Projected Scale On Object Patents (Class 348/136)
  • Publication number: 20140240492
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a modulated light projector to project an infrared light pattern and an image sensor. The image sensor includes an array of photosensors and a filter array overlying the array of photosensors. The filter array comprises a mosaic of color filter elements and infrared filter elements, each color filter element overlying a corresponding photosensor of a first subset of photosensors and each infrared filter element overlying a corresponding photosensor of a second subset of photosensors. The electronic device further includes a controller to, in a first mode, control the image sensor to capture a color image using the first subset of photosensors and, in a second mode, control the image sensor to capture a depth image representing a reflection of the infrared light pattern using the second subset of photosensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventor: Johnny C. Lee
  • Patent number: 8817099
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein comprise a system and method for improving visibility of a roadway using an improved visibility system. The method comprising receiving data from a plurality of fog detectors located proximate a roadway and determining, based on the data from the plurality of fog detectors, that fog is present about the roadway. The method further comprising obtaining, after the determining that fog is present about the roadway, a plurality of images of the roadway by activating a plurality of cameras located proximate the roadway. The method further comprising creating a composite image by combining two or more of the plurality of images, wherein the composite image depicts the roadway unobstructed by fog and transmitting the composite image to a display device located in a vehicle traveling along the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Giuseppe Longobardi
  • Patent number: 8817111
    Abstract: This invention provides a calibration system and method for multi-unit display systems without a need for switching the system input resolution/configuration of the display system while calibrating. This serves to avoid carrying out a re-synchronization step. As such, this system and method allows for increases speed and reduced likelihood of failure. This system and method also corrects the display system by providing an arrangement that employs a minimum of required changes so as to avoid any changes that can consequently affect the output image of the display system. Calibration of the system of display units occurs free of any changes to the input resolution and this resolution is maintained in a manner that resists change unless specifically required. Moreover, this system and method enables a resolution for the overall system that differs from the sum of the input resolutions of the discrete, individual display units in the collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Scalable Display Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Miaw, Rajeev J. Surati, Kevin Amaratunga, Samson J. Timoner, Tyler M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140211000
    Abstract: A mechanism for efficiently loading rows of an N×N transform matrix HN into a signal-modulating array. A row index m(i) that identifies a row r[m(i)] of HN is generated, where i is in the range {0, 1, . . . , L?1}; L is less than or equal to B; and m(i) is in the range {0, 1, . . . , B?1}. HN has the form HN=HFHB. HF is an F×F matrix, and HB is a B×B matrix. denotes the Kronecker product. The row r[m(i)] of HN is generated and loaded into the array. For each k in the range {1, 2, . . . , F?1}, a row r[m(i)+kB] from HN is partially loaded into the array by: loading a first subset of elements of row r[m(i)+kB] that are not currently present in the array, and not loading a second subset of elements of row r[m(i)+kB] that are currently present in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: InView Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew A. Herman
  • Publication number: 20140204179
    Abstract: A depth-sensing camera system includes a common sensor configured to record color and infrared data from a target, an infrared illuminant that projects infrared light on the target, and a control logic that switches a mode of operation of the camera between a color mode and an infrared mode. When the camera system is in the infrared mode, the infrared illuminant operates to project the infrared light on the target and when in the color mode, the infrared illuminant is disabled. The camera system also includes a color buffer for storing color chroma and luma values and a depth buffer for storing infrared luma data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Lee Warren Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20140198207
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tilt sensor for a device, comprising a tank receiving a flowable medium, wherein the position of the medium relative to the tank depends on the tilt, and the tank comprises a polygonal, in particular triangular, or an elliptical, in particular circular base, a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating projections of at least one part of a boundary of the medium, at least two detectors for detecting one of the projections, respectively, and for converting same into signals, wherein the detectors each comprise a detecting direction and the detecting directions of the detectors are disposed at angles to each other, and further comprising an analysis unit for determining the tilt in two axes from the signals of the at least two detectors, wherein the tilt is determined jointly for the two axes from a combination of the signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heinz Lippuner, Bernhard Metzler, Werner Amann
  • Publication number: 20140192187
    Abstract: A portable coordinate measuring machine for measuring the coordinates of an object in space is provided including a manually positionable articulated arm portion having a plurality of connected arm segments that include position transducers that provide position signals. A probe assembly connected to an arm segment includes a non-contact measurement device having a projector and a camera separated by a baseline distance. The projector includes a light source that emits a line of light. The camera includes an image sensor having an array of pixels that receives the light reflected from the object in a sensor plane. A first processor of the camera, coupled to the image sensor, determines centroids from the received light. A second processor coupled to the first processor determines three-dimensional coordinates of points on the object based at least in part on the centroids provided by the processor, the positions, and the baseline distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Faro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Atwell, Frederick John York, Clark H. Briggs
  • Patent number: 8773529
    Abstract: A projector (1) for imaging an original image on a projection area (5) includes projection optics (2) having an adjustable image width (L) for imaging the original image on the projection area (5). A camera device (6) is used for imaging the projection area (5) and generating a projection area image. A comparison device (12) compares the original image with the projection area image and adjusts the image width (L) of the projection optics (2) as a function of the comparison such that the comparison device (12) is configured to determine the position of the original image in the projection area image. The position of the original image in the projection area image is then used as a measure for determining the image width of the projection optics (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sypro Optics GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Kieβhauer
  • Publication number: 20140184791
    Abstract: An optical image capturing module and an alignment method and an observation method for an upper substrate and a lower substrate using the optical image capturing module are provided. The upper substrate and the lower substrate are disposed opposite. The alignment method includes the following steps of: emitting a light ray; filtering the light ray and dividing the light ray into a light ray at first wavelength and a light ray at second wavelength, whereby the light ray at first wavelength irradiates a pattern on the upper substrate, and the light ray at second wavelength irradiates a pattern on the lower substrate; reflecting the pattern on the upper substrate to an image capturing device; reflecting the pattern on the lower substrate to the image capturing device; and determining the positions of the pattern on the upper substrate and the pattern on the lower substrate on the image capturing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: METAL INDUSTRIES RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
    Inventors: SHI-WEI LIN, CHUN-MING YANG, CHIH-CHIN WEN, CHORNG-TYAN LIN
  • Patent number: 8736774
    Abstract: A chart generation unit generates an adjustment chart, and a projection unit projects the adjustment chart onto a circular cylinder. A parameter acquiring unit acquires 12 parameters in total, relating to the positions of four corners and middle points of a top side and a bottom side of a chart and lateral expansion of the chart, the chart being input by a user through manipulations of an operation unit. A transform function determination unit calculates, from the total of 12 parameters, an accurate transform function for projecting an image onto the circular cylinder. An image conversion unit applies geometric transformation to the image based on the calculated transform function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Narikawa
  • Patent number: 8730321
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for insuring the proper alignment of a detected vein pattern and a projected vein pattern are disclosed. The apparatus enhances the visual appearance of veins so that an error that can lead to improper patient care or injury can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Vincent Luciano, Fred Wood
  • Publication number: 20140132760
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring line width, for capturing an image of a pattern to be measured. The apparatus for measuring line width includes at least: a first backlight source and a second backlight source, the first backlight source and the second backlight source being disposed respectively under the pattern to be measured and projecting backlight onto the pattern to be measured; an image capturing device, disposed above the pattern to be measured for capturing the image of the pattern. As such, the present invention effectively avoids causing shadows and improves the precision of image capturing of the image capturing device, as well as reduces the number of required light sources to reduce the cost of modification and maintenance of the apparatus for measuring line width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8723950
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the fit of a modular window assembly into a simulated vehicle body opening includes a base member, a vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator mounted to the base member, one or more light sources disposed in the vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator and one or more devices for securing the vehicle window to the vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator. A method of utilizing the apparatus is also a part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventor: Brian Hertel
  • Publication number: 20140118538
    Abstract: A method for measuring the height of an object, including projecting a light pattern having successive coded picture elements extending in a direction of a transversal axis onto the object by a light source. Each of the picture elements has at least one coding feature and the picture elements together define a code word. The picture element groups from a sequence of a predetermined number of successive picture elements each define individual partial code words, existing exactly once within the code word. Capturing the light pattern by a picture sensor arranged off-set to the light source. Determining the positions of the picture element groups and determining the height of the object the determined position of the picture element groups in comparison to a respective reference position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: VITRONIC Dr.-Ing. Stein Bildverarbeitungssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Burghard Hoffmann, Ingo Tzschichholtz
  • Patent number: 8704902
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are provided for displaying an image device subject command on an imaging device. The imaging device receives an image device subject command from a user. The image device subject command instructs an action to be performed by a subject being recorded by the imaging device. The imaging device identifies a visual representation that correlates to the image device subject command. The imaging device displays the visual representation of the subject command on a display associated with the imaging device. The visual representation directs the subject being recorded to perform the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Indran Naick, Clifford J. Spinac, Calvin L. Sze
  • Publication number: 20140104417
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system of measuring a warpage and a method of measuring a warpage. The system of measuring a warpage of a sample by analyzing an image photographed by the camera using light that is diffused from a light source and reflected on a surface of a sample and is arrived at the camera through a reference grating part, the system includes: an intake part that removes a fume generated from the sample. By this configuration, it is possible to measure the warpage while effectively removing the fume generated from the sample according to the increase in the temperature of the sample at the time of measuring the warpage, thereby improving the accuracy of the warpage measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Wan WOO, Young Nam HWANG, Po Chul KIM, Kyung Ho LEE, Suk Jin HAM
  • Publication number: 20140104418
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprising; projection means for projecting a first or second pattern each having a bright and dark portions onto a target object as a projection pattern; and image capturing means for imaging the target object on an image sensor as a luminance distribution. The luminance distribution has a first luminance value corresponding to the bright portion and a second luminance value corresponding to the dark portion, the first and second patterns have an overlapping portion where positions of the bright or dark portion overlap, a first luminance distribution corresponding to the first pattern and a second luminance distribution corresponding to the second pattern have an intersection at which the luminance distributions have the same luminance value, and the luminance value at the intersection differs from an average value of the first and second luminance values by a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshinori Ando
  • Patent number: 8698963
    Abstract: A projection system and an operation method thereof are provided. The projection system includes a video and audio source, an image duplication unit, a plurality of image segmentation units, and a plurality of projectors. The video and audio source receives a sum image parameter, and provides a non-standard format image. The image duplication unit receives and sends one of sum image parameters to the video and audio source. The image segmentation units provide the same sum image parameters, though only one is transmitted to the video and audio source through the image duplication unit. Each of the image segmentation units receives the non-standard format image, and segments a part of the non-standard format image as a standard format image, where the standard format images are partially overlapped with each other. The projectors are respectively coupled to the corresponding image segmentation unit, and display according to the corresponding standard format image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Jyun-Lin Cian, Jui-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 8682469
    Abstract: A first servomotor drives a first portion in a moving radius rotational direction. A second portion is supported by the first portion such that the second portion is movable in a moving radius direction. A second servomotor drives the second portion in the moving radius direction. The second portion supports a tool for processing a work. A control device generates measurement data indicating relationships between coordinates in the moving radius rotational direction of a plurality of points on a reference surface of the work and distances from the plurality of points to a distance sensor based on a distance signal from the distance sensor, determines a coordinate range in the moving radius rotational direction of a step formed on the reference surface based on the measurement data, generates control data indicating a locus of the tool based on the measurement data and the step coordinate range, and numerically controls the first and second servomotors based on the control data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8681217
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus including: an insertion portion which is inserted into a device under inspection; a projection unit which projects light which forms a striped pattern onto an object inside the device, the striped pattern includes a plurality of linear patterns used to measures the object by a phase shift method; an imaging unit which is provided in the insertion portion and images the object onto which the striped pattern is projected and generates image data; a generation unit which generates first image data forming a first image not including the striped pattern and second image data forming a second image including the striped pattern from the image data generated by the imaging unit; a designation unit which designates a position in the first image based on an instruction input through an input device; a display unit which displays the first image and the second image and displays a mark at the position in the first image designated by the designation unit; and a measurement unit which measures t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Fumio Hori
  • Patent number: 8670038
    Abstract: A projection display device adapted to display a projection image based on external image data input externally, includes: a projection section; an image data storage section adapted to store projection image data; an image control section adapted to execute an image data obtaining process; an image capturing section adapted to capture a projection area including the projection surface to generate a captured image; and a correction amount determination section adapted to execute a correction amount determination process for determining a correction amount, wherein the image control section halts the image data obtaining process during a period in which the correction amount determination section is executing the correction amount determination process, and after the correction amount determination process is terminated, makes the projection section display a temporary projection image obtained by correcting an image data previously stored in the image data storage section, and resumes the image data obtaining
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shiki Furui
  • Patent number: 8670030
    Abstract: A photographing device includes a pressure sensor that detects a pressure received by the photographing device; a detection unit that detects whether the photographing device is placed in the water or in the air; and a storage unit that stores image information. A controller of the photographing device starts an operation of generating time-series pressure data on the basis of an output of the pressure sensor when a first state, in which the photographing device is placed from the air into the water, is detected. The controller stops the operation of generating the time-series pressure data when a second state, in which the photographing device is placed from the water into the air, is detected, associate the image file stored in the storage unit from the first state to the second state with the time-series pressure data, and store again the image file in the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventor: Takaomi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8659653
    Abstract: A device for evaluating the appearance of the surface of a tire (P) comprising a color linear camera (1) comprising means (14, 15, 16) for separating the light beam (F) reflected by the surface of said tire (P) and entering the camera (1) into at least two base colors (R, G, B) of given wavelength, so as to direct the light beam to as many sensors (11, 12, 13) capable of obtaining a basic image in gray level (41, 42, 43) for each of the base colors, as many lighting means (21, 22, 23) as base colors, said lighting means being oriented so as to light the surface to be evaluated at different angles, characterized in that each of the lighting means (21, 22, 23) emits a colored light (R, G, B) that differs from that of the other lighting means, and the wavelength of which corresponds substantially to the wavelength of one of the base colors selected by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Alexandre Joly, Jean-Paul Zanella
  • Publication number: 20140043474
    Abstract: A measuring device and corresponding method for measuring a measurement object, comprising an illumination device for illuminating the measurement object with an illumination pattern, a pattern generation device with at least one pattern generating element for bringing about a positionally variant intensity distribution of the illumination pattern, and an optical sensor arrangement for detecting the illumination pattern reflected and/or scattered by the measurement object. The measuring device has an optics which is telecentric at least on the measurement object side and is arranged in a beam path from the illumination device to the measurement object. The optical sensor arrangement detects the illumination pattern through at least one part of the telecentric optics. The pattern generating device is designed in such a way that the illumination pattern has a positionally and/or spectrally variant vertex focal length distribution on the measurement object side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Peter WESTPHAL, Thomas ENGEL
  • Publication number: 20140028801
    Abstract: Illumination of an object with spectral structured light, and spectral measurement of light reflected therefrom, for purposes which include derivation of a three-dimensional (3D) measurement of the object, such as depth and/or contours of the object, and/or for purposes which include measurement of a material property of the object, such as by differentiating between different types of materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: SIU-KEI TIN
  • Publication number: 20140028837
    Abstract: Systems and methods of determining object dimensions of objects passed through a read zone of an automated data reader are disclosed. A system can include a data reader to read an optical code disposed on the objects, a transport mechanism, an object measurement system to measure dimensions of objects that are transported by the transport mechanism, a light plane generator to project a light plane that produces a light stripe on an object, and a camera to capture image data of objects and a light stripe thereon that can be processed to determine a deviation of a light stripe relative to an optical center within the image data. A deviation from the optical center is used to determine one or more dimensions of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: WenLiang Gao, Bryan L. Olmstead, Alan Shearin
  • Patent number: 8633983
    Abstract: A feature detection apparatus and method for obtaining in a defined area of interest a parametric shape based on a selected combination of parameter values, constituting an approximation to an object feature. The feature detection apparatus includes an input unit for receiving at least two area indicator lines for defining in a digital image an area of interest, a parameter range defining unit for defining ranges of at least two parameters of a parametric shape, for which the parametric shape intersects at least one of the area indicator lines; a parameter selection unit for selecting a combination of parameter values from the parameter ranges, for which the parametric shape constitutes an approximation to an object feature of the object in the area of interest; and an output unit for providing the parametric shape based on said combination of parameter values for a display in the digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Kludas, Nick Mein, Brendon Swann
  • Publication number: 20140015963
    Abstract: A portable instrument for 3D surface metrology projects augmented-reality feedback directly on the measured target surface. The instrument generates structured-light measuring-patterns and projects them successively on a target surface. Features, contours, and textures of the target surface distort each projected measuring-pattern image (MPI) from the original measuring-pattern. The instrument photographs each MPI, extracts measurement data from the detected distortions, and derives a result-image from selected aspects of the measurement data. The instrument warps the result-image to compensate for distortions from the projector or surface and projects the result-image on the measured surface, optionally with other information such as summaries, instrument status, menus, and instructions. The instrument is lightweight and rugged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: 8 TREE LLC
    Inventor: Erik Klaas
  • Publication number: 20130329041
    Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of orientation estimation of a mobile device. For example, a mobile device may include an orientation estimator to detect a pattern in at least one image captured by the mobile device, and based on one or more geometric elements of the detected pattern, to determine one or more orientation parameters related to an orientation of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Uri Schatzberg, Yuval Amizur, Leor Banin
  • Patent number: 8605150
    Abstract: An image processing system includes an object illuminated by a pre-determined first spectrum of light and an array of fringe lines, an imaging device configured to capture an image of the object including the first spectrum of light and the fringe lines reflecting from a surface of the object, and a processor in signal communication with the imaging device to receive an input data representing the image of the object, wherein the processor: generates a first data model based on the input data; removes a DC-component from the first data model to create a second data model; and performs a two dimensional Fourier transform profilometry based on the second data model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hoft
  • Patent number: 8581978
    Abstract: A geodetic apparatus for performing measurements using a target and a method for controlling the geodetic apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a detector for measuring a position of the target relative to a sighting axis of the apparatus, a light emitter for outputting to an outside of the geodetic apparatus a first cone of light having a first wavelength and a second cone of light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and a controller connected to both the detector and the light emitter. The first cone of light overlaps with the second cone of light at the distance of one meter from the apparatus by at least 30%. The controller is configured to control the light emitter based on the detected position of the target to output at least one of the first cone of light and the second cone of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Jena GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Kludas
  • Publication number: 20130286196
    Abstract: A laser line probe (LLP) configured to measure an object is provided. The LLP includes a projector, a camera, a bracket, and an electronic circuit. The projector includes a light source, a first lens system and a continuously varying neutral density filter. The projector is configured for generating a line of light having a substantially even intensity distribution and for projecting the line of light onto the object. The camera includes a second lens system and a photosensitive array. The second lens system is configured to collect the light reflected by or scattered off the object as a first collected light and to image the first collected light onto the photosensitive array. The electronic circuit includes a processor and is configured to determine three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of points of light projected on the object by the projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Paul C. Atwell
  • Patent number: 8570372
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include a device that can scan the surrounding environment and construct a 3D image, map, or representation of the surrounding environment using, for example, invisible light projected into the environment. In some implementations, the device can also project into the surrounding environment one or more visible radiation pattern patterns (e.g., a virtual object, text, graphics, images, symbols, color patterns, etc.) that are based at least in part on the 3D map of the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Austin Russell
  • Publication number: 20130242090
    Abstract: A distance measurement apparatus comprising: modulation means for modulating a luminance value of measurement pattern light to be projected on a measurement object for each two-dimensional position of the pattern light within a predetermined luminance value range; projection means for projecting, on the measurement object, the pattern light modulated by the modulation means; image capturing means for capturing the measurement object on which the pattern light has been projected by the projection means; and distance calculation means for calculating a distance to the measurement object based on the captured image captured by the image capturing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8537227
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are provided for displaying an image device subject command on an imaging device. The imaging device receives an image device subject command from a user. The image device subject command instructs an action to be performed by a subject being recorded by the imaging device. The imaging device identifies a visual representation that correlates to the image device subject command. The imaging device displays the visual representation of the subject command on a display associated with the imaging device. The visual representation directs the subject being recorded to perform the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Indran Naick, Clifford J. Spinac, Calvin L. Sze
  • Patent number: 8532337
    Abstract: An object tracking method includes steps of obtaining multiple first classifications of pixels within a first focus frame in a first frame picture, wherein the first focus frame includes an object to be tracked and has a first rectangular frame in a second frame picture; performing a positioning process to obtain a second rectangular frame; and obtaining color features of pixels around the second rectangular frame sequentially and establishing multiple second classifications according to the color feature. The established second classifications are compared with the first classifications sequentially to obtain an approximation value, compared with a predetermined threshold. The second rectangular frame is progressively adjusted, so as to establish a second focus frame. By analyzing color features of the pixels of the object and with a classification manner, the efficacy of detecting a shape and size of the object so as to update information of the focus frame is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Yin-Pin Chang, Wen-Yan Chang, Hong-Long Chou
  • Patent number: 8525890
    Abstract: Provided is a photographing apparatus that includes a photographing section that photographs a subject, and a controller that controls a photographing range of the photographing section based on a range specification image that is projected onto the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8494616
    Abstract: An imaging system illuminates an object with infrared light to enhance visibility of buried structure beneath the surface of the object, and projects a visible light image of the buried structure onto the surface of the object. The system may include an illumination source for generating the infrared light. The system further includes a video imaging device for receiving the infrared light reflected from the object and for generating a video image of the buried structure based on the reflected infrared light. The buried structure may be a subcutaneous blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert D. Zeman
  • Publication number: 20130155224
    Abstract: A rotation angle detecting apparatus comprises a bearing holder, a rotation shaft rotatably supported by the bearing holder, a shaft portion space formed in the rotation shaft, a bearing holder space formed in the bearing holder, an angle detection pattern in the shaft portion space, a reference pattern and an image sensor in the bearing holder space, an optical system which exists across the shaft portion space and the bearing holder space and forms a projection image of the angle detection pattern and a projection image of the reference pattern on the image sensor, a photodetection switching means for selectively projecting the projection images of the angle detection pattern and the reference pattern onto the image sensor, and an arithmetic device for calculating a rotation angle of the rotation shaft based on a deviation between the reference pattern and the angle detection pattern received by the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventor: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
  • Patent number: 8462208
    Abstract: System and method for tridimensional cartography of a structural surface. Two wires are extended in front and along the structural surface so as to define a reference surface. A measuring unit comprising a laser arrangement and a camera is moved in front of the structural surface so as to progressively scan the surface. Tow distinct light planes directed toward the structural surface are projected by means of the laser arrangement. Images of the structural surface containing lines resulting from an intersection of the light planes with the structural surface and four reference points resulting from an intersection of the light planes with the wires are captured by means of the camera. The images are processed to determine the 3D coordinates of the lines defining the mapping in a reference system bound to the reference surface considering the position and the orientation of the measuring unit based on the reference points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: François Mirallès, Régis Houde, Julien Beaudry, Bruce Hazel, Jean Cöté, Michel Blain, Serge Sarraillon
  • Patent number: 8462207
    Abstract: A method for three-dimensional mapping of an object, including projecting with a projector a set of fringes on the object and capturing an image of the object in a camera. The method further includes processing the captured image so as to detect a Moiré pattern associated with the object and so as to extract depth information from the Moiré pattern, and configuring the projector and the camera so that a locally unambiguous characteristic of the Moiré pattern is related to a depth of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Primesense Ltd.
    Inventors: Javier Garcia, Alexander Shpunt
  • Publication number: 20130113927
    Abstract: A light projector comprises a stack of layered planar optical elements where the stack comprises a group (103) of planar optical elements (107-111) arranged to provide a plurality of light patterns. The stack may specifically comprise a group of transparent layers having opaque patterns such that light propagating through the layers results in the light patterns. The light patterns reach a microlens array (101) which is arranged to focus the light patterns at different focal distances. In some scenarios, programmable optical elements may be used to generate the light patterns. A vision system may determine characteristics of objects based on reflections of the projected light patterns. The approach may in particular provide an efficient yet low cost light projection system for distance determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Frederik Jan De Bruijn, Harold Agnes Wilhelmus Schmeitz
  • Patent number: 8427632
    Abstract: A method of image-based positioning is provided. The method comprises: (A) providing an image-capturing device integrated with a focused-radiation source and a processor; the image-capturing device further comprises an image sensor; (B) capturing an image of an object located in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device by using the image sensor; (C) directing a focused ray of radiation generated by the focused-radiation source to the object located in the (FOV) of the image-capturing device; (D) detecting at least one return signal generated by reflection of the focused ray of radiation from the object located in FOV of the image-capturing device by using the image sensor; (E) characterizing the object located in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device by using each return signal; and (F) processing each return signal in order to determine a distance from the object located in the FOV to the image-capturing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Ltd.
    Inventors: Phillip T. Nash, Gregory C. Best
  • Publication number: 20130076895
    Abstract: There is provided a form measuring apparatus including: a projection section configured to project a plurality kinds of patterns onto a measuring object in sequence, the plurality kinds of patterns having a common repetitive structure and differing in phase; an imaging section configured to acquire an image data set by taking an image of the measuring object every time each of the plurality kinds of patterns is projected onto the measuring object; a selecting section configured to select a data set as an adequate data set from the acquired image data set, the data set concerning an identical area on the measuring object, and all data in the set falling within an effective brightness range; and a form calculating section configured to find a form of the area as a basis of acquiring the adequate data on the measuring object, based on the selected adequate data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: NIKON CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130076896
    Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement apparatus for calculating three-dimensional shape information of a target object, comprising: capturing means for capturing reflected pattern light of stripe pattern light formed by alternately arranging a bright portion and a dark portion as first image data, and capturing reflected pattern light of reversed stripe pattern light formed by reversing the bright portion and the dark portion of the stripe pattern light as second image data; determination means for determining a boundary position between the bright portion and the dark portion based on the first image data and the second image data; and reliability calculation means for calculating a reliability indicating accuracy of the boundary position from a correlation between a first luminance gradient of the first image data and a second luminance gradient of the second image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shiki Takabayashi, Tetsuri Sonoda
  • Patent number: 8386096
    Abstract: A relative navigation system projecting a grid into space from a first object a grid that is repeatedly detected from a second object having a second relative reference frame and using range and attitude between the objects to adjust the attitude or range of at least one of the first and second objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lawrence William Stimac, Michael Steven Feldmann, Frank Saggio, III, Douglas Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 8358342
    Abstract: A system for processing video information obtained by a video camera based on a representative view from the camera. The system includes a processor a memory communicably connected to the processor. The memory includes computer code for determining a relative depth for at least two different regions of the representative view. The memory further includes computer code for estimating a scale factor for the different regions of the representative view. The memory yet further includes computer code for determining a unit size for the different regions, the unit size based on the estimated scale factor and the determined relative depth of the different regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Youngchoon Park
  • Publication number: 20130010107
    Abstract: There are provided a method for measuring a height by a height measuring apparatus including: obtaining, in advance, a height correction value depending on an inclination angle of a surface of the object as an angle correction data; obtaining, from the height value of each pixel of the imaging device, the inclination angle of the surface of the object which corresponds to each pixel position of the imaging device; obtaining the height correction value, which corresponds to the inclination angle obtained, from the angle correction data; and correcting the height value of the surface of the object, which corresponds to each pixel of the imaging device, by using the height correction value obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Yasuo Suzuki, Masaya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8352100
    Abstract: A method of providing a relative navigation system by projecting into space from a first object a grid that is repeatedly detected from a second object having a second relative reference frame associated with a second origin point on the second object and using range and attitude between the objects to adjust the attitude or range of at least one of the first and second objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lawrence William Stimac, Michael Steven Feldmann, Frank Saggio, III, Douglas Robert Nichols
  • Patent number: 8339451
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method in a mobile communications device, wherein the method comprises displaying a main image, selecting an object in the main image, displaying a plurality of object images comprising the selected object, selecting a target object image from the plurality of object images, and displaying a target candidate image associated with the target object image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Kong Qiao Wang, Qian Gang