Showing papers by "Sony Broadcast & Professional Research Laboratories published in 2010"

Generalized Assorted Pixel Camera: Postcapture Control of Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Spectrum

Abstract: We propose the concept of a generalized assorted pixel (GAP) camera, which enables the user to capture a single image of a scene and, after the fact, control the tradeoff between spatial resolution, dynamic range and spectral detail. The GAP camera uses a complex array (or mosaic) of color filters. A major problem with using such an array is that the captured image is severely under-sampled for at least some of the filter types. This leads to reconstructed images with strong aliasing. We make four contributions in this paper: 1) we present a comprehensive optimization method to arrive at the spatial and spectral layout of the color filter array of a GAP camera. 2) We develop a novel algorithm for reconstructing the under-sampled channels of the image while minimizing aliasing artifacts. 3) We demonstrate how the user can capture a single image and then control the tradeoff of spatial resolution to generate a variety of images, including monochrome, high dynamic range (HDR) monochrome, RGB, HDR RGB, and multispectral images. 4) Finally, the performance of our GAP camera has been verified using extensive simulations that use multispectral images of real world scenes. A large database of these multispectral images has been made available at http://wwwl.cs.columbia.edu/ CAVE/projects/gap_camera/ for use by the research community.

Organic transistors in optical displays and microelectronic applications

Abstract: Organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) offer unprecedented opportunities for implementation in a broad range of technological applications spanning from large-volume microelectronics and optical displays to chemical and biological sensors. In this Progress Report, we review the application of organic transistors in the fields of flexible optical displays and microelectronics. The advantages associated with the use of OTFT technology are discussed with primary emphasis on the latest developments in the area of active-matrix electrophoretic and organic light-emitting diode displays based on OTFT backplanes and on the application of organic transistors in microelectronics including digital and analog circuits.

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract: A information processing apparatus including an inquiry section configured to make an inquiry to a server about desired search information on the basis of setting information preliminarily input by a user operation, the server being connected to a network, a receiving section configured to receive the search information about which the inquiry section makes an inquiry to the server, and a notifying section configured to provide notification of the search information, which is received by the receiving section, at a predetermined timing

Solid-state imaging device, method of manufacturing the same, and electronic apparatus

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel region in which a plurality of pixels composed of a photoelectric conversion section and a pixel transistor is arranged; an on-chip color filter; an on-chip microlens; and a multilayer interconnection layer in which a plurality of layers of interconnections is formed through an interlayer insulating film. The solid-state imaging device further includes a light-shielding film formed through an insulating layer in a pixel boundary of a light receiving surface in which the photoelectric conversion section is arranged.

Multifold enhancement of quantum dot luminescence in plasmonic metamaterials.

Abstract: We report that hybridizing semiconductor quantum dots with plasmonic metamaterial leads to a multifold intensity increase and narrowing of their photoluminescence spectrum. The luminescence enhancement is a clear manifestation of the cavity quantum electrodynamics Purcell effect and can be controlled by the metamaterial's design. This observation is an essential step towards understanding loss compensation in plasmonic metamaterials with gain media and for developing metamaterial-enhanced gain media.

Systems and methods for use in providing local power line communication

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for implementing and controlling local power line communication (PLC) networks. Some embodiments include a central controller communicationally coupled with a PLC power line, a sensor adaptor coupled between the PLC power line and a consumer product, with the sensor adaptor comprising a current detector that detects a current usage level passed through the sensor adaptor, a PLC interface through which the current usage level is communicated over the PLC power line to the central controller, and an adaptor switch that interrupts current flow to the consumer product in response to a command received over the PLC power line from the central controller when the current usage through the sensor adaptor has a predetermined relationship to a first threshold.

Resonant excitation of a quantum dot strongly coupled to a photonic crystal nanocavity.

Abstract: We describe the resonant excitation of a single quantum dot that is strongly coupled to a photonic crystal nanocavity. The cavity represents a spectral window for resonantly probing the optical transitions of the quantum dot. We observe narrow absorption lines attributed to the single and biexcition quantum dot transitions and measure antibunched population of the detuned cavity mode [g^(2)(0)=0.19].

Sensor apparatus and information processing apparatus

Abstract: A sensor apparatus and an information processing apparatus having excellent operability are provided. A sensor apparatus includes a touch panel, a casing, and a pressure-sensitive sensor. The touch panel includes an input operation surface and detects a position at which an operator comes into contact with the input operation surface directly or indirectly. The casing accommodates the touch panel. The pressure-sensitive sensor includes a first electrode fixed to the touch panel, a second electrode fixed to the casing, and an elastic body arranged between the touch panel and the casing and elastically supporting the touch panel with respect to the casing. The pressure-sensitive sensor detects a pressing force input to the input operation surface, as a change of a capacitance between the first and second electrodes.

Resonator and a method of manufacturing the same, and oscillator and electronic apparatus including the same

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a resonator including, a vibrating portion having a conductor portion, and three or more insulating portions provided so as to electrically separate the conductor portion into a plurality of blocks, wherein when a potential difference is caused across both ends in each of the three or more insulating portions, the vibrating portion carries out a resonance vibration based on a longitudinal vibration in accordance with a frequency of an A.C. signal inputted to each of corresponding ones of the plurality of blocks in the conductor portion.

Information retrieval apparatus and method

Abstract: The invention provides an information retrieval apparatus and an information retrieval method by which information can be retrieved in an improved operability. A CPU controls a video camera to fetch an image and controls a GPS to detect a current position. The CPU reads out, from within image data stored in a corresponding relationship with URLs of WWW servers, those image data which correspond to position data regarding positions around the detected current position from a WWW data base via a modem and a host machine. Then, the CPU selects, from among the read out image data, that image data which matches with the fetched data, reads out a URL corresponding to the image data and accesses a WWW server designated by the URL.

Information input device and display device

Abstract: An information input device includes a touch panel which is provided with a touch sensor capable of sensing a position in which a sensing target body is close to a sensing surface thereof. The touch sensor includes a scanning electrode and a detection electrode which faces and is spaced from the scanning electrode with a dielectric body being interposed therebetween, the touch sensor being configured so that electrostatic capacitance which is formed between the scanning electrode and the detection electrode is varied when the sensing target body is close to the detection electrode. The detection electrode is formed with a slit in a surface thereof which faces the scanning electrode, and a floating electrode is installed in the slit.

Apparatus and method for replacing a broadcasted advertisement based on heuristic information

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a data storage unit and a data processing unit Coupled to the data storage unit, the data processing unit is adapted to the access heuristic information stored in the data storage unit and transmitting a signal that is used to at least partially control selection of broadcast advertisements being downloaded so that the broadcast advertisements are more suited to the subject matter of interest to the user

Coded rolling shutter photography: Flexible space-time sampling

Abstract: We propose a novel readout architecture called coded rolling shutter for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors. Rolling shutter has traditionally been considered as a disadvantage to image quality since it often introduces skew artifact. In this paper, we show that by controlling the readout timing and the exposure length for each row, the row-wise exposure discrepancy in rolling shutter can be exploited to flexibly sample the 3D space-time volume of scene appearance, and can thus be advantageous for computational photography. The required controls can be readily implemented in standard CMOS sensors by altering the logic of the control unit. We propose several coding schemes and applications: (1) coded readout allows us to better sample time dimension for high-speed photography and optical flow based applications; and (2) row-wise control enables capturing motion-blur free high dynamic range images from a single shot. While a prototype chip is currently in development, we demonstrate the benefits of coded rolling shutter via simulation using images of real scenes.

Out-of-band radio link protocol and network architecture for a wireless network composed of wireless terminals with millimetre wave frequency range radio units

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless transmitter comprising a transmitter radio unit working a wireless transmitter comprising a transmitter radio unit working in the millimeter wave frequency band using a directional antenna and a bidirectional radio unit working in a frequency range different from said transmitter radio unit and using an omnidirectional antenna. The invention further relates to a wireless receiver and a wireless relay.

Bi-directional remote control unit and method of using the same

Abstract: A bi-directional communications link between a television set and a remote control unit assists a viewer in controlling the entertainment system. The television set can signal the remote control unit to confirm instruction signal received from the remote control unit. The television can also transmit electronic program guide information to the remote control unit which is displayed on a display device on the remote control unit. The television can send the remote control unit a listing of available sub-channels within a single digital channel. The listing is displayed on the remote's display device, and the viewer can then choose from among the sub-channels.

Behaviour pattern analysis system, mobile terminal, behaviour pattern analysis method, and program

Abstract: Provided is a mobile terminal including a movement sensor that detects a movement of a user and outputs movement information, acquires information on a building existing at a current location or information on buildings existing in a vicinity of the current location, analyses the movement information output from the movement sensor, and detects a first behaviour pattern corresponding to the movement information from multiple first behaviour patterns obtained by classifying behaviours performed by the user over a relatively short period of time, and analyses the information on a building or buildings and the first behaviour pattern, and detects a second behaviour pattern corresponding to the information on a building or buildings and the first behaviour pattern from multiple second behaviour patterns obtained by classifying behaviours performed by the user over a relatively long period of time.

A millimeter-wave intra-connect solution

Abstract: A novel millimeter-wave Intra-Connect solution for short range, high speed, internal I/O connections in low-power logic 40 nm CMOS process is demonstrated. The system consists of a transmitter and a receiver that uses binary amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation for a compact and power efficient design. The receiver realizes coherent demodulation using injection locking without a PLL or an external reference clock utilizing a path to inject the received signal into the VCO. The demonstrator achieves 11 Gb/s ASK data transmission over 14 mm using bond-wire antennas with a bit error rate (BER) of less than 10-11. The active footprint of the transmitter is 0.06 mm2 and the power consumption is 29 mW with an energy usage of 6.4 pj/bit per channel. The receiver occupies the active footprint of 0.07 mm2 and consumes 41 mW. The work shows the feasibility of the millimeter-wave Intra-Connect for high speed internal I/O connections.

Information processing apparatus, threshold value setting method, and threshold value setting program

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a recognition section which recognizes the shape of an object being in contact with an operation screen of an operating section; a pressure detecting section which detects the pressure of the object on the operation screen; a threshold value setting section which sets a threshold value of the pressure, which is a value for determining a pressure operation on the operation screen, on the basis of the shape of the object recognized by the recognition section; and a determination section which determines whether or not a pressure operation has been performed on the operation screen on the basis of the pressure detected by the pressure detecting section and the threshold value set by the threshold value setting section.

Voice recognition device and voice recognition method, language model generating device and language model generating method, and computer program

Abstract: A speech recognition device includes one intention extracting language model and more in which an intention of a focused specific task is inherent, an absorbing language model in which any intention of the task is not inherent, a language score calculating section that calculates a language score indicating a linguistic similarity between each of the intention extracting language model and the absorbing language model, and the content of an utterance, and a decoder that estimates an intention in the content of an utterance based on a language score of each of the language models calculated by the language score calculating section.

Power transmission device, power transmission method, power reception device, power reception method, and power transmission system

Abstract: A power transmission device includes: a transmission means including at least an oscillation means and a resonant means and for transmitting power to a power reception device by using a magnetic resonance-type power transmission technique; and a control means for controlling the reception power of the power reception device so as to be at a maximum by changing at least one of an oscillation frequency of the oscillation means and a resonant frequency of the resonant means.

Thin film transistor, display device, and electronic device

Abstract: A thin film transistor, which is capable of improving carrier mobility, and a display device and an electronic device, each of which uses the thin film transistor, are provided. The thin film transistor includes: a gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor layer including a multilayer film including a carrier travel layer configuring a channel and a carrier supply layer for supplying carriers to the carrier travel layer; a gate insulating film provided between the gate electrode and the oxide semiconductor layer; and a pair of electrodes as a source and a drain. A conduction band minimum level or a valence band maximum level corresponding to a carrier supply source of the carrier supply layer is higher in energy than a conduction band minimum level or a valence band maximum level corresponding to a carrier supply destination of the carrier travel layer.

Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same, and electronic apparatus

Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided as a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device. The device is manufactured by bonding a first semiconductor wafer with a pixel array in a half-finished product state and a second semiconductor wafer with a logic circuit in a half-finished product state together, making the first semiconductor wafer into a thin film, electrically connecting the pixel array and the logic circuit, making the pixel array and the logic circuit into a finished product state, and dividing the first semiconductor wafer and the second semiconductor being bonded together into microchips.

Image processing apparatus, method, and program, and program storage medium

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, method, and program and program storage medium that enable easy search for a desired part. A plurality of video data are created from video data and are displayed, each as a motion picture, at time intervals in a display order on a plurality of display areas on a display screen.

Display device and display method

Abstract: Provided is a display device including a display mode controller for controlling a transition to a whole screen display mode for displaying an image in an entire screen of a display section, a multiple content display mode for displaying, on the screen, multiple thumbnail images related to contents, or a panel display mode for displaying, on the screen, a panel on which information related to the contents is displayed, an arrangement determination section for arranging multiple thumbnail images displayed in the multiple content display mode by category to which the contents belong, an arrangement change section for changing an arrangement of multiple thumbnail images by a user, and a boundary line display section for displaying, between two thumbnail images, a boundary line indicating a difference of the category before the arrangement of the thumbnail images is changed by the user, and for not displaying the boundary line after changed.

A method for database driven channel quality estimation in a cognitive radio network

Abstract: A method of determining operating parameters for a secondary system transmitter is described. The transmitter characteristics, including location and operating frequency band, are provided to a geo-location database. The database determines the maximum allowable transmission power that meets various specifications for different channels and conveys the power and channel(s) to the transmitter. The database estimates channel incumbent signal strengths based on the transmitter location and primary and higher-priority secondary incumbent systems, estimates the splatter levels, determines whether adjacent and co-channel interference protection ratios are met, and adjusts the allowable power level accordingly. The database also estimates aggregate co- and adjacent channel primary and secondary incumbent system interference levels at the transmitter location and predicts channel quality for each allowable channel. The estimated levels are updated using measurements of actual levels at the transmitter location. The database dynamically allocates channels using the secondary system priorities.

Solid-state imaging device, method for producing same, and camera

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, light being incident on the second surface side; a wiring layer disposed on the first surface side; a photodetector formed in the substrate and including a first region of a first conductivity type; a transfer gate disposed on the first surface of the substrate and adjacent to the photodetector, the transfer gate transferring a signal charge accumulated in the photodetector; and at least one control gate disposed on the first surface of the substrate and superposed on the photodetector, the control gate controlling the potential of the photodetector in the vicinity of the first surface.

Photographing condition setting apparatus, photographing condition setting method, and photographing condition setting program

Abstract: Provided is a photographing condition setting apparatus including: a display unit; an image capturing unit which generates image data by capturing a photographing object; a photographing situation determination unit which determines based on the image data generated by the image capturing unit which type of the photographing object is photographed in a photographing situation; and a display controller which displays on the display unit one or a plurality of photographing condition icons indicating the photographing condition settable to the determined photographing situation if the photographing situation is determined by the photographing situation determination unit.

Input Apparatus, Input Method and Program

Abstract: There is provided an input apparatus including: a pressure detecting unit which detects press pressure of an operational body applied to a virtual key having one or more input candidates allocated selectively; and an input control unit which varies a selection state of the one or more input candidates selectively allocated to the virtual key for every pressing operation having, as a single time of pressing operation, timing that the press pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit exceeds a predetermined selection threshold value or timing that the press pressure becomes smaller than the selection threshold value as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value.

Display device and electronic unit

Abstract: The display device with high detection accuracy includes: display pixel electrodes; a common electrode; a display function layer; a display control circuit performing image display control by applying a pixel voltage to each of the display pixel electrodes and applying a common drive voltage to the common electrode, the common drive voltage inverting in synchronization with a drive cycle of the image display control; a touch detection electrode cooperating with the common electrode to form a capacitor; and a touch detection circuit detecting an external proximity object, based on a detection signal obtained from the touch detection electrode in response to the common drive voltage applied to the common electrode. The touch detection circuit corrects the detection signal based on a gray scale of the image signal at the time of acquisition of the detection signal, and performs the detection operation.

Noncontact electric power feeding apparatus, noncontact electric power receiving apparatus, noncontact electric power feeding method, noncontact electric power receiving method, and noncontact electric power feeding system

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a noncontact electric power feeding apparatus, including: a resonance element for supplying an alternative current electric power in a noncontact style in accordance with a resonance; an alternative current power source portion configured to generate an alternative current electric power to be supplied to said resonance element; and impedance adjusting portion provided between said alternative current power source portion and said resonance element and configured to variably control an impedance in accordance with a coupling coefficient between said noncontact electric power feeding apparatus and an electric power feeding destination of the alternative current electric power.