Abstract: Briefly described, one embodiment determines pose of an object of interest at a run time by capturing a first image of a first structured light pattern projected onto a first local surface of the object of interest; determining a first run-time data set from the captured first image, wherein the first run-time data set corresponds to information determined from the first structured light pattern projected onto the first local surface; comparing the determined first run-time data set and a corresponding first reference data set, the first reference data set corresponding to an ideal pose of the first local surface on an ideally posed reference object; and determining at least one first degree of constraint that defines a first partial pose of the first local surface, the at least one first degree of constraint based upon the comparison of the first run-time data set with the corresponding first reference data set.

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional object location and guidance to allow robotic manipulation of an object with variable position and orientation using a sensor array which is a collection of one or more sensors capable of forming a single image.

Abstract: Online collaboration using multimedia content may be implemented by a server communicatively coupled to mobile computing devices such as smart phones and PDAs, as well as desk top computing systems. Users may create memorandums using a variety of different types of content. The memorandums may address particular issues, for example a project, issue, or trouble tracking item. Users can create stories for the memorandums, for example narrating or otherwise explaining elements of the issue, replicating a face-to-face discussion in an asynchronous manner.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects using a robotic system are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment is a method that captures a first image of at least one object with an image capture device that is moveable with respect to the object, processes the first captured image to determine a first pose of at least one feature the object, determines a first hypothesis that predicts a predicted pose of the identified feature based upon the determined first pose, moves the image capture device, captures a second image of the object, processes the captured second image to identify a second pose of the feature, and compares the second pose of the object with the predicted pose of the object.

Abstract: A system and method for an aerial surveillance system are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises a lighter-than-air aerial platform, at least one image capture device carried by the lighter-than-air aerial platform and operable to sequentially capture a plurality of images, and at least one control surface physically coupled to the lighter-than-air aerial platform and operable to control direction of movement of the lighter-than-air aerial platform along a surveillance path in response to a guidance control signal determined in part upon the sequentially captured plurality of images.

Abstract: Briefly described, one embodiment determines pose of an object of interest at a run time by capturing a first image of a first structured light pattern projected onto a first local surface of the object of interest; determining a first run-time data set from the captured first image, wherein the first run-time data set corresponds to information determined from the first structured light pattern projected onto the first local surface; comparing the determined first run-time data set and a corresponding first reference data set, the first reference data set corresponding to an ideal pose of the first local surface on an ideally posed reference object; and determining at least one first degree of constraint that defines a first partial pose of the first local surface, the at least one first degree of constraint based upon the comparison of the first run-time data set with the corresponding first reference data set.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate machine-vision, for example three-dimensional pose estimation for target objects, using one or more images sensors to acquire images of the target object at one or more positions, and to identify features of the target object in the resulting images. A set of equations is set up exploiting invariant physical relationships between features such as constancy of distances, angles, and areas or volumes enclosed by or between features. The set of equations may be solved to estimate a 3D pose. The number of positions may be determined based on the number of image sensors, number of features identified, and/or number of known physical relationships between less than all features. Knowledge of physical relationships between image sensors and/or between features and image sensors may be employed. A robot path may be transformed based on the pose, to align the path with the target object.

Abstract: Briefly described, one embodiment is a method for imprecisely engaging an object or tool, the method comprising capturing an image of an imprecisely-engaged object with an image capture device, processing the captured image to identify a pose of the imprecisely-engaged object, and determining a pose deviation based upon the pose of the imprecisely-engaged object and the pose of a corresponding ideally-engaged object.

Abstract: A machine-vision system, method and article is useful in the field of robotics. One embodiment produces signals that emulate the output of an encoder, based on captured images of an object, which may be in motion. One embodiment provides digital data directly to a robot controller without the use of an intermediary transceiver such as an encoder interface card. One embodiment predicts or determines the occurrence of an occlusion and moves at least one of a camera and/or the object accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that integrates requests and responses thereto for Operation and Business Support Systems (OSS/BSS) that comprise many discrete and non-inclusive systems with disparate interfaces. The integration of these systems poses a complex problem. Moreover, costs of licenses, maintenance fees, and training for day-to-day use are prohibitively expensive. The present invention is an open and inclusive system that interfaces easily with existing OSS/BSS systems to provide visibility into all network elements and events. It is an advanced, multi-vendor management system designed to increase efficiency and productivity and reduce network administration costs by providing an integrated system for monitoring, troubleshooting, and managing the network. The present invention has as an objective to unite different systems under one common platform.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate machine-vision, for example three-dimensional pose estimation for target objects, using one or more images sensors to acquire images of the target object at one or more positions, and to identify features of the target object in the resulting images. A set of equations is set up exploiting invariant physical relationships between features such as constancy of distances, angles, and areas or volumes enclosed by or between features. The set of equations may be solved to estimate a 3D pose. The number of positions may be determined based on the number of image sensors, number of features identified, and/or number of known physical relationships between less than all features. Knowledge of physical relationships between image sensors and/or between features and image sensors may be employed. A robot path may be transformed based on the pose, to align the path with the target object.

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional handling of an object by a robot uses a tool and one camera mounted on the robot and at least six target features which are normal features of the object are selected on the object. The features are used to train the robot in the frame of reference of the object so that when the same object is subsequently located, the robot's path of operation can be quickly transformed into the frame of reference of the object.

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional object location and guidance to allow robotic manipulation of an object with variable position and orientation using a sensor array which is a collection of one or more sensors capable of forming a single image.

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional handling of an object by a robot using a tool and one camera mounted on the robot is disclosed in which at least six target features which are normal features of the object are selected on the object.