Showing papers on "Video camera published in 1987"

Eye movement detector

Abstract: A system for eye movement detection is disclosed that utilizes an infrared light emitting diode mounted coaxially in front of the lens of an infrared sensitive video camera for remotely making images of the eye of a computer operator. The reflected light causes bright eye effect which outlines the pupil as brighter than the rest of the eye and also causes an even brighter small glint from the surface of the cornea. The computer includes graphic processing which takes a video image, digitizes it into a matrix of pixels and analyzes the matrix. Using special algorithms the analysis determines the location of the pupil's center and the location of the glint relative to each other and with this information determines where the eye is gazing. If the eye-gaze is for a predetermined time at images in selected areas on the computer screen, the area is selected and results in actuation of other devices or the presentation of additional images on the screen. This is especially useable for handicapped persons to control their environment. Other uses include operator interfacing with workstations, cockpit controls and in industrial environments.

Method and apparatus for manufacturing a modified, three-dimensional reproduction of a soft, deformable object

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a reproduction of an object and an apparatus for carrying out said method. A particular object of the invention is the reproduction of the remaining stump of an amputated leg (18) for producing an improved prosthetic socket. When carrying out the method, the object (18) is positioned in a predetermined position in relation to a rotatable framework (8) on which a laser apparatus (12) and a video camera (13) are mounted in such positions that they can illuminate, and pick up, respectively, the image of a contour line (17) of the object via a pair of mirrors (15, 16; 20, 21) each during the rotation of the framework (8) through substantially a complete revolution. The image thus obtained of the contour line (17) is converted through a video/AD-converter (26) into numerical information identifying coordinates of points on the line. This information is supplied together with measuring and control programs to a computer (27), the output signals of which are supplied as input signals to a control electronic unit. The output signals from the electronic units control a model milling cutter in such a way that this on a workpiece produces a contour line which corresponds to a modified form of the contour lines of the object. The framework (8) with laser apparatus (12) and video camera (13) is intermittently rotated stepwise a predetermined fraction of a revolution, and for each step the abovementioned measures are repeated until the framework has been rotated through a complete revolution.

Product information network system

Abstract: A manufacturing data creation and distribution system comprises a computer with a graphics-capable display screen. The computer is capable of processing programmable instructions and creating data, and of generating graphic images on the display screen. A video camera is connected to the computer, and the computer includes hardware which can digitize the images transmitted by the video camera into a computer-readable form and display the digitized camera images on the display screen. A plurality of microprocessor-controlled workstations are networked to a microprocessor-controlled networking and file server, which can selectively retrieve data and transmit such data to the workstations for display. Also included within the computer is the capability to selectively manipulate the image-data received from the video camera to generate a manufacturing aid applicable to a product to be produced.

Method and apparatus for decorating cakes and other foods

Abstract: An automatic decorating machine for applying flowable decorative materials to cakes and other food products as well as other articles. Live video images are captured by a video camera and are displayed on a video monitor. The video image can be combined with textual messages composed from alpha-numeric characters and with artwork which can either be composed contemporaneously on site or selected from previously prepared artwork selections. The video image, artwork and text can be edited and combined as desired for display on the monitor to provide a preview of the decorating pattern. The displayed pattern is reproduced on the cake by an X-Y table which moves liquid spray applicators and icing or gel dispensers over the cake and controls the application of food coloring and icing or gel in a manner to reproduce the selected pattern on the cake.

Gun mounted video camera

Abstract: A video camera recording device having a gunstock and a support structure for which includes a mounting platform adapted to receive thereon a hand held video camera recorder haing a lense structure defining a line of sight, a recording medium for recording video information, and a viewfinder and mounting structure for mounting the viewfinder onto the gunstock. Structure is provided for effecting a sequential activating and deactivating of the video camera recording device for the purpose of starting a recording of video information onto the recording medium and stopping the recording, respectively. A gun sight is located in the line of sight so as to be visible through the viewfinder when the video camera recorder is recording video information on the recording medium. A trigger is provided on the gunstock and is adapted to be manually activated by a finger of a user's hand. A signal generator is provided which generates a signal visible through the viewfinder in response to the user activating the trigger. The signal is also simultaneously recorded on the recording medium.

Image pre-processing sub-system

Abstract: An image pre-processing sub-system providing very high speed image data evaluation to supply condensed, real time boundary linkage data to a controlling computer of an operational system. The sub-system provides for an electronic video camera capable of the operations on an image of aiming, magnifying, and rotationally orienting. The camera direction, magnification and orientation control from the system computer results from visual image processed feedback from the image pre-processor with user tailored software providing the desired responses. Dual sub-systems, or a single sub-system at two sequentially different locations, provides triangulation information necessary for high speed distance measurements of objects from the camera. Visual data, detected by the camera, are processed to locate image boundaries, to filter noise, to enhance the boundary, to provide linkage boundary information, to provide texture data, and to provide shades of gray data to the computer in a condensed form. The sub-system adjustable magnification and rotation capability, of selected sub-areas of the full image, permit very high resolution image evaluation compatible with template matching techniques for object identification or inspection operations.

Video road-following for the autonomous land vehicle

Abstract: We describe the vision system for Alvin, the Autonomous Land Vehicle, addressing in particular the task of road-following. The system builds symbolic descriptions of the road and obstacle boundaries using both video and range sensors. Road segmentation methods are described for video-based road-following, along with approaches to boundary extraction and the transformation of boundaries in the image plane into a vehicle-centered three dimensional scene model. The ALV has performed public road-following demonstrations, traveling distances up to 4.5 km at speeds up to 20 km/hr along a paved road, equipped with an RGB video camera with pan/tilt control and a laser range scanner.

Optical fingerprinting system

Abstract: An optical fingerprinting system includes an optics/processor unit, a video monitor, a data terminal, and a printer. The optics/processor unit includes a slap print prism for providing slap fingerprint images, and a plurality of individual finger prisms having differently sized finger-receiving grooves for providing individual fingerprint images. Slap/finger image selection optics selectively propagate fingerprint images from one of the individual finger prisms or slap print prism to a video camera. A video monitor is coupled to the camera, and provides a real-time display of the fingerprints being imaged. When a desired fingerprint image is observed on the monitor, an appropriate key of a key pad on the optics/processor unit is actuated and digital data characteristic of this image stored in memory. Following this procedure, data characteristic of all ten individual fingerprints and slap prints of both hands is stored. Demographic information of the person being fingerprinted is entered through the data terminal. The demographic information and fingerprint images can be printed at appropriate locations on a standard booking or applicant card.

Video camera with removable viewer and controls

Abstract: A video camera having an attachable and removable section including an LCD view finder and controls for the camera.

Small arms ammunition inspection system

Abstract: An automatic visual inspection system for small arms ammunition which sorts visual surface flaws at high speed according to established standards which can be tailored to fit specific needs. The system employs advanced techniques for performing inspection independently of human inspectors and allows for quick changeovers in the type of ammunition to which it is applied. The system comprises interface apparatus for receiving a supply of ammunition cartridges and providing each cartridge with a predetermined orientation, conveying apparatus for locating each of the cartridges for inspection in at least one inspection station, apparatus for imaging selected areas of each cartridge to provide video surface feature data associated therewith, and apparatus for processing the video surface feature data to detect the presence of a predetermined set of characteristics and provide output signals in accordance therewith, the conveying apparatus being operated to sort each of the inspected cartridges in accordance with the output signals. A preferred embodiment comprises four subsystems, a feeding subsystem, an imaging and handling subsystem, an operation subsystem, and a computers subsystem. The imaging and handling subsystem provides each cartridge with the necessary orientation for inspection by a video camera feeding video surface feature data to an image processing computer. The image processing computer makes a very high speed computation based on image processing techniques to decide whether the cartridges have manufacturing defects for sorting purposes. Since many surface flaws look the same in two dimensions such as scratches and splits or acid holes and stains, special lighting of the cartridges is used so that discrimination between them can be achieved on the basis of off-specular reflections.

Optical method and apparatus for determining three-dimensional changes in facial contours

Abstract: A method of optically mapping a person's face includes the steps of illuminating the face through a grid structure to produce a grid representation on the face; viewing the illuminated face with a video camera; producing a video signal in response to the step of viewing; converting the video signal to digital form; storing a frame of the digitized video signal in a frame memory; defining the grid representation on the face, from the stored video signal; locating coordinates of the intersection points of the grid representation; determining curvatures of the grid representation at the located intersection points; and three-dimensionally reconstructing the surface of the face from the coordinates and curvatures of the intersection points.

Photography booth and method

Abstract: A self-photography booth comprises a booth having a first end portion for a person to be photographed and a spaced and aligned opposite second end portion. A camera is operably associated with the second end portion and includes a selectively operable film advance system for advancing a length of film having a plurality of frames through the camera in a sequential manner and a shutter button for selectively exposing a frame of the film with an image of the person. A video camera is operatively associated with the second end portion and with the camera for receiving the image of the person perceived by the camera. A video display is operably associated with the video camera and with the second end portion for displaying the perceived image. A push button selector assembly is operably associated with the camera for selectively causing or preventing operation of the film advance system after operation of the shutter assembly so that prevention of operation of the film advance system prevents the film from advancing to the next frame so that the exposed frame may receive multiple exposures and operation of the film advance system causes the film to advance to the next frame.

Leak imaging using differential absorption

Abstract: A method for detecting, locating and measuring leaks in a test object is described using a differential absorption technique. In a preferred embodiment the test object is first pressurized with a light absorbing fluid. The test object is then illuminated with a light source at a wavelength which is capable of being absorbed by the absorbing fluid. An image of the test object and any fluid in the vicinity of the test object is created by means of a video camera directed toward the test object and that image is electronically stored. A second image is then created in such a manner that any absorbing fluid in the vicinity of the test object does not appear in that second image. The second image is also electronically stored. The electronically stored information regarding the first and second images are then compared and analyzed for detecting, locating and measuring any leaking fluid from the test object.

Video monitoring and reapposition monitoring apparatus and methods

Abstract: Video monitoring apparatus for use in an application in which changes in relative spatial relationship of features of a biological tissue are to be observed. A video camera electronically produces a first image of the tissue and also electronically produces a subsequent image of the tissue after a period of time. A video display unit displays a representation of an image of the tissue derived from the camera. Circuitry connected to the camera and to the display unit electronically stores a representation of the first image of the tissue, and transmits the representation of the first image of the tissue to the display unit with a representation of the subsequent image of the tissue so that the first and subsequent images of the tissue appear superimposed. In this way, any differences in the relative spatial relationship of features in the images of the tissue are readily observed. A surgical reapposition monitor and methods are also disclosed.

Supervising equipment for automobile

Abstract: PURPOSE:To preclude the possibility of mis-recognition of rear left and right sides by changing the direction of a video camera in interlocking with a speed changer of an automobile to facilitate the grasp of the rear part of the automobile approaching an obstacle at the back drive CONSTITUTION:The video camera 11 is installed backward at the rear part of the automobile A picture signal obtained by the video camera 11 is converted a picture signal whose left/right image is inverted by a picture left/right inverting circuit 12 and displayed on a display panel of a display device 13 provided near a driver's seat The video camera 11 is directed as shown by an alternate long and short dash line in the normal state, and the speed changer 14 is pronght to the backward position R, a camera directing variable mechanism 15 is operated and the video camera 11 is directed as shown by an alternate long and two short dashes line Since the video camera is directed toward the ground close to the rear part of the automobile at the backward drive, the grasp of the rear part of the automobile approaching an obstacle is facilitated

Infrared/video electronystagmographic apparatus

Abstract: A system for viewing and recording eye movement. Enclosed spherical eye pieces form goggles which are adapted to cover each of the eyes of the user to preclude the admission of ambient light. An infrared radiation source impinges upon the user's eye, the radiating energy being in the non-visible portion of the energy spectrum. The interior surface of each eye piece is coated with a surface adapted to reflect and disperse the radiating infrared energy. An infrared sensitive video camera is directly coupled to the goggle eye pieces, the camera being sensitive to infrared radiation. The output of the video camera is connected to monitoring apparatus for monitoring and recording the real-time observation of the user's eye movements.

Down hole video tool apparatus and method for visual well bore recording

Abstract: An apparatus and method of visually examining the sidewalls of a bore hole include a down hole video tool lowered into the bore hole by means of a cable and winch on the surface. The apparatus includes a wide angle video camera at its lower section. An upper section houses a power supply/triplexer, a telemetry board, an FM modulator video amplifier transmission board, gyroscope data interface board, and a gyroscope for showing the directional orientation of the camera and apparatus in the bore hole. The gyroscope orientation and the visual image of the portion of the sidewall viewed is transmitted to a video display monitor in an equipment van on the surface. The image on the screen includes a directional reference point so that the direction of a portion of the sidewall being viewed can be ascertained. The camera images are recorded by a video cassette recorder for a permanent record of the visualization of the entire length of the bore hole. Various geological data can be extrapolated by this visualization by means of the observed fracturing and stratification which may be observed in a given bore hole. Additionally, the probe can be used to inspect bore holes previously encased by steel tubing to detect any leaks or other deterioration in the tubing system.

Automatic focusing system for video cameras

Abstract: An automatic focusing system for a video camera carries out automatic focusing on the basis of a focus signal extracted from a high-frequency component of a video signal. The automatic focusing system comprises at least one of picture-contents change detecting means for detecting a change, if any, between the contents of pictures of two consecutive picture periods on the basis of the output signal of a low-pass filter to which the video signal is applied, momentary change detecting means for detecting an abrupt change of the focus signal, and reduction-factor change detecting means for detecting a change between the contents of pictures of two consecutive picture periods on the basis of the output signal of a detector detecting the reduction factor of the lens system, so that the automatic focusing operation can be interrupted in response to the output signal of the change detecting means and can be restarted when the output signal is reduced to a level lower than a predetermined level.

Navigation by a video-camera sensed ground array

Abstract: Navigation by interpretation of images of parallelogram corner points of a ground beacon array. A video camera senses images of the beacon array and a computer interprets the images to provide attitude and location of the platform, on which the camera is mounted, relative to the array.

Guide system for a working machine having a product identifying system

Abstract: A produce identifying apparatus for deriving positional data of an object based on a particular color corresponding to the object from image data provided by a video camera, and a guide apparatus for a produce handling machine equipped with the produce identifying apparatus. The produce identifying apparatus comprises a device for illuminating the object, a device for selecting variable density image data of a range corresponding to the particular color from the image data obtained under illumination by the illuminating device, and a device for detecting a luminance peak position from the variable density image data.

Focusing control and indication of information relating to an object

Abstract: A video camera with an optical system including a zoom lens system and a rear lens system provided therebetween wherein focusing is performed by varying the distance between the rear lens system and an imaging pickup device of the video camera. The video camera further includes a first sensor for sensing the position of the rear lens system to detect a relative distance between the rear lens system and the image pickup device, a second sensor for sensing the position of the zoom lens system to detect a focal length of the optical system. An arithmetic unit provided in the video camera calculates a distance to an object on the basis of the detected relative distance and the detected focal length and, in response to zooming operation, calculates a relative distance between the rear lens system and the image pickup device on the basis of the calculated distance to the object and the focal length detected by the second sensor. The arithmetic unit generates an error signal on the basis of the difference between the calculated relative distance and the relative distance detected by the first sensor and controls the position of the rear lens system on the basis of the generated error signal.

Method and apparatus for underwater operation of non-waterproof equipment

Abstract: A container for adapting a device such as a video camera, camera, strobe light, etc. for underwater operation by providing a flexible, waterproof container and a means to pressurize the container prior to or during immersion. In numerous embodiments, the apparatus includes a pressurizing means responsive to ambient water pressure.

Shape recognition apparatus

Abstract: A shape recognition apparatus for detecting a boundary of an object using a video camera converts an image signal to a binary signal, and detects boundary points showing the boundary from the binary signal, Then, boundary angle and average of boundary angle difference are calculated based on the boundary points, and thereby corners of the boundary are recognized.

High-speed full frame imaging CCD camera

Abstract: A highly controllable video camera is disclosed which includes an image intensifier for collecting light reflected or emitted from an object for a short period of time and developing a luminous image of the object which is communicated to a completely exposed CCD image sensor over a second period related to the decay rate of the light emitting phosphor screen of the image intensifier, the type of photograph being taken and the desired image quality. The CCD subsequently develops the light focussed thereon into electrical signals representative of the object. The electrical signals collected within the CCD are serially read from the CCD by a readout processing control and the discrete signals are alternately switched into ODD and EVEN memory banks for storage in a pattern which will facilitate producing an interlaced video signal from the output of the memories. A playback processing control reads the signals stored in the ODD memory and communicates an appropriate series of signals for display on a video display device as the first field of an interlaced image. Upon completion of reading the ODD memory bank, read-out is switched to the EVEN memory bank, and the playback processing control reads the signals stored in the EVEN memory bank and communicates an appropriate series of signals for display on the video display device as the second field of the interlaced image, such that a standard interlaced TV signal is reproduced.

An Electronic Variable-Shutter System in Video Camera Use

Abstract: Since 1981 when we marketed world's first MOS color video camera,1) we have been continuously improving the performance of this line of video cameras. And in 1986 we have developed an MOS color video camera with high resolution, with high sensitivity, and without smear.2)

Methodology for the objective measurement of body image

Abstract: An apparatus for the objective measurement of the conscious aspects of body image is described. The method involves photographing subjects and scanning the photograph with a video camera. The subject adjusts a control that varies the image on a television monitor to give a representative continuum from endomorphy through mesomorphy to ectomorphy without distorting height. A permanent photographc record of the subject's judgment can be taken. A permanent graphic record of the accuracy of the judgment and of the judgment time can be registered by a pen recorder as impulses from the control are relayed as the subject adjusts the dial. Data on the body image of a group of 60 obese females, 25 hospitalized anorexics, and 50 controls are presented. Implications for therapy and further research are discussed.

Electronic shutter for a CCD image sensor

Abstract: A solid state imager device having an electronic shutter function suitable for use in a video camera or an electronic still camera to suppress brightness differences on TV screens between open and closed periods of the shutter having a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, a region of second conductivity type formed on the semiconductivity substrate of the first conductivity type and a signal charge accumulating region formed on the surface side of the second conductivity type region wherein, a predetermined voltage is applied to the semiconductor substrate of the first conductivity type and the signal charges accumulated in the signal charge accumulating region are discharged to the semiconductor substrate of the first conductivity type, whereby, the exposure time of the solid state imager device can be controlled so that when this imager device is used, for example, in a video camera, the video camera does not have to be provided with a mechanical shutter.

Travel recorder for automobile or the like

Abstract: PURPOSE:To enable the objective and accurate grasping of surrounding circumstances in the case of the operation control of a vehicle and an emergency trafic accident, by carrying a video camera and a video recording device to record the surrounding circumstances of the vehicle during travelling as images CONSTITUTION:A video camera 2 mounted on the roof of a vehicle body 1 is so constituted that the direction of a camera lens 21 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow around the central axis O of the camera body, so that the shooting field of vision can be changed in the front and rear, and right and left directions Further, in order to cope with the case where the surroundings of a subject to be photographed are dark, an infrared ray emission device is attached to the video camera 2 On the other hand, a video recording device 3 is provided with an image signal record rewriting function, and a clock function by which photographing dates and standard time are recorded in a period making a prescribed photographing time as one cycle, for instance, by using an endless tape Further, the display of image is made possible by providing an image monitor 4 inside the vehicle By the above constitution, the surrounding circumferences during travelling can be objectively and accurately grasped, and can be utilized for the operation control of a vehicle and the verification in the case of an emergency trafic accident

Method for the generation of real-time control parameters for smoke-generating combustion processes by means of a video camera

Abstract: (57) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a method for generating real-time control parameters by means of a video camera for smoke-generating combustion reactions. In accordance with the method, a video camera (12) is used for obtaining a video signal, which is digitized and filtered temporally and spatial-ly. According to the invention, the digitized video signal is divided on the basis of its signal level distribution into signal subareas to reduce the quantity of processed informa-tion; the picture elements belonging to the same subarea are combined into contiguous image areas representing a certain signal level, the subareas are combined into an integrated image, subsequent images are averaged to eliminate random disturbance, and the averaged image is displayed on a display device. The method in accordance with the invention facili-tates the real-time monitoring of a combustion process.

Concurrent video filming and measuring for visualization of exposure.

Abstract: A method has been developed for simultaneous video filming and exposure measurement with a presentation of the current exposure level mixed into the picture. With the aid of special equipment, the video camera and the instruments are coupled together in such a way that the outgoing video signal will give a picture carrying superimposed information as to the current level of the exposure. It is intended to serve as an aid in the evaluation of various measures for reducing the exposure and in connection with the training of personnel performing work involving exposure. The method has been tried out for air pollutants in seven different cases where exposure to organic solvents, carbon monoxide, wood dust and fume from welding occurred. The result, in the form of a film, showed with great clarity what working operations were critical with regard to the current exposure. In one plant where the method was used in connection with spray-painting, a study was undertaken in order to see how the exposure could be re...