Abstract: Computer systems and methods are described for automatically generating a 3D model, including locating a geographical location of a structure using wire-frame data of the structure; obtaining, using the geographical location of the structure, geo-referenced images representing the geographic location of the structure and containing one or more real façade texture of the structure; locating a geographical position of one or more real façade texture of the structure; selecting one or more base oblique image from the geo-referenced images by analyzing, with selection logic, image raster content of the real façade texture depicted in the multiple geo-referenced images, the selection logic using a factorial analysis of the image raster content; and applying the real façade texture of the base oblique image to the wire-frame data of the structure to create a three dimensional model providing a real-life representation of physical characteristics of the structure.

Abstract: Image capture systems including a moving platform; an image capture device having a sensor for capturing an image, the image having pixels, mounted on the moving platform; and a detection computer executing an abnormality detection algorithm for detecting an abnormality in the pixels of the image immediately after the image is captured by scanning the image utilizing predetermined parameters indicative of characteristics of the abnormality and then automatically and immediately causing a re-shoot of the image.

Abstract: A computer system running image processing software receives an identification of a desired scene of a geographical area for which an oblique-mosaic image is desired including one or more geometry parameters of a virtual camera; creates a mathematical model of the virtual camera having mathematical values that define the camera geometry parameters that configure the model to capture the geographical area, and looking down at an oblique angle; creates a ground elevation model of the ground and vertical structures within the oblique-mosaic pixel map, wherein source images were captured at an oblique angle and compass direction similar to the oblique angle and compass direction of the virtual camera; and reprojects, with the mathematical model, source oblique image pixels of the overlapping source images for pixels included in the oblique-mosaic pixel map using the ground elevation model to thereby create the oblique-mosaic image of the geographical area.

Abstract: A method for automatically steering mosaic cut lines along preferred routes to form an output mosaic image includes creating an assignment map corresponding to the output mosaic image where each pixel has an initial designation of unassigned; marking each pixel of the assignment map that intersects the preferred routes as being a Preferred Cut Line pixel to divide the Assignment Map into one or more regions; searching for each region to locate one or more source images that cover that region; and using a Selection Heuristic or Pairing Heuristic to determine quality of coverage. The Preferred Cut Line pixels are redesignated to match the image assignments of their bounded regions, and the output mosaic image is formed by contributing pixel values from the source images based upon the designations set forth in the assignment map.

Abstract: A computerized system for displaying, geolocating, and taking measurements from captured oblique images includes a data file accessible by the computer system. The data file includes a plurality of image files corresponding to a plurality of captured oblique images, and positional data corresponding to the images. Image display and analysis software is executed by the system for reading the data file and displaying at least a portion of the captured oblique images. The software retrieves the positional data for one or more user-selected points on the displayed image, and calculates a separation distance between any two or more selected points. The separation distance calculation is user-selectable to determine various parameters including linear distance between, area encompassed within, relative elevation of, and height difference between selected points.

Abstract: An automated process for color-balancing a series of oblique images captured from one or more positions and from one or more orientations. The automated process includes the step of selecting a series of color-balanced images to use as reference images. Then, on an oblique image by image basis (1) a portion(s) of a reference image(s) that overlaps the oblique image is located, (2) multiple color-balancing transformations are created that approximately matches the color distribution of the oblique image to the color distribution of the overlapping portion(s) of the reference image(s), (3) pixels in the oblique image are transformed according to the multiple color-balancing transformations created for that oblique image; and (4) the transformed pixel value is transformed in the oblique image or a copy of the oblique image.

Abstract: A method for creating an oblique-mosaic image from a plurality of source images is disclosed. Initially, a desired area to be imaged and collected into an oblique-mosaic image is identified and then a mathematical model of a sensor of a virtual camera is created, where the virtual camera has an elevation greater than an elevation of the area to be imaged. The mathematical model has an oblique-mosaic pixel map for the sensor of the desired area. A surface location is determined for each pixel included in the oblique mosaic pixel map, and at least one source oblique image pixel of the area to be imaged is reprojected for each pixel included in the oblique-mosaic pixel map to thereby create an oblique-mosaic image of the desired geographical area. The at least one single oblique-mosaic image is visually pleasing and geographically accurate. Further, techniques for compensating for building lean in oblique-mosaic images are disclosed.

Abstract: A computerized system for displaying, geolocating, and taking measurements from captured oblique images includes a data file accessible by the computer system. The data file includes a plurality of image files corresponding to a plurality of captured oblique images, and positional data corresponding to the images. Image display and analysis software is executed by the system for reading the data file and displaying at least a portion of the captured oblique images. The software retrieves the positional data for one or more user-selected points on the displayed image, and calculates a separation distance between any two or more selected points. The separation distance calculation is user-selectable to determine various parameters including linear distance between, area encompassed within, relative elevation of, and height difference between selected points.