Logitech Europe S.a.

Logitech, Inc.

Bryed L Billerbeck

Vance A Prather

Jochen P Backs

George Sanchez

Leif Petersson

Fang Tarng

Ali Alex Moayer

John Bateman

Herbert H Pfeifer

Wei Li

Remy Zimmermann

Aaron D Standridge

Sergio Maggi

John J Feldis, Iii

Mark Hsu

Peter A Thompson

Remy Zimmerman

Mark Jeffrey Johnson

Junien Labrousse

Mitchell Norcross

Georges Auberger

Herbert Fritz Hans Pfeifer

John Scott Crissman

Jean-Michel Junien Labrousse

Bruce A Friedericks

Rod Mcafee

A method for processing image data using a digital camera includes providing a digital camera having a first transformation program as a default program, the first transformation program supporting a first transformation technology. A first communication link is formed between the digital camera and a first remote image processing device. Transformation-related information is obtained from the first remote device, the transformation-related information including information about one or more transformation technologies supported by the first remote device. Whether the first transformation program is supported by the first remote device is determined. A second transformation program supported by the first remote device is searched if the first transformation program is determined not to be supported by the first remote device, the second transformation program supporting a second transformation technology.

Image processing device supporting variable data technologies

A method and a system for dynamically detecting and correcting anomalous pixels in the raw data taken from an image sensor array such as a CCD or a CMOS sensor array, thus allowing the use of dumb cameras to capture digital images for subsequent use by an intelligent host&#x2014;such as being displayed on a computer monitor. This invention uses software algorithms running on an intelligent host processor to dynamically correct the anomalous pixels in the raw data taken from an image sensor array typical of those in a digital still or a video camera. Using the combination of a dumb camera which provides raw data to an intelligent host, which does all the subsequent image processing, the system works by scanning an image frame for pixels that vary more than a specified amount in their brightness value from their neighboring pixels and designating those as defective pixels. The location and frequency of the photosites sending the defective pixels are stored in a statistical database in the computer's memory. The brightness value of a defective pixel is then replaced by a local brightness value obtained from the defective pixel's neighboring pixels. The process includes video subsampling, meaning that the defective pixel detection is carried out and repeated at a pre-specified frame rate to ensure optimum detection and correction at a minimal level of scanning. A statistical database is kept so that truly anomalous pixels can over time be distinguished from false detection of true anomalies in the target image, lighting or other environmentally induced anomalies.

Dynamic anomalous pixel detection and correction

A low cost camera by implementing the major functions in host software is provided. This is accomplished by sending raw, digitized data from the camera directly to the host. The increased volume of raw data is handled by either an improved compression/decompression scheme using lossless compression, using lossy compression or using a shared bus with higher bandwidth. By moving such functions as color processing and scaling to the host, the pixel correction can also be moved to the host. This in turn allows the elimination of the frame buffer memory from the camera. Finally, the camera can use a low cost lens by implementing vignetting, distortion, gamma or aliasing correction with a correction value stored in a register of the camera for later access by the host to perform corrections.

Video camera with major functions implemented in host software

A system and a method for the transfer of data between a digital camera and a host using a novel combination of hardware and software related elements. An aspect of the hardware-related elements provides a camera base unit which remains connected with the host, and which the camera is connected with to facilitate the transfer of data to the host. The camera base unit significantly simplifies the connection between the camera and the host by alleviating the need to directly connect the camera with a host. Furthermore, the camera base unit, by providing a pass-through connection and placement guides that mate with the camera, assures that an intuitive placement of the camera on the camera base unit also enables an electronic connection between the camera and the host. Therefore, the simple placement of the camera in contact with the camera base unit ensures a proper interface between the camera and the host, which is connected with the camera base unit. Another aspect of the hardware-based elements is directed towards a 'quick send' button. Pushing the 'quick send' button causes all the selected on-camera data to be transferred to a local or remote host. The transfer of data is caused by a series of software operations which are initiated in response to the camera connecting with the camera base unit, and which are performed either automatically or following the pushing of the &#x201c;quick send&#x201d; button.

Method and system for transferring data between a digital camera and a host

A simple, versatile support device supports a camera on different surfaces in various dispositions. In one embodiment, a device comprises a front support member including a left end and a right end. The front support member includes an upper surface having a camera support location between the left end and the right end on which to support a camera, and includes a lower inwardly arched surface and a bottom support surface below the lower inwardly arched surface. The front support member is configured to either rest the bottom support surface on a generally horizontal surface of an object on which to place the camera supporting device or to engage the lower inwardly arched surface with a vertical front surface and a horizontal top surface forming an edge of an object on which to place the camera supporting device. A left flexible leg is coupled between the left end of the front support member and a tail end. A right flexible leg is coupled between the right end of the front support member and the tail end. The left and right flexible legs are deformable to adjust a position of the tail end to mount the camera supporting device on the object by gravity without clamping to the object.

Kinematically reconfigurable camera mount

A system which marries a tethered, digital bus with image broadcasting to allow multiple, low-cost cameras to communicate with a host. This is done by using an external receiver on a tethered bus, and by putting much of the processing circuitry in the receiver, rather than the camera. The broadcasting can be either a NTSC/PAL type of analog broadcasting or a digital broadcasting technique. The camera can be made with low cost, readily available NTSC/PAL, other analog video components, or with readily available digital telephone components. The external receiver unit of the present invention does all the necessary data processing and compression to fit the available bandwidth of the bus to which it is communicating, and provides for a low cost and extensible method of inputting digital image data into a personal computer (PC) or other host.

Wireless intelligent host imaging, audio and data receiver

The disclosure includes a video (including audio) processing system for transmission of a video frame across a network. The system includes a video input mechanism, a motion detection mechanism, and a web cam mechanism. The video input mechanism is configured to receive a first video frame and a second video frame. The motion detection mechanism is configured to compare the first video frame with the second video frame. It is also configured to generate a motion-detected signal if the comparison of the frames deviates from a threshold value. The web cam mechanism is configured to transmit the second video frame if it received the motion detection signal from the motion detection mechanism. The disclosure also includes a method for processing a selected video frame for transmission across a network. The method includes receiving a video frame, comparing it with a reference frame to determine if it deviates from a threshold value, and transmitting the video frame if it does deviate from the threshold value or discarding it if does not.

Motion and audio detection based webcamming and bandwidth control

Video camera support

Video receiver

Video camera

Growing community of inventors

Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Bryed L Billerbeck