A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes.

Compact fluorescence endoscopy video system

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring transmissions of media content (such as audio and audiovisual content) in order to obtain independent and objective data regarding the use of specific media content recordings or works within the transmissions. Processing and reporting of such data is provided in various ways to serve a variety of business needs. Methods for employing content identification technology to efficiently and automatically obtain reliable, accurate, and precise monitoring data are also disclosed. Various information products and services based on such monitoring systems are proposed.

Media monitoring, management and information system

A system for using a watermark embedded in an audio signal to remotely control a device. Various devices such as toys, computers, and appliances, equipped with an appropriate detector, detect the hidden signals, which can trigger an action, or change a state of the device. The watermarks can be used with a “time gate” device, where detection of the watermark opens a time interval within which a user is allowed to perform an action, such as pressing a button, typing in an answer, turning a key in a lock, etc.

Remote control signaling using audio watermarks

An imaging system for white light and fluorescence endoscopy that includes an automatic gain control circuit (30) that adjusts the brightness of an image produced based on distribution of pixel intensities in one or more video frames. The magnitude of the image signals produced by a pair of high sensitivity imaging devices such as intensified CCD transducers are compared to a number of reference thresholds. A time-over-threshold counter (112) determines the number of pixels in the image signals having magnitudes greater than or less than the reference thresholds. The distribution of pixel intensities is supplied to a decision tree algorithm (116) that determines whether the gain of the intensified CCD transducers (44a, 44b) used to produce the autofluorescence images or the intensity of the excitation light produced by a light source (36) should be increased or decreased. In addition, a mode switch mechanism is provided to change rapidly from the fluorescence imaging mode to the white light imaging mode or vice versa. This mechanism includes provisions to prevent the accidental application of reflected white illumination light to the image-intensified CCD transducers. Proximity switches (192, 194) monitor the position of a light directing mechanism such as a mirror (186) to allow light to pass to fluorescence camera head (42) or to a color video camera head (46). The light source is not switched to produce white light until it is known that the mirror is in position to direct the reflected light to the color video camera head. Finally, the present invention produces a quantitative display of the relative intensities of the autofluorescence light produced in a pair of spectral bands.

Imaging system with automatic gain control for reflectance and fluorescence endoscopy

A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multi-mode light source that produces light for white light and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for white light and fluorescence imaging, which may be located in the insertion portion of the endoscope, or attached to the portion of the endoscope outside the body. The camera can be utilized for both white light imaging and fluorescence imaging, and in its most compact form, contains no moving parts.

Fluorescence endoscopy video systems with no moving parts in the camera

Video data detect circuits are provided for a video hard copy controller of the type that converts and formats a video signal into a digital signal for application to a hard copy generating device. The video signal includes a video data component and a synchronization component including horizontal synchronization (HS) periods. The video hard copy controller includes means for generating sample clock pulses at a frequency proportional to the HS periods. The video data detect circuits comprise first means for generating a predetermined video threshold reference signal; second means coupled to the first means and responsive to the video signal and to the predetermined reference signal for generating a binary signal at one state for so long as the voltage level of the video signal exceeds that of the predetermined reference signal and at another state for so long as the voltage level of the video signal is less than that of the predetermined reference signal. Third means is coupled to the second means and is responsive to the sample clock pulses and to the binary signal for coherently sampling the state of the binary signal at a predetermined transition of each sample clock pulse in order to generate the digital signal.

Video data detect circuits for video hard copy controller

Video input circuits are disclosed for a video hard copy controller of the type that converts and formats video signals into digital signals for application to a hard copy generating device. The video input circuits comprise a video amplifier circuit having input terminals for receiving a composite video signal comprised of a video data component and a synchronization component, control terminals for receiving a gain control signal to control the gain of the amplifier circuit, and output terminals at which an amplified composite video signal is developed. An automatic gain control circuit is coupled in feedback relation between the output and control terminals of the amplifier circuit for generating the gain control signal to control the gain of the video amplifier such that, in said amplified composite video signal, the potential difference between first and second portions of the synchronization component thereof substantially constant. A d-c restorer circuit is coupled to the output of the video amplifier circuit for maintaining the first portion of the synchronization component in a predetermined relationship with respect to a predetermined reference potential.

Video input circuits for video hard copy controller

An automatic gain control circuit for controlling the gain of a video amplifier of the type adapted to amplify a composite video signal comprised of a video data component and a synchronization component. The circuit comprises first means coupled to the output of the video amplifier for sampling the voltage level of the amplified composite video signal during a first portion (e.g. backporch) of the synchronization component. Second means is coupled to the output of the video amplifier for sampling the voltage level of the amplified composite video signal during a second portion (e.g. tip) of the synchronization component. Third means is coupled to the first and second means for comparing the actual potential difference between the sampled first and second portions with a predetermined reference potential and for generating a gain control signal representative of such comparison. Fourth means is provided for coupling the gain control signal to a control input of the video amplifier in order to control the gain thereof to maintain the actual potential difference between the first and second portions proportional to the level of the predetermined reference potential.

Automatic gain control for video amplifier

A video hard copy controller includes first means for receiving serial input video signals from a first source. Second means is coupled to the first means for converting the serial input video signals into a first set of parallel digital signals. Third means is coupled to the second means for receiving the first set of parallel digital signals. The third means includes means for receiving a second set of parallel digital signals from a second source and means responsive to a control signal for selecting between the first and second sets of parallel digital signals for output to a hard copy generating device in order to produce a hard copy fascimile of the images represented by the selected set of parallel digital video signals.

Kenneth F. Koch

Papers

Video data detect circuits for video hard copy controller

Video input circuits for video hard copy controller

Automatic gain control for video amplifier

Video hard copy controller