Abstract: An intraoral x-ray imaging device produces and transfers intraoral images of a patient to a network and which includes intraoral housing, an x-ray image sensor which is disposed in the intraoral housing, a digital high-bit generator which generates digital high bit depth grayscale sensor data and which is disposed inside the intraoral housing, a digital low-bit generator which converts the digital high bit depth grayscale sensor data to low bit depth grayscale sensor data and which is disposed inside the intraoral housing and a communication device which couples the digital low-bit generator to the network.

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray imaging device produces and transfers intraoral images of a patient to a network and which includes intraoral housing, an x-ray image sensor which is disposed in the intraoral housing, a digital high-bit generator which generates digital high bit depth grayscale sensor data and which is disposed inside the intraoral housing, a digital low-bit generator which converts the digital high bit depth grayscale sensor data to low bit depth grayscale sensor data and which is disposed inside the intraoral housing and a communication device which couples the digital low-bit generator to the network.

Abstract: A color enhancement method for use in a video camera imaging system in the context of non-uniform lighting includes an adaptive algorithm for developing a shutter speed control signal, analog gain control signal and color balance signals from pixel luminance over one field of video. The control signals developed during one field are used to control the camera during the next field. The speed control signal and analog signal are determined based on the luminance signal obtained in digital form from the video camera, and analyzed over at least one field of video.

Abstract: A color enhancement method for use in a video camera imaging system (10,30) in the context of non-uniform lighting includes an adaptive algorithm (100–110) for developing a shutter speed control signal, analog gain control signal and color balance signals from pixel luminance over one field of video. The control signals developed during one field are used to control the camera (12) during the next field. The speed control signal and analog signal are determined based on the luminance signal obtained in digital form from the video camera, and analyzed over at least one field of video. During one field, the speed control signal and the analog gain signal target dark areas of the image and during the next field they target the bright areas of the image so that, over two fields, every pixel is within a workable range of luminance in at least one of two alternate fields.

Abstract: A method of identifying pixels of a given color in a field of YUV video manipulates color difference signals (R-Y, B-Y) corresponding to defining axes (U,V) of a color space to maximize the video signal in a region of interest of the space, and minimize the signal in all other regions. Additionally, the color difference signal corresponding to one axis may be rotated toward the other axis, or the entire color space may be rotated to bring the region of interest onto or near one of the axes. The signal gains and rotations may be carried out in the signal processing circuits (52) of a conventional color camera (50) so that only one comparator (90) is needed to detect the target color. After rotation and application of gain, the color difference signal defining the region of interest is compared with a threshold value to determine if a pixel is of the target color.

Abstract: A video camera and imaging system having signal processing circuitry configured to change the black level (pedestal) of a video signal in response to comparing an overall system gain (for instance, a gain value and the electronic exposure time of the image sensor) to a threshold value. The change helps to automatically obtain brighter and more detailed images, particularly with imaging systems which are optimized for intraoral (dental) imaging but are also used to capture a headshot of the patent's smile or face.

Abstract: A video camera and method therefore for use in a low light environment. A video image capturing element captures an image in the low light environment and generates a low light image signal corresponding to the captured image. A video processing unit is electrically coupled to the video image capturing element. The video processing unit has a memory for storing a raw digitized version of the low light image signal and a signal processing device electrically coupled to the memory. The signal processing device reads the raw digitized version of the low light image signal from the memory at a rate corresponding to a full rate signal and converts the raw digitized version of the low light image signal into a displayable video signal. The camera and method of the invention are well suited for use in a closed circuit television surveillance environment.

Abstract: A video camera system is described which may store operating parameter information for reading by the system to provide optimum operating conditions, which may collect information reflecting system uses for later reading by the system to provide a performance history, and which is relatively small and operates with a reduced number of electrical lines to transmit electrical information.

Abstract: A video camera system stores operating parameter information for reading by the system to provide optimum operating conditions, collects information reflecting system uses for later reading by the system to provide a performance history, and is relatively small and operates with a reduced number of electrical lines to transmit electrical information.

Abstract: A system for transmitting an image through the fiber bundle of an optical fiber endoscope is provided, characterized by an electronic filter for substantial removal of distortion such as that introduced by passage of the image through the bundle. The filter is configured with a variable characteristic such as cutoff frequency which can be matched to a predetermined parameter of the bundle such as the density of individual fibers. Thus, the filter can be easily modified to provide optimal performance if the fiber bundle is replaced or modified.

Abstract: A video camera of the type in which the camera head is detached from the camera control unit, and coupled to the same with a cable is provided. The driving circuitry for the imager is situated at the camera head. Compensation circuitry is included to adjust the phase relationship between the timing signals passed to and from the camera control unit over the cable to at least partly compensate for delay through the cable.

Abstract: A remote endoscopic video camera system is provided which is capable of providing both left and right eye pre-video signals for generating a three-dimensional image. The left and right eye pre-video signals are provided by first and second imagers which are capable of being enclosed in a single camera head, which, in turn, is capable of being coupled to the remaining camera circuitry through a single cable, without causing substantial interference between the two imagers.