Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 User Manual

Logitech Reviewer’s Guide: QuickCam Pro 9000 and QuickCam Pro for Notebooks –
Page 5
Logitech Video Effects: Avatars, Face Accessories and Fun Filters
The innovative Logitech Video Effects software allows people to completely transform
themselves. And Logitech Video Effects software works with all popular webcam
applications, including MSN® Messenger Video Conversation, AOL® Instant
Messenger™ (AIM®) and Yahoo!® Messenger.
Logitech Avatars
Avatars have become popular in some
instant messaging applications, allowing
people to build characters that become their
online identity. These characters can be
commanded to make certain expressions,
such as smiling or frowning, with keystrokes
on the computer. Video Effects avatars are
different – Logitech’s avatars mimic the
physical movement of the webcam user
during a live video communications session.
The innovation behind Video Effects avatars starts with Logitech’s advanced face
tracking software. The software identifies 22 points on a face based on algorithms that
spot various shapes, colors and movements. Those 22 points – around the eyebrows,
eyes, nose and mouth – are then translated into coordinates that become instructions for
the animated avatars. The actual video of the webcam user is then replaced with the
output of a three-dimensional avatar. The entire process takes place in a matter of
milliseconds.
Logitech Face Accessories
Video Effects face accessories use the same fundamental technology as the
avatars – with a few variations. Instead of using 22 points to identify
expressions, the software tracks 14 or 8 points on a face. Those points
become anchors for the various animated accessories – a hat, for example,
would use anchor points around the eyebrows to define its location, whereas
a mustache would use anchor points around the mouth. The animated
accessories are then scaled and rotated, depending on the position of the
anchor points. Unlike the avatars, the original source video is kept intact and
the animated accessory is overlaid on top of the image. The combination is
then sent to the video application.
Logitech Fun Filters
Logitech Fun Filters create an outline around any object visible in the image, such as the
caller’s face, chair or office furniture. With the simple click of a button, people can
change their image to one of twelve fun filters, giving their image a fish eye, neon light or
chalkboard-looking effect.

Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 Specifications

General

Maximum frame rate	30 fps
Maximum video resolution	1600 x 1200 pixels
Minimum processor	Pentium P4 1, 4 GHz
Minimum storage drive space	200 MB
Interface	USB
Cable length	1.8 m
Product color	Black, Silver
Minimum RAM	128 MB
Minimum system requirements	CD-ROM