This class deals with generating, processing, transmitting
or transiently displaying a sequence of images, either
locally or remotely, in which the local light variations
composing the images may change with time (e.g., natural
"live" scenes) by methods involving the following steps:
Step 1. The scanning of an object or a scene by
partitioning the object or scene into subareas of image information (e.g., pels
or pixels) and generating therefrom an electrical signal
representative of an image.
Step 2. The transient display of an object or a
scene image by converting an electrical signal representative of
the object image (i.e., video
signal) into a visible image of the object.
In this class, the sequence of images is intended
to portray motion with exception of special television type systems
that produce a sequence of still images from a conventional television
system (e.g., videophone, slow scan, film
retrieval, and security systems). These
special television systems normally select an image from a sequence
of images of a conventional television system and normally use a
transient display (e.g., CRT
or liquid crystal).
Facsimile images are normally of a fixed scene (e.g., document) that
do not form a sequence, cannot portray motion, and
normally the display is fixed (e.g., hard copy). (See
References to Other Classes, below.)
In television recording, the sequence of images are dynamically
recorded for later reproduction.
SUBCOMBINATIONS OF TELEVISION SYSTEMS
This class includes circuits specially designed for dealing
with a peculiar component of the television signal (e.g., sync
or chrominance), as distinct from merely signals
of a particular frequency range.
Electrical circuits that are not specific to television which
may constitute subcombinations of such apparatus are classified
in the appropriate class for such circuits.
For a video camera or television receiver having a static storage
device as subcombination, see Subclass References to the
Current Class, below.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
COMBINATIONS OF OTHER APPARATUS WHICH INCLUDE APPARATUS OF
THIS CLASS
This class does not include the following subject matter:
1. Systems in which legible alphanumeric or like
character forms are analyzed according to step 1 above to derive
an electric signal from which the character is recognized by comparison
with stored information are classified elsewhere. (See
References to Other Classes, below.)
2. Systems for the direct photographic copying of
an original picture in which an electric signal representative of
a characteristic of the picture is derived and employed to modify
the operation of the system are classified elsewhere. (See
References to Other Classes, below.)
3. Systems for the reproduction, according
to step 2, of images comprising alphanumeric or computer
generated graphics and systems for the conversion of a computer generated
signal into a television signal are classified elsewhere. (See
References to Other Classes, below.)
4. Systems for the dynamic recording, or
reproducing, of black and white television using a nonmagnetic medium, systems
for the dynamic recording or reproducing of color television, and
systems for photographing displayed images are classified elsewhere. (See References
to Other Classes, below.)
5. Systems for the dynamic recording or reproducing
of black and white images from magnetic media (e.g., magnetic
tape) are classified elsewhere. (See
References to Other Classes, below.)
For related elements or systems, see References to
Other Classes, below.
SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS
Radiant Energy,
subclasses 200+ and 216+ for photocells, circuits
and optics therefor, and subclasses 330+ and 338+ for
devices responsive to invisible radiation.
Computer Graphics Processing and Selective Visual
Display Systems, for systems for the reproduction, according
to the Class 348 Class Definition, step 2, of
images comprising alphanumeric or computer generated graphics and systems
for the conversion of a computer generated signal into a television
signal. (Lines With Other Classes and Within
This Class, "Combinations of Other Apparatus Which Include
Apparatus of This Class").
Recorders,
subclasses 150.1+ for electric recording of phenomenon, particularly
subclasses 150.2 for electric discharge and 150.3 for
electrochemical, subclasses 134 for particular record receivers, subclasses
139+ for scanning devices for markers, and subclasses 107.1+ for
light or beam recording of phenomenon.
Photocopying,
subclass 38 for systems for the direct photographic copying
of an original picture in which an electric signal representative of
a characteristic of the picture is derived and employed to modify
the operation of the system. (Lines With Other
Classes and Within This Class, "Combinations of Other Apparatus Which
Include Apparatus of This Class").
Optics: Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 3+ for range or distance measurement, subclasses 241.1+ for
borescopes, subclasses 426+ and 237.1+ for
inspection devices, and subclasses 402+ for shade
or color measuring.
Facsimile and Static Presentation Processing, appropriate subclasses for transmitting, processing, or
reproducing a permanent picture, and particularly
subclass 479 wherein the image signal is generated by a television
type camera. (See References to Other Classes, above.)
Optical: Systems and Elements, various subclasses for optical devices, especially
subclass 1 for holography, and
subclasses 196.1 through 226.3for holographic deflectors, subclasses 196.1
through 226.3 and 887 for light beam deflectors and sequentially
additive filters.
Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,
subclasses 9.1+ , 14.1+, 19.1, and 33.1+ for
dynamic magnetic recorders peculiar to non-color television
signal processing. (Lines With Other Classes and
Within This Class, "Combinations of Other Apparatus Which
Include Apparatus of This Class").
Electricity: Electrical Systems and
Devices,
subclass 243 for synchronization of shafts and subclasses 173+ and
211 for a photosensitive device in circuits for electromagnets.
Static Information Storage and Retrieval, appropriate subclasses. The storage of
information, which includes video signal processing, is
excluded from this class.
Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, appropriate subclasses for recording or reproducing
information absent any feature peculiar to video processing.
Pulse or Digital Communications, for communication using pulse or digital signals which
do not include video signals, with particular exception, digital
television bandwidth compression are classified in
subclasses 240.01 through 240.29.
Image Analysis, for systems in which legible alphanumeric or like
character forms are analyzed according to the Class 348 Class Definition, step
1, to derive an electric signal from which the character
is recognized by comparison with stored information. (Lines
With Other Classes and Within This Class, "Combinations
of Other Apparatus Which Include Apparatus of This Class").
Motion Video Signal Processing for Recording or
Reproducing, appropriate subclasses for recording television
or video signals for retrieval at a later time.
Photography, appropriate subclasses for a camera which when actuated
uses light to record a chemically developable image or subcombinations
thereof. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This
Class, in the class definition therein for the line with
Class 348.
Data Processing: Generic Control Systems
or Specific Applications,
subclasses 90 through 306for the application of a computer in various combinations
that may include use of television equipment, as in, for
example, subclasses 95-212 product manufacturing, and subclasses
245-264 for data processing of robot control systems.
Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing, for the application of a computer in measuring, testing, or
calibrating apparatus that may include use of television equipment.
Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics, Language
Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression,
subclasses 200+ for artificial intelligence systems that process speech
signals.
Data Processing: Artificial Intelligence, various subclasses for artificial intelligence systems
that represent, apply, and acquire knowledge and
subclasses 15+ for neural networks and circuits.
Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems: Multicomputer
Data Transferring, appropriate subclassesfor data transmission among plurality of spatially
distributed computers or digital data processing systems and FOR
101 for foreign art collection of computer-bases communication
engineering which may include object defection or tracking.
Error Detection/Correction and Fault
Detection/Recovery, appropriate subclasses for digital data error in
general.
SECTION V - GLOSSARY
BASIC RECEIVER
A receiver for converting incoming electric signals into television
pictures and the associated sound.
BURST
Also called reference burst, the portion of
the composite or noncomposite color-picture signal, comprising
a few cycles of a sine wave of chrominance subcarrier frequency, that
is used to establish a reference for demodulating the chrominance
signal.
COMPOSITE COLOR SIGNAL
A color picture signal with all blanking and synchronizing
signals. Including luminance and chrominance components; vertical- and
horizontal-sync pulses; vertical- and
horizontal-blanking pulses; and the color burst signal, with
or without accompanying audio.
COMPOSITE VIDEO SIGNAL
A signal in television that conveys all of the intelligence present
in the image together with the synchronizing information (e.g., vertical
and horizontal pulses) with or without audio information.
CONVENTIONAL CHANNEL
A portion of the spectrum assigned for the standard operation
of a specific carrier and the minimum number of sidebands necessary
to convey intelligence.
FORMAT
The particular method for combining the time variable video
signal with a synchronizing signal to allow reconstruction of an
image from the originating video signal.
FREQUENCY DOMAIN
A way of looking at the frequency of waveform components.
IMAGE SENSOR
A generic name for both cathode-ray tube and
solid-state imaging devices which converts an optical image of
an object into an electrical signal representative of the object
image.
KEYSTONING
A distorted scanning pattern, with a top wider
than the bottom or vice versa, produced when the electron
beam in the television camera tube is at angle with the principal
axis of the tube.
PICKUP TUBE
A television camera tube consists of a cathode-ray
tube which includes vidicon, orthocon, iconoscope, or
plumbicon (i.e., vidicon with
lead-oxide target, trademark of N. V. Philips
of Holland).
PIXEL OR ELEMENT RATE
The smallest distinguishable and resolvable area in an image.
SCANNING
The successive analyzing or synthesizing, according
to a predetermined method, the light values or equivalent characteristics
of elements constituting a picture area.
SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE
A device that uses a mosaic of tiny light-sensitive
semiconductors (photo-transistors) to
produce individual outputs which are then converted into a coherent
video signal.
SPATIAL CONTENT, DOMAIN
The content of a single video image.
TEMPORAL CONTENT
The content of the image is changed with respect to time.
VIDEO SIGNAL
A signal in television derived from optical image (e.g., active
video).
TWO-WAY VIDEO AND VOICE COMMUNICATION (E.G., VIDEOPHONE):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a bidirectional communication
of both image signal and accompanying speech signal over a transmission
line.
Interactive Video Distribution Systems,
subclass 99 for user-requested video program using
a telephone network, subclass 106 for telephony via a television
distribution network, and subclass 122 for detail of return
path via telephone network in video distribution with upstream communication.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.01. Subject matter using communication medium other than transmission
line (e.g., radio frequency
or infrared frequency).
Data Processing: Presentation Processing
of Document, Operator Interface Processing, and
Screen Saver Display Processing,
subclasses 733 through 759for concurrently established related or collaborative
user interfaces including computer conferencing and computer supported
cooperative work.
Motion Video Signal Processing for Recording or
Reproducing, appropriate subclasses for recording television or
video signals for retrieval at a later time.
Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems: Multicomputer
Data Transferring,
subclasses 204 through 207for multiple computer conferencing with significant
data processing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.08. Subject matter wherein transmitted image information represents
only changes from a previous image among three or more terminals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.01. Subject matter including a structure for selectively connecting
a conversational video call to a receiving station.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.01. Subject matter including detail of signals formatting, modulating, combining
voice and video, or synchronizing for transmission between
stations.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.12. Subject matter including particular details of transmission
scheme for reducing or reconstructing transmission bandwidth.
Multiplex Communications,
subclass 477 for transmission bandwidth conservation and subclass
521 for time compression of expansion for multiplex signals.
Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics, Language
Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression,
subclasses 500 through 504for audio signal bandwidth or time reduction or
expansion.
Pulse or Digital Communications,
subclasses 240.12 through 240.17for digital television predictive bandwidth reduction
which may include field or frame difference.
This subclass is indented under subclass 14.01. Subject matter including a structure to ensure that the
user is positioned properly in front of a television camera.
PLURAL TRANSMITTER SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS (E.G., INTERFERENCE REDUCTION):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including two or more transmitters with means
or method for reducing interference between the transmitters.
(1)
Note. Such methods include frequency offsets and
special formats.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter involving a periodic or selective transmission
of single video frames during a period greater than the period required for
a portrayed motion.
(1)
Note. A portrayed motion requires at least 8 frames
per second. In a television system, 25 or 30 frames
per second are mostly used.
(2)
Note. A system included herein is normally intended
for use with a telephone system, but the telephone system
is not claimed.
for two way conversational television systems which
may use a slow scanning transmission technique, and see particularly
subclass 18 for a still frame transmission.
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter wherein the transmitted video signal includes
portions indicating the existing color of an original object or
scene.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a system which forms a series
of unrelated images at convention frame rates and a receiver which selectively
grabs one frame for display.
(1)
Note. The frame selected is selected as the viewer
watches a program. The systems classified herein often
are selected when the frame code matches a viewer selected code.
IMAGE FALSIFICATION TO IMPROVE VIEWER PERCEPTION OF SELECTIVE OBJECT (E.G., MOVING
OBJECT OR TARGET):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter involving a system wherein a picture is presented
or processed in such a manner as to enable a viewer to quickly perceive
selected information in the picture.
(1)
Note. Included herein are systems that subtract
two images to present the difference, such as motion, or
subtract a polarized image from a nonpolarized image to present
objects that polarize light.
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein a display is produced in the form
of a line drawing, a line being generated as a result of
the interconnection of points exhibiting substantial changes between
adjacent pixels.
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein a picture signal is separated into
discrete amplitudes to expand the difference between selected information
and background.
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein a picture signal has (a) a
selected geometrical area with a gray scale which is extended generally
to a full range or (b) a selected range of gray
scale which is extended generally to a full range to enable a viewer
to perceive a selected object from a similar background.
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter including a color display with a presentation
or processing that uses differences in color to accentuate different
information in an image.
(1)
Note. An example of a system found herein is a movement
detection system that presents one field in green and the other
in magenta (blue and red) such that stationary
objects are in black and white and moving objects are outlined in
color.
(2)
Note. A system that maps different gray levels to
arbitrary colors is found in subclass 34 (pseudo color
including intensity to color conversion) regardless of the
statement of intent to provide a colored display or to present data
for easier presentation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Subject matter including means for mapping a narrow area
of the hue circle into a larger area of the hue circle.
(1)
Note. For example, if the center of the narrow
area is red after hue expanding, red input will be displayed
as red, purple input will be displayed as blue, and orange
input will be displayed as yellow.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means to minimize an adverse effect
on a reproduced picture due to the presence of an imperfect optical medium
between an object being viewed and a camera.
(1)
Note. Examples of imperfect optical medium are turbid
water or atmospheric fog which may scatter light transmitted between
the camera and the object, the reduction of backscattered
light may be obtained by gating a camera during a period corresponding
to the round trip transit time of light from the light source to
the object and back to the camera.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including generating, transmitting, recording, reproducing, or
displaying a picture representative signal which includes portions
indicating arbitrarily assigned color.
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter including more than one picture signal each
represented by a distinct frequency band which is arbitrarily assigned
a color.
(1)
Note. For example, more than one camera
is pointing to a sole object, each camera is responsive
to a different specific band of wavelengths.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including generating, transmitting, recording, reproducing, or
displaying a picture representative signal which includes portions
indicating arbitrarily assigned gray level representative of color.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means for generating television
information for a wide-angle field of view.
(1)
Note. The wide-angle field of view should
be greater than the television wide aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9).
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter wherein a continuously rotating element is
used to generate images of successive portions of the scene.
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter wherein more than one transmission path is
used to provide simultaneously plural portions of the scene.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the picture signal includes information
derived from an object wave formed by the resulting interference
pattern of two mutually coherent component light beams.
(1)
Note. In the holographic process a coherent beam
is first split into two component beams, one of which irradiates
a recording medium. The diffraction or scattering of the
first component beam by the object forms the object wave which proceeds
to, and interferes with, the second component
beam or reference wave at the medium. The resulting pattern
is a three-dimensional record (hologram) of
the object wave.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter in which the picture signal also includes
portions indicating the three-dimensional nature of the
original object or scene.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter including an arrangement for combining video
signals representing different viewing positions for transmission.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter wherein a stereoscopic picture signal generator
is combined with an instrument which is used for the medical inspection of
the interior of a human body.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter including means for scanning an object or
scene and deriving in response thereto a stereoscopic picture signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter including an arrangement for optically combining
different views for presentation to a single scanning device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter wherein the camera is either continuously
or intermittently moved between left and right viewing positions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter including means for converting an image representative
electrical signal (i.e., video
signal) of an object or scene into a visible image.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter wherein the display device is mounted on
a support adapted to be worn by a user at the level of his field
of view.
This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter includes an arrangement for optically presenting
different views from a single display device to the right and left
eye of a viewer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter wherein the different views are presented
to respective eyes of the viewer during alternating time periods.
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter wherein the different views are presented
to respective eyes of the viewer by the use of shutters alternately
opening and closing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter wherein the different views are presented
to respective eyes of the viewer by the use of at least one polarizing
filter whose axis of polarization is alternately changed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter wherein the different views are presented
to respective eyes of the viewer by the use of at least one optical
device which vibrates a light ray passed therethrough in accordance
with a particular orientation pattern.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter wherein the different views are presented
to respective eyes of the viewer by the use of a screen comprising
multiple lens elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter wherein the different views are presented
to respective eyes of the viewer by the use of contrasting color
filters on each eye, usually red on one eye and blue or
green on the other.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including modification of or addition to
an ordinary television system to adapt that system to a specific
use.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein a particular representation is generated
in a form (a) which is to be principally interpreted
by a sense other than the sense of sight or (b) which
is easy to perceive by an individual having partial loss of sight.
(1)
Note. Examples of nonvisible displays are a matrix
of mechanical or electrical elements which selectively apply pressure
or voltage to portions of a person and electrodes which may be implanted into
appropriate areas of the brain.
Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial
Body Members), Parts Thereof, or Aids
and Accessories Therefor, appropriate subclasses for artificial body members, including
seeing aids for the blind.
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter wherein the reproduced picture of a viewed
object is greater in dimension than the viewed object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein a picture signal generator is combined
with a photographic still or motion picture camera to provide a
visible indication of the scene being photographed (e.g., remote
viewing by an operator or a director).
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein a picture signal generator is combined
with an instrument which is used for the medical inspection of the
interior of a human body.
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter wherein the picture signal generator is combined
with the endoscope for the examination of teeth or gum.
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter wherein an endoscopic light source is provided
by an optical resonator which utilizes the natural oscillations
of atoms or molecules between energy levels to transform an incoherent
light into a very narrow, intense beam of coherent electromagnetic
radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared regions
of the spectrum.
(1)
Note. Laser is an acronym for "Light Amplification
by Stimulated Emission of Radiation."
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter wherein an optical arrangement is used to
direct a light source or to control the intensity of a light source
projected on the inspected surface of a human body.
Radiant Energy,
subclass 203.2 for photocell control illumination of a target
by artificial light source and subclasses 227.29, 227.3, 227.31, and 227.32
for light conductor with particular illumination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter wherein the generated picture signal is fed
back to the light source to regulate the intensity of light projected
on the inspected surface of the human body.
This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter wherein the picture signal is displayed in
a hue as a result of a sequential illumination of an object by different
wavelengths (e.g., red, green, blue, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter including an auxiliary structure for coupling
the endoscope to the picture signal generator or to another apparatus
or system.
This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Subject matter comprising a configuration detail of an endoscope
optical arrangement or its solid-state integrated circuit
layout.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein the television system is specifically
used for examining a person in total or part.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein the television system is combined
with an optical instrument which generates enlarged images of minute
objects.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Subject matter wherein the microscope utilizes an electron
beam for the observation and recording of submicroscopic samples.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein a picture signal generator is mounted
on or enclosed within an apparatus permitting placement of the generator
in an environment below the surface of the water.
Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
subclass 66.2 for an underwater television camera, nominally
claimed, in combination with underwater handling equipment.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein a picture signal generator is enclosed
in or provided with structure to permit its use in environments
of extreme heat or radiation or where access is not possible by humans
or an ordinary television system.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter wherein the hazardous environment is an enclosed
structure in which relatively intense heat is produced.
Nuclear Technology, digest 235 for monitoring, testing, or
maintaining a structural combination of reactor core or a moderator
structure with viewing means which may be a television camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 82. Subject matter wherein the inaccessible environment is a
hole drilled in the earth (e.g., an exploratory
well).
Wells,
subclasses 64 and 66 for well apparatus including measuring, testing, or
indicating means and subclasses 250.01+ for well
processes including measuring, testing, or indicating.
Acoustics,
subclasses 102+ for well exploration by use of seismic prospecting
systems which do not involve the handling of electric signals that contain
geophysical information.
Radiant Energy,
subclasses 256+ for ray energy detection or measurement (including
detection or measurement of radioactive materials) applied
to a borehole or drilling study.
Communications, Electrical:
Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices,
subclasses 25+ for seismic well logging using acoustic wave responsive
electrical means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein a picture signal generator (i.e., television
camera) is utilized for monitoring a manufacturing operation.
(1)
Note. Patents included in this subclass contain
detailed structure of the television system and nominal or no specific recitation
of machine or tool structure. Patents with detailed structure
of the tool or machine are classified according to the tool or machine
structure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter wherein the manufacturing object includes
a semiconductor substrate or a board on which multiple semiconductor devices
are integrated.
Metal Working,
subclass 833 for methods of assembling an electronic component
to an insulative base by utilizing an optical sighting device wherein
the assembly is performed at least in part by using means which
aid or enhance visual location or determination of the position
of the component relative to the base.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter wherein an object being manufactured is a
thin sheet, plate or strip, or a thin flexible
threadlike object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter wherein an object being manufactured is a
produced crop or a livestock or a preparation of these products.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter wherein the picture signal generator is used
to separate manufactured objects in different categories by structure
or destination.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter wherein the picture signal generator is used
to determine acceptability of a manufactured object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter wherein the control involves a distinction
of different aspect of an object or a light source in terms of hue.
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter wherein the television system is used to
determine a point or a place where an object is located.
This subclass is indented under subclass 94. Subject matter wherein the television system is used in
manufacturing to help adjust an apparatus or place an object to
an appropriate position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter including an apparatus to position a picture
signal generator or the record whereby the record can be viewed
by the picture signal generator and displayed on a display device.
(1)
Note. The picture signal generator and display may
also be utilized as an aid in locating a given record.
Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,
subclasses 9.1+ , 14.1+, 19.1, and
33.1+ for magnetic storage or retrieval of non-color
television signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter including means for scanning a motion picture
film (e.g., telecin) and
synchronously advancing or stepping the film past the scanning apparatus.
This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein the mechanical optical scanning means
provides a small beam of light which moves over a film and translates
the highlights and shadows into electrical signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Subject matter wherein the scanning means provides a small
beam of light which moves over a film and translates the highlights
and shadows into electrical signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the picture signal generated having
portion indicating the existing color of an object or scene in the
film.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter wherein the film is advanced past the scanner
in a periodically stopping and moving manner.
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter including apparatus to modify the scanning
motion of the scanning means to properly coordinate the scanning
motion with the film position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Subject matter wherein the picture signal generated having
portion indicating the existing color of an object or scene in the
film.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Subject matter wherein the film is advanced past the scanner
in a periodically stopping and moving manner.
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Subject matter including apparatus to modify the scanning
motion of the scanning means to properly coordinate the scanning
motion with the film position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter wherein the scanning means provides a small
beam of light which moves over a film and translates the highlights
and shadows into electrical signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Subject matter wherein the picture signal generated having
portion indicating the existing color of an object or scene in the
film.
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter including a photographic transparency or
film individually mounted on a frame adapted to be moved to a scanning
area.
This subclass is indented under subclass 110. Subject matter wherein the picture signal generated having
portion indicating the existing color of an object or scene in the
slide.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein a picture signal generator or reproducer
is used with a steerable vehicle to permit control of the vehicle
from a remote location or to provide an indication in the vehicle
of its position as an aid in the guidance of the vehicle.
(1)
Note. Included here is a significant television
processing system and nominal recitation of the vehicle.
Communications: Electrical,
subclasses 945+ for electrical aircraft alarm or indication systems, subclasses
984+ for electrical watercraft alarm or indication systems, subclasses
988+ for electrical vehicle position indication systems, and
subclasses 425.5+ for electrical land vehicle
alarm or indication systems.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter wherein a picture signal generator or reproducer
is used with a steerable vehicle to permit control of the vehicle
from a distant location.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter wherein a television image is optically superimposed
upon a real live scene within a field of view of an observer.
(1)
Note. The superimposition is typically performed
by a partially silvered mirror.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter including an apparatus for assistance in
pointing out a proper route or determining coordinates of an unknown
place in reference to a known place.
Communications: Electrical,
subclasses 988+ for electrical vehicle position indication systems
and subclasses 425.5+ for electrical land vehicle
alarm or indication systems.
This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Subject matter wherein certain functions of the vehicle
can be set in advance by previously stored instructions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter including television means to recreate some
aspects of the displayed environment (e.g., land, air, or
sea).
Communications: Electrical,
subclass 384 for apparatus for producing audible sounds as signaling
indications such as sound which simulates the noise in an airplane
for use in training programs.
Education and Demonstration,
subclasses 111 , 186, and 239+ for apparatus
to instruct in the navigation of various vehicles; subclasses
43 and 69 for apparatus to instruct in the use of various vehicles; and
subclasses 11+ for apparatus to portray various operations
in war.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter wherein the particular environment to be
simulated is a condition that affects the quality or state of being
visible.
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter wherein the particular environment to be
simulated is a load-carrying structure for navigation in
the air or in space.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein a picture signal generator is utilized
to view an object and the signals so generated produce a display
whereby imperfections in the object may be visually observed, or
wherein the signals generated are compared with signals representative
of a standard to provide an indication of whether imperfections exist
in the object.
Optics: Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 426+ for optical inspection of an article with agitation
or rotation; subclasses 429+ for inspection of moving
webs or thread; and subclasses 237.1+ for
optical systems for detecting flaws or imperfections.
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Subject matter wherein the object to be inspected is a semiconductor
substrate or a board on which multiple semiconductor devices are
integrated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Subject matter wherein the object to be observed for imperfection
detection is a clear receptacle or a clear flexible covering or
its content.
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Subject matter wherein the television system aids in inspecting
the appearance of an surface for its polish (smoothness) or
its pattern structure regularity (texture).
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Subject matter wherein the picture signals of a viewed object
is compared with signals representative of a standard to provide
an indication of whether imperfections exist in the object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 129. Subject matter wherein a device is used to hold picture
signals of reference objects, which will be retrieved latter
to compare with picture signals of the inspected object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Subject matter wherein a particular optical arrangement
or material is used for directing a light source or varying its
brightness on the surface of an inspected object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 131. Subject matter wherein a flashtube is used to emit a high
intensity flash of light into an examination region.
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Subject matter wherein a video signal of one scan line is
being compared to a video signal of a preceding line.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter including apparatus for utilizing the signal
developed by a picture signal generator viewing an object or scene
to provide quantitative information about the object or scene.
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein a known geometry light source (i.e., optical
pattern) is projected onto the surface of an object for
measuring purpose.
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein an image of a series of marks at
known intervals (i.e., scale) is
superposed on an image of an object on a picture pickup device for
measuring purpose.
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein several cameras are placed on a line
of known position and are aimed at a target to determine the position
or orientation of the target.
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter including an instrument for determining a
distance to an object based on the known dimension of the object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein the picture signal of an object is
displayed with a superposed identifying marker (cursor) used
to determine the dimension of the object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 135. Subject matter wherein the camera or object position change
is considered as a factor for determining a dimension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter including apparatus to view a scene at a
specified location remote from the reproducer for the purpose of
monitoring a specific location, function, or event
not provided for in the above subclasses.
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter wherein the specific location, function, or
event is viewed from an aircraft or satellite.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter having a plurality of photosensitive elements
arranged in one row to perform a line scanning.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter having a mirror type apparatus rotating about
an axis to accomplish one scanning dimension.
This subclass is indented under subclass 144. Subject matter having an image processing apparatus which
corrects any distortion produced in the picture image when the position
of the observed point is moved with respect to the picture image
pickup.
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter wherein the surveillance system includes
a steerable machine for carrying or transporting a load on or below
land or water surface.
Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval,
subclass 5 for recording for selective retention of a special
occurrence (e.g., vehicle crash recorder, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter including a camera for discovering the presence
of a person or an object to which entrance is not welcomed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 153. Subject matter including apparatus for utilizing a television
picture signal to develop signals indicative of whether movement
has taken place in a selected scene or area over a given period
of time.
This subclass is indented under subclass 152. Subject matter including apparatus for utilizing a television
picture signal to develop signals indicative of whether movement
has taken place in a selected scene or area over a given period
of time.
This subclass is indented under subclass 143. Subject matter wherein the television system is used for
remote reading of data on a measuring instrument or a printer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein the video signal of an object is
sent to a viewer at a remote site for a characteristic or quality
examination with respect to a reference in order to discover resemblances
or differences.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including a picture signal generator that
is responsive to energy other than visible light for conversion
into electrical signals representative of the scene or object viewed
and providing a visible display.
Measuring and Testing,
subclasses 596+ for similar apparatus utilizing acoustic wave energy
to produce an image corresponding to the acoustic properties (e.g., absorption, reflection) of
a viewed object.
Thermal Measuring and Testing,
subclass 124 for similar subject matter for providing the spatial
distribution of temperature by measuring thermally emitted radiant
energy.
This subclass is indented under subclass 164. Subject matter wherein an image is generated in response
to a change of temperature of incremental pixel areas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 164. Subject matter including a multiplicity of sensor elements
which are arranged in a one-dimensional matrix.
This subclass is indented under subclass 166. Subject matter wherein the sensor includes multifaceted
polygon reflecting elements for scanning sweep in the primary (fast) direction.
(1)
Note. The fast direction may be a horizontal or vertical
scan.
This subclass is indented under subclass 164. Subject matter wherein a sensor includes multifaceted polygon
reflecting elements for scanning sweep in the primary (fast) direction.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein signals representative of the position
of a moving object projected onto a picture signal generator viewing surface
are utilized to control the generator (optically, electrically, or
by reorientation) to maintain the object in the field of
view of the generator.
(1)
Note. Electrical control of the generator involves
control of the sweep system as an example.
Communications: Directive Radio Wave
Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio
Navigation),
subclasses 75+ wherein the position of the object determines antenna
orientation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 169. Subject matter wherein the object is maintained within the
field of view by gating signals derived from a small area of the
picture signal generator viewing surface and maintaining the signals
representative of the object in that gated area.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including a device to prevent damage to a
cathode-ray tube phosphor screen or target due to a steady
non-moving image or due to a sweep cessation.
(1)
Note. For example, superimposed on a regular
horizontal and vertical deflection of the scanning beam is an imperceptably
slow horizontal and/or vertical movement of the display
image.
CAMERA WITH BUILT-IN TEST SIGNAL GENERATOR, TEST
PATTERN, OR ADJUSTING ADJUNCT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including the integral combination of a camera
and a further means which aids in correctly adjusting the operation of
the camera when the further means is used.
(1)
Note. The further means is normally selected by
the operator.
(2)
Note. Self-regulating devices such as automatic
white balance, automatic black level, or automatic
gain control which often use a "test signal" are excluded from this
subclass.
DISPLAY OR RECEIVER WITH BUILT-IN TEST SIGNAL
GENERATOR, TEST PATTERN, OR ADJUSTING ADJUNCT:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including the integral combination of a display
and means to aid in adjusting the display.
(1)
Note. Self-regulating devices such as automatic
white balance, automatic black level, or automatic
gain control which often use a "test pulse" or "test signal" are
excluded from this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 177. Subject matter including a means for comparing a picture
signal with a reference picture signal to permit an accurate adjustment
for the color reception.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means separate from the television
system or components for monitoring, testing, or
measuring parameters of the television system or components being tested, measured, or
monitored.
This subclass is indented under subclass 181. Subject matter wherein the test signal represents the quality
of light which includes color and its purity or a color bar signal
which consists of six colors (yellow, cyan, green, magenta, red, and
blue).
This subclass is indented under subclass 181. Subject matter wherein the test signal is a vertical interval
test signal (VITS), interjected during
the vertical blanking interval, or is an in-line
test signal (ILTS), injected during the
portion of the visible or image interval.
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Subject matter including a means for displaying to a human
observer information concerning the video signal being measured.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter wherein the monitor includes plural modes
for selectively displaying incompatible signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 184. Subject matter including an instrument for displaying in
two dimensions the phase relationships of two signals or signal
components.
(1)
Note. The signal is normally a chrominance signal
with one component controlling the x-direction and the
other component controlling the y-direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 187. Subject matter wherein the means includes an optical pattern
containing a group of lines and circles for testing the performance
of the TV camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Subject matter including a means for testing a device that
converts a scene-representative electrical signal into
a visible image.
This subclass is indented under subclass 189. Subject matter including a means for an initial adjustment
of the television receiver during a manufacturing process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 189. Subject matter including a means for measuring and displaying
the properties of light generated by the receiver or monitor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 180. Subject matter including a means for measuring the time
or phase relationships between components of a TV synchronizing
signal.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a mechanical moving device is used
for scanning an object or a scene (i.e., partitioning
it into elemental imaging areas to generate image representative electrical
signals) or scanning imaging areas by a modulated light
beam to reproduce the object or scene visible image.
Optical: Systems and Elements,
subclasses 196.1 through 226.3for deflection using a moving element or medium
and subclasses 227+ for light control by opaque element
or medium movable in or through light path.
This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Subject matter including an optical waveguide which confines
a transmitted radiation therewithin by means of the principle of
total internal reflection.
(1)
Note. Optical fibers are usually comprised of a
central light transmitting core of relatively high refractive index, surrounded
by a concentric cladding of relatively low refractive index.
This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Subject matter wherein the scanning is effected by using
an elastic or sound wave for displacing or deforming portions of
an optically transmitting medium surface or interface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Subject matter wherein the scanning is accomplished by a
moving device which has one or multiple openings that will pass
light, electrons, or other forms of radiation (e.g., Nipkow disk).
This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Subject matter wherein the scanning is performed by a lens
or refracting element that is given a prescribed motion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 195. Subject matter wherein the scanning is performed by an element
that is given a prescribed motion and that has a property of returning incident
light or sound wave.
This subclass is indented under subclass 203. Subject matter wherein the prescribed motion consists of
periodic movements in alternately opposite directions from a position
of equilibrium.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein a pattern of scanning is not generally
horizontal from one side to the other with a quick blanked retrace
to start all lines from the same side (e.g., spiral
scanning, scanning without retrace, vertical scanning).
(1)
Note. For systems using spotwobble which is generally
horizontal with a small undulating vertical component, see subclass
428.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein a camera is used as a computer peripheral
for generating image data that is processed and/or stored
by the computer for display to a local user, for downloading
to an end user, or for being combined with computer-generated
data.
(1)
Note. Image transmission may be by asynchronous, isochroous
or other protocol.
(2)
Note. Network communication details are classified
elsewhere.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter including a system or device for scanning
image or scene is connected to the printer wherein the data obtained by
the scanning system or device is transferred to the printer for
a hard copy print out.
Facsimile and Static Presentation Processing,
subclass 1.1 , for Static presentation processing (e.g., processing data
for printer), subclass 906 for hand-held
camera with recorder in single unit, subclass 909.1, for
electronic still camera or scene reproducer.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a system or device for scanning
image of the object or scene (i.e., partitioning
the scene into sub-areas of image information and generating
there from an image representative electrical signal) or
the above combined with circuitry for processing the image signal, and
sub combinations specific to the camera.
(1)
Note. The sub-area is usually an elemental
area or pixtel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.99. Subject matter wherein the direction and magnitude of a
camera s movement is computed by measuring changes in direction and
magnitude between consecutive planes of image data.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.99. Subject matter wherein modification is camera operations
are made in response to camera movement.
(1)
Note. For instance, image stabilization
is used to move a signal processing window from which signals are
derived to perform an operation such as autofocusing or autoexposure, the
movement of the window being made to follow camera movement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.12. Subject matter wherein image signals are processed so as
to compensate for loss of resolution due to motion signal processing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.12. Subject matter wherein camera motion is distinguished from
object motion and object motion information is used to accomplish object
tracking in the presence of camera shake.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.12. Subject matter wherein the camera s operating mode is automatically
changed or power to the camera is automatically turned off when
camera shake exceeds acceptable limits.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.99. Subject matter wherein the direction and magnitude of a
camera s movement is measured using a motion transducer mounted
on or within the camera body.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.99. Subject matter wherein measurements of a camera s movement
are evaluated in order to distinguish between camera movement done on
purpose and camera movement that is not done on purpose, i.e., accidental.
(1)
Note. Image processing (including compensation
for camera movement) is performed according to the differentiation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.99. Subject matter wherein the movement of a camera during a
photographing operation is compensated in order to produce an output image
that is free from blur or other motion-induced artifacts.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.4. Subject matter wherein the compensation for camera movement
is performed by both electronic image shifting and mechanical movement
of a portion of the camera.
(1)
Note. These operations may be performed simultaneously
or in sequence.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.4. Subject matter wherein the compensation for camera movement
is performed electronically.
(1)
Note. For instance by reducing the image size and
shifting the reduced image data either as it being stored in a memory
or as it is being read out there from. Such an operation
is often accompanied by electronic zooming of the image data to its
original size.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.4. Subject matter wherein the compensation for camera movement
is performed by mechanically moving either a portion of the camera, e.g., lens
or the entire camera itself.
This subclass is indented under subclass 208.7. Subject matter wherein the portion of a camera that is moved
is a solid whose bases or ends are any similar, equal, and
parallel plane figures, and whose sides are parallelograms
and said solid is moved through a variable angle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter including a device to compensate for unwanted
movement of a camera to prevent blurring or distortion of resulting pictures.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter having a device in which a rapidly moving
spot of light scans an image on a transparent screen; a
phototube then absorbs the light reflected by the screen and converts
it into electric signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 211.99. Subject matter wherein specific methods of communication
are used to transmit the signals used to implement remote control
of a camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 211.99. Subject matter wherein a plurality of cameras are controlled
by the remote control system, including networks of cameras
used for a common imaging operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 211.11. Subject matter wherein the camera network is used for video
teleconferencing and remote control of the camera includes authorizing
the camera s access to the network via a password or assignment
of priority.
(1)
Note. Also included are control of camera functions
such as pan, tilt, zoom, iris and focus.
Data Processing: Presentation Processing
of Document, Operator Interface Processing, and
Screen Saver Display Processing,
subclasses 733 through 759for concurrently established related or collaborative
user interfaces including computer conferencing and computer supported
cooperative work.
This subclass is indented under subclass 211.99. Subject matter wherein the imaging portion of the camera (i.e., camera
head) is physically separated from the camera’s
image processing circuitry.
(1)
Note. Camera is connected thereto by a cable over
which are communicated image signal from the camera head to the processor
and control signals from the processor to the camera head.
This subclass is indented under subclass 211.1. Subject matter wherein the remote control signals are communicated
via a network, including networks configured in a master/slave
or client/server arrangement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 211.99. Subject matter wherein various control devices are used
to generate signals for remote control of a camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 211.4. Subject matter wherein the control devices generate and/or
respond to control signals that are multiplexed with each other
or with other types of control signals, or are embedded
with data signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 211.4. Subject matter wherein the control devices operate according
to digital control signals that have been stored in a computer memory
or in a special purpose digital control device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 211.4. Subject matter wherein control is implemented using a manual
electromechanical device to generate control signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 211.99. Subject matter control signals are computed using camera
characteristics as a parameter.
(1)
Note. Pan and tilt driving speeds are varied as a
function of zoom angle and/or distance between the camera
and the subject; control voltages are varied in accordance
with camera weight; compensation is made for time delays
created by the length of the cable used to transmit control signals; etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein the scanning system or device is
operated by a control signal sent by a controller from a remote
location.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein the camera comprises a device which
converts time information from a luminous event into spatial information, such
conversion enable the measurement of high speed variations in intensity distribution
of a light emission.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter including means suitable for detecting a
weak or faint input image applied to the camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein images of separate parts of a single
scene are scanned by separate image sensors for subsequent combination
into a single complete-image signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein the image sensor is mechanically
vibrated or oscillated to produce the effect of an increased resolution.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein the operation of the camera is altered
for single-frame (still) and multiple-frame (motion) photography.
This subclass is indented under subclass 220.1. Subject matter having a device for regulating the total
illumination (e.g., duration
or intensity) admitted to an imaging device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter including at least one image sensor or pickup
device and in combination therewith related circuitry for correcting, adjusting, or
otherwise altering the image signal output from the image sensor
or pickup device.
(1)
Note. The signal processing herein is limited to
normal television signals, such as red, green
and blue, or luminance and chrominance.
(2)
Note. The image signal processing which depends upon
structure of a sensor is not classified in this subclass, but is
with the sensor, per se. For example, a single
solid-state image sensor which converts the dot interlace
output representing for example cyan, magenta, and yellow (i.e., not
normal television signal) to red, green, and
blue is found in subclass 280 for solid-state color image
sensor with filter based on three colors.
This subclass is indented under subclass 222.1. Subject matter wherein the processing of the video output
signal includes adjustment of relative amplitudes of plural color
signals which are output from the camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223.1. Subject matter wherein the relative amplitudes of the plural
color signals are adjusted in response to a parameter, a
function, or the presence or absence of a camera peripheral
which includes diaphragm, stop, illuminator, zoom
or focus device, or a device altering the incident light
on the sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223.1. Subject matter wherein means are provided for detecting
the characteristic spectrum or periodic nature of an electric discharge
lamp.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223.1. Subject matter including an optical sensor separated from
the image sensor for sensing the characteristics of the ambient
light.
This subclass is indented under subclass 223.1. Subject matter wherein the adjustment of the relative amplitudes
is derived by feedback from the output of the image sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 222.1. Subject matter including a control unit which controls both
the exposure to the image sensor and the amplitude of the sensor
output signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 229.1. Subject matter wherein the camera comprises a solid-state
image scanning device and wherein the accumulation time and readout
process thereof is altered in coordination with the operation of
the camera`s shutter, iris or diaphragm.
This subclass is indented under subclass 231.99. Subject matter wherein the remaining storage capacity of
a memory is detected and storage of additional image data is either
permitted, reduced or prohibited based on the detection
result.
(1)
Note. A warning may be given to indicate insufficient
capacity.
This subclass is indented under subclass 231.99. Subject matter including manual or automatic file naming
and categorizing of stored images enabling enhanced image retrieval
and arrangement using the camera according to user instructions.
(1)
Note. File naming may take place either before of
after a picture is taken.
This subclass is indented under subclass 231.99. Subject matter wherein the camera output memory stores, in
addition to the picture information, information other
than that of the picture,
(1)
Note. Information other than the picture information
may be audio or character type information (e.g., time, date, etc.), or
information relating to a camera or image sensor aspect ratio.
This subclass is indented under subclass 231.3. Subject matter wherein the additional data is time or date
data or annotations that are stored along with the image data produced
by the camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 231.3. Subject matter wherein the additional data may include the
compression ratio of the stored image and camera setting used in
taking the picture.
(1)
Note. Camera setting such as lens settings, processing
parameters, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 231.7. Subject matter wherein the detachable memory is in the form
a plurality of detachable memories, having a plurality
of memory insertion slots, plural memories used in tandem
or for separate storage.
This subclass is indented under subclass 231.7. Subject matter including details of how image data is transmitted
between the camera and the detachable memory.
(1)
Note. Details such as temporary interrupts of data
transfer, temporary storage in an auxiliary memory prior
to transfer to the detachable memory, etc.
(2)
Note. The distinct luminance sensor may be either
black and white or monocular (e.g., green).
This subclass is indented under subclass 222.1. Subject matter wherein the camera includes a non-dynamic
memory device for storing one or more frames of image information.
(1)
Note. Dynamic memory requires relative motion between
the storage medium and the playback or recorder head.
Static Information Storage and Retrieval, appropriate subclasses for details of static information
storage structure which may be used for the storage of an image
signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 222.1. Subject matter including specific circuitry for forming
a brightness component of a television color signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 234. Subject matter having an arrangement in which the image
signal is channeled through appropriate filters for producing low
frequency and high frequency brightness signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 235. Subject matter wherein part of the image signal is supplied
by a separate sensor for producing a luminance signal only.
(1)
Note. The distinct luminance sensor may be either
black and white or monocolor (e.g., green).
This subclass is indented under subclass 235. Subject matter wherein the plural luminance signals are
derived from signals output of one multicolor image scanning device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 234. Subject matter wherein part of the image signal is supplied
by a separate sensor for producing a luminance signal only.
This subclass is indented under subclass 222.1. Subject matter including means for modifying the image
signal by selectively inserting, deleting, or
replacing signal portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 240.99. Subject matter wherein image size is expanded or reduced
using both an optical zoom lens and electronic signal processing
circuitry.
This subclass is indented under subclass 240.99. Subject matter wherein an optical zoom lens is provided
to change the magnification of the image or picture generated by
a solid-state sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 222.1. Subject matter including means to change the magnification
of image or picture signal generated by a solid-state sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter including control circuitry which compensates
for an output current generated by the image sensor in the absence
of an incident light.
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter wherein the control circuitry compensates
the dark current by heating or cooling the image sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 243. Subject matter wherein the image sensor is provided with
non-imaging (i.e., blank) elements which
are used to generate a dark current correction signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter wherein a circuit is provided to compensate
for effects of an inoperable image analyzing element or area.
This subclass is indented under subclass 246. Subject matter wherein the location or nature of the inoperable
image analyzing element is stored for repeated correction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter including circuitry which reduces signal
defects due to crosstalk or leakage between pixels.
This subclass is indented under subclass 248. Subject matter wherein the image sensor is of the type which
comprises an array of photosensitive shift registers, photoelectric
charges therefrom being shifted out in a predetermined order to
produce an image signal.
Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices, Circuits, and
Systems, appropriate subclasses for miscellaneous circuits
utilizing a charge coupled device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter wherein the image sensor is of the type which
comprises an array of photosensitive shift registers, photoelectric
charges therefrom being shifted out in a predetermined order to
produce an image signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 241. Subject matter including an apparatus to compensate for
brightness level variations in different areas of a given reproduced
picture due to unequal characteristics of, or imperfections
in, the image signal generator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 222.1. Subject matter including means for reducing the time of
an amplitude transition or for increasing the size of an amplitude
transition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 252. Subject matter wherein the image signal being processed
has a portion representing a hue as contrasted with black, white, or
gray.
This subclass is indented under subclass 255. Subject matter wherein the image signal being processed
has a portion representing brightness (i.e., black
and white), hue (i.e., wavelength), and
saturation (i.e., purity from
white) as contrasted with black, white, or
gray.
(1)
Note. Examples of saturation are: Both red
and pink have the same wavelength, but red is saturated
and pink is desaturated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 257. Subject matter wherein a uniform auxiliary light of low
luminosity is used to illuminate the light receiving surface of
the camera image sensor.
(1)
Note. Bias illumination is usually used to eliminate
a blurred image or a trailing on an image caused by the motion of
a scanned object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 258. Subject matter including, associated with the bias
illumination, an optical structure which resolves a light
beam from a scanned object into two or more beams of different wavelengths
corresponding to different color components of the object.
This subclass is indented under subclass 258. Subject matter wherein the bias illumination is used with
a single image sensor device supplying plural color signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein the camera comprises more than one
image sensor and each image sensor scans the complete image of a
scene.
This subclass is indented under subclass 262. Subject matter including apparatus to ensure at any instant
that the signal from one device corresponds to the same analyzed
point on a picture as the signals from another device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 262. Subject matter wherein the image sensors are displaced with
respect to each other (e.g., by
a half-pixel) in a direction orthogonal to the
incident optical axis of the image.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein a single photosensitive element of
the camera is used for supplying more than one color signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 266. Subject matter wherein plural images of the same object
or scene are focused onto separate areas of a single pickup device
target.
This subclass is indented under subclass 266. Subject matter including a device to decompose colors of
an object or scene into components which are imparted in sequence
to an image pickup device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 268. Subject matter wherein a light source, additional
to ambient light, is provided in different wavelengths (e.g., red, green, blue, etc.) during successive
intervals for producing color signals using a monochrome camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 268. Subject matter wherein colors are decomposed by a device
having a plurality of color transmitting or absorbing elements which
move in and out of the camera’s optical path.
(1)
Note. Both continuous moving and oscillating filters
are classified herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 270. Subject matter wherein the camera generates four signals
of different wavelengths which correspond to four or more distinct
color signals, or three or more distinct color signals
and a luminance signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 266. Subject matter wherein the photosensitive scanning device, which
supplies more than one color signal, is an electronic device
which operates by virtue of the movement of electrons within a solid
material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 272. Subject matter having a color absorbing or transmitting
device applied to each resolution element of the sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter comprising two or more color absorbing or
transmitting filters which are partially superimposed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter which includes filter elements that are arranged
on a surface in any of various zigzags or alternations; or
comprises filter elements that are nonuniform in shape.
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter wherein the filter has a mosaic pattern made
up of individual filter elements, some having a luminance
transparency and some a chrominance transparency characteristic.
This subclass is indented under subclass 276. Subject matter wherein at least three chrominance components
are applied to selected resolution elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter comprising more than four types of filter
elements, each element passing a different wavelength.
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter comprising exactly four types of filter elements, each
element passing a different wavelength.
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter comprising exactly three types of filter
elements, each element passing a different wavelength.
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter wherein the image sensor comprises a two-dimensional
matrix of photoelectric conversion elements, each element
being individually selected by external scanning circuitry.
This subclass is indented under subclass 273. Subject matter wherein the image sensor is of the type which
comprises an array of photosensitive shift registers, photoelectric
charges therefrom being shifted out in a predetermined order to
produce an image signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 282. Subject matter wherein the charges are shifted into at least
two orthogonal shift registers for providing plural outputs.
This subclass is indented under subclass 266. Subject matter including a camera tube in which an optical
image of an object is converted to a charge on a photosensitive
target surface and then scanned by an electron beam to convert the
charge image to an electrical signal.
(1)
Note. Common cathode-ray tubes include
iconoscope, orthicon, and vidicon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 284. Subject matter wherein at least two color components of
an image of a scene are spatially modulated (e.g., by
optical striped filters) and the resulting modulated color
signals are demodulated by utilizing electrical phase detectors
for generating color signal components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 285. Subject matter including means for generating a position
signal for indicating the instantaneous position of the scanning
electron beam.
This subclass is indented under subclass 286. Subject matter wherein the indexing signal is produced by
one or more conductive elements at the target location.
This subclass is indented under subclass 286. Subject matter wherein the indexing signal is produced by
one or more conductive elements located outside of the image area
of the target.
This subclass is indented under subclass 284. Subject matter wherein at least two color components of
an image of a scene are spatially modulated (e.g., by
optical striped filters) and the resulting modulated color
signals are demodulated by utilizing electrical bandpass filters
for generating color signal components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Subject matter wherein the optical filter arrangement includes
a diffraction grating, a single or a multiple element refractor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 290. Subject matter wherein at least one array of color stripes
is oriented non-orthogonally to the scanning direction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 289. Subject matter wherein the cathode-ray tube includes
a target structure comprising a plurality of interleaved sets of
conducting strips for deriving respective component color signals.
(1)
Note. For example, a target structure comprises
red, green, and blue striped color filters in
front of corresponding transparent electrodes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter including an electronic device which operates
by virtue of the movement of electrons within a solid material (e.g., semiconductor) for
producing electrical signals in response to light incident on elemental
resolution elements thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 294. Subject matter wherein a plurality of photosites or photosensitive
devices are provided for each resolution element, and charges
produced by each photosite or photosensitive device are summed to
provide a signal corresponding to the resolution element.
(1)
Note. There is a time delay of the charges sensed
prior to the charge sensed by the last of the plurality of photosites before
summation of the charges.
This subclass is indented under subclass 294. Subject matter wherein charges in the solid-state
sensor are periodically cleared to emulate the effect of a mechanical
shutter.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes a large number of electronic
still cameras wherein the image signal is read-out inhibited
when the shutter is opened and read-out is enabled when
the shutter is closed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 294. Subject matter wherein the photo conversion period (i.e., accumulation
time or integration time) of the sensor is controlled in
accordance with the intensity of light or of the picture signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 297. Subject matter wherein the image sensor is of the type which
comprises an array of photosensitive shift registers, photoelectric
charges therefrom being shifted out in a predetermined order to
produce an image signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 298. Subject matter wherein the charge coupled type image sensor
device includes a structure to eliminate excess charges within the
device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 294. Subject matter includes a device for increasing the magnitude
of a sensor intermediate or immediate output signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 294. Subject matter wherein the image sensor comprises a matrix
of rows and columns of photoelectric conversion elements, each
element representing one image or picture resolution element of
the entire image and each element being individually selected by
external scanning circuitry.
This subclass is indented under subclass 302. Subject matter wherein charge signals from the rows or columns
of the image sensing elements are collected in parallel and serially
output by a charge transfer type shift register.
Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or
Shift Registers: Circuits and Systems, appropriate subclasses for charge transfer shift
register, per se.
This subclass is indented under subclass 302. Subject matter wherein external scanning signals for addressing
row or column sensing elements are provided by a sequential charge transfer
type shift register.
This subclass is indented under subclass 302. Subject matter includes scanning means whereby odd- and
even-numbered lines of a picture are outputted consecutively
as two separate fields.
This subclass is indented under subclass 302. Subject matter wherein the solid-state image sensor
is composed of a two-dimensional array of coupled MOS charge-storage
capacitors and is designed to convert near infrared energy to electrical
signals, providing broad gray shade or tonal rendition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 302. Subject matter wherein each image resolution element comprises
at least one photosensitive element coupled to a switching transistor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 302. Subject matter wherein each element of the image resolution
array is composed only by a passive device (i.e., excluding
transistor).
This subclass is indented under subclass 309. Subject matter wherein a two-electrode bipolar solid-state
device is connected in sequence with a photosensitive element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 294. Subject matter wherein the image sensor is of the type which
comprises an array of photosensitive shift registers, photoelectric
charges therefrom being shifted out in a predetermined order to
produce an image signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Subject matter including a device for producing precisely
timed, repetitive voltage pulses to actuate the transfer
of charges.
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Subject matter wherein photosensitive resolution elements
associated with potential wells formed under charge transfer are
supplied with uniform charges in order to raise the operating point
of the shift register, thereby increasing transfer speed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Subject matter having means to remove unwanted electric
charges from the charge coupled type image sensing device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Subject matter wherein the solid-state image sensor
comprises sensor elements that are arranged on a surface of a substrate
in any of various zigzags, or overlappings of position, or comprises
sensor elements that are nonuniform in shape.
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Subject matter wherein alternate rows or columns of charges
are shifted to separate storage or transfer registers located at
opposite sides of the charge coupled photosensitive area.
(1)
Note. This technique is often used to produce odd
and even fields.
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Subject matter wherein charges of an entire image area are
shifted in parallel from an exposure area to a storage area of the
charge coupled image sensing device prior to a readout.
This subclass is indented under subclass 317. Subject matter including provision for recycling the output
from an output register to an input register or storage register.
This subclass is indented under subclass 317. Subject matter wherein charges from columns of photosensitive
shift registers are transferred to storage registers other than
those directly below respective columns; or subject matter wherein
charges from the photosites are transferred horizontally into vertical
shift registers which are separate from the photosensitive area.
This subclass is indented under subclass 317. Subject matter wherein image charges of every other column
are shifted in parallel from an exposure area to a readout area
of the charge coupled device prior to a sequential readout.
(1)
Note. The term "interline" comes from the word "interlace-line".
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Subject matter wherein image charges of every other column
are shifted in parallel from an exposure area to a readout area
of the charge coupled image sensing device prior to a sequential
readout from the readout area.
This subclass is indented under subclass 311. Subject matter wherein charges of an image line are shifted
in parallel from an exposure area to a readout area of the charge
coupled image sensing device prior to a readout.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter including a camera tube in which an optical
image of an object is converted to a charge on a photosensitive
target surface and then scanned by an electron beam to convert the
charge image to an electrical signal.
(1)
Note. Common cathode-ray tubes include
iconoscope, orthicon, and vidicon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325. Subject matter including means to automatically ensure that
the beam scanning the target of the tube remains converged essentially
to a point at the target face.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325. Subject matter including means to regulate the beam current
of the tube such that it is held at a constant value, or
to increase, decrease, or maintain the beam current
such that the signal output has a fixed relationship to the light energy
input.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325. Subject matter including means to remove charges still remaining
on the tube target after it has been scanned by an electron beam.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325. Subject matter wherein the cathode-ray tube includes
a target surface which releases electrons when exposed to light
or other radiation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 329. Subject matter in which an electron image emitted from the
photocathode is scanned across an aperture, behind which
aperture an electron detector is disposed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 325. Subject matter wherein the cathode-ray tube includes
a target which changes its electrical conductivity when exposed
to varying amounts of light incident thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein the scanning is performed by a plurality
of elements sensitive to light, each corresponding to a
discrete, elemental area of the image.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter including an electronic display, which
is a fixed or removable part of the camera for permitting an operator
to see a captured image produced from the camera output signal or
from an auxiliary.
This subclass is indented under subclass 333.01. Subject matter wherein the display shows additional information
related to the camera operation or data related to the captured camera
image.
(1)
Note. Additional information is displayed in order
to indicate camera status, to implement camera control, to
classify images captured by the camera, or to annotate
images.
This subclass is indented under subclass 333.02. Subject matter wherein the additional information includes
a frame that is displayed in order to permit the user to discern
the field of view or to discern the portion of the field of view
of a captured camera image.
(1)
Note. Automatic selection of a focus or exposure
control area may be made by determining the user’s line
of sight to the area.
(2)
Note. Examples of frames are a zoom frame, a
field frame, a focus frame, or an exposure frame.
This subclass is indented under subclass 333.02. Subject matter wherein the additional information includes
a visible warning which is displayed to indicate an undesirable
picture-taking condition.
(1)
Note. An undesirable condition may be excessive
camera motion, inability to achieve focus or insufficient
exposure condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 333.01. Subject matter wherein a plurality of images are displayed
thereby enabling comparison between images, selection, combining, or deletion
of images.
(1)
Note. The images may be compressed to "thumbnail"
size in order to facilitate display of a large number of images.
This subclass is indented under subclass 333.01. Subject matter wherein the display includes a mechanism
for rotating or translating the viewfinder to a variety of angles.
(1)
Note. This may include 180 degrees rotation for
a self-photography operation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 333.06. Subject matter wherein the viewfinder is detachable from
the body of the camera in order to remotely view camera images or remotely
control the camera.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes a mechanism for detachably
attaching the viewfinder to the camera body.
This subclass is indented under subclass 333.01. Subject matter including a specific optical configuration.
(1)
Note. For example, an optical configuration
may be a relative positioning of lenses, mirrors, and
special purpose optical elements designed to perform viewfinder
functions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 333.08. Subject matter wherein an image is projected from the viewfinder
onto a screen for enlargement of the image.
(1)
Note. A projected image from the viewfinder may be
viewed by a person other than the photographer.
This subclass is indented under subclass 333.01. Subject matter wherein the viewfinder is used to preview
an image prior to either a photographing or an image storing operation.
(1)
Note. In this way a proper exposure condition and
desired location of the subject within the image field can be determined before
camera resources are used to take the picture or store the captured
picture. In some cases the image displayed in the preview
mode is of lower resolution than that of the captured picture.
This subclass is indented under subclass 333.01. Subject matter wherein changing of the size (i.e., electronic
zooming) or aspect ratio of the displayed image is performed
by the viewfinder.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein the camera includes an optical structure
which changes a property of an incident light beam.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Subject matter having an optical arrangement for resolving
a multi-wavelength image into its component color signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 336. Subject matter including a multi-sectional refractive
optical element or a group of refractive optical elements for color-separating
the incident image.
This subclass is indented under subclass 337. Subject matter wherein the color separation is obtained
at the intersection between refractive optical elements by the optical
effect of an air gap or a layer of material having a property of passing
different colors by selectively reflecting or transmitting particular
wavelengths of a light beam incident thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 336. Subject matter wherein the separation of color components
of an image signal is performed solely by elements having a property
of passing different colors by selectively reflecting or transmitting
particular wavelengths of a light beam incident thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Subject matter including an apparatus permitting an operator
to see the image that is focused on the sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Subject matter including an optical device for selectively
absorbing or transmitting a specific frequency band of the spectral
response of the camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Subject matter including optical elements in the optical
path to the picture signal generator permitting the light output
of a plurality of diverse light sources to enter the path of the picture
signal generator.
(1)
Note. The light sources may include motion picture
and slide projectors, for example.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Subject matter including a structure to adjust a camera’s
optical arrangement so that the optical image is maximally resolved
on the sensor.
This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Subject matter including a device to visually or audibly
indicate to an operator the state of the focused image.
This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Subject matter including a device to detect a relative position
of a variable focal length lens element or a relative position of
an aperture with respect to a reference position or a reference
optical element position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Subject matter including a device, usually acoustical
or optical, emitting energy and detecting the reflected
emitted energy for the determination of the distance of a subject
from a camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 345. Subject matter including a device for detecting a characteristic
of the video output of the camera sensor for determining a focus
condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Subject matter wherein a second photosensitive detector
or an area outside an active imaging area of a primary photosensitive
detector is used to determine the focus condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Subject matter wherein a periodic relative movement of the
lens or the sensor is used to determine the proper focus condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Subject matter including a device to detect the movement
of an object within a scene to control or disable the automatic
focusing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Subject matter including a device for detecting brightness
differences of video signal components for determining the focus
condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 349. Subject matter including a device for evaluating characteristics
of a video signal upper frequency component for determining the
focus condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 354. Subject matter including a device to detect upper amplitudes
or rate of change of the high frequency component for determining
the focus condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Subject matter wherein one or more of a plurality of wavelength
refractive or absorptive optical elements (e.g., lens
or filter) are selectively positioned in the optical path
of the camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 360. Subject matter wherein the selective positioning of a lens
or a filter is performed responsive to a predetermined condition
without intervention of a human operator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Subject matter including a device for regulating the total
illumination (e.g., duration
or intensity) admitted to an imaging device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 362. Subject matter wherein the exposure is controlled by opening
or closing an aperture responsive to a predetermined condition without
intervention of a human operator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 363. Subject matter including a device for analyzing the video
output of the camera for determining an exposure condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 364. Subject matter including a device for detecting brightness
differences of video signal components for determining the exposure
condition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 362. Subject matter including an element for alternately blocking
and passing light to the image sensor at every field or frame.
This subclass is indented under subclass 335. Subject matter including an optical structure for bringing
image illumination from a certain position not on the principle
optical axis of the camera to a position within a field of view
of the camera.
This subclass is indented under subclass 207.99. Subject matter wherein a scanned object or scene is supplied
with light or radiation in addition to ambient light.
This subclass is indented under subclass 370. Subject matter wherein periodic or transient impulses of
light are applied to the scanned object or scene.
This subclass is indented under subclass 373. Subject matter wherein the support or housing is associated
with an auxiliary camera component (e.g., flash).
CATHODE-RAY TUBE DISPLAY EXCESSIVE VOLTAGE CONTROL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including a device to prevent the occurrence
of high electrical potential which may damage the cathode-ray
tube.
This subclass is indented under subclass 377. Subject matter including a device, responsive to
a detected overvoltage, to inhibit the function of one
or more display circuits.
This subclass is indented under subclass 380. Subject matter including an apparatus for imparting color
to the picture by controlling the energy supplied to the beam.
This subclass is indented under subclass 381. Subject matter wherein the depth of penetration of the beam
into the luminescent layer determines the color.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter which includes a display system comprising
more than one display device, each displaying an image
of part of the scene being televised.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including apparatus to compress the frequency
range of the signal produced by a picture signal generator prior
to transmission to accommodate the bandwidth limitation of the transmission
medium or means at the receiver to utilize the signal to reconstruct
an image.
(1)
Note. Analog television bandwidth reduction system
is classified in this subclass and its indented subclasses.
See search class notes below for the location of the digital television
bandwidth reduction system.
Pulse or Digital Communications,
subclasses 240 through 254for bandwidth reduction or expansion, especially
subclasses 240.01-240.29 for digital
television bandwidth reduction.
Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics, Language
Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression,
subclasses 500 through 504for bandwidth, or time compression, or
expansion of audio signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 384.1. Subject matter wherein two or more video signals are processed
to reduce their bandwidth and combined such that the combined signal bandwidth
is less than or equal to the bandwidth of one of the video signals.
(1)
Note. Examples are time compressing and frequency
limiting.
This subclass is indented under subclass 385.1. Subject matter wherein color video signals are specified.
(1)
Note. The color signals may be composite (chrominance
modulated on a subcarrier) or component (e.g., luminance
and chrominance or red, green, and blue).
(2)
Note. Nominal recitations are insufficient to be
classified here.
This subclass is indented under subclass 384.1. Subject matter wherein the signal is split and fed into
plural channels, each of which has less bandwidth than
the original signal.
(1)
Note. Included herein are systems where the combined
bandwidth, of the plural channels, equals the
bandwidth of the input signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 388.1. Subject matter wherein one channel can be received and
utilized by a standard receiver to provide a standard display.
(1)
Note. Examples of signals included in the augmentation
channels are side panels to expand the aspect ratio of the high definition
display; high frequency information, both horizontal
and vertical; and extra audio information.
(2)
Note. The second or additional channels are often
referred to as augmentation channels and normally cannot provide
a display by themselves. Reception of all channels allows
a high definition display.
This subclass is indented under subclass 390.1. Subject matter wherein the signals compressed are the
components of a natural color video signal (e.g., luminance
and chrominance or red, green, and blue).
(1)
Note. A composite signal that is separated into chrominance
and luminance or red, green, and blue is classified
herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 391.1. Subject matter wherein the bandwidth reduction is performed
by folding the higher frequencies down to fit inside a reduced frequency
spectrum by sampling at a rate less than twice the highest frequency, causing
the alias and baseband spectrums to overlap.
(1)
Note. The Nyquist criteria states that the sampling
rate should be at least twice the baseband. In sub-Nyquist
systems, the sampling rate is less than the required Nyquist
sampling rate.
(2)
Note. The alias components, which are generated
by sampling and centered on the sampling frequency, are
normally placed in teeth or gaps of the video spectrum to allow
recovery of the original full band signal.
(3)
Note. These systems often use comb filters (two- or
three-dimensional filters using line, field, or
frame delays) to remove any signal in the gaps.
This subclass is indented under subclass 391.1. Subject matter wherein the video signal that is band reduced
is a video signal having a color subcarrier in the same band as
the luminance signal or black and white signal.
for systems that receive a color composite signal, separates
it into luminance and chrominance components, and reduces
the band of the separated components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 393.1. Subject matter including a means for coding the difference
between the actual signal and an estimated signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 390.1. Subject matter wherein individual systems of characters
or rules are used for representing information related to diverse
image portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 390.1. Subject matter wherein a remapping of image values (i.e., between
spatial and frequency domains) occurs in combination with
a diminution of signal quantity by comparison with a preceding signal.
(1)
Note. The preceding signal may be a temporal or spatial
signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 401.1. Subject matter wherein the comparison is used to produce
a signal indicative of the magnitude and direction of spatial change
during the stated temporal interval.
This subclass is indented under subclass 403.1. Subject matter wherein an operation or parameter of the
encoder is varied based upon the output signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 404.1. Subject matter wherein the operation or parameter is varied
as a result of spatial change during a temporal interval.
This subclass is indented under subclass 403.1. Subject matter wherein the remapped values are chosen
for further processing or transmission based upon content.
This subclass is indented under subclass 390.1. Subject matter wherein an output signal represents the
difference between the input signal and a predicted value.
(1)
Note. The predicted signal may be the preceding signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 409.1. Subject matter wherein the signal is sampled periodically
and each sample comprises a reference combined with additional difference information.
This subclass is indented under subclass 412.1. Subject matter wherein at least one comparison is used
to produce a signal indicative of the magnitude and direction of
spatial change during the stated temporal interval.
This subclass is indented under subclass 411.1. Subject matter wherein at least one comparison is with
a set of stored reference image or subimage portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 415.1. Subject matter wherein a signal is produced which is indicative
of the magnitude and direction of spatial change during the stated
temporal interval.
This subclass is indented under subclass 409.1. Subject matter wherein the resulting signal is further
compared with a set of stored reference image or subimage portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 409.1. Subject matter wherein the resolution of the comparison
is determined by the amount of the remaining capacity of a temporary
storage device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 390.1. Subject matter wherein a sampled image matrix is processed
by the use of plural submatrices of reduced area.
This subclass is indented under subclass 420.1. Subject matter including a representative of the lowest
value of the block or the greatest value of the block or the sum
of the values of a two-dimensional spatial array of values
divided by the number of elements in the array.
This subclass is indented under subclass 390.1. Subject matter wherein the sampled image representation
matrix is compared with a set of stored reference image or subimage
portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 390.1. Subject matter wherein concurrent transmission of the
sampled image signal, at least one related sound channel
signal and a signal to ensure receiver scanning align with the picture signal
generator.
This subclass is indented under subclass 390.1. Subject matter wherein the signal is further processed
by circuitry unique to the rate reduction encoding/decoding
process.
This subclass is indented under subclass 425.1. Subject matter wherein the further circuitry combines
the time variable video signal with a synchronizing signal to allow
reconstruction of an image and converts the resultant signal into a
format suitable for storage or transmission.
This subclass is indented under subclass 425.1. Subject matter wherein further circuitry utilizes a synchronizing
signal component to maintain a proper time or phase correspondence
between components of the rate reduction encoding/decoding
process with respect to a regular television frame rate of 25 to
30 frames per second (e.g., 100
frames per second, etc.).
(1)
Note. Systems in this collection are mostly used
to view high speed motion (e.g., a
bullet or an airplane in motion, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 384.1. Subject matter including systems that produce a narrow
band signal, which resembles a conventional TV signal, from
a broadband source and allow reconstruction of a broadband display.
(1)
Note. Included herein are systems in which additional
video information is transmitted by using a subcarrier, sampling, additional
modulation of the picture carrier (e.g., quadrature), undulatory scanning, line
number conversion, or placing an extra video in normal
blanking areas.
This subclass is indented under subclass 426.1. Subject matter wherein additional information is embedded
in the video signal by causing the alias components centered about
the sampling frequency to extend into the normal baseband signal.
(1)
Note. Systems that use a subcarrier to achieve the
same effect are classified herein.
(2)
Note. Recitation and recognition of frequency folding
is not required for classification herein.
(3)
Note. The lower sideband of the alias components
has the F or F s -F v, with F s being the sampling
frequency, and F v being the video frequency the higher
F v (the lower the alias F s -F v) the
frequency folding occurs around F s/2.
This subclass is indented under subclass 427.1. Subject matter wherein at least some pixels on the same
transmitted line are vertically displaced from each other in addition
to the horizontal displacement between pixels.
(1)
Note. Included herein are systems that have vertically
aligned samples as long as the scan is generally horizontal.
(2)
Note. Systems that scan vertically are not classified
herein.
(3)
Note. The source and display either have more lines
than the transmitted signal or undulate the scan.
This subclass is indented under subclass 427.1. Subject matter including signals, in addition
to the video signals, used in the receiver to reconstruct
a broadband signal resembling the original broadband signal.
(1)
Note. Examples of video-related information
are motion vectors or motion indicators.
This subclass is indented under subclass 426.1. Subject matter wherein the narrow band signal is a conventional
TV signal, and the broadband display is reconstructed using
the conventional signal and at least one other signal is transmitted
with the conventional signal.
(1)
Note. The conventional signal is usable by itself
to produce a narrow band display. Chrominance information
is not considered additional video information.
(2)
Note. Examples of the conventional TV signals are
NTSC, PAL, or SECAM.
This subclass is indented under subclass 432.1. Subject matter wherein the other video information modulates
the picture carrier in a manner different than the conventional
signal.
(1)
Note. Included herein are quadrature modulation, phase
modulation, and frequency modulation involving modulation
of a carrier of the same frequency as the picture carrier and differing
in phase by 90 degrees.
This subclass is indented under subclass 432.1. Subject matter wherein the added video information occupies
a time interval not occupied by the conventional display video.
(1)
Note. Overscan is active video which is normally
hidden by the faceplate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 434.1. Subject matter wherein the added video information is
inserted between the active interval of successive frames.
This subclass is indented under subclass 432.1. Subject matter wherein the additional signal is modulated
on a carrier having a frequency other than the picture carrier and
is located in the bandwidth of the video signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 384.1. Subject matter wherein the original signal is band reduced
by decimating frames, fields, or lines and time
expanding the signal to occupy the time base of the original signal.
(1)
Note. The process is reversed at the receiver to
produce a signal having at least the same frame, field, and
line rate as the original signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 384.1. Subject matter wherein the frequency range is reduced
by lowering the speed of the scanning at the time significant transitions
in the image occur and resume higher scanning speed when little
or no transition occurs.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including particular methods or apparatus
for converting one format into another format.
(1)
Note. Examples of converters found herein are NTSC
to PAL or SECAM, High Vision to NTSC, or field
sequential color to simultaneous color signal (e.g., NTSC).
This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Subject matter including a means for converting a radial
scanned pattern to a rectangular scanned pattern or vice versa.
(1)
Note. Examples herein are radar to TV or vice versa.
This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Subject matter wherein the conversion from the first signal
to second signal changes both the number of lines per field and
the number of fields per second.
This subclass is indented under subclass 443. Subject matter including structure or process for converting
a first chrominance signal into a second chrominance signal (e.g., converting from
the quadrature modulated NTSC chrominance to either the line reversing
PAL quadrature signal or the line alternating frequency modulated
SECAM chrominance).
This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Subject matter wherein input and output signals have different
width to height ratios and the conversion adjusts the ratios.
(1)
Note. Examples herein are systems that select the
standard 4:3 aspect ratio of a wide aspect ratio signal
or systems that fill in the top and bottom of a 4:3 aspect ratio (e.g., letter
box) to display a wide aspect ratio signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Subject matter wherein an input signal has all the lines
scanned during one vertical period and an output signal requires
at least two vertical periods to scan all the lines.
(1)
Note. In the input signal the spatially adjacent
lines are temporally adjacent while in the output signal the spatially adjacent
lines are not temporally adjacent and the temporally adjacent lines are
not spatially adjacent.
(2)
Note. Often the conversion also changes the frame
rate, but such frame rate conversion is not required for
classification herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Subject matter comprising means to decrease the period of
the output signal below 1/60th of a second to reduce large
area flicker in a display.
(1)
Note. Rate change between formats such as NTSC and
PAL are classified in subclass 459 or subclass 441.
(2)
Note. These systems can include line number doubling
or halving.
This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Subject matter wherein an input signal has N lines per vertical
period and an output signal contains at least 2N lines per vertical
period.
(1)
Note. Most systems use a progressive scan where vertical
periods (field) are in the same position on the
display as compared with an interlaced system where lines in adjacent
fields are offset. Classified herein are systems that double
the number of the lines and produce an interlace display (e.g., conversion
from 525 2:1 to either 525 1:1 or 1050 2:1).
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Subject matter including a means for determining whether
the signal has a fixed line period (broadcast) or
a variable line period (tape machine).
(1)
Note. These systems normally switch operating modes
using the previous field for standard signal and line interpolation for
nonstandard signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Subject matter including a means for processing a composite
color signal (a signal with a color subcarrier in the luminance
band like NTSC, PAL, or SECAM).
(1)
Note. The processing is normally chrominance luminance
separation wherein the normal field delay used in line doubling
is also used as a delay for chrominance luminance separation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 450. Subject matter including a detector which senses field to
field or frame to frame differences and which processing has at
least two modes (e.g., still, moving, slow
motion, or fast motion) with the difference signal
selecting the mode.
(1)
Note. The two modes maybe either the line doubling
selecting between the previous field or interpolation or some other two
modes processing like Y/C separation or noise reduction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 448. Subject matter including a detector which senses field to
field or frame to frame differences and which has at least two modes
of line doubling (e.g., still, moving, slow
motion, or fast motion) with the difference signal
selecting the mode.
This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Subject matter wherein an input color signal and an output
color signal differ in the method in which the color information
is assembled and wherein the system changes from the first method
of assembly to the second method of assembly.
This subclass is indented under subclass 453. Subject matter wherein a chrominance signal having the phase
of one of the quadrature components inverted in alternating lines
is converted into a quadrature modulated chrominance signal without
phase inversion or vice versa.
This subclass is indented under subclass 453. Subject matter wherein one of the signals has information
for all three colors, red (R), green (G), and
blue (B) all the time and the other has information
for no more than two colors at any one time with at least two signals
being time division multiplexed.
(1)
Note. Systems that alternate signals at the pixel
rate (dot sequential) are considered simultaneous.
(2)
Note. Included herein are systems that convert from
SECAM to PAL or NTSC or vice versa.
This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Subject matter including a means for converting numbers
of line per field of an input signal to different numbers of lines
per field of output signals.
(1)
Note. Details of how output lines are formed from
the input lines are classified herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 441. Subject matter including an apparatus or method for changing
an input signal having a vertical period to an output signal having
a different vertical period.
DIVERSE DEVICE CONTROLLED BY INFORMATION EMBEDDED IN VIDEO SIGNAL:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including a device other than the normal
video processing circuits of a receiver which is controlled by a
signal added to a normal TV signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 461. Subject matter including details of synchronizing a coded
character transmitted with a coded character receiver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 461. Subject matter including circuitry for separating or identifying
the character codes from the video signal.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including particular methods or apparatus
for combining the time variable video signal with a synchronizing
signal to allow reconstruction of the image from which the video
signal originated.
This subclass is indented under subclass 469. Subject matter including particular methods or apparatus
for reducing the effects of noise or for optimizing the signal for
FM transmission.
(1)
Note. Time division multiplexing of chrominance
and luminance components is classified in subclass 488.
This subclass is indented under subclass 471. Subject matter wherein the video is quantized into plural
bits and the amplitude spikes represent either a one or zero with
the absence of a pulse representing the other.
for similar systems wherein the added signal is
an additional part of the image such as a side panel, a
high frequency component, or a vertical high frequency
component.
This subclass is indented under subclass 473. Subject matter wherein the additional signal component is
derived from video and controls the receiver processing of the signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 473. Subject matter wherein the additional signal directly modulates
a carrier of the same frequency as the picture carrier.
(1)
Note. Most often the addition modulation is amplitude
modulation of a carrier at 90 degrees to the picture carrier which is
called quadrature modulation. However, both phase
and frequency modulation of the carrier before or after amplitude
modulation of the carrier by the video are classified herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 473. Subject matter wherein the signal component occupies a time
interval not occupied by the normal display video.
This subclass is indented under subclass 473. Subject matter wherein the additional information modulates
a carrier located within the bandwidth of the picture carrier.
This subclass is indented under subclass 469. Subject matter wherein the signal occupies a continuous
frequency band greater than a conventional channel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 469. Subject matter including particular methods or apparatus
for combining individual color signals together with a sync signal
for transmission.
This subclass is indented under subclass 488. Subject matter wherein a signal representing the brightness
or the black and white information and signals representing the
color content are sequentially transmitted at a rate substantially
less than the pixel or element rate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 488. Subject matter wherein signals are transmitted sequentially
with a duration of at least one vertical period.
(1)
Note. Dot sequential systems which select one color
or luminance pixel followed by another color pixel etc., are classified
in subclass 492.
This subclass is indented under subclass 488. Subject matter wherein a single color or luminance signal
is transmitted continuously while at least two additional color
signals are transmitted alternately at a rate substantially less than
the pixel or elemental rate.
This subclass is indented under subclass 488. Subject matter wherein a plurality of color signals or luminance
and color signals are transmitted simultaneously.
This subclass is indented under subclass 492. Subject matter in which one signal conveys brightness or
black and white information and a second carrier signal conveys
two distinct quantities of color information at either two distinct
phases or phase and amplitude.
FLUTTER OR JITTER CORRECTION (E.G., DYNAMIC
REPRODUCTION):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including circuitry for correcting a timebase
error of a video signal which may vary with respect to time.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including particular techniques or apparatus
for utilizing synchronizing signal components to maintain proper
time or phase correspondence between scanning components of the
television system.
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Subject matter including means for extracting, processing, or
reinserting the sync signal of a video signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Subject matter including circuitry for generating continuous
color subcarrier from the burst of a video signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 505. Subject matter including specific circuitry for separating
the burst from other components of a composite color signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Subject matter including means for controlling a programmable
processor so as to operate in time or phase of a TV signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Subject matter including means for directly changing the
phase or time relationship between a video signal and its sync signal
components in order to produce picture translation upon display.
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Subject matter including means for changing the time or
phase of video or audio signals so as to correspond to a reference
time or phase.
This subclass is indented under subclass 512. Subject matter in which the audio or video data is written
into a frame or field memory according to its own time or phase
and read out according to the reference time or phase.
This subclass is indented under subclass 512. Subject matter including means for changing the time or
phase of one of a video or audio signal so as to be in time or phase
with the other one of the audio or video signals.
This subclass is indented under subclass 512. Subject matter wherein the change in time or phase take
into account the time or phase shifts caused during transmission
through a channel.
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Subject matter including methods and apparatus for the generation
of the synchronizing signal components necessary for the proper synchronization
between components of the television system.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass is apparatus for
the generation of synchronizing signal components to achieve interlace scanning.
This subclass is indented under subclass 521. Subject matter including means integral with the picture
signal generator for producing the synchronizing signal components (e.g., separate
aperture on a Nipkow disc for sync pulse generation conductive strip
at raster edge on vidicon for sync signal generation).
This subclass is indented under subclass 521. Subject matter including means for counting or dividing
a reference signal to generate the sync signal components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Subject matter including apparatus for separating the synchronizing
signal components or a synchronizing signal component from other portions
of a television signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Subject matter wherein the separating circuitry includes
an output providing a control signal for automatic gain control (AGC).
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Subject matter wherein the separating circuitry includes
an output providing only a vertical rate sync signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 529. Subject matter wherein the separating circuitry includes
an additional output providing only a horizontal rate sync signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Subject matter wherein the separating circuitry includes
an output providing only a horizontal rate sync signal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 525. Subject matter including apparatus for reducing the deleterious
effects of noise on the utilization of the synchronizing signal
components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 533. Subject matter including apparatus to amplitude limit the
synchronizing signal components to reduce the effects of noise on
the utilization of such components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 533. Subject matter including apparatus for inverting the polarity
of noise components associated with the synchronizing signal components
and algebraically adding such inverted noise components to the synchronizing
signal components to reduce the effects of noise on the utilization
of the synchronizing signal components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Subject matter including a means for automatically controlling
the time or phase of an oscillating signal in response to sync signal components.
This subclass is indented under subclass 537. Subject matter including means for creating data at a desired
phase from two or more original data samples.
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Subject matter wherein the horizontal phase or frequency
control means includes a plurality of distinct operating states.
This subclass is indented under subclass 540. Subject matter including a resetting divider for controlling
the phase or time of the oscillating signal in response to the horizontal
sync.
This subclass is indented under subclass 547. Subject matter including a resetting divider for controlling
the phase or time of the oscillating signal in response to the vertical
sync.
This subclass is indented under subclass 500. Subject matter including apparatus for utilizing synchronizing
signal components to achieve a scanning process in which the distance
from center to center of a successively scanned line is two or more
times the nominal line width, and in which the adjacent
lines belong to different fields.
COMBINED WITH DIVERSE ART DEVICE (E.G., COMPUTER, TELEPHONE):
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the receiver is combined with a device
that has utility other than a TV receiver.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including a specific circuitry that adds
additional functions to a basic receiver.
This subclass is indented under subclass 553. Subject matter wherein the signal processing of the receiver
is changed depending upon the format, modulation, or
the nature of the signal inputs such as R, G, B, or
composite (e.g., antenna signal).
This subclass is indented under subclass 554. Subject matter including a specific circuitry that enables
the receiver to receive and display two or more signal formats.
(1)
Note. A conventional receiver receives and displays
only on signal standard. A standard is limited to the
number of lines, frame rate, and aspect ratio.
Signals which have the same number of lines, frame rate, and
aspect ratio wherein the only difference is the stage of signal
development, such as R, G, B, or
composite or SVHSs luminance and chrominance components are classified in
subclass 554.
This subclass is indented under subclass 555. Subject matter including a specific circuitry to allow display
of signals having different width to height ratios.
(1)
Note. The receiver is normally designed to display
one aspect ratio, the aspect ratio of the display, and
circuitry is provided to change the second signal standard to make
it displayable on the display. Examples of such signal
changing include selecting a narrow aspect ratio section from a
wide aspect ratio signal for display on a narrow aspect ratio display
or time compressing a narrow aspect ratio signal for display on
a wide aspect ratio display.
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14.01