Abstract: A method includes in response to receiving an instruction for starting a panoramic mode, controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to hover at or near a predetermined location; while the UAV is hovering at or near the predetermined location, causing an image capturing device to capture a plurality of images by controlling a carrier that couples the image capturing device to the UAV to rotate the image capturing device about a first axis of the carrier; and stabilizing the image capturing device against motions with respect to a second axis or a third axis of the carrier while the image capturing device is rotating about the first axis of the carrier.

Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a front camera and a rear camera disposed at a vehicle and each viewing exterior of the vehicle. Each of the cameras connects with a control via a respective mono coaxial cable. The respective mono coaxial cables carry control data from the control to the respective cameras and carry image data captured by the respective cameras to the control. The control generates an output provided to a video display device of the vehicle. The video display device includes a video display screen viewable by a driver of the vehicle. During a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, the video display screen displays video images of an area rearward the vehicle derived from image data captured by the rear camera and carried to the control by the respective mono coaxial cable.

Abstract: A lens apparatus includes zoom lens units configured to move in an optical axis direction for zooming, and a correction lens unit configured to move in the optical axis direction to correct change in a focal position due to change in an atmospheric pressure. The lens apparatus satisfies an inequality 0.4<|fair_t/fw|<6 where fair_t is a composite focal length of an air lens included in one of the zoom lens units having a smallest absolute value of the composite focal length among the zoom lens units and fw is a focal length of the lens apparatus at a wide-angle end.

Abstract: Described is an imaging component for use by an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) for object detection. As described, the imaging component includes one or more cameras that are configured to obtain images of a scene using visible light that are converted into a depth map (e.g., stereo image) and one or more other cameras that are configured to form images, or thermograms, of the scene using infrared radiation (“IR”). The depth information and thermal information are combined to form a representation of the scene based on both depth and thermal information.

Abstract: Accident assessment and reconstruction systems and applications are described. A computer system and software application to reconstruct the scene of an automobile accident by rendering two-dimensional or three-dimensional visual perspectives of an accident. Furthermore, a computer system and software application to assess damage to a vehicle following an accident by rendering a three-dimensional perspective of a vehicle. The three-dimensional perspective of a vehicle illustrates the severity of damage to the vehicle. The rendered visual perspectives create more realistic and detailed documentation of an accident may be useful in accident reporting and insurance claim reporting.

Abstract: In one aspect, a tunable vibration damper may include a housing and a damper stack disposed within the housing. The damper stack may be formed from a viscoelastic material and may have a vertical stiffness and a horizontal stiffness. The damper stack may also include a plurality of column sections and a plurality of disk sections, with each pair of adjacent column sections being separated by one of the disk sections. The disk sections may extend radially outwardly relative to the column sections. In addition, at least one of the vertical stiffness or the horizontal stiffness may be tunable by adjusting a stiffness-related parameter of the damper stack.

Abstract: An aerial digital camera comprises a housing 15, a lens, a frame 45, an image sensor 35 mounted on the frame, at least three flexure bearings 51 connecting the frame and the housing, the flexure bearings allowing a displacement of the frame relative to the housing in a displacement direction 67 parallel to a light receiving surface of the image sensor, a spring 69 providing a biasing force between the housing and the frame oriented in the displacement direction; and an actuator 71 for displacing the frame relative to the housing against the biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: An aerial digital camera comprises a housing 15, a lens, a frame 45, an image sensor 35 mounted on the frame, at least three flexure bearings 51 connecting the frame and the housing, the flexure bearings allowing a displacement of the frame relative to the housing in a displacement direction 67 parallel to a light receiving surface of the image sensor, a spring 69 providing a biasing force between the housing and the frame oriented in the displacement direction; and an actuator 71 for displacing the frame relative to the housing against the biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airborne reconnaissance system which comprises: (a) optical unit for acquiring light rays from a terrain portion, said optical unit comprises a plurality of optical components that are positioned along an optical path and designed to maneuver said light rays to produce at a focal plane an acquired image of a terrain portion, said acquired image having an area S which is several times larger than the area A of a focal plane array which is positioned at same focal plane; (b) gimbals unit for performing a continuous back and forth across-track scanning movement of a respective line of sight formed between said optical unit and the terrain below the aircraft; (c) a first back-scanning mirror along said optical path, for compensating for said continuous across track movement of the line of sight, said compensation is performed during a respective integration period for a section of said acquired image of area S which falls during said period on said focal plane array; and (d) a second,

Abstract: An aerial photography mount that features a three-axis gimbal unit that is supported between two posts by elastic straps. Each of the axes rotates within precision bearings that enable smooth operation of a camera secured to the mount. The elastic straps, in conjunction with independently rotating bearings at the end suspension assemblies, provide a enhanced vibration isolation effect. The mount can be further stabilized by the attachment of gyroscopic stabilizers.

Abstract: An instrument for of observation images exhibits a high ground resolution and a high frequency of coverage of the Earth. Such an instrument includes a spatial images acquisition layer (1) including satellites (4), a terrestrial images processing layer (3), including images processing devices (5), and a telecommunications layer (2) that is suitable to ensure a transfer of the images from the spatial layer (1) to the terrestrial layer (3), wherein each satellite (4) includes at least one images acquisition device with fixed aim exhibiting a spatial resolution of the order of one meter; each images processing device (5) includes at least one communications line (8) coupling the images processing device (5) and at least one immediately adjacent images processing device, a processing unit that is suitable to process the images received, element for storage of the processed images, and a connection to a digital network.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a movable platform and a controller. The movable platform has an imager that captures an optical image through a taking lens, and is movable and rotatable on an xy plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the taking lens. The controller calculates an inclination angle of the photographic apparatus, which is formed by rotation of the photographic apparatus around the optical axis, as measured with respect to a level plane perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force, and performs a controlled movement of the movable platform for an inclination correction based on the inclination angle. The controller calculates an elevation/depression angle that represents an angle at which the optical axis intersects said level plane, and calculates the inclination angle in consideration of the elevation/depression angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an airborne reconnaissance system for capturing images in a wide field of regard which comprises: (a) An array of a plurality of n prisms being one next to the other, each prism having an essentially flat and rectangular front surface, and at least an output surface wherein: (a1) a front surface of each of the plurality of prism is being directed toward a different section of a strip of terrain transversal to the flight direction of the aircraft, thereby collecting light rays coming mostly from that terrain strip section; (a2) each output surface of each of the prisms directs light rays which are received through said front prism surface toward a front lens of an optical unit; (b) A focal plane array; (c) Optical unit comprising a front lens, the front lens receiving light separately but simultaneously through the output surfaces of all the prisms, said optical unit comprises addition optics for directing the light received from said lens thereby to produce separate correspond

Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a movable platform and a controller. The movable platform has an imager that captures an optical image through a taking lens, and is movable and rotatable on an xy plane. The controller calculates an inclination angle of the photographic apparatus, and performs a controlled movement of the movable platform for an inclination correction by rotating the movable platform from an initial state on said xy plane in accordance to a rotation quantity of the movable platform. The controller performs the controlled movement to offset the inclination angle by the rotation quantity, when the photographic apparatus is in a first inclination state. The controller performs the controlled movement to maintain an inclined state where the movable platform is rotated from the initial state in accordance to either the first angle or the negative of the first angle, when the photographic apparatus is in a second inclination state.

Abstract: The present invention calibrates interior orientation parameters (IOP) and exterior orientation parameters (EOP). With the calibrated IOPs and EOPs, a remotely controlled camera can quickly obtains corresponding IOPs and EOPs no matter on panning, tilting or zooming. Thus, the remotely controlled camera obtains accuracies on imaging and measuring and obtains wide applications.

Abstract: An aerial digital camera comprises a housing 15, a lens, a frame 45, an image sensor 35 mounted on the frame, at least three flexure bearings 51 connecting the frame and the housing, the flexure bearings allowing a displacement of the frame relative to the housing in a displacement direction 67 parallel to a light receiving surface of the image sensor, a spring 69 providing a biasing force between the housing and the frame oriented in the displacement direction; and an actuator 71 for displacing the frame relative to the housing against the biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a movable platform and a controller. The movable platform has an imager and is movable and rotatable on an xy plane perpendicular. The controller calculates an inclination angle of the photographic apparatus, and performs a controlled movement of the movable platform for an inclination correction based on the inclination angle. The controller calculates a first position of the movable platform before the inclination correction. The controller calculates a second position of the movable platform after the inclination correction. The controller determines whether the movable platform should be moved to a third position before moving from the first position to the second position in the inclination correction, on the basis of a positional relationship between the first position and the second position. The third position is a position of the movable platform in an imaging operation by the imager without the inclination correction.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises a movable platform and a controller. The movable platform has an imager that captures an optical image through a taking lens, and is movable and rotatable on an xy plane. The controller calculates an inclination angle of the photographic apparatus, which is formed by rotation of the photographic apparatus around the optical axis, and performs a controlled movement of the movable platform for an inclination correction by rotating the movable platform from an initial state on the xy plane in accordance to a rotation quantity of the movable platform. The controller performs the controlled movement so as to compensate the rotation quantity under the condition in which the absolute value of the rotation quantity decreases in accordance to an increasing absolute value of the inclination angle, when the inclination angle is larger than a second angle but less than a third angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus that obtain error correction data by adjusting the LOS vector of a sensor, and assign precise ground coordinates to respective image coordinates of an image using the error correction data and auxiliary data for the image. In the method of correcting geometry of an image using a LOS vector adjustment model of the present invention, an image, obtained by photographing a ground surface, and auxiliary data for the image, are acquired. Ground coordinates for a ground control point, and image coordinates of the image matching the ground coordinates are acquired. A LOS vector of a sensor of a photographing device is adjusted, thus obtaining error correction data. The auxiliary data and the error correction data are applied to LOS vector adjustment models, and ground coordinates are assigned to respective image coordinates of the image, thus performing exterior orientation.

Abstract: A line of sight stabilization system using two mirrors pivotally mounted to a fixed platform that can be used with existing imaging systems to provide pitch, roll, and yaw compensation while maintaining image orientation. By deflecting only the photons, the inventive system avoids the need to stabilize the entire imaging sensor and optics system. The only mass to move is that of the two imaging system mirrors. By monitoring attitude changes via an inertial measurement system, proceeding platform positions can be estimated for subsequent image acquisitions, and efficient mirror positioning can provide optimal image orientation and stabilization. This approach requires small motors with low torque, providing a less expensive, lightweight, and small image orientation and stabilization system.

Abstract: An aerial imaging system includes a platform capable of moving through the air, a spatial sensor, a plurality of image sensors mounted to the platform and a computer. The spatial sensor collects position data indicating the position of the platform. The plurality of image sensors includes a key sensor and at least one non-key sensor. The computer includes a storage device and a processor configured to execute instructions comprising the steps of (i) controlling the plurality of image sensors to collect image data simultaneously, (ii) determining the exterior orientation of the key sensor based on the position data, and (iii) determining the exterior orientation of at least one non-key sensor based on the exterior orientation of the key sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a remote imaging platform for image acquisition of an imaging target, the method comprises: controlling said platform to aim a camera at said target, and controlling said platform to take at least a first, a second and a third images of said target during the course of a single pass of said platform over said target, whilst keeping said camera locked onto said target for a duration required to take said images. Applications include forming a stereo pair from said first and said third image to obtain topographical data of said target, and applying said topographical data from said stereo pair to the second image, the second image being a high resolution image taken from above the target, the result being a nadir image with topographical data. Another application is to form several stereo images and combine them into an overall image containing enhanced topographical information.

Abstract: In an image compensation apparatus for controlling an attitude of an image pickup section capable of rotating around mutually orthogonal three axes, the apparatus comprises a sight line direction information detection section for detecting information about a sight line direction of a pilot, a driving section which outputs a driving signal for rotating and driving the image pickup section with reference to the information about the sight line direction and rotates and drives the image pickup section based on this driving signal, an image pickup attitude information detection section for detecting information about an attitude of the image pickup section, an aircraft attitude information detection section for detecting information about an attitude of an aircraft, and a correction section for correcting the driving signal with reference to the information about the attitude of the image pickup section and the information about the attitude of the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera system, especially for photogrammetric applications. The camera system contains at least two first cameras (1, 2), which are inclined towards each other so that the optical axes (7, 8) of the first cameras (1, 2) intersect at a common point of intersection (5). The camera system also has at least two second cameras (10, 11) which are located at a distance from the first cameras (1, 2), in the viewing direction of the first cameras (1, 2). The inclination of the optical axes (7, 8) of the first cameras (1, 2) towards each other provides an area (b) in which the envelope that surrounds the acceptance cones of the first cameras (1, 2) has an essentially constant diameter. The second cameras (10, 11) are located in this area (b) so that the second cameras (10, 11) avoid truncating the projection of the visual fields of the first cameras (1, 2). The first cameras are preferably panchromatic and the second cameras polychromatic.

Abstract: A dual band hyperspectral framing aerial reconnaissance camera includes an objective optical subassembly for receiving incident radiation from a scene external of the vehicle, and a dividing element receiving radiation from the objective optical subassembly. The dividing element directs radiation into a first optical path for imaging in a first band of the spectrum and a separate second optical path for imaging in a second band. A first two-dimensional electro-optical detector in the first path generates a first series of images and a second two-dimensional electro-optical detector in the second optical path generates a second set of imagery. At least one of the first and second electro-optical detectors comprises a hyperspectral imager.

Abstract: A reconnaissance camera is described which has a Cassegrain optical system forming an objective lens that directs radiation to a spectrum-dividing prism. The prism directs radiation in a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., visible) into a first optical path having a two-dimensional image-recording medium. Radiation in a second band of the spectrum (e.g., IR or UV) is directed to a second optical path, which has a two-dimensional image-recording medium. A motor system is coupled to a camera housing that encloses the optical elements of the camera and the image recording media. The motor steps the entire camera housing about the roll axis while the image recording media are exposed to generate frames of imagery.

Abstract: An electro-optical roll-framing camera is described in which successive overlapping frames of scene imagery are generated by an electro-optical imaging array. Image motion compensation is performed electronically to stop or freeze image motion caused by the roll motion. The image motion compensation is performed by the array during the generation of the frames of imagery. The successive frames of imagery are made during a continuous roll motion of the entire camera (including the array). The image motion due to roll is stopped or frozen without mechanically stopping the roll motion, such as found in prior art step frame cameras. The roll framing cycles of the camera generate sweeping coverage of the terrain of interest. The roll rate for a given electro-optical array is a function of the frame size and the framing rate, and is controllable by a master camera control computer.

Abstract: A framing aerial reconnaissance camera is described which has a catoptric Cassegrain optical system forming an objective lens that directs radiation to a spectrum-dividing prism. The prism directs radiation in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum into a first optical path having a two-dimensional image-recording medium, such as a charge-coupled device. Radiation in the infrared (IR) band of the spectrum is directed to a second optical path, which has a two-dimensional IR-sensitive image-recording medium, such as an electro-optical IR imaging array. The entire camera is rotated about the aircraft roll axis in a continuous fashion to generate frames of imagery providing panoramic coverage of the scene across the line of flight. While the camera is being rotated about the roll axis, the arrays are exposed to the scene repeatedly to generate a series of two-dimensional frames of imagery.

Abstract: A framing aerial reconnaissance camera is described which has a catoptric Cassegrain optical system forming an objective lens that directs radiation to a spectrum-dividing prism. The prism directs radiation in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum into a first optical path having a two-dimensional image-recording medium, such as a charge-coupled device. Radiation in the infrared (IR) band of the spectrum is directed to a second optical path, which has a two-dimensional IR-sensitive image-recording medium, such as an electro-optical IR imaging array. The entire camera is rotated about the aircraft roll axis in a continuous fashion to generate frames of imagery providing panoramic coverage of the scene across the line of flight. While the camera is being rotated about the roll axis, the arrays are exposed to the scene repeatedly to al generate a series of two-dimensional frames of imagery.

Abstract: A framing aerial reconnaissance camera is described which has a Cassegrain optical system forming an objective lens that directs radiation to a spectrum-dividing prism. The prism directs radiation in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum into a first optical path having a two-dimensional image-recording medium, such as a framing CCD array. Radiation in the infrared (IR) band of the spectrum is directed to a second optical path, which has a two-dimensional framing IR-sensitive image-recording medium. The entire camera can be either rotated about the aircraft roll axis in a continuous fashion or stepped in a series of steps to generate frames of imagery, providing panoramic coverage of the scene across the line of flight in two bands of the spectrum simultaneously.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens camera system having a camera body, a photographing lens, and a rear converter, the camera body and photographing lens communicating with each other via a first group of contacts and a second group of contacts, respectively, includes a group of relay channels via which the first group of contacts are electrically connected with the second group of contacts, in a state where the rear converter is mounted between the camera body and the photographing lens; a memory in which rear converter data is stored; and a controller which reads the rear converter data from the memory. The memory and the controller have a function to send the rear converter data to the camera body while the camera body and the photographing lens communicate with each other via the first group of contacts, the second group of contacts, and the group of relay channels.

Abstract: A dual band optical system for a framing aerial reconnaissance camera is described. The camera including at least two two-dimensional image recording media for generating frames of imagery of a scene external of an aerial reconnaissance vehicle carrying the camera. The camera includes a Cassegrain optical system forming an objective lens for the optical system, including a a primary mirror having a central aperture and a secondary mirror. The primary and secondary mirrors are aligned along an objective optical axis. The optical system also includes an azimuth mirror receiving radiation from the secondary mirror. The azimuth mirror is placed between the primary and secondary mirrors. A spectrum-dividing element in the form of a prism receives radiation from the azimuth mirror.

Abstract: A camera has camera optics and an optics support (3) which is rotatably journalled in a camera housing (5) and includes the camera optics. The camera optics include a first pivot mirror (7) at the input end and a second pivot mirror (11). The first pivot mirror (7) is pivotable about a first pivot axis (9) relative to the optics support (3). The optics support (3) is rotatable relative to the camera housing (5) about a rotational axis (9) parallel to a first pivot axis (9). Furthermore, the second pivot mirror (11) can be pivoted about a second pivot axis (13) running transversely relative to the first pivot axis (9).

Abstract: A camera is used in a photogrammetric analytical measurement, and has a distance-measuring sensor unit for measuring a vertical distance between the camera and a sloping surface of the ground and a minimum distance between the camera and the sloping surface of the ground when the camera is placed above the sloping surface of the ground. The camera has a memory medium for storing the vertical distance and the minimum distance as vertical distance data and minimum distance data, respectively.

Abstract: A camera mounting mechanism is attachable to a helicopter to support and isolate an exterior camera against vibrational forces generated by the helicopter during flight maneuvers.Individual shock absorbers are arranged in a ring pattern around a central axis of the mounting mechanism to absorb the vibrational forces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a pictorial illustration of a site to be mapped, such as for reconstruction of a vehicle accident site. In accordance with the method, the site is marked with visible indicia of scale, a camera is then suspended over the site and a vertically overhead photographic image of the site is taken, the photographic image is then processed and scaled utilizing the visible indicia marked on the site, and a pictorial illustration is creating by applying symbols to the photographic image. The camera is suspended over the site beneath a blimp. The photographic image can be digitized if desired. The apparatus according to the invention includes the blimp, an appropriate suspension apparatus for the camera beneath the blimp, a receiver system including a shutter control for the camera, and a remote transmitter for sending control signals to the receiver system in order to control taking of photographs by the camera.

Abstract: An aerial photography mount that features a three-axis gimbal unit that is supported between two posts by elastic straps. Each of the axes rotates within precision bearings that enable smooth operation of a camera secured to the mount. The elastic straps, in conjunction with independently rotating bearings at the end suspension assemblies, provide a enhanced vibration isolation effect. The mount can be further stabilized by the attachment of gyroscopic stabilizers.