise video of an incident can be performed. This response action can be directed to VOC personnel and/or to emergency response system personnel. Further, the response action can result in an automated responses to an emergency incident and/or to an alerting of humans monitoring video to focus on a particular video stream/incident. One such response action, which increases video capture activity at a geographic location of the incident, can occur responsive to a receipt of an emergency call by the emergency response system. Another response action can analyze at least one video stream of the geographic location and can automatically dispatch (in approximately real time) an emergency responder to the geographic location. Still another action can analyze the video stream of a geographic location, can determine a high likelihood of an emergency incident, and can provide an alert in a user interface of the emergency response system or a VOC. Video of the incident can also be provided in the user interface. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231715 | Sideview Vision System Displaying A View Dependent Upon Transmission Selector - A sideview vision system in a vehicle and a method for operating the system. The sideview vision system has a camera fixedly mounted to the vehicle for capturing an image alongside and extending rearward the vehicle, and a display for displaying a view to a driver of the vehicle. The method includes capturing an image using the camera, the image having a first portion and a second portion different from the first portion, displaying a first view corresponding to the first portion in response to the vehicle transmission being in a forward gear, and displaying a second view corresponding to the second portion in response to the transmission being in a reverse gear. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231716 | Vehicle-Mountable Imaging Systems and Methods - Imaging systems, methods, and vehicles having imaging systems. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231717 | IMAGE ADJUSTING DEVICE, IMAGE ADJUSTING METHOD, AND ON-VEHICLE CAMERA - An image adjusting device for an on-vehicle camera mounted on a vehicle includes an operations unit configured to input mounting position information regarding a mounting position of the on-vehicle camera on the vehicle; a storing unit configured to store image processing parameters in association with various mounting positions of the on-vehicle camera; a control unit configured to read the corresponding image processing parameters from the storing unit based on the mounting position information input from the operations unit; and an image processing unit configured to process image data obtained by an imaging unit of the on-vehicle camera according to the image processing parameters read by the control unit. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231718 | LANE RECOGNITION DEVICE - The lane mark recognition device is equipped with a lane mark detecting unit which executes a lane mark detection process in each predetermined control cycle, and adds a detection presence/absence data to a ring buffer, a detection presence/absence data addition inhibiting unit which inhibits addition of the detection presence/absence data to the ring buffer when the vehicle is traveling in the intersection, and a lane mark position recognizing unit which recognizes a relative position of the vehicle and the lane mark, when the lane mark is detected in the situation where a lane mark detection rate calculated from the data of the ring buffer is higher than a reliability threshold value. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231719 | Camera Mounting Structure, Camera Mounting Method and Exterior Panel Component of a Vehicle - A camera mounting structure for mounting an on-vehicle camera on a vehicle, in which the on-vehicle camera includes an imaging module having a lens and an imaging element, and in an exterior panel component making up an exterior of the vehicle, a bracket part for attaching the imaging module is molded integrally with the exterior panel component as a portion of the exterior panel component. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231720 | Traffic Monitoring - A method of monitoring traffic on a road comprising capturing a plurality of images of the road using a camera mounted on a viewing point and associating a time of capture with each image, determining, from the captured images, the positions of the portions of the road surface visible from the viewpoint at the front and rear extremities of the extent of a vehicle in the captured images at two different times; and determining from the positions and the times of the instants at least one characteristic of the vehicle or its motion, such as the vehicle length, speed or a vehicle classification (truck, car, motorcycle, etc). | 2010-09-16 |
20100231721 | AIRPORT TARGET TRACKING SYSTEM - A system for tracking objects using an Intelligent Video processing system in the context of airport surface monitoring. The system addresses airport surface monitoring operational issues such as all weather conditions, high robustness, and low false report rate. The output can be used to complement existing airport surface monitoring systems. By combining the use of multi-sensors and an adverse weather optimized system, the system is capable of producing an improved stream of information for the target object over traditional computer vision based airport surface monitoring systems. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231722 | Compact handheld detector for greenhouse gasses - Techniques are disclosed relating to gas leak detection. The techniques can be deployed, for example, in compact, handheld portable devices usable for detecting leaks in space-confined applications. The devices generally include an unstablized laser and thermal imaging camera that allow for detection of gas that absorbs at least some of the wavelength of operation of the unstablized laser. The devices can be operated at a low-power density for safety and/or may be configured to mitigate wavelength hopping associated with unstablized laser light sources. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231723 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INFERENCING TOPOLOGY OF MULTIPLE CAMERAS NETWORK BY TRACKING MOVEMENT - Provided are an apparatus and a method for tracking movements of objects to infer a topology of a network of multiple cameras. The apparatus infers the topology of the network formed of the multiple cameras that sequentially obtain images and includes an object extractor, a haunting data generator, and a haunting database (DB), and a topology inferrer. The object extractor extracts at least one from each of the obtained images, for the multiple cameras. The haunting data generator generates appearing cameras and appearing times at which the moving objects appear, and disappearing cameras and disappearing times at which the moving objects disappear, for the multiple cameras. The haunting DB stores the appearing cameras and appearing times and the disappearing cameras and disappearing times of the moving object, for the multiple cameras. The topology inferrer infers the topology of the network using the appearing cameras and appearing times and the disappearing cameras and disappearing times of moving objects. Therefore, the apparatus accurately infers topologies and distances among the multiple cameras in the network of the multiple cameras using the cameras and appearing and disappearing times at which the moving objects appear and disappear. As a result, the apparatus accurately track the moving objects in the network. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231724 | TRANSLATION MODULE TO FACILITATE CONTROL OF TV USING HOME NETWORK CONTROLLER - A module interconnects a home network controller and a TV and translates signals from the controller into a non-infrared (IR) protocol understandable by the TV. The module is also useful to send software updates to the TV, and/or to query the TV for diagnostic information. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231725 | ILLUMINANT INDEPENDENT COLOR CALIBRATION USING COLORED RAYS APPROACH - The color calibration using colored rays method achieves illuminant independence in calibrating digital still cameras. A constraint is developed using matrix-vector operations and properties of the Kronecker product. The constraint ensures similar calibration performance between colored rays set and the Macbeth ColorChecker. An optimization scheme using orthogonal non-negative matrix factorization with the new constraint is able to obtain the optimal colored rays set. Then, by acquiring an image of the optimal colored rays set, a camera is able to determine an adjustment matrix for color calibration. Experimental results show that compared to traditional calibration approach for digital still cameras, the colored rays approach gives smaller color error under various evaluation illuminants with only one shot needed. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231726 | Mthod and Apparatus for Detection and Prevention of Crosstalk In a Multiple Tuner Receiver - Receivers using multiple tuners may introduce crosstalk between signals provided to the tuners. The disclosed embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for detecting and preventing crosstalk. A method is described that includes providing a signal to a first signal processing path, tuning to a channel in the signal provided through the first signal processing path, tuning to the channel in the signal through a second signal processing path, and determining that crosstalk exists if the channel is present on the second signal processing path. An apparatus is also described containing means for providing a signal to a first signal processing path, tuning to a channel in the signal provided through the first signal processing path, tuning to the channel in the signal through a second signal processing path, and determining that crosstalk exists if the channel is present on the second signal processing path. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231727 | DIGITAL CAMERA WITH BUILT-IN LENS CALIBRATION TABLE - A digital camera that automatically corrects dust artifact regions within acquired images by compiling a dust map includes an optical system for acquiring an image with a corresponding dust calibration table for such optical system, including a lens assembly and an aperture stop, in which the corresponding dust calibration map can reside. A transformation between the dust map and the specific lens calibration table, enables the use for a single dust map in multiple instances of lenses and focal length, without the need to recalibrate the digital camera for each instance. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231728 | System for distributing and controlling color reproduction at multiple sites - In the color imaging system, multiple rendering devices are provided at different nodes along a network. Each rendering device has a color measurement instrument for calibrating the color presented by the rendering device. A rendering device may represent a color display in which a member surrounds the outer periphery of the screen of the display and a color measuring instrument is coupled to the first member. The color measuring instrument includes a sensor spaced from the screen at an angle with respect to the screen for receiving light from an area of the screen. A rendering device may be a printer in which the measuring of color samples on a sheet rendered by the printer is provided by a sensor coupled to a transport mechanism which moves the sensor and sheet relative to each other, where the sensor provides light from the sample to a spectrograph. The color measuring instruments provide for non-contact measurements of color samples either displayed on a color display, or printed on a sheet, and are self-calibrating by the use of calibration references in the instrument. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231729 | METHOD OF CAPTURING IMAGE AND ACCESSING CAPTURED IMAGE VIA NETWORK, COMPUTER PROGRAM OF ACCESSING CAPTURED IMAGE AND IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS THEREOF - A method of capturing image file and accessing captured image file via a network is provided. The method is employed in an image capturing apparatus which has a storage and is connected to the network. The method of capturing image and accessing captured image via the network includes: receiving a network scan instruction to initialize an image capturing operation; receiving an identification code corresponding to an image file to initialize an image accessing operation. The image capturing operation includes: scanning a document to generate the image file and storing the image file in the storage; and receiving the identification code corresponding to the image file and storing the identification code in the storage. The image accessing operation includes: searching for the identification code; and transmitting the image file corresponding to the identification code via the network. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231730 | IMAGE SENSING DEVICE AND CAMERA - An image sensing device is configured as follows. Namely, the device includes a recording unit configured to record correspondence data formed by making an action state of the object and voice information recorded prior to the shooting to correspond to each other, a voice determination unit configured to determine whether the voice acquired by a voice acquisition unit contains the voice information which forms the correspondence data, an action state determination unit configured to, when the voice acquired by the voice acquisition unit contains the voice information which forms the correspondence data, determine whether the action state of the object that corresponds to the voice information and an actual action state of the object match each other, and a control unit configured to, when the action state of the object that corresponds to the voice information and the actual action state of the object match each other, control shooting processing. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231731 | IMAGE-CAPTURING APPARATUS, IMAGE-CAPTURING METHOD AND PROGRAM - In an image-capturing apparatus and image-capturing method which can, in electronic image blur correction, correct camera motion-caused blurring occurring in one frame, an image-capturing apparatus ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100231732 | ESTIMATION OF POINT SPREAD FUNCTIONS FROM MOTION-BLURRED IMAGES - Methods for estimating the point spread function (PSF) of a motion-blurred image are disclosed and claimed. In certain embodiments, the estimated PSF may be used to compensate for the blur caused by hand-shake without the use of an accelerometer or gyro. Edge spread functions may be extracted along different directions from straight edges in a blurred image and combined to find the PSF that best matches. In other embodiments, the blur response to edges of other forms may similarly be extracted, such as corners or circles, and combined to find the best matching PSF. The PSF may then be represented in a parametric form, where the parameters used are related to low-order polynomial coefficients of the angular velocity vx(t) and vy(t) as a function of time. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231733 | IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM - A recognition object detecting portion detects a recognition object existing in each of images which are captured in series at different time points by a camera. Images of the detected recognition object are stored in a memory. A recognition object condition judging portion determines whether image areas of the recognition object are recognizable. A movement amount detecting portion detects a movement amount of the recognition object by using the image areas of the recognition object stored in the memory. A sub-area detecting portion detects a sub-area to be recognized, by using the image areas of the recognition object read out from the memory, in accordance with the movement amount of the recognition object. A recognition portion performs recognition processing on the sub-areas. A recognition result integration portion integrates recognition results of the sub-areas including recognized characters and/or recognized patterns and the corresponding reliabilities, respectively. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231734 | MULTIPLE RESOLUTION VIDEO NETWORK WITH CONTEXT BASED CONTROL - A system. The system includes a computing device configured for communication with a plurality of multiple resolution cameras and with a display device. The computing device includes a composite image module. The composite image module is configured for receiving composite information from at least one of the multiple resolution cameras, and for generating a composite image based on the composite information. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231735 | Methods, Apparatuses, and Computer Program Products for Facilitating Concurrent Video Recording and Still Image Capture - A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for facilitating concurrent video recording and still image capture. A method may include receiving a first command to initiate a video recording session. The first command may be responsive to a first user actuation of a trigger on a multi-function mobile computing device. The method may further include initiating the video recording session in response to receipt of the first command. The method may additionally include receiving a second command to capture a still image. The second command may be responsive to a second user actuation of the trigger. The method may also include initiating capture of the still image concurrent with the video recording session in response to receipt of the second command. Corresponding computer program products and apparatuses are also provided. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231736 | IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING CONTROL METHOD, AND IMAGING CONTROL PROGRAM - There is provided an imaging device capable of suppressing fluctuations in frame rate due to brightness of a subject's environment. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231737 | Method of Performing Interlaced Preview for a CMOS Sensor - Combo lines having one odd line and one even line are utilized for generating an interlaced preview from an image sensor. Odd combo lines are read out to generate an odd field. Even combo lines are read out to generate an even field. Interpolation is performed on a plurality of odd field lines generated from the plurality of odd combo lines to generate a plurality of odd interpolated lines. Interpolation is performed on a plurality of even field lines generated from the plurality of even combo lines to generate a plurality of even interpolated lines. The interlace preview is generated from the plurality of odd interpolated lines and the plurality of even interpolated lines. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231738 | CAPTURE OF VIDEO WITH MOTION - A method of capturing a video of a scene depending on the speed of motion in the scene, includes capturing a video of the scene; determining the relative speed of motion within a first region of the video of the scene with respect to the speed of motion within a second region of the video of the scene; and causing a capture rate of the first region of the video of the scene to be greater than a capture rate of the second region of the video of the scene, or causing an exposure time of the first region to be less than exposure time of the second region. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231739 | Method for shutting down a timing generating unit, a method for shutting down a digital image-capturing device, and a digital image-capturing device - A method for shutting down a digital image capturing device is provided, The steps of the method are as follows: first, outputting a reset signal from a control unit of the capturing device to a timing generating unit; then setting a vertical pulse signal of the timing generating unit to a ground level within a time frame of the timing generating unit outputting a horizontal blanking signal; lastly, automatically shutting down the timing generating unit. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231740 | Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program - An image processing apparatus includes: a conversion unit converting a first color image signal including a predetermined color space into a second color image signal including a color space having a luminance signal and a color difference signal; a color determination section determining a color of each pixel of the first color image signal or the second color image signal; and a noise removal unit performing a noise removal process by changing a noise removal strength with respect to the color difference signal in accordance with the color determined by the color determination section. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231741 | Image pickup apparatus, control method for the same, and program thereof - An image pickup apparatus including an image pickup device configured to obtain a captured image corresponding to an object image, an object detecting unit configured to detect a specific object in the captured image, an position obtaining unit configured to obtain a position at which the specific object exists in the captured image, a composition specifying unit configured to specify a recommended composition on the basis of the existence position of the specific object when the specific object is viewed as a main object, and an instruction control unit configured to instruct the execution of a predetermined operation which notifies a user of the recommended composition. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231742 | IMAGING APPARATUS - An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element, an image signal transmitter, an image signal receiver, a signal processor and a control unit. The imaging element includes pixels arranged in two-dimensional array. The pixels output an imaging signal in synchronization with a first synchronizing signal. The image signal transmitter superimposes a second synchronizing signal on the imaging signal and transmits an image signal. The second synchronizing signal indicates a start position in vertical and horizontal directions in the two-dimensional array and is different from the first synchronizing signal. The image signal receiver receives the image signal from the image signal transmitter, and separates the received image signal into the imaging signal and second synchronizing signal. The signal processor processes the separated imaging signal based on the separated second synchronizing signal. The control unit receives the first synchronizing signal, and controls peripheral circuits in synchronization with the first synchronizing signal. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231743 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMAGE PROCESSING - An image processing apparatus is provided, which includes a camera part for imaging an object and outputting image data; a display part for receiving an image signal corresponding to the image data of the camera part and displaying a corresponding image; and an image controller for outputting an image signal processed from the image data output from the camera part, to the display part, generating and storing a corresponding image file. When generating a first image file by processing the image data provided from the camera part, the image controller selectively generates and stores a second image file of a lower capacity and a lower resolution than the first image file at the same time. By distinguishing and using the high definition video and the general definition video made from the corresponding object at the same time, in the corresponding operation such as preview, transfer to other terminal, and connection to high definition player, the image processing apparatus can enhance the management efficiency of the terminal and the user's satisfaction. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231744 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC PARAMETER DETERMINATION IN MACHINE VISION - The present invention provides a system and methods for automatic parameter determination in machine vision in general, and in object recognition in particular. Many machine vision systems use algorithms that demand the user to specify one or more parameters in order to adapt the behavior of the algorithm in dependence of the current application. This is not desirable because the complexity of the algorithm should be hidden from the user and a manual parameter determination is contrary to a desirable high degree of automation. The present invention provides a method to automatically determine the most frequently used parameters in machine vision solely based on the input image itself. The method is explained in detail using an object recognition system as an example. In particular, the model generation process based on a model image of the object is explained. However, also other systems that use edge extraction algorithms, for example, can benefit from the present invention. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231745 | IMAGING DEVICE AND SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD - The present invention provides an imaging device that generates, for, each of a red color, a green color, and a blue color, an image signal having pixels arranged adjacent to each other in a two-dimensional array, including a red color imaging element that senses incident light to output a red color signal ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100231746 | IMAGING DEVICE AND IMAGING METHOD - An imaging device is configured to include a dividing unit which divides a generated image into blocks, a white balance evaluation value acquiring unit which acquires color information and a white balance evaluation value of each block, a classifying unit which combines the blocks into areas based on the color information, a correction coefficient calculating unit which calculates a white balance correction coefficient for each of the areas, a white balance setting unit which sets the calculated white balance correction coefficient for each of the areas, and a green area determining unit which determines whether or not each of the blocks is a green area based on the color information. The white balance setting unit sets a different white balance correction coefficient for a block determined as a green area from the one set for the area including the block in question. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231747 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FOCAL LENGTH-SPECIFIC COLOR ENHANCEMENT - A method of controlling a digital photographing device, the method including analyzing the color distribution of an input image, determining an enhancement color from the input image according to a predetermined criterion based on the analyzed color distribution, and enhancing the enhancement color in the input image. The predetermined criterion may be that a color distributed at a ratio higher than a predetermined ratio is determined as the enhancement color. The predetermined enhancement color may further depend on the focal length of the image. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231748 | IMAGING DEVICE - Conventionally, when generating an image in which hand-shake is suppressed, by combining a plurality of images, an image quality may be degraded by performing a combination process even in the illuminance condition when no hand-shake occurs and the linear characteristic of luminance information may be deteriorated when combining a plurality of images, some which are inappropriately exposed. In order to solve these problems, it is possible to provide an imaging device capable of combining a first image of a size smaller than a target image obtained by pixel addition average and pixel addition with a second image having an amplified gain to obtain an appropriate exposure and a plenty of noise, so as to generate the target image and capable of varying the synthesis ratio of the first image and the second image according to the temperature condition and the like so as to obtain an image in which no hand-shake or blur is contained under any illuminance condition and noise is suppressed. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231749 | IMAGE SIGNAL PROCESSING DEVICE HAVING A DYNAMIC RANGE EXPANSION FUNCTION AND IMAGE SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD - An imaging unit generates first and second image signals imaged using different exposure time based on a reference read voltage. A synthesis circuit synthesizes the first and second image signals generated by the imaging unit. A detection unit detects luminance information of a specified subject using a synthesized image signal outputting from the synthesis circuit. A controller controls the reference read voltage of the imaging unit, the controller determines a first knee point based on luminance information of a specified subject detected by the detection unit, and controls the first knee point according to the reference read voltage. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231750 | IMAGES CAPTURING SYSTEM, IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND IMAGE CAPTURING METHOD - An image capturing apparatus is configured so that optimal one of usable position detecting sensors is selected. Specifically, among a plurality of position detecting sensors usable by the image capturing apparatus, e.g., a GPS, a direction sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a velocity sensor, the GPS detects position information at a position where GPS signals can be received, whereas another of the sensors detects position information at a position where GPS signals cannot be received, in accordance with an environment where an image is captured. The position information detected by the optimal sensor is added to an image captured by a camera in a specified form and is displayed or stored. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231751 | POSITIONAL CAMERA AND GPS DATA INTERCHANGE DEVICE - A location tagged data provision and display system. A personal communication device (PCD) with electromagnetic communication capability has a GPS receiver and a display. The PCD requests maps and location tagged data from data providers and other for display on the PCD. The data providers respond to requests by using searching and sorting schemes to interrogate data bases and then automatically transmitting data responsive to the requests to the requesting PCD. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231752 | Image-to-Speech System - Apparatus for communicating includes a processor, a memory, a storage, a display, a manual input arrangement and audio output. Image data elements are stored in the storage and the processor is configured to output a plurality of the image data elements to the display, receive manual input selecting at least one of the image data elements and receive manual input indicating that selection is completed. For each selected image data element, the processor produces and outputs a further data element. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231753 | IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE SUITABLE FOR PHOTOGRAPHING A PERSON - A digital camera | 2010-09-16 |
20100231754 | VIRTUAL CAMERA FOR SHARING A PHYSICAL CAMERA - A virtual camera component allows multiple camera-use applications to share a camera simultaneously. For example, a first application can request access to the camera for a first set of data, and a second application can also request access to the camera for a second set of data. The virtual camera component is coupled between the first and second applications and the camera, and caches and then processes the data according to respective requirements of the first and second applications. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231755 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND IMAGE SENSOR - An image processing apparatus includes a unit to obtain mosaic image data by shooting a subject with use of a color image sensor in which five or more kinds of color filters are arranged in front of an image pickup device; a first interpolator to perform interpolation to color information of a high-definition color filter, in regard to the obtained mosaic image data; and a second interpolator to perform interpolation to color information of a low-definition color filter of which a peak wavelength in spectral transmittance is adjacent to that of the high-definition color filter, by using a result of the interpolation by the first interpolator, wherein the mosaic image data is image data which has one color information for each pixel, and the five or more kinds of color filters include the plural high-definition color filters and the plural low-definition color filters, thereby performing demosaicing without deteriorating definition. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231756 | Method for Correcting the Spatial Noise of a Matrix Image Sensor - The invention relates to matrix image sensors, and it relates more particularly to a method for correcting the spatial noise generated by the dispersion of the physical properties of the different individual sensitive dots, or pixels, of the matrix. For each pixel, in an individual electronic circuit associated with the pixel, a recursively digital method is used to determine an approximate value (M | 2010-09-16 |
20100231757 | IMAGE ACQUISITION APPARATUS AND IMAGE ACQUISITION PROGRAM - A plurality of preliminary image signals is acquired by carrying out preliminary image acquisition of a subject, before actual image acquisition, with different amounts of light received by an image acquisition device. Subsequently, a dynamic range and an amount of noise, or an S/N ratio, for a case in which the plurality of preliminary image signals is combined is calculated, and a received-light-level difference of the image acquisition device among a plurality of actual image signals acquired through the actual image acquisition is calculated on the basis of the dynamic range and the amount of noise, or the S/N ratio. Then, by carrying out the actual image acquisition on the basis of the calculated received-light-level difference, a plurality of actual image signals with different received light level is acquired. These actual image signals are combined to acquire a combined image. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231758 | Image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer program - An image processing apparatus includes: a first noise removing part which performs color noise removing process for a first color image signal having a predefined color space, a transforming part which transforms the first color image signal subjected to the color noise removing process by the first noise removing part into a second color image signal having a color space including a luminance signal and a color difference signal, and a second noise removing part which performs color noise removing process for the second color image signal. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231759 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - An image processing apparatus includes, a color correction unit performing color correction on RGB signals to generate color-corrected RGB signals; a YC conversion unit converting the color-corrected RGB signals into a first luminance signal and a color-difference signal; a Y conversion unit generating a second luminance signal based on the RGB signals; an edge combination unit combining the first luminance signal with the second luminance signal; an edge adjustment unit obtaining an edge-adjusted signal based on a result of the combining by the edge combination unit; and an adder adding the first luminance signal to the edge-adjusted signal. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231760 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing method includes the following steps. First, noise of a first image is filtered, and the first image is converted to obtain a luminance signal. Second, the first image is stored and outputted. Third, a color space converting process is performed upon the first image according to the luminance signal to obtain a second image. Fourth, a linear computing is performed upon the second image to obtain a third image. Fifth, the color space converting process is performed according to a third image and the luminance signal to obtain and output a fourth image. Sixth, an error compensation is performed upon the first image and the fourth image, and the fourth image is outputted. Accordingly, a linear operating process and error compensation processing is performed upon the single image to filter the noise of the image, and thus a load of the system is reduced. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231761 | IMAGE SENSOR AND IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS - An image sensor having a pixel amplifier reduces noise generated by a driving transistor (Td | 2010-09-16 |
20100231762 | IMAGE SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD AND CAMERA USING THE IMAGE SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS - When clamping a signal from a solid state image sensor, float of an optical black pixel output due to incoming of infrared light avoids a malfunction of a clamp from occurring. When clamping a signal from the solid state image sensor, the difference between the optical black pixel output and a clamp target level is output as a difference output, the difference output is compared with a comparison level to integrate the number of times larger than the comparison level every horizontal line. When the number of times is equal to or more than a certain rate (⅔) from the number of optical black pixels on the horizontal line, an optical black float state is determined and clamping operation is performed in accordance with a held value immediately before. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231763 | DEFECTIVE PIXEL DETECTOR FOR A DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A defective pixel tester determines defective pixels within a digital video camera. The tester includes a video input, a memory and a controller. The video input receives video frames from the digital video camera, with each video frame defined by a plurality of pixel values. The memory stores captured video frames and pixel test results. The controller generates difference values for corresponding pixel values from different video frames, generates pixel test results based upon a comparison of the difference values to a threshold, and stores the pixel test results in the memory. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231764 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POST NOISE REDUCTION BLACK LEVEL CORRECTION - Techniques for implementing a Black Level Correction (BLC) processing operation on image data signal pixel values that results in little to no nonlinearity in the dark areas of the image due to black noise clipping, and avoids reducing image quality or adding cost, are provided. Image data signal pixel values are caused to maintain black level while being operated on by image data signal processor circuits that precede a Noise Reduction (NR) processing operation, thus allowing the BLC processing operation to be executed after the NR processing operation. With black noise mostly removed, little to no nonlinearity in the dark areas of the image due to black noise clipping results from the BLC processing operation. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231765 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR GENERATING A COLOR VIDEO SIGNAL - Method and apparatus for demosaicing a mosaic pattern of a color picture. To improve the picture quality, especially in case of a non-uniform mosaic pattern, a kernel of the mosaic pattern is selected, and the pixel values of the kernel are multiplied by coefficients that comply with a non-linear bi-dimensional interpolation algorithm. Additionally the pixels of the selected kernel may be multiplied by sharpening coefficients that comply with a derivative of the non-linear bi-dimensional interpolation algorithm. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231766 | IMAGING DEVICE - An imaging device includes an image sensing device provided on a semiconductor substrate; a transparent member provided on a light-receiving area of the image sensing device; and a circuit element provided on the transparent member, wherein the image sensing device and the circuit element are electrically coupled to each other. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231767 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DRIVING THE SAME - An object of the present invention is to provide a solid-state imaging apparatus capable of providing a high S/N ratio in a plurality of operation modes, and a method for driving the same. Provided is a solid-state imaging apparatus including: a plurality of pixels ( | 2010-09-16 |
20100231768 | SOLID-STATE IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE - There is provided a solid-state image pickup device including ADCs that can be arranged in a limited space. The potential of a pixel signal outputted through a vertical readout line is held at a node. A plurality of capacitors are capacitively coupled to the node at which the pixel signal is held. The potential of the node is decreased in a stepwise manner by sequentially switching the voltages of the counter electrodes of the capacitors by the control of transistors. A comparator compares the potential of the node with the potential of the dark state of the pixel, and determines the upper bits of a digital value when the potential of the node becomes lower than the potential of the dark state. Following this, the conversion of the lower bits of the digital value is started. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the configuration of each ADC and arrange each ADC in a limited space. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231769 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING APPARATUS, AND DRIVING METHOD OF SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE - A solid-state imaging device includes: a plurality of pixel portions each comprising a photoelectric conversion portion disposed in a semiconductor substrate; and a light shield layer disposed over the semiconductor substrate and having openings which are located over parts of the photoelectric conversion portions, respectively, each of the pixel portions further includes: a transistor comprising a gate electrode, a channel region, and a charge storage portion which is located between the semiconductor substrate and the gate electrode and stores charge generated in the photoelectric conversion portion, the channel region and the charge storage portion are covered with the light shield layer, and the photoelectric conversion portion extends to under the channel region of the transistor. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231770 | SOLID-STATE IMAGE SENSING DEVICE - A solid-state image sensing device has a plurality of pixels, a read-out circuit for reading out electric signals obtained by the photoelectric conversion element, and a signal processing unit for performing signal processing for the electric signal read out from the read-out circuit. The plurality of pixels include a first pixel having a transparent film, a plurality of second pixels each having a first color filter, a plurality of third pixels each having a second color filter, and a plurality of fourth pixels each having a third color filter. The signal processing unit has a color acquisition unit for acquiring a white pixel value and first to third color pixel values, an edge judgment unit, a color separation unit and a single color pixel calculation unit. | 2010-09-16 |
20100231771 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH DYNAMIC OPERATION OF A PIXEL CELL - A pixel circuit providing high dynamic operation, and methods of operating the pixel circuit providing for high dynamic operation. Methods include a lateral overflow and a double exposure mode, and a pixel output signal is determined according to whether a photosensor of the pixel circuit is saturated. | 2010-09-16 |