Abstract: A position and a posture of a virtual face is searched so that a total cost E of a first cost E1 and a second cost E2 is approximated to a smallest value or a minimum value. A first cost E1(e1) corresponds to a sum of elastic energy with a first deviation e1(s) as a deformation amount, of a virtual spring group having a value of a first coefficient function w1(e1(s)) in a target region of a standard image as a spring coefficient. A second cost E2(e1, e2) corresponds to a sum of elastic energy with a second deviation e2 as a deformation amount, of a virtual spring group having a value of a second coefficient function w2(e2(s) of each pixel s included in the target region of the standard image as a spring coefficient.

Abstract: There is provided a remote control system which changes the functions corresponding to a specific operation unit provided for a controlling apparatus in accordance with distance, thereby improving the convenience for a user. The remote control system includes a controlled apparatus such as a TV set and a controlling apparatus such as a remote controller which remotely controls the controlled apparatus. A measuring unit measures the distance between the controlled apparatus and the controlling apparatus. A changing unit changes the functions to be executed when a specific one of a plurality of operation units provided for the controlling apparatus is operated, in accordance with the measured distance.

Abstract: A distance image sensor capable of enlarging the distance measurement range without reducing the distance resolution is provided. A radiation source 13 provides first to fifth pulse trains PT1 to PT5 which are irradiated to the object as radiation pulses in the first to fifth frames arranged in order on a time axis. In each of the frames, imaging times TPU1 to TPU5 are prescribed at points of predetermined time ?TPD from the start point of each frame, also the pulses PT1 to PT5 are shifted respectively by shift amounts different from each other from the start point of the first to fifth frames. A pixel array 23 generates element image signals SE1 to SE5 each of which has distance information of an object in distance ranges different from each other using imaging windows A and B in each of five frames. A processing unit 17 generates an image signal SIMAGE by combining the element image signals.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to providing a method of illuminating a scene imaged by a camera, which includes illuminating the scene with a train of light pulses and adjusting exposure times of the camera relative to transmission times of the light pulses so that the light pulses emulate a light pulse having a desired pulse shape.

Abstract: There is provided a displacement detection device including an image sensor, a light source, a light control unit and a processing unit. The image sensor captures image frames at a sampling frequency. The light source provides, in a speed mode, light for the image sensor in capturing the image frames. The light control unit controls the light source with the speed mode to turn on at a lighting frequency or to turn off serially. The processing unit calculates a displacement according to the image frames captured when the light source turns on to be served as an estimated displacement for an interval during which the light source turns off. There is further provided an operating method of a displacement detection device.

Abstract: A method and a device for the accurate measurement of objects, where, according to the invention, a camera (4) is arranged on a manually operated portable jointed arm (1) in order to take two-dimensional images of the object that is to be measured and where the measurements are carried out based on the two-dimensional images taken with the camera (4) and based on the displacements that are carried out by the jointed arm (1) during the measurements.

Abstract: The present invention involves a surveying system and method which determines the position of an object point using two images. First, at least two reference points appearing on the two images are correlated. Then the position of the object point is determined based on the two images and the two reference points.

Abstract: An operation method of an image sensor includes determining a distance between the image sensor and an object, and activating at least one of a color pixel, a depth pixel and a thermal pixel included in a pixel array of the image sensor based on a determined distance and a reference distance.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a period determination module and a motion detection module. The period determination module determines a period for the vehicle to travel a predetermined distance based on a desired transmission output shaft speed (TOSS), a target transmission output shaft position, a final drive ratio of the vehicle, and a tire size of the vehicle. The motion detection module detects whether the vehicle is moving based on the TOSS during the determined period.

Abstract: An exemplary security monitoring method includes first obtaining an image of a monitoring place captured by a camera, the image comprising distance information between the camera and captured objects, then extracting the distance information from the obtained image, next comparing the distance information of the obtained image with that of a pre-stored object model to determine whether the obtained image matches the pre-stored object model; and lastly determining that there is object(s) removed from or remained in the monitoring place when the obtained image does not match the pre-stored object module, and generating a prompt message to prompt user that there is object(s) removed from or remained in the monitoring place.

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.

Abstract: The optical method for detecting the orientation of an object in space, the object including a triple of notable and aligned points tied to the said object, whose relative positions are known, the three points defining a first straight line in space, optical detection means making it possible to determine the relative positions in its image plane of the projections of notable points in space, a computer making it possible, by means of the relative positions of the projections in the image plane of the three notable points, and of an identifiable characteristic of an external one of the points of the triples of points, to determine a direction vector of the straight line and of its orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus carried by an unmanned vehicle to provide passive sensing and facilitate avoiding airborne aerial obstacles is provided. The apparatus can include at least one, but typically multiple optical systems installed, for example, in the nose of the aerial vehicle to passively sense and determine a range, direction, and velocity of the airborne obstacles to allow the aerial vehicle to avoid the airborne obstacles. The typical optical system includes at least one focal plane array or other imaging device configured to receive a wide field of view and at least one focal plane array or other imaging device configured to receive a steerable narrow field of view within the wide field of view to allow concentrated determination of the range, direction, and/or velocity of obstacles detected by the wide field of view imaging devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring a location and a distance of an object by using a camera including: a camera module for photographing an external image; a parameter setup unit for setting internal and external parameters of the camera module; an image processor unit for receiving a captured image of an image photographed from the camera module, extracting a target object within the captured image, and extracting specific point coordinates of the extracted target object; and a location and distance calculating unit for calculating three-dimensional object location information in a two-dimensional camera coordinate system through the internal and external parameters of the camera module and coordinates of the target object, and calculating distance information from the location information of the object.

Abstract: A size estimation method is used with a document camera to estimate an object size. The document camera includes a lens and an image sensor. The size estimation method includes the following steps. Firstly, an object distance between the lens and the object is detected. According to the object distance and a viewable angle of the lens, a shooting zone size is estimated. Then, the object is shot by the lens and the image sensor, thereby acquiring a digital image including an image of the object. Then, an effective pixel number corresponding to the object image is counted. Afterward, the size of the object is estimated according to the effective pixel number, a total pixel number of the image sensor and the shooting zone size.

Abstract: A system for determining a distance to a object or a depth of the object. The system includes a first image capturing device, which may include a lens and an image sensor. The system also includes a first laser source. The first laser source is configured to emit a fan shaped laser beam to intersect at least a portion of a field of view of the image capturing device.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for capturing a chart having color patches of a plurality of colors using a taking lens and obtaining a color-patch signal for creating a color profile. In the apparatus, the type of chart is identified, after which the focal length of the taking lens is acquired. Then, based upon the focal length, object distance suited to the chart type is determined and the user is notified of the object distance.

Abstract: In stereo images that include occluded pixels and visible pixels, occlusions are handled by first determining, for the occluded pixels, initial disparity values and support for the initial disparity values using an initial support function, an occlusion map and disparities of the visible pixels neighboring the occluded pixels in the stereo images. Then, for the occluded pixels, final disparity values and support for the final disparity values are determined using the initial disparity values, a final support function and a normalization function in an iterative support-and-decision process.

Abstract: Accurate measurements of flight path obstructions are taken from a moving aerial platform. Platform position, including altitude, is combined with dynamic data including target distance and target elevation data to calculate obstruction height or altitude. An optical subsystem on the aerial platform images the obstructions and provides a video stream showing the obstructions. The video stream and aerial platform data are wirelessly communicated to a control terminal where an operator observes a presentation of obstructions and obstruction altitudes or heights. The operator can issue commands to the aerial platform.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a video surveillance system include a plurality of video cameras, each including a field of view, the cameras are configured to at least one of zoom for changing the camera field of view, tilt for rotating the camera about a horizontal tilt axis, and pan for rotating the camera about a vertical pan axis. The system also includes a processor configured to receive a signal indicative of an image in the field of view of at least one video camera, recognize a target using the received signal, determine a direction to the target from the cameras that recognize the target, and transmit the determined direction to other ones of the plurality of video cameras.

Abstract: The present invention involves a surveying system and method which determines the position of a object point using two images. First, at least two reference points appearing on the two images are correlated. Then the position of the object point is determined based on the two images and the two reference points.

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: An image processing apparatus includes a projection unit adapted to project pattern-light onto an object; an image capturing unit adapted to capture the object; a calculation unit adapted to calculate a line direction of the pattern-light in each predetermined region of the image; a decision unit adapted to decide an epipolar-line based on a relationship between the projection unit and the image capturing unit; a determination unit adapted to determine whether an angle made by the direction of the epipolar-line and the line direction is not more than a predetermined value; and a detection unit adapted to detect a first-region when the angle is not more than the predetermined value, and detect a second-region when the angle is more than the predetermined value. The projection unit projects the pattern-light having a line component parallel to the epipolar-line.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatic image registration includes providing a previously aligned image pair, extracting a first number of samples of features from the previously aligned image pair, and extracting a second number of samples of features from an observed image pair. The method further includes determining a Euclidean minimum spanning tree of a union set of the samples of features from the previously aligned image pair and the observed image pair, determining a similarity measure of the observed image pair based on the Euclidean minimum spanning tree, estimating a gradient of the similarity measure, wherein a gradient estimate is used to update transformation parameters applied to register the observed image pair, and outputting a registration of the observed image pair, wherein the registration of the observed image pair is one of displayed and stored on a storage media.

Abstract: A modulation technique for 3D time-of-flight (TOF) cameras allows the operation of fully autonomous operated 3D TOF cameras. The method subdivides the exposure time into several sub-exposure intervals, for which the signal control unit adds a preferably pseudo-random common phase delay to the illumination and the sensor.

Abstract: A method of determining change in a state of an object using images of the object, the method including providing a first image and a second image of the object, the first image and the second image being spaced apart in time, performing a plurality of pixel-based change detection algorithms to obtain a plurality of output difference products/images containing change information and pseudo change information, combining the plurality of output difference products to form a hybrid output difference product and thresholding the output difference product to detect changes in the object.

Abstract: Certain examples of the present invention are directed to an image-recording device. The image-recording device includes an imaging component that records an image of an environment, a projection component that projects, into the environment, an (n,d) reliable M*-sequence of symbols, and a distance component. The distance component identifies j consecutive symbols reflected back to the imaging component from a surface in the environment, where j?n, detects and corrects a misidentified symbol within the j consecutive symbols based on the minimum distance t of the (n,d) reliable M*-sequence, determines a first position of the j consecutive symbols with respect to the image, determines a second position of the j consecutive symbols in the M*-sequence of symbols, and determines, from the first and second position, a distance t from the surface to the imaging component.

Abstract: An image correlation displacement sensor for measuring a displacement component along a direction perpendicular to a target surface, with a simple configuration. The sensor may include: an illumination portion (130?) which emits illumination light; an imaging portion including at least two optical paths (A and B?) which are used to capture multiple images of a speckle field produced by the target surface (300), one of which (A) is inclined with respect to a normal to the target surface in proximity to the target surface, and an element (110?) which deflects an at least one of the optical paths (A and B?); and a processing portion (200) which measures a displacement relative to the target surface along a direction which includes a component normal to the target surface (300) in accordance with the correlation of multiple images captured in the optical paths (A) and (B?).

Abstract: Video arrayed data acquired via at least one video camera, can be co-registered with lidar arrayed data acquired from a lidar receiver data into a combined arrayed data. The co-registration and data acquisition can be done within a common housing having an combined arrayed data output which can be connected to a control module. The control module can have a video signal acquirer, a video processor for processing the acquired video signal, a threat analyzer capable of detecting a threat from the processed video signal or from another source, and a memory storage device.

Abstract: A range image obtaining system for a track includes a laser slit light source disposed within a plane perpendicular to a tread of a rail and emits laser slit light within the plane; a two-dimensional image imaging device which is disposed to have an angle with respect to the plane perpendicular to the tread of the rail and obtains a light sectioning image generated from the laser slit light; and an image signal processing device for generating a range image based on a distance from the two-dimensional image imaging device based on the light sectioning image.

Abstract: A distance measurement method comprising: projecting a light beam having a speckle pattern to at least one reference plane to show a plurality of images with the speckle pattern on the at least one reference plane. The speckle pattern has a plurality of speckles, so as to capture the image with the speckle pattern on the reference plane to obtain a plurality of reference image information. When the object enters the area illuminated by a light source module, an image with the speckle pattern on a surface of an object is captured to obtain an object image information. Then, a plurality of brightness relationships among each of the speckles with adjacent speckles rounding each speckle are computed according to the reference image and the object image information to obtain relative brightness information of each speckle, which is used to compute position of the object.

Abstract: Around-vehicle visual recognition apparatus, methods, and programs acquire circumstances of a vehicle, including the vehicle's location and cause a camera to take images around the vehicle. The apparatus, methods, and programs determine at least one first area around the vehicle that is more relevant to a driver based on the circumstances of the vehicle than another area around the vehicle and display an image of the at least one first area on a display.

Abstract: A distance measuring optoelectronic sensor (10) for mounting at a passage opening (40) is provided which is designed to acquire depth-resolved image information of that object section of an object (48) moved through the passage opening (40) which is in each case located in the detection zone of the sensor (10), having a memory unit (32) which holds known objects and their reference contour information as well as having an evaluation unit (30) which is designed to compare the image information and the reference contour information to decide whether an object (48) to be checked which is located in the passage opening (40) is permitted there, wherein the sensor (10) has a safety output (34) via which a securing signal can be output if the object (48) to be checked is not in the passage opening (40).

Abstract: According to known techniques, sometimes, it is not possible to estimate a position of a sound source (lips of mouth) depending on, for example, differences of colors of hair. To solve the problem, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention acquires a range image indicating a distance between an object and a reference position within a three-dimensional area, specifies a first position corresponding to a convex portion of the object within the area based on the range image, specifies a second position located in an inward direction of the object relative to the first position, and determines a position of a sound source based on the second position.

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: 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 method of estimation of the direction of the line of sight comprising forming at least two images representing one and the same portion of the scene (P) at two successive instants using an instrument mounted on a moving carrier, and the determination of the change of orientation of the line of sight by matching homologous points (A1, A2) in the two images of the same portion of scene by calculating the angular variations in attitude between the two instants at which the two successive images are obtained and by correcting on the basis of the deviation, between the estimate of the point (A2) homologous in the image provided by a model, and the actual position of the homologous point, and integrating and time filtering pertaining to a sequence of several successive determinations of attitude variations, leading to an estimate of the direction of the line of sight.

Abstract: A method of determining change in a state of an object using images of the object, the method including providing a first image and a second image of the object, the first image and the second image being spaced apart in time, performing a plurality of pixel-based change detection algorithms to obtain a plurality of output difference products/images containing change information and pseudo change information, combining the plurality of output difference products to form a hybrid output difference product and thresholding the output difference product to detect changes in the object.

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: An automatic control system for directional control of an aircraft moving on the ground utilizing computer vision methods and camera sensing methods (visible, infrared or microwave) to optically recognize and track taxiway navigation features thereby providing pilot television picture steering cues or force inputs to the nosewheel steering system to maintain the aircraft on the centerline.

Abstract: Method for determining the angles and the characteristic parameters of the alignment of a vehicle situated at a measurement location comprising the following steps: equipping each of the wheels of the vehicle with a flat target carrying any design; determining the relationship between the position of the target and the wheel; arranging at least one pair of television cameras making a stereo system in a position such as to see at least the target associated with a wheel; creating a spatial reference system W to which the three-dimensional image of the target created by said at least one pair of television cameras refers; processing the three-dimensional image of the target collected by the two television cameras and determining the angular orientation and the position of the target in the spatial reference system W; using said position and angular orientation to determine the alignment of the wheel relative to the spatial reference system.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the present position of a vehicle, by utilizing a visible-light communication system. The apparatus uses a visible-light communication beacon and video data representing an image photographed by one camera. The beacon emits a visible optical signal, thus transmitting position data. The visible-light communication beacon comprises a road-illuminating lamp and a visible-light communication apparatus, both secured to a lamp post. The vehicle has the camera and a vehicle position determination apparatus. The vehicle position determination apparatus demodulates the visible optical signal, there restoring the position data, and calculates the present position of the vehicle from the position data.

Abstract: A distance image sensor capable of enlarging the distance measurement range without reducing the distance resolution is provided. A radiation source 13 provides first to fifth pulse trains PT1 to PT5 which are irradiated to the object as radiation pulses in the first to fifth frames arranged in order on a time axis. In each of the frames, imaging times TPU1 to TPU5 are prescribed at points of predetermined time ?TPD from the start point of each frame, also the pulses PT1 to PT5 are shifted respectively by shift amounts different from each other from the start point of the first to fifth frames. A pixel array 23 generates element image signals SE1 to SE5 each of which has distance information of an object in distance ranges different from each other using imaging windows A and B in each of five frames. A processing unit 17 generates an image signal SIMAGE by combining the element image signals.

Abstract: A method and system to compensate for stray light errors in time of flight (TOF) camera systems uses reference targets in the in the field of view (FOV) that can be used to measure stray light. In different embodiments, one or more reference targets are used.

Abstract: A display system for improving visual comfort and a method of adaptively adjusting resolution of a display device are provided. The display system includes a display device, a memory, an image sensor, a face recognition unit, a distance detection unit, and a controller. The memory is configured to store face representation data and user preference data. The image sensor is positioned with respect to the display device for capturing an image and converting the image into an electrical signal. The face recognition unit is configured to analyze the electrical signal to recognize a face image of a user and comparing the recognized face image with the face representation data to generate a first signal. The distance detection unit is configured to analyze the electrical signal to determine a distance between the display device and the user to generate a second signal.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for imaging biological/chemical samples are provided. A calibrated imaging system can allow a user to obtain an optimal focus setting (position) for any effective distance (e.g. a zoom setting). The optimal focus can be determined from a functional approximation that defines a relationship between effective distance and focus setting. A user can input a size, and an imaging system can determine the appropriate effective distance and focus. An imaging system can also determine a size based on any effective distance. A flat-field correction can also be determined for any effective distance or size.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) pointing sensing apparatus may be provided. The 3D pointing sensing apparatus may include an image generation unit that may photograph a first light source and a second light source in a light emitting unit, and generate an image including an image of the first light source and an image of a second light source. Also, the 3D pointing sensing apparatus may include an orientation calculation unit that may calculate an orientation of the light emitting unit, using a size difference between the image of the first light source and the image of the second light source in the image.

Abstract: Conventionally, there has been a danger that CCD saturation may occur because of the influence of the shot noise and the environment light if a higher resolution of a distance image showing the distance to an object present in a target space and a higher frame rate are achieved when the distance image is estimated by the TOF method, and the distance accuracy may degrade. An emission frequency selecting unit (7) receives light (S2) reflected from the object when a light source does not emit light and selects illumination light (S1) having an emission frequency insusceptible to the environment light according to the frequency analysis of the reflected light (S2). An image creating unit (6) selects a light source emitting the illumination light having the optimum emission frequency from among prepared light sources (9A to 9N), receives reflected light of the illumination light from the selected light source, and creates the distance image showing the distance to the object.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of another road user includes the following steps: determining the position of a road user with the aid of a position detection unit; estimating a distance of the road user to the other road user with the aid of a distance sensor; and determining the position of the other road user on the basis of the determined position of the road user, the estimated distance, and a road map, the other road user being assumed to be located in a road area predefined by the road map.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring a location and a distance of an object by using a camera including: a camera module for photographing an external image; a parameter setup unit for setting internal and external parameters of the camera module; an image processor unit for receiving a captured image of an image photographed from the camera module, extracting a target object within the captured image, and extracting specific point coordinates of the extracted target object; and a location and distance calculating unit for calculating three-dimensional object location information in a two-dimensional camera coordinate system through the internal and external parameters of the camera module and coordinates of the target object, and calculating distance information from the location information of the object.