Abstract: A method and apparatus to extract a dense three-dimensional model of an observed scene or object from one or more sequences of images acquired with an imaging device such as a camera or camcorder, or clusters of cameras and/or camcorders. In some embodiments the method includes capturing an image sequence by a camera moving with a translateral motion, for example moving on a straight path with a fixed orientation. The images in each sequence are captured at regularly spaced sites on the straight path. In some embodiments, a device projects structured light on the observed scene. Multiple image sequences can be acquired, on different cameras on straight paths. The captured image sequences are input to a computer. The 3D structure of the scene viewed by each image sequence is computed. Dense reconstruction from EPIs is performed by interpolating the EPIs after having detecting straight segments on the EPIs.

Abstract: The invention relates to the processing of a digital object that comprises: cancelling the noise of an original object (I) of a first type containing noise in order to obtain a noise-free object (J) of the first type; obtaining an object with a quasi-white noise of the first type from a difference (B) between the original object and the noise-free object; applying to the noise-free object (J) a first processing (t1) that comprises a neighbouring processing for obtaining a transformed object (K) of a second type, the first processing being such that it would structure the noise contained in the original object if it was applied to said original object; applying to the noise object a second white processing (t2) for obtaining a quasi-white transformed noise object (C) of the second type; and inserting into the transformed object (K) the transformed noise object.

Abstract: A method for the recognition of objects in at least one digital image includes: a) simulating from the digital image a plurality of digital rotations and at least two digital tilts different from 1 in order to develop a simulated image for each rotation-tilt pair; and b) applying an algorithm generating values that are invariant in translation, rotation and zoom onto the simulated images in order to determine so-called SIF (scale invariant features) local characteristics used for recognising objects. The SIFT method can be used in step b.

Abstract: Methods and systems for grouping video frames. The video frames may be from a multiplexed stream of video frames from a plurality of video sources. In some embodiments video frames are grouped by determining if the video frames share meaningful modes for values representative of features of the video frames.

Abstract: Information of different scans of physical objects may require comparison, for example to determine if the scans are of the same object or if an object has changed, or better information for a three dimensional model may be desired. Different scans of physical objects may be compared by determining lines or planes tangent to a surface at a discrete number of points, registering three dimensional information provided by the scans using the tangent lines or planes, and determining a measure of discrepancy between the surfaces. Three dimensional information of different scans of the same object may also be merged after determining lines or planes tangent to a surface at a discrete number of points and performing registration and merging.

Abstract: The invention concerns image data processing, through noise reduction comprising the following steps: associating a learning zone (ZA) with a reference point (Pref) of the image (IM); for each variable point (PC, PC?,) of the learning zone, evaluating a distance (d, d?,) between: values of points in a first window (f1) of the image, centered on the reference point, and values of points in a second window (f7, f?2,), of similar format as the format of the first window and centered on the variable point; repeating said distance calculation for all the points of the learning zone as successive variable points and estimating an average value to assign to the reference point, said average being weighted on the basis of the distances evaluated for each variable point.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing object directed recognition based on two-dimensional images and three-dimensional models. Transforms are used to map features of an object to an image seen from a vantage point and to map features of images best seen from the vantage points to three-dimensional models. Mapping of features and images to the three-dimensional model and then to image planes of other images in comparison of corresponding features from the mapped images to original images allows for determination of coherence between the mapped images and the original images.

Abstract: Methods and systems for grouping video frames. The video frames may be from a multiplexed stream of video frames from a plurality of video sources. In some embodiments video frames are grouped by determining if the video frames share meaningful modes for values representative of features of the video frames.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to extract a dense three-dimensional model of an observed scene or object from one or more sequences of images acquired with an imaging device such as a camera or camcorder, or clusters of cameras and/or camcorders. In some embodiments the method includes capturing an image sequence by a camera moving with a translateral motion, for example moving on a straight path with a fixed orientation. The images in each sequence are captured at regularly spaced sites on the straight path. In some embodiments, a device projects structured light on the observed scene. Multiple image sequences can be acquired, on different cameras on straight paths. The captured image sequences are input to a computer. The 3D structure of the scene viewed by each image sequence is computed. Dense reconstruction from EPIs is performed by interpolating the EPIs after having detecting straight segments on the EPIs.

Abstract: An improvement to a method of acquiring and processing a satellite observation image of the earth through the use of one strip or a matrix of charge coupled device type detectors. As the detectors travel over an observed zone, a plurality of pixels are acquired in a sampling method. The sampling method includes “e” subarrays corresponding to sampling thereby satisfying Shannon's condition. The “e” is an integer or rational number greater that 1. Processing is implemented that enables a noise-reduced image to be interpolated at a resolution corresponding to that of a sampling subarray on the basis of initially acquired image pixels.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the resistance to cleavage of cardboard tubes which have previously been cut into test pieces which includes a key mandrel which is mounted free to rotate, at least one sleeve for each test piece having a different outer diameter, the inner diameter of at least one sleeve being approximately equal to the outer diameter of a test piece so that for each test piece there corresponds at least one sleeve intended to house the test piece. The key mandrel is adapted to receive each test piece surrounded by a corresponding sleeve. A drive device and belt are provided to rotatably drive an assembly which includes the key mandrel and a test piece housed in a corresponding sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective device formed by a hollow body with a first end, a second end and a surface wherein at least a section of a surface is provided with a series of corrugations extending longitudinally from the first end and essentially to the second end, wherein a portion of the hollow body has a cylindrical shape and a portion has a frustoconical shape and wherein the corrugations converge towards a point on the longitudinal axis of the hollow body with their depth increasing in the direction of their convergence so that the average diameter of the body decreased in a substantially progressive manner along the longitudinal axis beginning adjacent the first end of the body, preferably wherein an annular element having an exterior diameter corresponding essentially to the exterior diameter of the first end is attached thereto and wherein the second end of the hollow body is opened with its surface folding in towards the interior of the hollow body as a lip and wherein the hollow body is pro