Showing papers on "Video camera published in 1999"

Mobile vehicle accident data system

Abstract: A system automatically stores accident information from a video camera (12), which is mounted on a vehicle (10). The accident information received from the video camera (12) is automatically transmitted via wireless link (16), and a network (18) to the central database (19) and its network data base server (20).

Videokymography : High-speed line scanning of vocal fold vibration

Abstract: A digital technique for high-speed visualization of vibration, called videokymography, was developed and applied to the vocal folds. The system uses a modified video camera able to work in two modes : high-speed (nearly 8000 images/s) and standard (50 images/s in CCIR norm). In the high-speed mode, the camera selects one active horizontal line (transverse to the glottis) from the whole laryngeal image. The successive line images are presented in real time o a commercial TV monitor, filling each video frame from top to bottom. The system makes it possible to observe left-right asymetries, open quotient, propagation of mucosal waves, movement of the upper and, in the closing phase, the lower margins of the vocal folds, etc... The technique is suitable for further processing and quantification of recorded vibration.

Monitoring system having wireless remote viewing and control

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus ( 10 ) includes a video camera ( 12 ) with a section ( 16 ) that permits remote control of the camera. A computer 24 subjects video images from the camera to video processing ( 61-63 ), which includes temporal sampling, spatial sampling, and dithering. The processed image ( 71 ) is integrated into a document in hypertext mark-up language format. A portable unit ( 46 ) is operatively coupled to the computer through a wireless link ( 49 ), a cellular base station ( 36 ), and a network ( 38 ) or telephone line ( 41 ). An infrared sensor ( 19 ) can detect an event of interest in the monitored area, causing the computer to place a telephone call to the portable unit. The person possessing the portable unit can then use the portable unit to access the document which contains the processed image through the network, in order to observe or verify the event. The person can also use the portable unit to remotely control the operation of the video camera.

Internet shopping system utilizing set top box and voice recognition

Abstract: An Internet-based electronic shopping system hosted on a television-set-top-box combination controlled by a remote control unit The set-top box (STB) includes a tuner, an internal or external modem and/or cable modem, configured to communicate with an Internet service provider over the appropriate transmission media The STB also includes purpose-type application software such as voice recognition software and bar code recognition software to support an electronic shopping system The STB further includes an external interface for connection to a multiplicity of external peripheral devices, such as an interphone, VCR, video camera, printer, and the like The remote control unit includes a keypad, a microphone, an optional speaker, an optional digital camera, and an optional speaker Data input to an Internet shopping Web program accessed through the STB's Web browser may thus be made through the microphone, keypad, and optionally through the digital camera If the remote control unit includes the digital camera, bar code information may be scanned by the remote control unit and transmitted to the STB for identifying an item to be purchased The remote control unit is also capable of being used as a cordless telephone or videophone, and might also function as a handset for an interphone when the appropriate communication links are connected to the STB through its external interface When the system is used as a videophone, videographic images of a party on the other end of the line is displayed on the TV screen via a pop-up window

Apparatus and method for monitoring gambling chips

Abstract: A sensor is disposed in proximity to the gaming table. The sensor is adapted to sense an occurrence of an event on a surface of the gaming table and to output a change-of-state signal. The video camera or video cameras that are disposed in proximity to the gaming table are configured and positioned to be activated to collect the video information relating to activities on the gaming table, and circuitry is adapted to detect the change-of-state signal from the sensor. The circuitry further is adapted to activate the video camera or video cameras to automatically collect the video information upon the detection by the circuitry of the change-of-state signal from the sensor.

New autofocusing technique using the frequency selective weighted median filter for video cameras

Abstract: Most conventional autofocusing techniques based on the gradient estimator are very sensitive to noise. A new autofocusing technique which is resistive to noise generated by the CCD of video cameras is proposed. In the proposed scheme, the frequency selective weighted median (FSWM) filter is utilized to estimate the degree of focus and the fast hill-climbing search (HCS) strategy is exploited to determine the best focused image. Since the FSWM filter can not only extract high frequency components from the image, but also eliminate impulsive noise, the proposed autofocusing method employing the FSWM criterion function can estimate the degree of focus precisely. Furthermore, the proposed real-time HCS algorithm enables the video camera to continuously focus on dynamic images. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique outperforms existing techniques by enhancing the accuracy of the focus value of the video camera without the influence of noise.

System and method for detecting interactions of people and vehicles

Abstract: A video surveillance system that implements object detection and event recognition employing smart monitoring algorithms to analyze a video stream and recognize the interaction of people with cars. The system forms a reference image consisting of the background of the scene viewed by the video camera. The system forms a foreground difference image between the current image and an updated reference image including any stationary cars. The system detects any objects other than any stationary car in the scene. The updated reference image is formed by forming a background difference image between the current image and the reference image. Any detected object is examined to determine if it is a car object. Upon initial detection of a stationary car object, the system forms a reference car image of a portion of the current image corresponding to the position of the stationary car. The system then forms the updated reference image by substituting this reference car image for a corresponding portion of the reference image. A number of special techniques preserve object integrity when objects overlap cars. The video surveillance system notes events when objects interact with cars such as an ENTER CAR event and an EXIT CAR event.

Augmented-reality display method and system

Abstract: A method and apparatus selectively displays a processor generated image in accordance with user instructions detected by a processor from a processor viewing device disposed to view a real reference item controlled by the user. The real item, preferably a page of paper, is disposed as a reference frame for an electronic image to be displayed. The orientation of the page is identified by the system. A sensing device, such as a video camera, identifies the position of the page. A display device, goggles, displays the image as a virtual display upon the page wherein the image is transformed in accordance with the identified positioning of the page. The user interaction with the displayed image as detected by the video camera manipulates the page, the contents thereon or can execute hyperlinks to other documents or sites.

Interactive eyewear selection system

Abstract: An interactive eyewear selection system comprising a video camera (18), and digitizing system (24) for acquiring a digital image of a person's face, including the temple areas of the face; an eyeglass frame database (16) for storing digital eyeglass frame images; an automated interface for selecting an eyeglass frame image from the frames database, the image containing frame temple portions; a digital processing system (38) for automatically superimposing the selected frame image on the image of the person's face, in a composite image, such that the frame appears to be worn naturally on the person's face, and the frame temple portions are shown at the temple areas of the face; and a display device (26) for displaying the digital image of the person's face, and for displaying the composite image.

CCD fingerprint method-identification of a video camera from videotaped images

Abstract: We propose a new "CCD Fingerprint" method to identify a camcorder from videotaped images. This method enables individual camera identification, which does not mean camera-model identification. The clue to the individual camera identification is obtained from nonuniformity of dark currents on CCD chips, which causes a fixed pattern noise. The pattern is quite unique and intrinsic to an individual camera. Moreover, such a pattern might be recorded on tapes. Using these features, it is expected that the nonuniformity of dark current makes it possible to specify only one camera among same model cameras. In order to observe the characteristic noise patterns, we performed experiments with 9 camcorders in 4 types by recording a blank image on videotapes. The results showed that the fixed patterns were observed in most cases by accumulating 100 frames. Furthermore, it was confirmed that each camera had its own unique pattern.

Remote electromechanical control of a video communications system

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, the present invention is directed to a video communication system having a user-friendly, intuitive-like control for altering the video camera view at a remote terminal. The local terminal includes a display and a movement-responsive sensor arranged to generate a direction signal in response to corresponding movement at the display. At least one of the first and second computer arrangements is configured and arranged to alter data being sent to the display in response to the direction signal from the movement-responsive sensor.

Real time video rear and side viewing device for vehicles void of rear and quarter windows

Abstract: A real time video device for viewing the images at the rear and the sides of a vehicle. The real time video device includes a video camera movably mounted to the vehicle for capturing images of events occurring surrounding the vehicle and a video screen mounted within the vehicle and connected to display the images captured by the video camera. A device for moving the video camera along a horizontal plane to capture images along the horizontal plane and a device for moving the video camera along a vertical plane to capture images along the vertical plane are connected to the video camera. A manual control device is connected to the devices for moving the video camera along both the horizontal and vertical planes for capturing images along both the horizontal and vertical planes based upon desires of the driver for real time viewing by the driver of the vehicle on said video screen. An automatic control device is connected to the device for moving the video camera along the horizontal plane for capturing images along said horizontal plane based upon sensed conditions along the sides of the vehicle for display on said video screen to alert the driver to the sensed conditions thereby avoiding blind spots which inhibit the driver from driving safely.

Three-dimensional scope system with a single camera for vehicles

Abstract: A single video camera is installed on a vehicle body. Two still pictures of an obstacle are obtained at different vehicle traveling positions. A picture memory stores the obtained still pictures. A feature point extracting section extracts at least one feature point from the data of the stored still pictures. A three-dimensional coordinate data calculating section calculates the distance from the vehicle body to the feature point and the height of the feature point based on the positional data of the feature point on the screen and the vehicle traveling distance data. A stereoscopic picture forming section forms a stereoscopic picture image of a detected obstacle based on three-dimensional coordinate data of the feature points. A monitor displays a plan view or a side view showing the relationship between the vehicle body and the obstacle, thereby allowing a driver to directly grasp the distance of the obstacle. When the obstacle is located within a predetermined distance from the vehicle body, the driver is cautioned against a predictable collision by the alarm sound or related image.

Game hunting video camera

Abstract: A video camera with range finding and sound producing capabilities. In one embodiment, a video camera comprises a speaker to produce one or more select sounds and an amplifier coupled to the speaker to amplify the one or more select sounds. The one or more select sounds are game calling sounds. In other embodiments, a video camera includes a display housing member that is movably coupled to a camera base to selectively cover and uncover a lens of the video camera. In addition, the video camera includes a range finder circuit that is used to determine the distance from the video camera to an object being recorded. Moreover, the range finder circuit is coupled to convey the determined distance on a display that is received in the display housing member.

A network surveillance video camera system

Abstract: Monitor camera units, a data storing unit, a control server, a monitor display are coupled by a network. The monitor camera unit includes a motion detector for detects a motion from video data, a microphone, a traffic monitor, a memory for storing the video data, a sensor signal input circuit. The traffic monitor monitors the traffic of the network. If the traffic is high, only necessary data or sound data is transmitted. The memory stores the video data in response to the motion detector and a thinning circuit thins the video data from the memory in response to a sensor signal. The control server receives the alarm data from the monitor camera and further receives the alarm type data, time data, position data of a pivoting unit for pivoting the camera unit and transmits the data to the display terminal. In the presence of a loud sound, alarm data is also generated but it is not sent if a switch is OFF. The control server includes a data base storing set of alarm data. If an operator judges one set of alarm data is an error, the set of data is not erased but mark data is correspondingly stored to inhibit searching the set of data. During the night, the exposure and transmitting intervals are increased to prevent the same data from being transmitted twice.

Device for rotatably positioning a camera or similar article about two orthogonal axes

Abstract: A positioning device (100) is provided for rotatably positioning a camera (102) or other article about orthogonal rotational axis by a yoke (106) The yoke (106) is in turn rotatably coupled to a base assembly for rotation of the yoke about a vertical axis Rotation of the camera about the horizontal and vertical axes is respectively effected by first and second voice coil actuators (110 and 112), each comprising a pair of magnets and at least one coil to which current is supplied The amplitude and direction of the current supplied to the coil determines the speed and direction of rotation of the camera The second voice coil actuator preferably includes a coil assembly comprising two opposed coils This design overcomes the angular range limitations associated with prior art voice coil actuator and enables rotation of the camera about an extended angular range The device can be advantageously utilized for adjustment of pan and tilt angles of a video camera in a conferencing system

Method and apparatus for barcode selection of themographic survey images

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for capturing video images of elements in a videographic survey, e.g. a thermograph video survey. According to the invention a barcode label having a bar pattern representing a unique identifying name of each element of the survey is associated with each survey element. A video camera system, with a barcode scanner associated therewith, is provided for scanning a barcode associated with a selected element. The selected element is thereby identified to the video camera system. The video camera system recalls data, including the element name, relating to the selected element and displays the data on a display device associated with the video camera system. An operator may review the displayed data and capture a video image of the element with the video camera system. The video image of the selected element may then be stored in a camera memory with the element name associated therewith. In another aspect of the invention, a base computer is provided, with a database program operating thereon, for organizing data fields, including an identifying name field, associated with each element of a survey. Data may be transferred between the video camera system and the base computer for organizing a videographic survey and for analyzing video images of the survey elements.

Vehicle reversing aid

Abstract: A vehicle reversing aid which provides the vehicle driver with an enhanced view of the region adjacent to the rear of the vehicle is provided by a video camera and a rear view assembly, characterised in that the assembly includes a first module, typically a rear view mirror (1), and a second module including a display screen (3) to show the image captured by the video camera. The driver simultaneously sees a general view to the rear of the vehicle and a close-up view of the region at the rear of the vehicle as displayed on the screen (3). The display screen 3 may be located within the area of the mirror 1.

Automatic video monitoring system which selectively saves information

Abstract: A system ( 10 ) for automatically monitoring an area includes a camera unit ( 12 ) having therein a video camera ( 23 ) and an image processing section ( 27 ). The image processing section saves a reference image from the video camera, compares subsequent images to the reference image, and detects and tracks change regions in the subsequent images. For each change region, the image processing section saves a path of movement of the change region, and a selected image of the change region. Selection is carried out so as to optimize the selected image, for example so that a detected person is facing and close to the video camera. The camera unit is network-ready ( 14 ), so that a remote workstation ( 13 ) can access the images and other information saved in the camera unit.

Hand held, portable camera with adaptable lens system

Abstract: An adaptable, portable hand-held fiber optic camera for producing video images of an object having all of the necessary components for performing fiber optic procedures comprises a power source, a lens system, a light source, and a video camera assembly. The portable fiber optic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of lens systems. The lens system is electrically, removably coupled to the video camera assembly and the light source.

Headrest and seat video imaging apparatus

Abstract: A video imaging apparatus for receiving, recording, and displaying images from a vehicle in which the video camera (568) connects to a lateral upper portion of a seat (566) in the vehicle. A member communicates light representative of an image to an image receiver (542). A method of providing vehicles with after-market imaging apparatus and installation thereof is disclosed.

Iris recognition apparatus and method

Abstract: An iris recognition apparatus (12a) and method includes a camera (22) for imaging the human retina as seen through the pupil. The reflective retina and pupil are imaged as a luminous or retro-reflective spot located in a field of view (26). A direction to the spot in the field of view is determined, and a fine-focus video camera (48) is directed along this direction to capture an image of the iris surrounding the pupil of the eye. The captured iris image can be used for individual identification of the human whose eye is imaged using known data storage, retrieval, and comparison methods.

Surgical lighting system with integrated digital video camera

Abstract: A surgical video system 10 captures an image of a surgical procedure and displays the image on a video monitor 24 remote from the surgical procedure. The system includes at least one surgical lighthead 12, a video monitor 24, and a digital video camera 22 integrated into the surgical lighthead. The digital video camera forms part of a modular digital video camera unit 20 that is conveniently removable from the surgical lighthead so that camera units having different functionalities and capabilities can be selectively substituted as needed. A control unit 26 is operatively connected to the video camera and generates command signals that are executed by the modular camera unit to rotate the image of the surgical procedure displayed on the video monitor by at least 360° and to effect image zoom operations. The control unit is responsive to input signals from multiple sources including a hand-held IR/RF remote transmitter module 38, a wall mounted keypad 30, and a footswitch 40. Associated with the control unit and the video monitor, a recorder 42 is provided for archival of video image data.

Method and apparatus for processing, displaying and communicating images

Abstract: This application discloses an apparatus and method of processing images, hand-drawn or written on a suitable Writing Surface (21A, 21B, 21C), viewed by an Image Sensor (22A, 22B, 22C) such as a video camera, and captured by an image sensing circuit (i.e. frame grabber or similar) used for acquistion of image frames by a computer. More particularly, this invention discriminates among changes detected in these Viewed Imges in order to identify and disregard non-informational, transient and/or redundant content. Removal of such content, a writer's arm for example, from the captured image facilitates isolating meaningful changes, specifically intentional new Writing and Erasures appearing on the Writing Surface. Preserving only meaningful changes on the surface promotes optimized compressed transmission of a subset of the visual data, when used in conjunction with digital computer display systems.

Method of using video reflection in providing input data to a computer system

Abstract: Providing input signals to a computer system having a display (116), the computer system being coupled to a video camera (501) or other video source, is accomplished by capturing video data signals generated by the video camera (501), the video data signals representing a scene, rendering the scene on the display such that the scene is reflected and transparently visible on the display (116), analyzing the video data signals to detect an object in the scene, and generating an input signal for the computer system in response to the detected object.

On-line hand-eye calibration

Abstract: We address the problem of hand-eye calibration of a robot mounted video camera. We derive a new linear formulation of the problem. This allows an algebraic analysis of the cases that usual approaches do not consider. We extend this new formulation into an on-line hand-eye calibration method. This method allows to get rid of the calibration object required by the standard approaches and uses unknown scenes instead. Finally, experimental results validate both methods.

CamWorks: a video-based tool for efficient capture from paper source documents

Abstract: We describe the design and evaluation of CamWorks, a system that employs a video camera as a means of supporting capture from paper sources during reading and writing. The user can view a live video image of the source document alongside the electronic document in preparation. We describe a novel user interface developed to support selection of text in the video window, and several new techniques for segmentation, restoration and resolution enhancement of camera images. An evaluation shows substantially faster text capture than with flatbed scanning.

Exit guard system

Abstract: An exit guard system automatically detects movement of a subject along an exit path in an unauthorized direction. A first video camera is positioned for video imaging movement of a subject along the path, while a second video camera images the subject for identification. Multiple video motion detectors operate in conjunction with the first video camera to determine direction of movement of a subject along the path. A CPU operates with the video motion detectors under an exit guard program to provide a watching mode, during which frames of the second video camera are continuously grabbed and saved. Audible and/or visual alarm signaling devices are operated by the CPU in an alarm mode in response to traffic of a subject in the unauthorized direction. A video monitor displays modes of operation of the system, and control devices allow operator selection and control of modes of operation of the system. Remote access to the system for control, monitoring or other purposes is provided by data modem feature. Method of using such system for guarding movement of a subject along the path is disclosed.

Motion detecting web camera system

Abstract: A camera system that includes a video camera and a processor, which periodically uploads images captured by the video camera to a web server in accordance with one of a plurality of motion detection algorithms. A first motion detection algorithm captures a current image frame when a pixel comparison between successive image frames exceeds a predetermined threshold.

The WristCam as input device

Abstract: We show how images of a user's hand from a video camera attached to the underside of the wrist can be processed to yield finger movement information. Discrete (and discreet) movements of the fingers away from a rest position are translated into a small set of base symbols. These are interpreted as input to a wearable computer, providing unobtrusive control.