Jordan C Christoff

US Patent:

6518998, Feb 11, 2003

Filed:

Jun 9, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/094232

Inventors:

Jordan C. Christoff - Santa Barbara CA
Douglas A. Golay - Coon Rapids IA

Assignee:

Integra Medical - Camarillo CA

International Classification:

H04N 5225

US Classification:

3482161, 348 66, 348 69, 348677, 348678, 348696

Abstract:

A video camera and imaging system having signal processing circuitry configured to change the black level (pedestal) of a video signal in response to comparing an overall system gain (for instance, a gain value and the electronic exposure time of the image sensor) to a threshold value. The change helps to automatically obtain brighter and more detailed images, particularly with imaging systems which are optimized for intraoral (dental) imaging but are also used to capture a headshot of the patents smile or face.

US Patent:

6574363, Jun 3, 2003

Filed:

Nov 12, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/438405

Inventors:

Brian J. Classen - Saskatchewan, CA
Jordan C. Christoff - Santa Barbara CA

Assignee:

Flexi-Coil Ltd. - Saskatoon

International Classification:

G06K 900

US Classification:

382165, 382110

Abstract:

A method of identifying pixels of a given color in a field of YUV video manipulates color difference signals (R-Y, B-Y) corresponding to defining axes (U,V) of a color space to maximize the video signal in a region of interest of the space, and minimize the signal in all other regions. Additionally, the color difference signal corresponding to one axis may be rotated toward the other axis, or the entire color space may be rotated to bring the region of interest onto or near one of the axes. The signal gains and rotations may be carried out in the signal processing circuits ( ) of a conventional color camera ( ) so that only one comparator ( ) is needed to detect the target color. After rotation and application of gain, the color difference signal defining the region of interest is compared with a threshold value to determine if a pixel is of the target color. A video camera may be mounted on an agricultural sprayer to detect green weeds on the brown soil, by identifying the green pixels in the image captured while the sprayer travels in the field. A spray material may be released upon the weed, once the weed is detected.

US Patent:

6930710, Aug 16, 2005

Filed:

Nov 12, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/438406

Inventors:

Brian J. Classen - Saskatoon, CA
Jordan C. Christoff - Santa Barbara CA, US

Assignee:

CNH Canada, Ltd. - Racine WI

International Classification:

H04N009/73

US Classification:

3482231, 348362

Abstract:

A color enhancement method for use in a video camera imaging system () in the context of non-uniform lighting includes an adaptive algorithm () for developing a shutter speed control signal, analog gain control signal and color balance signals from pixel luminance over one field of video. The control signals developed during one field are used to control the camera () during the next field. The speed control signal and analog signal are determined based on the luminance signal obtained in digital form from the video camera, and analyzed over at least one field of video. During one field, the speed control signal and the analog gain signal target dark areas of the image and during the next field they target the bright areas of the image so that, over two fields, every pixel is within a workable range of luminance in at least one of two alternate fields. As the color balance settings for the fields are adjusted according to the exposure settings and the luminance level, consistent hue values are maintained between alternate fields. Additionally, a pixel color detection circuit () examines each pixel from the video camera () to determine whether it is in a color region of interest.

US Patent:

7492411, Feb 17, 2009

Filed:

May 24, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/136683

Inventors:

Brian J. Classen - Saskatoon, CA
Jordan C. Christoff - Santa Barbara CA, US

Assignee:

CNH Canada, Ltd.

International Classification:

H04N 5/235
H04N 5/222

US Classification:

348362, 348372

Abstract:

A color enhancement method for use in a video camera imaging system in the context of non-uniform lighting includes an adaptive algorithm for developing a shutter speed control signal, analog gain control signal and color balance signals from pixel luminance over one field of video. The control signals developed during one field are used to control the camera during the next field. The speed control signal and analog signal are determined based on the luminance signal obtained in digital form from the video camera, and analyzed over at least one field of video.

US Patent:

20020140824, Oct 3, 2002

Filed:

Mar 29, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/112555

Inventors:

Jordan Christoff - Santa Barbara CA, US
David Holmes - Goleta CA, US

International Classification:

H04N009/04

US Classification:

348/216100

Abstract:

A video camera and method therefore for use in a low light environment. A video image capturing element captures an image in the low light environment and generates a low light image signal corresponding to the captured image. A video processing unit is electrically coupled to the video image capturing element. The video processing unit has a memory for storing a raw digitized version of the low light image signal and a signal processing device electrically coupled to the memory. The signal processing device reads the raw digitized version of the low light image signal from the memory at a rate corresponding to a full rate signal and converts the raw digitized version of the low light image signal into a displayable video signal. The camera and method of the invention are well suited for use in a closed circuit television surveillance environment.

US Patent:

20030090578, May 15, 2003

Filed:

Nov 15, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/295594

Inventors:

Glenn Waehner - Fresno CA, US
Jordan Christoff - Santa Barbara CA, US

Assignee:

Pelco

International Classification:

H04N005/76
H04N005/225

US Classification:

348/231100, 386/093000

Abstract:

The present invention is a circuit for use with a video camera that extends the dynamic range of the camera allowing a limited-range output device to see brighter and darker portions of an image at the same time, and also increasing the low-light sensitivity of the camera, which is of great value in a security application. The circuit of the present invention matches the output dynamic range of a CCD imager to an ADC and subsequent DSP/ASIC by using a logarithmic function to fit a wider input dynamic range onto a narrower output dynamic range.

US Patent:

56965532, Dec 9, 1997

Filed:

Feb 23, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/393284

Inventors:

David A. D'Alfonso - Goleta CA
Jordan C. Christoff - Santa Barbara CA

Assignee:

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. - New York NY

International Classification:

H04N 5232

US Classification:

348211

Abstract:

A video camera of the type in which the camera head is detached from the camera control unit, and coupled to the same with a cable is provided. The driving circuitry for the imager is situated at the camera head. Compensation circuitry is included to adjust the phase relationship between the timing signals passed to and from the camera control unit over the cable to at least partly compensate for delay through the cable.

US Patent:

54283868, Jun 27, 1995

Filed:

Aug 24, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/934815

Inventors:

David A. D'Alfonso - Goleta CA
Jordan C. Christoff - Santa Barbara CA

Assignee:

Envision Medical Corporation - Goleta CA

International Classification:

H04N 1302

US Classification:

348 45

Abstract:

A remote endoscopic video camera system is provided which is capable of providing both left and right eye pre-video signals for generating a three-dimensional image. The left and right eye pre-video signals are provided by first and second imagers which are capable of being enclosed in a single camera head, which, in turn, is capable of being coupled to the remaining camera circuitry through a single cable, without causing substantial interference between the two imagers.