Abstract: In an approach, hyperspectral and/or multispectral remote sensing images are automatically analyzed by a nitrogen analysis subsystem to estimate the value of nitrogen variables of crops or other plant life located within the images. For example, the nitrogen analysis subsystem may contain a data collector module, a function generator module, and a nitrogen estimator module. The data collector module prepares training data which is used by the function generator module to train a mapping function. The mapping function is then used by the nitrogen estimator module to estimate the values of nitrogen variables for a new remote sensing image that is not included in the training set. The values may then be reported and/or used to determine an optimal amount of fertilizer to add to a field of crops to promote plant growth.

Abstract: The application provides a cross-row time delay integral method, apparatus and camera. The method includes obtaining a first stage integral energy in an i-th target region from an i-th row of a first integral piece domain; transferring the first stage integral energy across rows to an i-th row of a second integral piece domain; obtaining the first stage integral energy and an second stage integral energy accumulated in the i-th target region from the i-th row of the second integral piece domain, after an integration period; outputting an image of the i-th target region containing the first stage integral energy and the second stage integral energy. The application performs cross-row integration through the energy obtained by imaging, the shooting of the target can be carried out in a higher-speed environment, the method can be implemented on the existing photoelectric device, and the method has excellent imaging quality and wide applicability.

Abstract: A movement notification is received from a display. The movement notification corresponds to a movement. A set of movement frames that reflect the movement is rendered by a graphical processing unit. The set of movement frames is transmitted to the display. A notification that the movement has ceased is received from the display. A stop command is transmitted to the display. The stop command instructs the display to not display the first subset of frames in the set of movement frames. The first subset of frames reflects the end of the movement.

Abstract: A method for handling image data of an electronic device includes an imaging device of the electronic device acquiring a plurality of images and continuing to acquire additional images after acquiring the plurality of images, and, while the additional images are continuously acquired by the imaging device, one or more processors of the electronic device storing first image data that correspond to the acquired plurality of images to a storage device of the electronic device, processing the plurality of images to generate second image data, and transmitting the second image data to a remote device. The second image data has a smaller data size than the first image data.

Abstract: A vibrometric signature for a vehicle, or a set of one or more frequencies where vibration of the vehicle is naturally observed in the presence of excitation, may be generated and used to make one or more determinations regarding the integrity or suitability of the vehicle for one or more missions. When the vehicle is subjected to excitation over a range of frequencies, images of the vehicle are captured, and power levels of vibrations of the vehicle are calculated based on the images. A vibrometric signature is generated based on the power levels of the vibrations, and compared to vibrometric signatures previously generated for the aerial vehicle, or to vibrometric signatures associated with one or more other vehicles, or anomalies experienced by such other vehicles, to determine whether the vehicle may be cleared for the performance of one or more missions, or whether maintenance or inspections are required.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are directed at devices, methods, and systems for rendering a customizable 3D virtual environment of an outside world surrounding an airplane. The 3D virtual environment is rendered on a personal electronic device (e.g., a VR headset) and is composed from high-resolution image data received from a plurality of cameras mounted externally to the airplane. A seatback computer coupled to the personal electronic device receives data corresponding to the 3D virtual environment of the outside world from the airplane's compute server, which performs the tasks of analyzing the high-resolution image data to compose the 3D virtual environment. Further, the 3D virtual environment can be customized to a passenger's preferences based on gesture-based interactions of a passenger with the 3D virtual environment. The gesture-based interactions of a passenger are received by a sensor coupled to the personal electronic device.

Abstract: A system uses an optical sensor and an image processing apparatus to map emerged plants in a field. The optical sensor collects at least one image of a field of emerged plants. The image processing apparatus analyzes the image to detect areas of vegetation and creates a vegetation map indicative of the detected areas. The image processing element then analyzes the vegetation map to identify emerged plants within the image and creates at least map indicating locations of the emerged plants in the field. Such map may be used to make efficient crop management decisions based on the actual layout of emerged plants in the field.

Abstract: An image display method includes acquiring an aerial image captured during flight of a flying object, acquiring a first image based on the aerial image, acquiring image position information of the flying object corresponding to an image position in a horizontal direction of the flying object in the first image, superimposing related information of the flying object at the image position in the first image to generate a second image, and displaying the second image.

Abstract: A camera system for the exterior region of a building, comprising a camera for producing image data of surroundings of the camera system, comprising a network module for connecting the camera system to a data network, contains an evaluation module configured to carry out the following from a predeterminable start time to an end time: detect a code pattern in the image data, and detect an authorization code and access data for the data network in a detected code pattern, and check a detected authorization code in respect of the validity thereof, and log the camera system onto the data network with the access data in the case of a valid authorization code and setting a successful log on time as end time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vehicle detection within a vehicle parking facility. The system includes one or more vehicle detection sensors positioned about the vehicle parking facility. The system includes processor executable instructions for determining a measure of available parking spaces based on sensor data from one or more vehicle detection sensors. The system receives, from an image capture device, image data representing an occupancy state of discrete parking spaces. The system determines, based on the image data, that a subject vehicle occupying a target parking space additionally occupies an area external to the target parking space and, in response, determines a number of unusable parking spaces. The system generates and transmits, to a display, parking space inventory data based on the determined number of unusable parking spaces and the measure of available parking spaces.

Abstract: A method for zooming an imaging device relative to an object to be imaged includes determining a condition associated with the object and/or the imaging device, and selecting a zooming mode of the imaging device based on the determined condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method that make it possible to appropriately guide a flying object to a target object even in a case where a translucent substance such as fog exists. In a first period, a gated image of a target object is captured, and in a second period, a user handles a guidance control device for projecting a spotlight, in the same direction as an image capturing direction for capturing the gated image, by changing a distance and a direction, in order to bring the target object into a state in which the target object can be captured as the gated image, and then a laser pointer is projected on the target object. Thus, a flying object is guided toward reflected light that is the light of the laser pointer reflected by the target object, and thereby the flying object can be appropriately guided to the target object even in a case where a translucent substance such as fog exists.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning method of a photoelectric remote sensing system including the following steps: providing a photoelectric remote sensing system that is suspended in the air; and S20, driving the photographing device by the pan-tilt device to scan a target area along a plurality of circular trajectories, driving the photographing device by the pan-tilt device to switch between the circular trajectories, so as to enable a scanning area of the photographing device to cover the entire target area; and adjusting an optical parameter of the photographing device while the photographing device is switched between the circular trajectories, so as to enable pictures photographed at all scanning points to have the same spatial resolution. The scanning method of the present invention can ensure that the scanning area fully covers a target area and pictures photographed at different target points have the same spatial resolution.

Abstract: A panoramic photographing method for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and an UAV using the same are provided. The panoramic photographing method includes steps of: disposing a digital camera on an UAV; recording a flying altitude and a flying angle of the UAV of each of photographed pictures when a panoramic photographing process is performed; performing an image stitching process, determining overlapped regions of the two photographed pictures, and obtaining a feature operation region by way of division according to the flying altitude and the flying angle of the UAV; and performing a feature operation in the overlapped regions of the two photographed pictures to determine an image stitching location, and thus generate a panoramic picture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring the operation of recording devices that may be removably mounted to a mount. A mount may provide a unique identifier. The unique identifier may be used to select a configuration profile for configuring the operation of the recording device coupled to the mount. A recording device that is moved from one mount to another may receive a different profile in accordance with the identifier of the new mount to control the operation of the recording device while mounted to the new mount. A server may store, retrieve, and provide profiles to recording devices.

Abstract: A system and method for motion compensation in translational and rotational image smear using a two-axis fast steering mirror and a single-axis gimbal which are controlled simultaneously. A pointing and control module calculates an objective function which can be optimized to find an optimized de-roll rate to compensate for camera boresight rotation in real-time.

Abstract: The present application relates to the technical field of a photographing apparatus, provides a gimbal and a photographing assembly having the gimbal. The gimbal includes: a stability augmentation assembly configured to mount the photographing apparatus; a handle connected to the stability augmentation assembly; a display screen mounted to the handle and configured to display an image photographed by the photographing apparatus, so that a user may control the stability augmentation assembly according to the photographed image.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for detecting clouds in satellite imagery captured using first and second sensor arrays that are carried by a satellite and physically offset from one another on the satellite. Movement mask data is produced based first image data and the second image data, obtained, respectively, using the first and second sensor arrays carried by the satellite. Cloud mask data is produced based on spectral information included one of the first and second image data. Cloud detection data is produced based on the movement mask data and the cloud mask data, the cloud detection data indicating where it is likely, based on both the movement mask data and the cloud mask data, that one or more clouds are represented within one of the first and second image data. The cloud detection data can be used in various ways to account for the clouds included within the satellite imagery.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for generating survey data about a survey site. Aerial photography of at least part of the survey site can be analyzed using photogrammetric techniques. In some cases, an unmanned aerial system can be used to collect site imagery. The use of a UAS can reduce the fiscal and chronological cost of a survey, compared to the use of other types aerial imagery and/or conventional terrestrial surveying techniques used alone.

Abstract: A method and system for temporal frequency analysis for identification of unmanned aircraft systems. The method includes obtaining a sequence of video image frames and providing a pixel from an output frame of the video; generating a fluctuating pixel value vector; examining the fluctuating pixel value vector over a period of time; obtaining the frequency information present in the pixel fluctuations; summing the frequency coefficients for the vectorized pixel values from the fluctuating pixel value vector; obtaining an image representing a two dimensional space based on the summed center frequency coefficients; generating a series of still frames equal to a summation of the center frequency coefficients for pixel variations; and combining the temporal information into spatial locations in a matrix to provide a single image containing the spatial and temporal information present in the sequence of video image frame.

Abstract: A fact checking system utilizes social networking information and analyzes and determines the factual accuracy of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with source information. The social networking fact checking system automatically monitors information, processes the information, fact checks the information and/or provides a status of the information, including automatically modifying a web page to include the fact check results. The fact checking system is able to be implemented utilizing a drone device. The drone device is able to be implemented in conjunction with a security system.

Abstract: A vibrometric signature for a vehicle, or a set of one or more frequencies where vibration of the vehicle is naturally observed in the presence of excitation, may be generated and used to make one or more determinations regarding the integrity or suitability of the vehicle for one or more missions. When the vehicle is subjected to excitation over a range of frequencies, images of the vehicle are captured, and power levels of vibrations of the vehicle are calculated based on the images. A vibrometric signature is generated based on the power levels of the vibrations, and compared to vibrometric signatures previously generated for the aerial vehicle, or to vibrometric signatures associated with one or more other vehicles, or anomalies experienced by such other vehicles, to determine whether the vehicle may be cleared for the performance of one or more missions, or whether maintenance or inspections are required.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for an infrared and visible imaging system. In some implementations, Image data from a visible-light camera is obtained. A position of a device is determined based at least in part on the image data from the visible-light camera. An infrared camera is positioned so that the device is in a field of view of the infrared camera, with the field of view of the infrared camera being narrower than the field of view of the visible-light camera. Infrared image data from the infrared camera that includes regions representing the device is obtained. Infrared image data from the infrared camera that represents the device is recorded. Position data is also recorded that indicates the location and pose of the infrared camera when the infrared image data is acquired by the infrared camera.

Abstract: Example embodiments of automatic vehicle imaging systems may include cameras configured to capture images and/or video. Cameras may be coupled to booms and/or unmanned vehicles, such as unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles. Example methods may include determining a camera path for a vehicle, wherein the camera path is a path to be followed by a camera while the camera captures images or video of the vehicle, positioning the camera at the starting position, and capturing a first image or video segment of the vehicle using the camera. The example method may include associating the first image or video segment with a first description, moving the camera to a second position along the camera path, capturing a second image or video segment of the vehicle, and associating the second image or video segment with a second description.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, systems and methods for monitoring anti-corrosion efforts including the efficacy of cathodic protection systems. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, systems and methods for remote cell cathodic protection (CP) survey data acquisition to sense, display, and record CP survey voltage potential measurements as well as global positioning system and navigation data. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improvements in terms reduced noise and improved signal quality through the use of copper conductors that connect electrochemical reference cells (i.e., electrodes) to measuring apparatus. Further, improved signal detection is provided by embodiments including reference electrodes that may be placed further (e.g., up to 1000 feet) from a surface vessel than are found in conventional system. Disclosed embodiments also provide highly precise spatial mapping of CP potentials (e.g., to within 0.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, is operable in an autonomous mode. The UAV comprises an upwards-configurable sensor an actuator and a controller. The upwards-configurable sensor is configurable in an upwards-facing configuration during an autonomous procedure such that a field of view of the upwards-configurable sensor includes airspace directly above the UAV during the autonomous procedure. The controller is operable to control the actuator during the autonomous procedure based on data captured by the upwards-configurable sensor to cause the UAV to make physical contact with an object in the airspace directly above the UAV during the autonomous procedure.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of detecting excessive customer wait times is provided. The method includes taking a headcount in a digital image obtained by a digital video camera of a monitored area, counting the number of bodies in the digital image, and rectifying the number of heads with the number of bodies to obtain a total count of persons. The method further includes determining which persons are moving and subtracting the moving persons from the total count of persons to obtain a still count, and determining which persons are workers and subtracting the workers from the still count to identify customers in the monitored area and obtain a customer count. The method further includes identifying the number of queues present in the monitored area, assigning each customer to a queue, and determining the wait time for each of the identified customers in each of the identified queues.

Abstract: A first controller of a work vehicle executes a first composition process for composition of a first video imaged by a camera and a second video imaged by a camera and generating composite video data indicating a composite video, and a transmission process for transmitting, to a second controller, the composite video data generated in the first composition process. The second controller of the work vehicle executes a reception process for receiving the composite video data from the first controller, and a display process for displaying the composite video indicated by the composite video data received in the reception process on a display.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a movable apparatus including a first imaging apparatus for imaging a target to acquire a first image and a second imaging apparatus for imaging a part of the target to acquire a second image includes circuitry configured to acquire, from the movable apparatus, state information indicating a movement state of the movable apparatus, receive the first image and the second image from the movable apparatus based on the acquired state information, and output the first image and the second image selectively based on the acquired state information.

Abstract: A device can include an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) frame physically connected to a UAV, two or more support arms connected to and extending from the frame, a first servomotor coupled to a first support arm and providing rotatable movement of the first support arm in a first plane; a second servomotor coupled to a second support arm and providing rotatable movement of the second support arm in a second plane, a second frame connected to the support arms, and an end effector connected to the second frame.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for controlling a search and rescue (SAR) light on a rotorcraft. The system includes a processor programmed to: for each cartesian input point in a sequence defining a cartesian pattern, determine an initial light head orientation as a function of the real-time rotorcraft state; generate and transmit a pan command and a tilt command as a function of the initial light head orientation and the cartesian input point; and identify a delta-range. A pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera is configured to continuously slave and have a field of view centered on a beam axis of the SAR light. The PTZ camera captures a video stream and transmits it; zooms in on the field of view of the PTZ camera when the delta-range is positive; and zooms out on the field of view of the PTZ camera when the delta-range is negative.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter includes a camera system for aerial photography applications which can be mounted on an aircraft and be operated for obtaining images of a surveyed area. The proposed camera system comprises a camera control unit operatively connected to a camera supported by a pivotal supporting device such as a gimbal assembly. The camera is continuously moved along a scanning line without stopping and is operated to capture images in a certain frame rate, this is carried out by measuring as well as regulating the angular velocity of the camera to adapt the pictured and the non-pictures zones over the scanning line.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a camera system includes a first camera that has a first camera angle of view and a second camera that has a second camera angle of view. The first camera is positioned and oriented to have a first coverage area and the second camera is positioned and oriented to have a second coverage area that at least partially overlaps the first coverage area. An angle between a center axis of the first camera angle of view and a center axis of the second camera angle of view exceeds the first camera angle of view.

Abstract: A system for time-stamping the passage of a moving object is provided. The system includes a telescope, a satellite geolocating system and an electronic processor, the telescope comprising a focusing optic, a mechanical shutter and a CCD sensor comprising the function referred to as “time delay and integration”. When the moving object passes through the field of the telescope during a period wherein the mechanical shutter is open, the shift of the charge of a pixel in the rows of the CCD sensor ensured by the TDI function is carried out at least once at a time defined by the satellite geolocating system, shifting the trace of light left by the image of the moving object along a column of pixels, the electronic data processor determining the exact position of the moving object at the defined time depending on knowledge of this column and of the position of the telescope.

Abstract: A laser detector apparatus (1) is provided, where a pixel array (3) is arranged behind a lens arrangement (4) such that distant objects (9) (in general, those at infinity) are out of focus at the pixel array. The image from the pixel array is evaluated by a computer processor (6) to detect such out of focus images which will be of a known size and shape (generally circular spots of known width). This can enable distant laser threats to be readily distinguished from nearby bright objects (10), whilst also protecting the pixel array from powerful laser sources (because the laser energy is not focussed to a point, on the pixel array it is less likely to damage the pixel array). It can also enable the wavelength of the laser to be accurately determined from the ratio of colours in the image of the laser spot, because it will typically not be a saturated image.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an obstacle avoidance method and apparatus and an unmanned aerial vehicle. The method includes: obtaining detection images of at least two different focal lengths from a camera apparatus; determining, according to the detection images of the at least two different focal lengths, that an obstacle exists in a detection area; and obtaining position information of the obstacle according to the detection images of the at least two different focal lengths. Because the camera apparatus performs a zooming operation quickly, it's no need to precisely obtain position and attitude information by using a Global Positioning System (GPS) and an onboard inertial device, which avoids measurement interference and a positioning error caused by the inertial device, thereby improves calculation precision.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an unmanned aerial vehicle photography system comprising at least a first unmanned aerial vehicle and a second unmanned aerial vehicle; the first unmanned aerial vehicle further comprising one or more image sensors, configured to obtain a subject image of a subject; and one or more processors, configured to cause the one or more image sensors to obtain the subject image synchronously with the second unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A leaked gas detection device and a leaked gas detection method according to the present invention obtain a leakage position of a gas leaked into a space on the basis of an image of a target area, obtain a reliability degree that is an index representing the degree of reliability with respect to the obtained leakage position on the basis of data of a meteorological element, and display the obtained leakage position on a display unit in a range including the leakage position. At this time, the leaked gas detection device and the leaked gas detection method according to the present invention change a size of the range according to the obtained reliability degree.

Abstract: A flight control device which controls an air vehicle flying around a structure, the flight control device including: a detection-position movement controller which causes the air vehicle to move to a detection position for detecting the designated sign, the detection position being given for the designated sign; a sign detector which, when the air vehicle arrives at the detection position, detects the identification code of the sign and measures a flight relative position which is a position of the air vehicle relative to the sign; and a designated-position adjustment unit which, when the sign detector detects the identification code of the designated sign, controls a flying position of the air vehicle, based on the flight relative position and a position of the via point relative to the designated sign, so that the flying position matches the via point.

Abstract: A flight vehicle and a tracking method are disclosed. The method includes: collecting the flight vehicle's geographic location information and image data of the areas over which the flight vehicle flies; establishing a correspondence between the geographic location information and the image data collected at a same moment; and sending the foregoing data between which the correspondence is established. A receive end receives the geographic location information and the image data between which the correspondence is established; draws a flight path of the flight vehicle by using the geographic location information; obtains geographic location information corresponding to a location selected on the flight path, and displays image data corresponding to the geographic location information.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an unfolding propeller unit type unmanned aerial vehicle including a body unit, a plurality of propeller units in which propellers are installed, a locking unit configured to lock the propeller units so that a state in which the propeller units are overlapping on the body unit is maintained, and propeller unit unfolders, each configured to connect each of the propeller units to the body unit, and unfold the propeller unit from the body unit so the propeller units are positioned around the body unit when locking of the locking unit is released.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods for imaging of scenes in apparent motion are described. A multi-axis positioning mechanism is operable to move an area imaging device along a tracking axis. A control module directs the multi-axis positioning mechanism to set the tracking axis to be substantially parallel with the apparent motion, and directs the multi-axis positioning mechanism to move the area imaging device in one or more cycles such that the area imaging device moves, in each of the one or more cycles, forward along the tracking axis at a tracking speed that compensates for the apparent motion. The control module directs the area imaging device to take at least one exposure during each of the one or more cycles to generate one or more exposures. An imaging module forms an image of the scene based on the one or more exposures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a landing protection method and apparatus and an aircraft. The method includes: obtaining an image of a landing area; determining a feature point in the image; determining, according to the feature point, whether the landing area is a dangerous landing area; and if yes, controlling the aircraft to suspend landing or controlling the aircraft to fly away from the dangerous landing area. By means of the present invention, whether a landing area is a dangerous landing area may be determined according to an obtained image, so that the landing safety of the aircraft is ensured.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for managing growing crops in a crop growing farm includes operating one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to fly over a plurality of sections of a crop growing farm. The UAVs are fitted with a plurality of cameras equipped to generate images in a plurality of spectrums. The plurality of sections of the crop growing farm grow crops of one or more types or varietals. The method further includes taking a plurality of aerial images of the sections of the vineyard in the plurality of spectrums, using the plurality of cameras, while the UAVs are flying over the plurality of sections of the crop growing farm, and executing an analyzer on a computing system to machine analyze the plurality of aerial images for anomalies associated with growing the crops of the one or more types or varietals. The machine analysis takes into consideration topological information of the crop growing farm, as well as current planting information of the crop growing farm.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a display configured to display at least one screen; a communication interface configured to receive camera information from at least one camera; a processor configured to extract position information, time information, and image information corresponding to one another from the camera information and generate a first screen displaying the position information, a second screen displaying the time information, and a third screen for displaying the image information; and a user interface configured to receive a user input for selecting first position information from the position information or first time information from the time information, wherein the processor is further configured to extract first image information corresponding to the first position information or the first time information from the image information and reproduce the first image information through the third screen.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed for capturing and distributing aerial images and/or videos. Images and/or videos are captured from aircraft and transmitted to a ground station. Users are able to view captured images on a real-time or near real-time basis through a user platform on mobile devices and web browsers. The location of the user may also be determined and used to interpolate the user's location with the captured images.

Abstract: An image capture device may capture visible and infrared light, and image analysis may be used to generate a map of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of healthy vegetation. Because NDVI data focuses on red and near infrared (NIR) reflectance of plants, NDVI data may be generated using an aircraft-mounted camera with optical filtering to collect various wavelengths. To reduce the size, weight, complexity, and cost of the image analysis system, a multiband optical filter may be used to capture multiple passbands simultaneously.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may perform a surveillance action at a property of an authorized party. The property may be defined by a geo-fence, which may be a virtual perimeter or boundary around a real-world geographic area. The UAV may image the property to generate surveillance images, and the surveillance images may include image data of objects inside the geo-fence and image data of objects outside the geo-fence. While gathering surveillance images, or after the surveillance images have been gathered, the geo-fence information may be used to obscure or remove image data referring to objects outside the geo-fence. Geo-clipped surveillance images may be generated by physically constraining a sensor of the UAV, by performing pre-image capture processing, or post-image capture processing. Geo-clipped surveillance images may be limited to authorized property, so privacy is ensured for private persons and property.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a reference image of an outdoor area, identifying that a portion of the outdoor area shown in the reference image corresponds to living vegetation, determining, from multiple images of the outdoor area, a reference color that corresponds to a dry condition in the portion of the outdoor area, receiving a sample image of the portion of the outdoor area, determining that a sample color of the portion of the outdoor area shown in the sample image corresponds to the reference color, and based on a determination that the sample color of the portion of the outdoor area shown in the sample image corresponds to the reference color, triggering a watering device to provide water to the portion of the outdoor area.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, apparatus, and method for in-situ creation of planar natural feature targets. In one embodiment, a planar target is initialized from a single first reference image one or more subsequent images are processed. In one embodiment, the planar target is tracked in six degrees of freedom upon the processing of the one or more subsequent images and a second reference image is selected from the processed one or more subsequent images. In one embodiment, upon selecting the second reference image the planar target is refined to a more accurate planar target.