Showing papers on "Digital camera published in 1996"

Computerized vehicle log

Abstract: A vehicle accident recording system employs a digital camera connected to a controller, a non-volatile memory, and an accident-sensing interrupter. The controller accesses images from the digital camera periodically and stores the images in a limited space of n sectors. After all n sectors are filled, each new image is overwritten to the oldest stored image. In the event of an accident, the interrupter causes the operation of storing images to cease. The result is a recorded history of n images spanning a time period up to the incidence of an accident of the number of images stored times the average time period between images. In a preferred embodiment the system has a communication port whereby the stored images may be downloaded after an accident to a digital device capable of displaying the images, thereby providing a visual record of the time period immediately preceding an accident. In alternative embodiments vehicle operating data is recorded, positional information is accesses and recorded, and on-board control routines convert raw data to meaningful information.

Electronic imaging system capable of image capture, local wireless transmission and voice recognition

Abstract: A system for digital image capture and transmission, includes a digital camera that has an electronic image sensor for sensing an image and producing a digital image; a memory for storing digital images produced by the image sensor in digital image files, the digital image files having associated information for controlling a remote image fulfillment server; a voice recorder for digitizing voice commands relating to control of the image fulfillment server; and a transmitter for transmitting the digital image file to the image fulfillment server. Either the camera or the fulfillment server includes a voice recognition module responsive to the digitized voice commands for producing control signals for the image fulfillment server. The image fulfillment server includes a receiver for receiving the digital image file and control signals; a memory for storing the received digital image file; and a file manager for managing the digital image file in response to the control signals.

Digital imaging device optimized for color performance

Abstract: A digital imaging device captures an image and generates a color signal from the image for application to an output device having specific color sensitivities, the imaging device further being one of many devices of the same type useful with the output device. The digital imaging device, for example a digital camera, includes a color sensor for capturing the image and generating a color signal from the captured image, the color sensor having predetermined spectral sensitivities, and an optical section that is interposed in the image light directed to the color sensor, the optical section also having predetermined spectral characteristics. The combination of the spectral sensitivities of the color sensor and the spectral characteristics of the optical section uniquely distinguish this particular imaging device from other imaging devices of the same type. By providing a set of matrix coefficients uniquely determined for this imaging device, the matrix coefficients optimally correct the spectral sensitivities of the color sensor and the spectral characteristics of the optical section for the color sensitivities of the output device.

Intelligent camera flash system

Abstract: An intelligent flash system for a digital camera having components including an image optical pickup, an interface circuit, a flash unit and a processor. Upon activation of the camera, ambient lighting conditions are evaluated and if flash energy is required, a first low energy pre-flash is radiated, the reflected light received by the optical pickup having a multiplicity of pixels, and the output of the pixels converted to image intensity data by the interface circuit. The processor samples the image intensity data, weighing the center image area more heavily, and creates a histogram plot of quantity of pixels v.s. intensity, and separates the plot into a bar graph from which a determination of exposure is obtained. The histogram is then used to calculate a multiplicative scaling factor used to multiply the first flash energy to an estimate of a flash energy for correct exposure. Conditions of extreme over and under exposure result in the activation of a second flash at an adjusted energy level. The image data of the second flash is then analyzed and the exposure compared with the result of the first flash. A final determination of flash energy is then made based upon the results.

Apparatus and method for digital camera and recorder having a high resolution color composite image output

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for producing series of high resolution color composite images. The digital camera has an optical assembly that directs visual images to a high resolution monochrome sensor and a lower resolution color sensor. These two sensors, which produce a succession of frames at the same rate, are encrypted with a frame number and time code and are stored in a frame buffer. The contents of the frame buffer can be transferred to a mass storage device, or a color rendering processor that produces a composite image from the monochrome frames and color frames. During the processing of the composite image, the monochrome grayscale value becomes the composite frame grayscale value, the color frame hue value becomes the composite frame hue value, and the color frame saturation value becomes the composite frame saturation value. Alternatively, the monochrome frame grayscale value can be used to affect the composite frame hue and saturation values, or the composite frame hue and saturation values can be mapped from the color frame hue and saturation pixel linearly or non-linearly.

Photocard that is inserted into a non-digital camera to enable the non-digital camera to take digital photographic images

Abstract: A digital camera that operates inside and in conjunction with a non-digital camera, enabling the user to continue to use the non-digital camera, controls and associated lens, flashes, etc. The digital camera includes an imager which senses the image to be recorded and a light detector which detects the existence of light due to the opening of the shutter aperture of the non-digital camera. The light detector controls the imager such that an image is recorded and output from the imager when the light detector detects the opening of the shutter aperture which occurs when the photographer depresses the shutter button to take a picture. Preferably the digital camera includes a memory for storage of the images recorded. These images can then be subsequently output to an external device for further processing or display.

Apparatus and method for increasing a digital camera image capture rate by delaying image processing

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing a digital camera image capture rate comprises an imaging device for capturing raw image data, a frame buffer for receiving the image data, a first RAM spooler for transferring the raw image data to a RAM disk, a first flash spooler for transferring the raw image data from the RAM disk to a flash memory, an image processor for processing and compressing the raw data, a second RAM spooler for storing the compressed image data into the RAM disk, and a second flash spooler for transferring the compressed image data from the RAM disk to the flash memory.

Analysis Multispectral Image Capture

Abstract: Multispectral image capture (i.e, more than three channels) facilitates both more accurate tristimulus estimation and possibilities for spectral reconstruction of each scene pixel. A seven-channel camera was assembled using approximately 50 nm bandwidth interference filters, manufactured by Melles Griot, in conjunction with a Kodak Professional DCS 200m digital camera. Multichannel images were recorded for the Macbeth ColorChecker chart as an illustrative example. Three methods of spectral reconstruction were evaluated: spline interpolation, modified-discrete-sine-transformation (MDST) interpolation, and an approach based on principal-component analysis (PCA). The spectral reconstruction accuracy was quantified both spectrally and by computing CIELAB coordinates for a single illuminant and observer. The PCA-based technique resulted in the best estimated spectral-reflectance-factor functions. These results were compared with a least-squares colorimetric model that does not include the spectral-reconstruction step. This direct mapping resulted in similar colorimetric performance to the PCA method. The multispectral camera had marked improvement compared with traditional three-channel devices. Techniques The use of multispectral cameras can lead to dramatically improved colorimetric accuracy in comparison with three-channel devices. 1,2

Image processing system capable of displaying photographed image in combination with relevant map image

Abstract: In an image processing system utilized with a car navigation system, an image photographed by a digital camera is coordinated with a map image in relation to this photographed image, so that a driver can readily confirm where this photographed image has been acquired with respect to the map. The image processing system includes: an image storage unit for storing photographed image data and positional information data acquired in correspondence with the photographed image data; a map image storage unit for storing map image data; a retrieval unit for retrieving a position with respect to the map image data stored in the map image storage unit based upon the positional information data stored in the image storage unit; and an image output unit for outputting a map image of the map image data about the position retrieved by the retrieval unit, and a photographed image of the photographed image data in correspondence with the map image data.

Method and system for displaying images and associated multimedia types in the interface of a digital camera

Abstract: A method and system for displaying a series of images captured by a digital camera, which includes a user interface that includes a view finder. The method and system first stores each of the captured images in memory, and then displays a plurality of image cells in the view finder, wherein each of the image cells corresponds to one of the captured images. The method and system further provides at least one of the image cells with an image area for displaying the corresponding captured image, and further provides the at least one image cell with an icon area for displaying additional information regarding the corresponding captured image.

Depth sensing camera systems and methods

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for sensing a three-dimensional (depth and illuminance) image of a scene It is based on the inverse-square law relating the incident brightness on an area illuminated by a light point source, to its distance from the point source In the preferred embodiment of the invention the scene is sequentially illuminated by more than one light point source each at a pre calibrated location in the reference coordinate system The resulting reflections from the field of-view are sensed by a stationary digital camera that maps each scene element into a corresponding image pixel, to provide a 2-dimensional brightness map that contains the photometric values of each image pixel for each specific illumination Each pixel photometric value depends on the illumination incident on the corresponding scene element which, in itself, is further determined by the element inherent Lambertian reflectance-coefficient at the illumination wavelength, the element orientation relative to the coordinate system, and the element illuminance as determined by the point source brightness and the distance separating the point source and the scene element Each brightness map is different from its sequel due to the differing point-source locations By manipulating the brightness maps the spatial location of each scene element relative to the fixed point sources is determined, thus yielding a depth-image as well as a brightness-image

Method and system for creating a temporary group of images on a digital camera

Abstract: A method and system for grouping a series of images stored in a digital camera. The digital camera includes a view finder for displaying a plurality of the image cells, where each of the image cells corresponds to one of the stored images. The digital camera also includes a navigation control button for positioning a highlight area around one of the plurality of image cells, and one or more function keys. The method and system includes assigning a mark function to one of the function keys, such that in response to the user pressing the assigned mark function key, the image cell currently highlighted is marked to provide a marked image. In response to the user repeating the above step, a group of marked images is created. The method and system further includes assigning at least one group function to one of the function keys, such that in response to a user pressing the assigned group function key, the group of marked images is collectively manipulated by the user.

Automatic machine vision microscope slide inspection system and method

Abstract: A system for automatically detecting the presence of contaminants in samples. The system includes a microscope, controllable stage positioner for holding slides under the microscope, a computer for controlling the stage positioner and a digital camera to capture images through the microscope. The system scans microscope views of regions of a slide sample and provides the digital images to the computer. Image processing routines stored in the computer analyze the digital images and determine whether these images may contain certain contaminants by comparing the characteristics of the objects in the image with the known characteristics of the contaminants. The system also contemplates a method for automatically determining the presence of contaminants in samples including the steps of providing a microscope slide containing a sample, obtaining a plurality of digital microscope images of the sample, storing the digital images in a computer, automatically comparing characteristics of each digital image to characteristics of known contaminants and storing the results of the comparison.

Digital camera system for photographing infants

Abstract: A photographic system is disclosed herein utilizing a color camera (20) for photographing a given subject (16) in digital format and a second gray digital camera (21) for recording pertinent information concerning the subject appearing on a data card (24). The digital data from the color camera (20) is displayed temporarily on a viewing screen (28) and if acceptable, data from both cameras is introduced to a computer (31) and printer (32) via a modem (30) and telephone lines (33). Controls including a timing circuit (46) are provided for accepting the data card into the system and for initiating photographing of the data card (24) and the given subject (16) with temporary display and processing of data to the computer (31) and printer (32).

Monitoring detailed land surface changes using an airborne multispectral digital camera system

Abstract: Airborne multispectral digital camera systems provide the potential for flexible and inexpensive monitoring of land surface changes at high spatial resolutions. The goal of this study was to characterize the radiometric properties and processing requirements of Airborne Data Acquisition and Registration (ADAR) System 5500 data in the context of environmental monitoring applications. This airborne multispectral digital imaging system, manufactured and operated by Positive Systems Inc., consists of four digital cameras and an on-board digital capture system. Sensor lab tests of the digital cameras were conducted to determine spatial uniformity of image brightness, high frequency noise and signal-noise ratio (S/N), linearity of radiometric response, spectral response, and radiometric normalization and calibration. Submeter resolution ADAR 5500 data were acquired over constructed and natural coastal marshes, concurrent with ground-level radiometric and plant measurements, ADAR 5500 data were found to have high radiometric fidelity and were successfully normalized and calibrated using simple procedures and knowledge that the radiometric response is linear. Noise levels were low, and S/N was about 120 for lab test images and 90 for airborne images of the marsh complex. Vignetting effects were evident in lab images, which were inverted and low-pass filtered to generate a correction mask. Spatial and temporal differences of spectral reflectance between important marsh vegetation cover types represent "environmental signals" in the context of monitoring habitat restoration projects.

External communication interface for a digital camera

Abstract: An electronic camera which detachably connects to a communication interface which allows the camera to communicate with an electronic device such as a personal computer. The communication interface includes circuitry which converts signals utilized by a microprocessor within the camera which are usually within a range of 0 to +5 volts to a level which is utilized to communicate with the computer. When an RS-232 connection is used to communicate between the camera and the computer, the circuitry within the communication interface converts the signals utilized by the camera to a level between -15 and -5 volts for a low signal and +5 and +15 volts for a high signal. The communication interface includes a mechanical connector having two latching mechanisms which connect to receiving members of the camera. The latching mechanisms pivot and are both moved by a single pushing member. The latching mechanisms are constructed as three level elements where the first level includes the latching member, the second level aligns with a level of a frame for supporting the latching mechanism, and the third level includes a surface against which the pushing member pushes.

Method and system for adding sound to images in a digital camera

Abstract: A method and system for automatically adding sound to images in a digital camera, which includes a view finder for displaying a plurality of image cells corresponding to previously captured images. The method and system includes the ability to manually post-annotate a previously captured image. This is accomplished by placing the digital camera in a review mode, selecting the image cell in the view finder corresponding to the previously captured image, recording a sound clip; and then attaching the sound clip to the previously captured image.

System and method for preventing damage to media files within a digital camera device

Abstract: A system and method for preventing damage to media files within a digital camera comprises a power manager for detecting power failures, an interrupt handler for responsively incrementing a counter device and a removable memory driver for performing memory access operations, evaluating the counter device to determine whether a power failure has occurred during the memory access operation and for repeating the memory access operation whenever a power failure has occurred during the memory access operation.

Electronic photography system

Abstract: A system for electronic photography includes a number of photo-capture stations. Each station includes a digital camera and a customer identification device for selectively actuating the digital camera to capture a digital image and recording customer identification with the digital image. The system includes a central controller for collecting and storing the digital images captured by the photo-capture stations and a high bandwidth communications network connecting the photo-capture stations to the central controller. The system also includes an output station connected to the central controller by the high bandwidth communications network. The output station has a customer identification device, a display device responsive to actuation of the customer identification device to display the digital images associated with the customer identification, an output device for transferring the digital images to an output medium, and a customer interface to allow the, customer to select images to be transferred to the output medium.

Film cameras or digital sensors ? The challenge ahead for aerial imaging

Abstract: Cartogmphic aerial cameras continue to play the key role in producing quality products for the aerial photography business, and specifically for the National Aerial Photography Progmm (NAPP). One NAPP photograph taken with cameras capable of 39 Cp/mm system resolution can contain the equivalent of 432 million pixels at 11 pm spot size, and the cost is less than $75 per photograph to scan and output the pixels on a magnetic storage medium. On the digital side, solid state charge coupled device Jinear and area arrays can yield quality resolution (7 to 12 pm detector size) and a broader dynamic range. If linear armys are to compete with film cameras, they will require precise attitude and positioning of the aircraft so that the lines of pixels can be unscrambled and put into a suitable homogeneous scene that is acceptable to an interpreter. Area armys need to be much larger than currently available to image scenes competitive in size with film cameras. Analysis of the relative advantages and disadvantages of the two systems show that the analog approach is more economical at present. However, as arrays become larger, attitude sensors become more refined, global positioning system coordinate readouts becomc commonplace, and storage capacity becomes more affordable, the digital camera may emerge as the imaging system for the future. Several technical challenges must be overcome if digital sensors are to advance to where they can support mapping, charting, and geographic information system applications.

Method and system for processing DOS information within a digital still camera

Abstract: A digital camera which captures images and converts the images to a digital form. The digital form of the images is compressed and written into a memory card along with Disk Operating System (DOS) information describing the memory card and files including bios parameters, File Allocation Table (FAT) information, and directory information. When the DOS information within the memory card needs to be changed, the FAT information of the memory card and only a portion of the directory information is read and transferred to a memory within the camera. The directory information which has been loaded into the camera is checked to determine if it is the necessary directory information. If it is not, further directory information is loaded into the memory of the camera. After editing of the FAT and directory information, the edited information is written back into the memory card.

System and method for recovering from a power failure within a digital camera device

Abstract: A system and method for recovering from a power failure in a digital camera comprises a power manager for detecting power failures, an interrupt handler for responsively incrementing a counter device, service routines which register to receive notification of the power failure, and a processor for evaluating the counter and providing notification of the power failure to the service routines which then assist the digital camera to recover from the power failure.

System and method for on-demand printing

Abstract: A system and method for on-demand printing is provided. The system includes at least one image capturing device, preferably a digital camera, which captures images during an event. The images captured by the digital cameras are transmitted to at least one printing station in which the captured images are stored and displayed, preferably but not necessarily after editing. The spectators of the event may request during the event, or shortly after, that any of the displayed images will be printed and the printing system of the present invention is suited to address their request on demand, i.e. it prints the desired image within a short time, preferably in the range of tens of seconds.

System for displaying a photograph together with a pertinent map

Abstract: In an image processing system utilized with a car navigation system, an image photographed by a digital camera and a map image in relation to this photographed image can readily confirm a driver where this photographed image has been acquired with respect to the map. The image processing system is constituted by: an image storage unit for storing photographed image data and positional information data acquired in correspondence with the photographed image data; a map image storage unit for storing map image data; a retrieval unit for retrieving a position with respect to the map image data stored in the map image storage unit based upon the positional information data stored in the image storage unit; and an image output unit for outputting a map image of the map image data about the position retrieved by the retrieval unit, and a photographed image of the photographed image data in correspondence with the map image data.

Development of Digital Image-Processing Algorithm To Compute Unified Crack Index for Salt Lake City

Abstract: This paper presents the recent efforts in developing an image processing algorithm for computing a unified pavement crack index for Salt Lake City. The pavement surface images were collected using a digital camera mounted on a van. Each image covers a pavement area of 2.13 m (7 ft) X 1.52 m (5 ft), taken at every 30-m (100-ft) station. The digital images were then transferred onto a 1-gigabyte hard disk from a set of memory cards each of which can store 21 digital images. Approximately 1,500 images are then transferred from the hard disk to a compact disc. The image-processing algorithm, based on a variable thresholding technique, was developed on a personal computer to automatically process pavement images. The image is divided into 140 smaller tiles, each tile consisting of 40 X 40 pixels. To measure the amount of cracking, a variable threshold value is computed based on the average gray value of each tile. The program then automatically counts the number of cracked tiles and computes a unified crack in...

Close-up attachment for a digital camera

Abstract: A kit for modifying a digital camera of the type including a built in flash, to perform close-up photography includes a mounting plate attached to a camera around a camera lens, a lens plate having a secondary lens selectively attachable to the mounting plate so that light entering the camera lens is first magnified by the secondary lens. A bracket assembly is selectively attachable to each lens plate to indicate the location of the focal plane and the size of the image frame. A flash attachment adapted for close-up photography includes a flash output window, a power switch, a mode switch and a flash intensity switch. The flash attachment is secured to the camera and wired thereto so that the mode switch may control which flash unit, the flash of the camera or the close-up flash, activates. The flash intensity switch is a rheostat and controls the amount of light emanating from the flash source to the subject, according to the distance between the camera and the subject.

Preserving and utilizing system for photographic image data photographed by digital camera

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and effectively preserve and utilize photographed data by providing a media reading means for reading photographic image data, stored in removable media and transferring these data to an image server and a means for accessing preserved image data and access for utilizing them. SOLUTION: This system has an image server 6 provided with a large capacity disk, various means for transferring the photographic image data, photographed by a digital camera 1 to the image server 6 and preserving these data, and means for effectively utilizing the preserved data. For the camera to preserve data into the image server, a memory card is provided with a card reader 2 and for direct connection with the digital camera, an interface cable 3, docking station 4 and infrared receiver 5 or the like are provided. Although as the mode of service, there is available circulation of photographic image data, etc., but a monitor 7 to be directly connected to the image server 6 and an input device 14 such as a keyboard are provided for such a purpose and a printer 9 and a media drive 10 are provided for a print order, etc.

System for hiding in authentication information is image and image authentication system

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new system capable of supplying authentication information in a form which is inseparable from an image data. SOLUTION: An image is halved and authentication information to hide in one image is obtained from the other image itself. Objective image data photographed by a digital camera is divided into an area D1 for generating a hush value and an area D2 for hiding a hush value H. A digest-calculating part calculates H from data of D1 and ciphers it by a secret key different for each digital camera, etc., to hide D2 , hiding can be executed by operating a pixel value in a real space or a frequency space to a degree of not being recognized visually. In D2 , additional information such as a time stamp, positional information of GPS can be hidden before hiding data from D1 .

Flicker suppression in a digital camera recording system

Abstract: An image recording system comprising an electronic camera and an image recording method are provided by which influence of a recorded image of temporal fluctuations in intensity of light illuminating objects to be recorded is significantly reduced so that use of inexpensive light sources for illumination of the objects is possible.

Color Image Processing and Object Tracking System

Abstract: This report describes a personal computer based system for automatic and semiautomatic tracking of objects on film or video tape, developed to meet the needs of the Microgravity Combustion and Fluids Science Research Programs at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The system consists of individual hardware components working under computer control to achieve a high degree of automation. The most important hardware components include 16-mm and 35-mm film transports, a high resolution digital camera mounted on a x-y-z micro-positioning stage, an S-VHS tapedeck, an Hi8 tapedeck, video laserdisk, and a framegrabber. All of the image input devices are remotely controlled by a computer. Software was developed to integrate the overall operation of the system including device frame incrementation, grabbing of image frames, image processing of the object's neighborhood, locating the position of the object being tracked, and storing the coordinates in a file. This process is performed repeatedly until the last frame is reached. Several different tracking methods are supported. To illustrate the process, two representative applications of the system are described. These applications represent typical uses of the system and include tracking the propagation of a flame front and tracking the movement of a liquid-gas interface with extremely poor visibility.