Showing papers on "Video camera published in 1995"

Machine dynamic selection of one video camera/image of a scene from multiple video cameras/images of the scene in accordance with a particular perspective on the scene, an object in the scene, or an event in the scene

Abstract: Each and any viewer of a video or a television scene is his or her own proactive editor of the scene, having the ability to interactively dictate and select--in advance of the unfolding of the scene and by high-level command--a particular perspective by which the scene will be depicted, as and when the scene unfolds. Video images of the scene are selected, or even synthesized, in response no a viewer-selected (i) spatial perspective on the scene, (ii) static or dynamic object appearing in the scene, or (iii) event depicted in the scene. Multiple video cameras, each at a different spatial location, produce multiple two-dimensional video images of the real-world scene, each at a different spatial perspective. Objects of interest in the scene are identified and classified by computer in these two-dimensional images. The two-dimensional images of the scene, and accompanying information, are then combined in the computer into a three-dimensional video database, or model, of the scene. The computer also receives a user/viewer-specified criterion relative to which criterion the user/viewer wishes to view the scene. From the (i) model and (ii) the criterion, the computer produces a particular two-dimensional image of the scene that is in "best" accordance with the user/viewer-specified criterion. This particular two-dimensional image of the scene is then displayed on a video display. From its knowledge of the scene and of the objects and the events therein, the computer may also answer user/viewer-posed questions regarding the scene and its objects and events.

An "in vivo" video camera system

Abstract: An in vivo video camera system and an autonomous video endoscope are described. Each system includes a swallowable capsule (10), a transmitter (28) and a reception system (12). The swallowable capsule (10) includes a camera system (24) and an optical system (26) for imaging an area of interest onto the camera system (24). The transmitter (28) transmits the video output of the camera system (24) and the reception system (12) receives the transmitted video output.

Interactive projected video image display system

Abstract: An interactive projected image video display system which includes a computer (12) for generating video images, a projection apparatus (20, 22) coupled to the video output port (12a) of the computer for projecting computer-generated video images onto a projection screen (26), and at least one video camera (28a...n) for visually recording the projected image. The computer includes a frame grabber board coupled to the video camera for capturing individual frames or series of frames from the video recording of projected image. The captured images are compared to the computer generated images to detect for the presence of an object introduced onto the projected image by a user to instruct the computer to trigger a computer operation. The system can also simulate a mouse to be used with any of the shelf application that uses a regular mouse and allow annotation of computer generated data on a markable projection or viewing surface such as whiteboard.

Concealed integrated vehicular camera safety system

Abstract: A concealed vehicular system is provided for a motor vehicle to permit the operator to view or record events occurring inside or outside the vehicle. A miniature camera is concealed within a functional component of the vehicle, such as within a rear-view mirror or a lighting device of the vehicle. The images from the video camera are stored in a recording device, such as a video camera recorder. Alternatively, the images produced by the video camera can be transmitted to a viewing screen, such as a cathode ray tube monitor or liquid crystal diode, within the view of the driver. The concealed video camera housed within a functional component of the vehicle is imperceptible to vandals and thieves, and does not distract from the aesthetics of the vehicle.

Apparatus and method for detecting a face in a video image

Abstract: A detection system identifies a person by rapidly analyzing an image frame from a video camera for the presence of a face by reducing the image in resolution and normalizing the image to compensate for lighting changes and compares the normalized image with a background image to produce a binary interest mask. The most likely position of a face is then determined by identifying a top, bottom and sides of a possible head region to define a bounding box, normalizing the pixel data within the bounding box to further compensate for lighting variations, and resizing the box to match identification templates stored in memory. The best match from the identification templates is provided with a score indicative of the degree of the match. If the score does not exceed a first score threshold, then no face is assumed present. If the score exceeds a first and second score threshold, then a face is assumed present. If the first score threshold is exceeded but the second is not, a further eye location procedure is performed on the data to determine if a face is present.

Calibration requirements and procedures for a monitor-based augmented reality system

Abstract: Augmented reality entails the use of models and their associated renderings to supplement information in a real scene. In order for this information to be relevant or meaningful, the models must be positioned and displayed in such a way that they blend into the real world in terms of alignments, perspectives, illuminations, etc. For practical reasons the information necessary to obtain this realistic blending cannot be known a priori, and cannot be hard wired into a system. Instead a number of calibration procedures are necessary so that the location and parameters of each of the system components are known. We identify the calibration steps necessary to build a computer model of the real world and then, using the monitor based augmented reality system developed at ECRC (GRASP) as an example, we describe each of the calibration processes. These processes determine the internal parameters of our imaging devices (scan converter, frame grabber, and video camera), as well as the geometric transformations that relate all of the physical objects of the system to a known world coordinate system. >

Video camera apparatus with compression system responsive to video camera adjustment

Abstract: A video camera apparatus and a video surveillance system having a video camera are provided with a video compression unit which utilizes quantization for spatial processing and motion vectors for temporal processing. The camera apparatus and surveillance system include a camera with an adjustment mechanism which allows panning, tiring, zooming and focusing of the camera. The adjustment mechanism has a device for generating adjustment indication signals which indicate the state of adjustment of the camera. The adjustment indication signals are generated by a remote control panel or by means of transducers which detect the state of panning, tilting, zooming or focusing. A processor generates an instruction to the compression unit to adjust the degree of compression processing by video compression unit in response to the adjustment indication signals. Spatial or temporal processing are traded off, depending on whether the adjustment indication signals indicate movement of the camera or zooming or focusing of the lens. The video surveillance system has a camera station containing a video camera, a compression unit and a line interface to allow the camera station to be connected to a monitoring station via a communication channel. The monitoring station has a control panel, a decompression unit and a line interface. Control signals including adjustment indication signals are generated at the control panel and transmitted to the camera station via the communication channel. Compressed video signals are received by the monitoring station for decompression and display.

Video conference system and method of providing parallax correction and a sense of presence

Abstract: A video conference system provides eye contact and a sense of presence to a plurality of conference participants (A, B) located in respective remotely-sited conference rooms (26, 28) Each conference room contains at least one video telephone or communications device that includes a video camera (30, 32) for generating video signals indicative of a sequence of local conferee image frames, and an image receiver (22, 24) for displaying image frames of at least one remote conferee The image receiver, the video camera, and the eyes of the local conferee define a parallax angle (?) The video conference system further includes a frame generating system (34), responsive to the video signals, for analyzing local conferee image frames and generating a corresponding sequence of parallax-compensated frames A signal indicative of each respective sequence of parallax-compensated frames is transmitted to a corresponding image receiver, whereby apparent eye contact is provided between each local conferee and a displayed image of a corresponding remote conferee Where more than three conferees are involved, each input image frame is additionally analyzed for head position and the head position is reoriented by the frame generating system as necessary to provide a sense of presence

Locating text in complex color images

Abstract: There is a substantial interest in retrieving images from a large database using the textual information contained in the images. An algorithm which will automatically locate the textual regions in the input image will facilitate this task; the optical character recognizer can then be applied to only those regions of the image which contain text. We present a method for automatically locating text in complex color images. The algorithm first finds the approximate locations of text lines using horizontal spatial variance, and then extracts text components in these boxes using color segmentation. The proposed method has been used to locate text in compact disc (CD) and book cover images, as well as in the images of traffic scenes captured by a video camera. Initial results are encouraging and suggest that these algorithms can be used in image retrieval applications.

Multiple image video camera apparatus

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a small video camera apparatus capable of imaging an object from various angles, and effectively monitoring an object or obtaining three-dimensional image information. A light beam supplied from an optical image passing through a lens is picked up by a right image sensing surface of a charge-coupled device, and a light beam supplied from an optical image passing through a lens and a prism is picked up by a left image sensing surface of the charge-coupled device. The image signals obtained by the right and left image sensing surfaces are divided in a color separating and signal processing circuit.

Teleconferencing imaging system with automatic camera steering

Abstract: An automatic, voice-directional video camera image steering system specifically for use for teleconferencing that electronically selects segmented images from a selected panoramic video scene typically around a conference table so that the participant in the conference currently speaking will be the selected segmented image in the proper viewing aspect ratio, eliminating the need for manual camera movement or automated mechanical camera movement. The system includes an audio detection circuit from an array of microphones that can instantaneously determine the direction of a particular speaker and provide directional signals to a video camera and lens system that provides a panoramic display that can electronically select portions of that image and, through warping techniques, remove any distortion from the most significant portions of the image which lie from the horizon up to approximately 30 degrees in a hemispheric viewing area.

Sterile surgical coupler and drape

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for enclosing a non-sterile video camera, its trailing cables, and a standard optical connector such as a 'C' mount for use of the camera in the sterile environment of an operating room. The apparatus includes a coupler having a first end for attachment to the unsterile optical connector and a second end for attachment to a sterile endoscope. A passageway is formed inside the coupler that extends from the first end to the second end providing an optical pathway whereby an image from the endoscope may be transmitted to the camera. A transparent window is mounted transversely across the passageway between the first and second ends of the coupler which provides a sterile barrier therebetween. A sterile drape is positioned over the first end of the coupler and is secured to a neck portion that joins the first and second ends of the coupler. The sterile drape is secured such that a fluid and airtight seal is formed between the ends of the coupler. Typically, the seal is formed by surgical tape or adhesive.

ASSET-2: real-time motion segmentation and shape tracking

Abstract: The paper describes how image sequences taken by a moving video camera may be processed to detect and track moving objects against a moving background in real-time. The motion segmentation and shape tracking system as known as ASSET-2-A Scene Segmenter Establishing Tracking, Version 2. Motion is found by tracking image features, and segmentation is based on first-order (i.e., six parameter) flow fields. Shape tracking is performed using two dimensional radial map representation. The system runs in real-time, and is accurate and reliable. It requires no camera calibration and no knowledge of the camera's motion. >

AURORA: a vision-based roadway departure warning system

Abstract: AURORA is a vision-based system designed to warn a vehicle driver of possible impending roadway departure accidents. It employs a downward looking color video camera with a wide angle lens, a digitizer, and a portable Sun Sparc workstation. Using a binormalized adjustable template correlation algorithm, it reliably detects lane markers on structured roads at 60 Hz. A time-to-lane-crossing (TLC) measurement is calculated for each image based on the estimation of vehicle's lateral position and velocity. This measurement is used to trigger an alarm when the TLC falls below a preset threshold. Promising results have been achieved under a variety of weather and lighting conditions, on many road types.

Videophone for simultaneous audio and video communication via a standard telephone line

Abstract: A videophone includes a video camera for transducing and digitizing images at a station and connected to a video processor for compressing and encoding the digitized images into video data and an audio transducer and digitizer connected to an audio processor synchronized with the video processor for compressing and encoding digitized sound. The video and audio processors are connected to a communication controller for formatting and transmitting the video data bundled with the audio data via a standard bidirectional (full duplex) telephone line in the form of a twisted pair. The communication controller can also receive and then unformat and unbundle audio and video data, and the video processor and audio processor can decode and decompress the received video and audio data, and the station further includes a display connected to the video processor for reproducing images and an electroacoustic transducer connected to the audio processor for reproducing sounds transmitted by another station. Rather than format and transmit only delayed or partial changed video data when the image changes significantly, the large amount of changed video data being stored is overwritten when the amount reaches a predetermined level, and new video data corresponding to the present appearance of the image is compressed, encoded, bundled with associated audio data, formatted, and transmitted. The image reproduced at the receiving station therefore jumps ahead to an updated image without intervening blurred images.

Remote control unit for video apparatus

Abstract: A remote control unit for an external video apparatus such as a video camera and a VTR includes an infrared signal receiving section for receiving a video signal as a infrared signal from the video apparatus. A video image depending upon the video signal is displayed on a LCD display together with display information necessary for a remote control in a LCD display. An operator can easily carry out the necessary remote control operation through a key matrix, confirming the result of the operation upon reviewing the video image in the LCD display. The operator's key matrix operation is put into a microcomputer which, in turn, produces a control information for the video apparatus and transmits it to the video apparatus through an encoder and an infrared signal transmitting section. The above-mentioned display information is produced by the microcomputer and input through a character generator to the LCD display. Employing the LCD display increases the amount of information to be displayed, thereby making the remote control unit multi-functional.

Ergonomically efficient side and rear vision system for motor vehicles

Abstract: The invention comprises an ergonomically efficient rear and/or side view monitoring system wherein a video camera is mounted at the rear and/or sides of a vehicle and transmits images to a viewing screen which is integrally mounted in a side view mirror arrangement and displays a mirrored image of a rear view as an insertion to the reflective mirrored view of the side view mirror.

Video signal processing apparatus for producing a composite signal for simultaneous display of data and video information

Abstract: Video signal processing apparatus comprises means for generating data signals representing the physical status of a video camera with respect to a fixed frame of reference, the physical status being the position, orientation, height, altitude or speed, means for receiving video signals from the said camera and means for combining the said data signals with the said video signals whereby to produce a composite signal by which the data information and the video information contained in the video signals can be displayed simultaneously, and means for transmitting the combined signal to a remote location or means for recording the composite signal.

Video surveillance system

Abstract: A video surveillance system includes a plurality of remote surveillance units, each of which has a video camera mounted in a dome housing. The video camera is panned and/or tilted to a desired orientation within the dome by a pan motor and/or a tilt motor. The surveillance system also includes a keyboard for entering user commands, a joystick for controlling the positioning of the cameras, a central processing unit for interpreting the user commands and the joystick movements, and a communication system for issuing operating commands to the remote surveillance units. Each remote surveillance unit is constructed and arranged to store and to recall selected camera control parameters in association with selected pan and tilt coordinates in response to commands entered by the user. The camera control parameters include white balance, focus, and shutter speed settings for the camera. Additionally, automatic control of the camera exposure, white balance, and focus is provided. Video signals from the remote surveillance units are received by a video switcher/multiplexer under the control of a central processing unit. The video switcher/multiplexer includes an automatic phase adjustment system for synchronizing the video signals from the remote surveillance units.

Optics orienting arrangement for videoconferencing system

Abstract: A video camera adapted for use with a computer monitor, the video camera including a first housing and an optical video sensor mounted in the first housing and arranged to view the face of a computer operator, the monitor including a second housing and a display screen mounted in the second housing and arranged to be viewed by the computer operator, the display screen having an image surface, and the second housing including a frame portion disposed adjacent to the image surface at a top portion thereof, the frame having a top surface. The first housing is configured to position the optical video sensor between said display surface and the computer operator, superimposed along axis between the computer operator and the display surface on the frame at a position adjacent the display surface and below the top of the frame, and at a position between the lateral sides and not substantially obscuring the display surface. This configuration provides an video image which appears, in a videoconferencing system with a corresponding image displayed on the display surface, as a face-to-face communication.

Imager apparatus with rotatable camera head

Abstract: An upside-down image, generated when a video camera is rotated about a horizontal axis to face to substantially the same direction as a display unit does, is electrically corrected to be an upright image. A video camera unit made compact to realize a reduction in weight of a video camera rotating mechanism. An image arrangement convertor circuit is provided between the video camera unit and a liquid crystal display serving as a display unit or a recording unit. A switch is provided in a housing for detecting an angular position of the video camera unit. The video camera, which has an imager device and a lens, is pivoted on an edge of the housing for rotation about an axis parallel to the edge. The image arrangement convertor circuit is operated unitarily in accordance with an angular position of the video camera to automatically correct an upside-down image to an upright image. Since the video camera unit is composed of minimally necessary parts and is rotatably pivoted on an edge of the housing, a rotatable joining portion of the video camera unit with the housing can be reduced in size and weight. This structure also allows the user to adjust the angle of the video camera unit only with the thumb and index finger.

Automatic X-ray exposure control system and method of use

Abstract: An automatic X-ray exposure control system and method for adjusting the X-ray dose/technique of X-ray diagnostic equipment to ensure sufficient doses/techniques for proper imaging while minimizing levels of radiation contacting the patient. The system includes traditional X-ray sources to generate a X-rays and traditional X-ray receivers for developing an image of a piece of anatomy through which the X-rays have passed. A mechanism for analyzing the intensity of the image is disposed adjacent the X-ray receiver and opposite the X-ray source. Typically, the mechanism is a CCD video camera which provides two outputs, the first output being absolute brightness as recorded by the camera. The video is analyzed by a windowing circuit or similar device to select an area of the image and restrict further processing of the image to that area. Circuits analyze the windowed area to detect the peak brightness and the average brightness within the windowed area. A microprocessor mathematically combines the readings to obtain a single value characteristic of the density of the piece of anatomy imaged by the X-ray equipment. The microprocessor then compares this value with one or more predetermined exposure control tables; determines the ideal dose/technique for imaging and adjusts the X-ray source to achieve ideal exposure. Through efficient and automatic management, the microprocessor can adjust the X-ray technique rapidly, thus reducing exposure time of X-rays. Furthermore, automatic adjustment may select predetermined techniques that minimize dose, and that are less obvious to some operators.

System for transcribing images on a board using a camera based board scanner

Abstract: A device for transcribing, into electronic form, markings drawn on a whiteboard or blackboard. An electronic camera such as an ordinary video camera is mounted on a computer-controlled pan/tilt head in the ceiling or to the side of the board. Images are captured by directing the camera successively at small regions of the board, then processing these snapshots electronically, leading to a complete, undistorted, high-resolution image of the entire board.

Method and apparatus for interactively creating a card which includes video and cardholder information

Abstract: A card creation apparatus including a microprocessor which controls operation of the card creation apparatus based on a predetermined card design that specifies positions on a planar surface of a card for layout frames of a video picture and cardholder information fields which are to be printed on the card is provided An input mechanism is operatively coupled to the microprocessor to input a plurality of user commands and cardholder information corresponding to the cardholder information fields A video camera is operatively coupled to the microprocessor to obtain a video picture of a subject A display is operatively coupled to the microprocessor to display an image of the predetermined card design including the video picture and cardholder information within the predetermined card design substantially as can be printed in response to one user command of the plurality of user commands A method of creating a card also is provided

Video camera capable of automatic target tracking

Abstract: An image signal provided by an image pickup device, such as a CCD, is converted into a video signal by a signal processor. An extraction means extracts a candidate object region from the current video signal and an object region determined a certain time before by a decision means is read from a memory. For example, the decision means compares an overlapping region in which the candidate object region and the object region read from the memory overlap each other and provides a new object region a size larger than the overlapping region and replace the object region with the new object region to update the contents of the memory. On the other hand, a calculating means calculates the features of the object region including the position of the centroid of the object region on a screen. A control means, such as a microcomputer, controls the image pick up device on the basis of information about the features so that a region including the target object substantially in its central part is cut out as a video signal. Consequently, the target object can be surely tracked regardless of objects other than the target object included in a scene.

Method for teaching body motions

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for teaching the basic motions for sports, performances or other behaviors. A preferred teaching method includes the steps of taking pictures of trainees playing sports and performing actions with a video camera, giving guidance to them on the spot while analyzing the video image screens, sometimes in comparison with the gestures made by a trainer playing sports, and allowing the trainee to understand the correct forms and timings of the gestures or movements of the body and body members.

Annotating real-world objects using augmented reality

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter describes a system for annotating real-world objects using augmented reality. It also studies the fundamental features of augmented reality system, as well as those capabilities developed specifically for the application. It also provides an overview of the software and hardware architecture of our augmented reality system. The chapter also describes the general calibration procedures required for this and most other augmented reality applications. The issues of tracking and user interaction and describes the details of generating and displaying the annotations are also discussed. The augmented reality system uses a standard video camera and combines the video signal with computer-generated graphics, the result of which is presented on a normal video display. The core of the augmented reality system is an interactive 3D computer graphics system, providing methods for representing and viewing 3D geometric models. The mixing of the computer graphics and video input is done by a Folsom Research Otto 9500 Scan-Converter. Calibration is an essential component of augmented reality that provides the information that allows for the registration and overlaying of geometric and viewing models onto objects and cameras in the real world.

Apparatus and method for controlling configuration of video camera

Abstract: A camera control system for displaying a video image inputted from a plurality of cameras, wherein in order to easily control each camera, a map showing positions of cameras is prepared. Along with the map, icons indicating the positions of cameras are displayed on the map so that the directions of the cameras can be identified on the map. An operator is able to select a camera referring to the map and see the video image of the selected camera. When each of the cameras is to be operated, an operator uses a pointing device to operate an icon for a camera on the map. In this camera control system, a camera corresponding to each icon can be controlled for zooming, panning, tilting and focusing by operating the icon for each camera. An operator may delete, add or move the icon for a camera according to an actual structure of the camera system.

Hand-held video camera-recorder-printer and methods for operating same

Abstract: A portable camera and recording device capable of recording motion picture and still image signals on an erasable magnetic tape and, in an embodiment thereof, still images on hard copy as photographic images. A single assembly supports a television camera at one end, a videocassette recorder behind the television camera and an instant photographic camera below or to the side of the television camera. Still and motion picture images of image phenomena recorded as full-frame video picture signals on the magnetic tape and are displayable on a miniature electronic display screen within the housing. Controls on the housing permit select still images of frames of recorded picture information to be selectively displayed on the screen, viewed though an eyepiece and passed through an aperture of an instant photographic camera for photoghic reproduction. Methods for effectively operating the camera and producing magnetic recordings and hard copy recordings are also provided.