Using Test Chart Patents (Class 348/188)
  • Patent number: 8547450
    Abstract: A method for calibrating automatic white balance (AWB) in a digital system is provided that includes capturing an image of a test target under a natural lighting condition, generating a first color temperature reference from the captured image, and outputting AWB configuration data for the digital system, wherein the AWB configuration data comprises the first color temperature reference and a second color temperature reference generated using the test target under simulated lighting conditions. A method for calibrating automatic white balance (AWB) in a digital system comprising a first imaging sensor is provided that includes receiving a reference for AWB that was generated using an image captured using a second imaging sensor, and compensating a histogram reference into a histogram reference for AWB for the first imaging sensor in the digital system based on R, G, B adjustment values from the second imaging sensor to the first imaging sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Buyue Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130242118
    Abstract: Among other things, on a two-dimensional electronic display are shown simultaneously: (a) at least a partial body view of a surface of the human model on which a location of a skin lesion on a corresponding real human has been indicated, and (b) an image of the lesion area that corresponds to the partial body view of the human model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: MELA SCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Christiano Butler, Joanna S. Adrian, Maciej Wojton, Mrinalini Roy
  • Patent number: 8531529
    Abstract: A dead pixel compensating apparatus includes, inter alia, a pattern generation unit generating a programmable test pattern including data with respect to at least one dead pixel; a register array storing the test pattern; a dead pixel compensation unit receiving the test pattern stored in the register array and performing a dead pixel compensation algorithm to output compensation data; and a determination unit comparing the test pattern and the compensation data to determine whether or not the dead pixel compensation algorithm has an error, wherein a dead pixel compensation algorithm for compensating for a dead pixel of an image sensor in image data supplied from the image sensor is tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Geon Pyo Kim, Jong Park Kim, Myoung Kwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8531530
    Abstract: An adjusting method for a lens unit used in an image reading apparatus which images image information of an original onto an image reading unit by the lens unit and reads the image information, the lens unit including rotationally-symmetrical lenses, a lens barrel including the rotationally-symmetrical lenses and an adjusting lens, the adjusting method including: performing rotational adjustment of the lens barrel with respect to the adjusting lens; and imaging an adjusted chart onto one-dimensional photoelectric transducers via the lens unit, obtaining contrast depth characteristics of images corresponding to at least three angles of field of the lens unit among images of the adjusted chart, and, according to the obtained contrast depth characteristics, performing position adjustment of the adjusting lens in at least one of an array direction of the one-dimensional photoelectric transducers, a direction orthogonal to the array direction and an optical axis direction of the lens unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadao Hayashide, Takeyoshi Saiga
  • Publication number: 20130222607
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to simplify a calibration operation of a camera and to shorten a time necessary for calibration. A camera calibration device 10 is mounted on a predetermined position of a movable object 100 and includes a camera 11 configured to take an image including an index 41 provided outside the movable object 100, an image superimposing unit 122 configured to generate a superimposed image by superimposing a calibration object 42 having a position adjustment part and a rotation adjustment part on the image taken by the camera 11, and a calculation unit 124 configured to calculate, based on a position of the calibration object 42 after being shifted in the superimposed image such that an end or a center of the index 41 meets the position adjustment part and a part of the index other than the end or the center overlaps the rotation adjustment part, parameters relative to a pan angle, a tilt angle and a roll angle for calibration of the camera mounting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeo OSHIMA, Takashi MAEKAWA, Ryuuichi SAWADA, Haruo YANAGISAWA, Chinatsu SAKURAI, Akinori IWABUCHI, Shinya TAMIZU, Takashi INOUE
  • Patent number: 8508657
    Abstract: In a test method in which an image photographed by a camera apparatus 1 attached to a body of a vehicle is displayed on a display device 17 and an examiner examines compliance or non-compliance of the shooting direction of the camera apparatus 1 by comparing the position of a reference pattern and the position of a judgment pattern on the displayed photographed image, the photographed image is obtained at first by photographing with the camera apparatus 1 a test chart which is placed at a predefined position ahead of the vehicle with the reference pattern drawn on the test chart. Next, the judgment pattern is set at a specific position on the photographed image. Then, the photographed image on which the judgment pattern has been set is displayed on the display device 17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Sogawa, Keiichi Murakami, Yoshio Tozawa
  • Patent number: 8508584
    Abstract: According to the apparatus, the method, the program, and the recording medium of the present invention, the amount of feed of a first zoom lens and the amount of feed of a second zoom lens corresponding to a magnification of the first zoom lens and a magnification of the second zoom lens which are close to each other are associated, and the amounts of feed of the first zoom lens and the second zoom lens corresponding to an arbitrarily designated magnification are set. Accordingly, the magnifications of the first zoom lens and the second zoom lens can be accurately made almost equal over the entire zoom range. Since the magnifications of the first zoom lens and the second zoom lens are made equal on the basis of the amounts of feed, effective pixels do not decrease, unlike magnification correction using an electronic zoom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20130188018
    Abstract: A stereoscopic measurement system determines relative location of a point on an object based on a stereo image pair of the object. The system comprises an image capture device for capturing a stereo image pair of the object, the image pair comprising a first image and a second image of the object. The system comprises a processing system configurable to designate a first point and a second point on the first image, designate the first point and the second point on the second image, define stereo points based on the designated points, and to calculate a distance between the stereo points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: MATRIX ELECTRONIC MEASURING PROPERTIES, LLC
    Inventors: George B. STEVENS, Robert W. SRACK, Janet M. SRACK, Thomas L. SRACK, Robert` D. BAILEY, Mark A. ANZALONE
  • Patent number: 8488039
    Abstract: A digital image processing apparatus capable of displaying a color distribution chart and a method of operating the same is provided. The digital image processing apparatus includes a digital signal processing unit which detects digital color signals from an image input via an image photographing unit and calculates a color distribution chart that indicates a proportion of the detected color signals in the image. The apparatus and method can calculate and display a color distribution chart of a displayed image and change colors of the image into optimized colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eun-young Kim
  • Publication number: 20130169825
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus for measuring response curve of an image sensor. The method comprises: taking at least one photograph of a Grey Scale card with an image sensor to be measured, wherein the photograph comprises a plurality of greyscale image blocks; calculating relative exposure values for each greyscale image block respectively corresponding to the greyscale blocks of the Grey Scale card; plotting a plurality of reference points based on pixel values of pixel points within each greyscale image block and the relative exposure values, and executing an interpolation calculation based on the reference points to obtain a response curve of the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SPREADTRUM COMMUNICATIONS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Spreadtrum Communications (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130162840
    Abstract: A colour calibration card (1) for digital photography with a maximum of 40 calibration fields, each exhibiting a colour in a colour space according to CIE 1976 (L*, a*, b*) D50 2°, wherein a first group with at least 3 calibration fields (4G1, 4G2, 4G3) exhibits green colours having an a value within the range of ?30 to ?60 and a b value within the range of +10 to +30, a second group (4B1, 4B2, 4B3) exhibits blue colours having an a value within the range of ?20 to ?20 and a b value within the range of ?30 till ?60, a third group (4R1, 4R2, 4R3) exhibits red colours having an a value within the range of +40 to +60 and a b value within the range of ?5 to +30, and wherein the respective calibration fields in each group (4G1, 4G2, 4G3; 4B1, 4B2, 4B3; 4R1, 4R2, 4R3) exhibit colours for which the values in at least one of a or b differ by at least 5 units from the corresponding values for the other calibration fields in the group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: QPCARD AB
    Inventor: Joakim Bengtsson
  • Patent number: 8467060
    Abstract: A test apparatus comprising a self illuminated light source and second moveable element having spectrophotometrically neutral gray and color patches of predetermined hues and saturations. A digital software file provides identical spectrophotometrically neutral grayscale and color data which, when reproduced on a monitor or projection system, should match the grayscale and test colors provided by the apparatus. When the apparatus is placed in front of the monitor image or projected image, the neutral grays and color patches reproduced on the monitor image or projected image are compared against the image of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Ferrand D. E. Corley
  • Publication number: 20130141593
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and method for calibrating a display device to eliminate distortions due to various components such as one or more of lenses, mirrors, projection geometry, lateral chromatic aberration and color misalignment, and color and brightness non-uniformity. Calibration for distortions that vary over time is also addressed. Sensing devices coupled to processors can be used to sense display characteristics, which are then used to compute distortion data, and generate pre-compensating maps to correct for display distortions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: GEO SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
    Inventor: GEO SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
  • Patent number: 8451334
    Abstract: A calibration pattern is provided with a central portion and a frame pattern provided outside thereof, the central portion being provided with a rectangular light area in the central portion of the calibration pattern. The frame pattern has a horizontal pattern and a vertical pattern, the horizontal pattern extending to two horizontal sides centering the central portion and alternately provided with a light area and a dark area at a predetermined interval different from an equal interval, the vertical pattern extending to two vertical sides centering the central portion and alternately provided with a light area and a dark area at a predetermined interval different from an equal interval. The horizontal pattern and the vertical pattern include edges, each being positioned equally distant from a predetermined position in the central portion to the two sides, and the edges have an identical change direction of a gray value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Yuko Shishido
  • Publication number: 20130107059
    Abstract: A noise detecting device includes an image acquiring unit and a parallel processing unit. The image acquiring unit acquires an image from a camera that captures the image of a test pattern including a plurality of lines tilted at a specific angle relative to a specific direction. The parallel processing unit sequentially extracts image signals for two lines extending in parallel in the specific direction of the image, the two parallel lines being away from each other by a specific number of lines, and performs in a parallel manner, for each image signals for the two parallel lines, processing for detecting noise generated in the image on the basis of a difference in pixel values calculated from the image signals for the two parallel lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sony Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130083205
    Abstract: A test chart can be used to test sharpness performance of an imaging system's full image field by having a sharpness inspection area formed of a plurality of identical visual elements that abut each other leaving no gaps to thereby form a mosaic. Each visual element includes a plurality of groups of differently oriented contrasting lines. The mosaic may fill an entire image captured by an imager. Thus, a test system can image the chart to objectively assess the performance of the imaging system in terms of image quality (e.g. sharpness, tilt, etc) throughout the entire spatial area of the captured image. The size of the chart and spatial frequency spacing) of the visual element lines can be selected to test an imaging system's full field sharpness at selected spatial frequencies. The full field sharpness results more quickly and accurately determine different aspects of a given imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Mark N. Gamadia, Fei Wu, Shizhe Shen, Jason Rukes
  • Publication number: 20130083168
    Abstract: There is provided a calibration apparatus for a camera module capable of calibrating the difference in optical characteristics between left and right images of a binocular camera module in real time by capturing images of a plurality of rotating test boards. The calibration apparatus of a camera module includes: a test unit including two or more mutually connected test boards, the test boards having images captured by a camera module and rotating at a pre-set angle; and a calibration unit receiving the images of the test boards captured by the camera module and calibrating optical characteristics thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELCTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joo Hyun KIM, Jagarlamudi Veera Venkata PRASAD, Nagaraj AVINASH, Soon Seok KANG
  • Patent number: 8405727
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for calibrating image capture devices, such as the type used in electronic devices. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one array of pixels and a memory coupled to the at least one array of pixels. The electronic device may further include a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the memory and at least one color filter optically coupled to the at least one array of pixels. The memory may further include one or more storage locations that include a response of the at least one color filter to one or more predetermined wavelengths from a target test source, as well as, one or more storage locations that include a response of one or more baseline color filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Gere, Ting Chen, Chad Andrew Bronstein
  • Patent number: 8400505
    Abstract: A calibration device and method calibrates a distance measuring device which provides captured images with significant lens aberration. The calibration device and method estimate a camera parameter representing a characteristic of each imaging system of a distance measuring device, and perform the following: capture, using the distance measuring device, an image of a reference chart which (i) represents a geometric pattern in which elements are arranged and (ii) is positioned to have a predetermined positional relationship with the distance measuring device; modify a luminance distribution affected by aberration of the lens in the captured image of the reference chart; calculate, as a feature point position, a gravity center position of each element in the captured image whose luminance distribution is modified; and estimate the camera parameter using the feature point position calculated in the calculating and an approximate actual gravity center position in the reference chart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Oyama, Norihiro Imamura
  • Patent number: 8395666
    Abstract: Methods, systems and software are disclosed for automated Measurement of Video Quality parameters. The system includes a static Test Pattern provided either in form of a Test Pattern File, converted via a standard playout device (test source) into analog or digital test signal and supplied to the input of a System Under Test, or in form of a Reflectance Chart installed before the front-end device of the System Under Test, such as TV camera. The system also includes a video capture device connected to the back-end device of the System Under Test, e.g. to the output of system decoder/player. A Video Quality Analyzer processes the captured video data and generates a detailed Analysis Report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Videoq, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Steinberg, Michael Shinsky
  • Publication number: 20130057706
    Abstract: Methods, systems and software are disclosed for automated Measurement of Video Quality parameters. The system includes a static Test Pattern provided either in form of a Test Pattern File, converted via a standard playout device (test source) into analog or digital test signal and supplied to the input of a System Under Test, or in form of a Reflectance Chart installed before the front-end device of the System Under Test, such as TV camera. The system also includes a video capture device connected to the back-end device of the System Under Test, e.g. to the output of system decoder/player. A Video Quality Analyzer processes the captured video data and generates a detailed Analysis Report.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Victor Steinberg, Michael Shinsky
  • Patent number: 8368762
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for camera calibration based on multiview image geometry. A lens profiling module may estimate two or more mathematical models for correcting aberrations in images in a single pass from a set of calibration images captured with a camera/lens combination. For example, the module may estimate the lens aberrations of geometric distortion, lateral chromatic aberration, and vignette models in a single pass. The module may determine point correspondences, 3D transformations, and camera intrinsics for views of calibration charts captured in the images. The module estimates the mathematical models for the two or more types of aberrations from the information determined from the views of the calibration charts. The module may automatically determine an optimal model complexity when estimating the mathematical models. The estimated models may be written or appended to a lens profile for the camera/lens combination used to captured the calibration images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Simon Chen, Hailin Jin, Jen-Chan Chien, Daniel R. Goldman
  • Patent number: 8363111
    Abstract: A resolution test device and a method thereof are provided. The resolution test method is adapted for testing a resolution of a camera device. The resolution test method includes providing a graph to the camera device, capturing a test image shot by the camera device, shifting an analyzing window a specific distance in a first direction from a static area to a first area on the test image, analyzing the first area to generate a first high-pass element, shifting the analyzing window back to the static area, shifting the analyzing window the specific distance in a second direction from the static area to a second area on the test image, analyzing the second area to generate a second high-pass element, generating a third high-pass element according to the first and the second high-pass element, and defining the resolution of the camera device according to the third high-pass element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Ku-Nien Chang, Wen-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 8350914
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for calibration of an imaging camera or other image acquisition device. Certain embodiments include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imager to a coordinate system of a first sensor positioned with respect to the imager using a first off-line calibration. Certain embodiments also include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imaging camera source to a coordinate system of a second sensor positioned with respect to the imaging camera source using a second off-line calibration. Additionally, certain embodiments include quantifying intrinsic parameters of the imaging camera source based on a transformation from the coordinate system of the imager to the coordinate system of the imaging camera source based on the first and second off-line calibrations and information from the first and second sensors and a transmitter positioned with respect to an object being imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dun Alex Li, Christopher Allen Nafis
  • Patent number: 8319857
    Abstract: A process for measuring skin color parameters from a digital photograph using novel color correction algorithms is described. The process includes measuring color values of a digital color photo, correcting the color deviation of each picture to that of a standard color, and converting the corrected RGB values and generating an output that is useful to L*a*b* values to describe changes in the color properties of the photographed skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Di Qu, Richard B. Bylsma, James R. Mayne
  • Publication number: 20120274788
    Abstract: A resolution test device and a method thereof are provided. The resolution test method is adapted for testing a resolution of a camera device. The resolution test method includes providing a graph to the camera device, capturing a test image shot by the camera device, shifting an analyzing window a specific distance in a first direction from a static area to a first area on the test image, analyzing the first area to generate a first high-pass element, shifting the analyzing window back to the static area, shifting the analyzing window the specific distance in a second direction from the static area to a second area on the test image, analyzing the second area to generate a second high-pass element, generating a third high-pass element according to the first and the second high-pass element, and defining the resolution of the camera device according to the third high-pass element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ku-Nien Chang, Wen-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 8294771
    Abstract: An image correction device includes an image capturing module, a first calculating module, a second calculating module, a third calculating module, and a correction module. The image capturing module includes an image sensor having a center (Xo, Yo). The image capturing module takes an image of a test chart. A center of the group of black stripes is coincident with a center of the image. The first calculating module is for calculating coordinates of a center of each black stripe of the group of black stripes. The second calculating module is for calculating coordinates (Xc, Yc) of the center of the image. The third calculating module is for calculating a coordinate deviation (?X, ?Y)=(Xc?Xo, Yc?Yo). The correction module is for inputting the coordinate deviation (?X, ?Y) into the image sensor so that the image sensor corrects the image according to the coordinate deviation (?X, ?Y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Min Ning
  • Patent number: 8284260
    Abstract: Improving color calibration, and similar operations, by generating an optimal raw RGB color chart, in the raw RGB domain, for an imaging device with a given type of image sensor, such as for a digital still camera. Calibration is performed in response to a constraint which takes into account the spectral sensitivity of the image sensor used on the camera as well as spectral reflectance and spectral radiance of multiple illuminants. Calibration is performed using the raw RGB color chart which is illuminant independent and image sensor specific and which can match the calibration performance of known calibration standards, such as Macbeth 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaoling Wang, Farhan Baqai, Takami Mizukura, Naoya Kato
  • Patent number: 8259180
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with an imaging capability estimation method and apparatus for an image-formation optical system, which can match the results of direct estimation of an actually visible image to the visibility of that image and is less vulnerable to image processing. According to the method and apparatus, an image of a random pattern 1 is formed through an image-formation optical system S to be inspected. A texture attribute is calculated from the picked-up random pattern image, and the obtained texture attribute is used to make an estimation of the imaging capability of the image-formation optical system S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichiro Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 8248477
    Abstract: A method of calibrating, compressing and decompressing image signal values of an image sensor which has a plurality of light sensitive pixels arranged in rows and columns comprises the steps of: reading out the image signal values; compressing the image signal values; and decompressing the compressed image signal values, wherein the image signal values are calibrated while using calibration data sets which include a number of calibration values for each pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventors: Michael Cieslinski, Achim Oehler
  • Publication number: 20120206612
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a test target for color calibrating a camera and lens combination. One embodiment of a test target for use in color calibrating a camera and lens combination includes a first substantially flat plane, the first substantially flat plane including a first magnetic support surface, a second substantially flat plane, the second substantially flat plane including a second magnetic support surface, and a hinge connecting the first substantially flat plane to the second substantially flat plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: C. DAVID TOBIE, Shawn Clark, Taeyoung Park
  • Patent number: 8208029
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a camera including (a) obtaining a two-dimensional (2D) homography that maps each of parallelograms projected onto two images taken by the camera into a rectangle, wherein the 2D homography is defined as a rectification homography and wherein new cameras that have virtual images are defined as rectified cameras and a new infinite homography is generated between the two rectified cameras, the virtual images being transformed from original images by the rectification homography; (b) obtaining an original infinite homography by using the correlations among the new infinite homography, the rectification homography and the original infinite homography; and (c) obtaining intrinsic camera parameters based on the correlation between the original infinite homography and the intrinsic camera parameters, thereby calibrating the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jae Hean Kim, Jin Ho Kim, Byoung Tae Choi
  • Patent number: 8208758
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for region-of-interest (ROI) video processing based on low-complexity automatic ROI detection within video frames of video sequences. The low-complexity automatic ROI detection may be based on characteristics of video sensors within video communication devices. In other cases, the low-complexity automatic ROI detection may be based on motion information for a video frame and a different video frame of the video sequence. The disclosed techniques include a video processing technique capable of tuning and enhancing video sensor calibration, camera processing, ROI detection, and ROI video processing within a video communication device based on characteristics of a specific video sensor. The disclosed techniques also include a sensor-based ROI detection technique that uses video sensor statistics and camera processing side-information to improve ROI detection accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Haohong Wang, Shuxue Quan, Khaled Helmi El-Maleh, Chinchuan Andrew Chiu, Xiaoyun Jiang
  • Patent number: 8174585
    Abstract: A color conversion coefficient calculation apparatus includes: a conversion coefficient calculation section that calculates, as a color conversion coefficient for converting a first color signal made up of a plurality of chrominance signals into a second color signal made up of a plurality of chrominance signals, a color conversion coefficient for converting a first spectral characteristic which characterizes the first color signal in a standard fashion into a second spectral characteristic which characterizes the second color signal; a correction coefficient calculation section that calculates a correction coefficient for approximating a base color signal which is the first color signal corresponding to a plurality of base colors into a reference color signal obtained based on the first spectral characteristic corresponding to a plurality of base colors; and a conversion coefficient correction section that corrects the color conversion coefficient by using the correction coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120092505
    Abstract: Provided is a television camera using a solid-state imaging device, wherein color signal adjustment between TV cameras can be performed easily and quickly without relying on the level of skill of an operator. The serial digital signal of a TV camera (a master) acting as the standard for color signal adjustment is directly input into another TV camera (a slave) that adjusts the color signal, and the image level of each channel of the slave is automatically adjusted in a manner such that the image level of each channel of the master corresponds with that of the slave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Muneaki Odawara
  • Patent number: 8159553
    Abstract: A method of generating a color characterization model for an input imaging device includes capturing a target having plural patches using the input imaging device to produce plural digital values in a device-dependent color space, the plural digital values having corresponding target measurements in a color characterization set. The method further includes determining if any of the plural digital values are collinear with each other, and removing, in a case where it is determined that digital values are collinear with each other, at least one of the collinear digital values and corresponding target measurements from the color characterization data set. In addition, the method includes generating the color characterization model for the input imaging device based on the plural digital values and corresponding target measurements remaining in the color characterization set. An apparatus for generating a color characterization model for an input imaging device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Arkady Ten
  • Patent number: 8139117
    Abstract: A system for the automated analysis of image quality obtained by a camera in a camera tunnel system includes a test pattern on an item for placement in the camera tunnel system and an imaging subsystem configured to capture an image of the item using the camera tunnel system, wherein the image includes an image of the test pattern. The system further includes an image analysis tool configured to automatically identify and analyze the image of the test pattern for generating one or more image quality metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Sick, Inc.
    Inventors: John Dwinell, Long Xiang Bian
  • Patent number: 8120645
    Abstract: An adjuster plate is provided between a front rail and a camera unit body having cameras. Pre-dimensioned positioning pins protrude from upper and lower surfaces of the adjuster plate. The positioning pins protruding from the upper surface of the adjuster plate are positioned by being fitted in pin fitting holes provided in the front rail. The positioning pins protruding from the lower surface of the adjuster plate are positioned by being fitted in pin fitting holes provided in the camera unit body. Even when the positions of the pin fitting holes in the front rail are changed, it is possible to cope with the change by only changing the protruding positions of the positioning pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Katahira, Nobuo Namiki
  • Patent number: 8098284
    Abstract: A measuring device includes an actuator which holds a lens unit and moves the lens unit in the direction of the optical axis thereof. A test chart is photographed, with the lens unit being opposed to a reference image pickup device, and the lens unit is positioned at a just-focus position. The gap between the reference image pickup device and the lens unit at this time is reproduced, and an image pickup device, which is to be integrated, and the lens unit are opposed with this gap, and are fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akira Ushijima, Takeshi Karuishi
  • Publication number: 20120002058
    Abstract: An image correction device includes a test chart, an image capturing module, an image separating module, a processing module, a first calculating module, a second calculating module, and a correction module. The image capturing module includes an image sensor for capturing an image of the test chart. The image includes two second circular black spots. The image separating module separates the image, thus obtaining a channel image. The processing module is for binarizing the channel image, thus obtaining a binary image of the channel image. The first calculating module calculates coordinates of the centers of the two second spots of the binary image. The second calculating module calculates a rotated angle of the image. The correction module inputs the rotated angle into the image sensor so that the image sensor corrects the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: WEN-MIN NING
  • Patent number: 8089555
    Abstract: Methods and the corresponding device are presented for the correction of lateral chromatic aberration within a digital camera or other imaging device, using calibration approaches that do not require previously acquired lens data to effect the correction. An in-camera auto-calibration procedure is performed on the attached lens, such as when a lens is exchanged, and extracts parameters required for chromatic aberration correction, respecting zoom and focus, from one or more captured images. Based on image data extracted as a plurality of channels of a chromatic decomposition of the image, the chromatic aberration information for the lens is extracted. From the chromatic aberration information, the correction factors for the lens are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Zoran Corporation
    Inventors: Dudi Vakrat, Victor Pinto
  • Publication number: 20110310256
    Abstract: A calibration pattern is provided with a central portion and a frame pattern provided outside thereof, the central portion being provided with a rectangular light area in the central portion of the calibration pattern. The frame pattern has a horizontal pattern and a vertical pattern, the horizontal pattern extending to two horizontal sides centering the central portion and alternately provided with a light area and a dark area at a predetermined interval different from an equal interval, the vertical pattern extending to two vertical sides centering the central portion and alternately provided with a light area and a dark area at a predetermined interval different from an equal interval. The horizontal pattern and the vertical pattern include edges, each being positioned equally distant from a predetermined position in the central portion to the two sides, and the edges have an identical change direction of a gray value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuko SHISHIDO
  • Publication number: 20110279686
    Abstract: An image correction device includes an image capturing module, a first calculating module, a second calculating module, a third calculating module, and a correction module. The image capturing module includes an image sensor having a center (Xo, Yo). The image capturing module takes an image of a test chart. A center of the group of black stripes is coincident with a center of the image. The first calculating module is for calculating coordinates of a center of each black stripe of the group of black stripes. The second calculating module is for calculating coordinates (Xc, Yc) of the center of the image. The third calculating module is for calculating a coordinate deviation (?X, ?Y)=(Xc?Xo, Yc?Yo). The correction module is for inputting the coordinate deviation (?X, ?Y) into the image sensor so that the image sensor corrects the image according to the coordinate deviation (?X, ?Y).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: WEN-MIN NING
  • Patent number: 8059183
    Abstract: When a chart is used as a subject, whether or not the chart can be captured for storage is determined based on the result obtained through distance measurement at a plurality of locations in a field captured for temporary display on a viewfinder. For example, a maximum difference of distances ?L is calculated. It is determined that the chart cannot be captured for storage if ?L is greater than a depth of field or is greater than a predetermined TL. A message indicating that the chart cannot be captured for storage is provided. Furthermore, it is determined that the subject is not the chart to be captured for storage if a subject size does not fall within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takamasa Seto
  • Patent number: 8059155
    Abstract: A measuring system (200) for measuring a FOV of a digital camera module (52) includes a measuring chart (22), a parameter inputting module (32), and a processing module (42). The measuring chart defines a colored portion. The parameter inputting module is used to input relative parameters. The processing module is connected to the parameter inputting module and receives electronic image signals converted from images of the colored portion and of the measuring chart screened by the lens module. The processing module is configured for calculating the FOV ? of the digital camera module. A measuring method for measuring the FOV ? of the digital camera module is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Altus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Lung Jao, Kuo-Liang Tai
  • Publication number: 20110254963
    Abstract: Software, methods, and systems for calibrating photometric devices are provided. These involve using a non-uniform test illumination field to approximate a photon transfer curve by calculating stable pixel values and statistical dispersions on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick D. KINNEY, Ryan J. TALBOT
  • Patent number: 8035688
    Abstract: A computer program product and method for calibrating and characterizing a color display perform calibrating and characterizing steps. A light source is operated in order to emit light from one or more light emitters on the light source. A color capture device, e.g., a digital camera, is calibrated and characterized based on the emitted light. Then, color images are displayed on the color display and captured on the color capture device. The color display is calibrated and characterized based on the captured color images. Computer program instructions are recorded on the computer readable medium, and are executable by a processor, for performing the calibrating and characterizing steps. A method for generating a controlled light source includes displaying light source selections to a user and receiving a user light source selection. Selected light emitters produce a light output matching the user light source selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David Snyderman, Geoffrey John Woolfe, Raja Bala
  • Patent number: 8022990
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for calibration of an imaging camera or other image acquisition device. Certain embodiments include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imager to a coordinate system of a first sensor positioned with respect to the imager using a first off-line calibration. Certain embodiments also include characterizing a transformation from a coordinate system of an imaging camera source to a coordinate system of a second sensor positioned with respect to the imaging camera source using a second off-line calibration. Additionally, certain embodiments include quantifying intrinsic parameters of the imaging camera source based on a transformation from the coordinate system of the imager to the coordinate system of the imaging camera source based on the first and second off-line calibrations and information from the first and second sensors and a transmitter positioned with respect to an object being imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dun Alex Li, Christopher Allen Nafis
  • Patent number: 8018504
    Abstract: Noise is reduced in a digital image generated by an imaging device utilizing information which specifies noise level as a function of position for the digital image. A noise reducing algorithm is applied to the digital image while one or more parameters of the noise reducing algorithm are varied. The one or more parameters are varied as a function of field position in the digital image based on the obtained noise level as a function of field position. In this way, noise is substantially reduced and is spatially equalized in the digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Sean C. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20110216204
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer program products for bio-image calibration are described. One aspect provides a bio-image calibration device including: a calibration portion comprising predetermined color areas; wherein the predetermined color areas are arranged in a predetermined pattern corresponding to a watermark; wherein the predetermined color areas are a predetermined size and a predetermined shape; and wherein the predetermined color areas are located on one or more edges of the bio-image device. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Skin Of Mine Dot Com, LLC,
    Inventor: Sean Erich Elwell