With Camera And Object Moved Relative To Each Other Patents (Class 348/142)
  • Publication number: 20080049102
    Abstract: Provided is a motion detection system for detecting a motion of a subject, the motion detection system including a detection unit that detects a three-axis straight motion and a three-axis rotating motion of the subject; a control unit that, when a motion is detected by the detection unit, analyzes the type of the detected motion and judges whether or not to transmit the analyzed motion to an observer terminal; a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits the analyzed motion to the observer terminal and receives a signal transmitted from the observer terminal; a sound device that detects sound from the subject and outputs a sound signal transmitted from the observer terminal; and a display unit that displays a power capacity and a setting state of the motion detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Soo Chae, Ghun Hahm, Hyun Joon Kim
  • Publication number: 20080030576
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the scanning of a document by means of a line camera which has several scan lines and therefore generates several images independent of one another. Due to the spacing of the separate scan lines, these images are offset relative to one another. This offset also depends on the speed at which the line camera is moved relative to the document. According to the invention the separate images are brought into congruence by being shifted towards one another according to the whole-number content of Z, with at least one of the images being interpolated into the other image in accordance with the decimal place content of Z. The method according to the invention may be used to scan a document at a freely selectable scanning speed. The device according to the invention may be inserted as a module in an existing scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: CHROMASENS GMBH
    Inventor: Helmut Sorgius
  • Patent number: 7317911
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a telecommunications system and to a corresponding telecommunications system comprising at least one centralized device and at least one telecommunications terminal device, which is configured for communicating with the centralized device and/or other telecommunications terminal devices. The invention is characterized in that one or more control programs are stored in the centralized device, whereby the control programs can be activated by signals of the telecommunications terminal device in order to initiate one or more functions in the telecommunications terminal device, in the centralized device and/or in other telecommunications terminal devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: T-Mobile Deutschland GmbH and Deutsche Telekom AG
    Inventors: Heinrich-Helmut Brenig, Detlef Firch
  • Patent number: 7253835
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are presented for estimating a camera reference horizon ?0. Operations include receiving images including projections of objects including horizontal edges. Vertical motion is estimated for the images and is stored. The projection of horizontal edges in the images is computed. The projected edges are segmented out and motion is compensated. Projections of the horizontal edges from image to image are used to generate tracks. Active track storage is maintained by adding data to update the storage from each subsequent image. The tracks are screened using a criteria set to produce a subset of tracks to enhance track reliability. Distances to, and heights of, the objects are then estimated. Further screening is performed by calculating an error criteria for each track and selecting a subset satisfying the error criteria. The remaining tracks are used to generate a camera reference horizon estimate ?0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Yang Chen
  • Patent number: 7224360
    Abstract: A plurality of captured images of a still subject are obtained by changing at least one of a position and a direction of illumination of a light source to illuminate the still subject. Sequenced frame images are formed based on the captured images. The sequenced frame images are sequentially switched so that the selected ones can be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Setsuji Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 7199817
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing fluid real-time camera control of at least one camera to at least one network user via a network including the internet. A control pad or area can be provided to camera users via an application or applet that can be calibrated to provide fluid camera control. Compressed or uncompressed analog, digital, or streaming video and audio data can also be provided to the users to allow real-time low latency continuous audio/visual feedback. Multiple camera users can obtain control of a camera using a dynamic queuing technique that can allow single user camera control for certain time intervals. An administrator can establish user camera control parameters including camera control intervals for subscriber users versus non-subscriber users, camera usurping by an administrator, elimination of camera control privileges for a user, and denial of camera control requests by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Smiths Detection Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Mottur, Ethan Z. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 7184072
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for acquiring images of electric transmission line tower structures, equipment attached to said tower structures, and transmission lines suspended from said towers. The system uses a fixed wing aircraft and an arrangement of at least one still camera, means for detecting a tower structure, a data storage unit, and a central processing unit containing operational software. The central processing unit is connected to the camera, the means for detecting a tower structure, and the storage unit. The detection means is a laser altimeter or a combination of preset longitude/latitude coordinates for tower locations and a GPS unit which supplies continuous longitude/latitude coordinates for the aircraft location for comparison to those preset coordinates. The aircraft is flown along the transmission line at a predetermined altitude above the tops of said towers (60–100 feet).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Power View Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Loewen, Mark Reimer
  • Patent number: 7119831
    Abstract: A display device including a camera is used by inserting it in the direction of a user's gaze. Alternatively, an image of the same area as that of a scene from a windshield of an automobile may be obtained and the image may be displayed by using an information providing apparatus installed in the automobile. A system provides information to the user by adding a two-dimensional or three-dimensional computer graphics object to an image taken by the camera. The information is directly added to a scene in the direction of the user's gaze and is displayed to the user. Thus the user can easily understand the relationship between the information and the position to which the information is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohto, Mitsuharu Ohki
  • Patent number: 7102666
    Abstract: A method and a system of generating an image sequence of an object within a scene. According to one embodiment, the method includes capturing an image (images I1-N) of the object with a plurality of camera systems, wherein the camera systems are positioned around the scene. Next, the method includes 2D projective transforming certain of the images (I2-N) such that a point of interest in each of the images is at a same position as a point of interest in a first image (I1) from one of the camera systems. The method further includes outputting the transformed images (I2?-N?) and the first image (I1) in a sequence corresponding to a positioning of the corresponding camera systems around the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Takeo Kanade, Robert Collins
  • Patent number: 7099510
    Abstract: An object detection system for detecting instances of an object in a digital image includes an image integrator and an object detector, which includes a classifier (classification function) and image scanner. The image integrator receives an input image and calculates an integral image representation of the input image. The image scanner scans the image in same sized subwindows. The object detector uses a cascade of homogenous classification functions or classifiers to classify the subwindows as to whether each subwindow is likely to contain an instance of the object. Each classifier evaluates one or more features of the object to determine the presence of such features in a subwindow that would indicate the likelihood of an instance of the object in the subwindow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael J. Jones, Paul Viola
  • Patent number: 7069128
    Abstract: A parking-assist system for providing parking-assist information, including: a front imaging camera (2-6); a left imaging camera (4-6); a right imaging camera (5-6); a rear imaging camera (3-6); a left infrared laser camera (4-7) configured to obtain information on a distance as to the left side on a pixel to pixel basis; a right infrared laser camera (5-7) configured to obtain information on a distance as to the right side on a pixel to pixel basis; a rear infrared laser camera (3-7) configured to obtain information on a distance as to the rear side on a pixel to pixel basis; and a signal processing portion (13), wherein the parking-assist system provides the parking-assist information according to the information on the images from the imaging cameras (6) and the information on the distances as to each pixel from the infrared laser cameras (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Iwama
  • Patent number: 7043059
    Abstract: Briefly described, one embodiment is a method comprising storing, in the memory, a plurality of digital images received from the source, each image representing an event captured at a different respective time, using the processor to perform an analysis of the images, assigning a quality factor to each image, the quality factor being representative of the composition quality of the analysed images, and updating the memory to maintain images for which the assigned quality factor indicates a higher composition quality than an image captured at an earlier time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen Philip Cheatle, David Arthur Grosvenor
  • Patent number: 7002623
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided which includes an image input apparatus for inputting an image including an object. The image is input into a reproducing environment converting unit, which sets a desired illuminating environment on a monitor display screen in which the image is reproduced. The reproducing environment unit converts the image of the object by three-dimensionally moving and rotating the object in the set environment, and an image output apparatus displays and prints the converted image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nagaaki Ohyama, Masahiro Yamaguchi, Takashi Obi, Masaru Tsuchida, Kensuke Ishii
  • Patent number: 6995668
    Abstract: A wearable, computerized apparatus for use with law enforcement has an evidence collector adapted to collect evidentiary information of a type collected according to law enforcement procedures and useful for identification of a suspect. It further has a safety monitor adapted to collect safety information relating to well-being of an officer. A wireless communications link communicates the evidentiary information and the safety information to a centralized component of a distributed communications system to assist in identifying suspects and dispatching assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.,Ltd.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Junqua
  • Patent number: 6952231
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus based on the telecentric imaging system for forming an image of a linear zone (17) of an object (1). The apparatus comprises a non-telecentric camera (9) consisting of an objective (8) and an image plane (19) formed by a row of photosensitive cells (15) as well as telecentric imaging means (18) between the objective and the object. The telecentric means comprise a concave strip mirror (6), which is aligned with said row of cells and with the aperture of said objective located in its focal plane, as well as a strip-like plane mirror (5) between the parabolic mirror and the objective, whereby the radiation being reflected from the objective continues via the parabolic mirror and the planar mirror further to the objective and from there to the image plane. In the apparatus there is further a scattered light source (7) which lightens the object. The apparatus is adapted for measuring the dimensions of the width parts of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Oy Ekspansio Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Jyri Paavola, Lasse Lindström
  • Patent number: 6947071
    Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems, and methods for providing a vehicle compartment monitoring system. The embodiments of the invention generally include a display, a camera, and a mechanism for relaying data signals from the camera to the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Kirstin Eichmann
  • Patent number: 6853738
    Abstract: An object recognition system comprises a memory for storing a plurality of distance ranges with different distance labels associated with respective distance ranges. The controller converts measured distance values into distance labels according to distance ranges to which the distance values belong. The controller groups the sections or windows of a captured image based on assigned distance labels. Detection area or viewing area of the sensors is divided into a plurality of distance ranges according to tolerance of the measured distance such that broader distance range is defined as the distance from the system is larger. The controller scans the windows with distance labels using a template that defines a joining relationship for the windows and assigns each window with a cluster label that is a combination of the distance label and a occurrence indicia, which is the same for the windows that satisfy the joining relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Morimichi Nishigaki, Masakazu Saka
  • Patent number: 6829388
    Abstract: A system and method are provided which are capable of reliably and effectively detecting a white line in an upper region of a road image by dividing the road image into, at least, two regions positioned up and down and using a result from a detection of the white line in a lowest region where the road image is less affected by noise. When a road surface is planar, both intersections of straight lines, by which left and right white lines are approximated, in a lowest region out of regions, positioned up and down, obtained by dividing a road image containing left and right white lines drawn in parallel on the road surface and intersections of straight lines, by which left and right white lines are approximated in an upper region of out of the two regions existing on one horizontal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20040244036
    Abstract: Television program transmitting methods and systems transmit multiple program channels when at least some of the multiple program channels have different content, and transmit a single program channel in place of the multiple program channels when the multiple program channels have common content. Additional content may be transmitted on at least one of the program channels that have freed up when the multiple program channels have common content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Microspace Communications Corporation
    Inventor: Winston Hugh Wright
  • Publication number: 20040201671
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a display system in a vehicle (01), having at least one camera, using which an observation region (02) in the surroundings of the vehicle (01) may be recorded, having an image processing unit, in which the image data coming from the camera may be processed, a display screen (05) inside the vehicle, on which the image data coming from the image processing unit may be displayed as an image (07), and a sensor system, using which the vehicle movement may be detected and relayed as movement data to the image processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Tim Weis, Benno Tobias Schindler
  • Patent number: 6782118
    Abstract: A system for measuring the distance traveled by bodies in flight during sports events, the bodies executing trajectories having a common predetermined take-off area, and a variable landing point within a landing surface. The system includes a fixed image acquisition device positioned at a predetermined distance from the take-off area for acquiring the image of the landing surface, a recorder for recording the landing surface image at least from the moment of initiation of the flight to completion of the flight, an identifying device for identifying a landing point of the body within the landing surface, and a calculating device for calculating the distance of the landing point from the take-off area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Antonio Verga
  • Publication number: 20040125205
    Abstract: A high speed 3D camera includes a monochromatic sensor configured to receive a reflected light pattern from an object to be photographed, a plurality of optical pattern filters configured to capture multiple separate sequential images of the object using the reflected light pattern, and a computing device configured to combine the sequential images to generate a single frame image of the object, wherein the single frame image provides sufficient information to generate 3D image of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Z. Jason Geng
  • Publication number: 20040114036
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the exchange of personal streaming media channels are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may permit the exchange of media such as, for example, audio and video, in a real time manner via a personal media channel in a media exchange network. The media channel may be established based upon input from a user, and its establishment may be initiated based upon input from sensors such as, for example, a smoke or fire sensor, a motion detector, a swimming pool disturbance detector, and a door bell button. A personal streaming media channel may be a one-way or a two-way channel. The media may be consumed using a set top box, and may be produced by a media peripheral such as, for example, a digital camcorder, a microphone, a video camera, and a MP3 player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, James D. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20040085443
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for processing regions of interest for objects comprising biological material. A region of interest can be denoted for a physical object and information indicating the region of interest can be stored in a computer-readable medium for later retrieval. Subsequently, when the object is retrieved, the information indicating the region of interest can be used to generate information specifying a physical location within the region of interest. An operation can then be performed on the physical location within the region of interest. Reference pints within the object can assist in regeneration of the region of interest, and the reference points can be arranged in such a fashion that processing can take rotation of the object into account. The invention includes various features advantageous for constructing tissue microarrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Olli P Kallioniemi, Thomas J Pohida, John Karareka, Ghadi Hamdi Salem
  • Patent number: 6731799
    Abstract: Image data for an image frame are allocated among three groups. In one group are image data which are part of a derived motion boundary, along with image data which differ by at least a threshold amount from a corresponding point among normalized background data. In another group are image data which closely correspond to the normalized background image data. A third group includes the remaining pixels. An initial estimate for the object boundary is adjusted iteratively based on the groupings, followed by application of an active contour model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Shijun Sun, Yongmin Kim
  • Patent number: 6718057
    Abstract: A positioning mark (21 to 24) is positioned and fixed with predetermined accuracy with respect to an image information detection unit (1, 2), and when the image information detection unit (1) having a narrow visual field can detect the positioning mark (21 to 24), position error of a workpiece (7) to be machined is determined based on the detected image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihiro Mori
  • Publication number: 20030202095
    Abstract: An optical scanner for three-dimensional scanning comprises: a support bed; a flat, transparent plate; guide rails under the transparent plate; a carriage slidably attached to the guide rails; and one or more sensors attached to the bed/case or carriage. For three-dimensional imaging, multiple scanned images of the object are obtained, each of which is from light reflecting off the object at a different angle with respect to the path of the carriage. This is done by shining light on the object and appropriately channeling reflected light, from at least two different directions, into the sensor(s). In one embodiment, the carriage has three CCD sensors, one oriented rearwards (with respect to the path of travel of the carriage), one oriented vertically, and one oriented forwards—each effectively “sees” the object from a different orientation. The multiple scanned images can be used for stereoscopic viewing and/or three-dimensional rendering using a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Howard J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6624845
    Abstract: A covert surveillance system for viewing images from a remote location is provided. The surveillance system provides a mirror, lens and camera arrangement within a small enclosure that allows full 360 degree pan, tilt, zoom, focus and iris control from a remote location. The system receives control commands such as rotate left, zoom out and tilt down via a radio receiver, and controls the camera accordingly. Images viewed by the camera are transmitted to a remote receiver for display on a monitor, or for recording. Continuous camera rotation is achieved by use of a specialized conductive drum that provides continuous electrical contact between camera signals and camera control. In one embodiment, the surveillance system is mounted in place of a photo detector in a street lamp, making the camera virtually undetectable. In addition, a rotatable directional antenna is included in the surveillance system to allow surveillance at great distances from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Detection Dynamics Inc.
    Inventors: Jaylon D. Loyd, Dan H. Marshall, II
  • Publication number: 20030137585
    Abstract: In a machine vision system, four images are acquired from overlapping fields of view. There is sub-pixel movement between images of either half pixel or third pixel. The images are combined to provide a single image of higher resolution. The camera and the object are displaced relative to each other by movement of the camera on a gantry system or by tilting the lens with respect to the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: James Mahon, John Doherty, Andrew Harton, Patrick Smith, Mark Dullaghan, Richard Frank Toftness
  • Publication number: 20030133009
    Abstract: Successive portions of an array of small biological specimens are imaged using a CCD camera. The x,y coordinates of each successive portion within the array are also determined. The array is moved by a precision staging system to accurately locate each successive portion in the array. The separate data portions are then arranged together using the coordinates of each portion to produce a complete data image of the array, without any mathematical smoothing or matching necessary between successive portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: CARL S BROWN, PAUL C GOODWIN
  • Patent number: 6593960
    Abstract: A multi-functional on-vehicle camera system comprises a plurality of cameras mounted on a vehicle and monitors each displaying a camera image. An image processing section is provided for processing images taken by the plurality of cameras. A system control means is provided for selecting a camera image to be processed from a plurality of images obtained from the plurality of cameras based on signals representing vehicle conditions, and for designating a type of image processing performed in the image processing section. The image for assisting the safety driving is displayed at an appropriate timing according to driving conditions in such a manner that the driver can easily grasp the circumferential conditions from the displayed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Sugimoto, Satoru Masuda, Yuichi Hirama
  • Publication number: 20030076415
    Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system including a camera mounted on top of the vehicle reflector in operative relation to the camera. The camera and the conical reflector provide a 360° field of view image around the vehicle. A controller is also included is adapted to detect objects within the field of view image, and determine a reference angle between the vehicle and a detected object. The controller also generates a distance value between the vehicle and the detected object as a function of a lane (w) and a reference angle (q). In one embodiment, the system includes an overhead-view display system including a reference vehicle indicator representative vehicle within the environment and an indicator element adapted to display the detected object with respect to the vehicle indicator as a function of the distance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Gary Steven Strumolo
  • Patent number: 6549647
    Abstract: Methods and an apparatus are disclosed for providing enhanced vibration immunity in a solder paste inspection system, although they are usable in any number of industries that require rapid acquisition of several images. The method includes capturing at least three images on a frame transfer CCD array before any data is sequentially read from the array. The present method is extendable to a larger number of images. Additionally, the masked memory area can be larger than the image area of the frame transfer CCD array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: CyberOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Skunes, David Fishbaine
  • Publication number: 20030001978
    Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing the storage and display of video data and other digital content in a set-top box or other television environment so that such data is securely stored and displayed are provided. Example embodiments provide an enhanced display controller (EDC) that executes in an electronic device, such as a set-top box, to provide secure storage and playback of streamed digital content. The EDC creates or identifies a secure storage location and stores the data stream in that secure location in a secure manner, thereby minimizing unauthorized access. In addition, the EDC supports the secure display of the data stream using standard (or proprietary) encryption techniques, and/or obfuscation techniques. The EDC also optionally supports various requirements for complying with the usage limitations typically associated with DRM data content. In one embodiment, the enhanced display controller is a modified set-top display (device) driver that includes a VBI decoder, mechanisms (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: xSides Corporation
    Inventors: Jason M. Smith, D. David Nason, John A. Painter, William J. Heaton
  • Publication number: 20020135676
    Abstract: When an image object is read using a camera including a line sensor having pixels arrayed in a line, a relative-movement-detecting section detects a movement of a transfer head holding the object in X direction relative to the camera. The detecting section outputs a movement-detecting signal to a camera-controller every time the object moves a given distance corresponding to a scanning space in X direction. The camera-controller controls a pixel-selecting circuit according to the movement-detecting signal and outputs an image signal from pixels selected based on pixel-selecting information. As a result, even if a moving mechanism of the transfer head has an error, a resolution becomes stable and an exact image is obtainable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Takayuki Hatase, Masayuki Arase
  • Patent number: 6438491
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for measuring the likelihood that detected stationary objects are not normally present at a sensed location. Such systems and methods may be used by other systems to which information from the present invention are communicated, for minimizing nuisance alerts in onboard object detection systems such as collision warning, collision avoidance, and/or adaptive cruise control systems. The system includes at least one vehicle mounted sensor capable of sensing at least a target object and providing data related to the target object. The system also comprises a locating device which is capable of determining and providing data related to the location of the machine or vehicle and a processing unit which receives the data from the sensor and the data from the locating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Telanon, Inc.
    Inventor: Bennie L. Farmer
  • Patent number: 6434254
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects from a sequence of images of a scene containing an object by using two distinct methods for object detection. One is suited for well-lit scenes (e.g., daytime), while the other is suitable for poorly-lit scenes (e.g., nighttime) where the objects have lights mounted on them. Further, the method and apparatus are adaptive to the image statistics of the objects being detected, and can be programmed to filter out “weak” detections that lie below a certain percentile in the observed statistical distribution of image measures. The specific percentile is determined based on whether the scene has been determined to be well- or poorly-lit and whether it contains shadows or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventor: Lambert Ernest Wixson
  • Patent number: 6415224
    Abstract: A display method and apparatus for navigation system for displaying information necessary for guiding a driver of a vehicle. The navigation system is designed to promote safe driving by producing different display forms and contents depending on whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary. When the vehicle is stationary, the navigation system can perform all of the functions. However, when the vehicle is in motion, the navigation system provides simplified and limited functions to ease the operations. The number of key strokes required for operating the navigation system is reduced when the vehicle is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hikaru Wako, Tatsuo Yokota
  • Patent number: 6407819
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the length of fibers is provided. The method includes the steps of separating the fibers in order to obtain a fiber in single form. The method further involves passing the fiber by an optical measurement system that optically images the fiber. Another step includes calculating the length of the fiber by measuring an increment of the fiber in the x coordinate plane, the y coordinate plane, and the z coordinate plane. Also, the method involves repeating this step to obtain additional increment measurements. These measurements are placed into an equation to compute the length of the fiber. The apparatus for measuring the length of separated fibers from a fiber band includes an apparatus for separating the fiber from the fiber band. Further, a duct is provided for transporting the fiber. At least one camera is proximate to the duct for obtaining an image of the fiber, and a computer is connected to the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rieter AG
    Inventor: Christoph Kuratle
  • Publication number: 20020069013
    Abstract: A method and system for computer assisted site navigation comprises the steps of capturing an image of a scene for providing real-time image data; calibrating the camera and localizing the image by utilizing the image data and retrieved marker registration and floor-map data for providing position and orientation data; transmitting the data to a web server; utilizing the image data and information on the scene retrieved from a database for deriving an augmented view; and displaying the augmented view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Nassir Navab, Xiang Zhang, Vijay Kumar, Benedicte Bascle
  • Publication number: 20020054209
    Abstract: Disclosed is a case where an aligning method according to the present invention is applied to a probe apparatus. Target probes are photographed by an upper CCD camera and target electrode pads are photographed by a lower CCD camera. Second virtual images of the photographed probes and first virtual images of the electrode pads are displayed in second and first image data areas on a monitor screen. Dark and light colors in terms of brightness are applied to pixels of the second virtual image and the first virtual image. The second virtual images are moved on the monitor screen, so that the second virtual images are superimposed on the first virtual images. The total sum of the brightness (luminance) of all the first virtual images is calculated. On the basis of the calculated luminance value, a position where the target probes are most successfully brought into contact with the target pads is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Hiroki Obi
  • Publication number: 20020051057
    Abstract: In the following device, at the time of pan/tilt movement of a pan head, images #1 to #3 for three frames shot by a camera are sequentially taken in into an image memory of an image processing device. And, processing of an image processing processor as well as a CPU compares the image #1 with the image #2 and the image #1 with the image #3 respectively so as to extract an image of an moving object so as to detect moving velocity of the moving object based on the image of this extracted moving object. When the moving velocity of the moving object is detected, a command signal to cause the pan head to pan/tilt at the moving of that moving object is given to a pan head controller by the CPU. This moves the pan head in the pan/tilt direction at the moving velocity of the moving object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Kunio Yata
  • Patent number: 6370474
    Abstract: A vehicular active drive assist system including a lane deviation judgment unit which judges the possibility of deviation of own vehicle from a traffic lane on a roadway ahead and a warning control unit which controls a warning based on judgment results fed from the lane deviation judgment unit, wherein the lane deviation judgment unit sets a first judgment line approximately parallel to a lateral direction of the own vehicle at a first distance ahead of the own vehicle, sets a second judgment line approximately parallel to the lateral direction of the own vehicle at a second distance ahead of the own vehicle, makes a judgment on the possibility of deviation from the traffic lane based on the location of the own vehicle and the location of lane markings on the first judgment line, makes another judgment on the possibility of deviation from the traffic lane based on the location of the own vehicle and the location of the lane markings on the second judgment line, and finally judges the possibility of deviation
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Hiwatashi, Keiji Hanawa
  • Publication number: 20020005779
    Abstract: In a driving operation assisting technique, the burden on a user is reduced. The user is allowed to specify, on an image representing the surrounding conditions around a vehicle, the end position of the vehicle at the end of a predetermined driving operation by using, for example, a pointer. A driving operation assisting system obtains the start position of the driving operation based on a prescribed movement pattern representing the movement of the vehicle in the driving operation, and superimposes the end position on the display image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Hirofumi Ishii, Shusaku Okamoto, Kunio Nobori, Masamichi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6292215
    Abstract: An image system which captures, along with the images, information defining both the position and the orientation of the camera along with the distance to the subject. A video camera is attached to three accelerometers, two gyroscopes, and a rangefinder. Data gathered from these devices and defining the pitch, yaw, and roll of the camera, the camera's acceleration, and the distance to the subject is captured and recorded along with video images. The video images are later stored within a computer's data base along with data defining the position and orientation of the camera and the distance to the subject for each image, this latter data being computed from the captured data. The images may then be presented to the user in a three-dimensional display in which the user can navigate through the images using a joystick device, with the images located in positions corresponding to the positions in space of the objects that were imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Transcenic L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert S. Vincent
  • Patent number: 6281930
    Abstract: A system and method for control of the field of view of one or more cameras for providing that one or more subjects are to be in a single field of view (“share view”) wherein the system will automatically calculate the values for the various field of view variables to provide the appropriate camera operation. Various computer-controlled programs are included to operate the system including programs for the integration of camera operation and automatic tracking of the subjects present. The system is designed for video and it can automatically add and remove subjects from a share view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, Philip A. Marvin
  • Patent number: 6233523
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of collection and linking of positional data obtained by satellite localization and other data. At least one vehicle travels through substantially all streets of one or several continuous areas, with a satellite localization device continuously and automatically gathering positional data relating to the actual position of each vehicle and with one or several cameras taking pictures of individual adjacent buildings, substantially from a horizontal point of view. The postal addresses of the buildings contained in the taken pictures are determined, with at least the house numbers being determined by means of a house number sign on the buildings. For each individual building the positional data, data relating to the postal address and at least one digitized picture of the building are linked together and recorded in a database. This allows very accurate vehicle navigation systems but also many other applications not limited to vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: iBS Integrierte Business Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf A. Sood
  • Patent number: 6211506
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically determining the dimension of part surfaces. Particular embodiments describe optical triangulation based coordinate measurement machines capable of accurate measurement of complex surfaces, such as gear teeth and turbine blades. Other embodiments provide highly useful sensors for robot guidance and related purposes. Up to 5 axis sensing capability is provided on surfaces of widely varying form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Diffracto, Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Pryor, Bernard Hockley, Nick Liptay-Wagner, Omer L. Hageniers, W. J. Pastorius
  • Patent number: 6191812
    Abstract: An improved method of tracking a camera in dynamic chroma-keying of the type in which a foreground object is photographed against a multicolored chroma-key screen. The multicolor patterns are created by projection on a monochrome screen, for example by projecting light through a mask on a screen colored with the chroma-key color. The projection of multiple patterns can emulate the use of a single pattern having multiple levels of detail, and can enable lateral tracking of the camera. Sequentially projecting known transformations (for example, rotations) of a pattern adds an extra degree of freedom which further enhances the accuracy of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: RT-SET Ltd.
    Inventors: Dekel Tzidon, Aviv Tzidon
  • Patent number: 6177955
    Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a visual display under test. A translational stage moves an optical instrument relative to the display in at least one of three generally orthogonal directions. The optical instrument is mounted on the translational stage and measures an electro-optical characteristic within a defined region of interest on the display. The display is mounted on a rotational stage for rotating the display about at least one of two generally orthogonal axes. A controller controls the translational and rotational stages to position the optical instrument at a desired position relative to the display and to position the display at a desired viewing angle relative to the optical instrument. The position of the optical instrument relative to the display is adjusted to maintain the optical axis of the instrument approximately centered within the defined region of interest on the display when the display is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Westar Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip A. Downen, Michael C. Aoun