Showing papers on "Digital camera published in 1994"

Handy computer with built-in digital camera and spot state recording method using the same

Abstract: In a handy computer having an image pickup unit, a drawing or map information of a large area which including a prearranged portion to be inspected is stored, the prearranged portion to be inspected is specified on the drawing or the map information to thereby calculate positional data. The positional data is associated with photographed image data of an inspected portion which has been photographed by the image pickup unit.

Digital camera with separate function and option icons and control switches

Abstract: A hand-held digital camera including a CCD for receiving an image and converting the image to a digital file of image data, a memory for storing the image data, a communication port for communicating between the hand-held digital camera and a digital computer, and a user interface for receiving input commands from the user. The user interface includes a LCD and a plurality of switches for permitting the user to communicate with the camera intuitively. A host interface facilitates the transfer of commands and data between the digital camera and the host computer via a communication link and permits a user to operate the digital camera remotely from the host computer. The LCD includes function icons which the user can cycle among using one of the switches. The LCD also includes option icons for certain of the function icons, which the user can cycle among using a second switch.

CCD digital camera system with selectable memories

Abstract: A CCD digital camera system has a digital camera and a detachable display device. The digital camera includes an imaging device for receiving an image of an object to be photographed, the imaging device outputting a digital signal corresponding to the received image. The digital camera also includes a data memory for storing a portion of the digital signal and a controller for controlling a transfer of a first portion of the digital signal from the imaging device to the memory. The display device has an image memory for storing image data and a display for displaying an image corresponding to the image data stored in the image memory. The controller monitors one of its inputs for a predetermined signal, the predetermined signal indicating whether the display device is attached to the digital camera. If a presence of the predetermined signal is detected, the controller transfers all of the digital signal to the image memory.

A digital camera for machine vision

Abstract: A prototype of a complete full-frame motion digital camera with grey levels, standard logic interface and software programmability, specifically designed for machine vision applications, is presented. The key to the high integration level of the camera is a monolithic "intelligent" sensor implemented in standard CMOS technology which offers the possibility of integrating signal-conditioning and interface functions on the same die as the sensor array. A highly parallel analogue-to-digital conversion scheme is used to achieve video rate performance with low power consumption. Applications of the camera in close coupling with the main processors of a number of robotic systems are outlined. >

Portable imaging polarimeters

Abstract: The natural light field has long been known to be partly linearly polarized, and it has been suggested that various objects reflect light that is polarized at a specific orientation. Although humans use polarized light, our inability to see it limits our study and understanding of its distribution in nature and of the information it carries. By placing two twisted nematic liquid crystals and a fixed polarizing filter in series in front of a CCD camera, we constructed a portable polarimeter that analyses the linear polarization characteristics of a full image on a single pixel basis. Two configurations are presented: an autonomous sensor that uses a small camcorder for recording images that are analyzed at a later stage; and an online sensor that uses a digital camera connected to a personal computer which controls and analyses the information. Field measurements reveal possible usage for analyzing spatial orientation of objects or breaking color camouflage. Our new polarimeters provide an opportunity to inspect and understand an aspect of the visual world, currently obscure to our eyes.

Middle curtain flash

Abstract: A camera system and method for operation of fill flash photography, combining natural and flash light, which centers the times of natural light and flash light images. Synchronization is achieved by centering the time a flash is triggered midway between the opening front curtain and closing rear curtain of the shutter. In a particular preferred embodiment, a digital camera is coupled to a computer forming a system which stores images for image processing. The system includes a means for determining a period during which the shutter of the camera system will be opened and a means to determine a middle period in the the open shutter period. Preferably, the flash is fired at the midway point of the shutter period. This midway point in time is used to trigger the flash so it is substantially centered in time within the shutter period.

Digital imaging in clinical photography, Part 1.

Abstract: It has been possible to digitize analogue images for a number of years - either by the use of a still frame from a video camera, or by scanning a continuous-tone photograph - and to produce output in either print or transparency form, or with the captured image as part of, say, a computer-generated teaching slide. The quality has until now been less than adequate in terms of overall resolution and colour fidelity. It is only recently that true digital imaging has allowed the medical photographer to examine the mechanics of the production of high-quality clinical images and to see if this technology can provide a viable alternative to conventional silver imaging in terms of resolution, colour accuracy, speed, economy and overall usability. This article describes the short-term use of the Kodak Digital Camera System (the DCS) in the clinical studio and assesses the factors stated above.

Scheme camera employing compression recording

Abstract: A CCD digital camera used for storing an image of an object has an imaging device for receiving an image of the object and for generating a digital signal corresponding to the image. A memory stores a predetermined portion of the digital signal, which is less than all of the digital signal, generated by the imaging device. A controller controls the transfer of the predetermined portion of the digital signal from the imaging device to the memory. A data compression unit compresses the predetermined portion of the digital signal stored in the memory and outputs a compressed signal corresponding to the predetermined portion of the digital signal to a storage device which stores the compressed digital signal. The controller inhibits transfer of a subsequent predetermined portion of the digital signal to the memory, until all of the predetermined portion of the digital signal has been compressed by the data compression unit and stored in the storage device.

Photography without film: low-cost digital cameras come of age in dermatology.

Abstract: Background. Photography is integral to the practice of dermatology. Digital imaging techniques have only recently been used to assess cutaneous disorders. Previously reported imaging systems have been both expensive and cumbersome. Consequently, they have failed to gain widespread acceptance. Methods. We describe our experience using an inexpensive digital camera. Photographs taken with this portable digital camera (FotoMan) compare favorably to those obtained with conventional 35 mm cameras. Results. This inexpensive digital camera provides photographs of acceptable quality for a variety of dermatologic applications. Images created with this system are available within minutes and are less expensive than traditional photographs. Conclusions. Digital imaging is a new and exciting development. The digital camera described is simple to operate and provides a useful alternative or adjunct to conventional photography.

Method and apparatus for customer identification at automated teller machines

Abstract: In an automated customer interaction device such as an automated teller machine (ATM), a digital camera, under program control, provides a visual record of a transaction by recording the facial image of the client involved in the transaction. The digital visual image is compressed and stored for a preselected period of time. When a question arises with respect to a transaction, the compressed image can be retrieved and reconstructed. The reconstructed image can be used to determine the participant in the questioned activity.

Handy computer with built-in digital camera and spot state recording method using the same

Abstract: In a handy computer having an image pickup unit, a drawing or map information of a large area which including a prearranged portion to be inspected is stored, the prearranged portion to be inspected is specified on the drawing or the map information to thereby calculate positional data. The positional data is associated with photographed image data of an inspected portion which has been photographed by the image pickup unit.

Digital imaging in clinical photography, Part 2

Abstract: Following Part 1 of this article in the previous issue in which the technical aspects of the system were explored, Part 2 looks at the use of the digital camera system in the clinical photographic studio.

Automated 3D measurement with the DCS200 digital camera

Abstract: A digital photogrammetric system for automated 3D coordinate measurement in a production environment has been developed. For the image acquisition the Kodak DCS200 digital camera is used. This camera is based on a standard 35-mm camera. The results of the radiometric and geometric calibration of the DCS200 camera show the potential of this camera for photogrammetric applications. The software part of the system performs the detection, identification, and measurement of artificial targets present in digital images. These artificial targets are designed for automatic detection in images of a complex scene. For the identification of the targets a circular bar code is read by the image processing software. The least squares template matching method is implemented for the target image measurement. A precision better than 2% of a pixel was obtained for the target location. The 3D coordinate computation is performed by Geodelta's bundle adjustment package BINAER. It includes extensive statistical testing to assess the accuracy of the results. Tests with the DCS200 camera show a repeatability of 18 micrometer standard deviation on a test field 60 X 50 X 30 centimeter. The achieved precision is in the order of 2 (DOT) 10-5.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

A new digital camera processor with separated Y and C gamma control

Abstract: A new digital camera processor with a separated digital gamma correction for luminance and chrominance has been developed. This chip has almost all functions of a video camera signal processor and achieves higher image quality using digital optical black control and optimized bit width in internal processing. >

Electronic flash synchronizing method for daytime synchronous photographing and camera system

Abstract: PURPOSE: To improve camera sensitivity in the case of daylight synchronized photographing. CONSTITUTION: In the camera system and the method for the operation of the daylight synchronized photographing where natural light and flash light are used concurrently; image time with the natural light and the flash light is positioned at the center. Synchronization is realized by positioning the time for allowing the flash to emit light in the center between the opening of the front curtain and the closing of the rear curtain of a shutter. A digital camera 134 is connected to a computer 120 forming a system where the image is stored for image processing. It includes a means for deciding a period when the shutter 136 of the camera system 134 is opened and a means for deciding the center time of the shutter opening time. Desirably, the flash 137 is allowed to emit light in the middle point of the shutter time. The middle time point is used to allow the flash 137 to emit the light so that the flash 137 may be positioned nearly in the center of the time within the shutter time.

An Ultra-High Resolution Digital Camera

Abstract: We are developing a camera capable of capturing images of fine art paintings of up to one metre square at a resolution of 20 pixels per mm, based on the Kontron ProgRes 3012 camera which uses piezo micro-adjustment of the CCD array to produce 3000 by 2320 pixels. The new camera will incorporate an X-Y translation stage that moves the array around the image plane to acquire blocks that can be mosaiced together to form the final large digital image.

Dynamic Recording Using a TDI Camera

Abstract: Dynamic recording of physical events is an interesting and challenging problem for scientists and artists. Application of a digital camera for dynamic recording and analysis is presented. Some experiments are described demonstrating the working modes, advantages, and limitations of the device.

Recording and reproducting device

Abstract: PURPOSE:To provide an inexpensive camera by forming a part having a specific function of a digital electronic camera removable so as to minimize the size and cost of the basic digital electronic camera. CONSTITUTION:The digital camera has an expanded card interface provided with an interface 104 for recording medium and an expanding card interface 110 for signal processing, compression and external interface. The digital camera provides a minimum function as a digital camera when no expanded interface card is loaded. When the expanded card 111 is loaded, functions such as image pickup signal processing and compression processing of a signal obtained from an image pickup element, data form conversion of data on a recording medium 101 into a form of an external interface and transfer of the converted data, reception of data from the external interface, data form conversion and recording of data onto the recording medium 101 or return of data to the external interface are realized.

Design of a high-resolution programmable digital camera

Abstract: A digital camera has been designed based on a 1317 by 1035 pixel, full frame, CCD which offers the large area, high density sampling but with the options of programmable sub-area scanning and multiple independent x and y binning and programmable gain and offset. The sub-area scanning and binning can be used to increase the effective frame rate of the device for such applications as fast focusing and object location. The binning also provides greater sensitivity at the cost of spatial resolution, but is ideal in low light level applications such as fluorescence microscopy. The programmability of this camera permits the switching between the various clocking modes within a single frame time. Hence, the image can be auto-focused in sub-area scanning mode and then within a single frame time the full frame image can be acquired. The programmable clocking modes make this device ideal for quantitative imaging applications requiring a high throughput and the programmable gain and offset allow the user to fine tune the device for his specific needs. A description of the programmable microimager design and some initial measurements of noise, linearity, frequency response, and stability are presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

CCD sensor with filter arrangement for use in digital camera

Abstract: A digital camera 1 has an exchangeable lens system 3. At the rear of the camera body, an opening 4 is provided behind which a film cassette may be mounted. Within this section a CCD sensor 9 has a matrix of cells enclosed by a filter disc arrangement 11 of polygonal form and rotatable about the centre axis 12. Filter discs 13-16 are set into the side walls of the unit. The filter drum is coupled to the shaft of a motor built into the housing and allows the incident light falling on the lens to be split into the basic colour components.

Still image recording digital camera

Abstract: PURPOSE:To generate the video signal of a still image through the use of a general imaging device and to supply an inexpensive video input means by storing a detected result at the time of image-picking-up an animation and generating the still image based on the detected result. CONSTITUTION:Light inputted through a lens 101 is inputted to an imaging device 104 by a shutter control circuit 103 through a shutter 102 whose diaphragm value is controlled and a signal electric charge arranged on the surface of the device 104 is synchronized with a horizontal scanning pulse supplied from a driving circuit 105, voltage-converted and outputted. In this case, the circuit 103 limits incident light quantity to be prescribed quantity and, then, shuts off incident light. When the circuit 103 is limiting incident light quantity to be prescribed quantity, the device 104 outputs the digital video signal of an animation and outputs the digital video signal of a still image after shutting- off. A signal processing circuit 114 executes different signal processings when the digital video signal of the animation is supplied and when the digital video signal of the still image is supplied.

Digital camera with motorized focus for high-precision measurements

Abstract: The use of digital photogrammetric close-range systems for on-line measuring tasks is of special importance in industry. A camera with motorized focus is advantageous. High- precision measurements are possible, if an optonumerical-controlled sensor displacement is applied. Special illumination and filter technique inside the camera is used for the sensor orientation by means of reference marks projected onto the sensor. Investigations have been carried out to optimize the image analysis for reference mark measurements.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Tactical Airborne Digital Camera System (TADCS) update I: tactical mission imaging

Abstract: The tactical airborne digital camera system (TADCS) integrates the laptop imagery transmission system (LITE) with the DCS-100 digital camera system (DCS) to provide near real-time reconnaissance imagery from the rear cockpit of the F-14A aircraft, as well as from a hand-held sensor in the P-3 platform.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

le imaging polarimeters

Abstract: lhe natural light field has long been known to be partly linearly polarized, and it has been suggested that various objects reflect light that is polarized at a spec@ orientation. Although humans use polarized light, our inability to see it limits our study and understanding of its distribution in nature and of the information it carries. By placing two twisted nematic liquid crystals and afied polarizingfilter in series in pant of a CCD camera, we constructed a portable polarimeter that analyses the linear polarization characteristics of a full image on a single pixel basis. Two configurations are presented: an autonomous sensor that uses a small camcorder for recording images that are analyzed at a later stage; and an on-line sensor that uses a digital camera connected to a personal computer which controls and analyses the information. Field measurements reveal possible usage for analyzing spatial orientation of objects or breaking color camouflage. Our new polarimeters provide an opportunity to inspect and understand an aspect of the visual world, currently obscure to our eyes.