Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing with a computer (1) the motion of an athlete (3), of a team or a patient during an activity, said method comprising the steps of defining a number of unevenly time-spaced key positions in said motion, said key positions being of particular interest for analyzing the correct execution of said motion by said athlete (3) or team. A video sequence (11) of said motion is acquired with a camera (2) and still pictures (12) are extracted from said video sequence (11). Templates can trigger the automatic extraction of still pictures (12). For extraction purposes, a metadata recorded with a sensor (5) at the same time as the video sequence (11) can be used. Said still pictures (12) correspond to said previously defined key positions. Thereafter said extracted still pictures (12) are displayed simultaneously on a same display (10).

Abstract: Given two video sequences, a composite video sequence can be generated (15) which includes visual elements from each of the given sequences, suitably synchronized (11) and represented in a chosen focal plane. A composite video sequence can be made also by similarly combining a video sequence with an audio sequence. In the composite video sequence, contestants, action figures or objects can be shown against a common background (12) even if the given video sequences differ as to background, with the common background taken from one or the other of the given sequences, for example. Alternatively, a different suitable background can be used, e.g. as derived from the given video sequences, as obtained from another video sequence or image, or as otherwise synthesized.

Abstract: Given two video sequences, a composite video sequence can be generated (15) which includes visual elements from each of the given sequences, suitably synchronized (11) and represented in a chosen focal plane. A composite video sequence can be made also by similarly combining a video sequence with an audio sequence. In the composite video sequence, contestants, action figures or objects can be shown against a common background (12) even if the given video sequences differ as to background, with the common background taken from one or the other of the given sequences, for example. Alternatively, a different suitable background can be used, e.g. as derived from the given video sequences, as obtained from another video sequence or image, or as otherwise synthesized.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing with a computer (1) the motion of an athlete (3), of a team or a patient during an activity, said method comprising the steps of defining a number of unevenly time-spaced key positions in said motion, said key positions being of particular interest for analyzing the correct execution of said motion by said athlete (3) or team. A video sequence (11) of said motion is acquired with a camera (2) and still pictures (12) are extracted from said video sequence (11). Templates can trigger the automatic extraction of still pictures (12). For extraction purposes, a metadata recorded with a sensor (5) at the same time as the video sequence (11) can be used. Said still pictures (12) correspond to said previously defined key positions. Thereafter said extracted still pictures (12) are displayed simultaneously on a same display (10).

Abstract: Standard video footage even from a single video camera can be used to obtain, in an automated fashion, a stroboscope sequence of a sports event, for example. The sequence may be represented as a static images of a photographic nature, or by a video sequence in which camera motion remains present, in which case the video sequence can be rendered as a panning camera movement on a stroboscope picture or as an animated stroboscope sequence in which the moving object leaves a trailing trace of copies along its path. Multiple cameras can be used for an expanded field of view or for comparison of multiple sequences, for example.

Abstract: Standard video footage even from a single video camera can be used to obtain, in an automated fashion, a stroboscope sequence of a sports event, for example. The sequence may be represented as a static images of a photographic nature, or by a video sequence in which camera motion remains present, in which case the video sequence can be rendered as a panning camera movement on a stroboscope picture or as an animated stroboscope sequence in which the moving object leaves a trailing trace of copies along its path. Multiple cameras can be used for an expanded field of view or for comparison of multiple sequences, for example.

Abstract: A scanner powered by the limited power available on a peripheral bus. In particular, the scanner can operate within the 2.2 watts provided over a USB connector. The scanner of the present invention uses a contact image sensor (CIS) which uses optics to distribute light from each light emitter to multiple pixel positions, preferably using a single LED for each color. An electric motor for driving the platen uses rare earth magnets to limit the power required. Instead of the traditional method of biasing the CIS scanner against the platen with a spring, the platen itself is spring-biased. The moveable spring biasing of a platen is possible because a worm drive motor is used allowing a helical thread on the worm drive to contact the platen gears as they move up and down as biased. Preferably, the helical thread of the worm gear has a single point of contact with a gear on the platen, further limiting the friction and allowing the platen to move up and down with respect to the stationary motor.