Logitech Europe S.a.

George Sanchez

Bryed L Billerbeck

Wei Li

Remy Zimmermann

Ali Alex Moayer

John Bateman

Sergio Maggi

John J Feldis, Iii

Mark Hsu

Remy Zimmerman

Mitchell Norcross

Mark Jeffrey Johnson

Georges Auberger

Jean-Michel Junien Labrousse

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

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Fremont, CA, United States of America

George Sanchez