Abstract: Briefly described, one embodiment is a method comprising storing, in the memory, a plurality of digital images received from the source, each image representing an event captured at a different respective time, using the processor to perform an analysis of the images, assigning a quality factor to each image, the quality factor being representative of the composition quality of the analysed images, and updating the memory to maintain images for which the assigned quality factor indicates a higher composition quality than an image captured at an earlier time.

Abstract: Automated camera apparatus comprises a head mounted electronic camera 1 for providing a video signal 3 representative of an image 2 viewed by the wearer, video signal processor 51 arranged to receive said video signal for judging the degree of interest shown by the wearer in a feature in the scene and for providing a related saliency signal 12, the means 51 including image analyser 5 for identifying the presence of features and their locations relative to a reference position (e.g. the center) in the frame within each of a series of frames in a time window of the video signal, and track analysis means 7 coupled to the output of said image analyser for analysing the movement of at least one said feature over said series of frames to provide the saliency signal.

Abstract: A computer system 1 comprises a processor 3 connected to a memory 5. The processor 3 receives image data, representing a displayable static photograph, through an input port 7, generates a set of video data by means of an application program 11 and outputs the video data to a display 9. The video data generated by the application program 11 provides a displayable video programme representing a displayable moving viewpoint over the static photograph. The application program 11 initially analysis the displayable content of the photograph and identifies characteristics, such as regions of interest or dominant lines, curves or edges, and depending on the characteristics, identifies the photograph as belonging to a particular image class. The video data is generated in accordance with rules for that particular image class.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer system (2) for determining regions of interest in a static digital image for display on a display device, the system comprising a processor (4) configured to compare parts of an image (20, 50) with characteristics at least one region of interest specified by a user (19) and to determine at least one region of interest in an image (20, 50) based at least in part on the degree of similarity between parts of the image and the at least one user-specified region of interest in which the at least one user-specified region of interest is specified from the same image as the image in relation to which the determination is made.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an image capture system having an electronic camera for platenless document imaging. The system comprises: an electronic camera with an electronic detector and a lens with a field of view for imaging on the detector a portion of a document; a support by which the camera can be positioned to view the document; an actuator for moving the camera field of view so that a plurality of overlapping image tiles of a document can be captured at predetermined different locations over the support surface, each image tile having an array of tile data points and being subject to some expected perspective and/or camera distortion relative to the support surface; and a processor by which the plurality of image tiles may be joined into a composite image of the document. The processor includes a memory which stores transform data for each image tile, the transform data relating both to the expected distortion and to the predetermined overlap between image tiles.

Abstract: A method of associating hand written notes with a stored data set, comprising using a data processor to access the data set, making meaningful hand-written notes, reading and storing images of those notes linked to a record of the state of the data processor when accessing the data set; repeating the process for multiple data sets; then retrieving and reproducing some or all of the associated notes linked with any data set currently being accessed by the data processor, by addressing the record with the current state of the data processor.

Abstract: In automatic photographic or electronic camera apparatus, sounds from a person are preferentially received or identified to provide an audio signal, used to produce a saliency signal (indicative of the person's response to circumstances) to control the camera or an image signal produced therefrom. The sounds are detected by a sound conduction microphone, e.g. on the head or throat of the person, or by voice identification circuitry used with a less specific microphone not necessarily mounted on the person, who may or may not be wearing the camera. Control can be in real time, or the sound or saliency signal can be recorded with an image signal for subsequent control of the latter. The audio signal is categorised by waveform analysis, e.g. for the recognition of sounds, such as speech or non-speech vocal sounds, and/or non-vocal sounds; signal amplitude may also be taken into account.

Abstract: An image viewed by a person is recorded in response to the pointing direction of the eyes of the person by using an optical sensor arrangement that simultaneously derives image segments corresponding with images seen by the person looking forward of his head and to both sides of his head. Alternatively, the sensor arrangement includes plural optical sensors for these images. One image of the plural sensors is selected for recording based on rotation of the head.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an image capture system and subsequently capturing an image of a document with an electronic camera by capturing a plurality of overlapping image tiles of the document at different locations over a support surface and with a predetermined degree of overlap, and joining the tiles into a composite image after correcting for expected distortion and overlap in accordance with transform data obtained by capturing a plurality of image tiles of a registration array having a plurality of individually identifiable location identification features with a predetermined orientation and spacing amongst the features and determining distortion for each tile from the identification features.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated method for assisting a reader to read a printed or scribed document that cites, directly or indirectly, other information which method comprises:

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer system (2) for determining regions of interest in a static digital image for display on a display device, the system comprising a processor (4) configured to compare parts of an image (20, 50) with characteristics at least one region of interest specified by a user (19) and to determine at least one region of interest in an image (20, 50) based at least in part on the degree of similarity between parts of the image and the at least one user-specified region of interest in which the at least one user-specified region of interest is specified from the same image as the image in relation to which the determination is made.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method which facilitates the use of a printed or scribed document as an interface with a computer.

Abstract: A method of displaying digital images comprises the steps of using a processor to determine an extent of similarity between a first image part and a second image part, displaying a first image part from a viewpoint and transitioning to displaying a second image part from a viewpoint, the second image part being selected at least partly based on a determined extent of similarity between the first image part and the second image part, in which the viewpoint of an image part is moved either during the transition or after the transition takes place. An appropriate system is provided.

Abstract: A method of displaying a digital image comprises the steps of: providing a processor with image data for generating a displayable image, which image data is from a plurality of static digital images, the processor generating a displayable rendered image from the image data, determining a rostrum path to display part of the displayable rendered image and generating a novel viewpoint simulating a different viewing angle. A corresponding computer system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Automated camera apparatus comprises a head mounted electronic camera 1 for providing a video signal 3 representative of an image 2 viewed by the wearer, video signal processor 51 arranged to receive said video signal for judging the degree of interest shown by the wearer in a feature in the scene and for providing a related saliency signal 12, the means 51 including image analyser 5 for identifying the presence of features and their locations relative to a reference position (e.g. the centre) in the frame within each of a series of frames in a time window of the video signal, and track analysis means 7 coupled to the output of said image analyser for analysing the movement of at least one said feature over said series of frames to provide the saliency signal.

Abstract: A method of sharing a digital recording between a group of users of digital recording devices (e.g. digital cameras) present at a common event, said method comprising: (a) creating a digital recording (e.g. a digital photograph) using a digital recording device; (b) subjecting the users' digital recording devices to a synchronisation event associated with the common event, the synchronisation event resulting in the transmission of a synchronisation code between the users' digital recording devices, the synchronisation code comprising an address code to uniquely identify a database; (c) establishing a digital communication connection between the digital recording device which created the recording and the database; (d) causing the database to receive the digital recording without input from a user; and (e) enabling a user to access the digital recording from the database.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus for use with a tag 5 providing information comprises an electronic still or video camera 1 for providing an image signal 6, tag detecting means 8 for detecting the location of the tag and tag reading means 9, 10 for deriving the predetermined information from the tag, and image signal control means 11 to 13 for controlling the image signal in response to the output of the means 8 to 10 to provide a selected picture signal. As shown when a visitor enters a site details from a keyboard 16 are stored in a central computer 15 and printed 17 as a visible bar code tag 5 which is recognised 8 and provides a tag identity 9 and picture signal instructions 10. The latter act in conjunction with an image decision circuit 11 for judging picture composition, e.g. pan, tilt, zoom, and with an event detector 12 for picture timing (e.g.

Abstract: A digital camera 2 provides an infra-red signal 10 and a visible signal 15 from sensors 8, 9, wherein the sensor fields of view overlap or share a common field of view. Analysis of the IR signal 10 provides the location of (20) and information from (13, 14) an active or passive target. Analyser 19 acts on the signal 15 in response to signals 14, 20 for composition control (pan/tilt/zoom/timing) and selection of pictures from signal 15 for storage 18 together with signal 13 providing ancillary information such as personal details of a target wearer. Alternatively the visible and infra-red image signals may be combined to correct for sensitivity of the visible and/or IR sensors to IR and visible wavelengths respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing composite electronic image of a scene including at least one link to other information comprises a camera 1 for providing an image signal, link generating means responsive to the scene or the immediate environment for generating a link signal, and means for combining the image and link signals to provide said electronic image. As shown, the viewed scene includes a zoo information display 7 with a barcode which is read by the camera to provide the final part of the link information for concatenation onto a first part which loaded into the camera at entry to the zoo (or preloaded if the camera belongs to the zoo). Clicking on the display 7 on the viewed image provides a link to a zoo web page associated with the enclosure 4.

Abstract: A computer system 1 comprises a processor 3 connected to a memory 5. The processor 3 receives image data, representing a displayable static photograph, through an input port 7, generates a set of video data by means of an application program 11 and outputs the video data to a display 9. The video data generated by the application program 11 provides a displayable video programme representing a displayable moving viewpoint over the static photograph. The application program 11 initially analysis the displayable content of the photograph and identifies characteristics, such as regions of interest or dominant lines, curves or edges, and depending on the characteristics, identifies the photograph as belonging to a particular image class. The video data is generated in accordance with rules for that particular image class.