FR2513781A1 - INSTALLATION FOR ENTERING ORIGINAL MODELS OR IMAGES AND METHOD FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for sensing original pictures by means of a scanning device which converts the content of an original picture line-by-line, dot-by-dot or in another usable format into a scan signal which can be processed by computer, and with a marking device by means of which sections of the original can be marked, for example by entering the position of opposite corner points. It is provided for the device that at least one camera, which can be adjusted under program control to picture sections located in arbitrary sections of the original picture (V), is arranged for the scanning device. In addition, a process computer (P) is provided which generates control signals by means of which a program-controlled displacement of the camera can be carried out in the perpendicular plane to the camera axis. It is also provided that the marking device for entering the position of dots on the original picture (V) is a pen (G) which is used for marking directly on the original picture (V) and is effectively connected to the process computer (P) to transmit to the latter signals for the purpose of inputting a position.

Description

Installation to capture original models or images and process for its implementation.

 The present invention relates to an installation for capturing original models or images and a method for implementing this installation.

 There are known devices for scanning an image, which allow a scan of a model or original image with a uniform resolution, possibly switchable. This is for example true for scanning devices used in certain kinds of fax machines as well as for cameras with a fixed lens and a fixed distance determined with respect to the model. These known installations, however, have the disadvantage that the scanning of a section of a model concerned is not possible with an improved resolution compared to other parts of the model. In these installations, the number of lines scanned per section is rather proportional to the height of the section concerned.

 Furthermore, cameras are known whose objectives are made so that they can be modified, for example in the form of lenses with a variable focus and / or whose distance from the model concerned is likely to be modified. With such cameras, one can capture an image section regardless of its size, with the same number of scan points or scanning lines, ie with a resolution which is all the greater if 'is small the image section that is captured.

 In these known installations, it is also possible to adjust the size of the section of the image by means of variable focus objectives driven by a motor and controlled by program. The choice of the position of the section of the image, for example in the upper right-hand corner or in the lower-left corner of the model nevertheless requires, and disadvantageously, a relatively complicated and not very precise displacement of the model with respect to the axis of the camera, and in general it is necessary to use a control monitor.

 The choice of a given section of a model can, as previously indicated, take place in a simple manner by positioning the desired section of the model concerned, in the axis of the camera, and by adjusting the objective or distance of the camera from the dimension of the section.

 Methods are known in which the entire model is captured with uniform resolution and is represented on a monitor on which the desired image sections are then marked or located.

A corresponding marking takes place for example by the positioning of what is called a cursor ("CURSOR") first in the upper right corner and then in the lower left corner of the desired image section or by touching the image screen at the two locations concerned with what is designated by pencil or stylus detection or scanning connected to a calculator. The implementation of such a pen or light pen detection or scanning however has the disadvantage that is that
- a monitor is absolutely necessary,
- the image screen must be within range of
the user,
- the introduction with the help of a pencil or a
Optical stylus for detection or scanning
is affected by parallax errors.

 Another problem appears, in connection with the representation of the cursor which, if necessary, is also necessary in the case of an introduction with the help of a pen or luminous pen of detection or scanning, for the more precise control of the data. which are entered by the calculator concerned. In the model environment, structured in any way, the cursor must not cover the background of the image or be hidden by the latter. This requirement, however, is not satisfactorily satisfied by the cursor representations known hitherto.

 The present invention relates to an installation and a method for implementing the same, with the aid of which it is possible to enter sections of models or images by means of a calculator, being noted that the model or the The model section is scanned and the scan signal is transmitted to the calculator. With the installation according to the invention and the method of its implementation, must also be eliminated the disadvantages mentioned above and which are attached to the facilities and methods known to date.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes an installation for capturing models or original images, comprising a scanning device that transforms the content of a model, line by line, point by point or in any other usable format, into a scan signal which can be processed in a calculator and a marking device by means of which model sections are susceptible to being marked, for example by the introduction of opposite top points, this installation being essentially characterized by the fact that there is provided for the scanning installation at least one camera which can be debugged by program control on image sections which are in any parts of the model, that there is provided a process calculator which produces the control signals by means of which is achievable a displacement of the camera by programmed control in a plane perpendicular to the ax e of the camera and that the marking device is constituted, for the introduction of the position of points of the model by a scanning or detection pen which is used, for the marking, directly on the model and which is connected, operatively to the process calculator to transmit these signals for position introduction
The invention offers the advantage of making available to the user the means which are easy to handle, which make it possible to scan, in a desired way, determined sections freely chosen in the model.

Other embodiments of the installation according to the invention are respectively charac terized by the fact that
- the camera is a video camera made in the form of a vidicon
- the camera is a video camera made in the form of a CCD camera
- the camera has a zoom lens
- at least two cameras are provided which are set on different sections of the model, which are close to each other or overlap
a fixed camera is provided for reproducing the overall view of the model, and for this overview and for marking by section within the model is set to the entire model; there is provided a mobile camera with high resolving power, which can be adjusted, by programmed control, on an interesting section of the model; the overview camera is connected with an overview monitor and high resolution camera with a high resolution monitor, the overview monitor as well as the high power monitor. resolution respectively providing the section of the model that has been tagged with the marking device and both the overview camera and the high-resolution camera as well as the overview monitor and the high-power monitor of resolution are connected to the process calculator which, in addition to its other tasks, also decodes the position of the tip of the pencil or stylus of detection or scanning within the model, that is, that is, determining its coordinates from at least one of the camera output signals, as well as producing a cursor on the monitors
the detection or scanning pen or stylus is provided with a luminous point with which the points of the model which are to be marked are contacted and which are therefore reported to the process calculator via of the scanning camera and has high resolution power
the luminous point of the pencil or stylus for detecting or scanning comprises a diffuse light source, very widely punctual, whose luminosity density is greater than that of any one of the points of the insertion surface, so that the position of the tip can be located by analyzing the camera signal, using a threshold value detection device which is provided, preferably, in the process calculator
- the tip of the pen or stylus detection or scanning comprises a light source whose brightness is modulated periodically, and whose location can be determined by a corresponding analysis of the camera signal
- the period for the modulation of the light source is equal to twice the scanning period of the model
the position of the tip of the pen or stylus of detection or scanning is determined by a sliding formation of the average value of an alternating series of complemented and unmodified reproductions, preferably using the process calculator, the point of the pen or stylus of detection or scanning clearly detaching from an environment of almost uniform brightness, in the form of a bright or dark point, depending on the phase of complementation, in the image which is formed by the formation sliding value of the average value, whereby the scanning signal of the pencil tip or of the detection or scanning stylus detaches in the video signal which corresponds to the average value image in the form of a pulse or a pulse train which can or can be located by means of a mean value detecting device, preferably disposed in the process calculator
- the tip of the pen or the stylus of detection or scanning is provided with a light source which emits a light of a certain color which does not appear in the other part of the image or which appears there only 'with a sufficiently low luminance
the position of the tip of the pen or the stylus of detection or scanning is determined from three primary signals of color in the video signal
- The position of the tip of the pen or stylus detection or scanning is determined from the luminance signal and any two components of the chrominance signal in the video signal.

The invention also relates to a method for the implementation of one or the other of the aforementioned installations, which method is characterized in that the adjustment of the camera on model sections of different sizes, is operated by moving the lens considered.
Variants of this process are respectively characterized by the fact that
- the adjustment of the camera on sections of models of different dimensions is made by adjusting the distance between the camera concerned and the model
- the adjustment on different sections of the model is made by moving the camera concerned, preferably using the process calculator, according to the evaluation of position of the tip of the pen or stylus detection or scanning in the plane which extends parallel to the model
- The adjustment on different sections of the model by switching the camera concerned, is preferably performed using a command by the process calculator, according to a position evaluation of the tip of the pen or the stylus detection or scanning
a distortion of the corresponding image, which appears as a result of the camera tilting, is compensated by transforming the concerned coordinates of the image, using the process calculator
the camera, in order to be able to capture and possibly memorize a part of the model which is too large to be able to be captured with sufficient accuracy with a single image, is moved manually or by programmed control in several positions which correspond to neighboring images or which overlap, and the images which are respectively taken are converted into electrical signals which are stored, possibly after prior processing, in a memory which is connected to the process calculator
the processing of the electrical signals consists of a change of order corresponding to the geometrical arrangement of the image points or image elements which correspond to the values of the signals, the overlapping image points being considered only once, as well as in the removal of distortions, especially in marginal areas of reproduced images
- to capture the position of the tip of the pen or stylus detection or scanning with great accuracy, it is intended not to round to integers the position coordinates calculated by averaging
- from the position of the tip of the pen or the stylus of detection or scanning one derives a cursor position
to increment the cursor position of fractions of the frame distance, and starting from a set position in the scan frame, the determined keys of a keyboard are used, so that at a touch or a series of keys is associated with a determined increment, preferably in the x direction or in the y direction
to increment the position of the cursor of fractions of the frame distance, and starting from a determined position in the scan frame, specific keys of a keyboard are used, so that at a touch or a series of keys is associated with a determined increment, preferably due to the fact that the incremental increase takes place in a given direction as long as a given key is pressed
a dynamic incrementation is provided in which the position of the slider is set with delay, so that the set position moves with a determined speed towards the position marked by the pencil or the stylet
for the incremental increase of the position of the cursor, constants are chosen which are preferably equal to each other or in a certain ratio between them, said constants being controlled manually, for example by means of a pressure detector fixed to pencil or stylus or the distance between it and the model
- both cameras are replaced in such a way by a single camera that it is adjusted using a variable focus device and controlled by calculator, as well as by alternating movement on the whole of the interesting part and on a portion of the model chosen for example using a cursor positioning device.

 In what follows, the invention will be explained using known methods and figures relating to embodiments of the invention.

 FIG. 1 schematically shows the representation of signs of a text on a matrix image screen, the points represented in black corresponding, as a rule, respectively to a point of matrix made lighter or darker on the screen of FIG. picture.

 FIG. 2 schematically shows a method for marking a point P of a model with a crossed reticle or with a marking surface F made lighter, and reproduced in superimposition.

 Figure 3 shows schematically the view of a cursor by complementation of picture elements within a range of a pixel image determined to mark.

Figure 4 schematically shows a model section (white background with a black line S) captured by a camera, and a pen or stylus detection or scanning G, which shows on a point
P.

 Figure 5 schematically shows a section of scan lines k = 227 to k = 229, as they may appear on a monitor.

 FIG. 6 schematically shows, in the form of a diagram, the output signal of the camera which corresponds to the scanning line k = 227 of FIG. 5, FIGS. 5 and 6 being at the same scale.

 Fig. 7 shows a preferred exemplary embodiment for a pen or stylus for detection or scanning, with adjustable tip for setting the slider.

FIG. 8 schematically shows an image-screen working location, with two cameras K 1,
K2, and two monitors Ml, M2, as well as a process calculator P and an original V to be scanned with a pencil or stylus detection or scanning G.

 By cursor is meant an optical signal which marks, on an image screen, a specific location.

 For example, we mark, on the image screen of a text, the position of the sign that must be the next one to be written, by a periodic change in the brightness of the sign that is already in this location (possibly an empty sign = interval), or by a permanently scintillating or permanently thinned rectangular surface, which covers the range of the sign (sign interval multiplied by sign height) or by complementation (representation of the negative) of the range of sign, compare figure 1.

 In this figure is indicated schematically the representation of signs of a text on a matrix image screen, the black dots corresponding to a matrix point that has been clarified. The capital letters A, B, C, and D are represented in their normal form, and the letter C in its complementary form. The complementation extends beyond the total range of the sign. The definition of the "range of the sign" is here somewhat arbitrary, one could for example designate as well the range F1 as the range F2 - as seen in the drawing-, as range of sign.

In the second case, the totality of all the possible ranges of the signs covers, without any interval, the image screen. Even the overlap of two image ranges makes sense in the process explained about the present invention.

In the graphic image screens, such as the image screen 4014 of the firm Tektronix, the position of a given point, for example a point from which a line must be drawn to another point, is marked by a crossed reticle, in the case of the image screen 4006 of the firm
Tektronix, for example, by the lower left vertex of a square range made lighter, compare Figure 2. A (feather) stroke can be captured with the same process, in the form of a series of cursor positions, but with the condition that the time interval between the seizure of successive positions is sufficiently small to allow a faithful reproduction of the line which has been entered. The maximum permissible time interval depends on the type of writing, the writing speed and the interpolation method (linear / nonlinear). The two methods which have been described have the disadvantage that the slider, in the case of an unfavorable background, destroys the sharpness of important elements of the bottom or even removes these elements in the background.

 Also, the invention proposes a new principle of representation of the cursor, avoiding this disadvantage. It is suitable for image screens of texts, drawings or any other image screen, and lies in the fact that within a certain image range, for example within of a rectangle or a field limited in any way or along a curve element (for example a line or an arrow), see figure 3, the luminosity of the elements of image therein is periodically complemented, for example with a period of 1/2 seconds, so that within the range the initial image and its negative appear alternately (with flashing). In place of the complementation, one can also use another form of modulation, being noted that it is essential that periodically, at the cursor's location, the unmodified image, for example for 50% of the period, appears, or that in other parts of the period the brightness of the picture elements is replaced with brightness values correlated, so that the corresponding structure of the image can also be recognized in this part of the period. The range may mark either a specific area, for example as in Fig. 1, a range of signs, or a specific point, as for example in Fig. 2, the lower left vertex.

 The complementation can be realized, in the case of cathode ray tube screens or light pencil screens, as well as in the case of matrix image screens, for example plasma screens or image screens of the type LCD, with conventional means. It suffices simply that the video signal, or the control signal which connects or disconnects the image points, is complemented. In matrix image screens, for example in the case of plasma image screens, it may be necessary to delete the corresponding points of the matrix, before they are fed with the initial control signal or with the control signal complemented.

 According to the invention it is provided that an image screen work location, where the present invention is to be used, is connected to a programmable process calculator system (hereinafter referred to as a process calculator P ). The positioning of the cursor takes place, in the context of such workplaces with an image screen, either by programmed command or by manual intervention. For example, in the case of a programmed command, the cursor is moved a distance from a sign, when ~ introducing a sign of a text, or it is possibly moved to the line text.In the case of a manual adjustment of the cursor, the position of the cursor is adjusted or incremented using what is known as "rolling disk" (sphere mounted so as to rotate following two coordinates, and connected with potentiometers and other positioning devices), using a joystick (similar to a rudder bar), the indication of the position taking place using the "rolling disc", or using a pencil or stylus for detection or scanning that is placed either on an introductory board or on the screen itself. When the pen or stylus for detection or scanning is placed on the introduction tray, it must be in the form of an optical pen or stylus which comprises, in its tip, an optical detector.

If the image screen is a cathode ray tube, the position of the optical pen or stylus can be determined by evaluating the moment at which the cathode ray passes in front of the pen or stylus for detection or scanning. The last-mentioned method, however, has the disadvantage that the position may be distorted due to the finite thickness of the glass plate between the phosphor layer and the optical pen or stylet, plus particularly by parallax defects.

 The parallax defect can, however, be rendered ineffective by causing the user to ignore the location on which the pen or stylus is pointing or scanning, but rather to consider the cursor position indicated on the screen of image or the line of writing which is formed there.

 In the case of using an introducer tray, the pen or stylus detection or scanning can instead directly show the model. Such a maneuver is more convenient. In addition, you can delete the image screen. But since the introducer tray must be able to scan or analyze the position of the pen or stylus for detection or scanning through the model, the accuracy of the indication of the position according to the thickness of the model, is limited.

 In what follows, we will describe an installation and a method for the introduction of cursor positions or writing, combining the advantages of the introduction by tray (directly from the model) and the introduction by screen. image which is a case in which there is no limitation of the thickness of the model. A parallax defect does not occur.

 For this purpose, it is intended to use a pen or stylus detection or scanning G which is provided with an optical tip L by means of which are contacted points of a model V which are to be marked by example of the points of a model section, which are located opposite each other, and are thus reported in a process calculator P via a high-resolution scanning camera ( see Figure 8). At the tip of the pencil or stylus of detection or scanning, used for analysis, is provided a diffuse light source, having a shape that is as close as possible to a point, and whose light density is greater than that any other point on the input surface. The position of the tip of the pen or stylet can thus be located by the analysis of the camera signals, through a threshold value circuit. (see Figures 4, 5 and 6). Another possibility, more expensive from the point of view of the means to implement, to locate the tip of the pen or stylus detection or scanning is to periodically modulate the brightness of the light source. This periodic modulation can be determined by analyzing the camera signal.

 It is advantageous to choose for the modulation period the double scanning period of the image. In video cameras, the scanning period of the image is for example 1/25 s (in the USA of 1/30 s).

The modulation period is advantageously to be chosen at a value of 2/25 or 1/15. The position of the tip of the pen or the stylus of detection or scanning can then be determined by the sliding formation of the average value on an alternating series of complemented and unmodified images. Being noted then that in the image that is formed by the slippery formation of the average value, the tip of the pencil or stylet stands out clearly from the almost uniform environment, in the form of a lighter or darker point according to the complementation phase.

In the video signal which corresponds to the average value image, the scanning or analyzing signal of the pencil tip or of the detection or scanning stylet detaches in the form of a pulse or in the form of a series of pulses, as shown in Figure 6, and can be located using a threshold value circuit.

 Another possibility to locate the tip of the pen or stylus detection or scanning is to emit by the light source in the tip of the pen or pen, a light with a specific color that does not appear in the remaining of the image range or which appears in it only with a sufficiently small component of the luminance. The position of the tip of the pen or stylus can be determined from three color elementary signals or from the luminance signal and any two components of the chrominance signal.

For example, it is assumed that the chrominance of the tip of the pen or stylus of detection or analysis is given by the ratios
R: B = 3.5 and R: G = 2.2 (1) (R, G and B designating the three primary color signals), and their luminance by
L = aR + bB + cG> 4 volts (2) being noted that a, b and c are definite and adjustable constants. The process calculator periodically polls scan points of the three R, G, and B signals and controls whether the three following conditions are simultaneously satisfied.

3.4 <R / B <3.6 (2.2)
2.1 <R / G <2.3 (2.3)
If this is the case, the tip of the pen or stylus is considered to have been located. It is advantageous to give the light element of the tip of the pen or stylet a size large enough for the above conditions to be fulfilled independently. the relative position of the tip of the pen or stylus relative to the analysis frame of the camera, at least at one scanning point. But in general this has the consequence that these conditions are fulfilled, for specific positions of the pen or the stylus, in several points of analysis or scanning neighbors (in the case of the use of a video camera, also in two or several neighboring scan lines). In this case, the decision as to the position of the pen or the stylus must be taken according to programmed prescriptions, for example by information according to the method described below (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 6).

 For example, assume that Lik represents the i-order scanning value of the luminance signal L of the order scan line k of a given model, or that Rik, Bik and Gik are the corresponding scan signals of the extracts of color.

It will be assumed that the conditions (2) are satisfied for the scan values with the index pairs (134, 227) to (135, 227), (133, 228) to (136, 228) and (134, 229) . The estimated position of the sensing or scanning pen or stylus is then calculated by averaging the relevant index pairs. If the averaging takes place with the same weighting of all the values, we obtain the average values k = 2 x 227 x 4 x 228 x 1 x 229 = 227.9
7
i = (134 + 135) + (133 + 134 + 135 + 136) + 134 = 134.4
7
The pen or stylus for detection or scanning thus shows approximately on the 134th point of the 228th scan line.

The position of the cursor can be entered by completing or modifying the solution indicated above - in case it should be necessary - with a precision which is greater than that given by the distance between the scan lines and for this purpose, the following is provided:
a) the position coordinates i and k, which have been calculated by averaging, are not rounded to whole numbers
b) to increment the cursor position by a fraction of the matrix distance, and from a position which is set in the scan frame by the above method, agreed keys of a keyboard ; the incre- mentation can be performed as in known systems either by associating with a key or a series of keys a determined increment, preferably in the x direction or in the y direction or by performing the incrementation in a certain direction and with a determined speed, as long as a specific key is pressed
(c) as in (b); Buttons or other detectors that can be manually controlled can be found on the pencil or stylus for detection or scanning G
d) the dynamic incrementation (the position of the cursor is set with a delay, and this so that the position which has been set moves with a certain speed towards the position marked by the pen or the stylus G); this operation can be described, mathematically, as follows
It is assumed that the setting of the cursor position takes place at certain times ti (i = 1, 2 ...), for example at intervals of 1 ms. It will be assumed that the position of the cursor which has been set to instant tk (k is likely to be chosen as one understands), is given by the coordinates xk and and the positions of the pencil or the stylet which are seized at the same time are given by the coordinates x'k and y 'k. Then, by the process calculator P, and at the instant tk + 1, the following cursor position is set
xk + 1 = xk + cx. (x'k - xk) yk + 1 = yk + cy. (y'k - yk)
Cx and cy are fixed constants that have been fixed variably.

 It is advantageous for the constants cx and cy-which, moreover, can be chosen to be equal or to be in a fixed ratio between them-are capable of being controlled manually, for example by means of a pressure sensor mounted on the pen or stylus for detection or scanning, or by the distance of the pen or stylus G (but not necessarily from the tip L of the pen or stylus L) to the model or original. This distance can be measured optically, acoustically, magnetically or mechanically, as shown in Figure 7.

The order can be operated from a double point of view
ea) by modifying the quantities of cx and cy. For example, we have c = c = c. 2 P,
xy relation in which p = 0, 1, 2 ... = at the distance in mm between the support H of the point of the pencil or the stylet and the point S of the pencil or stylus of detection or sweeping (see figure 7) .

 To enter p, it is necessary to have a device for measuring distances, for example a pressure sensor or dynamometer M in conjunction with a spring F which serves to automatically adjust the distance with respect to the writing pressure. The evaluation of p can be associated with additional functions, for example the connection or disconnection of the cursor input, in case p exceeds in one direction or the other a certain value.

 eb) Using threshold value logic.

We have for example
Cx = c, If Ix'k - xkI> while in other cases cx = 0.

 Correspondingly, we adjust cy. (c and d are magnitudes that are fixedly set).

 Using such a threshold value logic, it is prevented that the position of the cursor "shakes in one direction and the other" between two neighboring matrix points, in the case where the tip of the pen or stylus detection or scan shows the two points of the pattern that correspond to the points of the frame, and an evaluation takes place.

 Only when the pen or pen has been moved by manual control of a distance that is likely to be selected, has the cursor been post-adjusted.

 To capture DIN-A4 format templates, using a single camera shot, the resolution of the standard type TV camera (525 or 625 lines per frame). is usually too weak. For a facsimile transmission, are normalized for example resolutions of 3.85 or 7.7 lines / mm corresponding to 1200 and 2400 lines / page DIN-A4-. Cameras with a resolution of the second group are of a cost price that is a multiple of that of a standard camera, cameras with the resolution of a third group are hardly likely to be manufactured at the moment , even if a DIN-A4 format is not scanned parallel to its shortest edge (as in the case of facsimile devices), but in the direction perpendicular to the previous one.

 Moreover, the resolution of a standard television is often sufficient for the capture of the full-page cursor, for example when one simply has to mark positions of signs of a text or the vertices of a section of the image, of the rates errors of a few percent of the diameter of the section being unimportant.

 To overcome the difficulties mentioned above, it is proposed, according to the invention, to implement 11 installation shown in Figure 8 or the device for entering the content of the image and the cursor positions, allowing on the one hand entering the position of the cursor with a single shot and secondly capturing the content of the image with maximum resolution.

For this purpose, and according to the invention, at least two cameras K1, K2 are used which can be set independently of each other on different contents of the image. It is advantageous to connect each of these two cameras with a monitor M1 and M2, each of which reproduces the corresponding image section, including the cursor, insofar as it is in the image section concerned. With the cameras K1, K2, as well as with the monitors Ml,
M2, is connected a process calculator P which supports, in addition to other tasks, the decoding of the cursor position from at least one of the output signals of the cameras K1, K2, as well as the cursor playback on Ml, M2 monitors.

 The cameras can be set to image sections of different magnitudes using a variable focus lens or by changing the distance between the camera and the model, and setting to different sections of the image may take place by moving the camera, preferably controlled by the process calculator P, after evaluating the positions of the cursor, in a plane parallel to the model, by moving an adjustable optics or by tilting the camera. But in the latter case, the image that is captured by the camera is distorted. This deformation can be corrected by a conversion of the corresponding coordinates. For such a conversion there is the process calculator P which is also provided for the programmed control of the camera.

 In Figure 8, there is shown a particular case of the arrangement described for cameras. In this view, the camera K1 acts as an overall camera and is mounted so that it can not be moved in the horizontal direction; using a variable focal lens Z1 it is set to the total part of the V model which is interesting, so that the cursor position is visible at any time. The camera K2 acts as a "partial picture camera", and also by means of a variable focal lens, this camera is set to an image band which extends parallel to the narrow side of the V model. , an image band that has about 1000 scanning lines and 1728 different image points per scan line. The camera is movable parallel to the plane of the model V. This movement is likely to be controlled by the process calculator P, so that, through a program, any image bands, even bands overlapping image can be captured by the K2 camera. On the M1 monitor you can recognize the whole of the interesting section of the image, as well as the position of the cursor, both with reduced precision, while on the monitor M2 you can recognize the image band, possibly with the position of the cursor, both with maximum precision. Cameras and monitors that operate according to the line-interleaving method, the odd-order scanning lines being recorded and represented in the first frame, and the scanning lines even orders being recorded and represented in the second frame, can be transformed or switched, without excessive technical means, to ensure that the two frames overlap. It is true that it reduces the resolution by half (only in the direction perpendicular to the direction of scan) but one thus doubles the frequency of the images, which makes disappear the troublesome flashing of the lines.

 The installation according to the invention can also benefit from installations modified in this way.

 The principle described, in particular the implementation of two cameras among which one captures all, interesting, the content of the image, while the second can be adjusted, by programmed control, to the partial content of the image, can also be advantageously used to capture cursor positions and image contents in the case of three-dimensional objects. In a restrictive manner, that is to say without incorporating the cursor, such an installation is known in the so-called image conference system, in which system is used, in addition to a general image camera (so-called camera). group), participant cameras - one camera per participant -. In such a system, the cursor, in conjunction with an overall picture monitor, opens up possibilities, mentioned above, for the processing of the images taken by the cameras. Moreover, it can be used for functions which are important in the case of collective meetings, for example the selection of a participant or functions of a participant (for example control of the cursor in the lower half of the face of a participant making audible his speech, control of the cursor in the neighborhood of an ear to send him a communication).

 In the case of three-dimensional models as in the case of flat models, several still-image cameras, which are permanently mounted, can replace an overall image camera, from the point of view of its function, each element image must then be captured by at least one camera.

In the case of flat models the camera Kî. for example, is set to the top half and the camera
K2 on the bottom half.

 Finally, a camera 8, which can be moved in the manner described above, can replace the two cameras K1, K2 in such a way that by means of a variable focus lens and advantageously controlled by calculator, and that by displacement, it can be adjusted alternately on the total range which is interesting of the model and on a part of it, chosen for example by means of the positioning of the cursor.

 Another possibility of application for the camera movable. and which can be combined with the possibility described above, lies in the capture or storage of a portion of the model that would be too large to be captured with sufficient accuracy, with a single camera image. For this purpose, the camera is moved manually, or by programmed control, in several. positions that correspond to neighboring or overlapping images. The images that are taken are transformed into electrical signals and are, optionally after prior processing, stored in a memory that is connected to the process calculator P.

 The processing consists, for example, in a modification of the order, as a function of the geometrical arrangement, of the image points or of the image elements which correspond to the values of the signals, being noted that only one only once overlapping image points, as well as to suppress deformations, especially in the marginal areas of the images that have been taken. In this regard, it is advantageous to take into account the known reproduction properties of the camera.

Claims (28)

 1. Installation for entering original models or images, comprising a scanning device that transforms the contents of a model, line by line, point by point or in any other usable format, into a scan signal that can be processed in a calculator and a marking device using which. sections of the model are susceptible to being marked, for example by the introduction of opposite major points, characterized in that at least one camera which can be developed by programmed control is provided for the scanning installation. on image sections which are in any part of the model (V), there is provided a process calculator (P) which produces the control signals by which the camera can be moved by programmed control in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the camera and that the marking device is constituted, for the introduction of the position of points of the model (V), by a stylus or pencil scanning or detection (G) which is used, for marking, directly on the model (V), and which is operatively connected to the process calculator (P) in order to transmit these signals for position introduction  2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the camera is a video camera made in the form of a vidicon.  3. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the camera is a video camera made in the form of a CCD camera.  4. Installation according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the camera is provided with a variable focus lens.  5. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two cameras are provided which are set on different sections of the model, which are adjacent to each other or which overlap.  6. Installation according to claims 1 to 3 taken together, characterized in that there is provided a fixed camera (K1) for the reproduction of the overall view of the model, and for this overview and for marking by section within the model (V), is set on the entire model <V), that there is provided a mobile camera (K2) with high resolving power, and which is likely to to be set, by programmed control, on an interesting section of the model, that the overview camera (K1) is connected with an overview monitor (M1) and the high resolution camera (K2) with a high-resolution monitor (M2), the overview monitor (M1) as well as the high-resolution monitor (M2) respectively providing the section of the model which has been marked with the marking device, -and that both the overview camera (K1) and the high-power camera r solution (K2) as well as the overview monitor (M1) and the high resolution monitor (M2) are connected to the process calculator (P) which, in addition to its other tasks, also performs a decoding the position of the pen tip or stylus for detection or scanning inside the model, that is, determining its coordinates from at least one of the output signals of the cameras (K1, K2), as well as the production of a Sut cursor, the monitors (M1, M2).  7. Installation according to claim 6, characterized in that the pen or stylus detection or scanning (G) is provided with a light tip (L) with which are contacted the points of the model which are at mark and which are therefore reported to the process calculator (P), via the scanning camera and high resolving power (K2).  8. Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the light tip (L) of the pen or stylus detection or scanning comprises a diffuse light source, very widely punctual, whose density. of brightness is greater than that of any of the points of the input surface, so that the position of the tip (L) can be localized by the analysis of the camera signal, using a threshold value detection device which is preferably provided in the process calculator (P).  9. Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the tip (L) of the pen or stylus detection or scanning comprises a light source whose brightness is modulated periodically, and whose location can be determined by an analysis corresponding camera signal.  10. Installation according to claim 9, characterized in that the period for the modulation of the light source is equal to twice the scanning period of the model.  11. Installation according to either of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the position of the tip (L) of the pen or stylus detection or scanning is determined by a sliding formation of the average value d an alternating series of complemented and unmodified reproductions, preferably using the process calculator (P), the tip (L) of the pen or stylus of detection or scanning being distinct from a luminosity environment almost uniform, in the form of a bright or dark point, depending on the complementation phase, in the image which is constituted by the sliding formation of the average value, whereby the scanning signal of the tip of the pencil or the detecting or scanning stylus detaches in the video signal which corresponds to the average value image in the form of a pulse or train of pulses which can or can be located by means of amean value detection, preferably arranged in the process calculator (P).  12. Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the tip of the pen or stylus detection or scanning (L) is provided with a light source which emits a light of a specific color that does not appear in the other part of the image or which appears there only with a sufficiently weak luminance.  13. Installation according to claim 12, characterized in that the position of the tip of the pen or the stylus detection or scanning (L) is determined from three primary color signals in the video signal.  14. Installation according to claim 12, characterized in that the position of the tip (L) of the pen or stylus detection or scanning is determined from the luminance signal and any two components of the chrominance signal in the signal video.  15. A method for implementing the installation according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the adjustment of the camera on sections of models of different sizes, is operated by moving the objective considered.  16. Process for the implementation of the installation according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the adjustment of the camera on sections of models of different dimensions is operated by adjusting the distance between the camera concerned and the model (V).  17. A method for implementing the installation according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the adjustment on different sections of the model is operated by moving the camera concerned, preferably using of the process calculator (P), according to the position evaluation of the pencil tip or stylus of detection or scanning in the plane which extends parallel to the model (V).  18. A method for implementing the installation according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by setting different sections of the model by tilting the camera concerned, preferably by means of a control by the process calculator (P), according to a position evaluation of the tip of the pen or the stylus of detection or scanning.  19. The method of claim 18, characterized in that a distortion of the corresponding image, which appears as a result of the tilting of the camera, is compensated by transforming the relevant coordinates of the image, using the Process Calculator (P).  20. A method for implementing the installation according to claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the camera, to be able to capture and possibly memorize part of the model which is too large to be grasped with sufficient accuracy with a single image, is moved manually or by programmed control in several positions which correspond to neighboring or overlapping images, and that the images which are respectively taken are converted into electrical signals which are stored, possibly after prior processing, in a memory that is connected to the process calculator (P).  Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the processing of the electrical signals consists of an order modification corresponding to the geometrical arrangement of the image points or picture elements which correspond to the values of the signals, the points overlapping images are considered only once, as well as in the removal of distortions, more particularly in the marginal areas of the reproduced images.  22. A method for implementing the installation according to claim 6, characterized in that to enter the position of the tip (L) of the pen or stylus detection or scanning with great accuracy, it is expected to do not round to integers the position coordinates (i, k) calculated by averaging.  23. A method for implementing the installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that from the position of the tip of the pen or the stylus detection or scanning is derived a cursor position .  24. The method of claim 22, characterized in that for incrementing the position of the cursor fractions of the frame distance, and starting from a set position in the scan frame, the determined keys of a keyboard are used. such that a key or a series of keys is associated with a determined increment, preferably in the x direction or in the y direction.  25. The method of claim 22, characterized in that for incrementing the position of the cursor fractions of the frame distance, and starting from a determined position in the scan frame, using keys determined from a keyboard such that a key or a series of keys is associated with a determined increment, preferably because the incremental increment occurs in a specified direction as long as a given key is depressed.  26. A method according to claim 22, characterized in that a dynamic incrementation is provided during which the position of the slider is set with delay, and that in such a way that the set position moves with a determined speed in the direction the position marked by the pen or stylus (G).  27. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that for the incremental increase of the position of the cursor, constants (-cx, cy) are chosen which are preferably equal to each other or in a certain ratio between them, said constants being controlled manually, for example by means of a pressure sensor fixed to the pen or stylus (G) or by the distance between the latter and the model.  28. A method for implementing the installation according to claim 6, characterized in that the two cameras (K1, K2) are replaced in such a way by a single camera that it is set with the aid of a variable and calculator-controlled lens, as well as by alternating movement over the whole of the interesting part and over a portion of the model (V) chosen for example by means of a cursor positioning device.