Abstract: A method of determining range between two objects, where a grid consisting of a plurality of grid lines are projected into space by the first object and detected by the second object.

Abstract: Optical Device for Measuring and Identifying Cylindrical Surfaces by Means of Deflectometry, Applied for Ballistic Identification” describes an optical device that uses a configuration of the technique known as “deflectometry”, said device is built with a conical mirror for identifying and measuring fully or partly reflective cylindrical surfaces, and its configuration is particularly applied to ballistic identification.

Abstract: A method for scanning an object in three dimensions that includes providing a handheld device and a first lens assembly, the first lens assembly removably attached to the body, the first lens assembly including a first lens and a support, the support configured to provide a fixed position for the first lens relative to the display; projecting a pattern of structured light onto the object from a display screen of the handheld device; acquiring at least one image of the structured light pattern projected onto the object using a camera integrated into the handheld device; converting each of the at least one image into digital values; and determining three-dimensional coordinates of the object based a triangulation calculation, the triangulation calculation based at least in part on the digital values and the projected pattern of the structured light.

Abstract: An image-based sensor system for a mobile unit makes use of light emitters and imagers to acquire illumination patterns of emitted light impinging on the floor and/or walls surrounding the unit. The illumination pattern is used to estimate location and/or orientation of the unit. These estimates are used for one or more functions of stabilization, calibration, localization, and mapping of or with respect to the unit.

Abstract: An interactive display system including a wireless pointing device including a camera or other video capture system. The pointing device captures images displayed by the computer, including one or more human-imperceptible positioning targets. The positioning targets are presented as patterned modulation of the intensity (e.g., variation in pixel intensity) in a display frame of the visual payload, followed by the opposite modulation in a successive frame. At least two captured image frames are subtracted from one another to recover the positioning target in the captured visual data and to remove the displayed image payload. The location, size, and orientation of the recovered positioning target identify the aiming point of the remote pointing device relative to the display. Another embodiment uses temporal sequencing of positioning targets (either human-perceptible or human-imperceptible) to position the pointing device.

Abstract: A method for determining a range map for a scene comprising: projecting a sequence of binary illumination patterns onto a scene from a projection direction; capturing a sequence of binary pattern images of the scene; projecting a sequence of periodic grayscale illumination patterns onto the scene, each periodic grayscale pattern having the same frequency and a different phase, the phase of the grayscale illumination patterns each having a known relationship to the binary illumination patterns; capturing a sequence of grayscale pattern images of the scene; analyzing the sequence of captured binary pattern images to determine coarse projected x coordinate estimates for a set of image locations; analyzing the sequence of captured grayscale pattern images to determine refined projected x coordinate estimates for the set of image locations; and forming a range map according to the refined projected x coordinate estimates.

Abstract: A method of displaying a shot image on a car reverse video system is described, which is applicable for adjusting an image displaying angle of the car reverse video system with a fixed lens according to a distance from an obstacle. Firstly, a scene image behind the car is shot through using the lens. Then, a distance detector is activated to detect a distance from the obstacle behind the car. If the distance from the obstacle is smaller than a preset distance, a scaling ratio is set according to a ratio of the preset distance to the distance from the obstacle. Finally, according to the scaling ratio and a distance between each pixel in the scene image and a reference point, all pixel pitches are adjusted, such that the scene image is deformed, and thus achieving an effect of switching a viewing angle of the scene image.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing device capable of appropriately generating a synthetic image with an enlarged dynamic range even when a measuring article is moving. A work to be a reference (reference work) is imaged a plurality of times under an exposure condition same as that for generating a synthesized image, and specified regions are registered as reference images from a plurality of input images acquired in the respective imaging processes. In an operation mode, a plurality of input images is acquired by imaging a work a plurality of times under a plurality of exposure conditions, and search processes based on the reference images are executed on the respective input images. A partial image having a predetermined size is extracted from each of the plurality of input images based on each specified position, and an image synthesizing process is executed on the plurality of extracted partial images to generate a synthesized image.

Abstract: A non-contact method of inspecting the topography of an area of an object via analysis of the phase of a pattern projected on the object. The method includes taking a first image of the object, obtained from a first perspective, on which an optical pattern is projected, and taking a second image of the object, obtained from a second perspective, on which an optical pattern is projected but in which the optical pattern, as it falls on the object, in the second image differs to that in the first image. The method further includes determining data describing the topography of at least a region of the object based on phase data relating to the phase of at least a region of the optical pattern as imaged in the first image. Phase data obtained from a corresponding region of the object as imaged in the second image is used to resolve any ambiguity in the phase or topography data obtained from the first image.

Abstract: An electronic appliance has a video camera for picking up an image of a user of the electronic appliance. The user's image is displayed on a display of the electronic appliance. To adjust the size of the user's image on the display, a measurement zone having a first area is defined on the display. The user holds his or her hand so that the hand is displayed on the measurement zone. A control information determination unit or a CPU generates information indicative of the ratio of the area of the hand in the measurement zone to the area of the measurement zone. According to the generated information, the CPU controls an image adjuster that optimizes the size and position of the user's image on the display.

Abstract: A method of determining the dimensions of a parcel, in which method the parcel to be measured is placed against an orthogonal reference support made up of at least two perpendicular vertical side panels, each of which is provided with a grid, and an image of the support and of the parcel together is acquired so as to determine at least three perpendicular edges of the parcel, and then the number of intervals of the grid that form each of the edges is counted so as to obtain the dimensions in mm of the parcel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of profiling a surface are disclosed. The method comprises projecting slit pattern light toward a target object in at least two directions in sequence to obtain pattern images reflected on the target object, obtaining heights by using the pattern images according to the directions, obtaining vector fields showing a direction of maximum variation of height, obtaining confidence indexes of the heights corresponding to the at least two directions, obtaining integrated vector fields by using the confidence indexes and the vector fields, and calculating height of each position of the target object by using the integrated vector fields. Therefore, accuracy is enhanced.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically focusing an optical lens controls the light generated by a light-emitting device of an image measuring machine to penetrate a glass sheet, so as to project a picture of the glass sheet onto an object. The system and method further moves an optical lens along a Z-axis of the image measuring machine to capture one or more digital images of the object, and computes a definition value of each captured digital image. Furthermore, the system and method obtains a focus position corresponding to the highest definition value of the captured digital image.

Abstract: A system for determining the position and location of a module comprising: a module which includes an optical generator which generates an optical beam; a diffractive element placed in the path of the optical beam which generates an optical pattern; a reference length artifact placed in a location with close proximity to the optical pattern; and a plurality of digital cameras connected to a computer with photogrammetry software and a minimization algorithm installed on the computer; where the digital cameras are set up in different locations to take one or more digital images of the optical pattern, with at least one digital image including the reference length artifact; and where the digital images are downloaded onto the computer and processed by the photogrammetry software to generate optical coordinate data followed by the insertion of the optical coordinate data into the minimization algorithm to generate the position and location of the module.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes: an insertion portion which is inserted into a device under inspection; a projection unit which projects a striped pattern including a plurality of linear patterns onto an object; 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 specification unit which specifies an area of interest of the object in an image based on a position of the striped pattern in the image based on the image data; and a measurement unit which measures the area of the object using the image data.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) microscope for patterned substrate measurement can include an objective lens, a reflected illuminator, a transmitted illuminator, a focusing adjustment device, an optical sensor, and a processor. The focusing adjustment device can automatically adjust the objective lens focus at a plurality of Z steps. The optical sensor can be capable of acquiring images at each of these Z steps. The processor can control the reflected illuminator, the transmitted illuminator, the focusing adjustment device, and the optical sensor. The processor can be configured to capture first and second images at multiple Z steps, the first image with the pattern using the reflected illuminator and the second image without the pattern using one of the reflected illuminator and the transmitted illuminator.

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

Abstract: An image processing system includes a determination unit that determines a distortion state of a projected image, and a correction unit that performs distortion correction of the image according to the distortion state, wherein the correction unit performs distortion correction calculation using either an intersection point of diagonal lines of the image after distortion correction in a display area of an optical modulator or a center of gravity of the image as the origin.

Abstract: An image capture system is provided. The image capture system for capturing an image of an object includes a light emitting module, a lens, a base unit and a filter unit. The light emitting module provides a plurality of light beams to form a reference area. The base unit includes a light sensor corresponding to the lens. The filter unit includes at least one visible light passing portion and at least one invisible light passing portion. The filter unit is driven to position one of the visible light passing portion and the invisible light passing portion between the lens and the light sensor. The actual size of the object can be estimated via the reference area.

Abstract: A target position identifying apparatus includes a color difference converting section for processing pixel values of an image of a target comprised of combination of a first color and a second color obtained from the target under influence of ambient light, thus generating a color component value of the first color, a color component value of the second color and a luminance value, a color region determining section for determining region of the first color and region of the second color, based on the first color component value and the second color component value, with using a determination condition based on either luminance of the captured image or the luminance value, a border detecting section for detecting border between the first color and the second color in the target based on result of the determination by the color region determining section and a target position calculating section for calculating the position of the target on the image based on result of the border detection by the border detec

Abstract: A depth image capture device uses a circular polarization structure positioned at the output of an illumination radiation source, such as a diode laser. A linear polarization element receives the collimated illumination radiation and provides polarized radiation to a quarter wave plate. Radiation exits the quarter wave plate as circularly polarized radiation and is provided to a diffractive optical element outputting a pattern to illuminate a target. A detector receives a reflection of the output pattern from the target.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for measuring a three-dimensional profile using a LCD in which a sine wave pattern is formed on a measurement object, whereby image information of the measurement object is obtained using the sine wave pattern and a camera, and the image information is analyzed to measure a profile of the measurement object, the apparatus including a LCD projector including: a light source irradiating light forward; a LCD panel disposed at a front side of the light source, generating a sine wave pattern having a plurality of phases and a plurality of periods; polarization plates respectively disposed on front and rear sides of the LCD panel; a first focusing lens disposed apart from a front side of the LCD panel, focusing the sine wave pattern generated by the LCD panel on the measurement object; and a housing supporting the light source, the LCD panel, the polarization plates and the first focusing lens.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for providing location information of robot in real time using an artificial mark. The system includes: an image processing module for obtaining an image signal by photographing artificial marks installed at a predetermined space with a space coordinate and detecting an image coordinate of artificial mark from the obtaining the image signal; a location calculating module for calculating a current location by comparing the image coordinate of detected artificial mark and a pre-stored space coordinate of artificial mark; and an artificial mark identifying module for updating current location information by selectively using one of an artificial mark tracing process and an image coordinate estimating process.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including an image obtaining unit for obtaining a captured image onto which an emission graphic image including a marker serving as a reference is emitted and a correction information generation unit for generating correction information, for making an emission range and an image capturing range be the same, from a difference between the emission range onto which the emission graphic image is emitted and the image capturing range of the captured image, based on the marker in the captured image and the marker in the emission graphic image.

Abstract: An analysis device for analysing a transparent or specular surface of a substrate, the device including a raster located opposite the surface of the substrate to be measured, a video camera for capturing at least one image of the raster deformed by the measured substrate, a raster lighting system, and an image-processing and digital analysis mechanism connected to the video camera. The video camera is a matrix array camera, the raster is provided on a substrate having an oblong shape and is bidirectional including a first pattern extending along a first direction and along a smallest extension of the substrate, the first pattern being transversely periodical to the smallest extension, and a second pattern extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first pattern and along a largest extension of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is an image input device which includes a laser range finder and a camera, and is capable of automatically calibrating the laser range finder and the camera at an appropriate timing without using special equipment. The image input device includes the laser range finder which measures distance information of an object by using invisible light and the camera which measures color information of the object. In order to detect a calibration error between the laser range finder and the camera, an invisible light filter which blocks visible light and transmits invisible light is automatically attached to a lens of the camera by a switching operation between two kinds of lenses. By the camera to which the invisible light filter is being attached, a pattern of the invisible light projected onto the object from the laser range finder is photographed as a visible image.

Abstract: A calibration element (1) serves for calibrating the magnification ratio of a camera (3). The calibration element (1) has at least one calibration region (4) in which at least one perforation (5) or indentation is provided. The perforation (5) or indentation can be detected by the camera. The calibration element (1) is sufficiently slight in the calibration region (4) that the detection of an upper edge or lower edge of the perforation (5) or indentation produces only negligible differences. In order to determine the dependence of the magnification ratio on the thickness, the calibration element (1) additionally has at least one support foot (8), whose length (9) is selected in such a way as thereby to produce a variation in the measured magnification ratio of the camera image that can be evaluated.

Abstract: An optical inspection system for inspecting a substrate is provided. The system includes an array of cameras configured to acquire a plurality of sets of images as the substrate and the array undergo relative motion with respect to each other. At least one focus actuator is operably coupled to each camera of the array of cameras to cause displacement of at least a portion of each camera that affects focus. A substrate range calculator is configured to receive at least portions of images from the array and to calculate range between the array of cameras and the substrate. A controller is coupled to the array of cameras and to the range calculator. The controller is configured to provide a control signal to each of the at least one focus actuator to adaptively focus each camera of the array during the relative motion.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for determining the velocity vector, speed, and direction of moving vehicles traveling on roadways which change elevation and have curves. A camera mounted above a roadway observes at least one vehicles traveling in different directions on different roads. Each pixel in the two-dimensional optical image is mapped into a three-dimensional real world location to enable the moving vehicles to be analyzed in the three-dimensional real world as they travel on roads, which may change elevation and may have curves. The estimated vehicle velocities may be displayed on an image near the moving vehicle. Individual images with vehicle velocities may be posted on an Internet site. The sequence of optical images, or streaming video, with the displayed vehicle velocities may also be used for television news programs that show traffic moving on the roadways.

Abstract: A three dimensional shape measurement apparatus includes m projecting sections, each of which includes a light source and a grating element, and, while moving the grating element by n times, projects a grating pattern light onto a measurement target for each movement, wherein the ‘n’ and the ‘m’ are natural numbers greater than or equal to 2, an imaging section photographing a grating pattern image reflected by the measurement target, and a control section controlling that, while photographing the grating pattern image by using one of the m projecting sections, a grating element of at least another projecting section is moved. Thus, measurement time may be reduced.

Abstract: The image obtaining apparatus realizes a function of detecting the distance, tilt, and/or attitude of an object, irrespective of the distance between the image obtaining apparatus and the object, while reducing the size and the cost of the apparatus. The apparatus includes: an image obtaining camera which obtains an image of an object; a light projecting unit which projects each spotlight parallel or approximately parallel to the optical axis of the image obtaining camera onto the object; a detecting unit which detects the distance between the image obtaining camera and the object based on the position of the spotlight, projected by the light projecting unit, on the object image obtained by the image obtaining camera.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates an apparatus and method for scanning, in particular documents with the aid of a camera. The method includes combining an image sequence or a sequence of partial images in order to obtain a final image, and projecting a reference model onto the camera vision field and in compensating representational differences of different images on the basis of geometrical information of the model.

Abstract: To calibrate an positional sensor, a plurality of image locations and image sizes of a tracked object are received as the tracked object is moved through a rich motion path. Inertial data is received from the tracked object as the tracked object is moved through the rich motion path. Each of the plurality of image locations is converted to a three-dimensional coordinate system of the positional sensor based on the corresponding image sizes and a field of view of the positional sensor. An acceleration of the tracked object is computed in the three-dimensional coordinate system of the positional sensor. The inertial data is reconciled with the computed acceleration, calibrating the positional sensor.

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing device capable of appropriately generating a synthetic image with an enlarged dynamic range even when a measuring article is moving. A work to be a reference (reference work) is imaged a plurality of times under an exposure condition same as that for generating a synthesized image, and specified regions are registered as reference images from a plurality of input images acquired in the respective imaging processes. In an operation mode, a plurality of input images is acquired by imaging a work a plurality of times under a plurality of exposure conditions, and search processes based on the reference images are executed on the respective input images. A partial image having a predetermined size is extracted from each of the plurality of input images based on each specified position, and an image synthesizing process is executed on the plurality of extracted partial images to generate a synthesized image.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for the measurement of surfaces. More particularly, the present invention discloses a portable, hand-held, non-contact surface measuring system comprising an image capturing element, at least four projectable reference elements positioned parallel to one another at known locations around the image capturing element, a processing unit, and a user interface. The present invention further discloses a method for the non-contact surface measurement comprising projecting at least four references onto a target surface, capturing an image of the targeted surface and the projected references with the image transferring device, transferring the image to a processing unit, processing the image using triangulation-based computer vision techniques to correct for skew and to obtain surface measurement data, transferring the data to the user interface, modifying the data with the user interface.

Abstract: A method for detecting at least one object within a storage space. The method includes identifying at least one surface among surfaces confining the storage space, and dividing each of the at least one surface into a plurality of sub-areas. The method further includes detecting an occupancy status of each sub-area, wherein the occupancy status is indicative of the presence of the at least one object over each of the at least one surface, and deriving at least one of volume, location, and shape information of the at least one object, based on the occupancy statuses of the sub-areas.

Abstract: A remote instruction system includes a control portion. The control portion transmits a first image to a remote terminal and controls a projection portion to project a first annotation image onto a subject according to an instruction issued from the remote terminal on the basis of the first image, and the control portion transmits a second image to the remote terminal and controls the projection portion to project a second annotation image onto the subject according to the instruction issued from the remote terminal on the basis of the second image, the first image being captured by a first image capturing portion provided for capturing the first image of the subject, the second image being captured by a second image capturing portion provided for zooming a given area of the subject to capture the second image, when the given area in the first image is selected from the remote terminal.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes a photographing lens; an image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a subject; a recording device for recording the image acquired in accordance with an instruction of actual photographing in a recording medium; a visual line guiding device for guiding a visual line of the subject to the photographing lens; and an activation control device for activating the visual line guiding device according to a photographing situation which is determined based on the image acquired by the image acquisition device.

Abstract: A multi projection display includes a plurality of projector units to modulate light from an LED light source according to image information to project, a unit image information generating unit to generate unit image information to be inputted to each of the plurality of projector units, and a unit image information correcting unit to correct the unit image information based on a result of capturing projection images projected onto a transmissive screen. For this reason, a shutter, which results in complicating the construction, is not needed and further it is possible to further reduce the adjustment time.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional chart, a parameter acquiring method and an information processing device that are used for carrying out camera calibration in a wide range with high precision. For this reason, a plurality of unit graphic forms the sizes of which are coded by using different cross-ratios are placed on side faces of a three-dimensional chart. The cross-ratios of unit graphic forms are calculated from a picked-up image of the three-dimensional chart, and by collating these with actual values, the position and orientation of the image-pickup point are determined. The shifting average of the heights of the unit graphic forms is made approximately proportional to the distance from the apex so that it is possible to reduce the limitation of image-pickup distances. A movable camera is attached to a subject-use camera, and upon picking up an image of the subject, an image of the three-dimensional chart is also picked up simultaneously.

Abstract: A driver assistance device for warning a driver of a motor vehicle of a risk of departure from the lane or from the lane is described, having at least one image-transmitting sensor, an evaluation device, connected to the image-transmitting sensor, for detecting edge-of-lane and/or lane markings and/or edges of lanes in the area sensed by the image-transmitting sensor, and a warning device which is connected to the evaluation device, in which driver assistance device in addition at least one distance-transmitting sensor is connected to the evaluation device, with which sensor the distance from objects which are elevated with respect to the surface of the lane can be determined in the region of the edge of the lane, in particular of a structural boundary of the edge of the lane.

Abstract: A device for optically sensing a specimen with a large depth of field has a lighting module which illuminates a zone of the specimen during a predetermined measurement period with a pattern whose phase is modified in time during the measurement period, generating a specimen light to which a corresponding time-variable phase is imparted. The device also includes a detection module having a space-resolving detection zone which records the specimen zone and has multiple recording pixels, two analysis channels which can be connected to the recording pixels, and an analysis unit is connected to both analysis channels.

Abstract: A position of a honeycomb structure, which is comprised of an outer shell, separation walls arranged in the form of a honeycomb within the outer shell, and a number of axially extending cells which are defined by the separation walls, is recognized. When the position recognition is carried out, the honeycomb structure is located with the axis extending in an upward and downward direction. A camera to pickup image data is disposed out of an area directly above an upper surface of the honeycomb structure in the axial direction. Image data including the entirety of the upper surface of the honeycomb structure is picked up by the camera, so that the position of the honeycomb structure is recognized based on the image data.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image grabber allowing for the simultaneous projection of multiple phase-shifted patterns onto an object, and the simultaneous acquisition of multiple images of these phase-shifted patterns is described herein. The grabber comprises a pattern projecting assembly and an image acquisition assembly. The pattern projecting assembly includes, for example, a spectral splitter or a plurality of light sources, grids and projectors for simultaneous projection of a plurality of patterns under different monochromatic lights. The image acquisition assembly includes, for example, a CCD camera sensitive to the different monochromatic lights, or a plurality of CCD cameras with filters to gather lights incoming for the object simultaneously illuminated by the plurality of phase-shifted patterns. A method and a system for measuring the relief of an object, using the above-mentioned process, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for modifying a visible object shot with a television camera, in which method the object is marked by one or more marking surfaces disposed in the area of the object or in its vicinity, these marking surfaces being identifiable on the basis of radiation differing from other radiation in the area being shot. At least one of the marking surfaces differs in radiation from the environment on the basis of a property other than the color of visible light. The marking surface is identified using at least one identifying detector which is separate from the detectors of the television camera and by means of which the object is shot substantially from the same shooting direction as the picture shot by the television camera.

Abstract: A method for identifying the position, quantity, kind, etc. of an object. A Standard Object image is positioned on a picture so as to be around an arbitrary point (Arrangement Point), normal vector group is determined along the outline of the Standard Object image based upon the density difference in the background and the Standard Object, and an angle information and a position information are determined from the Arrangement Point to the normal vector group, so that such information are stored as standard data for the arrangement point. On the other hand, normal vector group is determined on the outline of an object image, which is to be recognized, based upon the density difference in the background and the object image so that, based on the standard data, a plurality of Answer points are determined. Lastly, a focus point region formed by the Answer points is evaluated.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a parking assistance system capable of intuitively and easily deciding operation points in the parallel parking.

Abstract: A precise position control apparatus and precise position control method using the same includes a control unit to control an amount of movement of a moving object, an optical system to photograph the moving object and to generate an image signal, and a monitor to output the image signal onto its screen. The control unit measures an actual moving distance of the moving object and a number of pixels corresponding to the actual moving distance to calculate an actual distance for unit pixel appearing on the screen of the monitor. Additionally, the control unit controls the amount of movement of the moving object using the actual distance for unit pixel when the moving object is moved from one position to another.