Showing papers on "Digital camera published in 2002"

Method and system for assessing the photo quality of a captured image in a digital still camera

Abstract: A method for assessing the photo quality of a captured image in a digital camera comprises the steps of checking in-camera the photo quality of the captured image to determine if the photo quality is acceptable, and providing a corresponding photo quality feedback to a camera user.

Wireless hand-held digital camera

Abstract: A method and system allow a hand-held digital camera to access and store large volumes of digital image data utilizing a wireless communications link between a host computer and the camera In an embodiment of the invention, imaging optics and a photosensor array capture image data that represents an image of a subject A transceiver integrated into the hand-held digital camera then transmits the image data to a host computer via a wireless communications link The host computer stores the image data, or a copy of the image data, and retransmits related image data or, alternatively, the same image data back to the hand-held digital camera via the wireless communications link Once the image data is received by the hand-held digital camera, an electronic image is formed by a display device that is integrated into the camera The host computer may process the digital image data into enhanced digital image, thereby enabling the camera to display an enhanced electronic image of a subject The communications link between the hand-held digital camera and the host computer can transfer data at a sufficiently high bandwidth to provide virtually real-time feedback to a computer operator

Image processing system, digital camera, and printing apparatus

Abstract: In order to print an image sensed by a digital camera using a printing apparatus for forming an image on a print medium, image data corresponding to the sensed image is converted into print data, and the converted data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, thereby providing an image processing system which can print an image sensed by the digital camera using the printing apparatus without the intervention of any computer, and a digital camera and printing apparatus suitable for the image processing system.

3D multispectral lidar

Abstract: A 3D MultiSpectral Lidar. The system comprises a laser transmitter light source, a laser detection assembly, optics that couple the outgoing and incoming laser signals, a digital camera assembly for collecting passive light, a position and orientation system, and processing hardware. The system provides real-time georectified three dimensional images and topography using an airborne platform. The system collects time-synchronous lidar range and image data in an optical receiver. The individual images are then mosaiced and orthorectified in real-time. The lidar range data and image data are then coupled to a position and orientation system to transform the three dimensional range images to a single geographically referenced multispectral three dimensional image.

Self-calibrating, digital, large format camera with single or multiple detector arrays and single or multiple optical systems

Abstract: Large format, digital camera systems (10, 100, 150, 250, 310) expose single detector arrays 20 with multiple lens systems (12, 14, 16, 18) or multiple detector arrays (104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 152, 162, 172, 182, 252, 262, 272, 282, 322, 324) with one or more single lens systems (156, 166, 176, 186) to acquire sub-images of overlapping sub-areas of large area objects. The sub-images are stitched together to form a large format, digital, macro-image (80, 230', 236', 238', 240'), which can be colored. Dampened camera carrier (400) and accelerometer (404) signals with double-rate digital signal processing (306, 308) are used.

Portable information terminal and digital camera for portable information terminal and portable digital camera/information terminal system

Abstract: A portable information terminal such as mobile communication terminal having an earphone jack for sound input/output, PHS (personal handy-phone system), PDA (personal digital assistants), and mobile personal computer; a digital camera to connect to the portable information terminal, a digital camera connected portable terminal device comprising the portable information terminal and the digital camera, as well as to a method of controlling such a portable information terminal. The existing earphone jack provided on portable information terminals can be adopted as the plug for the digital camera or insertion plug for the connector of USB cable, so that the cost can be lowered and the system made compact to provide a highly flexible portable information terminal and a digital camera for use with the portable information terminal.

Wireless digital camera media

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses are provided for use with digital cameras. A wireless digital media card is provided for use in a digital camera. The wireless digital media card is configured to replace a conventional digital media card and includes an interface to the digital camera, a transceiver configured to transmit image data over a wireless communication link and logic configured to receive image data from the digital camera via the interface and provide the image data to the transceiver for transmission. The wireless digital media card may also include memory configured to store the image data. A receiving device is configured to store and/or further transfer the image data as needed.

Blending Images for Texturing 3D Models.

Abstract: This paper describes a novel system for building seamless texture maps for a surface of arbitrary topology from real images of the object taken with a standard digital camera and uncontrolled lighting. In our application we wish to take a sparse set of real images of a 3D object, and apply the images to an approximate surface model of the object to generate a high quality textured model. In practice the measured colour and intensity for a surface element observed in different photographic images will not agree. This is due to the interaction between real world lighting effects (such as highlights and specularities) and variations in the camera gain settings as well as registration and surface modelling errors. We describe a new automatic approach that extends a classical 2D image blending technique to a 3D surface, which produces high quality photo-realistic results at a low computational cost.

Solid-state image sensor, production method of the same, and digital camera

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-state image sensor wherein the color shading is decreased, and/or a solid-state image sensor wherein the shading effect is outstanding Moreover, the invention provides a digital camera having the solid-state image sensor The solid-state image sensor of the present invention has color filters and/or apertures of a light blocking layer, and the center of the color filters and/or the center of the apertures of the light blocking layer is offset with respect to the center of a light-receiving part, in the direction to the center of a valid cell area In each photodetecting cell of a preferred solid-state image sensor, micro-lenses are further placed on the light-receiving side of the solid-state image sensor, and preferably, the center of the micro-lens is similarly offset with respect to the center of the light-receiving part Also, the digital camera is mounted with an above-described solid-state image sensor

Method of taking pictures

Abstract: An improved method of taking pictures to capture a precise picture composition is provided. The invention is implemented in a digital camera as an operation mode or feature. When this mode is activated, the camera captures a series of images including a precise picture composition desired by the user. From the series of images describing a chronological sequence of events, the user can select a best-timed shot.

Automatic snow cover monitoring at high temporal and spatial resolution, using images taken by a standard digital camera

Abstract: The inter- and intra-annual snow cover distribution in the Zackenbergdalen valley, north-east Greenland, was monitored using images from a digital camera. The Digital Camera Images (DCIs) provide-in contrast to satellite images-data with a high temporal and spatial resolution at low cost. The digital camera, positioned on a rock 500 m above sea level (asl), automatically takes oblique photographs of the valley. To obtain the necessary area consistency for mapping purposes, the DCIs are transformed into digital orthophotos. Snow cover mapping is performed using these orthophotos. In order to suppress errors due to illumination effects, a normalized index based on red, green and blue (RGB) values was developed. The index can be used as an analogue to the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), commonly used in combination with Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images. During the melt-off season, a maximum of 10-15 Landsat TM passes occur over the Zackenberg area. For the 1999 meltoff season only three cloud-fre...

Cradle for digital camera

Abstract: Free setting of the angle or direction of a camera is available while the camera is being inserted into a cradle. A cradle for a digital camera is provided, which is capable of confirming a display screen of the camera, changing the recording medium or battery, or mounting or demounting a communication cable or the like while the camera is being mounted on the cradle without deteriorating the camera holding. The cradle has a structure such that a tripod screw hole is formed on the bottom surface of the cradle, thereby capable of fixing the cradle to a tripod while the digital camera is being inserted into the cradle. By making the height of rubber pads equal or higher than that of a tripod base, the cradle can be stably placed on a desk or the like. The cradle also has a structure that, among the walls holding the camera, a part of the walls that cover a liquid-crystal monitor of the camera, a media slot for a memory card, a terminal part including a power supply terminal or USB terminal is constituted by movable walls. The movable walls can be used as a simple tripod by employing a free stop structure or click stop structure.

Cradle for information apparatus, cradle for digital camera and camera system

Abstract: The cradle is capable of supplementing convenience of a portable information apparatus such as a digital camera of which functions including an image display function and a removable medium are omitted. If the camera is mounted on a camera mounting section of the cradle, a camera connector is electrically connected to a cradle connector in synchronization with a mounting operation thereof. The control circuit contained in the cradle detects a connection of the camera, and automatically starts communication between them. The image stored in the internal memory of the camera is sent to the cradle side, and is displayed on a liquid crystal display. The user can erase unnecessary images while checking the images. In addition, a variation is also desirable wherein a data storing device such as the removable medium is provided on the cradle side to transfer the image in the camera to the data storing device on the cradle side and then erase the internal memory of the camera.

Digital camera system and camera recycle system

Abstract: There is disclosed a digital camera system in which image information photographed by a digital camera and stored in an image memory is subjected to image processing via a CPU of an image handling apparatus and is taken in the image memory. Content of the image processing is indicated by a user with a user instruction section. Moreover, a fee for operating the system is charged by a charging box. Furthermore, after the fee is paid to the charging box, the CPU performs the processing in accordance with the processing content indicated by the user instruction section. The image information subjected to the processing is output by a printer.

Digital camera system, image storage apparatus, and digital camera

Abstract: A digital camera system includes a digital camera 1 for radio transmitting raw data from an image pickup unit 11 and information on the image pickup unit 11 and a server center 2 for receiving the raw data and the information via the Internet, performing interpolation, white balance adjustment, contour emphasis, thinning, and compression, and storing the resultant data. In the digital camera 1, the same raw data is thinned to create a thumbnail and a small-size image for reproduction, correlated with the raw data transmitted, and stored. The digital camera 1 is provided as a part of a digital camera-equipped cellular telephone 1 and image transmission, thinned data storage and display are performed by using the function of the cellular telephone.

A method and system for a distributed digital video recorder

Abstract: A system and method, for remote display and control of an audio/video data stream from a capture device (512, 516), e.g., a TV capture card, audio/visual capture card or digital camera capture card in a PC. In an exemplary embodiment there are some components (828, 830, 832) of a software DVR player executing on at least one client device and other components on at least one server device (812). Users can view and/or control the audio/video data from a server device, having a capture device, on client devices (810) located anywhere as long as they are connected to the server (812) through a network (520). In addition, a server device with a capture device can support display of the video data at multiple client devices at the same time.

Method system and software for transmitting digital media between remote locations

Abstract: A method and system for processing an automotive warranty claim include capturing at least one digital image of a vehicle-related customer concern with a digital camera device. A barcode identifying the vehicle is scanned with a barcode scanning device. Upon establishing operable communication between a first computer and the digital camera device and the barcode scanning device, respectively, the at least one digital image and the barcode information are automatically downloaded into the first computer. Dialog is input into the first computer requesting warranty coverage for the customer concern. A claimset comprising the digital images, barcode and request for warranty coverage is transmitted to a second computer via a communication network. The claimset is reviewed at the second computer to decide whether warranty coverage will be provided. The claimset is updated with the decision and transmitted back to the first computer via the communication network.

Precision agriculture as a commercial application for solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract: The economic potential of UAVs serving as long-duration platforms equipped with high resolution real-time imaging systems is being demonstrated. In September 2002, the UAV Pathfinder-Plus will be used to collect high-spatial resolution, multispectral imagery of the Kauai Coffee Plantation, the largest coffee plantation in the USA. Imagery from two digital camera systems will be analyzed for the mapping of coffee field ripeness, and for the identification of drip irrigation problems and weed proliferation. A payload test was conducted aboard a conventional piloted aircraft during the harvest season in 2001. Use of "off- the-shelf" wireless technology was implemented to remotely control camera operation and downlink imagery in near-real time. Image analysis and the acquisition of ground-based data revealed a positive relationship between brightness of the coffee tree canopy and the harvested yield of ripe coffee cherries.

Camera meta-data for content categorization

Abstract: A method and system for categorizing non-textual subject data (14), such as digitial images (20), content-based based data and meta-data (16) to determine outcomes of classification tasks. The meta-data (16) is indicative of the operational conditions of a recording device (12) during capturing of the content-based data. For example, the non-textual subject data (14) may be a digital image (20) captured by a digital camera (22), and the meta-data (16) may include automatic gain setting, film speed, shutter speed, aperture/lens index, focusing distance, date and time, and flash/no flashoperation. The subject image (14) is tagged with selected classifiers by subjecting the image to a series of classification tasks utilizing both content-based data and meta-data (16) to determine classifiers associated with the subject image (14).

Dual mode digital imaging and camera system

Abstract: A dual mode digital imaging system has a still processing mode that produces an output image in a first color space and a motion processing mode that produces an output image in a second color space, in particular a first color space that is RGB and a second color space that is YUV The digital imaging system includes a dual mode digital camera for use with a computer and a processing application for running on the computer, wherein the motion mode processing is relatively less complex than the still mode processing although at least one common control parameter is used to control both modes The motion mode processing, which is performed using algorithms and software approaches designed to minimize processing time, nonetheless produces an entirely adequate relatively low resolution YUV image appropriate for applications such as videoconferencing The still mode processing, on the other hand, uses more elaborate algorithms to optimize the image quality of a relatively high resolution RGB output image

Comparison of modern CCD and CMOS image sensor technologies and systems for low resolution imaging

Abstract: CMOS image sensors were introduced to the market in 1995 and in the past three years have taken significant market share from CCD sensors in the low-end digital camera markets (e.g., web cams). CMOS sensors boast low power dissipation, single supply operation and camera-on-a-chip integration, and CCD sensors boast high sensitivity and low noise. The sensors are based on inherently similar technologies (silicon photodetectors and CMOS read-out electronics); therefore one would expect they share the same fundamental limits. We analyze CMOS and CCD detector systems from the architecture down to the sensitivity of the pixel and read-out electronics. Our analysis shows that for low resolution imaging (VGA and below) CCD and CMOS sensor technologies are converging to practically indistinguishable solutions in terms of performance, size and cost.

System and method for transferring image data between digital cameras

Abstract: A digital camera and image processing system configured for transferring image data. Transferring means including wireless transmission, transmission through a telephone network, and copying image data to detachable memory modules. Recorded images are optionally previewed and selected for transmission prior to actual transmission. Wireless transmission may be through a cellular telephone network and may be to an internet-based image processing system configured to process digital images and optionally delivery them to a client. The digital camera optionally receives data from an internet based image processing system and/or from other digital cameras. In addition to image data transmission optionally includes processing preference data, user identifying data, and address data.

High-definition hyperspectral imaging system

Abstract: A compact high-definition hyperspectral imaging system (HDHIS) for light aircraft remote sensing to perform concurrent pushbroom hyperspectral imaging and high-resolution photographic imaging. The HDHIS comprises a sensor head having a hyperspectral scanner and a CCD digital camera. An airborne computer interfaces with the sensor head to provide data acquisition including hyperspectral quick view images and control functions. An alternative embodiment includes combining the HDHIS with a computerized airborne multi-camera imaging system (CAMIS) which comprises four progressive scan (CCD) cameras attached to a set of interchangeable, interference filters, to provide a triple spectral imaging system that can be operated by one person on a light aircraft.

Image recording method and system, image transmitting method, and image recording apparatus

Abstract: An input apparatus reads a patient ID from an ID card and transmits it to a computer. On the basis of the patient ID, the computer obtains corresponding patient information containing a photograph of the patient's face and the patient's name, from a medical database, and then transmits the patient information to the digital camera together with the patient ID. The digital camera displays the patient information on the liquid crystal monitor to enable confirmation of the patient, who is a subject to be photographed. After the patient has been confirmed, the patient ID is filled in a header part of an image file for the image photographed using the digital camera, and the image file is transmitted to the medical database or the like. Thus, when identification information on the subject is recorded in connection with the photographed image, the input of the identification information is simplified, and the correspondence between the subject identification information input before photographing and the subject to be photographed can be easily confirmed. Further, the digital camera obtains locational information from a car navigation apparatus. The locational information is classified into added-to-image information added to the subject image (GPS information indicative of latitude, longitude, and altitude) and display information associated with the added-to-image information (the place name corresponding to the GPS information). The digital camera stores the location information obtained in a non-volatile memory and displays the display information (place name) of the locational information on the liquid crystal monitor of the camera. Subsequently, after photographing has been completed, the added-to-image information (GPS information) of the locational information stored in the non-volatile memory in connection with the image. Thus, if additional information input from an external device is recorded in connection with the subject image, the camera can be used to easily check what added-to-image information is used, whether or not the added-to-image information is correct as information to be added to the subject image, and the like.

Customizing a digital camera based on demographic factors

Abstract: A method for customizing a camera for at least one particular demographic group is disclosed. The camera includes a programmable memory that stores at least one parameter value to control at least one operation of the camera. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one camera parameter having a preferred value for at least one demographic group that differs from the standard value for said parameter, selecting a demographic classification for the camera, and programming the programmable memory of the camera to set the parameter value to the preferred value for the selected demographic classification.

Digital imaging system for airborne applications

Abstract: An aerial imaging system has an image storage medium locatable in an aircraft, a controller that controls the collection of image data and stores it in the storage medium and a digital camera assembly that collects image data from a region to be imaged. The camera assembly is mounted to a pre-existing external step mount on the aircraft. An inertial measurement system (IMU) is fixed in position relative to the camera assembly and detects rotational position of the aircraft, and a GPS receiver detects absolute position of the aircraft. The camera assembly includes multiple cameras that are calibrated relative to one another to generate compensation values that may be used during image processing to minimize camera-to-camera aberrations. Calibration of the cameras relative to the IMU provides compensation values to minimize rotational misalignments between image data and IMU data.

Flexible memory management for video and still image data in a digital camera

Abstract: The memory of a digital camera is flexibly managed. When memory is available the camera will use it to capture the highest possible quality and highest possible resolution images. The user is allowed to specify a decrease and increase to the quality and compression settings of the image through the camera's user interface, effecting the size of the image file in memory. (always within the bounds of what can be supported by the amount of image data actually captured by the camera). The user specified settings are applied by the camera to the image data at a later time (e.g. only when the image data is finally downloaded to the host pc). In addition, the camera can store more data even after the memory is full. In one embodiment, the user can input through the camera's user interface an increase in the quality (e.g., resolution/compression level or other such parameters) of an image or video file, after capturing and reviewing it, even after other data are subsequently captured on the camera. This can be done by storing data at a high quality setting when memory is available, and re-storing the data at a lesser quality if additional memory is not available. If memory is not available to store any additional data, and the user still attempts to capture additional data, data already stored on the device (and/or the attributes of the additional data) can be adjusted in order to make room for permanent storage of additional data on the camera.

Printing apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium

Abstract: A print apparatus which receives image data from a digital camera, PC card, or PC to print an image on a storage medium outputs print data based on image data from the PC to a printer engine via a USB hub, and prints an image. The apparatus has a DSP which receives compressed image data from the digital camera or PC card, decodes the received data, and parallelly executes, for the decoded image data, at least color space conversion processing, size change processing, and color conversion processing. The apparatus generates print data on the basis of the image data processed by the DSP, outputs the generated print data to the printer engine, and prints an image.

Image processing apparatus

Abstract: A digital camera which is an image processing apparatus is controlled so that a first image and a second image are acquired for the same subject in different timings. A plurality of correction tables for use in shading correction are prepared in advance in a shading ROM of the digital camera. When a first image and a second image are acquired, multiplication of one correction table is performed on both images by a shading correction circuit. As a result of this, a shading correction is effected on both images. The first image and the second image that have been subjected to the shading correction are taken into respective image memories, and after being subjected to a positioning process by a general controller, they are synthesized to generate a synthesized image.