Patents by Inventor Nobuo Kochi

Nobuo Kochi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20040234122
    Abstract: A surface shape measuring apparatus, comprising: a stereo-photographing part 3 for photographing an object 1 in stereo; a relative position changing part 4 for changing the positional relation between the stereo-photographing part 3 and the object 1; means 5 for storing stereo-photographing parameters in a plurality of directions from which the stereo-photographing part 3 photographs the object 1; a stereo-image generating means 6 for controlling the stereo-photographing part 3 to photograph the object 1 from the plurality of directions with the stored stereo-photographing parameters and generating stereo images of the object 1; and a surface shape processing means 7 for measuring the surface shape of the object 1 based on the stereo images of the object 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Nobuo Kochi, Hitoshi Otani, Satoru Niimura
  • Patent number: 6810142
    Abstract: A stereo image measuring device capable of facilitating determination as to the correctness of the result of stereo image corresponding point measurement is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Nobuo Kochi, Hitoshi Otani
  • Publication number: 20040202364
    Abstract: A calibration subject (11, 11B) for providing a reference dimension for use in measuring the surface shape of a measuring object to be photographed in stereo comprises an origin reference point target 110 corresponding to the origin position for three-dimensional measurement and reference targets (113, 113B) arranged in such a manner that at least six of them are included in each of stereo images photographed from a plurality of directions. The positions of the reference targets are determined in advance with respect to the origin reference point target 110.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi
  • Patent number: 6804389
    Abstract: An orthogonally projected image forming unit 1 forms an orthogonally projected image based on a photographed image. A direction specifying unit 2 enables the orthogonally projected image to be seen from a different viewpoint, and forms an orthogonally projected image seen from a different viewpoint. A feature extracting unit 3 extracts a feature from the orthogonally projected image. A symbol pasting unit 4 pastes a symbol to a drawing during plotting. A display unit 5 displays the formed orthogonally projected image, the orthogonally projected image formed by changing a viewpoint, the orthogonally projected image processed by the image feature extracting unit 3, and the symbol pasted by the symbol pasting unit 4, and so on. An I/O unit 6 inputs/outputs various image data or three-dimensional coordinate data from a three-dimensional coordinate input de-vice such as a survey instrument or the like to the other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: KabushikI Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Tadayuki Ito, Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi
  • Publication number: 20040131248
    Abstract: An image forming process for easily malting an image drawing (ortho-image) in an actual place while confirming it in real time. Measuring of control points (at least three points) is performed (S110), and preparation is made for forming an ortho-image based on image data thereof and survey data. Where photographing is carried out from a plurality of directions, additional image measuring is performed (S140). Then, ortho-image formation is performed on a PC (S160). Here, if a formed ortho-image is not what is desired, ortho-image correction is performed (S180). After a satisfactory image is obtained (S200), the process moves to a next area to be measured, and the same operation is repeated. On the other hand, unless a satisfactory image is obtained, additional image measuring (S140) is performed again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventors: Tadayuki Ito, Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi
  • Patent number: 6754378
    Abstract: An image forming process for easily making an image drawing (ortho-image) in an actual place while confirming it in real time. Measuring of control points (at least three points) is performed (S110), and preparation is made for forming an ortho-image based on image data thereof and survey data. Where photographing is carried out from a plurality of directions, additional image measuring is performed (S140). Then, ortho-image formation is performed on a PC (S160). Here, if a formed ortho-image is not what is desired, ortho-image correction is performed (S180). After a satisfactory image is obtained (S200), the process moves to a next area to be measured, and the same operation is repeated. On the other hand, unless a satisfactory image is obtained, additional image measuring (S140) is performed again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Tadayuki Ito, Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi
  • Publication number: 20040066454
    Abstract: A device for measuring data for calibration for obtaining data for calibration of a camera 2 capable of varying its optical conditions, wherein the data for calibration are obtained using a plurality of images of a calibration chart 1 having marks arranged thereon which were photographed with the camera 1 under varied optical conditions, comprising: a mark extracting part 131 for extracting the marks from the images of the chart; an internal parameter calculating part 134 for calculating data for calibration under optical conditions under which the images of the chart were photographed based on the positions of the marks extracted by the mark extracting part and a plurality of conditions under which the images of the chart were photographed; and an internal parameter function calculating part 160 for calculating data for calibration corresponding to the varied optical photographing conditions of the camera 2, using the data for calibration calculated in the internal parameter calculating part and a plurality
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: TOPCON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi, Takayuki Noma
  • Publication number: 20030174204
    Abstract: A stereo image displaying device comprising: a feature element specifying section 40 for specifying feature elements contained in a pair of stereo images taken with a stereo image taking section 10; an image controlling section 30 for controlling the stereo images based on the positions of the specified feature elements in the stereo images to provide finished stereo images; and a displaying section 60 for displaying the finished stereo images in stereovision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: TOPCON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi, Hiroyuki Aoki, Mitsuharu Yamada, Hirokazu Sato
  • Patent number: 6611664
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stereo image photographing system capable of easily obtaining a stable, highly reliable and accurate stereo image when three-dimensional measurement is carried out by a general camera. A photographing unit includes a camera and an omni-directional prism. By collimating the prism on the photographing unit, a measuring unit measures position data thereof (measured value). A photographing position calculating unit calculates a proper photographing position based on a photographing condition set by a condition setting unit. To realize coincidence or rough coincidence between the data of the position (measured value) of the photographing unit measured by the measuring unit and the data of the photographing position calculated by the photographing position calculating unit, a photographing control unit allows a movement control unit and a driving unit to move the photographing unit, and outputs a timing signal for photographing to the photographing unit and the measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Nobuo Kochi, Mituharu Yamada, Hitoshi Otani
  • Publication number: 20030004645
    Abstract: A device comprises: a shape measuring section 350 for measuring shape data from a pair of stereovision images of an object taken with an image taking section 220; a memory section 340 for storing target data related to the images of the object; an image display section 330 for superposing the paired stereovision images of the object and the stereovision target data image based on the target data and for displaying the images; and a comparison display processing section 360 for comparing the shape data of the object measured by the shape measuring section 350, with the target data and reflecting the results of the comparison on the superposed display on the image display section 330.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: TOPCON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobuo Kochi
  • Publication number: 20020191839
    Abstract: An image forming process for easily making an image drawing (ortho-image) in an actual place while confirming it in real time. Measuring of control points (at least three points) is performed (S110), and preparation is made for forming an ortho-image based on image data thereof and survey data. Where photographing is carried out from a plurality of directions, additional image measuring is performed (S140). Then, ortho-image formation is performed on a PC (S160). Here, if a formed ortho-image is not what is desired, ortho-image correction is performed (S180). After a satisfactory image is obtained (S200), the process moves to a next area to be measured, and the same operation is repeated. On the other hand, unless a satisfactory image is obtained, additional image measuring (S140) is performed again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventors: Tadayuki Ito, Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi
  • Publication number: 20020181764
    Abstract: A preferred shape measuring apparatus comprises a characteristic pattern extracting portion, in accordance with a pair of first images of a subject for measurement having characteristic patterns serving as references provided thereon in different angles and a pair of second images of the subject for measurement having no characteristic patterns serving as references provided thereon in the same angles as with the fist images, for calculating the difference between the first image and the second image taken in each direction thereby obtaining the characteristic patterns, positional relationship calculating portion for obtaining a positional relationship between the pair of the first images or the pair of the second images on the basis of the difference images obtained in the characteristic pattern extracting portion, a stereo model forming portion, in accordance with the positional relationship obtained in the positional relationship calculating portion, for mutually relating the fist images or the second imag
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi
  • Publication number: 20020179812
    Abstract: An electron beam device according to the present invention is made up of an electron beam source for emitting an electron beam, an electron optical system for irradiating the electron beam onto a specimen, a specimen holder for holding the specimen, a specimen tilting section for producing relative tilt angles between the specimen holder and the electron beam, an electron beam detecting section for detecting electron beam emitted from the specimen, and a data correcting section for correcting the three-dimensional detection data to have specified relationship under the condition of a relative tilt angle between the specimen holder and the electron beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: TOPCON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuo Kochi, Hirotami Koike
  • Patent number: 6442293
    Abstract: An image forming process for easily making an image drawing (ortho-image) in an actual place while confirming it in real time. Measuring of control points (at least three points) is performed (S110), and preparation is made for forming an ortho-image based on image data thereof and survey data. Where photographing is carried out from a plurality of directions, additional image measuring is performed (S140). Then, ortho-image formation is performed on a PC (S160). Here, if a formed ortho-image is not what is desired, ortho-image correction is performed (S180). After a satisfactory image is obtained (S200), the process moves to a next area to be measured, and the same operation is repeated. On the other hand, unless a satisfactory image is obtained, additional image measuring (S140) is performed again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Tadayuki Ito, Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi
  • Patent number: 6442292
    Abstract: A preferred shape measuring apparatus comprises a characteristic pattern extracting portion, in accordance with a pair of first images of a subject for measurement having characteristic patterns serving as references provided thereon in different angles and a pair of second images of the subject for measurement having no characteristic patterns serving as references provided thereon in the same angles as with the fist images, for calculating the difference between the first image and the second image taken in each direction thereby obtaining the characteristic patterns, positional relationship calculating portion for obtaining a positional relationship between the pair of the first images or the pair of the second images on the basis of the difference images obtained in the characteristic pattern extracting portion, a stereo model forming portion, in accordance with the positional relationship obtained in the positional relationship calculating portion, for mutually relating the fist images or the second imag
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi
  • Publication number: 20020012460
    Abstract: A stereo image measuring device capable of facilitating determination as to the correctness of the result of stereo image corresponding point measurement is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventors: Nobuo Kochi, Hitoshi Otani
  • Publication number: 20020001406
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a stereo image measuring device capable of carrying out high-speed and highly reliable three-dimensional measurement for a stereo image, easily correcting any omitted measurement, measurement errors or the like, and achieving a much higher speed, efficiency and reliability for measurement as a whole. A survey instrument measures a number of control points on site. A camera is, for example a digital camera, a film camera or the like. A control point search unit executes correlation between a control point measured beforehand by the instrument survey and an image. A search area setting unit sets a search area to be used for image correlation processing based on the control points correlated by the control point search unit, and sets respective data blocks, i.e., a reference data block and a search data block. An arithmetic operation unit executes orientation calculation, and image correlation processing (stereo matching) for the search area set by the search area setting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventors: Nobuo Kochi, Hitoshi Otani, Tadayuki Ito
  • Publication number: 20010055484
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stereo image photographing system capable of easily obtaining a stable, highly reliable and accurate stereo image when three-dimensional measurement is carried out by a general camera. A photographing unit includes a camera and an omni-directional prism. By collimating the prism on the photographing unit, a measuring unit measures position data thereof (measured value). A photographing position calculating unit calculates a proper photographing position based on a photographing condition set by a condition setting unit. To realize coincidence or rough coincidence between the data of the position (measured value) of the photographing unit measured by the measuring unit and the data of the photographing position calculated by the photographing position calculating unit, a photographing control unit allows a movement control unit and a driving unit to move the photographing unit, and outputs a timing signal for photographing to the photographing unit and the measuring unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventors: Nobuo Kochi, Mituharu Yamada, Hitoshi Otani
  • Patent number: 6141439
    Abstract: An apparatus for image measurement comprises a data setting portion for taking up one of a pair of stereoscopic images as a reference image and the other as a searched image and establishing a reference data block in the reference image and a searched data block in the searched image, a correspondence determining portion for determining correspondence between the reference data block and the searched data block, a data magnification changing portion for changing the magnification of image of the data in the reference data block according to the magnification of image of searched data in the searched image, and an image measuring portion for performing image measurement according to the output of the correspondence determining portion. The correspondence determining portion determines the correspondence by using the reference data block, of which the magnification of data has been changed in the magnification changing portion, and the searched data block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Takumi Yoshida, Nobuo Kochi, Masumori Chida, Tadayuki Ito
  • Patent number: 6005974
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for extracting feature information from images of an object. The images of the object include a first in-focus image and a second soft focus image. The apparatus includes an optical system that includes at least one common image forming optical element. The optical system forms the first image and the second image of the object in different focus conditions. A photosensitive sensor converts the first image and the second image formed by the optical system to first and second image signals. An extracting feature device extracts the feature information of the object from a difference between the first image signals and the second image signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Topcon Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuo Kochi, Shin-ichi Nakamura, Hitoshi Otani, Takayuki Noma