For Television Cameras (epo) Patents (Class 348/E17.002)
  • Publication number: 20120033087
    Abstract: There is disclosed a calibration target detection apparatus that can be obtained at a low cost and without increasing storage capacity, is the apparatus being provided with: a light measurement region setting unit for setting a long light measurement region; a light-measuring unit for detecting light measurement information of the light measurement region; a profile generation unit for generating a first profile, wherein the long light measurement region taking a predetermined one direction as a long direction is scanned along the other direction orthogonal to the one direction, and the change in the light measurement information in the other direction is shown; and a second profile, wherein the long light measurement region taking the other direction as the long direction is scanned along the one direction, and the change in the light measurement information in the one direction is shown; and a position calculation unit for calculating, on the basis of a characteristic point of the first and second profiles,
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shoko Takeda, Kazuya Watanabe, Tadashi Asano, Yukiko Donishi, Kinji Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120033083
    Abstract: In a method for locating patterns of movement in a first digital video signal, wherein the first digital video signal comprising at least indirectly succeeding individual digital images is analyzed in real time, it is proposed for the locating of patterns of movement in a first digital video signal, during the occurrence of larger moving object volumes in real time, to assign at least a first location-changing foreground region in a first individual image in a predefined manner with a predefinable number of first markings, to subsequently determine the relative movement of the first markings between the first individual image and a subsequent second individual image, to subsequently associate each of the first markings with a predefinable first environment, to assign the first and/or at least one second location-changing foreground region in a predefined manner with a predefinable number of second markings, to remove the second markings disposed inside intersecting regions of a predefinable number of intersec
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: KIWISECURITY SOFTWARE GMBH
    Inventors: Oliver Hörbinger, Klemens Kraus, Robert Röhr, Florian Matusek, Stephan Sutor
  • Publication number: 20120026341
    Abstract: An iris calibration device includes one or more groups of light sources, a microcontroller (MCU), and a display. The MCU connects to a system on chip (SoC) of a digital camera device. The digital camera device includes an iris lens. The MCU receives an “on” command or an “off” command from the SoC. The MCU turns on or turn off a group of light sources according to the “on” command or the “off” command The SoC adjusts the iris lens according to an average luminance of the one or more light sources sensed by a sensor of the digital camera device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: MING-CHIH HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20120019652
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for calibrating a camera-based system of a vehicle (F), having a pane (S), in particular of a camera-based driver assistance system. A type of the pane (S), in particular the tinting thereof, is detected by way of the camera-based system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: ADC Automotive Distance Control Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Carlos Almeida, Christian Schaale, Thomas Fechner
  • Publication number: 20120013747
    Abstract: An image testing method of an image pickup device and an image testing apparatus using such a method are provided. The image testing apparatus is in communication with the image pickup device. The image testing apparatus includes an image processing program, a multi-core processing unit and a storage unit. The image processing program is used for segmenting the main image, which is acquired by the image pickup device, into plural sub-image blocks, and transmitting the sub-image blocks to respective threads. The multi-core processing unit is used for synchronously executing the threads, thereby synchronously analyzing imaging quality of respective sub-image blocks. The storage unit is used for storing analyzing results of respective sub-image blocks. The analyzing results of respective sub-image blocks stored in the storage unit are combined together by the multi-core processing unit, thereby acquiring the imaging quality of the main image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Szu-Hao Lyu, Chien-Nan Yu
  • Publication number: 20120007974
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus generates a cross-sectional image in the longitudinal direction inside a body cavity (e.g., blood vessel) by using an interference signal. The apparatus includes an obtaining unit for obtaining line data, and a judgment unit for judging whether or not the optical probe unit operates in a normal state based on existence or non-existence of intensity change in at least a portion of signals within the obtained line date, based on existence or non-existence of change of position in the depth direction in which the portion of signals appear, or based on change quantity per unit time with respect to the position in the depth direction in which the portion in the depth direction of signals appear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji KANEKO
  • Publication number: 20120007985
    Abstract: An on-board camera calibration device with high productivity is provided which allows speedy calibration of the on-board camera with high precision with a simple construction. Based on an actual coordinate specified in a projecting plane of a camera coordinate system and a converted coordinate obtained by converting an initial coordinate of a calibration point with using unfixed camera adjustment values, the adjustment values corresponding to angles of rotation about one or two axes from among three axes of the camera coordinate system are calculated and the camera adjustment values are updated. Based on the actual coordinate and the converted coordinate in accordance with the updated camera adjustment values, the adjustment values corresponding to angles of rotation about the remaining axes of the camera coordinate system is calculated and the camera adjustment values are updated. When the predetermined completion condition is satisfied, the updated camera adjustment values are fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoji Inui, Kazutaka Hayakawa
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120002057
    Abstract: A captured image including a preferential calibration index arranged in an exclusive region in a first plane and a non-preferential calibration index arranged in a common region is obtained. First, the coordinate position of the preferential calibration index is detected, and then the coordinate position of the non-preferential calibration index is calculated based on the positional relationship with the detected preferential calibration index. A homography between a captured-image surface of the image surface and the first plane is calculated based on the actual coordinate positions and the calculated coordinate positions representing the coordinates of at least four points, and camera calibration is performed using the homography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiaki Kakinami
  • 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: 20110310255
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor network including a plurality of nodes, each node having a directional sensor, a communication module, and a processor configured to receive local measurements of a calibration object from the directional sensor, receive additional measurements of the calibration object from neighboring nodes via the communication module, estimate an initial set of calibration parameters in response to the local and additional measurements, receive additional sets of calibration parameters from neighboring nodes via the communication module, and recursively estimate an updated set of calibration parameters in response to the additional sets of calibration parameters. Additional systems and methods for calibrating a large network of camera nodes are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicants: OLYMPUS CORPORATION, PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Henry Ponti Medeiros, Johnny Park, Avinash Kak, Hidekazu Iwaki
  • Publication number: 20110298934
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for setting up a vision system having a camera and a vision processor cooperative with the camera. The apparatus includes a gesture recognizer, a key recognizer, a breakout box having at least two signaling elements, and a setup control unit that is cooperative with the gesture recognizer, the key recognizer, and the breakout box. The combination of using a key and a gesture set as herein described is substantially superior, as compared with known user interfaces for setting up a vision system that has been previously been engineered, in terms of low-cost, convenience, ease-of-use, simplicity, and speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: William Silver, Robert Shillman, Aaron Wallack
  • Publication number: 20110298933
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for dual processing of raw image data by main image processing and alternative image processing capabilities of an electronic device are provided. According to an embodiment, alternative image processing may analyze a first copy of a frame of raw image data before a second copy of the frame of raw image data is processed by main image processing. Thereafter, the main image processing may process the second copy of the frame of raw image. The main image processing may be calibrated based at least in part on the analysis of the first copy of the frame of raw image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Yanowitz, Ting Chen, David Daming Kuo, Haitao Guo
  • Publication number: 20110292219
    Abstract: A reference set of image features is determined from an electronic data file specifying a reference image in a reference coordinate space. Rendering information describing a physical rendering of the reference image is ascertained. Calibration-enabling data is derived from the reference set of the image features and the ascertained rendering information. The calibration-enabling data is provided to calibrate an imaging system. The calibration-enabling data may be stored. The imaging system may capture an image of the physical rendering of the reference image in relation to a capture coordinate space. An extracted set of image features may be extracted from the captured image. Respective ones of the image features in the reference and extracted sets may be matched. The imaging system may be calibrated based on matched ones of the image features and the rendering information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Nelson Liang An Chang, Suk Hwan Lim, Feng Tang
  • Publication number: 20110285857
    Abstract: An optical testing apparatus can be operated according to a testing method to test quality of an imaging module of an electronic device. The optical testing apparatus includes a projector, a temperature control device, a processor, and a controller. The controller can control the imaging module to capture an image from the projector and transmit the captured image to the processor. The processor processes the captured image to determine the quality of the imaging module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JIN-MIN HE
  • Publication number: 20110285858
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a dynamic calibration method for a single and multiple video capture devices. The present invention can acquire the variations of the pan angle and tilt angle of a single video capture device according to the displacement of the feature points between successive images. For a plurality of video capture devices, the present invention includes the epipolar-plane constraint between a plurality of video capture devices to achieve the goal of dynamical calibration. The calibration method in the present invention does not require specific calibration patterns or complicated correspondence of feature points, and can be applied to surveillance systems with wide-range coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: I-HSIEN CHEN, SHENG-JYH WANG
  • Publication number: 20110285856
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image correction method for a camera system, which minimizes the amount of data that must be stored by a camera system and which can conveniently correct mounting errors of cameras. In the image correction method for a camera system, image data about a reference ground, which is captured by a camera and on which at least one ground mark is indicated, is acquired. Coordinates of a captured ground mark are obtained based on the image data. A preset Look-Up Table (LUT) is corrected using errors between the coordinates of the captured ground mark and coordinates of a preset reference mark. The ground mark and the reference mark may respectively have four or more corresponding correction points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Wung Chul Chung
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110279685
    Abstract: A method for automatic localization of objects in a mask. The method includes building a dictionary of atoms, wherein each atom models the presence of one object at one location and iteratively determining the atom of said dictionary which is best correlated with said mask, until ending criteria are met. The invention system concerns also automatically detects objects in a mask. At least one fixed camera is provided for acquiring video frames. A computation device is used for calibrating at least one fixed camera for extracting foreground silhouettes in each acquired video frames for discretizing said ground plane into a non-regular grid of potential location points for constructing a dictionary of atoms, and, for finding objects location points with the previous method. And a for propagating device is provided to propagate the result in at least one fixed camera view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Ecole Polytehnique Federale de Lausanne EPFL
    Inventors: Alexandre Alahi, Mohammad Golbabaee, Pierre Vandergheynst
  • Publication number: 20110273569
    Abstract: Method of monitoring an image capture system (1) comprising a sensor (C) comprising a plurality of photosensitive elements (Z1, Z2, Zn) and an optical device (L) for focusing the light emitted from a scene towards the sensor. This method comprises the obtaining (100) of respective responses of certain at least of the photosensitive elements (E1, E1?, P1, P2) of the sensor to an exposure of the image capture system to any scene (S), followed by a determination (200) of at least one deviation (?) between at least one quantity (G) deduced from the responses obtained and at least one reference quantity (Gref). These steps may be followed by an estimation (300) of an optical effect of the image capture system (1) on the basis of said deviation (?) determined and optionally by an implementation of an action able to at least partially compensate (400) for the estimated optical defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Cesar Douady, Frederic Guichard, Imene Tarchouna
  • Publication number: 20110261226
    Abstract: A device stores in ROM white spot addresses, white spot levels, an OB level median, sensitivity, and time-in-second under dark shooting, a temperature coefficient correcting the white spot level according to the temperature under normal shooting, a sensitivity coefficient for the sensitivity-based correction, and a time-in-second coefficient for the exposure time-in-second-based correction. A temperature difference during shooting a subject is obtained according to the difference between OB level median during normal shooting and that during dark shooting. A correction value for the white spot level due to temperature is obtained from temperature difference and temperature coefficient, and similarly, correction value due to sensitivity is obtained from sensitivity difference and sensitivity coefficient, and correction value due to time-in-second is obtained from time-in-second difference and time-in-second coefficient for correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshizo Mori
  • Publication number: 20110254960
    Abstract: An image converter includes: a pixel array having multiple imager pixels for outputting imager pixel signals, and a readout and processing device for reading out the pixel array and for receiving and processing the imager pixel signals. The pixel array has multiple reference pixels for outputting reference pixel signals, and at least one reference current device for outputting reference currents to the reference pixels for simulating illumination intensities. The readout and processing is adapted to jointly read out, receive, and process the reference pixel signals and the imager pixel signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Ulrich SEGER, Hans-Georg Drotleff
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110242331
    Abstract: A diagnosis unit for an electronic camera comprises a housing and a coupling device for coupling the diagnosis unit to an objective connection of a camera or to a camera objective, wherein the coupling device surrounds a light exit opening of the housing. The diagnosis unit further comprises at least one light source arranged in the housing for outputting a diagnosis illumination through the light exit opening, and an interface for electrically connecting the diagnosis unit to a camera. A camera system comprises a diagnosis unit and an electronic camera having an image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventor: Michael CIESLINSKI
  • Publication number: 20110242329
    Abstract: An electronic camera having a plurality of functions including capturing and recording images is provided. The electronic camera includes an operation input unit for inputting external operations that designate corresponding functions of the camera to be performed, an image pickup unit for capturing the image of an object, and a recorder for recording the image captured by the image pickup unit. The electronic camera further includes a playback unit for at least playing back image information that is recorded on the recording medium and a mode selector for selecting one operation mode of the camera from a plurality of available operation modes that include an operation explanation mode. If the operation explanation mode is selected at the mode selector, the playback unit plays back an operation guide that is pre-stored in a memory, the operation guide explaining at least one of the camera operations and functions thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Osamu IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20110234813
    Abstract: In a method for monitoring the function of a sensor module, which has a sensor, by means of the sensor a measurement signal for a physical quantity to be determined is generated and applied to an output terminal in an unchanged form or in processed form—after at least one linear signal processing step and/or at least one nonlinear signal processing step are performed. In addition, a test signal is generated whose spectrum lies substantially outside the spectrum of the measurement signal. The test signal is supplied at a place in the sensor from which it reaches the output terminal in unchanged form or in processed form—after the performance of the at least one linear signal processing step—only in the case of a functional sensor. An output signal present at the output terminal is compared with the test signal and a diagnosis signal is generated, which indicates whether the test signal is present at the output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Dieter Baecher, David Muthers, Joerg Franke
  • Publication number: 20110234812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying and optionally quantifying stained cells in a cell or tissue sample and determining expression level of a target, as well as methods for determining staining intensity and/or staining quality of a stained sample, calibrating digital imaging apparatus using the methods, as well as systems and a computer readable mediums therefore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Visiopharm A/S
    Inventors: Michael Grunkin, Niels Taekker Foged
  • Publication number: 20110234821
    Abstract: The timing when the operation state of an operation unit is changed is detected by a timing detection unit. A difference between a sound signal on which operation sound is superimposed or is highly likely to be superimposed and a sound signal on which operation sound is not superimposed is calculated based on the timing signal to obtain the operation sound information of the operation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi MATSUMOTO, Mitsuhiro OKAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20110228103
    Abstract: In a method of calibrating an image capture environment based on a captured image obtained by capturing an image of a physical space by an image capturing unit that captures the image of the physical space, an image of the physical space is captured using the image capturing unit, an index serving as a reference for calibration is detected from the captured image of the physical space, the position and orientation of the image capturing unit are calculated from the detected index, and image capturing unit unique information, geometric information associated with the physical space, or the relationship between the image capturing unit and the physical space is calibrated using the obtained data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: KAZUKI TAKEMOTO, Shinji Uchiyama, Takaaki Endo
  • Publication number: 20110221599
    Abstract: An imager array may be provided as part of an imaging system. The imager array may include a plurality of sensor arrays (e.g., also referred to as lenslets or optical elements). Each sensor array may include a plurality of sensors (e.g., pixels) associated with a lens. The sensor arrays may be oriented, for example, substantially in a plane facing the same direction and configured to detect images from the same scene (e.g., target area). Such images may be processed in accordance with various techniques to provide images of electromagnetic radiation. The sensor arrays may include filters or lens coatings to selectively detect desired ranges of electromagnetic radiation. Such arrangements of sensor arrays in an imager array may be used to advantageous effect in a variety of different applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Nicholas Högasten
  • Publication number: 20110216201
    Abstract: A system (1) for calibrating an image capture device (2) mounted on a motor vehicle for offset from an ideal position and an ideal angular orientation while the vehicle is moving comprises selecting an image (12) in a captured image frame (10) of a stationary object relative to the motor vehicle, which is capable of being tracked through a plurality of successively captured image frames (14a,14d), predicting the locations at which the target image (12b) should appear in the respective successively captured image frames (14a,14d), comparing the actual location of the target image (12a) in the respective successively captured image frames (14a,14d) with the respective predicted locations (12b) and determining calibration values for the camera (2) from the results of the comparison, in the event that the actual (12a) and predicted locations (12b) of the target image in the respective image frames (14a,14d) do not coincide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicants: HI-KEY LIMITED, BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
    Inventors: Fintan McAndrew, Sascha Wilhelm, Armin Zeller, Peter Bone, Trevor Ian Kellaway
  • Publication number: 20110216358
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a management apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, a storage unit, a selection unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires any one of simple data or detailed data including the simple data from a plurality of image processing apparatuses. If the detailed data is acquired, the determination unit determines maintenance data to be applied to the image processing apparatus which is an output source of the detailed data. The storage unit stores the maintenance data in association with related data included in the detailed data. If the acquisition unit acquires the simple data, the selection unit selects the maintenance data associated with the related data similar to the acquired simple data. The output unit outputs the maintenance data as the data for update with respect to the image processing apparatus which is an output source of the simple data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyo Katou, Yoshikatsu Kamisuwa
  • Publication number: 20110211076
    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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dun Alex Li, Christopher Allen Nafis
  • Publication number: 20110199491
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to determine whether calibration indices are appropriate for each camera when calibrating large quantities of cameras, in which there is great variation in individual differences in image blurring characteristics. The present invention takes an image of a calibration index and calculates the calibration precision that can be expected in calibration from the calibration index image that has been taken. If the calibration precision that can be expected is not optimal for each camera, the density of lines or shapes that constitute the calibration index is changed until the optimum calibration index for each camera is found.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Takashi Jikihira, Junichi Funada
  • Publication number: 20110187894
    Abstract: A recording apparatus records data in a recording medium which has a plurality of blocks and includes an alternative block for a defect block, in accordance with a recording unit of a set data amount. The recording apparatus sets the data amount of the recording unit based on an alternative block remaining amount in the recording medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naru Hamada, Keiichi Inoue, Hirofumi Honda, Toshinori Koba, Koji Ogaki
  • Publication number: 20110181735
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for aligning a camera sensor to significant data which is text or barcode data to be recognized comprising the steps of:—capturing an image of the significant data by means of the camera sensor; —detecting a predominant alignment line of the significant data and detecting an angle thereof in relation to a horizontal line of the captured image; —determining image sections within the edge and line enhanced image which contain most likely significant data lines; —selecting a representative image section out of the determined image sections which is aligned with the predominant alignment line; —capturing a following image of the significant data; tracking the representative image section and determining the predominant alignment line out of the representative image section to achieve a fast calculation and audio or tactile feedback of the alignment quality to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: BEYO GMBH
    Inventors: Cuneyt Goktekin, Oliver Tenchio
  • Publication number: 20110181734
    Abstract: A calibration parameter creating apparatus includes a first reproducer. A first reproducer reproduces a reference image representing a state in which a plane is overlooked, along an X axis and a Y axis orthogonal to each other. A first acceptor accepts a first designating manipulation designating a plurality of X-Y coordinates on the reference image reproduced by the first reproducer. A determiner determines whether or not a designated manner by the first designating manipulation matches an error condition, based on the plurality of X-Y coordinates designated by the first designating manipulation. A first generator generates a notification when a determined result of the determiner is positive. A calculator calculates a calibration parameter indicating a corresponding relationship between an X-Y coordinate system and a U-V coordinate system based on the X-Y coordinates designated by the first designating manipulation, when the determined result of the determiner is negative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keisuke ASARI, Yohei ISHII
  • Publication number: 20110181733
    Abstract: A calibrating apparatus includes a first reproducer which reproduces a reference image representing a state in which a plane is overlooked, along an X axis and a Y axis orthogonal to each other. A second reproducer reproduces a scene image outputted from a camera that captures the plane, along a U axis and a V axis orthogonal to each other. An acceptor accepts a designating manipulation of designating a first area of an X-Y coordinate system, in association with a reproducing process of the first reproducer. A first calculator calculates a second area of a U-V coordinate system corresponding to the first area designated by the designating manipulation, by referring to a calibration parameter indicating a corresponding relationship between the X-Y coordinate system and the U-V coordinate system. A definer defines the second area calculated by the first calculator, in association with a reproducing process of the second reproducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yohei ISHII, Keisuke ASARI
  • Publication number: 20110134254
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining the distortion of an imaging system (32), the imaging system having an object plane (40) and an image plane (42). The method comprises the steps of determining (204) the positions of the image light spots (46) on a sensitive area (44) of an image sensor (34) by analyzing the image data; and fitting (205) a mapping function such that the mapping function maps the lattice points of an auxiliary lattice (48) into the positions of the image light spots (46), wherein the auxiliary lattice (48) is geometrically similar to the Bravais lattice (8) of the probe light spots (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Bas Hulsken, Sjoerd Stallinga
  • Publication number: 20110122257
    Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of fixed cameras that each having a field of regard. Each point within an area of interest is covered by the field of regard of at least two of the cameras. Each camera captures an image of its field of regard and a plurality of calibration points within the area of interest. A processor calibrates the imaging system by at least associating the coordinates of each of the plurality of calibration points with a calibration pixel corresponding to an image of the calibration point in the image of each of the cameras. The processor geolocates the object of interest within the area of interest by at least comparing the location an image of the object of interest to the calibration pixels in the images generated by each of the plurality of cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Kirk
  • Publication number: 20110115922
    Abstract: A calibration apparatus for executing a camera calibration for each of a plurality of cameras mounted on an object so that image capturing ranges of two of the plurality of cameras overlap each other, the calibration apparatus includes an image obtaining unit configured to obtain first and second images captured by the two cameras, a temporary link structure forming unit configured to form a temporary link structure by using the first and second images including images of markers sets, a link angle determining unit configured to determine an effective link angle to form an effective link structure from the temporary link structure, and a parameter determining unit configured to determine a parameter for positioning at least one of the cameras on the basis of the effective link angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Seiya SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20110115921
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include systems and methods for generating a novel view interpolation. In embodiments, feature correspondences and geometrical contexts are used to find additional correspondences based on the assumption of the local linear transformation. The accuracy and the number of correspondence matches may be improved by iterative refinement. Having obtained a set of correspondences, a novel view image can be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Xianwang Wang, Jing Xiao
  • Publication number: 20110109743
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for evaluating sensor images of an image-evaluating surroundings-detection system on a moved carrier, preferably a vehicle (1), are proposed, wherein areas in the sensor images captured by a camera (4) which are dark in relation to the surroundings are evaluated in chronologically successive evaluation steps in order to determine whether said dark areas are moving toward the carrier at the speed of said carrier, and in that these dark areas are detected as shadows (7) of a static object and corresponding signaling is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: VALEO SCHALTER UND SENSOREN GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Kuehnle, Cathy Boon
  • Publication number: 20110102610
    Abstract: Provided is a vibration actuator having stable drive characteristics, and a lens barrel and a camera which are provided with such vibration actuator. The vibration actuator of the present invention is provided with: a relatively moving member, which is brought into pressurized contact with a vibrating member, and moves relative to the vibrating member by vibration of the vibrating member; a pressure member which brings the vibrating member and the relatively moving member into pressurized contact with each other; and a magnetic force generating section which adjusts the pressurizing force of the pressure member by a magnetic force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20110107386
    Abstract: Methods and systems for problem detection related to received Internet data, video data, and voice data are disclosed. A method may include monitoring, at a set top box device, Internet data to detect a first problem related to the Internet data. The method may further include monitoring, at the set top box device, video data to detect a second problem related to the video data. The method may include automatically taking a first action upon detecting the first problem and automatically taking a second action upon detecting the second problem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Gustavo de los Reyes, Sanjay Macwan, Jennifer Morovitz
  • Publication number: 20110096171
    Abstract: A focal point adjusting apparatus comprises: a photoelectric converting unit that photoelectrically converts at least a pair of optical images and outputs at least a pair of image signals; a phase difference detecting unit that detects the phase difference between the pair of image signals that is output by the photoelectric conversion unit; a conversion unit that carries out the conversion of a phase difference that is detected by the phase difference detecting unit into a defocus amount by using a conversion coefficient; a focal point moving unit that moves the focal point position based on the defocus amount resulting of the conversion by the conversion unit; and a calibrating unit that calibrates the conversion coefficient depending on the result of the focal point moving unit moving the focal point position when the operator photographs a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masafumi Kimura
  • Publication number: 20110096170
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically evaluating the quality of a signal transmitted by an imaging device. The amount of noise in the video signal is analyzed using an algorithm that does not require comparison to a template signal. The results of the algorithm determine whether the signal meets a pre-determined threshold value for signal quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Contec LLC
    Inventors: Rafael Villanueva, Vicente Miranda
  • Publication number: 20110069176
    Abstract: A camera module includes an image capture unit used to capture at least one image of a subject. An image analysis unit is integrated in the camera module to analyze the quality of the image captured by the image capture unit to determine whether the camera module meets one or more preset requirements. The camera module further includes an output unit used to output one or more analysis results of the image analysis unit to determine whether the camera module meets preset capability requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: PO-YU LIN, CHAO-CHIEN LEE
  • Publication number: 20110058026
    Abstract: A system for detecting a status of an imaging device for use with a surgical navigation system is provided. The system can comprise a source of at least one image and a mask module that generates a mask array for each received image. The system can also include a background check module that determines a content of the image defined by the mask array and a radiation status module that determines a status of the imaging device based on the content of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Kendrick, Andrew Bzostek, Dave Becker
  • Publication number: 20110025856
    Abstract: The electronic apparatus includes; a user interface which generates a module mapping signal corresponding to one of the driving modules; a controller which determines whether an error has occurred in the driving module and an error warning unit which warns a user if it is determined that the driving module has an error. A remote controller includes a user selection unit through which a user individually selects a driving module and a communicating unit which outputs a module mapping signal corresponding to the driving module selected by a user. 109 An error detecting method includes receiving a module selection signal to select one of the driving modules; determining whether an error has occurred in the driving module; and warning a user when an error occurs in the driving module according to determination results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bong-ki JANG