Regular Camera Research Articles

The Frequent Image Frames Enhanced Digital Orthorectified Mapping (FIFEDOM) Camera for Acquiring Multiangular Reflectance From the Land Surface

The Frequent Image Frames Enhanced Digital Orthorectified Mapping (FIFEDOM) camera was designed to provide a cost-effective remote-sensing method for accurate acquisition of forest information, such as spatial distributions of individual tree species and tree structures for forest monitoring and management. Compared with existing regular digital cameras, the FIFEDOM camera has several unique features as follows: (1) it can collect data not only in the visible bands (550 and 670 nm) but also in the near-infrared band (800 nm); (2) it has a frame rate of up to 3 frames/s with a frame size of 3500 times 2300; and (3) it has a wide angular field view with 150deg along track and 78.8deg across track. Its high frame rate and wide angular field view allow it to obtain a sequence of images that oversample ground target areas. The multiangle database and bidirectional reflectance signatures of forest canopies can be generated from the oversampled image data, which can be used to identify forest species and estimate tree structures. In addition, the multiframe highly overlapped FIFEDOM data can also be used to generate a very dense, high-quality, and reliable digital surface model. Effective methods for radiometric and geometric calibration of the FIFEDOM camera were developed in this paper. A data-acquisition campaign was carried out in 2004 over the Algoma boreal forest, Ontario, Canada. The FIFEDOM data were validated using the data acquired by the Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager instrument, which was flown together with the FIFEDOM camera.

Wiener estimation method in estimating of spectral reflectance from RGB images

Color is one of the most important features in digital images. The representation of color in digital form with a three-component image (RGB) is not very accurate, hence the use of a multiple-component spectral image is justified. At the moment, acquiring a spectral image is not as easy and as fast as acquiring a conventional three-component image. One answer to this problem is to use a regular digital RGB camera and estimate its RGB image into a spectral image by the Wiener estimation method, which is based on the use of a priori knowledge. In this paper, the Wiener estimation method is used to estimate the spectra of icons. The experimental results of the spectral estimation are presented.

Panoramic 3D Reconstruction by Fusing Color Intensity and Laser Range Data

Technology for capturing panoramic (360 degrees) three-dimensional information in a real environment have many applications in fields: virtual and complex reality, security, robot navigation, and so forth. In this study, we examine an acquisition device constructed of a regular CCD camera and a 2D laser range scanner, along with a technique for panoramic 3D reconstruction using a data fusion algorithm based on an energy minimization framework. The acquisition device can capture two types of data of a panoramic scene without occlusion between two sensors: a dense spatio-temporal volume from a camera and distance information from a laser scanner. We resample the dense spatio-temporal volume for generating a dense multi-perspective panorama that has equal spatial resolution to that of the original images acquired using a regular camera, and also estimate a dense panoramic depth-map corresponding to the generated reference panorama by extracting trajectories from the dense spatio-temporal volume with a selecting camera. Moreover, for determining distance information robustly, we propose a data fusion algorithm that is embedded into an energy minimization framework that incorporates active depth measurements using a 2D laser range scanner and passive geometry reconstruction from an image sequence obtained using the CCD camera. Thereby, measurement precision and robustness can be improved beyond those available by conventional methods using either passive geometry reconstruction (stereo vision) or a laser range scanner. Experimental results using both synthetic and actual images show that our approach can produce high-quality panoramas and perform accurate 3D reconstruction in a panoramic environment.

Spectral characteristics of computer screen photoassisted classification

The computer screen photoassisted technique (CSPT) is a practical method for the classification of colored or fluorescent substances such as those present in bioassays but using standard computer sets and regular web cameras as all instruments. It is empirically known that the performance of the CSPT classification depends on the composition of the illuminating sequences displayed by the computer screens during the measurements, and by the way that substance fingerprints from these measurements are composed. Here the illuminating conditions are examined with the help of a CSPT model that allows to examine the physical grounds of optimum illuminating sequences different from just three screen primaries and to assess the limitations and importance of longer illuminating sequences in practical determinations.

2P1-C15 センサフュージョンに基づく全周3次元再構成

In this paper, we propose a new approach for obtaining a dense panorama image and 3D depth information about panoramic environments. We sample sparsely panoramic environment by rotating an acquisition rig composed with a regular camera and a laser sensor. Then we estimate a panoramic depth map by fusing distance informations from stereo vision and laser sensor, and generate a panorama image that has the same spatial resolution as the original regular images. Experimental results using both synthetic and real images show that our approach can produce high quality panorama image and panoramic 3D reconstruction.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Continuous glucose monitoring provides maximal information about shifting blood glucose levels throughout the day and facilitates the making of optimal treatment decisions for the diabetic patient. This report discusses continuous glucose monitoring in terms of its purposes, technologies, target populations, accuracy, clinical indications, outcomes, and problems. In this context, the medical literature on continuous glucose monitoring available through the end of 2004 is reviewed. Continuous glucose monitoring provides information about the direction, magnitude, duration, frequency, and causes of fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Compared with conventional intensified glucose monitoring, defined as three to four blood glucose measurements per day, continuous monitoring provides much greater insight into glucose levels throughout the day. Continuous glucose readings that supply trend information can help identify and prevent unwanted periods of hypo- and hyperglycemia. The difference between an intermittent and a continuous monitor for monitoring blood glucose is similar to that between a regular camera and a continuous security camera for monitoring an important situation. A regular camera takes discrete, accurate snapshots; its pictures do not predict the future; it produces a small set of pictures that can all be carefully studied; and effort is required to take each picture. A continuous security camera, on the other hand, takes multiple, poorly focused frames; displays a sequential array of frames whose trend predicts the future; produces too much information for each frame to be studied carefully; and operates automatically after it is turned on. The two types of blood glucose monitors differ in much the same way: 1 ) an intermittent blood glucose monitor measures discrete glucose levels extremely accurately, whereas a continuous monitor provides multiple glucose levels of fair accuracy; 2 ) with an intermittent monitor, current blood glucose levels do not predict future glucose levels, but with a continuous monitor, trends in glucose levels do have …

A new sampling device for microaggregates in turbid aquatic systems

Microaggregates (5 to 500 µm) are the main component of suspended particulate matter in shallow and turbid aquatic environments. Whereas their abundance and size structure have been studied by various optical systems, their composition, aggregation and disaggregation processes, and microbial colonization have been studied only little. This is largely due to inadequate sampling devices for microaggregates. Therefore, we established a new device, allowing the careful collection and documentation of aggregate size and abundance by laser illumination and a regular digital camera. The instrument simultaneously serves as a settling chamber to separate and subsample microaggregate fractions, differing in their settling velocities. Thus, it provides material for studying the biological and chemical composition and microbial colonization of microaggregates with a minimum of manipulation. First results from its application during a semitidal cycle in the German Wadden Sea demonstrate that it yields reliable results of the abundance and size structure of aggregates, reflecting the tidal changes in the hydrodynamic conditions. Total aggregate abundance covaried with dry weight of suspended particulate matter and turbidity. The biological and chemical analysis of aggregate fractions separated during 45 min of settling, showed that the various fractions exhibited distinct differences with respect to aggregate size, dry weight, particulate organic carbon, the carbon per nitrogen ratio (by weight), number of bacteria and bacterial production rates per aggregate. Hence, the application of this sampling device will lead to better insight into the dynamics and qualitative changes of microaggregates in turbid aquatic systems and deepen our understanding of their overall significance in these ecosystems.

Pointing Device Based on Estimation of Trajectory and Shape of a Human Hand in a Monocular Image Sequence

Pointing devices are essential components of graphical user interfaces, and the mouse in particular is widely used because of its intuitive and easy operation. Since it must be directly touched by the user, however, the mouse is restricted in the locations where it can be used. A pointing device consists of a pointing mechanism and a switching mechanism, so the use of a noncontact device to carry out these actions should remove the restriction concerning location. In this study, we investigate the construction of a pointing device that does not impart a feeling of restraint or awkwardness, which estimates the user’s hand shape and position from images captured by a monocular camera, a noncontact device. In this system, the captured image is transformed from a Cartesian coordinate system to a log-polar system to reduce image data and computational cost, and achieve real-time operation without using special hardware other than a regular camera. Higher order local autocorrelation features of the log-polar coordinate space were used to achieve robustness against background change and hand rotation. In addition to direct pointing, the ability to recognize gestures from the hand’s motion trajectory was incorporated to achieve more comfortable user-computer interaction. In experiments using a system consisting of a regular computer and digital video camera, tracking of the hand and estimation of symbolic signs from extracted frames was stable at a practical average speed of 30 ms per frame.

Imaging technique implemented in CellTracks system.

We developed the CellTracks cell analysis system that, similar to flow cytometry, yields multiparameter information by which the cells can be differentiated. We describe the implementation of a laser scanning imaging method in the system. Image analysis of the cells improves the specificity of cell classification, especially in cases where the particular cells are found relatively infrequently and one has to discriminate between artifacts and real events. Fluorescent images of immunomagnetically labeled and aligned cells are obtained by passing the cells through a laser focus. The laser focus is smaller than the objects and subsequent frames captured by a regular surveillance CCD camera with a frame grabber board represent different parts of the cells. Complete images of the cells are constructed by shifting each image with respect to each other and adding individual pixel values. The power of combining a fluorescent image with multiparametric data is demonstrated by imaging fluorescent and magnetically labeled beads and cells. The image gives additional information about the dye distribution across the objects. Changes in dye distribution as a function of time were observed in leukocytes labeled with the red fluorescent label, Oxazine750, which are imaged at different time intervals. An imaging technique implemented in the CellTracks system provides high-resolution fluorescent images of events previously identified by the system. The images of the fluorescent cells enhance the ability to classify rare events.

つなぎ写真の接続法

In order to obtain a panoramic photograph with a regular camera, a series of photographs which containing overlapping area of scenes are connected with each other. This method, however, is rarely conducted successfully, i. e. the images of the consecutive photographs are usually disconnected with each other. Without precise discussions, it has been said that it occurrs because of aberrations and optical distortions of lenses.Since the image of the photograph is ruled by the theory of perspective drawing, author considered two consecutive images of photograph could be connected smoothly with each other. Based on the theory of perspective drawing, this paper presents a method of finding an exact position and a direction of cutting line which allows to connect two consecutive photographs smoothly. With using this method, some panoramic photographs of existing scenes were made to prove the accuracy of the method.

Measuring Lubricant Film Thickness with Image Analysis

Determining lubricant film thickness between contacting bodies under elastohydrodynamic (EHD) conditions is often simulated by using a ball/cylinder and transparent disc apparatus together with an interferometry technique. The simulated contact will have a point or elliptic shape and the light used can be white or monochromatic. The interference pattern is normally photographed with a regular camera or a video camera and the pictures are then evaluated by the naked eye of the observer. In most cases, only central or minimum thicknesses are evaluated. In this paper an image processing method for the analysis of film thickness is presented. This method makes it possible to extract considerably more information about film thickness fluctuations than is achievable by the naked eye. The method primarily matches hue (but also saturation and intensity values) from digitized colour interferometric images of the unknown film shapes with calibration values obtained with known geometric shapes. The method is shown to work well in the range from 95 up to 700 nm with white light and makes the results unbiased by the observer. Furthermore, absolute film thickness can be evaluated without prior knowledge about the fringe order in the interferogram.

つなぎ写真 (パノラマ) の接続法

In order to obtain a panoramic photograph with a regular camera, a series of photographs which containing overlapping area of scenes are connected with each other. This method, however, is rarely conducted successfully, i. e. the images of the consecutive photographs are usually disconnected with each other. Without precise discussions, it has been said that it occurrs because of aberrations and optical distortions of lenses.Since the image of the photograph is ruled by the theory of perspective drawing, author considered two consecutive images of photograph could be connected smoothly with each other. Based on the theory of perspective drawing, this paper presents a method of finding an exact position and a direction of cutting line which allows to connect two consecutive photographs smoothly. With using this method, some panoramic photographs of existing scenes were made to prove the accuracy of the method.

The Motion Picture Chums Visit the “Art Journal” A Prolegomenon to all Future Studies of Moving Pictures as Revealed in Early-20th-Century Juvenile Literature

In 1912 Grosset and Dunlap published Tom Swift and His Wizard Camera, by Victor Appleton, the pseudonymous author of all the books in the Tom Swift series and at least two other series of juvenile books commissioned by the Stratemeyer Syndicate. In that adventure, the redoubtable Tom invented “a new kind of moving picture camera. A small light one—worked by electricity—a regular wizard camera” (p. 10). Working with James Period, who identified himself as “the biggest moving picture man in the world—not in size, but in business” (p. 9), Tom toured the world in his airship and filmed some of the more exotic aspects of nature. These included an elephant stampede, a fight between lions, an avalanche, a jungle fire, a volcano, and an earthquake.

Underwater Camera Calibrator

The Underwater Camera Calibrator is a precision instrument that provides a known angular array of collimator targets to be photographed by a camera under test. The images of the targets are then read and measured to yield the necessary data for the determination of focal length, location of principal point, distortion, and resolution. Generally, the targets of a camera calibration instrument are located at optical infinity; however, the images presented to the camera by the Underwater Camera Calibrator may be set for any distance from 6 feet to infinity. Underwater cameras are tested with the tank filled with water and regular cameras are tested without water in the tank.

SEISMIC RECORDING ON MAGNETIC TAPE

A system of recording and reproducing exploration seismograms on magnetic tape is described. Geophones and amplifiers with broad‐band response, approximately 4–300 cps, are used to channel the seismic signals to a 13‐track tape recorder. The magnetic tape is 1 inch wide. One of the tracks is used to record a time reference signal. Each broad‐band recording is formed into an endless loop and played back in repeating fashion. The signals are fed through a flexible system of filtering and mixing, then examined on the screen of a 12‐trace cathode‐ray oscilloscope. The sweep of the oscilloscope is synchronized with the loop and, by varying the sweep speed, the entire record, or an expanded portion thereof, is held stationary on the screen. Conventional paper records of the modified record as reproduced on the screen are finally made with a regular seismic camera. Played‐back records with variations of filtering and mixing are shown in order to illustrate the potential usefulness of the technique.