Abstract: An image processing system which processes, in real time, multiple images, which are different views of the same object, of video data in order to match features in the images to support 3 dimensional motion picture production. The different images are captured by multiple cameras, processed by digital processing equipment to identify features and perform preliminary, two-view feature matching. The image data and matched feature point definitions are communicated to an adjacent camera to support at least two image matching. The matched feature point data are then transferred to a central computer, which performs a multiple-view correspondence between all of the images.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of conducting surface inspections using summed light. One method includes the steps of measuring summed light intensity values for the substrate, generating comparison values for the substrate, and then comparing the measured summed light intensity values with the comparison values to determine whether there are defects in the substrate. In another embodiment, a method includes the steps of generating a reference cluster using measured summed light intensity values for selected portions of the inspection surface. Other summed light intensity values are measured and then compared with the reference cluster. Using this comparison, a determination is made as to whether a defect is present. Another embodiment uses a constant baseline signal which is compared to actual light intensity values to determine whether a substrate defect is present.

Abstract: Techniques that use the design databases used in each of the expose/etch steps during construction of phase shift masks are described. A model or reference image is rendered, accounting for systematic variations, from the design databases to represent what a layer of the PSM should look like after processing. The reference image is compared to an optically acquired image of a specimen phase shift mask to find defects. The technique of the present invention can be used to inspect EAPSM, APSM and tritone masks. The technique inspects all layers in one pass and is therefore more efficient.

Abstract: An image processing system detects a plurality of image features in a first image corresponding to a first view of a scene, and a plurality of image features in a second image corresponding to a second view of the scene. The second image deviates from the first image as a result of camera relative motion. The system determines a two-view correspondence resulting in a potential match set having a maximum average strength of correspondence based at least in part on the total number of matching neighbor candidate image features. Additionally, a multiple-view correspondence between images results in a potential match set based at least in part on a computation of reprojection error for matched points that resulted from a projective reconstruction of the potential match set.

Abstract: A compound camera system for generating an enhanced virtual image having a large depth-of-field. The compound camera system comprises a plurality of component cameras for generating image data of an object and a data processor for generating the enhanced virtual image from the image data. The data processor generates the enhanced virtual image by generating a first component virtual image at a first depth plane, generating a second component virtual image at a second depth plane, and inserting first selected pixels from the first component virtual image into enhanced the virtual image and inserting second selected pixels from the second component virtual image into the enhanced virtual image.

Abstract: A compound camera system comprising component cameras that generate image data of an object and a processor that receives first image data from a first component camera and second image data from a second component camera and generates a virtual image. The processor projects virtual pixel data (u,v) to generate point data (x,y,z) located at depth, z=Z1, of a object plane of the object and projects the said point data (x,y,z) to generate first pixel data (u1,v1) located at a image plane of the first image. The processor also projects said point data (x,y,z) located at the depth, z=Z1, of the said object plane to generate second pixel data (u2,v2) located at the second image.

Abstract: An image processing system which processes, in real time, multiple images, which are different views of the same object, of video data in order to match features in the images to support 3 dimensional motion picture production. The different images are captured by multiple cameras, processed by digital processing equipment to identify features and perform preliminary, two-view feature matching. The image data and matched feature point definitions are communicated to an adjacent camera to support at least two image matching. The matched feature point data are then transferred to a central computer, which performs a multiple-view correspondence between all of the images.

Abstract: An image processing system recovers 3-D depth information for pixels of a base image representing a view of a scene. The system detects a plurality of pixels in a base image that represents a first view of a scene. The system the determines 3-D depth of the plurality of pixels in the base image by matching correspondence to a plurality of pixels in a plurality of images representing a plurality of views of the scene. The system then traces pixels in a virtual piecewise continuous depth surface by spatial propagation starting from the detected pixels in the base image by using the matching and corresponding plurality of pixels in the plurality of images to create the virtual piecewise continuous depth surface viewed from the base image, each successfully traced pixel being associated with a depth in the scene viewed from the base image.

Abstract: An image processing system detects a plurality of image features in a first image corresponding to a first view of a scene, and a plurality of image features in a second image corresponding to a second view of the scene. The second image deviates from the first image as a result of camera relative motion. The system determines a two-view correspondence resulting in a potential match set having a maximum average strength of correspondence based at least in part on the total number of matching neighbor candidate image features. Additionally, a multiple-view correspondence between images results in a potential match set based at least in part on a computation of reprojection error for matched points that resulted from a projective reconstruction of the potential match set.