Abstract: A live video insertion system (LVIS) is disclosed that allows insertion of static or dynamic images into a live video broadcast in a realistic fashion on a real time basis. Initially, natural landmarks in a scene that are suitable for subsequent detection and tracking are selected. The landmarks are typically distributed throughout the entire scene, such as a ballpark or football stadium. The field of view of the camera at any instant is normally significantly smaller than the full scene that may be panned. The LVIS uses a combination of pattern recognition techniques and camera sensor data (e.g., pan, tilt, zoom, etc.) to locate, verify and track target data. Camera sensors are well suited for the searching requirements of an LVIS, while pattern recognition and landmark tracking techniques are better suited for the image tracking requirements of LVIS.

Abstract: A live video insertion system efficiently places static or dynamic images into a live broadcast. The system initially identifies natural landmarks within the video scene that can be automatically identified and tracked as the field of view of the camera pans and zooms across the scene. The locations of the landmarks are mathematically modeled and stored as a constellation of locations on a mathematical grid. An arbitrary reference point, preferably not necessarily coincident with a selected natural landmark, is located within or without of the grid and used as an origin for the purpose of inserting the static or dynamic image within the field of view of the camera. For static images, it is frequently desirable to place an edge or border of the image to be inserted on the reference point. For dynamic insertions, the distance between the reference point and the inserted dynamic image is automatically changed from frame to frame in order to make the image appear as though it's translating or changing, or both.

Abstract: A microscope consisting of an x-ray contact microscope and an optical microscope. The optical, phase contrast, microscope is used to align a target with respect to a source of soft x-rays. The source of soft x-rays preferably comprises an x-ray laser but could comprise a synchrotron or other pulse source of x-rays. Transparent resist material is used to support the target. The optical microscope is located on the opposite side of the transparent resist material from the target and is employed to align the target with respect to the anticipated soft x-ray laser beam. After alignment with the use of the optical microscope, the target is exposed to the soft x-ray laser beam. The x-ray sensitive transparent resist material whose chemical bonds are altered by the x-ray beam passing through the target materGOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTSThis invention was made with government support under Contract No. De-FG02-86ER13609 awarded by the Department of Energy. The Government has certain rights in this invention.