Showing papers on "Digital camera published in 2001"

Method and system for compensating for parallax in multiple camera systems

Abstract: A camera array captures plural component images which are combined into a single scene In one embodiment, each camera of the array is a fixed digital camera The images from each camera are warped to a common coordinate system and the disparity between overlapping images is reduced using disparity estimation techniques

A study of digital camera colorimetric characterization based on polynomial modeling

Abstract: The digital camera is a powerful tool to capture images for use in image processing and colour communication. However, the RGB signals generated by a digital camera are device-dependent, i.e., different digital cameras produce different RGB responses for the same scene. Furthermore, they are not colorimetric, i.e., the output RGB signals do not directly correspond to the device-independent tristimulus values based on the CIE standard colorimetric observer. One approach for deriving a colorimetric mapping between camera RGB signals and CIE tristimulus values uses polynomial modeling and is described here. The least squares fitting technique was used to derive the coefficients of 3 × n polynomial transfer matrices, yielding a modeling accuracy typically averaging 1 ΔE units in CMC(1:1) when a 3 × 11 matrix is used. Experiments were carried out to investigate the repeatability of the digitizing system, characterization performance when different polynomials were used, modeling accuracy when 8-bit and 12-bit RGB data were used for characterization, and the number of reference samples needed to achieve a reasonable degree of modeling accuracy. Choice of characterization target and media and their effect on metamerism have been examined. It is demonstrated that a model is dependent upon both media and colorant, and applying a model to other media/colorants can lead to serious eye–camera metamerism problems. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Col Res Appl, 26, 76–84, 2001

Digital Camera Device Providing Improved Methodology for Rapidly Taking Successive Pictures

Abstract: An in-camera two-stage compression implementation is described that reduces the latency between snapshots to a fraction of that otherwise required by other systems that either process complete compression following each snapshot or that incorporate heavy, bulky, and expensive RAM hardware capable of maintaining several raw luminosity records (unprocessed file containing a digital image). In the 1st stage compression the raw luminosity record is quickly, yet partially, compressed to available RAM buffer space to allow a user to expeditiously capture a succeeding image. When the higher-priority processes, the user shooting pictures, and stage one compression subside, a 2nd stage compression, which is slower but more effective, decompresses the earlier partially-compressed images, and re-compresses them for saving in flash memory until they are distributed to a remote platform to be finally converted to the JPEG2000 format.

Controlling perceived depth in stereoscopic images

Abstract: Stereoscopic images are hard to get right, and comfortable images are often only produced after repeated trial and error. The main difficulty is controlling the stereoscopic camera parameters so that the viewer does not experience eye strain or double images from excessive perceived depth. Additionally, for head tracked displays, the perceived objects can distort as the viewer moves to look around the displayed scene. We describe a novel method for calculating stereoscopic camera parameters with the following contributions: (1) Provides the user intuitive controls related to easily measured physical values. (2) For head tracked displays; necessarily ensures that there is no depth distortion as the viewer moves. (3) Clearly separates the image capture camera/scene space from the image viewing viewer/display space. (4) Provides a transformation between these two spaces allowing precise control of the mapping of scene depth to perceived display depth. The new method is implemented as an API extension for use with OpenGL, a plug-in for 3D Studio Max and a control system for a stereoscopic digital camera. The result is stereoscopic images generated correctly at the first attempt, with precisely controlled perceived depth. A new analysis of the distortions introduced by different camera parameters was undertaken.

Noise filter for bayer pattern image data

Abstract: A method of filtering an image filter is disclosed. The filter is provided for a digital camera including image sensors sensitive to light, a color filter placed over sensitive elements of the sensors and patterned according to a Bayer mosaic pattern layout and an interpolation algorithm joining together the digital information provided by differently colored adjacent pixels in said Bayer pattern. The filter is adaptive and includes a noise level computation block for operating directly on a said Bayer pattern data set of for each color channel thus removing noise while simultaneously preserving picture detail.

Methods for identification of images acquired with digital cameras

Abstract: From the court we were asked whether it is possible to determine if an image has been made with a specific digital camera. This question has to be answered in child pornography cases, where evidence is needed that a certain picture has been made with a specific camera. We have looked into different methods of examining the cameras to determine if a specific image has been made with a camera: defects in CCDs, file formats that are used, noise introduced by the pixel arrays and watermarking in images used by the camera manufacturer.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Automated traffic violation monitoring and reporting system

Abstract: A system (100) for monitoring and reporting incidences of traffic violations at a traffic location is disclosed. The system comprises a digital camera system (102) deployed at a traffic location. The camera system (102) is remotely coupled to a data processing system (104). The data processing system (104) comprises an image processor (132) for compiling vehicle and scene images produced by the digital camera system, a verification process (138) for verifying the validity of the vehicle images, an image processing system for identifying driver information (136, 108) from the vehicle images, and a notification process (8) for transmitting potential violation information to one or more law enforcement agencies.

System for storing and utilizing picture image data recorded by digital camera

Abstract: Pictures recorded by a digital camera can be stored and utilized by a method convenient and appropriate for the situation. The system comprises variety of means for transferring picture image data recorded by a variety of digital cameras to an image server installed in a DPE or the like and a variety of accessing means for enabling the picture image data stored in the image server to be accessed.

Electronic imaging using a logarithmic asphere.

Abstract: Transmission functions are derived that are valid in the nonparaxial case for a class of lenses that will image a continuum of points along an optical axis to a single image point This lens, which we call a logarithmic asphere, is then used in a digital camera The resolution of the camera is limited by the pixel size of the CCD; ie, it is not diffraction limited Digital processing is used to recover the image, and image-plane processing is used for speed We find a tenfold increase in the depth of field over that for the diffraction-limited case

Voice enabled digital camera and language translator

Abstract: A digital camera that recognizes printed or written words, and converts those words into recognizable speech in either native or foreign tongue. The user points the camera at a printed/text object and the camera will speak (or optionally display) the words. Using this device, a blind or visually disabled person can point at an object, press the shutter button to “take a picture” of the words before him/her, and the camera will speak those words in his/her native language. In a second and more advanced configuration, a person can point this camera at a worded object, press the shutter button to “take a picture” of the words before him/her and the camera will speak those words in a foreign language. Alternatively, he/she may point at text in a foreign language and have those words translated and spoken in his/her native language. This camera includes resident software that: a) captures the digital image, b) uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software/algorithms to detect written words (text) within the image, c) converts the text from the language A to language B, and either: c1) use text-to-speech (TTS) software to synthesize speech and audibly “speak” the words to you, or c2) display the words on a display screen in Language B.

System and method for simulating fill flash in photography

Abstract: A digital camera simulates the use of fill flash. The camera takes a series of photographs of a scene at various focus distances. The photographs are stored, along with their corresponding focus distances. The photographs are analyzed to determine the distance to objects at various locations of the scene. Regions of a final photograph are selectively adjusted in brightness based on the distance information to simulate the effect that would have resulted had fill flash been used.

Network configuration file for automatically transmitting images from an electronic still camera

Abstract: A network configuration file is generated at a host computer and downloaded to a digital camera. This file contains instruction information for communicating with a selected destination via a communications interface. The digital camera includes a “send” button or LCD icon which allows the user to easily transmit one or more images via a wired or wireless communications interface to a desired destination, which among other possibilities may be an Internet Service Provider or a digital photofinishing center. When the user selects this option, the communications port settings, user account specifics, and destination connection commands are read from the network configuration file on the removable memory card. Examples of these settings include serial port baud rate, parity, and stop bits, as well as account name and password.

Digital eye camera

Abstract: A digital camera that combines the functions of the retinal camera and corneal camera into one, single small, easy to use instrument. The single camera can acquire digital images of a retinal region (9) of an eye, and digital images of a corneal region of the eye. The camera includes a first combination of optical elements for making the corneal digital images. A portion of these elements are shared elements including a first objective element (12) of an objective lens combination, a digital image sensor (18) and at least one eyepiece for viewing either the retina or the cornea. The retinal combination also includes a first changeable element of the objective lens system for focusing, in combination with the first objective element, portions or all of the retinal region at or approximately at a common image plane. The retinal combination also includes a retinal illuminating light source (27), an aperture within the frame and positioned within the first combination to form an effective retinal aperture located at or approximately at the lens of the eye defining an effective retinal aperture position, an infrared camera (34) for determining eye position, and an aperture adjustment for adjusting the effective retinal aperture based on position signals from said infrared camera. The cornea combination of elements includes a second changeable element of the objective lens system for focusing, in combination with the first objective element, portions of all or the cornea region at or approximately at a common image plane.

System and Methodology for Automated Provisioning of New User Accounts

Abstract: System and methodology are described that allow a new user of a user-operated device (e.g., wireless digital camera, cellular phone, video camera, audio device, or the like) to immediately begin using the features and services of the device without having to first activate a new user account. Thus in the instance where the user-operated device is a newly-acquired wireless digital camera, for example, the user can immediately begin taking and uploading his or her pictures to a photo Web site prior to having to open a user account, or having to perform other cumbersome activation steps. In such a wireless digital camera embodiment, the photo Web site and vendors of either cellular-enabled digital cameras or camera-enabled cellular phones provide user Web accounts based upon the unique ID or phone number belonging to one of these two devices. The user need only bother to “open” his or her account, that is, establish a user name and password, at some subsequent point in time that is convenient for the user (e.g., when the user is first visiting the photo Web site, using a browser, to view the digital photographs he or she previously uploaded). This approach allows users to use his or her newly-acquired device (e.g., immediately take pictures and upload them to an account at a photo Web site) right “out-of-the-box,” all without having to first register or setup a new user account.

Applications for a mobile digital camera, that distinguish between text-, and image-information in an image

Abstract: A digital camera is equipped with means for recognising if the information in an image is text- or image-based, or can also be used for conventional digital photographing. It is also equipped with optical character reading-means (OCR). Several methods of using such a camera are described, e.g. ordering articles and services from advertisements or catalogues; creating case records for medical care; transmitting hand-written letters and messages by mobile phone; registering and manipulating documentation from appointments and conferences; and controlling flows of packets, goods or products.

Method and apparatus for capturing text images

Abstract: A device and method are described for capturing an image of a document using a digital camera. The invention includes a resolution analyzer for analyzing the resolution of text characters in the image, to assess whether the resolution is suitable for OCR. In one aspect, if the resolution is too small or too large, an indicator is generated to guide the user as to the corrective movement of the camera to improve the resolution for OCR. In a second aspect, an electronic zoom control is controlled to alter the magnification of the captured image, to correct the resolution. In a third aspect, a method is described for analyzing the image to determine the resolution according to the height of text characters in the image. The method includes analyzing the run lengths of pixels in the image to identify a predominant length corresponding to the average character height (in pixels).

System including a digital camera and a docking unit for coupling to the internet

Abstract: Described is a system having a digital camera and a docking unit which permits the docking unit to receive images over a channel and direct them to a viewable display in the digital camera.

Generation and display of multi-image video streams

Abstract: A method is disclosed to capture and manipulate digital video images, and to display one or more of the images on a client system as a video stream, without the need for the client to use plug-in or other media player software. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes capturing digital video images of a rotating object, relaying the digital data to a computer programmed to allow direct access to audio and video streams from the digital camera, without the need for intermediary programs. Subsequently, the digital video data is parsed to select images which are edited, processed and configured to be distributed for viewing as a video sequence within a browser window, without the need for a media player.

Digital image georeferencing from a multiple camera system by GPS/INS

Abstract: In this paper, the development and testing of an airborne fully digital multi-sensor system for digital mapping data acquisition is presented. The system acquires two streams of data, namely, navigation (georeferencing) data and imaging data. The navigation data are obtained by integrating an accurate strapdown inertial navigation system with a differential GPS system (DGPS). The imaging data are acquired by two low-cost digital cameras, configured in such a way so as to reduce their geometric limitations. The two cameras capture strips of overlapping nadir and oblique images. The GPS/INS-derived trajectory contains the full translational and rotational motion of the carrier aircraft. Thus, image exterior orientation information is extracted from the trajectory, during post-processing. This approach eliminates the need for ground control (GCP) when computing 3D positions of objects that appear in the field of view of the system imaging component. Two approaches for calibrating the system are presented, namely, terrestrial calibration and in-flight calibration. Test flights were conducted over the campus of The University of Calgary. Testing the system showed that best ground point positioning accuracy at 1:12,000 average image scale is 0.2 m (RMS) in easting and northing and 0.3 m (RMS) in height. Preliminary results indicate that major applications of such a system in the future are in the field of digital mapping, at scales of 1:5000 and smaller, and in the generation of digital elevation models for engineering applications.

Selectively adjusting the resolution levels or the quality levels of digital images stored in a digital camera memory

Abstract: A method for selectively adjusting the resolution levels or the quality levels of digital images stored in a memory of a digital camera having a predetermined memory space includes capturing a first image and storing the captured first image at a specific resolution level or quality level. The resolution level or quality level of the stored first image is adjusted based on the available memory space in the digital camera memory so that a subsequent captured image can be stored. A subsequent image is then captured, and the captured subsequent image is stored with the adjusted first image.

Digital imaging rear view mirror system

Abstract: The Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System Utilizes a digital camera located low in the rear of a motor vehicle and cameras located on the sides of a vehicle all connected to a small flat panel display (e.g., LCD) located in front of the driver. The images from the cameras are to be digitally integrated so as to provide a seamless rear and side view. The Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System incorporates a recorder that records 15 to 20 minute continuous segments while the vehicle is in operation and stops recording a few minutes after a collision. The System also incorporates a sensor that displays in real time on the LCD and on the recording the distance of objects and vehicles behind the vehicle equipped with a Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System, the speed of the vehicle equipped with a Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System and the time.

Specifying image file processing operations via device controls and a user-completed proof sheet

Abstract: A multifunction printing system, and a method for processing image files, which allows a sequence of multiple image processing operations on digital image files, such as photographs taken by a digital camera, to be specified and initiated at a single point in time. The system includes a command interface through which default values for image processing parameters can be set and an initial image processing operation initiated. The system also includes a scanner for receiving a combination proof sheet and order form. Prior to scanning, the proof sheet is marked by the user to identify the image files to be processed, any overriding image processing parameter values for some or all of the images, and any additional image processing operations to be performed. Image processing operations include printing image files, storing image files on a mass storage device, and sending image files via fax or e-mail.

Printing system and method having a digital printer that uses a digital camera image display

Abstract: A digital photography system includes a digital camera and a digital printer. The digital camera includes an image display and the digital printer includes user interface controls to control the images displayed on the camera and to select images to be printed.

Wireless digital camera adapter and systems and methods related thereto and for use with such an adapter

Abstract: Featured is a digital data storage and transmitting (DDST) device, particularly suited for use with a digital camera, digital camcorder or other image/video capturing device, being configured and arranged so as to cable of downloading the digitized data representative of the images/pictures taken with the digital camera and to store this information in the DDST device The DDST device also is configured and arranged so the DDST device can upload or transmit the downloaded picture information to a remote server using any of a number of communication protocols or techniques known to those skilled in that art including wireless or cellphone technologies Also featured are systems embodying such a DDST device and methods related thereto

Optical position determination on any surface

Abstract: The present invention proposes the use of a surface or writing surface such as paper and a moveable element such as a pen or a stylus. The stylus comprises an input means such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or digital camera, a microcomputer, memory, power supply, and a communications device, whereby the digital camera scans the surface for position-related information to determine the position and/or movement of the stylus relative to the surface. The path of stylus is determined by detecting a sequence of position-related information. An output signal from the digital camera or array of light sensitive elements is sent to a computer or processor and finally output to the user. The output can be in various forms including an image on a computer display or a computer printout. When writing on the surface, handwriting recognition software can be used to convert the handwritten text into a “keyboard-typed” representation.

Reusable digital camera that prevents unauthorized use

Abstract: A reusable digital camera includes a memory storing a picked-up image, and a phototransistor provided in the camera to detect disassembly of the camera. When the user disassembles the digital camera in an unauthorized manner, the phototransistor detects outer light, and the picked-up image stored in the memory is erased. Thus, a digital camera is provided that prevents unauthorized disassembly or unauthorized access.

Capturing hand motion

Abstract: A portable electronic device, a digital camera associated with the portable electronic device, and software configured to run on the portable electronic device and to derive handwriting and control information from hand motion of a writing instrument in the vicinity of the digital camera.

Progressive watermark decoding on a distributed computing platform

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method of progressively decoding a digital watermark on a distributed computing platform. A client device equipped with a digital camera, such as a PDA or cell phone, captures a digital image of a watermarked object, and pre-filters the image to isolate a portion of the image data suspected of containing a digital watermark. The pre-filter de-correlates a portion of the image data suspected of containing a digital watermark from the remaining host image signal using a predictive filter. The client then quantizes the filtered data and progressively transmits the quantized data to a watermark decoder. The progressive transmitter sends image data as necessary to achieve a valid decoding operation. To reduce bandwidth requirements, the transmitter starts with the most highly quantized version of the filtered image, and sends lesser quantized versions until the watermark decoder completes a successful decoding operation.

Image input apparatus, program executed by computer, and method for preparing document with image

Abstract: A digital camera inputs an image capture guide list including at least one of image titles as targets to be recorded, and displays the image title(s) included in the image capture guide list on its display part. User takes a picture or pictures while checking the image title(s) in the image capture guide list.