Abstract: A surrounding conditions display apparatus captures an image of an area surrounding a movable body and displays the captured image. The apparatus includes a CCD camera for capturing an image of the surrounding are, ultrasonic sensors for detecting a distance to an obstacle present in the surrounding area, and a liquid crystal display for displaying the image captured by the image capturing unit. A color image representing an area including the obstacle is superposed on the displayed image in such a manner that the brightness of the color image decreases with increasing distance from the origin of the area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotational phase difference detecting system and method that is capable of very accurately detecting a rotational phase difference between a plurality of rotating bodies. There is also disclosed a machine operating-state monitoring system and method employing the rotational phase difference detecting system. The detecting system has a first rotating body (13) with a first mark (12), a second rotating body (11) with a second mark (10), a mark sensor (4) for detecting the first mark, a first camera (2) for imaging the second mark when the mark sensor detects the first mark, and a display section (7) for displaying the second mark imaged by the first camera. The rotational phase difference is detected from a position of an image of the second mark displayed on the display section and is thus detected very accurately with a simple construction comprising the mark sensor, the first camera, and the display section.

Abstract: Images of objects existing behind a first vehicle are detected to obtain distance data on the objects in relation to the first vehicle for recognizing one of the objects as a second vehicle travelling behind the first vehicle based on the distance data. The type of the second vehicle travelling behind is determined in size based on the images. It is further determined whether the second vehicle is an emergency vehicle based on the images.

Abstract: In a method and to an apparatus for evaluating a sequence of medical examination images successively presented at a viewing device using a data processing device operating on software having an evaluation algorithm for determining image regions exhibiting abnormalities, an acoustic signal is emitted by the dependent on the determination result, and/or the presentation time of an image on a monitor is influenced dependent thereon.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a valet parking system enables the tracking of the damage to vehicles. The method provides for linking digital images of a vehicle to a set of valet parking data. The valet parking data is collected from a valet attendant, and the digital images are collected from a plurality of digital cameras. The images document a physical condition of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated by the valet attendant. The method further provides for storing the valet parking data and the digital images to an electronic database. Thus, digital images can be retrieved from the electronic database based on the valet parking data, and damage can be assessed.

Abstract: A programmable digital camera requiring a programming password to be entered to access the camera's programmability. The camera further includes programming so as to allow the camera to be operated only for a specified time interval, after which the camera becomes inoperable until the programming password is again entered and the camera is programmed to operate for another interval of time. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a programmable digital camera as above described wherein the camera is programmed to only capture a set number of images, at which point the programming password must again be entered and the camera reset for another quantity of images. A further alternate embodiment includes a camera system with a separate transmitter for radiating a signal designed to cover a designated area, the signal being modulated with a camera operational code. The camera is equipped with a corresponding receiver and demodulator to receive the operational code.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the foreground or background vector near a discontinuity in a vector field has a covering-uncovering detector (3)for determining whether covering or uncovering situation exists.

Abstract: A method of creating registration signature data for a computerized signature collation scheme. A plurality of signature data sets are averaged in order to calculate a candidate set of registration signature data. The candidate set of registration signature data is collated with each signature data set. When no unacceptable discrepancy is found as a result of collation between the candidate set of registration signature data and the signature data sets, the candidate set of registration signature data is treated as registration signature data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of realizing machining results of a given workpiece. It comprises the steps of: obtaining an image of a selected area in the workpiece before a required machining is performed; obtaining an image of the selected area in the workpiece after the required machining has been performed; making a comparison between these pre- and post-machining images of workpiece to derive non-common portions from the comparison; and realizing how the machined portion or portions in the selected area are like.

Abstract: An apparatus for shooting. The apparatus includes a gun. The apparatus includes a controller connected to the gun which controls whether the gun can fire. The apparatus includes a mechanism for determining a present biometric signature of a shooter who desires to fire the gun. The determining mechanism is in communication with the controller. The controller only allows the gun to fire if the present biometric signature of the shooter is recognized by the controller. A method for firing a gun. The method includes the steps of gripping a handle of a gun by a shooter. Then there is the step of recognizing a present biometric signature of the shooter. Next there is the step of releasing a trigger of the gun so the gun can fire as long as the biometric signature of the shooter is recognized.

Abstract: A system (FIGS. 7 and 8) and method (FIG. 1) for video transmission of active events, for example sports events, having in the background physical images in designated targets, wherein the physical images are electronically exchanged with preselected virtual images, so that objects or shadows actually blocking the same portions of the virtual images, and the motion of players or a ball blocking the physical image will block corresponding regions of the exchanged virtual image, so that the exchanged electronic image will remain in the background of the event, exactly as the original image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model is created to represent an environment to be captured on video. A camera is fitted with pan, tilt and/or zoom sensors. An operator selects a location in the environment. The three-dimensional model is used to determine the three-dimensional coordinates of the location selected by the operator. Information from the pan, tilt and/or zoom sensors is used to transform the three-dimensional coordinates to a two-dimensional position in the video from the camera. Using the two-dimensional position of the video, a graphic is properly added to the video such that the graphic appears to be at the selected location in the environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an electro-optical array. Images indicative of shapes are obtained in some way, and these images are processed. The processed image is then used to drive an electro-optical array, such as a liquid crystal display, such that some parts of the display are opaque and other parts are transparent. A light source is directed through the liquid crystal array and thereby generates a light signal having the same shape as those parts of the liquid crystal array which are transparent.

Abstract: An automated identification system comprises a first classification station which uses two laser sources and video imaging techniques to identify and distinguish between similar items such as, for example wooden cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Each laser produces a fan-shaped plane of light, perpendicular to the other, on front face of the door. The fan shaped planes of light produce a first profile stripe in the horizontal direction across the width of the door face and a second profile stripe in the vertical or length direction. A first video camera captures the image of the profile stripe across the width of the door. A second camera is used to capture the profile stripe in the vertical direction to determine whether the panel shape is square or cathedral shaped. A feature-based approach is used to process the captured profile stripes and compare them to a library of known profiles. A third camera, placed substantially parallel to the first camera captures the width measurement of the door.

Abstract: An automatic monitoring apparatus for automatically detecting an object to be detected, such as a suspicious person, based on the picture obtained from an image pickup device. Moving object detecting unit detects information about a moving object in the picture, based on the picture signal input from the image pickup device. Characteristic quantity calculating unit calculates a characteristic quantity of the moving object based on the information detected by the moving object detecting unit. Characteristic quantity storing unit stores at least a characteristic quantity relating to a non-detection object that should not be detected. Determining unit compares the characteristic quantity of the moving object, calculated by the characteristic quantity calculating unit, with the characteristic quantity stored in the characteristic quantity storing unit, to determine whether or not the moving object is an object to be detected.

Abstract: A surveillance system which can store and replay information which is not generated contemporaneously. In some point-of-sale systems, the behavioral events occur before the transaction data is generated. The present system asynchronously records the video signals corresponding to the behavioral events and the transaction data. Upon playback, the transaction data is matched up with the behavioral event being replayed from the video tape.

Abstract: A camera system for capturing the sporting activity from the perspective of the participant comprises a mount structure configured for being positioned proximate a mouth guard of a safety helmet, and a securement device coupled to the mount structure for securely engaging the mouth guard for securely holding the mount structure thereto. The system further comprises a camera and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the mount structure and configured for receiving a camera when the adjustment mechanism tiltably engages the camera for vertically moving the camera up and down on the helmet such that the camera records generally on the line of sight of a participant wearing the helmet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described which provide secure interactive communication of the text and image information between a central server computer and one or more client computers, located at remote sites for the purpose of storing and retrieving files describing and identifying unique products, services or individuals. Textual information and image data from one or more of the remote sites are stored separately at the location of the central server computer, with the image data being compressed, and the textual information included in a relational database with associated image identifiers. The central computer has the capability for independent management of both image and textual data, to ensure that all information can be independently retrieved. Requests are made from remote terminals to the central server computer, with the capability of processing multiple, simultaneous requests. Upon a request from a remote terminal, textual and associated image data are recalled and downloaded for review.

Abstract: A surveillance system which can store and replay information which is not generated contemporaneously. In some point-of-sale systems, the behavioral events occur before the transaction data is generated. The present system asynchronously records the video signals corresponding to the behavioral events and the transaction data. Upon playback, the transaction data is matched up with the behavioral event being replayed from the video tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for observing vehicles on a road or in a parking lot comprises a pair of cameras directed toward a predetermined observation position simultaneously take pictures. A characteristic portion in each of the respective pictures is extracted. The extracted characteristic portions of the respective pictures are corresponded to the pictures, and the corresponded characteristic portion is measured in three-dimensions to extract the three-dimensional coordinates of the characteristic portions. The three-dimensional coordinates of the extracted characteristic portions are projected on a virtual perpendicular plane, and the projected data is compared with pre-determined two dimensional model data to discriminate the object.

Abstract: The gemstone recordal and retrieval system records optical images for gemstones in an effective manner. The optical image of a gemstone is captured using a two-dimensional charge coupled device whereby the time to capture the image is relatively short. The optical images can be improved in definition by varying the output of a laser LED. This fast feedback and adjustability provides accurate recordings.

Abstract: At a first end of an optic-fiber prism assembly are fiber terminations to contact a relieved surface, e.g. finger (stabilized by a handgrip). In a region where fiber diameter is essentially constant with longitudinal position, light enters the prism, crosses the fibers and enters individual fibers through their sidewalls, lighting the terminations. To allow crosslighting of the assembly, the fiber-optic numerical aperture (NA) is small: preferably not exceeding one-half. Due to fingerprint etc. detail, fractions of light pass along the fibers; at the assembly second end a detector responds with an electrical-signal array based on the surface relief. The signals are processed to check finger etc. identity and applied to control access to a personal weapon, other equipment, facilities, data, or a money service. FTIR ("frustrated total internal reflection") bright- and dark-field versions have various benefits.

Abstract: A video presentation system which easily and economically realizes subject-service linkage in a video image displayed on its screen. The system includes a video display for displaying video data containing a subject with an identifier on a display unit, an identifier recognition unit for recognizing the identifier displayed on the display unit, and a data storing unit for storing the video data and various data associated with the identifier. The system further includes a data management means for obtaining data associated with the recognized identifier from the data storing unit and sending the data to the video display. When the user selects the identifier, the identifier recognition unit recognizes the identifier and the data management unit obtains data associated with the identifier from the data storing unit and outputs to the display.

Abstract: A surveillance system having at least one primary video camera for translating real images of a zone into electronic video signals at a first level of resolution. The system includes means for sampling movements of an individual or individuals located within the zone from the video signal output from at least one video camera. Video signals of sampled movements of the individual is electronically compared with known characteristics of movements which are indicative of individuals having a criminal intent. The level of criminal intent of the individual or individuals is then determined and an appropriate alarm signal is produced.

Abstract: A verification method for use in a verification system comprises a verification terminal operated by a verification authority, a remote terminal remote from the verification terminal, and a communication link coupling the verification terminal to the remote terminal. The method includes the steps of generating a document data file from an identity document provided at the remote terminal, and then transmitting the document data file from the remote terminal to the verification terminal. The method further includes generating a verification data file that verifies an attribute of the document at the verification terminal. The verification data file preferably comprises a digitized signature of the verification authority operating the verification terminal. The verification data file is transmitted to the remote terminal. Finally, the document data file and the verification data file are merged to produce a verification record. The verification record may be time stamped and stored and/or printed by a printer.

Abstract: A plurality of image recognizing systems which are distributed and arranged and a centralized control apparatus are mutually connected via transmission lines. Each of the image recognizing apparatuses executes a predetermined image process to the image which is input from the ITV camera and transmits the processed image to the centralized control apparatus. The centralized control apparatus forms tuning parameters which are necessary for the instrumentation control by each image recognizing system from the transmitted processed image and transmits the tuning parameters to each image recognizing system. After the tuning parameters are received, each image recognizing system executes the measuring process. Therefore, for a plurality of image recognizing systems which are distributed at remote locations, the instrumentation control of each image recognizing system can be executed by the centralized control apparatus from one position.