Abstract: A method for increasing dynamic range of a time-delay integration (TDI) image includes assigning a value N to a line-number setting and generating each line of the TDI image by (i) selecting N lines from N corresponding images of an image sequence, and (ii) integrating the N lines. The brightness of the TDI image is evaluated, after which the line-number setting is updated to a new value. In another method, the value of a TDI pixel is initialized to the value of a corresponding pixel in a first image of the image sequence. While the TDI pixel value is less than a ceiling, a contribution is added to the TDI pixel value, the contribution being based on the value of an additional corresponding pixel in an additional image of the image sequence. After adding, the resulting TDI pixel value may be scaled based on the number of contributions.

Abstract: A method for generating time delay integration color images at increased resolution includes (a) capturing sequential digital two-dimensional color images of a scene using an area scan color image sensor including lines of color sensor pixels, wherein each color sensor pixel including a Bayer-type array of photosites, and (b) processing the sequential digital two-dimensional color images to generate a time delay integration color image of an object moving in the scene, wherein the processing includes increasing resolution of the time delay integration color image by including crossover pixels formed by combining photosites from sequentially captured two-dimensional color images.

Abstract: A method for processing a plurality of input images associated with a respective plurality of input times, the input images and input times being provided by an event timing system, comprises: selecting an output frame rate; generating a plurality of output images, corresponding to the output frame rate, from the plurality of input images; and assigning to each output image a final output time provided by the event timing system, the final output time being the input time associated with an input image contributing to the output image.

Abstract: A system for processing event timing images includes: area scan image sensor for generating sequential digital two-dimensional images of a scene; and time delay integration module for processing the sequential digital two-dimensional images to generate a time delay integration image of a moving object in the scene.

Abstract: A method for processing event timing images includes: capturing sequential digital two-dimensional images of a scene using an area scan image sensor; and processing the sequential digital two-dimensional images to generate a time delay integration image of an object moving in the scene.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software products allocate digital content in real time. Real-time digital content allocation includes processing sign, sales and buying parameters for a digital sign in a sign database. Real-time digital content allocation also includes processing digital content in a submitted database; permitting access to the submitted database by a digital sign owner, for review of the digital content; saving digital content approved by the digital sign owner to an approved content database; processing bidding parameters for a time slot on the digital sign; auctioning the time slot to providers of the approved digital content; distributing digital content to the digital sign; and airing winning digital content during the time slot.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate autonomous image capture and/or picture production. A location unit is attached to each tracked object. An object tracking device receives location information from each location unit. A camera control device controls, based upon the location information, at least one motorized camera to capture image data of at least one tracked object.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to effectively reduce the non-active detection gap between sensor elements of an optical sensor. Reducing the non-active gap can subsequently reduce the time delay between sensor elements, mitigating the image degrading effects of a composite element time delay. While applicable to use with a wide range of optical sensors, the invention may be used for detecting aspects of a variable-rate dynamic colorful object using a matrix sensor or a tri-linear color CCD sensor. In one variation, optical fibers extend from a first fiber optic faceplate to a second fiber optic faceplate. The optical fibers can be oriented toward or directly mounted to the sensor elements. A spacer may be used to separate the optical fibers for alignment with the sensor elements and the other end of the optical fibers are attached to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for recording and displaying a time sequential scene on a computer (16). The digital camera (12) transmits a sequence of digital image frames to the timer (14) representative of the image of a body passing a plane in space. Each frame represents a line object (18) of the body, thus forming a fractional part of the scene. Once the frame reaches the image timer (14), it is digitally marked with a time reference (34) and buffered into a block of information. The main control computer (16) stores blocks of information from the image timer (14) for a variety of processing and features available to the user. The invention also provides a selected memory (36), preferably a virtual memory subsystem, or hard-disc drive. Preferred constructions for adjusting camera pixel processing of light values, time-marking the images, creating color palettes for interactive viewing of color images, and video data coding to accommodate the high volume of line image data are described.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to effectively reduce the non-active detection gap between sensor elements of an optical sensor. Reducing the non-active gap can subsequently reduce the time delay between sensor elements, mitigating the image degrading effects of a composite element time delay. While applicable to use with a wide range of optical sensors, the invention may be used for detecting aspects of a variable-rate dynamic colorful object using a matrix sensor or a tri-linear color CCD sensor. In one variation, optical fibers extend from a first fiber optic faceplate to a second fiber optic faceplate. The optical fibers can be oriented toward or directly mounted to the sensor elements. A spacer may be used to separate the optical fibers for alignment with the sensor elements and the other end of the optical fibers are attached to each other.

Abstract: A line scan digital camera is directed at a station for recording and displaying a time-sequential scene. The digital camera takes a sequence of digital image frames representative of one or more bodies crossing a plane in space, wherein each frame represents a line image of the body, thus forming a fractional part of the scene, and the set of time-successive frames forms a recognizable image on an external display. Within the camera, frames enter a buffer and a microprocessor in the camera compares blocks from successive line images to detect changes indicative of objects entering or leaving the field of view. The changes detected by pixel or block analysis identify information-containing portions of the data stream and their time of occurrence.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for recording and displaying a time sequential scene on a computer (16). The digital camera (12) transmits a sequence of digital image frames to the timer (14) representative of the image of a body passing a plane in space. Each frame represents a line object (18) of the body, thus forming a fractional part of the scene. Once the frame reaches the image timer (14), it is digitally marked with a time reference (34) and buffered into a block of information. The main control computer (16) stores blocks of information from the image timer (14) for a variety of processing and features available to the user. The invention also provides a selected memory (36), preferably a virtual memory subsystem, or hard-disc drive. Preferred constructions for adjusting camera pixel processing of light values, time-marking the images, creating color palettes for interactive viewing of color images, and video data coding to accommodate the high volume of line image data are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reaction time measurement system that includes a hard-wired or battery-powered accelerometer module attached to a starting block or platform to detect acceleration when a contestant moves. Although the block is grossly stationary, it undergoes slight movement and mechanical vibration, so the accelerometer produces an output signal. A filter or a processing unit in the module processes the output signal to define the reaction time or moment when the athlete starts to leave the block. Preferably the module removably attaches to the starting block by a rigid coupling, and its processor stores and annotates the accelerometer signal. A link or connector signals the reaction time, or the stored signal on request, to a central monitor at which false start detection determination are made and records created.

Abstract: A system for recording and displaying a time-sequential scene on a computer comprising a digital camera, an image timer, and a main control computer. The digital camera transmits a sequence of digital image frames to the timer representative of the image of a body passing a plane in space. Each frame represents a line object of the body, thus forming a fractional part of the scene. Once the frame reaches the image timer, it is digitally marked with a time reference and buffered into a block of information. The main control computer stores blocks of information from the image timer for a variety of processing and features available to the user. The invention also provides a compression system for compressing a sequence of digital image frames for storage into a selected memory, preferably a virtual memory subsystem, or hard-disc drive.