Showing papers on "Video camera published in 1991"

Video image based control system

Abstract: A video image based control system including a video camera scans a field of view and generates video signals representing the captured image of the field of view The video signals are applied to a digitizer which converts the video signal into digital information The digital information is conveyed to a computer and stored The computer then performs an AND function on the stored digital information and on bitmaps stored in the computer memory associated with predefined areas of interest in the field of view of the video camera to determine whether a participant in the field of view is positioned so that at least a portion of the participant is located in an area of interest If the participant is detected as being within an area of interest, the computer determines the proportion of the area of interest obscured by the participant and generates a control signal having a value dependant on the proportion of the area of interest obscured by the participant The control signal is then applied to a dependant control device In addition, the computer provides signals to a display representing the captured image superimposed on another image showing the areas of interest within the field of view to provide visual feedback to the participant In this manner, the participant is capable of controlling the operation of the dependant control through movement within the field of view of the video camera

Video camera for an automobile

Abstract: A video camera for an automobile is mounted on the arm which carries a rear view mirror. The camera is directed forwardly to take pictures through the front windshield of an automobile and a boot is connected between the camera and the windshield to isolate the camera lens from moisture and dust. An air duct may be connected between the boot and the air conditioner to provide a flow of air through the boot.

Video conferencing system for courtroom and other applications

Abstract: A conferencing system facilitating interactive video and audio communication between an individual (such as a criminal, defendant, or a witness in a court proceeding) at a remote station, and a group of individuals at a local station (such as a judge, defense counsel, and a prosecutor or plaintiff's counsel in a courtroom). The system preferably includes a recording unit for producing a permanent, combined video and audio conference record. Preferably, the system includes a local module, a remote module, and a control module. The local module includes a loudspeaker, and a video camera, a video monitor unit, and a microphone for each conferee. It is contemplated that the local module equipment may be disposed in a courtroom, for use by a judge, two attorneys, and a witness. The remote module includes a video camera, a video monitor unit, a microphone, and a loudspeaker. Where the remote module is intended for use by a criminal defendant in police custody (i.e., at a jail), its video monitor unit preferably includes a monitor including a two-way mirror behind its screen, and its video camera is preferably mounted behind the mirror so that the defendant may maintain direct eye contact with both an image on the screen and the video camera.

Video incident capture system

Abstract: a video incident capture system for law enforcement vehicles. The video incident capture system incorporates a video camera, a video recorder, a radar unit, a real time clock, a monitor, a portable wireless microphone and its associated receiver and a system controller integrating the control of the various components to produce a comprehensive, unedited record of the incident. The system controller superimposes the target speed and patrol speed data generated by the radar unit over the video signals generated by the video camera prior to being recorded on the videotape. The portable wireless microphone permits the conversation between the law enforcement and a second party to be made part of the recorded incident. A radar interface will replace the target and/or patrol speed data with error data when an error in the operating parameters of the radar unit is detected. The system controller also provides a control function which prohibits the video recorder from recording over a previously recorded portion of the videotape when the videotape has been either rewound or fast-forwarded from the position where the prior recording was terminated. The system controller and video recorder are enclosed in a temperature controlled sealed vault mounted in the trunk of the law enforcement vehicle.

Guiding an unmanned vehicle by reference to overhead features

Abstract: A vehicle primarily for unmanned operation is equipped with a video camera pointed up, and progressively records in an on-board computer memory the observed locations of points derived from overhead features such as pre-existing overhead lights in a building during a manually driven teaching mode trip along a desired course. On subsequent unmanned trips, the vehicle directs itself along the chosen course by again observing the overhead features, deriving points from them and comparing the locations of those points to the locations of the points that were recorded during the teaching mode trip. It then corrects its steering to bring the errors between the observed locations and the recorded locations to zero, thereby directing the vehicle to automatically follow the course that was followed during the teaching mode trip.

Vehicle cruise control system

Abstract: A cruise control system for vehicles uses a video camera to follow a vehicle driving ahead at a constant distance and speed on a highway. The system detects the distance to a vehicle and a relative speed to set the upper and lower limitations for the distance and the speed. The system controls a speed of the vehicle in accordance with the comparisons of the detected distance and speed with the limitations.

Stereoscopic video camera with image sensors having variable effective position

Abstract: An electronic stereoscopic video camera for capture and playback of still or moving images. The camera of the invention employs a signal processing means to process the video output of left and right image sensors in order to locate the positions of left and right images in the camera's left and right image fields, respectively. As a result of comparison of the left and right image locations, control signals are generated for adjusting the effective position of one or both of the sensors in relation to a set of fixedly mounted camera lenses. The invention permits rapid and accurate control of a variety of video camera parameters by employing a self-correcting closed loop servo means in which the unmodified output of the left and right image sensors of a camera serves as feedback for generating control signals. The control signals are employed to adjust the effective position of left and right camera sensors in relation to fixedly mounted camera lenses, to control the convergence or zero parallax setting of the camera, or camera recentration.

Dual-view microscopy with a single camera: real-time imaging of molecular orientations and calcium.

Abstract: A new microscope technique, termed "W" (double view video) microscopy, enables simultaneous observation of two different images of an object through a single video camera or by eye. The image pair may, for example, be transmission and fluorescence, fluorescence at different wavelengths, or mutually perpendicular components of polarized fluorescence. Any video microscope can be converted into a dual imager by simple insertion of a small optical device. The continuous appearance of the dual image assures the best time resolution in existing and future video microscopes. As an application, orientations of actin protomers in individual, moving actin filaments have been imaged at the video rate. Asymmetric calcium influxes into a cell exposed to an intense electric pulse have also been visualized.

CMOS video cameras

Abstract: A single chip CMOS video camera is presented, along with design technique and characterization results. The chip comprises a 312*287 pixel photodiode array together with all the necessary sensing, addressing and amplifying circuitry, as well as a 1000 gate logic processor, which implements synchronization timing to deliver a fully-formatted composite video signal and a further 1000 gate logic processor, which implements automatic exposure control over a wide range. There are also simple solutions for gamma correction and test. >

Video camera modular accessory apparatus

Abstract: An adapter pack is constructed so that it can be connected to a video camera via the site via which the battery pack is normally connected. The adapter pack is itself provided with a mounting site on which the battery pack can be connected. This construction allows the adapter pack to be operatively "sandwiched" between the battery pack and the camera. The adapter pack is arranged to permit the power from the battery pack to be supplied both to its own circuitry and therethrough to the camera.

Multisensor high-resolution camera

Abstract: A multisensor high-resolution camera splices together sub-images obtained from a plurality of fiber bundles and can play back these sub-images as a single composite image in real time. The camera can output the composite image as a single high-resolution analog video image or as a stream of digital data. The camera produces these composite images from the optical sub-images output by tapered or nontapered fiber bundles. A scan converter splices together video signals output from the plurality of video cameras or the multiport video camera/cameras each of which is optically coupled to one of the plurality of fiber bundles. The sensor arrays can also be driven directly. In this case each sensor array is coupled to one of the fiber bundles. The sensor arrays are either multiple single port integrated circuit (IC) sensor arrays such as CCD arrays or multiport (IC) arrays.

Video security system with motion sensor override, wireless interconnection, and mobile cameras

Abstract: This invention provides a family of improvements to video security systems. In a first embodiment, a television set employed for normal television viewing is switched to be the monitor of the security system only upon the happening of a security violation event as sensed by a sensor. I one variation thereof, the switching capability is built into a dual-deck VCR along with the ability to reset the system to normal television watching by means of the remote control for the VCR. In another embodiment, the video cameras of the system are made easily adjustable and relocateable by the use of a bi-directional wireless transmission system linking the cameras to the base station and monitor. Video is sent from the cameras and control signals to adjust the field of view of the cameras are sent without the need for connecting cables. In another variation and improvement on the latter embodiment, a video camera is mounted on a mobile platform so as to be moveable and guidable to locations within a security monitoring area.

Machine vision three dimensional profiling system

Abstract: A three dimensional imaging system having a diode laser and collimator along with a video camera and digital circuitry wherein when the light from the laser is collimated and hits the surface of an object with the reflected light images picked up by the video camera and the centroid location of each intersection is interpolated translating two dimensional pixels into three dimension coordinates.

Illumination devices for inspection systems

Abstract: An illumination device of an inspection system of circuit board pin extending from a printed circuit board provided with a shroud to prevent reflected light from distorting or otherwise deleteriously affecting the image received by a video camera. In the device, the shroud surrounds the pin and around a passage for directing the camera. The light source is annular and surrounds the shroud with the shroud extending axially from the light source and in the direction of light emitted from the source.

Fire detection system

Abstract: A fire detection system includes a color video camera, a frame grabber and a computer processor operative to store and examine a series of image frames of the viewed area. Ultraviolet and infrared detectors produce event signals when energy received exceeds predetermined thresholds. The processor then rapidly evaluates the images from the camera to determine bright area objects, their location, edge profile, edge flicker, stationarity and spectral characteristics as well as spectral flicker to confirm a fire event. Finally, the size of a confirmed fire image is measured as a final criterion for the release of fire suppressant material, either in a limited zone within which the fire is located or within the entire facility.

Video camera having a vibrating image-processing operation

Abstract: A video camera includes a vibration generation section including a camera body having a lens system with an auto-focus mechanism, an image pickup element, arranged along an optical axis of the camera body, for picking up an optical image obtained through the lens system, and a piezoelectric actuator for linearly vibrating the image pickup element with a predetermined amplitude at a predetermined period along the direction of the optical axis, an image signal processing circuit for A/D-converting a plurality of images time-serially obtained at arbitrary positions within the amplitude of the image pickup element vibrating along the optical axis, and an image memory for storing the plurality of time-serial images, further including an image input processing section consisting of an in-focus decision/extraction circuit for selecting and extracting clear in-focus areas of a predetermined image area, and an image synthesizing circuit for selecting desired ones of the plurality of areas from the image memory and synthesizing the selected areas into one image. The video camera of this invention further includes an intrusion decision function wherein a time-serial image having small positional and time differences is used within picked image coordinates, an optical flow between these features areas is obtained, and intrusion is decided by using the FOE point from which motion vectors of a stationary object are generated from a motion vector string obtained from the corresponding area in this optical flow.

High speed defect detection apparatus having defect detection circuits mounted in the camera housing

Abstract: A defect detection system includes a video camera with defect detection circuits for detecting defects in video signals being outputted by corresponding sections of an array sensor such as a TDI CCD two-dimensional array sensor. Each defect detection circuit includes a subtraction circuit for subtracting a prior stored pixel from an incoming pixel to generate a difference. Comparators compare the difference with positive and negative limits defining an acceptable range of difference values. The prior stored pixel is updated to the succeeding pixel only when the difference value is acceptable. Memories store the defect pixels from the respective detection circuits along with X-coordinates and end of line bits. The memories are sequentially read up to their end of line bits, and the defect pixel values along with coordinates expanded to include section indicating bits are transferred from the camera to further processing facilities.

Digital color video camera with auto-focus, auto-exposure and auto-white balance, and an auto exposure system therefor which compensates for abnormal lighting

Abstract: A color video camera providing a digital video signal has an auto-focus detector, an auto-exposure detector and an auto-white balance detector formed as sections of an optical detector circuit which further has serial input and output ports common to the auto-focus, auto-exposure and auto-white balance detectors, and a system controller which is common to the auto-focus, auto-exposure and auto-white balance detectors and provides control signals therefor through the serial input port while receiving focus, exposure and white-balance detection signals through the serial output port from the respective detectors. Further, an improved exposure control system is provided which compensates for abnormal lighting conditions, such as, back-lighting or excessive front-lighting of the scene in the field of view of the camera.

Identifying and classifying surface qualities and defects of object - using video camera to store reflected images arising from sequential exposure to light from distributed sources

Abstract: The surface to be detected is illuminated from several sources (2,3) in different places. The sources illuminate the surface in sequence. The diffusely returned or reflected light at each point in the time sequence is recorded as space-time images by means of a video camera (7) with an image memory (9). The object is surrounded by an illuminating canopy whose surface light source arrangement is freely programmable w.r.t. angle and intensity stages. A further programmable light source (3) with a collimating optic (5) enables all points of a flat object surface to fulfil the reflection angle condition for the pupil of the camera lens. USE/ADVANTAGE - Characteristics and defects of surface such as edges, textures, nicks, colour spots, mat section, waves, cracks of objects such as metal pieces, ceramic discs, metal sheets, semiconductor chips, hybrid components, SMD's and their circuits, seals. Rapid detection and classification.

Method of capture and analysis of digitized image data

Abstract: Computer programs for capture and analysis of digitized image data signals comprising frame, scan line and digitizer stripe numbers, and edge-detection or bright-spot data relating to images in a field of interest, which includes the steps of converting the edge-detection data to bright spot, reducing the amount of data processed by eliminating duplicate data, normalizing the data into X and Y coordinates, finding image features of interest, selecting features to be reported, and reporting type, number, pattern or location of the image features in the field. An example is processing of shotgun target images scanned by a video camera (whose signals are digitized) through a slit viewing a rotating illuminated drum on which a target has been placed. Other uses include: astronomical image analysis; satellite photos of sites; gatherings of people, things, animals or crops in fields; and movements of objects through a field of view such as objects on a conveyor belt, traffic, ballistic objects, and the like.

Method and apparatus for determining register differences from a multi-color printed image

Abstract: A system and method for determining register differences between the images making up a multi-color printed image. A color video camera with macro optics scans at least a part of the image. The video image is processed to derive a plurality of single-color images, information from which is stored in respective single color memories. A register-checking location is selected having a contour in the printed image which has at least two superimposed single colors. The information in the color memories is processed to determine separation contours for the respective colors. Offsets are determined for the contours in the respective image memories as a measure of register differences between the images.

X-ray generating apparatus and associated method

Abstract: An X-ray generator and associated method are disclosed. The X-ray generator and method are provided for inspection of objects which are conveyed into an inspection station which includes an X-ray device and image processing device. The X-ray device directs high-energy, short-pulse X-rays toward an object as the object moves into a desired position. This X-ray radiation is received by a video camera and the resulting image is then digitized and transmitted to an image processing device which analyzes the information and determines whether or not the object conforms to a predetermined standard threshold. One aspect of the apparatus includes a rejection device which will remove objects which do not pass inspection thresholds.

High-speed video camera using solid-state image sensor

Abstract: A high-speed video camera having a plurality of solid-state black-and-white image pickup elements to which same scene is projected, respectively, each of said image pickup elements consisting of a plurality of photoelectric conversion element rows, some of which are scanned at the same time. A high-speed color video camera having a plurality of solid-state black-and-white image pickup elements and a plurality of solid-state color image pickup elements to which same scene is projected, respectively, each of image pickup elements consisting of a plurality of photoelectric conversion element rows, some of which in the solid-state black-and-white image pickup elements are scanned at the same time so that a luminance signal component is obtained therefrom, and some of which in the solid-state color image pickup elements are scanned at the same time so that a color signal component is obtained therefrom. The luminance signal component and the color signal component are synthesized to form a color image.

Visual prosthesis apparatus and method

Abstract: A visual prosthesis apparatus for operative insertion in the optical pathway to the brain of an individual who has an eye which is blind or partially blind. The prosthesis apparatus utilizes a video camera capable of generating video signals in response to the viewing of an image. The apparatus also includes a prosthesis device or so-called insert for insertion in the eye socket in place of the diseased or damaged eye. A cable is provided for electrically connecting the output of a video camera to the insert and for delivering video signals over individual conductors in this cable to the insert. An optical nerve connecting assembly is located in the insert and has terminals for connections to the individual conductors of the cable and to the optical nerves. In this way, there is an electrical connection between each conductor and an optical nerve through the nerve connecting assembly for delivering the individual video signals to the brain. A method of using this prosthesis is also disclosed.

An Edge Detection Approach To Digital Image Stabilization Based On Tri-state Adaptive Linear Neurons

Abstract: A novel approach to digital image stabilization (DIS) for video cameras is proposed. The proposed DIS system is composed of an edge detection unit, a motion detection unit, and a digital zooming unit. The edge detection unit is based on tristate adaptive linear neurons, the motion detection unit is based on the corresponding binary logical correlation computations instead of multiple-bit pixel-wise subtractions, and the digital zooming unit is based on the approximated bilinear interpolation technique. A motion decision procedure is also proposed for removing unwanted effects on the integrated motion vector. The proposed DIS system is designed mainly for hardware minimization without using additional Micoms in a video camera system. Experimental results show that the proposed system accurately detects and compensates for camera motion. >

Picture editing apparatus in a digital still video camera system

Abstract: A picture editing apparatus of a digital still video camera system includes a digital still video camera and a reproduction device which selectively controls a picture assignment address in a memory card for mixing and displaying a multiple of one or more pictures. An address generator that mixes 2 or more pictures in the same ratio generates an address to enable display of the mixed pictures and to read-out data (digital video signal) representing pictures recorded in the memory card. Therefore, it is capable of mixing pictures corresponding to the picture number recorded in a memory card as a single frame picture and displaying the mixed picture, creating new video images.

System and method for localization of functional activity in the human brain

Abstract: System and method for the localization of functional activity in the human brain during neurosurgery. The system includes an electronic flash illuminator (2) for illuminating the surface of the exposed portion of the patient's brain (1), optical bandpass filters (6,7) for sequentially illuminating the exposed brain surface with monochromatic light of a number of predetermined wavelengths, a positioning mechanism (4) for rapid positioning of the optical filters (6,7) in the path of illumination, a video camera (8) for acquiring an image of the exposed brain surface (1) during illumination with each wavelength of monochromatic light, a circuit (9) for converting the linear output signal of the video camera (8) into a logarithmic signal in video format, a digitizer and frame storage memory for digitizing the logarithmic video signal to obtain multiple two-dimensional matrices. Each matrix represents the magnitude of light reflected at a particular wavelength from a regular grid of points over the exposed brain surface. The system also includes a video frame arithmetic circuit (10) for computing two-dimensional matrices of regional total hemoglobin concentration utilizing the two-dimensional matrices of reflectance data and for transforming the computed matrices into gray-scale or color-scale maps representing total hemoglobin concentration at the grid of points on the exposed brain surface, and a circuit for displaying on a high-resolution RGB color video monitor (12), gray-scale or color-scale maps representing either absolute total hemoglobin concentration over the exposed brain surface at a single point in time or the difference between total hemoglobin concentration on the exposed brain surface before and after functional activation of the brain. Functional activation of the brain is accomplished by applying a sensory stimulus to the patient or by having the patient perform a cognitive task in a neuropsychological paradigm appropriately modified for the neurosurgical setting.

Connector for coupling an endoscope to a video camera

Abstract: A connector for coupling an endoscope to a video camera to facilitate an enhanced viewing of endoscope-invaded examination and surgical zones on a video monitor screen, to which the camera perceived image is transmitted. The coupler combines three axially-aligned and rigidly joined component elements including a first adapter for quickly and easily connecting and disconnecting an endoscope, and a second adapter for connection to a video camera. A joinder element is interposed between and connects the two adapters to one another. The three components of the coupling apparatus are fixed against rotation relative to one another, while the first adapter permits rotation of the endoscope with respect to the coupling apparatus and the attached camera. Fluid-tight seals are provided between the elements of the coupling apparatus and between its adapters themselves and endoscope and camera. The joinder element houses a longitudinally positionable lens or lens system for focusing images received from the endoscope, onto the focal plane of the video camera.

Automated hole-in-one recording system

Abstract: A system for recording the occurrence of a hole-in-one or other preselected event at a golf layout includes a video camera (17) trained upon the tee (13), the target putting green (11), and any intervening area (14) between the tee (13) and putting green (11), plus a recording device (21) for storing video images showing the flight trajectory of a golf ball from a tee to the green. The video camera (17) and recording device (21) are operated by a coin control (18, 19) adjacent to the tee (13). A golfer first inserts the appropriate coins, causing the video camera (17) and recording device (21) to be operational for a predetermined time period. If a hole-in-one or other specified event occurs, the recorded video images can be monitored to verify this fact and to substantiate the claim of a player to any outstanding offer of a prize or reward.

Apparatus and method for teaching and learning microsurgical operating techniques

Abstract: A method for teaching microsurgical operation techniques, the teacher demonstrating the operation technique to be taught on an operation model, whereby the operation field is observed by the teacher through a microscope and recorded by at least one video camera, whose signals are presented by a monitor or by a video projector on a large screen projector. For instructing several students, a multiple student-station laboratory is provided whereby for each student a like operation model with a microscope, and at least one video camera are arranged, and the signals generated from the video camera are transmitted to a distributor, which presents the signals of each video camera from each student station on a multiple field monitor, which is observed by the teacher and whereby there is furthermore means for oral communication between the student and the teacher.