Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting orientation parameters of spherical objects by image processing are utilized to generate geometric models of the objects and displaying overlay graphics of the models in combination with original images which contain the objects. This process is utilized for detecting the orientation parameters of an artificial hip joint from an x-ray image and generating a geometric model of portions of the joint to be displayed as overlay graphics in combination with the original x-ray image. A disclosed embodiment detects the rotation of a basketball from video frame images and generates geometric models of the basketball including surface markings and rotational parameters which may be displayed as overlay graphics in combination with the original video image frames.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for measuring orientation parameters of spherical objects by image processing. Geometric shapes detected in a captured image are measured by generating and scoring models of the geometric shapes, where a high numerical score indicates a good match of the model to the image. The orientation parameters are computed from the geometric parameters measured from the image. A fast, precise, and accurate measurement requires generation and scoring be computationally efficient, meaning that many high-scoring models are generated in a short period of time. Disclosed are embodiments for a multistep measurement process for measuring the orientation parameters of an artificial hip joint from an x-ray image, measuring rotation of a basketball from video frame images, and navigating a spacecraft utilizing sunlight incident on a planetary body.