Showing papers on "Digital camera published in 1995"

Digital camera with apparatus for authentication of images produced from an image file

Abstract: A digital camera equipped with a processor for authentication of images produced from an image file taken by the digital camera is provided. The digital camera processor has embedded therein a private key unique to it, and the camera housing has a public key that is so uniquely related to the private key that digital data encrypted with the private key may be decrypted using the public key. The digital camera processor comprises means for calculating a hash of the image file using a predetermined algorithm, and second means for encrypting the image hash with the private key, thereby producing a digital signature. The image file and the digital signature are stored in suitable recording means so they will be available together. Apparatus for authenticating the image file as being free of any alteration uses the public key for decrypting the digital signature, thereby deriving a secure image hash identical to the image hash produced by the digital camera and used to produce the digital signature. The authenticating apparatus calculates from the image file an image hash using the same algorithm as before. By comparing this last image hash with the secure image hash, authenticity of the image file is determined if they match. Other techniques to address time-honored methods of deception, such as attaching false captions or inducing forced perspectives, are included.

Image display and archiving system and method

Abstract: A system 10 and methods for acquiring and archiving images derived from multiple sources with minimal operator interaction and understanding of the archiving computer 11. The system 10 and methods provide for reception of digitized images via modem 24 from a remote source, and the input of images from local sources including a digital photographic image source 25 such as a digital camera or 35 millimeter digitizing camera data back, an optical scanner 23, and digitized images previously stored on magneto-optical disk or digital audio tape. The system 10 also archives and distributes image and document data to multiple destinations, including a magneto-optical drive 22, digital or hard disk drive 15, and to laser or photographic quality continuous tone printers 26, 27. One key aspect of the system 10 and methods is that the operator is not given access to the operating system of the computer 11 and can only perform a predetermined set of functions that correspond to graphical icons 30 disposed on the computer desktop 17 (monitor 12). Each of the icons 30 launches a set of linked macro functions that initialize the modem 24, control data transfer, format the received image data into a predetermined format, attach textual data to the image files, and automatically archive or print the files. Submenus are provided during operation that permit certain selected actions related to the macro that is being run.

Stylus position sensing and digital camera with a digital micromirror device

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital micromirror device (DMD) based projector in which the position of a stylus with respect to a projected image can be determined automatically. In one embodiment, the stylus includes a detector capable of detecting illumination from a single pixel and the plurality of pixels in the DMD array are sequentially energized until a pixel reflects light to the stylus detector. Since the location of that pixel is known, the position of the stylus adjacent that pixel on the image is also known. In another embodiment, light is emitted from the stylus and the DMD array is sequenced in order to reflect light from the array to a photodetector. Again, when a pixel is sequenced so as to reflect light to the detector, the position of the stylus with respect to the image is related to the image of the pixel with respect to the pixel's location in the array. A further embodiment utilizes a general illumination source of the screen with infrared radiation and a reflective stylus which reflects the infrared radiation back to the DMD array. As before, sequencing of the DMD array and detection of the pixel associated with the reflected IR radiation provides an indication of the stylus location. In a further embodiment, a DMD array is utilized to sequentially address all of the pixels of a subject image thereby providing an output of each sequenced pixel to a data storage device forming a digital camera.

Interactive camera for network processing of captured images

Abstract: A digital still camera and interactive system and method for video display or reproduction of captured images employing an image processing system on an interactive network for receiving and converting a captured raw, digitized image information set into a display image format for display as a video image, storage, and/or reproduction as a print. A simplified digital camera without signal compensating and processing circuits is employed by a user to capture an image and to transmit the raw image information sets along with a camera identification code through an interactive television network to an interactive control node for processing with color correction and pixel defect correction using the cameras correction and defect maps and other image enhancement, and to convert the processed image data to the specified display image format. The processed video display signal is transmitted back to the user's or other designated receiver's interactive television home interface controller. The camera specific, correction maps and the color and defect correction algorithms may be provided by the camera manufacturer to the network on registration of the camera and accessed or downloaded by the user or the user's designee. Processing of the raw image information sets may be at a control node within the network or in the user's home interface controller.

Method and apparatus for color-correcting multi-channel signals of a digital camera

Abstract: Multi-channel color image signals from a digital camera having multi-channel image sensors are corrected to account for variations in scene illuminant. This is accomplished by determining the scene illuminant and determining an optimum color-correction transformation in response to the scene illuminant which transform minimizes color errors between an original scene and a reproduced image by adjusting three or more parameters.

Method and system for providing automatic focus control for a still digital camera

Abstract: A method and system for automatically focusing an image within a still camera is disclosed. The method and system comprises providing initial focus and exposure values of the image, calculating an exposure setting for the image, and determining a plurality of focus zones for the image. The method and system includes moving the lens through the plurality of focus zones of the image to obtain exposure and focus information about the image. Through a method and system in accordance with the present invention, a digital still camera can produce a three-dimensional like data set of a scene.

Secure authentication of images

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and authenticating a visual image of a selected view, using a digital image forming means, such as a digital camera, together with a position determining system that provides position information, including location, angular orientation and/or time of observation at the time a digital image is formed by the digital camera. Once captured, the visual or electronic image and accompanying position information cannot be deleted or altered within the digital camera and can be downloaded only by an authorized downloader. The digital image of the selected view is presented as an array of pixels with associated pixel values. The position information may be incorporated in the digital image by altering selected pixel bit values for a selected pattern of pixels in the pixel array, or as any other suitable overlay; and this selected pattern may be determined using the position information. The position information may be encrypted, using an encryption key based on position information, and may be stored as part of the digital image. Optionally, position information includes the distance from the digital camera to a selected object in the selected view.

Object imaging device and method using line striping

Abstract: A device and method is provided for quickly and accurately obtaining surface contour information from an object without the need for precisely aligning and calibrating mechanical structures or optics elements, and without moving parts. In various embodiments, the invention includes steps of projecting a plurality of parallel planes of laser light through a transparent plate onto a surface of the object, receiving a reflection from the object in a digital camera, and performing image processing on the reflected image to reconstruct the three-dimensional surface of the object therefrom. The image processing includes steps of subtracting an image of the object in its non-illuminated state from an image of the object illuminated by the plurality of parallel planes of light, performing a thresholding operation on the subtracted image, and generating a line array containing lines having curvature deformations due to surface deviations on the object. The line array is transformed into a three-dimensional image by applying a transformation matrix previously obtained by processing an image of a calibration gauge placed on the transparent plate. Both single-image and multiple-image projection systems may be implemented.

Computerized method for fitting eyeglasses

Abstract: A method is provided for custom manufacturing or fitting eyeglasses wherein a digital camera is used to take a series of digital images of selected portions of a subjects head, the images then being stored in a computer electronically associated with the camera, wherein the images contain frame and lens fitting information with respect to the size and shape of the subjects head, and thereafter providing a visual image display screen functionally associated with the computer for receiving and visually displaying the images such that an eyeglass frame and lens can be structurally and dimensionally configured in accordance with the fitting information.

Line object scene generation apparatus

Abstract: The invention provides a system for recording and displaying a time sequential scene on a computer (16). The digital camera (12) transmits a sequence of digital image frames to the timer (14) representative of the image of a body passing a plane in space. Each frame represents a line object (18) of the body, thus forming a fractional part of the scene. Once the frame reaches the image timer (14), it is digitally marked with a time reference (34) and buffered into a block of information. The main control computer (16) stores blocks of information from the image timer (14) for a variety of processing and features available to the user. The invention also provides a selected memory (36), preferably a virtual memory subsystem, or hard-disc drive. Preferred constructions for adjusting camera pixel processing of light values, time-marking the images, creating color palettes for interactive viewing of color images, and video data coding to accommodate the high volume of line image data are described.

Panoramic indexing camera mount

Abstract: Systems, particularly cameras and mounts, for capturing images of a panorama to allow the combination of the images into a continuous image are disclosed. In particular the invention is directed to mounts that rotate image capturing devices such that the images may be electronically stitched together. One such mount includes a base, which can be held on a tripod, and a frame rotatably connected to the base for supporting an image capturing device. Usually, such image capturing device is a chemical-film or digital camera. In some applications, a video camera will be useful of photographing a panorama at high speed. The mount has a rotational advance system that enables the rotation of the frame through discrete angles through 360°. The frame may have a fordable arm for carrying an image capturing device in both a portrait and landscape orientation. High speed systems are also disclosed that use controllers to coordinate the rotation of the base with a timing of the images captured by the image capturing device to enable stitching of the images into a coherent panorama. As a result, a panorama can be photographed in less than one second.

Event recording apparatus

Abstract: The invention provides a system for recording and displaying a time sequential scene on a computer (16). The digital camera (12) transmits a sequence of digital image frames to the timer (14) representative of the image of a body passing a plane in space. Each frame represents a line object (18) of the body, thus forming a fractional part of the scene. Once the frame reaches the image timer (14), it is digitally marked with a time reference (34) and buffered into a block of information. The main control computer (16) stores blocks of information from the image timer (14) for a variety of processing and features available to the user. The invention also provides a selected memory (36), preferably a virtual memory subsystem, or hard-disc drive. Preferred constructions for adjusting camera pixel processing of light values, time-marking the images, creating color palettes for interactive viewing of color images, and video data coding to accommodate the high volume of line image data are described.

Multi-functional camera with graphics editor and form stand

Abstract: This is a dual film and digital camera with an internal EPROM which holds a full graphics editor and a full communications program. The communications program auto senses which external port is active and uploads itself and the graphics program and any digital images which have been taken by the camera to the remote cite.

Spectral based color image editing

Abstract: A color image editing system and method uses sensor responses in an image capture device to estimate and separate illuminant and surface reflectance in a scene. The system uses the estimated surface reflectances, along with a desired illuminant SPD, to calculate the corresponding XYZ values. To render the images on an imaging device, the XYZ values are converted into device-dependent display or printer values. The image data may be manipulated in a manner that is intuitive to humans, such as correcting the image data according to changes in lighting and surface color. An image capture device, such as a scanner or digital camera, represents a scene as image data that is resolved as device-dependent channels, such as RGB. For each channel, the spectral reflectances of the surfaces within the scene are described reflectance functions that are independnt of the lighting function that describes the illuminant spectral power distribution (SPD). Display operators can independently adjust the surface and lighting functions.

Digital camera and image data distribution system

Abstract: PURPOSE: To provide a new digital camera which can guarantee the right of an image photographer justly and an image data distribution system which utilizes the camera, and further a digital camera which can easily input various information (photographer identification symbol, etc.) required for the charged distribution of image data. CONSTITUTION: In the digital camera equipped with a means for storing encoded image data in a memory, the storage means includes a means for storing the photographer identification symbol in the data memory 21 together with the image data. This storage means is equipped with a means which identifies the photographer himself by using a previously stored specific identification symbol and the password corresponding to it and then sets the identification symbol as the photographer identification symbol. The image data distribution system includes an image data base where image data sent to a network are registered together with at least the photographer identification symbol and an account data base where the user of the information terminal and the deposit amount of the photographer are recorded. COPYRIGHT: (C)1996,JPO

Digital video camera for application of particle image velocimetry in high-speed flows

Abstract: A high-speed digital camera based on video technology for application of particle image velocimetry in wind tunnels is described. The camera contains two independently triggerable interline CCD sensors which are mounted on two faces of a cube beam splitter permitting the use of a single lens. Each of the sensors has a minimal exposure time of 0.8 microsecond(s) with a trigger response time of less than 1 microsecond(s) . The asynchronous reset capability permits the camera to trigger directly off a pulsed laser with a repetition rate differing from the standard 25 Hz CCIR video frame rate. Captured images are digitized within and stored in RAM the camera which can be read through the parallel port of a computer. The camera is software configurable with the settings being non-volatile. Technical aspect such as sensor alignment and calibration through software are described. Close-up PIV measurements on a free jet illustrated that, in the future, the camera can be successfully utilized at imaging high-speed flows over a small field of view covering several cm2, such as the flow between turbine blades. Further, the electronic shutter permits its use in luminous environments such as illuminated laboratories, wind tunnels or flames.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Digital camera, image pickup device and image pickup means controller

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the handling and to reduce the power consumption. SOLUTION: A personal computer 150 connecting to a digital camera unit 100 receives an image and only when a key of a key board 154 of the personal computer 150 is depressed, the digital camera unit 100 executes image pickup. A CPU 151 of the personal computer 150 controls so as to select the mode of power supply 110 of the digital camera unit 100 or power consumption reduction except the time during the camera setting processing or during display onto a display device 153 or during execution of still image pickup processing.

An inexpensive method for quantitative data collection from photographic prints

Abstract: A method for the collection of quantitative data from photographic prints is described The technique uses a scanner for digitizing gray-scale photographs The equipment is inexpensive and higher resolutions compared with a digital camera are attainable Digital images are stored in non-proprietary TIFF format which allows the researcher direct access to each measured pixel To complete the image analysis process for an application, computer software which corrects for parallax, geometric distortions and inconsistencies in lighting source is described This quantitative, accurate but inexpensive, data collection technique is a convenient and effective method to analyse gray level photographic prints Projects that require some image capture and processing, but cannot justify a dedicated capture system, may find this system more than adequate

Evaluation of natural color and color infrared digital cameras as a remote sensing tool for natural resource management

Abstract: Digital cameras are a recent development in electronic imaging that provide a unique capability to acquire high resolution digital imagery in near real-time. The USDA Forest Service Nationwide Forestry Applications Program has recently evaluated natural color and color infrared digital camera systems as a remote sensing tool to collect resource information. Digital cameras are well suited for small projects and complement the use of other remote sensing systems to perform environmental monitoring, sample surveys and accuracy assessments, and update geographic information systems (GIS) data bases.

Digital Images: A Practical Guide

Abstract: The World of Digital Images. The Digital Imaging Studio. Understanding Color Concepts. Digital Imaging Software Overview. Using Digital File Formats. All About Resolution. Using a Scanner. Using a Digital Camera and Capturing Video. Using Photo CDs. Creating Two-Dimensional Digital Images. Creating 3D Digital Images. Stocking Up on Digital Images. Copyright Issues. Enhancing Images. Creating Special Effects. Using Multimedia Programs. Printing and Calibration. Outputting to the Webs, Video, and CD-ROMs.

Photogrammetric performance evaluation of digital camera backs for in-studio and in-field use

Abstract: Digital camera backs to be connected with analogue photographic cameras have been developed for professional in-studio and in-field photography. The acquired high resolution digital images are also suitable for photogrammetric purposes. Technical specifications of these imaging systems are listed in this paper. The metric quality of selected camera backs is determined.

Image pickup device and image processor

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select automatically an application software program suitable for an image in the case of reproducing video data picked up and recorded by a digital camera by means of a computer to process the image. SOLUTION: A setting information storage device 3-4 stores a table of identification information to identify an application software program suitable for processing of an image picked up in each image pickup mode relating to plural image pickup modes of a camera. Image data picked up in the image pickup mode set by an image pickup mode setting switch 3-5 are recorded in a storage device 3-3 by a CPU 3-2. In this case, the CPU 3-2 acquires the identification information corresponding to the image pickup mode from the table and records it with image data. In the case of processing the image data at reproduction, the application software program based on the identification information is automatically selected and used.

Video camera system and object extract method

Abstract: PURPOSE:To attain stable automatic tracking of an object by introducing an item of feature element extract data obtained by a gene algorithm as an arithmetic operation condition when a deviation between a reference histogram of the object to be automatically tracked and a detection histogram is obtained. CONSTITUTION:A digital camera processing circuit 8 gives color difference signals R-Y, B-Y as an object tracking detection signal S4 to a tracking control circuit 11. A tracking signal processing circuit 16 obtains a histogram based on a color difference signal H and a saturation signal S from a picture memory 15 and outputs a tracking signal S5 based on the frequency characteristic. Succeedingly, the circuit 16 extracts feature element extract data so that a ratio of a Euclid distance between a center frame in which an object is set and other measurement frames is highest by using a gene algorithm. A measurement frame having a largest similarity is evaluated to have an object therein by using the element extract data. Thus, a background picture and an object picture are clearly separated and sure automatic tracking is attained.

ABC of medical computing. Digital imaging.

Abstract: Pictures have been traditionally taken with photographic film, which then has to be processed before they can be viewed. The development of digital cameras now allows pictures to be taken and printed almost immediately. In medicine this can be an important advantage, and, even though the quality of digital images is currently lower than that of photographic film, the huge advantage of immediate images often far outweighs the slight loss of resolution. Digital cameras are now available to replace the standard 35 mm camera for taking routine clinical photographs as well as for use in specialised areas of medicine. Kodak digital camera …

Universal electrical interface for digital spotfilm product

Abstract: A medical diagnostic imaging system includes a system controller (16) which generates first logic format control signals. The first logic format control signals operate an x-ray source and are designed to operate a large format camera through a plurality of data paths. The large format camera is disconnected from the diagnostic imaging system and replaced with digital camera (32) and a digital imaging processor (34) which are incompatible with the diagnostic imaging system. A universal interface (36) is selectively connected to the data paths of the diagnostic imaging system and to the digital imaging processor (34). The universal interface (36) intercepts the first control signals from the system controller (16), and generates second control signals based on the first control signals which operate the digital imaging processor (34) and digital camera (32) transparent to the operations of the system controller (16).

Producing method and apparatus for simulation of city

Abstract: PURPOSE:To provide a hardy and economical simulation forming method and apparatus by which sufficient reality can be given without forming a simulated model precisely similarly to the real object CONSTITUTION:A picture is taken so that a picture of the whole body of a building 6 is taken by using a wide-angle lens 1 and the picture of the building is converted into digital signals by using a scanner, a photo CD 5, and a digital camera 2, etc The deformation and movement of the digitalized image caused by the wide-angle lens 1 are corrected by an image processing software, and the corrected image is made to have the same vertical and transverse scale as that of the real one, and then the size is adjusted according to the reduced scale of a model, and the resulting image is sent out by an image output apparatus such as a color printer, etc The printed output is cut out to give an image paper of the building 6, stuck to a board, etc, to give a mode of the building, and a town is simulated by arranging models produced in that way and then photographing of the simulated town is carried out by using a snorkel camera

Low-cost workstation for quantitative fluorescence microscopy and gel analysis

Abstract: Quantitative digital microscopy and analysis of fluorescence gels are examples of applications where images are acquired, usually with a video camera and frame grabber, for further processing and analysis. The use of a standard video camera and frame grabber creates problems in the subsequent data analysis, due to the nonlinear relation between the camera output and the optical input, and due to pixel jitter. In addition, the data are degraded by conversion to a standard video format followed by sampling at a rate determined by the frame grabber's image memory. In this work, an image processing workstation is described which uses a low cost ($850) 8-bit digital CCD camera in place of the video camera/frame grabber combination. The system has excellent linearity and high dynamic range. Proper setup and calibration of this system is essential, and procedures which were developed for this purpose are described. The results which were obtained are compared to those of a standard video camera. The tradeoffs involved in the use of this low cost system are discussed, and examples of data obtained with the system are presented. Although this system cannot replace a 12-bit or 16-bit digital camera in all applications, it can do so in many applications, at a price that makes widespread use of image quantitation systems practical.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

HDTV compact digital camera using 2/3" 1.3 M CCD image sensor

Abstract: Two newly developed digital ICs have been able to enhance remarkably the operability and reliability of the HDTV camera. Many kinds of fine adjustments, such as the color fidelity, color saturation, and the image quality, are possible by the attachment of a remote control unit. A prototype HDTV camera with a 2/3" image format and a 1.3 M pixel FIT-CCD image sensor, has been made using these ICs. >

Noise reducing device and image pickup device

Abstract: PURPOSE:To effectively improve S/N of an input signal in the preceding stage of an A/D converter or the like. CONSTITUTION:In a camera head 10, the output of a CCD 110 is applied to a sampling and holding circuit 111, and the sampled and held output is applied to a noise reduction device 160 of an extended board 11 through a cable 14. The noise reduction device 160 consists of a high-pass filter 101, a sampling and holding circuit 20, a limiter 102, and a differential amplifier 103, and the noise reduction output is digitized by an A/D converter 130 and is subjected to digital processing in a digital camera process circuit 132. Thus, S/N of the video signal is improved to improve the transmission rate for compression when the digitally processed video signal is compressed by an external moving picture codec.