Image processor, image processing method, recording medium, computer program and semiconductor device

Abstract

An image processor is provided which utilizes images taken by an imaging device, e.g., a digital camera, as an input interface to enter commands, etc. A memory is operable to store in real time a series of images of a location captured by the imaging device over time. A detector detects a target captured in the series of images and a quantitative value of a movement component of the target by detecting differences between features of the captured series of images between points in time. An image generator is operable to generate an object image, the object image following a movement of the detected target and including an image representing a trace of the movement. An image generator generates a combined image from the object image and an image from the captured series of images. An output is operable to output in real time a signal representing the combined image at the location captured in the series of images.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 872,917 filed Jun. 21, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 971,962 filed Oct. 5, 2001, the disclosures of both of these applications being hereby incorporated by reference herein. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 971,962 is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2000-307574 filed Oct. 6, 2000, and 2001-295098 filed Sep. 26, 2001, the entire contents of these Japanese patent applications which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an image processing technology for using an image taken by an image pickup apparatus such as a video camera as an interface for inputting commands, etc. [0003] A keyboard, mouse, controller, etc. are input devices often used for a computer, video game machine, etc. The operator inputs d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an image processing technology that uses images captured by an image pickup device to enter commands and detect and track moving targets. The technology generates an object image that follows the movement of the target and includes an image representing the target's movement. The combined image is output in real-time and can be displayed on a predetermined display device. The technology can detect the target and quantify its movement, and can also detect and track multiple targets. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a more intuitive and efficient way to use images in image processing applications.

Problems solved by technology

For example, for a person who never touched the keyboard before, entering desired commands using the keyboard is quite troublesome and time-consuming, and prone to input errors due to mistyping from the keyboard.

However, images taken have not been used so far for a purpose such as entering commands to a computer, for example.

Images