Showing papers on "Smart camera published in 2003"

Optical methods for remotely measuring objects

Abstract: A class of measurement devices can be made available using a family of projection patterns and image processing and computer vision algorithms. The proposed system involves a camera system, one or more structured light source, or a special pattern that is already drawn on the object under measurement. The camera system uses computer vision and image processing techniques to measure the real length of the projected pattern. The method can be extended to measure the volumes of boxes, or angles on planar surfaces.

Digital camera system

Abstract: A digital camera system capable of operating by detecting a feature point, which has not been accomplished, in addition to ordinary functions of a conventional camera is provided. According to an aspect of the present invention, a digital camera system includes a detecting means that detects a given feature point from an image data, a receiving means that receives an order from a user, a selecting means that selects each feature point in accordance with a given order instructed by the receiving means when a plurality of feature points are detected, and a display that displays feature point information identifying the feature point selected by the selecting means.

Automated multi-camera planar tracking correspondence modeling

Abstract: This paper introduces a method for robustly estimating a planar tracking correspondence model (TCM) for a large camera network directly from tracking data and for employing said model to reliably track objects through multiple cameras. By exploiting the unique characteristics of tracking data, our method can reliably estimate a planar TCM in large environments covered by many cameras. It is robust to scenes with multiple simultaneously moving objects and limited visual overlap between the cameras. Our method introduces the capability of automatic calibration of large camera networks in which the topology of camera overlap is unknown and in which all cameras do not necessarily overlap. Quantitative results are shown for a five camera network in which the topology is not specified.

Providing multiple synchronized camera views for broadcast from a live venue activity to remote viewers

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting and displaying venue-based synchronized camera views for live venue activities to remote views. A synchronized camera can include a main camera and at least one slave camera, wherein slave camera movement depends on movement by the main camera. Views captured by a slave camera can be of the same general target as those captured by the main camera. Remote viewers can be venue-based hand held devices or distant monitors. Remote viewers can include hand held devices and digital entertainment monitors (e.g., HDTV). Within a venue, the camera views can be processed and formatted for display on display screens associated with venue-based hand held device. A user can select from more than one view from the synchronized camera that the user wants displayed on the remote viewer, thereby enabling a user of the hand held device to view more than one camera view, at a time or simultaneously, through the remote viewer.

Voice, lip-reading, face and emotion stress analysis, fuzzy logic intelligent camera system

Abstract: Revealed is an intelligent camera security monitoring, fuzzy logic analyses and information reporting system that includes video/audio camera, integrated local controller, interfaced plurality of sensors, and input/output means, that collects and analyses data and information observations from a viewed scene and communicates these to a central controller. The central controller with fuzzy logic processor receives, stores these observations, conducts a plurality of computer analyses techniques and technologies including face, voice, lip reading, emotion, movement, pattern recognition and stress analysis to determine responses and potential threat of/by a person, crowd, animal, action, activity or thing. This invention recognizes possible terrorists, criminals, enraged or dangerous persons and also can identify a person's level of intoxication or impairment by alcohol or drugs via a new “Visual Response Measure”. The invention provides an intelligent tool to assist security systems and personnel, improving capability to record, display and share information and maintain security.

WACL: supporting telecommunications using - wearable active camera with laser pointer

Abstract: We propose a wearable active camera with laser pointer(WACL) as a human interface device for use intelecommunications. The WACL laser pointer is attached tothe active camera-head and it can point a laser spot whileelevating and panning the camera-head. In our system, aremote instructor can observe around the worker, who iswearing the WACL, independently of the worker's motion,and can clearly and naturally instruct the worker in tasksby pointing the laser spot at real objects. This paperdescribes the outline of a telecommunication supportsystem using the WACL and a method to stabilize thecamera and laser pointer independently of the wearer'smotion. We have implemented and demonstrated anexample of an application using our system.

Digital camera with reduced image buffer memory and minimal processing for recycling through a service center

Abstract: A digital camera system in which capture, processing and storage functions are partitioned differently than in existing systems. A hand-held digital camera is used with a workstation that may exist in a commercial image processing service center. A minimal amount of image data processing is performed in the digital camera, thereby allowing significant digital camera cost reductions due to lower memory requirements, lower processing requirements, and lower power requirements. Real-time single pass image compression techniques are employed within this digital camera to permit rapid gathering and storage of raw or minimally processed image data. The workstation to which the image data are transferred performs the image processing normally done within existing cameras. This processing takes advantage of the increased computational power that is possible to have in such a workstation, compared to that of a small camera, and the increased time over which such processing may be performed.

ID CAM: a smart camera for scene capturing and ID recognition

Abstract: An ID recognition system is described that uses optical beacons and a high-speed image sensor. The ID sensor captures a scene like an ordinary camera and recognizes the ID of a beacon emitted over a long distance. The ID recognition system has three features. The system is robust to changes in the optical environment, e.g. complete darkness, spotlights, and sunlight. It can recognize up to 255 multiple optical beacons simultaneously. Furthermore, it can recognize beacons even over a long distance, e.g. 40 m indoors and 20 m outdoors. Implementation and evaluation of this ID recognition system showed that a mobile augmented reality system can be achieved by combining this ID recognition system with a PDA and a wireless network.

Method and apparatus for telepresence

Abstract: There is described a method and apparatus or telepresence between a field user wearing telepresence equipment and a remote user, the method comprising: providing the telepresence equipment including a global camera, a handheld detail camera for obtaining image close-ups, and an audio link for communication between the field user and the remote user; mounting the global camera on the field user's head to obtain an image of the field user's viewpoint; transmitting images from the global camera to a remote display for the remote user to view; receiving instructions from the remote user through the audio link on where to point the detail camera; pointing the detail camera to specified objects; and transmitting images from the detail camera to the remote display for the remote user to view.

Surveillance system and a surveillance camera

Abstract: The surveillance system is a system that a plurality of surveillance camera units cooperatively acquire image of a movable object. Each of the surveillance camera units is equipped with a image recognition function. A surveillance camera unit that has recognized the feature information on the movable object in the image picked up transmits the image to a monitor unit via a network and the feature information on the movable object to the other surveillance camera unit via the network. A surveillance camera unit that has recognized the feature information received from the other camera unit in the image picked up transmits the image to the monitor unit via the network as well as transmits the feature information on the movable object to the other surveillance camera unit via the network. This makes it possible to keep tracking of a target even in a space including more blind spots.

Extraction and tracking of the license plate using Hough transform and voted block matching

Abstract: In recent years, the method of license plate tracking has been applied for obtaining the position of the nearby vehicles from a vehicle. In this paper, we propose a new method of license plate extracting and tracking from time sequential images taken by a video camera on a vehicle. For extracting and tracking the plate correctly, we use Hough transform and Voted Block Matching. This method enables the extracting and tracking even when the distance between the camera on the vehicle and the license plate of another vehicle is changing or the plate is occluded by some objects.

Digital camera and method providing selective removal and addition of an imaged object

Abstract: A digital camera and a method produce a desired image from an image captured with the digital camera. The digital camera includes a computer program that, when executed by a controller of the digital camera, implements processing a set of captured images to produce the desired image within the digital camera. The desired image includes selected image portions of the captured images from the set. The desired image is stored in a memory of the digital camera. The method includes processing a set of captured images to produce the desired image with the digital camera. Processing the set includes one or both of image object removal from and addition to an image scene.

Method, device, and program for controlling imaging device

Abstract: Users of digital cameras are ensured to photograph in a remote camera system which employs a plurality of imaging devices. One digital camera is set as a master camera, and other digital cameras are set as slave cameras. Thus, based on the photography operation of the master camera, the slave cameras photograph. By pressing a shutter button of the master camera halfway, photography notification data is sent to the slave cameras from the master camera, notifying that the photographing is about to take place. After receiving the notice, the slave cameras perform photography notification by outputting sound or voice, displaying messages, or the like. Therefore, the users of the slave cameras are able to know that photographing is about to take place.

Digital camera and printer

Abstract: This invention has as its object to allow a direct print system to display on a user interface of a digital camera whether or not a printer which can directly communicate with the digital camera has a function of automatically detecting a paper size and the like. To this end, according to this invention, in a print system that includes a digital camera, and a printer which can directly communicate with the digital camera, the printer has transmission means for transmitting information indicating that it has a function of automatically detecting the paper size and type to the digital camera, and the digital camera has a user interface for notifying the user that the printer has that function.

Image display apparatus and camera and image communication system

Abstract: The camera reads identification information of the user, which is contained in an identification card, through a card reading part. The camera connects automatically to a server designated in accordance with the read identification information through a communication interface. Then, the camera transmits and stores the data of recorded images to the designated server. The camera retrieves the image data stored in the server, and reproduces and displays the image on an image display at the back of the camera. A plurality of cameras in which the same user's identification information is set can be controlled altogether in the image-recording and reproduction by one camera. One camera in which the identification information of a plurality of user's is set can distribute the recorded image data to the servers of the users simultaneously.

Simplified interactive user interface for multi-video channel navigation

Abstract: A system and method that provides satellite television users with a simple interface in which to choose from a variety of video images representing a different camera angle at a given event. The invention comprises a plurality of cameras positioned at a certain event, such as a sporting event. The video images from the cameras are broadcast to one or more satellites, which downlink the images to a central broadcast center. At the central broadcast center, information relating to the event is bundled with the video images and re-broadcast to a second set of satellites. The information and video images are then downlinked to multiple users situated within the satellite's footprint, to be viewed on their televisions. The user interface includes a remote control device, and a transparent bar, a navigational key display, and a textual description of the current camera angle being viewed all superimposed upon the television screen, thereby allowing the user, via the remote control device, to simply select from a camera angle, navigate to other camera angles, and receive a stream of information about the viewed event.

Methods and systems for providing a field of view, such as a rearward field of view, for use with motorcycles and other vehicles, such as bicycles, cars, trucks, watercraft, aircraft, and snowmobiles

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for using a camera and display screen to provide a vehicle operator with an image of all or part of the area surrounding the vehicle. A camera is attached to the vehicle that is in communication with a display screen viewable by the operator. A system for inverting the image from the camera makes the image more readily understandable to the operator when the operator is looking forward and the camera is pointed backward. The camera and display screen may be wired into a vehicle network. The network may comprise many other devices for added convenience and functionality. Many other advantages can be added to the basic system, for example an operator controlled zoom, automatic changes of camera angle, quick-release components, magnetic security keys, and the like.

Gradient calculating camera board

Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards. Yet, the pre-processing at the imaging module substantially reduces the processing burden on the host computer when compared to machine vision implementations using direct streaming of image data to the host computer.

Robust Vision-Based Registration Utilizing Bird's-Eye View with User's View

Abstract: This paper describes new vision-based registration methods utilizing not only cameras on a user's head-mounted display but also a bird's-eye view camera that observes the user from an objective viewpoint. Two new methods, the line constraint method (LCM) and global error minimization method (GEM), are proposed. The former method reduces the number of unknown parameters concerning the user's viewpoint by restricting it to be on the line of sight from the bird's-eye view. The other method minimizes the sum of errors, which is the sum of the distance between the fiducials on the view and the calculated positions of them based on the current viewing parameters, for both the user's view and the bird's-eye view. The methods proposed here reduce the number of points that should be observed from the user's viewpoint for registration, thus improving the stability. In addition to theoretical discussions, this paper demonstrates the effectiveness of our methods by experiments in comparison with methods that use only a user's view camera or a bird's-eye view camera.

Multiple camera image multiplexer

Abstract: The multiple image video surveillance camera system that uses a common set of sequencing logic to sample multiple imaging devices or multiple pre-set image windows within a large high-resolution imaging device is provided (32, 34 of fig. 2). The images are multiplexed into a single frame or switched on a frame-by-frame basis at the imaging device. The switched frames are marked or encoded (36 of fig. 2) to facilitate separation for individual image display. This configuration allows one camera processor or sequencer to support multiple imagers and eliminates the need for a separate multiplexer, which lowers the system cost. Using a single transmission media (36 of fig. 2) to the video recording or display devices significantly reduces system installation cost.

Use of multi-function switches for camera zoom functionality on a mobile phone

Abstract: A combination mobile communication device and camera that combines a hand-held mobile terminal and camera in the same physical package is described herein. The combination mobile communication device and camera uses one or more multi-function controls to control communication functions and camera functions. A user selectively places the device in either a communication mode for engaging in wireless communication with a remote device, or in a camera mode for capturing and/or viewing images. A multi-function control disposed on a side of the combination mobile communication device and camera comprises a multi-directional button that controls a communication function, such as the volume of the speaker, when the device is in a communication mode. When the device is in a camera mode, the multi-function control is used as a zoom control.

Device and method for camera operating

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a simple and easy operation for anyone without being aware of the length of each axis and the degree of freedom of movement constituting a series of actuators provided to form various movements of a real robot camera. In addition, the present invention provides a camera operation device and a camera operation method capable of examining an accurate camera work based on the position of a subject. A robot camera for photographing a subject, a virtual subject disposed independently of the subject, a model camera disposed to face the virtual subject, and holding the model camera. Then, the model motion detecting means 6 for detecting the motion, the robot camera control means 7 for controlling the motion of the robot camera in accordance with the detected motion of the model camera, and the image taken by the robot camera are displayed. And a camera operating method using the device. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Low vision video magnifier

Abstract: A low-vision viewer magnifies the face-up source material in the visual field of a camera and displays the magnified image on a VDU or other display means. In a static mode, the camera captures and stores a high-resolution image of the source material. This high-resolution image can be manipulated and subsequently displayed on the VDU. In a live mode, the camera captures a low resolution image of the source material or a high resolution image of a section of the source material to provide a high frame rate for full motion video. In the live capture mode, the low-vision user can move their view around the source material and zoom in on a desired section of interest. The same camera is used in either static or live modes.

Real-Time Face Recognition on a Smart Camera.

Abstract: There is a rapidly growing demand for using cameras containing built-in intelligence for various purposes like surveillance and identication. Recently, face recognition is becoming an important application for these cameras. Face recognition requires lots of processing performance if real-time constraints are taken into account. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that by tuning the application algorithms, their implementation, and using a proper multi-processor architecture, face recognition can be performed real-time, up to faces per second, using a smart camera not bigger than a typical surveillance camera.

Motion Planning for Camera Movements in Virtual Environments

Abstract: When users navigate through a virtual environment they often directly control the camera. Such direct control is dicult for inexperienced users and results in rather ugly camera motions that easily lead to motion sickness. In this paper we describe a new technique for automatic generation of camera motion using motion planning techniques from robotics. In this approach the user simply species a required goal position (and orientation) using e.g. a map, and the system automatically computes a smooth camera motion from the current position and orientation to the required position (and orientation). As preprocessing the approach uses the probabilistic roadmap method to compute a roadmap through the environment. When a camera motion is required a path is obtained from the roadmap which is then improved by various smoothing techniques to satisfy camera constraints. The method has successfully been integrated in a system for walkthroughs in architectural designs and urban planning.

Digital camera user interface using hand gestures

Abstract: Control methods, a digital camera and a digital camera user interface that respond to arm, hand and/or finger gestures The digital camera recognizes the arm, hand and/or finger gestures as inputs to its user interface and responds to implement predetermined tasks or operations

Camera self-calibration in underwater environment

Abstract: This paper presents a self-calibration technique for a camera mounted on an underwater vehicle designed to perform the 3D reconstruction of underwater scenes. Our aim is to identify the intrinsic parameters of the camera with methods that are adapted to the operational constraints on Ifremer’s underwater vehicles. The optical system is composed by a single vertical camera located below the underwater vehicle and looking downwards. The motion of the vehicle can be measured through navigation sensors and the observed 3D scene is always unknown. The use of a moving camera is not an obstacle for the application of stereoscopic methods. Nevertheless, the camera motion enables the use of robust algorithms for points matching, but impoverishes perspective effects between several images. Therefore, we are interested in the analysis of the conditions in which the procedure of self-calibration is valid and reliable, i.e.: the 3D characteristics of the scene and the camera motion. This paper presents the steps necessary for the camera self-calibration in an underwater environment: the extraction and the tracking of features in several successive images, the fundamental matrix estimation and the intrinsic parameters identification. Several tests and results are presented.

Camera tripold with memory storage and power source

Abstract: The present invention extends one or both of memory capacity and battery capacity of a digital camera. A camera tripod includes a tripod memory, a camera mount, and a set of legs that supports the camera mount. The camera tripod may further include a tripod power source. The camera mount electrically interfaces a digital camera to the tripod memory and optionally to the tripod power source. A method of using a camera tripod with a digital camera includes connecting the digital camera to the camera mount to interface the tripod memory to the digital camera, and transferring data between a memory of the connected digital camera and the tripod memory. The method may further include interfacing to the tripod power source to transfer energy to the connected digital camera that one or both of recharges a battery of the digital camera and powers the digital camera.

Image communication apparatus and method

Abstract: When a plurality of image communication apparatuses, especially digital cameras, communicate images, each of the users of the receiving digital cameras can pull desired images from an image transmitting camera. In an image communicating method in which an image can be communicated by wireless in a server-client system, an image is displayed on a server camera, and an image is selected from among displayed images for transmission to a client camera. Pressing of the release button of the client camera instructs the client camera to transmit to the server camera a request to send an image to the server camera. The client camera transmits the request to send an image to the server camera. The server camera transmits the selected image to the client camera. Thus, the user of the client camera can obtain a desired image from the server camera.