1639 results about "Digital imaging" patented technology

A digital-imaging based code symbol reading system which automatically detects hand-induced vibration when the user attempts to read one or more 1D and / or 2D code symbols on an object, and controls system operation in order to reduce motion blur in digital images captured by the hand-supportable system, whether operated in a snap-shot or video image capture mode. An accelerometer sensor is used to automatically detect hand / system acceleration in a vector space during system operation. In a first embodiment, digital image capture is initiated when the user manually depresses a trigger switch, and decode processed only when the measured acceleration of the hand-supportable housing is below predetermined acceleration threshold levels. In another embodiment, digital image capture is initiated when an object is automatically detected in the field of view of the system, and decode processed only when the measured acceleration of the hand-supportable housing is below predetermined acceleration threshold levels.

A digital-imaging based system for and method of reading graphical indicia, including code symbols, on objects such as, but not limited to, code symbol menus by the user simply pointing his or her finger at the particular code symbol on the code symbol menu to be read, while digital images of the code symbol menu and the pointing finger are automatically captured, buffered and processed.

A digital detector of a digital imaging system is provided. In one embodiment, a digital detector includes a detector array disposed in a housing and configured to generate image data based on received radiation. The digital detector may also include a battery configured to be disposed within a receptacle of the housing and to supply operating power to the detector array. In one embodiment, the battery or the detector may provide for wireless data communication. In certain embodiments, a tethered plug configured to be disposed within the receptacle may be provided. In one such embodiment, the tether may be rotatable relative to the plug. Additional systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.

A digital imaging system and method using multiple cameras arranged and aligned to create a much larger virtual image sensor array. Each camera has a lens with an optical axis aligned parallel to the optical axes of the other camera lenses, and a digital image sensor array with one or more non-contiguous pixelated sensors. The non-contiguous sensor arrays are spatially arranged relative to their respective optical axes so that each sensor images a portion of a target region that is substantially different from other portions of the target region imaged by other sensors, and preferably overlaps adjacent portions imaged by the other sensors. In this manner, the portions imaged by one set of sensors completely fill the image gaps found between other portions imaged by other sets of sensors, so that a seamless mosaic image of the target region may be produced.

A digital imaging device and method for embedding and retrieving of information in digital images are provided. The digital imaging device includes a capture module for capturing an image and creating a digital image file; a locational information module for determining a location of the device when capturing the image; and a processing module for associating the location information to the digital image file. The device further includes a user verification module for verifying an identity of a user of the device at a time of image capture and an encryption module for encrypting the digital image file and associated information. The method provides for securing information associated with the digital images and for verifying activities of a user.

A system and architecture that supports an integrated imaging module for use between networks and portable communications products. The integrated imaging module contains a lens, memory, an input / output device, and a multi-function semiconductor device, such as a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS). Within the design of the multi-function semiconductor device are the functions of still and full-motion digital imaging, image processing, automatic identification, a secure personal database, biometric attribute identification for access control, personal finance information, wireless communication protocols, general purpose processing, and memory. The module may be incorporated into any portable wireless communication product and used to capture text and image data for incorporation into a wireless transmission to a remote device.

The Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System Utilizes a digital camera located low in the rear of a motor vehicle and cameras located on the sides of a vehicle all connected to a small flat panel display (e.g., LCD) located in front of the driver. The images from the cameras are to be digitally integrated so as to provide a seamless rear and side view. The Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System incorporates a recorder that records 15 to 20 minute continuous segments while the vehicle is in operation and stops recording a few minutes after a collision. The System also incorporates a sensor that displays in real time on the LCD and on the recording the distance of objects and vehicles behind the vehicle equipped with a Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System, the speed of the vehicle equipped with a Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System and the time.

An automatic, red-eye detection and correction system for digital images capable of real-time processing of images, including a red-eye detector module that determines without user intervention if a red-eye defect exists. If a defect is located in an image the portion of the image surrounding the defect is passed to a correction module that de-saturates the red components of the defect while preserving the other color characteristics of the defect region. The invention is designed to minimize the computational resources required to detect and correct red-eye defects and thus is particularly suited to applications requiring real-time processing of large volumes of digital images prior to acquisition or printing. This system can operate on images stored on personal computers, commercial printers or inside digital cameras as part of the acquisition process, or prior to display on personal digital assistants, mobile phones and other digital imaging appliances.

The present invention relates to inventory management solutions, and in particular, to methods and systems for inventorying items and property over wireless and data networks, using digital imaging, positioning, RFID, and data terminals. The user experience in performing inventory management is simplified and enhanced over existing methods.

New devices and methods are provided for noninvasive and noncontact real-time measurements of tissue blood velocity. The invention uses a digital imaging device such as a detector array that allows independent intensity measurements at each pixel to capture images of laser speckle patterns on any surfaces, such as tissue surfaces. The laser speckle is generated by illuminating the surface of interest with an expanded beam from a laser source such as a laser diode or a HeNe laser as long as the detector can detect that particular laser radiation. Digitized speckle images are analyzed using new algorithms for tissue optics and blood optics employing multiple scattering analysis and laser Doppler velocimetry analysis. The resultant two-dimensional images can be displayed on a color monitor and superimposed on images of the tissues.

Apparatus for and method of fully automatic rapid scanning and digitizing of an entire microscope sample, or a substantially large portion of a microscope sample, using a linear array detector synchronized with a positioning stage that is part of a computer controlled microscope slide scanner. The invention provides a method for composing the image strips obtained from successive scans of the sample into a single contiguous digital image. The invention also provides a method for statically displaying sub-regions of this large digital image at different magnifications, together with a reduced magnification macro-image of the entire sample. The invention further provides a method for dynamically displaying, with or without operator interaction, portions of the contiguous digital image. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, all elements of the scanner are part of a single-enclosure that has a primary connection to the Internet or to a local intranet. In this embodiment, the preferred sample type is a microscope slide and the illumination and imaging optics are consistent with transmission mode optics optimized for diffraction-limited digital imaging.

An ultra-thin digital imaging device has a thickness of several millimeters and is capable of producing data for creating images of 3 Mp and higher. The device comprises a multi-channel imaging unit that contains a plurality of optical channels formed by microlens objectives and a pixilated image sensor unit with a plurality of sensing elements. Each individual identical image obtained through each optical channel is pixilated and converted into electrical signals that are processed into data sets which can be stored in the imaging device and either reproduced on the display of the device or transmitted to an external image-reproducing device where the obtained data of individual images are transformed into a single, high-resolution megapixel image by means of a technique known in the art.

A digital imaging system being configured for synthesizing an image of a plenoptic optical device, comprises a photosensor array comprising a plurality of photosensors arranged in a predetermined image plane, and a microlens array comprising a plurality of microlenses arranged for directing light from an object to the photosensor array, wherein the photosensor array and the microlens array are arranged with a predetermined distance, the microlenses have different focal lengths varying over the microlens array, and the image plane of the photosensor array is arranged such that the distance between the photosensor array and the microlens array does not equal the microlenses' focal lengths. Furthermore, a plenoptic optical device including the digital imaging system and a method for processing image data collected with the digital imaging system are described.

A method is provided for ablation in treatment of heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation that includes positioning a catheter apparatus with multiple electrodes within a cardiac chamber, visualizing the catheter apparatus with an interventional system, navigating the catheter apparatus within the cardiac chamber, and delivering energy to selected electrodes of the catheter apparatus from an external source to ablate heart tissue at select locations. Preferably, the external source is an external patch placed on the patient for the delivery of radio-frequency energy. The electrodes of the catheter apparatus are connected to the patch through a patient interface unit where the interface unit selects the electrodes to which radio-frequency energy is to be delivered. In another aspect of the invention, a system for ablation of heart arrhythmias is provided that has a catheter apparatus with multiple electrodes, an interventional system for visualizing the catheter apparatus within a cardiac chamber, and an external source for delivering energy to selected electrodes of the catheter apparatus within the cardiac chamber to ablate heart tissue. Preferably, the system further includes a digital imaging system for obtaining cardiac image data, an image generation system for generating a 3D model of the cardiac chamber from the cardiac image data, and a workstation for registering the 3D model with the interventional system and for visualizing the catheter apparatus over this registered 3D model upon the interventional system.

A multiple function laryngoscope to be used for the safe intubation of a patient's trachea during a respiratory emergency or as an elective procedure. A two section instrument. Proximally, a reusable handle that houses a rechargeable battery, electronic circuits that feed a distal digital image to variable position LCD screen or viewing port, switches and low battery indicator light. Distally, the handle electrically couples with a disposable curved scabbard. The scabbard features a dorsal endotracheal tube channel with a wavy opening which allows preloading and gentle extraction of different size endotracheal tubes once the patient's trachea has been intubated. The scabbard's distal end strategically houses a distal sweeper that engages the epiglottis and exposes the glottis, an opening for the exit of a preloaded endotracheal tube, a LED light, a suction / oxygenation port, and a lens coupled with a digital imaging system (CMOS) to digitize and transport a distant wide field of view. Safe LCD view of one or serial rapid intubations are possible by rapidly replacing for a clean disposable scabbard in case of multiple emergencies.

A multi-layer dental panoramic and transverse x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source; a digital imaging device capable of frame mode output with a sufficient frame rate; a mechanical manipulator having at least one rotational axis located in a position other than the focal point of the x-ray source; a position detection mechanism for detecting the camera position in 1D, 2D or 3D depending of the complexity of the trajectory; a final image reconstruction mechanism for reconstructing the final images out of the stored frames; a real time storage system such as RAM, hard drive or an drive array able to store all the frames captured during an exposure; and a digital processing unit capable of executing the reconstruction algorithm, such components being interconnected in operational arrangement. The system produces selectively dental panoramic x-ray images, dental transverse x-ray images and dental tomosynthetic 3D images from a frame stream produced by a high-speed, x-ray digital imaging device.

A method for resolution enhancement of a still-image made by a digital imaging device. The method allows the use of high-aperture-ratio sensing arrays that produce resolution-enhancement, independent of the angle of view. Resolution-enhancement is achieved using a multiple-exposure technique of a sub-pixel overtap in conjunction with a whole-pixel shift. The method suppresses color-aliasing in a multiple-exposure native-resolution mode and enables the use of a single camera for single-exposure and multiple-exposure modes.

An automated system and / or method is disclosed for rapidly, accurately, and efficiently processing bulk three-dimensional digital image data of both path / corridor and area scenes to discriminate different structures or classifications of objects from within the image. The method first decomposes the three-dimensional digital imagery coordinate points into simple local structures and then extracts the globally complex structures from the local structures. The system and / or method incorporates procedures for sub-dividing the three-dimensional image data into rectilinear and / or ellipsoidal finite element cells, mathematically analyzing the contents (point coordinates) of each individual cell to classify / define the local structure, and extracting the globally complex structure or object from the image. The system and / or method applies accepted mathematical formulas to filter or classify large volumes of apparently random three-dimensional point coordinate spatial data into simpler structures and then to extract more globally complex objects generally encountered within the real world imagery scene being investigated.

A flexible imager, for imaging a subject illuminated by incident radiation, includes a flexible substrate, a photosensor array disposed on the flexible substrate, and a scintillator. The scintillator is disposed so as to receive and absorb the incident radiation, is configured to convert the incident radiation to optical photons, and is optically coupled to the photosensor array. The photosensor array is configured to receive the optical photons and to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the optical photons. A digital imaging method for imaging subject includes conforming flexible digital imager to subject, the subject being positioned between flexible digital imager and a radiation source. The method further includes activating radiation source to expose the subject to radiation and collecting an image with the flexible digital imager.

A method and system for automatically managing multiple different functions of an office by storing or linking together multiple different types of data that is normally stored separately, such that summary reports requiring data from fields normally not stored together can be created efficiently and effectively, and a method and system for automatically selecting client education, marketing or other business-related information or materials from a stored collection of such information or materials based on selection criteria established by the business, such that the selected information or materials are targeted to the specific client based on demographic and other client information and scheduling and other business information. In one aspect of the invention, a patient education module has a library of content on hand. The information and materials play automatically to a designated monitor near the location of the client and the material viewed is documented in the client's electronic record with customized notation by user. The material viewed has a supportive component hand-out or supportive accompanying written information that is automatically printed at the receptionist desk at the time the material is viewed on the monitor by the client.

In one form, an audience participation method and apparatus whereby mass audience members who are physically present in a venue can, upon being cued, convey quantitative data regarding their personal real-time individual and collective preferences, choices, opinions, and other personal responses concerning events taking place in the venue or otherwise, to digital image data processing systems, data bases and data transmission media by the act of posing passive, user-manipulated personal data-source devices, a multiplicity of such devices being visible within the Field of View (FOV) of one or more venue-associated digital imagers which can collect images of the devices and pass said images to image analysis computer programs with the analysis results being promptly available for uses by other venue systems such as those used for announcements and displays to the venue audiences as well as optionally being made available to information systems addressing audiences not within the venue.

A system is disclosed for the automated correction of optical and digital aberrations in a digital imaging system. The system includes several main parts, including (a) digital filters, (b) hardware modifications, (c) digital system corrections, (d) digital system dynamics and (e) network aspects. The system solves numerous problems in still and video photography that are presented in the digital imaging environment.

Digital imaging system and method in which user operation of a digital zoom selection switch to increase digital zoom of a portion of an evaluation image is interrupted for at least an interval of time as a warning to the user that the digital zoom selection has reached a digital zoom ratio that corresponds to a predetermined minimum image resolution quality level in an image of a given size to be rendered from the portion of the evaluation image. The user can then resume increasing digital zoom selection only by opening and re-closing the zoom selection switch. A graphical indicator is used to show changes in zoom settings and the appearance of the indicator is changed when one or more predetermined digital zoom settings are reached to reinforce the visual warning to the user.

A method is provided for controlling a Mass Storage Class Digital Imaging Device using a SCSI pass through protocol. The protocol is based on industry standard SCSI protocol with modifications and extensions to allow transparent communication over a medium and is referred to as SCSI Pass Through (SPT). This protocol defines a set of commands that are initiated in a computer. The commands also include and extend industry standard Picture Transfer Protocol and are targeted for application and execution in a Mass Storage Class Digital Imaging Device. The invention includes the definition of data buffers in the form of data structures that can be used for packaging, passing, and receiving information related to the digital imaging device. The protocol is applicable to communication mediums that can be utilized in connecting any digital storage device to a computing device.

A backside illuminated image sensor comprises a sensor layer having a plurality of photosensitive elements of a pixel array, an oxide layer adjacent a backside surface of the sensor layer, and at least one dielectric layer adjacent a frontside surface of the sensor layer. A color filter array is formed on a backside surface of the oxide layer, and a transparent cover is attached to the backside surface of the oxide layer overlying the color filter array. Redistribution metal conductors are in electrical contact with respective bond pad conductors through respective openings in the dielectric layer. A redistribution passivation layer is formed over the redistribution metal conductors, and contact metallizations are in electrical contact with respective ones of the respective redistribution metal conductors through respective openings in the redistribution passivation layer. The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of digital imaging device.

A backside illuminated image sensor comprises a sensor layer having a plurality of photosensitive elements of a pixel array, an oxide layer adjacent a backside surface of the sensor layer, and at least one dielectric layer adjacent a frontside surface of the sensor layer. A color filter array is formed on a backside surface of the oxide layer, and a transparent cover is attached to the backside surface of the oxide layer overlying the color filter array. Redistribution metal conductors are in electrical contact with respective bond pad conductors through respective openings in the dielectric layer. A redistribution passivation layer is formed over the redistribution metal conductors, and contact metallizations are in electrical contact with respective ones of the respective redistribution metal conductors through respective openings in the redistribution passivation layer. The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of digital imaging device.

An adapter that allows digital imaging devices to be used with existing analog consoles. In one embodiment of the invention, an adaptor is provided that receives a digital video image signal from a medical device and converts the digital signal into an analog signal that can be displayed by an analog console. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for converting a digital video signal received from a medical imaging device into a standardized analog video format.

A digital imaging system includes facilities to capture an image and a related audio annotation, convert the audio annotation to text by voice recognition, and associate and edit the related image, audio annotation, and image caption.

A system and method are disclosed which provide a look-down digital imaging device capable of capturing relatively high resolution digital images (e.g., comparable to traditional flatbed scanners). A preferred embodiment provides a look-down digital imaging device comprising a linear sensor for imaging a raster line of an original image placed substantially below the look-down digital imaging device, and a lens for focusing reflected light from the original to such linear sensor. The linear sensor functions much as in traditional flatbed scanners in that it captures a single, congruent digital image of a scanned original. Most preferably, the linear sensor is a high resolution sensor that enables a digital image to be captured having resolution comparable to that of traditional flatbed scanners. For instance, the linear sensor preferably enables capture of a digital image having a resolution no less than approximately 300 dpi. As a result, such linear sensor most preferably captures a digital image having sufficient resolution to permit optical character recognition operations to be performed on such captured image. In a most preferred embodiment, the look-down digital imaging device further comprises a digital video camera for capturing video data of a target scan area. Such video data may be fed in substantially real-time to a display (either included within the look-down digital imaging device or included on a device to which the look-down digital imaging device is coupled), which may aid a user in properly aligning an original within the target scan area.

A CMOS image sensor or other type of image sensor includes a pixel array comprising at least first and second sets of pixels. Image sensor circuitry is coupled to the pixel array and comprises a signal generator for controlling capture of image data from the first set of pixels of the pixel array using a global shutter process and for controlling capture of image data from the second set of pixels of the pixel array using a rolling shutter process, with the pixels of the second set being different than the pixels of the first set The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of digital imaging device.