Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a dimmable beacon light source for a light based positioning system. In some embodiments, the light source includes a dimmer control switch configured to generate a dimmer signal having a desired light output level, a dimmable driver for controlling the light output of the light source, and a modulator for receiving the dimmer signal from the dimmer control switch, generating a digital pulse recognition signal by controlling the frequency of the dimmer signal to a desired frequency value, and transmitting the digital pulse recognition signal to the dimmable driver to drive the light output of the light source. In some embodiments, the digital pulse recognition signal is a pulse width modulated signal. In some embodiments, the digital pulse recognition signal has a duty cycle based on the dimmer signal.

Abstract: A binocular digital vision device comprising a digital processor member (2) connected firstly to a sensor (3) and secondly to two image playback elements (4.1, 4.2) of eyepieces (5.1, 5.2) for transmitting a digital video signal to each eyepiece, the device including a delay module (9) for establishing a time delay between the playback of images by the two eyepieces.

Abstract: A module and method for recognizing an intended target of a universal remote controller are provided and are applicable to a universal remote controller and at least one intended target. The universal remote controller has a manipulating device and a protocol unit. The module comprises a processing unit, a storing unit, and an image sensing unit for capturing an intended image to be treated as a subject image data. The processing unit compares an image data stored and related to the at least one intended target with the subject image data to determine the recognized intended target, and defines a manipulating function of the manipulating device based on a manipulating data attributed to the recognized intended target such that the universal remote controller remotely controls the recognized intended target in accordance with manipulation of the manipulating device and by the protocol unit.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for recognizing a broadcast digital pulse recognition tone in a beacon-based light positioning system. In some embodiments, the method includes capturing a digital image using an imaging sensor of an imaging device, identifying one or more regions of the digital image illuminated by one of one or more beacon light sources, determining a frequency content of each of the one or more regions, and determining a particular tone broadcast by the beacon light source illuminating a particular region using the frequency content of the particular region. In some embodiments, the imaging sensor has a frame rate and includes a rolling shutter, the rolling shutter having a sampling rate greater than the frame rate of the imaging sensor.

Abstract: An overhead scanner device includes an image photographing unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit includes an image acquiring unit that controls the image photographing unit to acquire an image of a document including at least an indicator provided by a user, a specific-point detecting unit that detects two specific points each determined based on the distance from the gravity center of an indicator to the end of the indicator, from the image acquired by the image acquiring unit, and an image cropping unit that crops the image acquired by the image acquiring unit into a rectangle with opposing corners at the two points detected by the specific-point detecting unit.

Abstract: In a method for controlling motion of a mechanical arm, the method moves the mechanical arm horizontally or vertically so that an image capturing device of the mechanism arm focuses on an object. The contours of the object are analyzed, and a central area of the object is established. By making the center of the image area of the image capturing device coincide with the center area of the object at least twice, the method records two positions of the mechanical arm, and calculates a total apparent displacement value of the object and a distance between the object and camera lens of the image capturing device according to the first position, the second position of the mechanical arm and the total apparent displacement value of the object. The method ensures accurate positioning of the mechanical arm.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided for monitoring the stocking and dispensing of medications from an automated medication storage device. In this regard, a method may cooperate with the automated medication storage device to facilitate surveillance of internal components and users of the medication storage device. For example, a user and/or the user's interactions can be imaged by one or more cameras while the user is interacting with the automated medication storage device.

Abstract: Methods are provided for conducting surveys of regions of interest, points of interest, and objects of interest. The methods typically involve using a survey instrument with programmed logic. The programmed logic may include one or more base of knowledge in an electronically accessible format, and may include statistical analysis software. The survey instrument generally includes a display and one or more sensors. The sensors may include a visible image or an infrared image sensor. The program logic may be used to guide an operator through a survey.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element for security papers, value documents and the like, having a microoptical moiré magnification arrangement (30) for depicting a three-dimensional moiré image (40) that includes, in at least two moiré image planes spaced apart in a direction normal to the moiré magnification arrangement, image components (42, 44), having a motif image that includes two or more periodic or at least locally periodic lattice cell arrangements having different lattice periods and/or different lattice orientations that are each allocated to one moiré image plane and that include micromotif image components for depicting the image component (42, 44) of the allocated moiré image plane, for the moiré-magnified viewing of the motif image, a focusing element grid that is arranged spaced apart from the motif image and that includes a periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of lattice cells having one microfocusing element each, wherein, for almost all tilt directi

Abstract: A medication confirmation method and apparatus for confirming administration of medication employing an inhalable medication administration apparatus. The method of an embodiment of the invention includes the steps of capturing one or more video sequences of a user administering medication employing the inhalable medication administration apparatus, storing the captured one or more video sequences, capturing one or more audio sequences of the user administering medication employing the inhalable medication administration apparatus and storing the captured one or more audio sequences. At least one of the stored video sequences and at least one of the stored audio sequences are then analyzed to confirm that the user has properly administered the medication.

Abstract: Various pipe inspection systems include a camera head operatively connected to the distal end of a push-cable. Images may be automatically captured at predetermined distances of travel, or may be automatically captured based on the output signals from the auto-focus, auto-exposure and/or auto-white balance engines indicating, for example, that the camera motion within the pipe is substantially zero. Images may be captured in an automatic mode at predetermined intervals as the camera head travels within the pipe or in an override mode initiated by operator command. The system may include a data transmission circuit that transmits data between a plurality of nodes at a frequency that does not substantially interfere with a normal base band video transmission frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems making variable representative characteristic of (cut) flowers and/or ornamental plants accurate identifiable and visible to customers. A code (or copies thereof) are affixed to a set of flowers having a certain representative characteristic. A customer may use a device to obtain the code (e.g., via a scanner), and a request to obtain the representative characteristic is made. In some embodiments, the representative characteristic is provided to the user through a video of the life cycle of the flower and/or plant.

Abstract: An imaging device for imaging a document including an enclosed imaging-optical-chamber, a processor, a camera mounted inside the imaging-optical-chamber, at least two clusters of light sources disposed inside the imaging-optical-chamber, for directly illuminating of the document, and a glass-window. The clusters of light sources are operated, one at a time, in a preconfigured sequence, and the camera is preconfigured to acquire an image frame of the document, operatively coupled with the activation of each of the clusters. The direct illumination causes formation of hotspots in the acquired image frames at preconfigured locations, corresponding to the preconfigured positioning of the clusters. The processor is facilitated to cutout the preconfigured image frame portions containing the hot spots, forming clean portions of the acquired image frame, and to combine the clean portions of acquired image frame to form an output image frame of the document.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope device includes an illumination unit that illuminates a living tissue using at least one of a white light illumination unit and a special light illumination unit; an imaging unit that captures an image of the tissue; a transmission unit that transmits imaging information containing the image; a storage unit that stores a threshold with respect to information on a distance between the endoscope and the tissue; a detection unit that detects the information; and an output unit that compares the information with the threshold, selects an image capturing condition of a special light observation mode if the distance is not larger than the threshold, selects an image capturing condition of a normal light observation mode if the distance is larger than the threshold, and outputs the selected image capturing condition to an operation unit related to image capturing.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining tracking configurations for augmented reality applications are provided. A determination is automatically carried out based on a list of modules provided in a real environment and known tracking data of individual modules of the list in terms of an online operation at an operator of a system.

Abstract: A thermal imaging camera may be used to capture a visible-light (VL) image and an infrared (IR) image. In some examples, the camera includes a range imaging camera module that captures the VL and an infrared camera module that captures the IR image. In such examples, the VL image may include a plurality of different portions that each correspond to a different portion of the scene and distance-to-target data associated with each of the different portions of the scene. The camera may align each of the plurality of different portions of the VL image based on the distance-to-target data associated with corresponding portions of the scene so as to correct a parallax error between the VL image and the IR image. The camera may then concurrently display the VL image in alignment with the IR image.

Abstract: A method of automatically capturing images with precision uses an intelligent mobile device having a camera loaded with an appropriate image capture application. When a user initializes the application, the camera starts taking images of the object. Each image is qualified to determine whether it is in focus and entirely within the field of view of the camera. Two or more qualified images are captured and stored for subsequent processing. The qualified images are aligned with each other by an appropriate perspective transformation so they each fill a common frame. Averaging of the aligned images reduces noise and a sharpening filter enhances edges, which produces a sharper image. The processed image is then converted into a two-level, black and white image which may be presented to the user for approval prior to submission via wireless or WiFi to a remote location.

Abstract: A laser alignment device with at least one movable mirror, a laser-target alignment sensor with movable mirrors and a laser alignment method are disclosed. The laser alignment device with the movable mirror comprises an image acquisition means for collecting incident lasers, a moveable mirror for reflecting the lasers to the image acquisition means and is operable to move linearly with respect to the image acquisition means, and a lens for forming an image of a target in the image acquisition means. The present disclosure achieves linear motion of the movable mirror with high accuracy in a small range, which in turn achieves fast and accurate alignment of the laser. It solves the problem of laser spots overlapping, reduces alignment time and improves shooting accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing the digital content of non-free event to viewers through interactive display electronic devices. The present invention includes a validator device that has unique Device Access Control address to interact with the entertainment system. Viewer's book ticket though the web interface component providing event details, preferred date/time to watch the event, location to watch event at home or theatre. For home viewing the Device Access Control (DAC) address is also submitted. Viewers receive email of ticket with 6-digit authentication code. At the time of the event the validator device authorizes the authentication code on ticket, validates count of viewers watching the event based on count of tickets purchased and if viewers are in right age to watch the event depending on rating of the event. Then the validator device downloads the digital content of event and streams to viewer's home display device from the theater/auditorium.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an image processing device includes: a first calculating unit; a selecting unit; an extracting unit; a second calculating unit; a determining unit; and a generating unit. The first calculating unit calculates posture information of a subject from a first image including the subject. The selecting unit selects a second image associated with the posture information from a plurality of second images including clothing. The extracting unit extracts a first feature of the subject from a first contour in the first image and extracts a second feature from a second contour in the second image. The second calculating unit calculates a first difference between the first feature and the second feature. The determining unit determines a transparency that is higher as the first difference is larger. The generating unit generates a composite image combining the first image and the second image with the determined transparency.

Abstract: A technical solution for accurately positioning a computer position, that is to say, the solution can identify the specific rack position where the computer is. And the solution has low cost and does not need manual intervention. The core idea of the solution lies in using a camera installed on the computer to read the contents of a tag on the rack, so as to identify the position information of the computer. Specifically, the solution provides a computer with a self-positioning function, wherein: a camera is installed on the computer, and the camera is configured to read the contents of a tag attached on a side of a rack to house the computer to identify the rack position where the computer is.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for isolating a broadcast digital pulse recognition tone of a beacon light source in a digital video sequence. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving a digital video sequence of a scene, the digital video sequence including a sequence of frames and the scene including both modulated illumination broadcast by a beacon light source and un-modulated illumination, calculating a background value of the digital video sequence, the background value including a portion of the digital video sequence corresponding to the un-modulated illumination of the scene, subtracting the background value of the digital video sequence to obtain an isolated digital video sequence of the modulated illumination of the scene, calculating a frequency content of a frame of the isolated digital video sequence, and determining a particular tone broadcast by the beacon light source based on the frequency content.

Abstract: Embodiments of an inspection system deploy active cooling to dissipate heat in a portable handset. In one embodiment, the inspection system comprise a visual inspection apparatus with a handle portion and a head portion coupled to the handle portion. The head portion can have a display and a circuit board coupled to the display and a heat sink in thermal connection with the circuit board. To facilitate active cooling, the apparatus may include an air moving device in flow connection with the heat sink, where the air moving device comprises a motor and an impeller and where the motor and the circuit board are sealed from the environment.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately positioning a computer position, and identifying the specific rack position where the computer is without manual intervention. A camera is installed on the computer to read the contents of a tag on the rack, so as to identify the position information of the computer. Specifically, the computer is provided with a self-positioning function, wherein: a camera is installed on the computer, and the camera is configured to read the contents of a tag attached on a side of a rack to house the computer to identify the rack position where the computer is.

Abstract: An entertainment system for use with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device that includes video glasses and headphones. A Faraday shield encloses the entertainment system to reduce adequately RF signals from entering or leaving the entertainment system. The entertainment system may have non-ferromagnetic RF low-pass filters between parts of the system, such as the control unit and the video glasses, to reduce higher RF signals from entering or leaving those parts. To replace the battery and or entertainment media, a person opens the entertainment system's Faraday shield when not MRI imaging or outside the MRI magnet room. The door has an Faraday shield overlapping the system Faraday shield and making low resistance RF contact. The entertainment system has a minimal amount of ferromagnetic material so that it may operate within the high magnetic field of the MRI magnet bore with minimal performance degradation. The entertainment system uses non-ferromagnetic speakers in the headphone.

Abstract: A web cam with an interlude switch, wherein the interlude switch can be toggled between a view and an interlude mode. In its view mode, the web cam captures images of a scene for their transmittal to a web cam page hosted at a web site. With the switch in its interlude mode, the web cam system replaces the live images with interlude content which is prerecorded content which may include still and video images, slide shows, or advertisements. The prerecorded interlude content may be stored locally at the host computer, or it may be stored at and/or provided from a remote site. A user viewing a web cam page in its interlude mode, will see prerecorded interlude content as if it was provided by the digital camera. The interlude switch may be a manual or an automatic switch configured to switch between its view and interlude modes based on the occurrence of external events. The external events may include an outgoing or an incoming telephone call.

Abstract: Disclosed is a urinal having an imaging device while not supplying washing water thereto. The urinal includes a main body having its front surface opened and a urine drainage hole provided at its lower portion, a recognition portion that senses a human body approaching the main body or a user's manipulation, and an imaging portion that displays a water flowing pattern image or a nature image inside or outside the main body when a human body approach signal or a manipulation signal is received from the recognition portion. According to the urinal having an imaging device, since an imaging portion is provided inside or outside the urinal, to which washing water is not supplied, an optical illusion may be cause to a user being accustomed to using a flushing type urinal so that the user is likely to believe that the urine is washed away even if urine washing water is not actually supplied to the urinal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-media system of books, photo albums, catalogs, and jewelry boxes that are capable of playing video and audio content. A multi-media system according to the present invention comprises a first member that is capable of opening and closing in relation to a second member in a clam-like or book-like manner. The opening and closing movements of the members are detected by a sensor that activates a media device for playing video and audio content.

Abstract: A semi-automatic system for scanning a document includes an image capture device, such as a digital or video camera, which records a sequence of images while a user waves a document in front of the device. The user can present multiple pages of a document to the image capture device, after which the total sequence of images are processed to identify a clear image of each page from the sequence of images. The system further includes image processing techniques to correct for motion blurring, acceleration and perspective errors. The system is capable of processing any size or shape of document without destroying the organization or format of the original.

Abstract: A method and system for presenting stereoscopic images are described, in which a portion of at least one stereoscopic image of a stereoscopic pair is blocked while displaying the stereoscopic images. The blocked portion has a width at least equal to a magnitude of a minimum disparity associated with a region of the image near a vertical edge of the image or near a vertical edge of an area for displaying the image. By blocking the portion of the image during content display, one can avoid depth cue conflicts near the edge of the images or the display area.

Abstract: A vision system useful in acquiring images includes: a light dome having a window and a perimeter; an annular light curtain positioned within and radially inwardly from the perimeter of the light dome such that an annular gap is formed between the light dome and the light curtain; and a light ring positioned to illuminate the gap between the light dome and the light curtain. The light curtain and window are sized and positioned such that no direct light from the light ring reaches the window. The system further comprises a camera having a lens facing the window to acquire images of an object on a side of the window opposite the camera. The images acquired by the camera can then be compared to stored images to determine whether the identity of the objects (which may be pharmaceutical tablets) is as expected.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program product are provided for recording media events. In particular, the apparatus includes a processor and a memory including computer program code that are configured to cause the apparatus to identify a party to the media event and access authorization data associated with the party. The authorization data may indicate whether the party consents to the recording of the party's participation in the media event and, if so, under what circumstances. Location data may also be accessed regarding the location of the party, and the location data may also be considered. In this way, the determination of whether the party's voice or image may be recorded can be based on the explicit consent of the party, the legal jurisdiction in which the media event takes place, the location or environment of the media event, or a combination of one or more of these factors.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a commodity list issuing apparatus comprises an acquisition section, a commodity recognition section, a generation section and an issuing section. The acquisition section configured to acquire an image. The commodity recognition section configured to recognize a commodity according to the acquired image in which the commodity is contained. The generation section configured to generate the commodity information specifying the recognized commodity and a commodity list contains a code symbol generated by coding the commodity information. The issuing section configured to issue the generated commodity list.

Abstract: A projected display, onto the surface of an appliance, of a user interface that can be utilized to make selections regarding the operation of the appliance is described. Where the surface is part of a door of the appliance, the user interface can be configured for display on the top surface, bottom surface, or both, of the door. Such door can be constructed from a transparent material that can be transformed to provide a reflection of the projected display that is visible to the user.

Abstract: A stereoscopic microscope workstation providing high-resolution, real-time data to a display device. Various embodiments are disclosed including desktop and free-standing workstations. An image processing unit can be implemented, providing for natural orientation of the magnified image of the viewed object, also allowing rotation, cropping, filtering and other image manipulation features. Methods of performing a procedure utilizing the stereoscopic microscope workstation are disclosed, including a method of manipulating an object while viewing the object in a high-resolution real-time magnified image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tomography arrangement with a tubular measuring chamber and a monitoring facility. This monitoring facility includes at least one first video camera focusing on the measuring chamber and at least partially optically recording the same, said first video camera operating in the non-visible light wave range, in order to record moving images and an image output unit for outputting the moving images as well as a first illumination facility focusing on the measuring chamber, which, during operation, illuminates the measuring chamber in the same light wave region, in which light wave range the first video camera operates. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring persons.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure related to a method for configuring one or more imaging sensors of an imaging device to capture digital images for digital pulse recognition demodulation. In some embodiments, the method includes initializing one or more imaging sensors of the imaging device, determining a subset of the one or more imaging sensors to configure, setting a configuration for each of the one or more imaging sensors of the subset by defining a region of interest as a metering area for each of the one or more imaging sensors of the subset and automatically adjusting a setting for each of the one or more imaging sensors of the subset, and adjusting input parameters of a demodulation function based on a device profile of the imaging device. In some embodiments, the adjusted setting is locked to prevent further adjustment of the adjusted setting.

Abstract: The embodiment maps multimedia contents to an image of a general object and uses the object image as a shortcut. The contents can be played/deleted/moved through the object image to which the contents are mapped.

Abstract: Methods of collecting information from an individual regarding absorbent articles are provided. A method entails collecting input information from an individual regarding absorbent article use wherein at least some of the information collected includes data generally known by most consumers. The method further entails collecting still or video image data from an individual consumer using a computing device and uploading the input information and still or video image data to a server. The input information and still or video image data is used to output data regarding the absorbent articles and to output a set of correlations between the visual data and the input information.

Abstract: A portable storage device having a memory and a wireless remote control receiver is equipped for connection to a digital content player, which is controllable by a wireless remote control transmitter. The memory stores digital content data. The remote control transmitter communicates with the remote control receiver to play the digital content data on the digital content player. Accordingly, an additional remote control transmitter is not necessary for the remote control playing of digital content data residing on the portable storage device. The digital content data may be loaded from an external source, such as a personal computer. The personal computer can also be controlled to play the digital content data by using remote control transmitter using a known protocol. Thus, a user wishing to play the digital content data stored in the portable storage device does not need to acquire an additional specially-matched remote control transmitter.

Abstract: An automated skin lesion assessment system may automatically assess a suspect skin lesion. An electronic image library may contain diagnosed skin lesion image data representative of images of a plurality of diagnosed skin lesions and, for each, a diagnosis of the skin lesion. An image capture system may capture an image of the suspect skin lesion. A computer processing system may compare the image of the suspect skin lesion with the diagnosed skin lesion image data and, based on this comparison, identify one or more diagnosed skin lesions which match the suspect skin lesion. A user interface may report the diagnoses of the diagnosed skin lesions that match the image of the suspect skin lesion.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method and an electronic circuit for reading the signals generated by one or more pixelated sensors in a gamma radiation detection system, which makes it possible to substantially reduce the number of electronic channels to be digitized. The electronic circuit in the invention is analogue and can also be coupled to other similar circuits in order to acquire the signals from larger sensors.

Abstract: A simulated product container, which is used as a prize award container, has a container shell and a video message delivery system. The video message delivery system has a lid that can be an actual lid of an actual product container. The video message delivery system has a body for insertion into an open end of the container shell, a tab and a tab opening mechanism to allow a consumer to open the simulated product container. When the simulated product container is opened, the tab is pushed into the interior of the body to reveal an opening in the lid. When light enters into the interior of the body, a light sensor activates a circuit so as to display a video image on a video display. A tab deflection mechanism deflects the tab so as to allow an unobstructed view of the video display through the opening.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a head separation camera apparatus includes an imaging device, a control device and a cable. The control device includes a first controller. The first controller is configured to output the control signal including a selection command to notify a controlled device acting as a control target from one or more controlled devices in the imaging device and control data indicating contents of control of the control target. The imaging device includes a second controller. The second controller is configured to transmit an individual selection command to inform whether or not a device is the control target and the control data to at least the controlled device acting as the control target, based on the selection command.

Abstract: A device and method for the acquisition, processing and optimized transmission of video image data. The display output of an electronic viewing device is split by means of a beam-splitting element. A split portion of the image is detected by a detector and its output digitized. Regions of interest in the split image may be identified by eye-tracking or image saliency processing means to define salient regions in the split image. The salient regions in the split image are transmitted to a remote receiver at a higher resolution than the non-salient regions in the scene whereby video transmission bandwidth is reduced and optimized.

Abstract: An ice fishing camera support device generally comprises a base portion that rotatably supports an indexed wheel. The support base generally comprises a circular top portion and downward-protruding side wall extending from the outer peripheral section of the top portion. A plurality of gripping teeth extend from the bottom surface of the side wall. The gripping teeth may be embedded into the ice surface to prevent the camera support device from sliding on the ice surface. The indexed wheel is centrally supported within the recessed section and may be freely rotated with respect to the support base. The support base and the indexed wheel comprise a slotted section which extends from their centers through their peripheral edges. An underwater camera cable is inserted into the slot, and the indexed wheel may be rotated with respect to the support base to precisely determine the angular orientation of the underwater camera.

Abstract: A method of taking an aerial survey maps boundaries of a first image and a second image from a first plane to a second plane to determine boundaries of an output image in the second plane. For a plurality of pixels in the output image, the method determines a corresponding pixel of either the first image or second image in the first plane.

Abstract: An automatic vision aligned scriber includes a table, an adsorption orientation device, a bridge, a moving platform, a service controller, a printing head, a camera, a lamp and an image processor. The scriber uses a flat table for placing each footwear assembly waiting for scribing. An image system can identify each footwear assembly and measure its position and orientation on the table. A manipulator is used for controlling the printing head to move above the table and printing the lineation on each footwear assembly according to its special position and orientation relative to the table. The scriber has the advantages of digitalization and space saving.

Abstract: Method and system for reading and validating identity documents The method comprises:—acquiring an image of a first and/or a second side of an identity document for a visible light spectrum using a camera of a portable device; - automatically reading MRZ characters and/or VIZ characters in said acquired image; and—identifying the type or model of said identity document, starting by correcting perspective distortions caused by a bad relative position of the identity document with respect to the camera for the purpose of obtaining a corrected and substantially rectangular image of the first and/or second side of the document at a predetermined scale which is used to perform, automatically, said identification of the identity document type or model and to automatically read and identify text and/or non-text information included in said corrected and substantially rectangular image. The system is suitable for implementing the proposed method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable computing device with intelligent robotic functions, including: an input projector providing a user interface screen for user input and mounted with a camera for capturing and recognizing a user behavior on the user interface screen; a main board recognizing a user command according to the user behavior and generating service and contents according to the user command; and an output projector outputting the generated contents.