Showing papers on "Smart camera published in 1981"

The Numerical Stereo Camera

Abstract: We describe a "stereo camera" which rapidly acquires the (x,y,z) locations of a large number of sample points on a surface. The device works on the same triangulation principle as an ordinary stereo camera, but involves an active camera (coded-laser-beam-array projector), a passive camera (TV), and the software for pattern synchronization and analysis. The system involves (1) a single laser beam; (2) interference optics to transform the single beam into an array of laser beams; (3) a programmable electro-optic shutter which can block or transmit various subsets of the laser beams in the array; (4) a TV camera to view the environmental surfaces illuminated by the laser beam array; and (5) a processor which controls the shutter, synchronizes the shutter with the TV camera, and decodes the contents of the TV images of the different coded patterns projected on the environment. The system is being developed for rapid biomedical surface mapping but can also be used in vision aid for the blind, robot vision, assembly-line inspection, data acquisition for 3-D pattern recognition, and the monitoring of large surfaces and volumes (dams, construction processes, security areas, etc.).

Automatic focus control system for video camera with improved position detecting apparatus

Abstract: An automatic focus control system for a video camera includes a first circuit which provides a detection signal having higher frequency components of a video signal provided by the video camera. The level of the detection signal varies according to a relative distance between the lens system of the video camera and the light receiving plane of the image pickup device of the video camera. The focus control system also includes a second circuit which detects an extreme value of the amplitude of the detection signal, and fixes the relative distance between the lens system and the light receiving plane of the image pickup device by stopping the actuation of the focusing mechanism of the video camera.

Camera capable of programmed exposure control

Abstract: The present invention provides an optimum programmable camera that can be subjectively programmed to accomodate a user's personal demand. The user can enter in various combinations of F-values and exposure times for implementation under different lighting conditions. A graphic display can be provided on the back of the camera to facilitate the subjective programming and storage of program lines. Thus, the user is capable of completely and subjectively determining the operation of the camera to meet his own individual demands.