Patents by Inventor Stanley R. Sternberg
Stanley R. Sternberg has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20110115909Abstract: A method and system for tracking a subject through an environment that includes collecting visual data representing a physical environment from a plurality of cameras; processing the visual data; constructing a model of the environment from the visual data; and cooperatively tracking a subject in the environment with the constructed model and processed visual data.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Stanley R. Sternberg, John W. Lennington, David L. McCubbrey, Ali M. Mustafa
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Patent number: 6763148Abstract: Physical objects, including still and moving images, are transformed into more compact forms for identification and other purposes using a method unrelated to existing image-matching systems which rely on feature extraction. An auxiliary construct, preferably a warp grid, is associated with an image, and a series of transformations are imposed to generate a unique visual key for identification, comparisons, and other operations. Search methods are also disclosed for matching an unknown image to one previously represented in a visual key database. Broadly, a preferred search method sequentially examines candidate database images for their closeness of match in a sequential order determined by their a priori match probability. Thus, the most likely match candidate is examined first, the next most likely second, and so forth.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Visual Key, Inc.Inventors: Stanley R. Sternberg, William Dargel, John W. Lennington, Thomas Voiles
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Patent number: 4760607Abstract: The specification discloses a system and method for processing serialized digital representations of grayscale images. The system includes a geometric logic unit through which the serialized representations are passed. The geometric logic unit includes an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and an ALU controller which operate on the serialized signal and a delayed version thereof on a word-by-word basis. The function unit is capable of performing a dynamically selectable function and appropriately clips the resultant data to maintain the data within range.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1986Date of Patent: July 26, 1988Assignee: Machine Vision International CorporationInventors: Stanley R. Sternberg, Glenn Herteg, Martin P. Koskella, Robert S. Rau
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Patent number: 4665551Abstract: The specification discloses a system and method for processing digital representations of images by routing the representations sequentially through a plurality of function units. Each function unit includes a delay for delaying one of two inputs and a logic unit for performing logical operations on the delayed and undelayed signals to produce two outputs. The logic unit performs any one of a plurality of logic functions as dynamically selected during processing. Specific functions of particular interest include (1) ORing the delayed signal and the original digital signal and (2) ANDing the delayed signal and the original digital signal. The delay includes a first shift register through which the serial signal is shifted, a storage device for storing signal segments read from the first shift register, and a second shift register into which the segments are returned from storage to be re-serialized to produce the delayed signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1983Date of Patent: May 12, 1987Assignee: Machine Vision International CorporationInventors: Stanley R. Sternberg, Glenn Herteg, Martin P. Koskella, Timothy S. Berla
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Patent number: 4665554Abstract: The specification discloses a system and a method for processing digital representations of images to produce dilations and erosions at unparalleled speeds and efficiencies. The system includes digital circuitry for effecting a dilation by repetitively delaying the serialized digital image and ORing the delayed digital image back into the serial signal stream.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1983Date of Patent: May 12, 1987Assignee: Machine Vision International CorporationInventor: Stanley R. Sternberg
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Patent number: 4641356Abstract: The specification discloses a system and method for processing digital representations of grayscale images to produce grayscale image transformations at unparalleled speed and efficiency. The system includes circuitry for effecting transformations of an image by repetitively (1) delaying the serialized digital image, (2) adding a constant value to each word of the delayed serialized digital image, and (3) logically combining the delayed and undelayed serial images on a word-by-word basis.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1984Date of Patent: February 3, 1987Assignee: Machine Vision International CorporationInventor: Stanley R. Sternberg
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Patent number: 4484346Abstract: A system for analyzing images represented by a serial stream of digital electrical signals corresponding to values of pixels in a matrix of points constituting an image. The system includes a pipeline of substantially identical neighborhood transformation stages. Each stage includes a processor portion for analyzing the pixel values and a memory portion communicating with the processor portion for sequentially providing a window of neighboring pixels to the processor for analysis. A central programmable controller communicates with the pipeline over a single communication link which provides both the pixel value data to the pipeline and transformation control instructions to the processor portions of each stage. The memory portion preferably includes a random access memory which serves as a line storage device which may be readily adjusted to accommodate different raster scan line lengths from various image sensors.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1983Date of Patent: November 20, 1984Inventors: Stanley R. Sternberg, William O. Dargel, Robert M. Lougheed, David L. McCubbrey, Ralph E. Richardson
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Patent number: 4464788Abstract: Dynamic data generator circuitry is disclosed for use in an image analyzer system. The system includes a plurality of storage devices for temporarily storing a neighborhood in the image matrix comprised of a central data point and its surrounding points in the matrix. A transformation generator includes neighborhood contribution circuitry for operating on the values of each point in the neighborhood when they are loaded in the storage devices. The maximum value associated with any of the adjusted points in the neighborhood is provided as a transformation output signal. To aid in the maximum value selection process, the value of the central data point in the neighborhood is sensed and used to provide a correction value so that all of the adjusted data points in the neighborhood are within a particular range of values so that the maximum value selection circuitry may accurately identify the data point in the neighborhood truly having the maximum value associated with the image.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1981Date of Patent: August 7, 1984Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of MichiganInventors: Stanley R. Sternberg, Robert M. Lougheed, William O. Dargel
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Patent number: 4464789Abstract: A method of analyzing multiple frames of image data wherein each frame is represented by a matrix of pixels fed serially from a source for processing. A first frame of pixels is transformed in at least one serial neighborhood transformation stage to detect spatial locations associated with given objects in the frame. A second frame of pixels is subsequently transformed to detect the spatial locations associated with the objects in that frame. Then, the differences between the transformations of the first and second frames are analyzed to detect changes in the number of and/or location of the objects between frames.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1982Date of Patent: August 7, 1984Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of MichiganInventor: Stanley R. Sternberg
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Patent number: 4442543Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing patterns made up of a matrix of points, with each point being represented by a multi-bit digital electrical signal. The apparatus includes a chain of substantially identical serial neighborhood transformtion stages. Each stage includes a plurality of input lines forming an input data bus, with each line carrying a particular bit in a digital electrical signal. The stage includes an analysis circuit portion for analyzing the pattern represented by the digital electrical signals. Selector means coupled to the input data bus are provided for selecting particular bits in the data signal for analysis by each stage. A central controller coupled to the selector means controls the selection of the particular bits in the data signal to be analyzed by each stage.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1981Date of Patent: April 10, 1984Assignee: Environmental Research InstituteInventors: Stanley R. Sternberg, Robert M. Lougheed
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Patent number: 4414685Abstract: Image analyzing apparatus and methods are disclosed for analyzing 3-dimensional as well as 2-dimensional images. The pixels of the 3-D images may be represented by multivalued digital data signals which are analyzed in one or more programmable neighborhood transformation stages. In the preferred embodiment, each stage is programmed with selected contribution values associated with each pixel in the neighborhood. The values of the data signals for each pixel are modified by these contribution values and the maximum value thereof is selected as the transformation output of the stage. A series of dilation/erosion transformations may be used to transform the original image matrix in such a manner so as to locate the position and/or identify the shape of particular objects contained in the original image.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1981Date of Patent: November 8, 1983Inventor: Stanley R. Sternberg
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Patent number: 4395698Abstract: An image analyzer system employs one or more neighborhood transformation stages. The stage operates to access groups of neighboring pixels in an image matrix, analyzes them and generates a transformation output as a result of the analysis. The stage includes a logic circuit which is programmable from a central controller. In the preferred embodiment, each pixel in the neighborhood is analyzed by the logic circuit and temporarily stored until other pixels in the group have been analyzed. The combination of analyzed pixel values form the basis for generating the transformation output for the stage. Preferably, the logic circuit is designed to perform both two dimensional and three dimensional image analyses.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1980Date of Patent: July 26, 1983Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of MichiganInventors: Stanley R. Sternberg, William O. Dargel, Robert M. Lougheed, David L. McCubbrey, Ralph E. Richardson
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Patent number: 4395699Abstract: An image analyzer system employs at least one neighborhood transformation stage for analyzing groups of neighborhood pixel values and selectively transforming the pixel values as a result of the analysis. In one embodiment, the center pixel in the neighborhood is changed to a programmable transformation value if it and its neighboring pixels have particular values. Preferably, the stage includes a programmable memory loaded by a central controller which is utilized to determine whether neighboring pixels of particular values are configured in a preselected pattern. The stage may also include another programmable memory for assigning selected values to the digital signals depending upon their original values as they enter the stage.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1981Date of Patent: July 26, 1983Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of MichiganInventor: Stanley R. Sternberg
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Patent number: 4369430Abstract: An image analyzer system includes a pipeline containing a given number of serially connected neighborhood transformation stages. Each stage includes a neighborhood extraction portion for sequentially accessing substantially all of the neighborhoods in a matrix of pixels constituting an image. Transformation control logic in each stage is operative for analyzing the pixels contained in the neighborhood extraction portion and provides a transformation output signal to the next stage in the pipeline. A central controller serves to program the stages to thereby define the type of transformation to be performed by the neighborhood transformation logic. Feedback means are provided for selectively coupling the output of the last stage in the pipeline to the input of the first stage.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1980Date of Patent: January 18, 1983Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of MichiganInventor: Stanley R. Sternberg
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Patent number: 4322716Abstract: A system is disclosed for analyzing 3-dimensional as well as 2-dimensional images represented by digital electrical signals corresponding to a matrix of points constituting the image. The 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional portions of the system each include a serial chain of neighborhood transformation stages which are individually programmable from a central programming source to selectively alter the pattern analysis in each of the transformation stages. Through a series of dilation/erosion transformations, the original image matrix is transformed in such manner as to locate the position and/or identify the shape of particular objects contained in the original image. A unique transformation which is particularly useful in analyzing multivalued 3-dimensional image data is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1979Date of Patent: March 30, 1982Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of MichiganInventor: Stanley R. Sternberg
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Patent number: 4301443Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing patterns made up of a matrix of points, with each point being represented by a multi-bit digital electrical signal. The apparatus includes a chain of substantially identical serial neighborhood transformation stages. Each stage includes a plurality of input lines forming an input data bus, with each line carrying a particular bit in a digital electrical signal. The stage includes an analysis circuit portion for analyzing the pattern represented by the digital electrical signals. Selector means coupled to the input data bus are provided for selecting particular bits in the data signal for analysis by each stage. A central controller coupled to the selector means controls the selection of the particular bits in the data signal to be analyzed by each stage.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1979Date of Patent: November 17, 1981Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of MichiganInventors: Stanley R. Sternberg, Robert M. Lougheed
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Patent number: 4290049Abstract: Dynamic data generator circuitry is disclosed for use in an image analyzer system. The system includes a plurality of storage devices for temporarily storing a neighborhood in the image matrix comprised of a central data point and its surrounding points in the matrix. A transformation generator includes neighborhood contribution circuitry for operating on the values of each point in the neighborhood when they are loaded in the storage devices. The maximum value associated with any of the adjusted points in the neighborhood is provided as a transformation output signal. To aid in the maximum value selection process, the value of the central data point in the neighborhood is sensed and used to provide a correction value so that all of the adjusted data points in the neighborhood are within a particular range of values so that the maximum value selection circuitry may accurately identify the data point in the neighborhood truly having the maximum value associated with the image.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1979Date of Patent: September 15, 1981Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of MichiganInventors: Stanley R. Sternberg, Robert M. Lougheed, William O. Dargel
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Patent number: 4174514Abstract: Apparatus for performing neighborhood transformations on data matrices for image processing and the like achieves processing speeds greater than conventional serial processors with an economy of memory through use of a plurality of serial neighborhood processors that simultaneously operate upon adjoining partitioned segments of a single data matrix. Continuity of transformation across adjoining segment boundaries is achieved by interconnecting these serial processors to provide each processor with data contained in the contiguous matrix segment being processed by a contiguous processor when processing a data element whose neighborhood elements are partially contained in that contiguous segment.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1978Date of Patent: November 13, 1979Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of MichiganInventor: Stanley R. Sternberg
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Patent number: 4167728Abstract: A chain of substantially identical serial neighborhood transformation modules are utilized to analyze patterns represented by a serial stream of digital electrical signals representing a matrix of points. Each module includes an input for receiving a series stream of digital output signals from the preceding module. A plurality of series connected digital storage devices are utilized to sequentially access all of the neighborhoods in the matrix. A control portion in each module analyzes each neighborhood by comparing it to a stored pattern and provides the transformed output to the succeeding module. A central programmable device coupled to the control portions of each module is provided for selectively altering the analysis of the neighborhood points in each module by providing the comparison neighborhood patterns to the control portion of the modules.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1976Date of Patent: September 11, 1979Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of MichiganInventor: Stanley R. Sternberg
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Patent number: 4025791Abstract: A transponder/interrogator system for remotely identifying objects. The interrogator emits infrared pulses to activate and remotely clock the transponder. Upon such activation, the transponder emits in synchronism with the interrogator pulse a unique code in the form of infrared pulses in accordance with a program stored in a recirculating shift register. The interrogator receives the infrared pulses from the transponder and may be associated with various code utilization devices as described herein.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1975Date of Patent: May 24, 1977Assignee: Kilo CorporationInventors: John W. Lennington, Stanley R. Sternberg