Abstract: During a sporting or similar event, participants and objects are automatically tracked using a scalable matrix of fixed, non-adjustable overhead cameras that form a view of the entire performance area. The participants and objects are identified with attached visible or non-visible markers that are detected using image analysis. A real-time database of two-dimensional movement locations is created from the resulting information, which is then used to automatically direct multiple fixed, adjustable side-view cameras for capturing and recording the event. Image analysis of this side-view video detects additional markers providing a three-dimensional model of the participants and objects.

Abstract: A system for automatically relating the changing information posted on an electronic display 10a, in regard to some ongoing event, to the recorded information, such as video, captured and corresponding to that same ongoing event. Posted information is remotely detected using master camera 50a that is aligned to capture images 12 of electronic display 10a during the event. Current images 12c are subtracted from base image 12b to yield difference image 12fr revealing one or more areas of potential electronic display 10a changes that are pre-calibrated into cells, such as game clock 12-1, which are further calibrated into characters, such as 12-1-1 for the “tens” digit through 12-1-4 for the “hundredths” digit. Using pattern matching algorithms well understood in the art, all changes to any character and therefore any cell are automatically detected and translated into digital information relatable by time to any recordings of the event, such as a video stream.

Abstract: An automatics system 100 that uses one to three grids 20cm of overhead cameras 20c to first video an event area 2. Overall bandwidth is greatly reduced by intelligent hubs 26 that extract foreground blocks 10m based upon initial and continuously updated background images 2r. The hubs also analyze current images 10c to constantly locate, classify and track in 3D the limited number of expected foreground objects 10. As objects 10 of interest are tracked, the system automatically directs ptz perspective view cameras 40c to follow the activities. These asynchronous cameras 40c limit their images to defined repeatable pt angles and zoom depths. Pre-captured venue backgrounds 2r at each repeatable ptz setting facilitate perspective foreground extraction. The moving background, such as spectators 13, is removed with various techniques including stereoscopic side cameras 40c-b and 40c-c flanking each perspective camera 40c.

Abstract: A system 100 for tracking the movement of multiple objects within a predefined area using a continuation of overhead X-Y tracking cameras 24 with attached frequency selective filter 24f. Also employed are perspective Z filming cameras sets 30. Objects to be tracked, such as player 17, have been marked to include some form of frequency selective reflective material such as an ink. Typical markers include patches 7r and 7l, sticker 9 and tape 4a as well as additional body joint markers 17af through 17l. System 100 radiates selected energy 23a throughout the predefined area of tracking that is specifically chosen to reflect off said reflective materials used to mark for instance player 17. The reflected energy is then received by tracking cameras 24 while all other ambient light is blocked by filter 24f. Local Computer System 60 continuously captures images from said tracking cameras 24 which include only the minimum information created by said reflected energy.

Abstract: Various combinations of camera assembly 500, tracking frequency 510, energy source 520, marker: emission method 530, marker: physical form 540, marker: reflective shape 550, ID: location 560, ID: encoding method 570, ID: obtained 580 and calibration method 590 forming a preferred embodiment 1004 as well as several alternative embodiments for tracking the movement of multiple objects within a predefined area. Camera assembly 500 optionally comprises fixed volume tracking 502, fixed area tracking 504 and movable volume tracking 506. Tracking frequency 510 optionally comprises visible light 512, infrared light 514 and ultraviolet light 516. Energy source 520 optionally comprises ring lights emitting visible or IR frequencies 522, existing lights emitting visible frequencies 524 and existing lights modified to emit non-visible frequencies 526. Marker: emission method 530 optionally comprises retroreflective markers 532, reflective markers 534 and fluorescent markers 536.

Abstract: A system 100 for tracking the movement of multiple objects within a predefined area using a combination of overhead X-Y filming cameras 25 and tracking cameras 24 with attached frequency selective filter 24f. Also employed are perspective Z filming cameras 25 and tracking 24 cameras with filter 24f. Objects to be tracked have been marked to include some form of frequency selective reflective material, such as an ink. Marked objects such as patches 7r and 7l, sticker 9 and tape 4a have been specified and are attachable to said multiple objects. System 100 radiates selected energy 23a throughout the predefined area of tracking that is specifically chosen to reflect off said reflective materials used to mark said objects. Reflected energy such as 7m, 9a and 4b is then received by tracking cameras 24 while all other ambient light is blocked by filter 24f. Local Computer System 60 continuously captures images from said tracking cameras 24 which include only the minimum information created by said reflected energy.

Abstract: A retroreflective material 100, 101, 102 and 103 that comprises a retroreflective element 20, 20uv and 20ir that is adapted to transmit energy from the visible spectrum while simultaneously reflecting energy from the non-visible spectrum such as UV or IR. In their microspheric optical body form, the materials 100, 101, 102 and 103 comprise a substantially visibly transparent microscopic bead 22 underneath which a reflector 24, 24uv and 24ir is placed. Reflector 24uv narrowly reflects some or the entire ultraviolet spectrum while reflector 24ir narrowly reflects some or the entire IR spectrum. Generic reflector 24 may reflect a sub-portion of the visible spectrum such as red light. Materials 100, 101, 102 and 103 may be augmented with fluorescent compounds embedded within either bead 22f itself or into a fluorescent matrix layer 23 placed between the underside of bead 22 and reflector 24, 24uv and 24ir forming fluorescent retroreflective materials 104 and 105.

Abstract: A system 200 for tracking the movement of multiple objects within a predefined area using a combination of overhead X-Y filming cameras 125 and tracking cameras 124 with attached frequency selective filter 124f. Also employed is perspective Z filming cameras 125 and tracking cameras 124 with filter 124f The preferred energy source is existing rink lamp 10 that emits electromagnetic by-product radiation in either the UV range for typical Metal Halide lamps or the IR range for typical Xenon Arc lamps. Foreground objects to be tracked such as player 110, jersey 105, stick 104 and puck 103 have been marked to include some form of frequency selective reflective material, such reflective material 20a, retroreflective material 20b or fluorescent material 20c. Prior to marking, foreground objects such as jersey 105 and stick 104 have first been treated with either a UV or IR absorbent compound such as 24 that absorbs incident tracking energy rays.

Abstract: An automatic labeler system for demarcating objects is disclosed. The system includes a device, such as for dispersing an optically responsive material onto the surface of each object. The material changes color in response to focused energy. The focused energy is provided by a device for optically demarcating the material by controllably directing focused energy, such as a laser, onto the optically responsive material. The system also includes a scanning device for scanning the surfaces of the objects with energy to determine the topology of the surfaces. The automatic labeler system is particularly useful in labeling stacked materials, such as individual boards in bundled lumber.

Abstract: An automatic means for labeling includes means for scanning a group of objects to determine the coordinates of an object in the group of objects, means for storing data representative of the determined coordinates of the object and means responsive to the data storage means for spraying self adhering materials in separate geometric areas with varying reflective properties to create an identifying pattern on the object.

Abstract: An automatic label applicator includes means for scanning a group of touching objects to determine their unique coordinates, and means responsive to the coordinates for automatically applying labels to the objects. A robotic arm is controllably movable in horizontal and vertical directions to align the applicator with individual objects disposed in a stack of objects.

Abstract: On Fork Lift 100, Load Cell Assemblies 40a and 40b are affixed to Fork Arms 32a and 32b and as such are capable of determining the weight of any object lifted by Fork Arm Lift Assembly 30. Continuous weight information is transmitted from Assemblies 40a and 40b to Fork Lift Computer 52 via wires and IR Transmitter 44 and Receiver 48. Changes in weight information are interpreted as load engagement and disengagement by Computer 52, which then responds by receiving the current relative vertical height of Fork Arm Lift Assembly 30 from Ultrasonic Distance Measuring Unit 56. The Computer 52 then transmits, via Telescoping Antenna 70, an uniquely encoded signal with both weight and height information to Stationary Elevated Locating Modules such as 74a and 74b, which have been strategically placed throughout the operating range of Fork Lift 100. This signal is then transmitted to Unit Tracking Computer System 80 by Locating Modules such as 74a and 74b.

Abstract: Either a focused beam (22) or a spatial (42) movable scanning unit which is attached to a moveable horizontal arm (27) which is attached to a stand (26) such that the scanning unit can be controllably directed throughout a prescribed vertical-horizontal plane which is parallel to one end of a unit of lumber (10). Separate stands (26) are placed at either end of the unit (10). Throughout the automatic directed movement, the scanning unit either emits focused beam (38) and/or receives reflected energy beams (38 and 48) which have reflected off the end of unit (10). These reflected beams are in accordance with the surface pattern of unit (10) and are input to a topological processor (22b or 42b) which translates this information into the geometric attributes of thickness, width and length. The exact count of distinct pieces of lumber of distinct geometric attributes is then transmitted to computer (28) as the unit's end tally.

Abstract: A comparator and a method for comparing one digital signal composed of n bits to a second digital signal also composed of n bits. The comparator includes a predetermined number of logic levels. The comparator samples and compares selected bits of the two signals in any order and applies Boolean algebra operations to the signals without reference to any comparison of any other bits of the signals. The comparator provides an output signal of one logic level if one signal is greater than the other, and of a second logic level if the one signal is less than or equal to the other signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a mathematical operation, e.g., addition on two signals composed of a string of n digits or bits in a number system having a predetermined base wherein A.sub.i and B.sub.i represents each digit in the respective strings and with i being the specific column or bit number from 0 to n. The mathematic operation is performed by first circuitry on the A.sub.i and B.sub.i digits without reference to the results of that operation of any other column or bit number. Substrings of the B string are compared by second circuitry to corresponding substrings of C string which for addition is the base minus one complement of the A string. Third circuitry are provided responsive to the first and second circuitry to produce a resultant output signal composed of at least n digits representing the results of the mathematic operation.