Abstract: An apparatus and method for acquiring multiple images of a given scene. The apparatus allows a standard video imaging camera to simultaneously detect multiple images through the use of reflective surfaces. In at least one embodiment, the multiple images allow for a single image to be created having a high dynamic range. In another embodiment, method for efficiently determining an infrared image is provided.

Abstract: A panoramic imaging system is constructed to acquire panoramic images of a very large field of view. The field of view ranges from being nearly hemispherical, to being omni directional with some parts occluded. The panoramic imaging system is comprised of multiple imaging sensors, each imaging different parts of the field of view. The panoramic image is constructed by mosaicing the images taken by different sensors that share a common viewpoint. The resolution across the entire panoramic image is substantially the same. Specific embodiments of the camera provide specific combinations of features, such as different visual fields.

Abstract: In one example, a transform component of a system receives a first plurality of image parts in a first domain that comprise an initial size. A transform component of the system transforms the first plurality of image parts to obtain a second plurality of image parts in a second domain different from the first domain. A transform component of the system transforms a plurality of image parts based on the second plurality of image parts to obtain a resultant plurality of image parts in the first domain that comprise a resultant size different from the initial size. In a further example, a transform component of a system applies sparse matrix multiplication to each of first and second image parts.

Abstract: A method for determining region boundaries in an image comprises the steps of providing an image having a plurality of discrete points, determining for each discrete point in the image an affinity force vector representing the affinity of the point to every other point in the image, and detecting region boundaries in the image using the affinity force vectors. An apparatus for determining region boundaries in an image comprises means for providing an image having a plurality of discrete points, means for determining for each discrete point in the image an affinity force vector representing the affinity of the point to every other point in the image, and means for detecting region boundaries in the image using the affinity force vectors. Automatic spatial parameter selection for input in the affinity force vector determination and regional axis detection methods are also provided.

Abstract: A camera having an image plane which is adjustable with respect to the optical axis is used to determine range information from focus. This imaging geometry eliminates the usual focusing need of image plane movement by replacing the two standard mechanical actions of focusing and panning by panning alone. Range estimation or generation of a focused image of a scene can therefore be performed substantially at the speed of panning.