Showing papers on "Video camera published in 1985"

Night vision system with color video camera

Abstract: An infrared imager and a color TV camera view the same scene and the output signals are mixed and fed to a color television monitor so that the scene at night is visible in a black and white format with warm objects appearing dark, and bright colors such as lights appear in natural color superimposed on the black and white image.

Real time computer-controlled tracking of motile microorganisms.

Abstract: — A hardware and software system is described which is capable of automatically following the movement of microorganisms and analyzing the deviation of individuals in a population from a predefined direction. The image of the moving organisms is viewed by a video camera, digitized in real time and stored in a dedicated video memory holding 512 times 256 pixels with 64 grey levels. A microcomputer has access to this video memory via four parallel ports. The software analyzes the position of an organism selected randomly and attempts to follow its track for a predefined period of time. If successful, it calculates the direction of movement and stores the data in a file for statistical analysis. Using this system, the movement of populations of the unicellular flagellate, Euglena gracilis, in unilateral and bilateral light beams has been studied and compared with the dark behavior. When irradiated from two opposite light sources of equal fluence rates half of the population swims towards either light source. However, when the light sources are oriented at an angle of 90° to each other the cells move on the resultant away from the light. These results confirm the shading hypothesis for negative phototaxis.

Method for eyewear simulation and a device for its practice

Abstract: An image of a person who has taken off his/her spectacles is taken on a video camera; then video signals for the image of the person are A/D-converted and stored into a video memory device as the digital signals; thereafter display signals are produced by synthesizing data for the image of the person and data for the spectacles frame as stored in the video memory device; and finally a state of the person with the spectacles frame being put on his/her face is displayed on a display device to thereby match the spectacles with the person.

Auto focus circuit for video camera

Abstract: An auto focus circuit for a video camera comprises an A-D converting circuit (7) for converting to a digital amount a high frequency component absolute value output of a luminance signal in a sampling area for focusing. The A-D converting circuit (7) is connected so that the high frequency component absolute value output of a luminance signal is directly converted to a digital amount. Then, the signal converted to a digital amount is added in an integrating circuit (12) for each field and the signal amount in one field and the signal amount in the coming one field ahead of it or behind it are compared in a comparing circuit (10) so that the output of comparison serves for control of focusing. Thus, addition processing of the high frequency component of the luminance signal, that is, averaging processing is performed digitally in the integrating circuit (12). Accordingly, as compared with the case of analog averaging processing of a signal, the processing operation is stable and as a result the focusing precision is improved.

Video camera ccd standard stars (kpno video camera ccd standards consortium)

Abstract: Photoelectric BVRI photometry of several fields is presented. These data are intended to be used as "standard fields" for calibration of area detectors, specifically CCDs. The fields are located at intervals of 4 - 6 hours and are accessible from Northern Hemisphere observatories. The photometry has been converted to the "standard" system of Landolt (1983).

Apparatus for inspecting an externally threaded surface of an object

Abstract: An apparatus and method are shown for inspecting the externally threaded surface of an object such as a pipe. A video camera is mounted in a translational frame for movement in x,y,z planes. The translational frame is mounted in a rotational assembly which rotates the frame about the circumference of the pipe threads to be inspected. The video signals from the camera are digitized and sent to a computer processor where the signals are interpreted to position the camera as it moves linearly along the axis of the pipe threads and to detect defects and discontinuities in the threaded surface of the pipe being inspected.

Optical system for endoscope

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed for an endoscope having a generally tubular distal end in which an objective lens assembly and an image sensor in the form of a solid-state video camera are internally housed so that an image formed by the lens assembly is focussed upon the input or pickup surface of the video camera. The video camera is disposed along or in proximity to the center axis of the distal end of the endoscope and in some instances is oblique with respect to the center axis. The video camera may be positioned in this way due to the provision of a reflecting surface which is angularly disposed in opposing relationship with an input surface of the video camera, and deflection means disposed in front of the lens assembly and within the objective lens assembly, or between the lens assembly and the reflecting surface so that an image formed by the lens assembly can be focussed on the input surface of the video camera.

Automated microbiological testing apparatus and method

Abstract: of the Disclosure Apparatus for obtaining test results from microbiological test trays and strips includes an inspection station at which test trays may be inspected to determine the results of microbiological tests, a video camera disposed to form images of the test trays at the inspection station, and an image processor for receiving the images from the video camera and processing them to determine testresults. Only predetermined areas of interest in the image made by the camera are electronically analyzed. Each well of a given tray is assigned a positive or negative partial result based upon the electronic analysis of the area or areas of interest within that well.

Keratograph autoscanner system

Abstract: A computer-controlled system for displaying an image of a keratograph taken by a video camera on a video monitor and determining the position/dimensions of the Placido rings on the keratograph, then selectively correcting the measured data. An interface circuit is provided which digitizes and stores in the computer memory one video scan line at a time, and contains ring data storage and logic for superimposing ring data on the keratograph image.

Surface inspection apparatus

Abstract: Objects to be inspected are transferred successively in one direction on a conveyor and irradiated by a light source and photosensed by a single optical image sensor only, such as a video camera The optical image sensor is so arranged that it simultaneously photosenses a plurality of the successively transferred inspected objects, and the conveyor is so constructed that during the period in which the objects pass through the visual field of the optical image sensor, the objects are rotated so that their entire round inspected surfaces are all respectively photosensed by the optical image sensor The video signal from the optical sensor is supplied to an inspection device which periodically samples the video signal in synchronization with the shift movements of the objects, and judgment signals therefrom are respectively supplied to the parallel input terminals of a shift register, the number of which is the same as that of the number of objects in the visual field and at the same time a shift pulse synchronized with the movement of the objects is supplied to the shift register whereby it produces an output signal corresponding to the defective object to cause rejection of the defective object

Apparatus for encoding image signal

Abstract: An image signal encoding system wherein image signal is directly taken in through video camera, changed to digital data, broken down into PDI basic patterns, and then converted into NAPLPS code automatically. The taken-in image signal is divided into a plurality of areas and the information amount of the image signal is reduced for adequate encoding after taking in the image signal. Usually "POLYGON" command is used as the NAPLPS code.

Line selection for preparing range images

Abstract: Selecting of particular image lines for composition of range image such that a composition and evaluation of range image is possible in real time actually corresponds to the imaging of a TV or video camera. The image field is scanned column by column and the contents of the column (all lines) are read in parallel. After digitizing the content of the column, a selection logic selects a particular imaging dot within each of the columns. Using the principles of triangulation, the line position of the dot selected is identified by a multibit binary data word is vertical position in representation of the distance from the camera or the light strip source.

Fiber optic inspection system

Abstract: A fiber optic inspection system for use in the inspection of sandwiched solder bonds in integrated circuit packages. The apparatus contains a miniature fiber optic probe which picks up an image of the solder bonds and transmits it to a video camera. The video output signal of the camera is image processed to enhance the picture quality and displayed on a video monitor.

Process and installation for the appreciation of variations in time of characteristics of a zone of or the whole of a person

Abstract: The process permits appreciation of variations in time of characteristics, particularly dimensions or coloration or other characteristics, of a zone of or the whole of a person. Use is made of a video camera to take an image at a given moment in time of the zone of or the whole of the person; this image is recorded in an image analyzer in order to store it; at a later time the original image is recalled and, with the aid of this recalled image, the person is placed in a position as close as possible to the position occupied when the image was made at the first moment in time, a second image is taken at the later time of the zone of or the whole of the person with the aid of the video camera, and these images are measured in the image analyzer.

Process for manufacturing an authorization card with an image for identifying the owner

Abstract: An authorisation card, for example a ski pass (13), is provided with data by means of an electrophotographic recording apparatus (9), when it is purchased. At the same time, the photograph (11) of the ski pass holder, which is taken by a video camera (2), is recorded on the ski pass (13) by the electrophotographic recording apparatus (9).

Method and apparatus for cooling or freezing

Abstract: A video camera or other scanning device is employed to monitor the loading with articles to be frozen of an endless belt which passes through a freezing apparatus so as to freeze such articles typically by contact with liquid nitrogen or its cold vapor. The video camera is associated with electronic circuits that generate a signal representative of the belt loading and compare it with a signal representative of an optimum belt loading. If the difference between the signals is greater than a chosen threshold the belt speed is adjusted so as to reduce or eliminate the difference. By this means an improvement is made possible in the efficiency with which the liquid nitrogen is utilized.

Apparatus for detecting containers having a deviating property

Abstract: The invention to an apparatus for detecting containers having at least one property deviating from a previously set standard, said containers comprising a convex, circular symmetrical reflecting upper rim, said apparatus compris­ ing: an illumination station and a video camera for forming a video signal corresponding with the video picture of the upper rim of a container to be checked, a video signal processing unit for comparing the video picture with the picture corresponding with the standard previously set, and generating in dependency of the result of said comparison an approval or rejection signal, respectively. The invention has for its purpose to engineer such an apparatus in such a way that it operates very reliably, can be used for substantially all classes of containers and is adapted to assess the properties of the upper rim of the containers and furthermore the degree of crookedness of these contain­ ers, and provides thereto an apparatus of the type set forth above, which is characterized in that said video signal processing unit is adapted for separating the video picture in two mirror symmetrical parts with respect to a line extending perpendicularly to the picture lines, further characterized in that means are present for counting the number of repre­ sentative picture information elements per picture line in each of said both parts and for mutually comparing them, and in that means are present for comparing the result of said comparison with the video picture corresponding with the standard previously set and generating in dependency of the result of said comparison, an approval or rejection signal, respectively.

Still video cameras

Abstract: A still video camera in which the image of an object formed on a photoelectric conversion surface by a picture-taking lens is scanned to generate video signals, which are recorded on a magnetic disc rotating at a predetermined speed. An indication lamp is provided in a finder and is turned on by the first stroke of a trigger member which starts rotation of the magnetic disc which is turned off by a control apparatus when rotation of the disc has reached a predetermined speed indicating the appropriate time for the second stroke of the trigger member which starts recording.

Video recording/reproducing camera

Abstract: A video recording/reproducing camera has a cover which covers control buttons associated with the reproduction operation to prevent an operator from touching the control buttons. A sensor switch detects whether or not the cover prevents the control buttons from being touched erroneously by the operator. When the sensor switch detects that the cover uncovers the control buttons to permit the control buttons to be touched by the operator, the operation of the video camera and the recording operation are disabled and only the reproduction mode is enabled. Therefore, the erroneous operations during the recording and reproduction modes are prevented.

Control circuit for a video camera, and method for controlling a video camera

Abstract: A control circuit for a video camera by which a charge image of an object to be recorded is adapted to be produced, the image being at least partly erased when being read-out for generating a video output signal. In order to avoid an image flicker of a video image produced by the video output signal when light supplied to the video camera is periodically interrputed, a reading-out of the charge image of the video camera is periodically prevented, at least during the period in which there is a light supply from the object to be recorded to the video camera.

Exposure level correction for film-to-video conversion

Abstract: The average video level of a video camera is corrected for film-to-video conversion by having a film aperture plate with a light-passing opening that is slightly enlarged with respect to the image area of the film. Non-image light passes through a peripheral region of the film, as defined by the enlarged opening, and strikes a part of the camera sensor not receiving image-wise illumination. By enlarging the aperture plate opening just enough that the video signal from the non-imaged part of the sensor approximates a desired average video level, the automatic video level correction performed by the camera will pertain only to the image. The aperture plate is part of a film gate that is rotatably mounted so that the film may be supported in either a "horizontal" or "vertical" orientation, depending on how the film image was initially exposed.

Multi-mode electronic camera

Abstract: A multi-mode electronic camera capable of operating in any of a video camera mode, a one-shot video camera mode, and a still camera mode, and in which the image of the object being photographed can be checked at any time with the use of a color video monitor and recorded on a video tape. The luminance/color-difference signal output of an image pickup signal processing circuit is applied to an encoder circuit which converts it to the form of a compound video signal. The latter is applied to the inputs of the color video monitor and a video tape recorder.

Television camera control in radiation imaging

Abstract: Improved apparatus, circuitry and method is disclosed for control of a television camera in a radiographic imaging system. The system includes a radiation source, an image intensifier tube and several associated components for acquiring analog radiation representing images in one or more of several prime analog study modes. The analog acquisition components include any one or a combination of a cine camera, a spot film camera and a spot film device. Radiation is directed from the source through a subject to the intensifier tube input and to selected analog acquisition components. As the analog images are acquired, a television camera views the image tube output to produce another image, by way of a monitor, in verification that the radiation exposure is of a character suitable for the selected analog image acquisition mode. Sets of representations of camera operating parameter value decisions are stored in non-volatile random access memory circuitry coupled to the camera. Each set of representations corresponds to a different analog study mode, or combination of modes. Means is provided for selection of one or a combination of analog study modes. In response to that selection, the corresponding set of camera operating parameter decision representations is applied to the camera, in order to optimize camera performance for the particular x-ray mode, or combination of modes, which has been selected. In another embodiment, apparatus and circuitry is provided for suppressing the camera video signal in response to a selection of a predetermined video camera scan rate, while maintaining transmission of synchronization signals from the camera to the monitor.

Automatic focusing apparatus

Abstract: In an automatic focusing apparatus which detects sharpness signals from high-frequency components of brightness signals contained in video signals from video cameras and which stops a focusing lens of the video camera at a position at which its peak value is obtained, the movement of the focusing lens is started by detecting received light signal levels by performing projection-reception operations with a specified amount of infrared light and detecting their variations with a received light signal level detector or with a micro-computer. Furthermore, depending upon the focal depth of the focusing lens, priority is given to processing of distance information based on sharpness signals or distance information determined by the infrared light projection-reception operation in the lens driving controller for performing the focusing operation. According to the automatic focusing apparatus of the present invention, movement of the lens only due to variations of contrasts can be avoided, and stable image pictures are thus obtainable. Also, the most suitable focusing operation mode for a particular focal depth of a lens in use can be selected.

Range finding system suited for video camera

Abstract: A range finding system suited for a video camera comprising range detection means for projecting a radiation beam toward an object and receiving a reflected beam coming from the object to detect the object distance, means for generating, on the basis of an image signal of the object, a compensation signal depending upon the radiation reflecting condition of that portion of the object which is irradiated by the radiation beam, and means responsive to this compensation signal for giving compensation to a detection signal of the range detection means.

Recognition device for three-dimensional shape

Abstract: PURPOSE:To obtain a recognition device of a three-dimensional shape, which can execute a high speed operation by providing a means for calculating an inclination of a unit surface of an object from luminance information of the first and the second image pickup signals, and calculating height information of the object from information of the inclination. CONSTITUTION:A video camera 5 executes an image pickup of an object to which only light from power sources 3, 4, respectively are irradiated, and generates the first and the second still picture signals. An output signal of the video camera 5 is supplied to a process circuit 11, and the first and the second still picture signals from the circuit 11 are fetched successively. An output signal of the circuit 11 is supplied to an A/D converter 6, and by the A/D converter 6, the first and the second still picture signals are converted to digital data and written in a frame memory 7. A CPU 8 which has been coupled with the frame memory 7 executes an operation processing of the respective image data of the first and the second still picture signals which have been stored in the frame memory 7, and calculates a surface shape of the object 1, namely, height information of a picture element unit.

A Multisensor Robotic Locating System And The Camera Calibration Problem

Abstract: A multisensor, microprocessor-controlled robotic locating system (RLS) is being devel-oped in our machine intelligence laboratory. A video camera, laser illuminator, optical angle sensors, and ultrasonics are the primary sensor components. Software is being de-veloped on a personal computer that has been augmented with video acquisition and high-speed signal processing boards. Real-time (less than 1 second) algorithms are being implemented that exploit both natural and artificial patterns. Artificial patterns are introduced by planting light-emitting diodes (LED) and reflective materials in the envi-ronment. Projecting light patterns is also part of the design. Using control points to determine camera position and orientation is a particularly interesting problem because of its apparent simplicity. Several algorithms for calibrat-ing a camera using control points are discussed in detail. The use of four control points in a rectangular configuration is especially detailed. A review of various approaches to camera calibration is included. The methods pre-sented are from the literature and work performed by the authors. These different ap-proaches provide insight into the nature of the problems. Closed form solutions are emphasized.