Showing papers on "Smart camera published in 1997"

Catadioptric omnidirectional camera

Abstract: Conventional video cameras have limited fields of view that make them restrictive in a variety of vision applications. There are several ways to enhance the field of view of an imaging system. However, the entire imaging system must have a single effective viewpoint to enable the generation of pure perspective images from a sensed image. A new camera with a hemispherical field of view is presented. Two such cameras can be placed back-to-back, without violating the single viewpoint constraint, to arrive at a truly omnidirectional sensor. Results are presented on the software generation of pure perspective images from an omnidirectional image, given any user-selected viewing direction and magnification. The paper concludes with a discussion on the spatial resolution of the proposed camera.

Method and apparatus for configuring a camera through external means

Abstract: A camera (10) having a built-in microprocessor for accepting configuration data from an external device (14). The camera (10) has a serial port (16), and a slot (18) for receiving standard type II and III PCMCIA cards (22) for data input and output. These features provide the camera (10) with the capability of being programmed by an external device (14), including downloading configuration data including a particular operating system, custom modules, graphics and textual data, and data base information and operational parameters. The configuration data can also be downloaded from one camera (10) to another camera (12).

Image sensing control method and apparatus, image transmission control method, apparatus, and system, and storage means storing program that implements the method

Abstract: This invention relates to an image sensing control method and apparatus, and an image transmission control method, apparatus, and system, in which a camera such as a video camera is connected, the operation of the camera is controlled in accordance with a control command sent from a client via a network, and an image signal sensed by the camera is transmitted to the client via the network. Upon reception of a control command of the pan and tilt angles, zoom value, or the like of the camera from the client, the position control of the camera is done in accordance with the command, and transmission of the image signal sensed by the camera is suspended until the instructed operation is complete. Alternatively, upon reception of such control command, the image signal sensed by the camera is compressed at a high compression ratio, and the compressed image signal is transmitted. On the client device, received image signal is directly displayed without buffering during the control operation, thus allowing real-time image display during the position control of the camera.

Moving picture camera with universal serial bus interface

Abstract: A camera (110, 110') is provided that can be connected to a processing system (120, 120') via an external connector (154) outside of the housing of the processing system. The camera (110, 110') includes a camera housing (100). An imaging device (111) is provided inside the camera housing (100) that converts moving pictures to a video signal. A bit rate reduction circuit (115) is also provided inside the camera housing (100) and connected to the imaging device (111). The bit-rate reduction circuit (115) reduces a bit rate of the moving picture signal so as to produce a bit-rate reduced video signal having a lower bandwidth than the video signal prior to bit rate reduction.

Camera display control and monitoring system

Abstract: A camera control system is disclosed where the control system selects a camera from a plurality of cameras connected to a network, and displays an image taken by the selected camera and further performs control functions on the selected camera. The control system first contains a map display, which represents the relative area where the plurality of controllable cameras are set. The control system next contains a symbol display configuration for representing each camera, and also contains a display-not-permitted area setting configuration, which disallows display functions relative to each network client's status on the network. The control system subsequently transmits each client's respective view and information in accordance to their request and corresponding status.

A versatile camera position measurement system for virtual reality TV production

Abstract: A key component of any virtual production system is a means of measuring the precise position and orientation of each studio camera, so that the virtual scene can be rendered from the appropriate viewpoint. There are a number of systems already available that provide camera position data, but none fully address the requirements of a hand-held camera operating in a very large studio. A system designed specifically for this application is therefore being developed. The system works optically, using a number of markers in known positions. The markers may either be placed in the scene and viewed by the main camera, or placed out of shot (for example, on the ceiling) and viewed by a separate camera mounted on the main one. The computational requirements are not excessive, making the system amenable to real-time implementation using either a general-purpose workstation with a frame-grabber, or a small amount of dedicated hardware.

Camera control system

Abstract: In observing images picked up by a plurality of cameras connected to a network in a surveillance camera system or the like, the conventional arrangement necessitates a client device to switch an image display obtained from one camera over to an image display obtained from another by a manual operation, which has been troublesome. To solve this problem, a camera control system is arranged to automatically switch an image display obtained from one camera over to an image display from another at suitable intervals. The camera control system is further arranged to automatically control the image pickup directions of each camera and, in the event of occurrence of an error in any of the cameras, to carry on its automatic control operation by skipping the camera at which the error has occurred.

Digital camera and external device for image storage and camera control

Abstract: This patent discloses a digital camera and an external device for both storing digital images from the camera and controlling certain camera functions. The external device may be either directly attached to the camera or remotely attached by way of a cable or similar device. The external device may also include a means for recording images onto removable recording media. The external device may also include a button for sending instructions to the camera to allow for switching between image resolution modes, flash lighting modes, and autofocusing modes.

Cinematographic User Models for Automated Realtime Camera Control in Dynamic 3D Environments

Abstract: Advances in 3D graphics technology have accelerated the construction of dynamic 3D environments. Despite their promise for scientific and educational applications, much of this potential has gone unrealized because runtime camera control software lacks user-sensitivity. Current environments rely on sequences of viewpoints that directly require the user’s control or are based primarily on actions and geometry of the scene. Because of the complexity of rapidly changing environments, users typically cannot manipulate objects in environments while simultaneously issuing camera control commands. To address these issues, we have developed UCam, a realtime camera planner that employs cinematographic user models to render customized visualizations of dynamic 3D environments. After interviewing users to determine their preferred directorial style and pacing, UCam examines the resulting cinematographic user model to plan camera sequences whose shot vantage points and cutting rates are tailored to the user in realtime. Evaluations of UCam in a dynamic 3D testbed are encouraging.

Active camera calibration using pan, tilt and roll

Abstract: Three dimensional vision applications, such as robot vision, require modeling of the relationship between the two-dimensional images and the three-dimensional world. Camera calibration is a process which accurately models this relationship. The calibration procedure determines the geometric parameters of the camera, such as focal length and center of the image. Most of the existing calibration techniques use predefined patterns and a static camera. Recently, a novel calibration technique for computing the focal length and image center, which uses an active camera, has been developed. This technique does not require any predefined patterns or point-to-point correspondence between images-only a set of scenes with some stable edges. It was observed that the algorithms developed for the image center are sensitive to noise and hence unreliable in real situations. This report extends the techniques provided to develop a simpler, yet more robust method for computing the image center.

Camera control apparatus and method

Abstract: A camera system controls a camera via a network The system comprises a client having transmission means for transmitting to a camera control apparatus, a character string described in a format of file-transfer request used on the network, wherein the character string is included in a URL, and obtaining means for obtaining video image data transferred from the camera control apparatus, wherein the camera control apparatus has reception means for receiving the character string from the client via the network discrimination means for discriminating a predetermined control character relating to a type of camera control and a control character related to a control amount at a particular position of the URL, and control means for controlling the camera based on the result of discrimination by said discrimination means and transferring video image data obtained by the camera to the client as a file-transfer request originator

Vision-based navigation of mobile robot with obstacle avoidance by single camera vision and ultrasonic sensing

Abstract: This paper describes a vision-based navigation method in an indoor environment for an autonomous mobile robot which can avoid obstacles. In this method, the self-localization of the robot is done with a mode-based vision system, and a non-stop navigation is realized by a retroactive position correction system. Stationary obstacles are avoided with single-camera vision and moving obstacles are detected with ultrasonic sensors. We report on experiments in a hallway using the YAMABICO robot.

Video/audio communication system with confirmation capability

Abstract: There is disclosed a system in which, in order to vary the audio input/output characteristics in linkage with the camera operation and to thereby improve the realistic feeling, the camera control server of the CPU transfers the camera control command, received through the network, to the camera control device to control the camera. In more details, the camera control server also sends control commands to the audio input control device, the audio output device and the video display control device according to the camera control thereby controlling the input characteristics (spreading, direction and sensitivity) of the microphone and the output characteristics (spreading, direction and depth) of the speaker and varying the image displayed on the monitor. There is also disclosed technology for displaying, on the monitor, the information on the operator of the camera and on the receiver of the image, and for varying the direction of the monitor according to the panning or tilting operation of the camera.

Camera control system and camera control apparatus

Abstract: A camera control system has one or more cameras, power supply to which can be externally controlled, one or more camera management devices for managing the cameras, one or more terminal stations which communicate with the camera management devices to display images from the cameras, and an instruction device for generating a power turn-on/off instruction of an arbitrary one of the cameras from the terminal station

Smart progressive-scan charge-coupled device camera

Abstract: A progressive-scan charge-coupled device (PSCCD) camera (2) may capture an entire frame of an image of an optically readable code. The camera generates a histogram or probability distribution function (PDF) of the images and uses the histogram or PDF to automatically adjust the contrast of the image. The camera also generates a cumulative distribution function (CDF) which is used to automatically adjust the illumination intensity including the brightness of the image and the duration over which the image is obtained. The captured analog video image is converted to a digital video image which may be output over the camera's bidirectional bus interface (14) to a component outside of the camera. Updated programs, parameters and other information may be sent in the opposite direction over the bus interface to the camera. The camera may be mounted at a fixed station or may be incorporated into a portable unit, and may be hand-held and/or battery operated.

Passive millimeter-wave camera

Abstract: A passive millimeter-wave camera capable of generating real time displays of the imaged scene, similar to video cameras, has been under development at TRW over the past two years. The camera operates at 89 GHz, has a 15 degree(s) X 10 degree(s) field-of-view, an aperture of 18' diameter, and displays the acquired image at a frame rate of 17 Hz. A major enabling technology is the focal plane array of direct detection MMIC receivers which guarantees reliable and low cost manufacturing of this camera, in addition to providing it with unique operational features. This work reports on progress achieved to date in the development and manufacturing of this new sensor technology.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Dual purpose camera for VSC with conventional film and digital image capture modules

Abstract: A dual purpose camera for alternative use with one of photographic film and a digital image capture module is described. The camera includes a camera body, an electrical interface means disposed within said camera body for interfacing the camera body with a digital image capture module; and a communication means disposed within said camera body for transferring data from the digital image capture module to devices external to the camera body.

Camera control system and method

Abstract: A camera control system for selecting one camera from among a plurality of controllable cameras connected in a network and for making it possible to display video from the camera and to control the camera is adapted to display a map. One or more camera symbols representing cameras are displayed on the map and the user designates a desired camera symbol to control the camera corresponding to the symbol designated. It is also possible for the user to change the display magnification of the map displayed.

System and method for digitally capturing a product image

Abstract: A system for digitally capturing a product image includes a digital camera, a computer interfaced with the digital camera and programmed to provide a graphical interface including indicators relating to the exposure setting of the camera, the resolution image size of the image to be captured and the product identification number. The camera is controlled through the operation of a pointing device, such as a mouse and "buttons" displayed on the interface including setting the camera in a remote control mode, capturing a product image, selecting an image resolution, saving an image and resetting the system for digital capture of the next product image. A sensing device such as a bar code scanner is provide for recording the product number and inputting the number into the computer. Captured product image data is saved to a database along with product dimensions. One or more processors are used to process the data to crop, resize and silhouette the product image. The final product image is stored on storage media such magnetic tape or a compact disk for subsequent use. The final image may be used for electronic advertising, for example over the Internet, for preparing transparencies and for preparing conventional printed advertisements.

A compressed digital output CMOS image sensor with analog 2-D DCT processors and ADC/quantizer

Abstract: Progress in CMOS-based image sensors is creating opportunities for a low-cost, low-power one-chip video camera with digitizing, signal processing and image compression. Such a smart camera head acquires compressed digital moving pictures directly into portable multimedia computers. Video encoders using a moving picture coding standard such as MPEG and H.26x are not always suitable for integration of image encoding on the image sensor, because of the complexity and the power dissipation. On-sensor image compression such as a CCD image sensor for lossless image compression and a CMOS image sensor with pixel-level interframe coding are reported. A one-chip digital camera with on-sensor video compression is shown in the block diagram. The chip contains a 128/spl times/128-pixel sensor, 8-channel parallel read-out circuits, an analog 2-dimensional discrete cosine transform (2D DCT) processor and a variable quantization-level ADC (ADC/Q).

Still video camera system with remote controller

Abstract: A still video camera system including a still video camera and a remote controller for remotely operating the still video camera by transmitting a control signal to the still video camera. The remote controller is detachably coupled to the still video camera, and when the remote controller is coupled to the still video camera, a signal transmission device of the remote controller is utilized for transmitting the image data to an external device.

Receiving equipment for image information

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable receiving through an easy operation for a user, when receiving plural makers or plural kinds of image-pickup devices by controlling the input of specified input means, when a specifying means specifies the input means. SOLUTION: As an output means for outputting picked-up image information, a digital camera 11 is provided with a storage medium 12 for storing the image information picked up by the camera 11 and a connector 13 for transmitting the image information as a digital signal. The user specifies the output means for outputting the image information picked up by the digital camera 11 to with respect a receiving to equipment 10 by selecting the kind of digital camera or storage medium to be displayed on a display. Then, the storage medium 12 or the connector 13 of digital camera 11 is connected to a corresponding reader part 14 or a connector part 15 of the receiving equipment 10. By performing only such an operation, the receiving operation of printer is enabled and danger to complicate an operating method can be avoided.

Electronic still camera and method for communication between electronic still cameras

Abstract: The communication terminal of one electronic still camera is connected to that of the other electronic still camera by means of a specific cable or infrared rays. The image data item to be transferred is selected from the image data items stored in the flash memory in the electronic still camera on the transmission side and the image data is displayed on the LCD. After determining the image data by pressing the shutter key in the key input section of one electronic still camera functioning as the master, the user specifies transmission or reception. The camera whose shutter has been pressed functions as a master and the other camera functions as a slave. In transmission, all or a given one of the image data items in the flash memory are transmitted to the slave camera. In reception, the image data is transmitted from the slave camera to the master camera. The received image data is stored in the flash memory via a DRAM.

Self-maintaining camera calibration over time

Abstract: The success of an intelligent robotic system depends on the performance of its vision-system which in turn depends to a great extend upon the quality of its calibration. During the execution of a task the vision-system is subject to external influences such as vibrations, thermal expansion etc. which affect and possibly render invalid the initial calibration. Moreover it is possible that the parameters of the vision-system like, for example, the zoom or the focus are altered intentionally in order to perform specific vision-tasks. This paper describes a technique for automatically maintaining calibration of stereovision systems over time without using again any particular calibration apparatus. It uses all available information, i.e. both spatial and temporal data. Uncertainty is systematically manipulated and maintained. Synthetical and real data are used to validate the proposed technique, and the results compare very favourably with those given by classical calibration methods.

Videoconferencing arrangement having multi-purpose digital still camera

Abstract: A videoconferencing system uses a modular terminal that includes a conventional digital still camera coupled to the input port of the videocommunicator, such as a set top box. There are various features provided by this arrangement, including using the digital still camera to present video information to the videocommunicator with a split screen image representing the still image, a receiver arrangement permitting the digital still camera to fit securely and adjacent to the videocommunicator, and pan/tilt/zoom camera features provided electronically.

Radio communication system for digital camera

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio communication system for a digital camera where the system configuration is simplified more than that of a conventional system and an incoming call is received as far as possible during the operation of image transmission by connecting a radio communication terminal of the digital camera not via a control adaptor or the like. SOLUTION: A radio communication terminal 2 has a PHS telephone function and a data transmission reception function, and is connected to a digital camera 1 by a cable. One end of the cable is connected to the digital camera 1 by a 3-pin connection section, the other end has a PC card slot and connects to a PC card connector of the radio communication terminal 2. Image data of the digital camera 1 are stored once in a memory section of the radio communication terminal 2 while an image or transmission information are displayed on a liquid crystal display monitor of the digital camera 1 through the operation of an operation key of the radio communication terminal 2. Then the terminal 2 makes dialing and is connected to a base station 4 to transmit image data to a commercial network or the like. COPYRIGHT: (C)1998,JPO

Further results on the use of binocular vision for highway driving

Abstract: In the 1995 Collision Avoidance and Automated Traffic Management Sensors Proceedings we presented a stereo vision based approach for detecting the relative location of other vehicles in highway driving. This system was able to track other vehicles which were within the stereo pair visual field of view. In addition, important camera position variables such as inclination angle and camera height were dynamically calculated from image data without the need for external sensors. In collaboration with industrial partners we have tested the algorithm on additional video information under a number of different driving situations. The affect of noise in the camera geometry estimate on the algorithm's performance was also examined. As a result of these tests and the additional requirement of real time performance, a number of modifications were made to the algorithm to increase both its reliability and computational efficiency. We present the results of the testing as well as the algorithmic changes here.

Operation control device for a camera

Abstract: An automatic-focus camera has a focus lock system that stores focus adjusting information so that a photo-taking lens may be kept focused on an object during one or more exposures. The camera has a self timer, an automatic exposure system with different program modes, and has continuous as well as single-frame operating modes. The focus lock system, which has different focus lock modes, influences the manner in which various operations of the camera are performed.

Partial camera automation in an unmanned air vehicle

Abstract: The present study focused on an intelligent, semiautonomous, interface for a camera operator of a simulated unmanned air vehicle (UAV). This interface used system "knowledge" concerning UAV motion in order to assist a camera operator in tracking an object moving through the landscape below. The semiautomated system compensated for the translations of the UAV relative to the earth. This compensation was accompanied by the appropriate joystick movements ensuring tactile (haptic) feedback of these system interventions. The operator had to superimpose self-initiated joystick manipulations over these system-initiated joystick motions in order to track the motion of a target (a driving truck) relative to the terrain. Tracking data showed that subjects performed substantially better with the active system. Apparently, the subjects had no difficulty in maintaining control, i.e. "following" the active stick while superimposing self-initiated control movements over the system-interventions. Furthermore, tracking performance with an active interface was clearly superior relative to the passive system. The magnitude of this effect was equal to the effect of update-frequency (2-5 Hz) of the monitor image. The benefits of update frequency enhancement and semiautomated tracking were the greatest under difficult steering conditions. Mental workload scores indicated that, for the difficult tracking-dynamics condition, both semiautomation and update frequency increase resulted in less experienced mental effort. For the easier dynamics this effect was only seen for update frequency.