Abstract: An apparatus includes an obtaining unit that obtains a captured image containing face detection information related to a face of an object detected during image capture, and information related to a focus detection area utilized during the image capture, an extraction unit that extracts an area based on the information related to the focus detection area and the face detection information from the captured image when the focus detection area is determined based on the detected object's face, and extracts an area based on the information related to the focus detection area from the captured image when the focus detection area is not determined based on the detected object's face, and a display unit that displays a partial area of the captured image on a display device, wherein the display unit displays an image of the extracted area on the display device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an imaging apparatus capable of enlarging a portion of an image captured by an imaging device of a fisheye camera and displaying the enlarged image on a display screen with little distortion. The imaging apparatus enlarges a section, which is a portion of an image captured by a fisheye camera, and displays the section on a display screen such that the enlargement ratios of points in the section are different from each other. An image processing method uses a change function that changes the enlargement ratio of a field angle depending on the place is used, and converts a portion of the captured image into a central projection image to generate a display image. The use of the change function makes it possible to generate a display image having high visibility.

Abstract: More images than spatial modulation components of a lighting light are acquired, and a least square method is applied to the imaged plurality of images to obtain signal components. Accordingly, a ultra-resolution microscope which uses a spatially-modified lighting light to illuminate a sample, arithmetic-processes acquired images to thereby demodulate a given spatial modulation, and obtains a high-resolution sample image, wherein a high-resolution image reduced in noise components can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable magnifier camera that can be selectively positioned into a variety of configurations. At least four distinct viewing configurations are provided: a reading mode wherein the camera rests flatly upon the viewed object; a writing mode wherein the camera rests at an angle upon the viewed object; a hand-held mode wherein the user holds the camera relative to a distant object; and an inspection mode wherein the user holds the viewed object relative to the camera. These configurations enable a user to effectively view objects of differing size and at varying distances.

Abstract: An image data processing method is provided. In this method, a plurality of original pixel values of an image is input. An interpolation position of a target pixel in the image is determined. Whether the interpolation position is in a central region of an object or in a marginal region of an object is determined. A pixel value interpolation with respect to the interpolation position is performed. When the interpolation position is in the central region of an object, the pixel value interpolation is performed in a first calculation mode, and when the interpolation position is in the marginal region of an object, the pixel value interpolation is performed in a second calculation mode, wherein the first calculation mode may be a low pass filtering interpolation mode, and the second calculation mode may be a linear interpolation mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine-readable media for processing an input image are described. In one aspect, respective visual features of local input image regions of an input image having a first pixel resolution are analyzed to produce a result. Based on the result of analyzing the visual features, reduced-resolution visual representations of corresponding ones of the local input image regions are derived from the input image. A thumbnail image that reflects the arrangements, proportions and local details of the input image having a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution is produced from the reduced-resolution visual representations. The thumbnail image is output.

Abstract: A desktop electronic magnifier in a first embodiment includes a monitor and a control panel mounted to the monitor so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a second embodiment, a monitor is positioned atop a flat platform that surmounts the camera so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a third embodiment, the control panel is mounted to the camera and the monitor is supported by a support surface independent of the magnifier. Access to the control panel is blocked only if the user positions the monitor in blocking relation to the control panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: An interactive display system is introduced herein. The interactive display system includes a mirror and a display unit. The display unit is built in the mirror, for providing auxiliary showing an image of a user in front of the display system. The image of the user can be automatically enlarged or shrunk and displayed on the display unit when the user moves forward to or away from the interactive display system.

Abstract: A first edge width correction process (2) is carried out in which edge widths are corrected by an interpolation process using zoom ratio control values (RZC) generated according to the edge widths in image data; an enlargement processing process (3) that enlarges the image data with edge widths corrected by the first edge width correction process (2) is carried out; a second edge width correction process (4) similar to the first edge width correction process is carried out on the enlarged image data; and an edge enhancement process that enhances edges in the image data with edge widths corrected by the second edge width correction process is carried out. An image processing apparatus is obtained that mitigates the loss of sharpness in an enlarged image and accordingly makes it possible to provide better picture quality.

Abstract: A visual aid display apparatus 1 includes, an image capturing section 50 for image capturing of a subject; an image processing section 60 for processing the image, information obtained from the image capturing section 50 so that the image information can be displayed, a display device for displaying the video of image information having been subjected to processing, an ocular optical system for providing video by leading to the eye the light coming from the display device, and a control section 70 for providing control in such a way that the video of the image information having been subjected to image processing can be displayed on the display area of the display section 10. The video of the external world and the image-processed image of the display area A can be viewed simultaneously by an observer on the display section 10.

Abstract: A closed circuit video magnification system, incorporates a base, upon which the operating components of this system mount, a platform mounted upon the base for shiftable movement both laterally and depth-wise, in the X-Y directions, pivotal mount a LCD screen for projection and viewing of any matter scanned upon the shiftable platform, or of any other images that are detected and picked up by the miniature camera, also incorporated into the structure of this system. The miniature camera is also mounted upon shiftable arms, for scanning downwardly towards the platform, or which can be pivoted vertically, or circularly, in order to view any scene provided in the surrounding area, and which is capable of being picked up by the lens of the camera, for processing and projecting onto the screen, for viewing by the handicapped person. Controls are provided for regulating the amplification, reduction of size, brightness, and contrast, in addition to its on/off control.

Abstract: When there is a preceding vehicle in a traveling direction of a subject vehicle, an ECU computes a driver condition coefficient that represents degree of change in the size of an image of the preceding vehicle as viewed from the driver is computed. The driving condition of the driver is detected from this driver condition coefficient and used to provide an alarm indicative of the driving condition and to control vehicle travel condition.

Abstract: A mail handling system for handling mail pieces in a mail handling area is presented. The system avoids breaching confidentiality of the mail pieces, and includes a view port device, for providing filtered visual access to a portion of the mail handling area while at least some information contained in the mail pieces is filtered out. The system also includes a manual access area, for allowing manual access to the mail handling area while unfiltered visual access to the mail handling area is obstructed.

Abstract: A video magnifier includes a body including a base, a table on which an object to be read is placed, the table being disposed on the base, a video camera disposed over the table, an illumination lamp illuminating the object placed on the table and a pointer irradiating a part of the object photographed by the video camera, and a monitor television displaying a video image delivered from the video camera. In the video magnifier, in synchronization with irradiation of the photographed part of the object by the pointer, an illuminance of the illumination lamp is rendered lower than an illuminance of the pointer.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis apparatus including a video capture device for capturing a video image, a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, the video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns, and a stimulation system configured to stimulate subject's neural tissue based on the stimulation patterns, wherein the stimulation system provides a span of visual angle matched to the subject's neural tissue being stimulated.

Abstract: To provide a camera that is suited to shoot both a demagnified image and a magnified image. The camera includes a housing body 11 containing a CCD 15, and a lens barrel 12. An abutted member 20 having an objective lens 40 therein is engaged with the lens barrel 12 and a rotatable manually-controlled member 30 is fitted around that lens barrel. The abutted member 20 moves back and forth in the direction of an optical axis K in response to the rotation of the manually-controlled member 30. A user moves the objective lens 40 back and forth by moving the abutted member 20 back and forth to shoot either a demagnified image or a magnified image. A demagnified image is photographed with the abutted member 20 contained in the lens barrel 12. A magnified image is photographed with the abutted member 20 projected from the lens barrel 12. An end of the abutted member 20 is positioned so that the focal point of the objective lens 40 falls on the center thereof.

Abstract: A video magnifier includes a monitor having a rectangular display screen, a base having a top on which the monitor is mounted, the base further having a right side, a left side, a front and a rear, a plurality of mounting sections formed on the right and left sides and at least one of the front and the rear of the base respectively, a camera holder detachably attached to one of the mounting sections, an imaging camera held on the holder so as to be detachable from the holder and having supporting legs supporting the camera within the camera holder at a predetermined height from a face to be imaged, and an image display control circuit for controlling the monitor so that an image imaged by the imaging camera is displayed on the display screen of the monitor.

Abstract: A visual positioning system integrated into a magnification device for use for amplifying the size of materials being scanned, can be manipulated to furnish greater length dimension to the material scanned, by shifting and pivoting of either its miniaturized television camera, or the reflecting mirror that scans the camera pickup downwardly onto the textual material being reviewed. The mirror may be pivoted by various structures including a thumb wheel, that cams the mirror into different angular relationships relative to its associated camera, in order to enhance the length of the materials being reviewed and projected onto the television monitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement in association with the RF unit of a wireless terminal, in which circuit arrangement the RF unit and the antenna (3) of the wireless terminal are fabricated/mounted on the same circuit board (1) and where the antenna (3) is connected to the RF unit through at least one signal line (2). In the circuit arrangement, the signal line (2) from the RF unit to the antenna (3) is electrically connected during the final assembly by means of a jumper (5) which is fabricated as part of a mechanical component (6) belonging to the terminal. With the arrangement according to the invention, the RF unit can be tested without interference from the antenna.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable apparatus has been disclosed to facilitate the viewing of an object by the human eye. The apparatus provides an electronic camera unit disposed on a holder mechanism and in electrical communication with an image processor module to capture the image of an object and format the image for display on a display device also disposed on the holder mechanism. At least one user-interfaced control mechanism is also disposed on the holder mechanism and in electrical communication with the image processor module for controlling the operations of the module to regulate display of the image by the display device. In this way the viewing of an object by the human eye is facilitated by the use of camera and the image enhancing features of the image processor module.

Abstract: In a selected area of a display defined by a polygon, magnifying is simulated. The selected area may be, for example, a circle simulating a magnifying glass. Textures are represented by texel coordinates U and V, which specify the location of color components within a set of image data. Within the area selected to appear magnified, the present invention perturbs the texel location selection to simulate an angle of refraction in the selected area and offset texel coordinates.

Abstract: A system and method are described for selectively providing display data to a display device dependent upon an optically detected proximity of a user's face to a camera. One embodiment of a computer system includes the camera, the display device, and a processing system. The camera produces image signals representing a first image and a second image of the user's face, wherein the first image precedes the second image in time. The processing system receives the image signals and analyzes the first and second images to determine the proximity of the user's face to the camera. More specifically, the processing system compares the first and second images to determine the proximity of the user's face to the camera in the second image relative to the proximity of the user's face in the first image. The processing system provides the display data to the display device dependent upon the proximity of the user's face to the camera.

Abstract: A video magnifier is provided for capturing images [1] in the fixed shutter mode when the user selects the positive video polarity and [2] in the variable shutter mode when the user selects the negative video polarity. During the fixed shutter mode operation, an image capturing device of the video magnifier has an exposure time that is one half of a period of a cycle of the ac power line.

Abstract: Disclosed are several embodiments of panning and zooming devices that may assist individuals with low vision. The present invention employs imaging devices that capture an image and then select a smaller portion of the image for full display. The size of the selected portion of the captured image determines the magnification that is achieved. Further, different portions of the captured image can be selected to provide for panning of the image. In this fashion, a stationary mounted camera can be used which allows an image to be both panned and zoomed. Further, automated techniques can be used for panning and zooming control. Small aperture optics are used so that images can be focused for a large depth of field which allows the present invention to be employed without the necessity for using expensive optical focusing techniques. Electrical zooming and panning also allows the device of the present invention to be employed for both writing on and reading a document.

Abstract: A combined binocular viewing and digital recording device includes a binocular telescope wherein the binocular telescope includes a pair of monocular components (12a, b). Each monocular component (12a, b) has an image viewing end and an image receiving end. The monocular components (12a, b) include a focusing mechanism (18) to adjust images viewed through the image viewing end of the monocular components. Also, the device includes a digital video camera (15) mounted to and displaced between each monocular component. The camera includes a receiving lens (21) for receiving images with the camera lens' line-of-sight approximately parallel to the line-of-sight of the monocular components. The camera further includes random access memory (RAM) (56) and a display device (16).

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical guide fixture for coupling visual information on a surface to a viewer. The optical guide fixture of the invention can be coupled to an optical receiver, such as a digital camera, operably connected to a head-mounted display unit to provide a device according to the invention for viewing a surface. Such a device, in one application, provides magnified images of visual information on a surface, such as a page of a book, to a patient with a visual impairment.

Abstract: An imaging part and sensors are provided on an eyeglasses-shaped frame, which connects to a body through a cable. When a cameraman wears the frame just like eyeglasses, a taking lens is directed in the same direction that the face of the cameraman faces, so that a subject to be captured can be in the same direction as a line of sight of the cameraman. The sensors generate detection signals upon detecting movement of muscles at the temples of the cameraman by detecting myoelectric impulses. The image recording apparatus is controlled in accordance with the detection signals, which represent an arrangement of the movement for control. For example, when the cameraman closes the right eye to move the muscles at the right temple, the subject is zoomed in, and when the cameraman closes both eyes, the captured image is recorded.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for creating visual power of a blind person, who has lost a visual ability due to various reasons, thereby recovering the visual ability of the blind person. The visual power creating apparatus includes a CCD camera for picking up the image of an object, a TFF LCD monitor for displaying the image picked up by the CCD camera, a light source for illuminating the TFT LCD monitor at the rear side of the TFT LCD monitor and adapted to increase the illuminance of the image displayed on the TFT LCD monitor, a control box for supplying electric power to the CCD camera and the TFT LCD monitor and transmitting the image from the CCD camera to the TFT LCD monitor via an image transmission line, and an optical system for enlarging the image displayed on the TFT LCD monitor to the actual size of the object.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a microdisplay in which a displayed image element may be selected by gazing upon it. An eye gaze detector may determine what the user is looking at at any given instance of time if the user looks at it for sufficient time. Once an image element is identified as being selected by being gazed upon, the screen display may be altered to change the appearance of the selected image element and the unselected image elements. For example, the selected image element may be brought into focus and other image elements may be blurred.

Abstract: Embodiments of a video magnification camera system are shown and described, which include a platform which supports a camera unit and guides the camera unit during hand-operated movement of the camera iamit across or down a page of a text or across or down another object. The platform may comprise a guide plate with support and guide surfaces generally in a rectangular configuration, which supports a frame holding a video magnification camera focusing on the text or object on which the platform is placed. A central opening in the guide plate allows the camera to view the text or object, as the camera unit is slid laterally across the guide plate for viewing of the entire area of the text or object within the central opening. More than one guide plate or spacers may be stacked or otherwise attached to elevate the camera unit higher above the viewed text or object.

Abstract: A virtual computer monitor is described which enables instantaneous and intuitive visual access to large amounts of visual data by providing the user with a large display projected virtually in front of the user. The user wears a head-mounted display containing a head-tracker, which together allow the user to position an instantaneous viewport provided by the head-mounted display at any position within the large virtual display by turning to look in the desired direction. The instantaneous viewport further includes a mouse pointer, which may be positioned by turning the user's head, and which may be further positioned using a mouse or analogous control device. A particular advantage of the virtual computer monitor is intuitive access to enlarged computer output for visually-impaired individuals.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a video camera shooting a material placed on a stage to obtain an image signal delivered to an external reproducing equipment and a column for supporting the video camera so that the video camera is located over a central portion of the stage. The column is formed into a vertical two-stage structure including an upper column and a lower column. The video camera is located over the central portion of the stage when the lower column is rotated to stand and the upper column is extended straightforward from the lower column. The upper column is rotated so as to be folded at right angles to the lower column when an object in the rear of the stage is shot by the video camera. When the apparatus is folded, the lower column is brought down to lie along the stage and the upper column is folded relative to the lower column.

Abstract: A close-up imaging device may take advantage of the pinhole effect that may be achieved with complementary metal oxide semiconductor imaging arrays. In particular, a high magnification optical lens may be placed at a distance from the imaging array which is less than the focal length of the device. In this way, a relatively compact, low cost imaging device may be used for close-up imaging applications such as fingerprint scanning or text reading.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical guide fixture for coupling visual information on a surface to a viewer. The optical guide fixture of the invention can be coupled to an optical receiver, such as a digital camera, operably connected to a head-mounted display unit to provide a device according to the invention for viewing a surface. Such a device, in one application, provides magnified images of visual information on a surface, such as a page of a book, to a patient with a visual impairment.

Abstract: A virtual computer monitor is described which enables instantaneous and intuitive visual access to large amounts of visual data by providing the user with a large display projected virtually in front of the user. The user wears a head-mounted display containing a head-tracker, which together allow the user to position an instantaneous viewport provided by the head-mounted display at any position within the large virtual display by turning to look in the desired direction. The instantaneous viewport further includes a mouse pointer, which may be positioned by turning the user's head, and which may be further positioned using a mouse or analogous control device. A particular advantage of the virtual computer monitor is intuitive access to enlarged computer output for visually-impaired individuals.

Abstract: An interactive desktop system for automatically adjusting pan and zoom functions to change a field of view in response to user actions relative to a feedback image projected on a source document. The interactive desktop system includes an image capture system, a display system and a processor system. The image capture system grabs an image from the source document in its field of view. The display system indicates to a user the captured image using the feedback image, which is visible to the image capture system. In response to a user adjustment of the feedback image, the processor system adjusts either the pan or zoom function of the image capture system, thus changing the field of view of the image capture system.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vision aid video magnification system for low-vision persons are shown and described. The system includes a balanced arm with a first portion that swivels on a base, a second portion connected to the enclosed camera, and an elbow between the first and second portions. The elbow includes a sliding spring fulcrum which enhances the smooth movement of the second arm portion and camera. The first arm portion includes an inner spring between arm tubes that helps eliminate the dead area that may be otherwise present in balanced arms. Other improvements include a flexible camera mount that preferably swivels relative to the arm, and a mirror attachment for personal care and other use. The vision aid video magnification system allows enhanced, smooth movement and versatility.

Abstract: A vision enhancement system and improved X-Y viewing table. The vision enhancement system employs an X-Y viewing table that provides a mount for a video headset, the video headset, a monitor, and an image processing system. The video headset includes a camera and a video display system and is configured to detachably engage the mount provided on the X-Y viewing table. The image processing system has at least one port for communicating with the camera and video display system of the headset and another port for communicating with the monitor. An X-Y table in accordance with the present invention may comprise a base, a sliding tray coupled to the base for supporting an item, such as a book or newspaper, having one or more lines of text formed thereon, and a headset mounting unit coupled to the base. The mounting unit is configured such that a video headset may be detachably mounted thereon, and such that the video headset is maintained in a fixed position and at a selected distance over the tray.

Abstract: An image enlarging reading device includes an image inputting device including an image sensor and an image displaying device, for example, a liquid crystal display for displaying a whole or a part of image information inputted by the image inputting device. A reading portion of the image inputting device and a displaying portion of the image displaying device are positioned on a front side and a rear side respectively of the image enhancement display device with the displaying portion positioned over an area being read, that is, an area of image inputting. The image may be enhanced by enlargement of an input image to a magnified output image.

Abstract: A magnifying device for magnifying an object and displaying the object on a monitor is disclosed. The magnifying device includes a hand held unit or scanner and a base unit. The scanner includes a solid state camera which is mounted in a housing. The scanner includes a focusing control and a zoom control. The focusing and zoom controls are interconnected so that the image will not have to be refocused if the magnification of the image is changed. The camera converts the image to an electrical signal which is sent to the base unit. A mobile holder for the scanner is provided having an upper frame of space apart, horizontally extending arms. The arms extend laterally from the top edge of a vertical side wall. The scanner can be removeably attached between the arms and there by elevated above the object being read. The side wall has a pair of wheels attached to the bottom corners. There is a support member at one corner which extends laterally from the wall and parallel to the support arms.

Abstract: A magnifying device for magnifying an object and displaying the object on a monitor is disclosed. The magnifying device includes a hand held unit and a base unit. The hand held unit includes a solid state camera which is mounted in a housing. The housing is supported above the text to be enlarged by a set of legs having rollers extending therebetween, to allow the hand held unit to be easily and smoothly moved across the text. The hand unit includes a focusing control and a zoom control. The focusing and zoom controls are interconnected so that the image will not have to be refocused if the magnification of the image is changed. The camera converts the image to an electrical signal which is sent to the base unit. The base unit includes inverting circuitry to convert the image from black on white to white on black, if desired. The base unit can be connected either to video monitor or a standard television.

Abstract: A digital document magnifier for scanning and digitizing printed information, processing the information, and displaying the processed information on a display screen is provided. The digital document magnifier software analyzes the contents of a document and then automates presentation of the document to a viewer. The system includes a microprocessor for processing the scanned information, and displayable video memory for storing information to be displayed. The video memory is organized as a two-dimensional circular display buffer. The two-dimensional buffer is used to zoom incrementally an image to the display screen as necessary. The magnifier can provide either one data bit per pixel for a monochrome display, or four data bits per pixel for a color or greyscale display. Methods for scaling coordinates between a source image bitmap buffer and a two-dimensional circular display buffer also are provided.

Abstract: A video camera including a stopped down lens diameter. An opaque material with a small aperture size is placed over the camera lens. The small aperture allows the user to vary the image size of the object to be viewed by moving the camera toward or away from the object. At the same time the blur circle diameter is maintained within acceptable user limits.

Abstract: A spectacle mounted display is used in conjunction with a digitally enhanced imager for capturing, enhancing and projecting images to improve readability by individuals with impaired vision. The individual wears mirrored spectacles connected to a digitally enhanced imager to selectively enhanced contract, spatial frequency and wave length with or without enlargement.

Abstract: A video camera including a stopped down lens diameter. An opaque material with a small aperture size is placed over the camera lens. The small aperture allows the user to vary the image size of the object to be viewed by moving the camera toward or away from the object. At the same time the blur circle diameter is maintained within acceptable user limits.