Showing papers on "Digital camera published in 1999"

A categorization of multiscale-decomposition-based image fusion schemes with a performance study for a digital camera application

Abstract: The objective of image fusion is to combine information from multiple images of the same scene. The result of image fusion is a single image which is more suitable for human and machine perception or further image-processing tasks. In this paper, a generic image fusion framework based on multiscale decomposition is studied. This framework provides freedom to choose different multiscale decomposition methods and different fusion rules. The framework includes all of the existing multiscale-decomposition-based fusion approaches we found in the literature which did not assume a statistical model for the source images. Different image fusion approaches are investigated based on this framework. Some evaluation measures are suggested and applied to compare the performance of these fusion schemes for a digital camera application. The comparisons indicate that our framework includes some new approaches which outperform the existing approaches for the cases we consider.

Color-encoded digital fringe projection technique for high-speed three-dimensional surface contouring

Abstract: A color-encoded digital fringe projection technique is proposed for high-speed 3-D surface contouring applications. in this technique, a color fringe pattern whose RGB components comprise three phase-shifted fringe patterns is created by software on a computer screen and then projected to an object by a novel computer-controlled digital projection system. The image of the object is captured by a digital camera positioned at an angle different from that of the projection system. The image is then separated into its RGB components, creating three phase-shifted images of the object. These three images are used to retrieve the 3-D surface contour of the object through the use of a phase wrapping and unwrapping algorithm. Only one image of the object is required to obtain the 3-D surface contour of the object. Thus contouring speed, limited only by the frame rate of the camera, can be dramatically increased as compared to that of the traditional phase-shifting techniques. The technique is especially useful in applications where the object being contoured is going through quasi-static or dynamic changes. The principle of the technique is described and some preliminary experimental results are presented.

Camera network communication device

Abstract: A communication device (10) for interconnecting a digital camera (12) to a communication network (16) for downloading data to a remote computer. The device (10) has a network communication port (30) for establishing communication with a network (16) via a pre-defined protocol and communication mode, and has a camera communication port (20) such as a serial, parallel, SCSI, USB or Irda-port that imitates the back end application of a PC (14), for connection to a digital camera (12) for sending and receiving data to and from the camera (12). The camera communication port (20) is also used for input of programming and setup data to the communication device (10) from a PC (14). The device can be programmed to operate on the data directly, such as in the case of data for storage or operational direction, and/or direct the data to the camera. The device may also have a Smart card socket (34) into which a user can insert a card to input data, such as user and camera I.D., user authorization, image marking, camera operational parameters, remote computer/destination address, etc. The device can be programmed to perform encryption, authentication, watermarking and fingerprinting procedures, as well as structuring the data for transmission over a particular network, and to automatically perform operations, such as at specific times or in response to data input.

Automatic video system using multiple cameras

Abstract: A camera array captures plural component images which are combined into a single scene from which “panning” and “zooming” within the scene are performed. In one embodiment, each camera of the array is a fixed digital camera. The images from each camera are warped and blended such that the combined image is seamless with respect to each of the component images. Warping of the digital images is performed via pre-calculated non-dynamic equations that are calculated based on a registration of the camera array. The process of registering each camera in the arrays is performed either manually, by selecting corresponding points or sets of points in two or more images, or automatically, by presenting a source object (laser light source, for example) into a scene being captured by the camera array and registering positions of the source object as it appears in each of the images. The warping equations are calculated based on the registration data and each scene captured by the camera array is warped and combined using the same equations determined therefrom. A scene captured by the camera array is zoomed, or selectively steered to an area of interest. This zooming- or steering, being done in the digital domain is performed nearly instantaneously when compared to cameras with mechanical zoom and steering functions.

Camera with touchscreen

Abstract: A camera which can perform operations by touching a screen of an image display and can give different instructions according to different pressures applied on the touching. A digital camera has an LCD for displaying the captured image or a reproduced image. A touch panel for determining the position of a touched portion and the pressure applied to the touched portion is provided over the LCD. The camera gives a variety of instructions with respect to a camera operating system according to pressure applied to the touched portion on the touch panel. For example, the touch panel instructs an image-recording preparation in a case that the pressure is no more than a predetermined pressure, and instructs image-recording in a case that the pressure is more than the predetermined pressure. In short, adjusting a focus and an exposure to the principal subject by touching the principal subject displayed on the LCD, and touching the principal subject harder can record an image of the principal subject.

Digital camera device with internal printer

Abstract: The specification discloses a range of printer applications including a sticker printing camera device and cartridge assembly, a PC disk drive bay printer, a PCMCIA printer and camera using such a printer, digital mobile phones with and without a print media supply, a video game console device and a digital printer cartridge with integral print media transport mechanism. As a result, the specification contains 37 pages of description, 143 claims and 88 sheets of drawings. The first invention is a digital camera (1) with an internal printer. The camera has a photo take button (14), view finder (10), camera lens (12), and a print button (15) that operates an internal inkjet printhead. The camera further has a sticker storage and feed means, an image sensor, an ink supply and means to deliver ink to the printhead to enable printing of the sensed image on a sticker.

Spectral Estimation Using Trichromatic Digital Cameras

Abstract: In this paper we present an alternative way to capture multi-spectral images using a conventional trichromatic digital camera combined with either absorption filters or multi-illumination. The goal in this research has focused on reducing the cost and complexity of the image acquisition system while preserving its colorimetric and spectral accuracy. This paper describes this new paradigm and summarizes recent research results.

Digital camera with biometric security

Abstract: A programmable digital camera requiring a programming password to be entered to access the camera's programmability. The camera further includes programming so as to allow the camera to be operated only for a specified time interval, after which the camera becomes inoperable until the programming password is again entered and the camera is programmed to operate for another interval of time. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a programmable digital camera as above described wherein the camera is programmed to only capture a set number of images, at which point the programming password must again be entered and the camera reset for another quantity of images. A further alternate embodiment includes a camera system with a separate transmitter for radiating a signal designed to cover a designated area, the signal being modulated with a camera operational code. The camera is equipped with a corresponding receiver and demodulator to receive the operational code. The camera is programmed to check for the operational code periodically, and if the code is not received, the camera automatically shuts down, thereby limiting operation of the camera to the designated area. A still further embodiment includes a camera with a built-in apparatus for acquiring measured biometric data of a potential user, and comparing it with corresponding biometric signature data entered in the camera, and allowing camera operation only if there is a match.

Image capture and printing device

Abstract: An image producing device (10) including a digital camera an area image sensor (20) disposed at an image plane for receiving the image of a subject (21), and producing a digitized image thereof. A CPU (32 a) is adapted to direct the output to a variety of storage mediums. A printer (30) is connected to the CPU (32 a) for producing a hard copy (39) of the digital image as shown on an image display (38 b). The integral digital camera adjustably; directable from 0° to 360° in a horizontal plane and selectively directed at a sheet display (54) or at a subject (21) for a portrait.

Networked appliance for recording, storing and serving digital images

Abstract: An image server is captures images from a digital camera. When the image storage device is removed from the camera and placed into a port of the image server, the image server automatically detects the image storage device and downloads the images stored thereon, adding various data elements, such as a camera ID, data of capture, and the like. Once the image is stored in the image server, the image server generates an HTML page that references the new image, or adds a new reference to an existing HTML page. The HTML pages are made available to web browsers that are able to access the image server and the images are thus presented, with optional captions and titles. The images can be stored on the image server and be searched by text (i.e., from the captions or titles) or by image features.

Method and system for calibrating digital cameras

Abstract: A digital camera is calibrated by establishing the coordinates of at least four feature points of a pattern mounted on a planar surface. At least two, and preferably three or more, images of the planar pattern are captured at different, non-parallel orientations using the digital camera. The image coordinates of the pattern's feature points are then identified in the captured images. A closed form solution can be employed to derive all the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters needed to provide the camera calibration. Essentially, the known pattern coordinates and corresponding image coordinates are used to compute a homography for each image. Then, a process is employed that estimates the intrinsic camera parameters by analyzing the homographies associated with each image. Finally, the extrinsic parameters for each image are computed from the intrinsic parameters and the homographies. However, the images can be effected by various noise sources which could affect the accuracy of the closed form solution process. If higher accuracy is called for, a maximum likelihood inference process can be employed to either provide a more accurate first estimate, or to refine the estimates derived from the closed form solution. If radial distortion caused by the lens of the camera is also a concern, the camera parameters can be further refined by taking into account this distortion.

Battery control for digital camera and integral printer

Abstract: A digital camera having image capture and processing electronics receives a first battery for operating the image capture and processing electronics of the digital camera and has an integral printer having a removable cartridge for printing captured images on receivers. The integral cartridge includes cartridge interface and printer actuator electronics and a second battery in the cartridge for operating the cartridge interface and printer actuator electronics.

Apparatus and method for correction of a deviation of digital camera

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for correction of a deviation of an imaging sensor of a digital camera in which an image of an object or a scene is formed on an image plane of the imaging sensor to output an image signal, are disclosed. A quantity of rotation of the digital camera causing a deviation of the imaging sensor from a reference position to occur, is detected. A change of a positional angle of the imaging sensor is calculated based on the detected rotation quantity. A target vector is calculated based on the calculated positional angle change, the target vector describing a magnitude and a direction of an inverse movement of the imaging sensor needed to reach the reference position and cancel the deviation. Movement of the imaging sensor is controlled based on the calculated target vector, so that the imaging sensor is moved back to the reference position thus correcting the deviation. The calculation of the target vector and the movement of the imaging sensor are executed within an image acquisition time for a single frame of the image signal.

Wireless imaging device and system

Abstract: A handheld, portable device for capturing and communicating digital images includes a digital camera having an electronic image sensor for sensing an image and producing a digital image indicative of the sensed image. The device further includes a wireless transceiver having a transmitter operable with the digital camera for transmitting the digital image over a wireless communications link through the establishment of a data call. A second device having a wireless transceiver may communicate digital images over the wireless communications link through the establishment of the data call with the wireless transceiver of the first device.

Efficient and Handy Texture Mapping on 3D Surfaces

Abstract: There has been a rapid technical progress in three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics. But gathering surface and texture data is yet a laborious task. This paper addresses the problem of mapping photographic images on the surface of a 3D object whose geometric data are already known. We propose an efficient and handy method for acquiring textures and mapping them precisely on the surface, employing a digital camera alone. We describe an algorithm for selecting a minimal number of camera positions that can cover the entire surface of a given object and also an algorithm to determine camera’s position and direction for each photograph taken so as to paste it to the corresponding surfaces precisely. We obtained a matching accuracy within a pixel on a surface through three experimental examples, by which the practicability of our method is demonstrated.

Apparatus for the orthogonal movement of a CCD sensor and a method of light sampling therewith

Abstract: Apparatus for the orthogonal (X,Y) movement which allows high-resolution color photography in both the X and Y directions, by micro-movement of the CCD sensor within a digital camera body is provided which can be used together with a rotatable mount for rotating the CCD sensor from portrait mode to landscape mode, without needing to rotate the camera base

Digital two-dimensional photogrammetry: a comparison of three techniques of obtaining digital photographs.

Abstract: Three methods of obtaining digital photographs in a clinical setting were compared using direct anthropometry as a reference standard. The methods included a digital camera, scanning negatives from a 35-mm single-lens reflex camera, and scanning Polaroid photographs taken with a Polaroid camera designed for medical documentation. A total of 11 angular and linear anthropometric measurements obtained from 30 healthy volunteers were used for the comparison. The data were analyzed using a variance covariance approach to repeated measures. The analysis revealed that the three cameras were not statistically different from each other. Other advantages and disadvantages, such as cost and ease of use, are discussed.

Image data management system

Abstract: An image data management device, that records image data captured by a digital camera together with information indicating the use period of the image data, searches for image files captured by the digital camera and checks the use period of the image data which has been found. When the use period of the image file has expired, the image data management device deletes the image file.

Image recording device for transferring image data and its history data which are recorded in a recording medium into another recording medium, and a method thereof

Abstract: An image recording device uses a first recording medium which stores image data photographed by an image photographing apparatus such as a digital camera, and uses a second recording medium which has a larger available storage capacity than the first recording medium. When the image data stored in the first recording medium is transferred into the second recording medium, history data corresponding to the image data to be transferred, is also transferred together. The history data is used for retrieval of the image data. Thus, the image recording device makes it possible to perform later image retrieval operations easily and conveniently. If available storage capacity of the first recording medium is not enough to record data from the second recording medium, the image recording device displays a message for indicating it. This system allows effective use of memory capacity.

System and methods for analyzing tooth shades

Abstract: A digital camera (12) connects to a tooth shade analyzer subsystem, e.g., a digital video processor (14), and a color display monitor for the electronic determination of the color of patient's teeth. Preliminarily, the camera captures (26) a series of digital color images of tooth shades corresponding to reference shade guides (34), and electronically compares the reference shades to an image of the patient's tooth. In a preferred embodiment the comparison is done over a set of pseudo-pixels, each corresponding to a group of pixels in an high-resolution camera. Once a match is found, it is communicated to a user of the system (52). In a specific embodiment the camera is equipped with a sleeve and illumination subsystems that help reduce the variations in the color of digital images due to external factors.

Perspective correction for preview area of panoramic digital camera

Abstract: A device for creating a panoramic image from a plurality of images taken by a digital camera. The device comprising: an input for receiving a current image which is updated in real time when a digital image capture mechanism coupled to the input is repositioned. The device further includes a preview generator for warping or mathematically adjusting perspective of a portion of a stored previous image so as to generate an overlap portion for optimal alignment by a user of the overlap portion to the current image therewith. The warped overlap portion of the stored previous image along with the current image is presented to a viewfinder. In an alternate embodiment, a method and computer readable medium corresponding to the above system is described.

Memory saving wavelet-like image transform system and method for digital camera and other memory conservative applications

Abstract: A digital camera includes a data capture device and data processing circuitry for processing image data representing captured images. The data processing circuitry processes tiles of the image data in a predefined order to generated processed image data, which is then stored as a data image file. The tiles are nonoverlapping portions of the image data. Each tile of image data is processing by applying a predefined sequence of transform layers to the tile of image data so as to generate successive layers of transform coefficients. In a preferred embodiment, the transform layers are successive applications of a wavelet-like decomposition transform. While each tile is processed, a predefined set of edge transform coefficients from a plurality of the transform layers are saved in memory for use while processing neighboring tiles. Further, the step of processing each tile includes applying at least a plurality of the transform layers to both transform coefficients generated by a prior transform layer and corresponding ones of the edge transform coefficients that were previously saved in memory while processing tiles neighboring the tile being processed. However, for some tiles along the edge of the image, there will be no edge transform coefficients from previously processed tiles to be used while processing the current tile.

Digital camera with memory card fullness icon

Abstract: A digital camera having a plurality of adjustable memory card fullness icons to visually indicate the amount of memory space that is available for storage in a plurality of corresponding removable memory cards insertable into the digital camera is disclosed. The digital camera includes an arrangement for capturing and digitizing image data, a display, and a processor for constructing the memory card fullness icon on the display. Each memory card fullness icon includes an inner portion that can be adjusted to graphically display the relative amount of memory space that is available for storage in its corresponding removable memory card. The digital camera further includes circuitry for transferring the digitized image data into a selected removable memory card. The processor determines the relative amount of available memory space in the selected memory card and modifies the adjustable inner portion of the memory card fullness icon on the display to visually indicate in graphic format the present relative amount of available memory space in the selected memory card.

Image processing system for use with a microscope employing a digital camera

Abstract: An image processing system is provided with a frame on which the digital camera is seated, a fixing device for connecting the frame to a connector of the microscope, a magnifying lens arranged within the fixing device for magnifying an image enlarged by objectives within a tube of the microscope, a spherical aberration correcting lens arranged within the fixing device for correcting a spherical aberration caused by a lens contained in the digital camera, and a chromatic aberration correcting lens arranged within the fixing device for correcting a chromatic aberration.

Digital camera and method of enhancing zoom effects

Abstract: A digital camera includes a processor having an algorithm for comparing a set of resolution pixel values in a generated image file with corresponding ones of resolution pixel values in a user selected file and for providing as a final digital zoom image resolution the set of resolution pixel values in the generated image file when the corresponding ones of the resolution pixel values in the user selected file are at least equal but not less than the corresponding resolution pixel values in the generated image file, and a scaled down set of resolution pixel values when the corresponding ones of the resolution pixel values in the user selected file are less than the corresponding resolution pixel values in the generated image file.

Weatherproof and watertight digital electronic camera, including a solid or fluid-filled digital camera operating at great depths

Abstract: A digital electronic camera is hermetically sealed in a housing, typically inexpensive clear plastic. Digital electrical signals for downloading image information from the camera are converted to radio or, more preferably, infrared optical signals. These signals are communicated through the radiation-transparent housing to an external radio transceiver or infrared adapter connected to a personal computer. The bi-directional pc-to-camera communication is typically completely opaque to the picture-capturing pc and to its operating software. Electrical operation of the digital camera's shutter circuit is through the sealed housing by manually moving a magnet relative to an internal sensor, typically a Hall-effect sensor or a reed switch. Recharging a power source—normally a battery—for the digital camera and all associated circuitry within the sealed housing transpires by inductively inducing an alternating current in an coil internal to the housing, with subsequent rectification and conditioning of this current. The entire housing may be filled with liquid, preferably mineral oil or ethyl alcohol, to permit usage of the digital electronic camera at great depth.

Perspective correction for panoramic digital camera with remote processing

Abstract: A method for converting a rectilinear image and a focal length into a cylindrical image parameterized by a height of the cylinder and an angular distance in a single buffer on a remote processing device. The method, on the remote processing device, comprising joining two or more images together to form a panoramic image with corrected perspective. The rectilinear transformation is “in-place” and requires only one buffer. Color correction and motion estimation is also carried out on the remote device. In an alternate embodiment, a computer readable medium corresponding to the above method is described.

Perspective correction device for panoramic digital camera

Abstract: A method in a digital camera for image capturing at least two perspective images at a constant focal length from the digital camera, where both images share a common edge portion. The method including: recording a first image from a first perspective; displaying a preview of a second image from a second perspective; simultaneously with displaying the preview, presenting an overlapping edge region of the first image to allow alignment of the first image with the preview of the second image; and correcting the perspective of at least one image in an overlapping edge region. In an alternate embodiment, a digital camera and computer readable medium corresponding to the above method is described.

Using an electronic camera to build a file containing text

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of building an electronic file, using an electronic camera such as a digital camera, that captures 3-dimensional objects. A number of image data tiles that represent the images are generated by the camera. A number of text data tiles each containing text recognized in a corresponding one of the image data tiles is generated. The method includes searching for overlapping text in the text tiles, and pasting the text tiles in proper alignment into an electronic file.

System for and method of processing data, and entertainment system

Abstract: A portable computer is removably connected to a video game machine which processes data, and a digital camera is connected to the video game machine. Image data supplied from the portable computer or the digital camera to the video game machine is processed or combined by the video game machine, and the processed or combined image data is outputted to the portable computer or the digital camera. The portable computer and the digital camera, which are difficult to connect directly to each other, are simultaneously connected to the video game machine for sending and receiving image data between the portable computer and the digital camera.