Abstract: An improved display provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot. In some embodiments, an intermediate point in the projectile trajectory is an aiming point and is indicated in relation to the visualized target or target reference. The rangefinder device is calibrated to a weapon having a sight, for example, having a riflescope calibrated at 100 yards. The aiming point is displayed showing the intermediate point in the projectile trajectory that corresponds with riflescope cross hairs at a predetermined zero setting. The user places the riflescope cross hairs on the point visualized in the rangefinder device. Alternatively, the aiming point is displayed relative to the magnified image of the target, a generic reference image, or a user selectable reference images.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems of detection of smoke or the like in an environment, such as a closed room but not limited thereto, based on video data processing of video data captured in said environment, and wherein the video data processing is for example executed on a computation system.

Abstract: A first image display element modulates first illumination light in which red illumination light and infrared illumination light are alternately switched, based on an image signal for visible light image and an image signal for infrared light image, and emits first image light in which red image light and infrared image light are alternately switched. A second image display element modulates green illumination light based on a green image signal, and emits green image light. A third image display element modulates blue illumination light based on a blue image signal, and emits blue image light. A synthesizer synthesizes the first image light, the green image light, and the blue image light with one another, and obtains synthesized image light. A projection unit projects the synthesized image light.

Abstract: A cloaking device includes an object-side, an image-side, a cloaked region (CR) between the object-side and the image-side. An object-side CR reflection boundary, an object-side half-mirror, and an object-side multiband dichroic color filter are positioned on the object side and an image-side CR reflection boundary, an image-side half-mirror, and an image-side multiband dichroic color filter are positioned on the image-side. The object-side half-mirror and the object-side multiband dichroic color filter are spaced apart from and positioned generally parallel to the object-side CR reflection boundary, and the image-side half-mirror and the image-side multiband dichroic color filter are spaced apart from and positioned generally parallel to the image-side CR reflection boundary. Light from an object located on the object-side of the cloaking device and obscured by the CR propagates via three optical paths to form an image of the object on the image-side of the cloaking device.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for alleviating an obstruction caused by an object from a view of an observer includes a hardware device affixed to the object such that the observer observes a presentation on the device when observing the object. The device is enabled to receive a signal, wherein the signal corresponds to a portion of an ambience obscured by the object from a view of the observer. The signal is processed at the device and without using a data processing system, to generate a version of the signal. Using the device, the version of the signal is presented to the observer as the presentation, wherein the version of the signal alleviates the portion of the ambience obstructed by the object in the view of the observer.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for alleviating an obstruction caused by an object from a view of an observer includes a hardware device affixed to the object such that the observer observes a presentation on the device when observing the object. The device is enabled to receive a signal, wherein the signal corresponds to a portion of an ambience obscured by the object from a view of the observer. The signal is processed at the device and without using a data processing system, to generate a version of the signal. Using the device, the version of the signal is presented to the observer as the presentation, wherein the version of the signal alleviates the portion of the ambience obstructed by the object in the view of the observer.

Abstract: An optical device includes a printed circuit board comprising an electronic image-capturing circuit, a lens holder comprising at least one optical lens, the lens holder being mounted on the printed circuit board so as to align, along the optical axis of the device, the electronic image-capturing circuit and the optical lens; a heating element positioned on the lens holder; the heating element being linked electrically to the printed circuit board by at least one electrically conductive trace positioned on the lens holder.

Abstract: A method for dismount detection in low-resolution UAV imagery, comprising providing an input image, processing a greyscale distribution of the input image, determining a rough classification in the input image based on the grayscale distribution, determining the optimal parameters based on the rough classification, estimating one or more potential dismount locations, applying an area filter to the one or more potential dismount locations, removing undesired locations from the one or more potential dismount locations, applying one or more secondary filters to the resulting one or more potential dismount locations, assigning a probability to the one or more potential dismount locations, and assessing desirability of the one or more potential dismount locations.

Abstract: A cloaking device includes cloaking region boundary planes oriented non-planar to each other, each of the cloaking region boundary planes having an outward facing mirror surface and an inward facing opaque surface. The cloaking device includes a cloaking region bounded at least partially by the inward facing opaque surfaces of the cloaking region boundary planes. Light from an object positioned on the object-side of the cloaking device and obscured by the CR has a first optical path through the cloaking device and light from the object not obscured by the CR has a second optical path through the cloaking device. A first matching medium is positioned between the object-side and the image-side in the second optical path and increases the second optical path length such that an optical path difference between the first optical path length and the second optical path length is reduced.

Abstract: An example system that allows a camera enabled application, such as an augmented reality application, to run in a protected area may include a first device including a camera, the camera including a secure mode of operation and a display, an image processing module configured to convert image data from the camera to encoded data when the camera is in the secure mode and protect image data stored in the system, an encryption module configured to encrypt encoded data from the image processing module, and a protected audiovisual path mechanism configured to securely send augmented encoded data to the display.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein thus provide devices and methods that facilitate improved input devices. Specifically, the devices, systems and methods provide the ability to accurately determine user input using multiple different sensing regimes. The different sensing regimes can be used to facilitate accurate position determination of objects both at the surface and away from the surface. For example, the different sensing regimes can be used to determine position information for both ungloved and gloved fingers. In one embodiment the first sensing regime uses a first duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing and a first duty cycle of transcapacitive sensing. The second sensing regime uses a second duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing and a second duty cycle of transcapacitive sensing, where the second duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing is greater than the first duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing.

Abstract: A method performed by an electronic device is described. The method includes determining a haziness confidence level based on multiple modalities. The method also includes determining whether to perform an action based on the haziness confidence level. The method may include performing the action, including performing haziness reduction based on the haziness confidence level.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a device for processing image data. According to the method, first characteristic values respectively of a plurality of regions of a first image are determined by sequentially calculating, for each of the plurality of regions, characteristic values corresponding to each of pixel values of pixels included in each of the plurality of regions while sequentially receiving the pixel values of the pixels; based on the determined first characteristic values, an illumination image related to a second image that is a following image of the first image is obtained; and, based on the obtained illumination image, the second image is modified.

Abstract: An image brightness information adjusting method, which comprises: computing background brightness information of an image; computing a first brightness information difference between brightness information for at least one pixel of a first image line of the image and background brightness information corresponding to the first image line; and adjusting brightness information for at least one pixel of a second image line according to the first brightness information difference.

Abstract: A light source within a real world scene can be identified. The light source can be associated with a one or more attributes. The light source can emit light to illuminate the real world scene. The attributes can include intensity, wavelength, and/or orientation. A live view of the real world scene can be presented within an interface of a computing device. The attributes associated with the light source can be determined. A light map for the light source within the real world scene can be computed. The light map can be a graphical visualization of an approximation of a propagation of light emanating from the light source within the scene.

Abstract: Depth information can be used to assist with image processing functionality, such as image stabilization and blur reduction. In at least some embodiments, depth information obtained from stereo imaging or distance sensing, for example, can be used to determine a foreground object and background object(s) for an image or frame of video. The foreground object then can be located in later frames of video or subsequent images. Small offsets of the foreground object can be determined, and the offset accounted for by adjusting the subsequent frames or images. Such an approach provides image stabilization for at least a foreground object, while providing simplified processing and reduce power consumption. Similarly processes can be used to reduce blur for an identified foreground object in a series of images, where the blur of the identified object is analyzed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an evaluation value calculation unit configured to calculate a contrast evaluation value of each of first image data and second image data in which an object is imaged in a state in which auxiliary light is emitted to the object included in a first image corresponding to the first image data; a determination unit configured to determine that fog or haze is occurring at a time the contrast evaluation value of the first image data, which has been calculated by the evaluation value calculation unit, is equal to or greater than the contrast evaluation value of the second image data; and an image processing unit configured to perform image processing to the first image data or the second image data based on a determination result of the determination unit.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted environment recognition device includes an imaging unit that acquires an image taken by an imaging device; an image self-diagnosis unit that diagnoses contamination of a lens of the imaging device with respect to the image acquired by the imaging unit; an application execution unit that executes an application selected from a predetermined application group; and a fail determination unit that determines, on the basis of a diagnosis result from the image self-diagnosis unit, whether the lens contamination state is in an endurance range of the application and, if within the endurance range, sets the operation of the application executed by the application execution unit to a suppression mode. If outside the endurance range, contamination removal control is implemented, or a fail determination is made for the application. Contamination removal and fail determination can be implemented utilizing parameter adjustment and hardware, or an image-based self-diagnosis can be conducted.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing faux-transparency of an object are disclosed and claimed wherein an ikon display device (IDD) is interposed between a viewer and object, which obstructs a background view from the viewer, and wherein an ikon acquiring device (IAD) acquires an ikon of the background, and wherein the ikon of the background is displayed by the IDD. The invention includes means and methods for editing the background ikon to produce an occluding background icon (OBI), which is a representation of the portion of the background view obstructed by the object, wherein the OBI is displayed by the IDD and the viewer sees the OBI instead of the object.

Abstract: Doorbell systems can be configured to detect temperature of an outdoor environment. Accordingly, some embodiments of the doorbell system can include a doorbell, a button coupled to the doorbell, and a temperature sensor coupled to the doorbell. Doorbell systems can also be configured to regulate temperature within a doorbell. As such, some embodiments of the doorbell system can include the doorbell, a button coupled to the doorbell, and a heating element located inside the doorbell.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an adaptive electronic camouflage platform comprising electronic paper panels conformed to the exterior surface of the vehicle; one or more cameras for sampling images of the local environment surrounding the platform; and a processor for analyzing the sampled images, generating synthesized camouflage patterns corresponding to the sampled images and controlling the display of the synthesized camouflage patterns on the electronic paper panels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for obtaining a video quality parameter and an electronic device. The method includes dividing a target video segment into at least one video subsegment, where duration of every video subsegment is at least time perceivable by human eyes; obtaining a video quality parameter of the video subsegment; and processing the video quality parameter of the video subsegment, and obtaining a video quality parameter of the target video segment.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for imaging in scattering media such as fog, water and biological tissues. Normally, such images suffer from poor visibility due to backscattering and signal attenuation. At least two images are taken of the scene using active widefield polarized illumination, with different states of a camera-mounted polarizer. The degree of polarization of backscatter is estimated in every point of the scene, leading to an estimation of the backscatter in every point of the scene. A portion or all of the value of backscatter can be deducted in each point of the scene resulting in an enhanced image with improved contrast and brightness range across the field of view.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for obtaining a video quality parameter and an electronic device. The method includes dividing a target video segment into at least one video subsegment, where duration of every video subsegment is at least time perceivable by human eyes; obtaining a video quality parameter of the video subsegment; and processing the video quality parameter of the video subsegment, and obtaining a video quality parameter of the target video segment.

Abstract: A single aperture polarimetric color imaging system includes a color filter array including a plurality of RGB filter elements in a path of received radiation that includes color band and near IR light. A linear polarizer array includes a plurality of polarization filter elements that provide a plurality of different polarization orientations that are optically aligned with the RGB filter elements. A single common pixel array includes a plurality of photodetector pixels for transducing the color band or near IR light into electrical signals after processing by the color filter array and linear polarizer array. A band select switching device switches between selectively transmitting the near IR band and color band or color band including light. A signal processor is coupled to receive and process the electrical signals from the common pixel array and generates polarimetric image data from the near IR band light and color image data from the color band or color band including light.

Abstract: A video processor module suitable for use in a vehicle includes a video processor and a plurality of imaging sensor interfaces having at least a first imaging sensor interface configured for communication with a first imaging sensor of the equipped vehicle and a second imaging sensor interface configured for communication with a second imaging sensor of the equipped vehicle, with the first and second imaging sensor interfaces receiving image data captured by the first and second imaging sensors of the equipped vehicle, respectively. The video processor may include an object detection section, a camera selection section, a camera control section and/or a memory section. The video processor module may include a vehicle interface section.

Abstract: Detecting video phenomena, such as fire in an aircraft cargo bay, includes receiving a plurality of video images from a plurality of sources, compensating the images to provide enhanced images, extracting features from the enhanced images, and combining the features from the plurality of sources to detect the video phenomena. Extracting features may include determining an energy indicator for each of a subset of the plurality of frames. Detecting video phenomena may also include comparing energy indicators for each of the subset of the plurality of frames to a reference frame. The reference frame corresponds to a video frame taken when no fire is present, video frame immediately preceding each of the subset of the plurality of frames, or a video frame immediately preceding a frame that is immediately preceding each of the subset of the plurality of frames. Image-based and non-image based techniques are described herein in connection with fire detection and/or verification and other applications.

Abstract: A camera for identifying soiling on a protective screen, such as a vehicle windscreen, is focused on a scene through the protective screen and can be used to identify soiling and for other applications, e.g. to identify driving lanes and/or objects in the scene. Soiling is identified merely by evaluating successively recorded image frames, and artificial reference frames or reference objects are not required. A prerequisite is that the relative speed vrel between the camera and at least one recorded object in the scene is not equal to zero and its trajectory in the image is predicted. By comparing the relevant image frame sections, possible soiling on subregions of the protective screen is identified.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle-mounted type of camera capable of being reduced in the space required for installation on the windshield of a vehicle. An imaging unit 15 is provided on a substrate 19 and has an optical axis in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. The substrate 19 is set up in parallel with respect to the windshield of the vehicle. A lens 14 is disposed on the optical axis. A mirror 16 is also provided on the optical axis of the imaging unit 15, and is adapted to change a direction of the optical axis to a frontward direction of the vehicle, thus guiding frontward visual field information of the vehicle to the imaging unit 15. The mirror 16 is retained in an attachment 11. The attachment 11 can be engaged with and disengaged from an enclosure 12 that holds the lens 14.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fast object position detection device and a method thereof, particularly to a detection device and a method thereof which can directly apply to various image systems. The device of the present invention mainly comprises an image capturing system that captures images within the regions defined by the user, and an image processing unit determining the position of an object and obtaining related information. In the method of the present invention, a captured image is converted into 1-D distance-axis signal information; a differential value of the 1-D distance-axis signal information is used to determine a position of an object; and a difference of the 1-D distance-axis signal information of at least two adjacent time points is used to determine an approaching status of an object.

Abstract: System for providing an enhanced night vision of an scenario from an observation place, such as a system for providing an enhanced night vision of the scenario (15) of an aerial refuelling operation to the tanker aircraft (11), the system operating at night under low visibility conditions due to atmospheric perturbations such as fog, rain and particles in suspension, the system comprising: a) Laser based infrared illumination means (33) of the scenario located in said observation place; b) A black-and-white high-definition imaging system comprising at least a high resolution camera (31) suitable for providing video signals of said scenario when it is illuminated by said illumination means and at least a monitor for displaying images of said scenario.

Abstract: Aspects of a system and method for processing video data may comprise, for each line of a field of an image, generating noise based on a current seed, inserting the generated noise in a current line of the field, and generating a new seed for processing a subsequent line of the field by shifting the current seed. The current seed may be used to generate a random number and the generated noise may be produced using this generated random number.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus (210) for providing an image (214) of a scene (12) that is within a fluid (16) includes an apparatus frame (228), a capturing system (230), and a control system (236). The capturing system (230) captures a captured image (614A). The control system (236) adjusts a color content of the captured image (614A) based on a clarity of the fluid (16). The image capturing apparatus (210) can include a clarity sensor (227) that provides a clarity signal that corresponds to the clarity of the fluid (16) near the image capturing apparatus (210). Moreover, the image capturing apparatus (210) can include an illumination system (724) that generates a generated light beam (726) that can be adjusted to compensate for the light that is attenuated by the fluid (16).

Abstract: A vehicle-based video system includes a video processor, a plurality of electronic sensor interfaces that are operable to receive image output data from a plurality of sensor devices and at least one electronic vehicle interface that is operable to communicate with a vehicle communication bus. The video processor generates display signals for displaying video information for viewing and use by a driver in the vehicle for normal operation of the vehicle by the driver. The video processor is operable to fuse data from at least one imaging device and at least one non-imaging device into a single database in a standard format. The video processor, in response to processing the fused data, provides at least one output signal for conveying information to a driver in the vehicle that is used by the driver in the vehicle when the vehicle is being driven by the driver in the vehicle.

Abstract: An on-vehicle fog-presence determining apparatus having image fog-state determining means for determining whether or not an image picked up by an on-vehicle camera mounted on a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises far-flung brightness acquiring means for acquiring a brightness of a far-flung road region, sky brightness acquiring means for acquiring a brightness of a sky around the vehicle and image fog-state determining means for making judgment using the brightness of the far-flung road region and the brightness of the sky.

Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.

Abstract: A defogging device for a surveillance camera has a heating element, a circuit board and a power cord. The heating element is mounted over the lens of the surveillance camera. The circuit board compares ambient temperature to a preset temperature, activates the heating element and has a power input terminal, a power output terminal and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is mounted between the power input terminal and the power output terminal and senses ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is above the preset temperature, the circuit board activates the heating element. The power cord is connected to the circuit board and the heating element and transmits power to the heating element from the circuit board. By activating the heating element during periods of cold ambient temperature, the defogging device removes fog and frost from or keeps fog and frost from forming on the lens of the surveillance camera.

Abstract: Method for avoiding unauthorized images of a proprietor's information from being transmitted outside the proprietor's control. A photographic image captured with a camera incorporated upon the wireless handheld communication device is wirelessly transmitted to a proprietor's server. The image is stored on the server after capture and transmission, preferably while the device is still in the photography-restricted geographical area that is under the control of the proprietor of the server. Once at the server, the photographic image is analyzed to determine whether or not the image is authorized for dissemination outside the proprietor's control. Local storage of the photographic image can be prevented on the device which assures that the transmission and storage of the photographic image on the proprietor's server is exclusive.

Abstract: A differential imaging system is particularly efficacious for detecting objects in high dispersion or light-scattering mediums, such as seawater. Such a device especially useful in mine detection. A single burst of illumination is used as the light sensitive portion of the system is gated so as to collect at least two images of reflected light from the same burst of illumination. The first image is modified and subtracted from the second image to remove the common noise, and to further enhance the image of the object to be detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing both day vision simulations and night vision simulations includes a projector that seamlessly provides both night and daytime training modes. The projector includes two independent light sources, with an embedded night vision filter affixed inside the projector proximate one of the light sources to achieve the night training mode. The operator will select one light source according to the mode desired (daytime training mode or nighttime training mode). Each light source may easily be selected, and the light paths from both of the light sources may have a common path when exiting the projector for efficient operation between modes.

Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that employ one or more light sources to reduce the ability to recognize or identify one or more objects. In various examples, one or more LED-based light sources are utilized in camouflaging techniques. The apparatus and methods disclosed relating to camouflaging techniques have wide applicability in a number of environments (and with a number of different objects) including, but not limited to, military, commercial, industrial, sporting, recreational, and entertainment applications.

Abstract: An object uses light transmitters to control the visible image of the object in order to camouflage the object or to otherwise deceive the vision of observers. The color and intensity of the light emitted from the object is determined by its background, which would otherwise provide a contrast with the object when viewed by an observer. Light sensors uptake the color and intensity of the object's background and pass that information to controllers that determine the color and intensity of light to be transmitted to achieve the desired camouflage effect, and pass the output color to the light transmitters on the opposite side of the object. Transmitters may be placed on the object at right angles to the surface of the object, thereby allowing for only a single color shading at any point on the object, and providing effective camouflage for the object only when viewed straight-on or against a background that does not vary when viewed from oblique viewing angles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects from a sequence of images of a scene containing an object by using two distinct methods for object detection. One is suited for well-lit scenes (e.g., daytime), while the other is suitable for poorly-lit scenes (e.g., nighttime) where the objects have lights mounted on them. Further, the method and apparatus are adaptive to the image statistics of the objects being detected, and can be programmed to filter out “weak” detections that lie below a certain percentile in the observed statistical distribution of image measures. The specific percentile is determined based on whether the scene has been determined to be well- or poorly-lit and whether it contains shadows or not.

Abstract: A system for enhancing underwater visibility is described that uses left and right alternately chopped laser illumination, filtered wide baseline stereo imaging and specular reflectors for deblurring the images. Two stereo images are compared to determine the pattern of backscattered light and the resultant backscatter pattern is subtracted from the images. Inverse point spread filtering based on the fusion of the specular reflector pattern is next performed to further improve the images, and stereoscopic is display for enhanced visibility in turbid and murky mediums. The invention has broad application for underwater exploration and search and recovery operations, and is especially useful for detection and removal of underwater mine hazards.

Abstract: A pixel array-based orthogonal projection concealment apparatus applicable for continuously matching a mobile platform to its changing background integrates power means, sensing and inputting means for observer and background data, programmed computational means, and pixel array display means in a single apparatus. In its preferred embodiment the concealment projection image is displayed through a liquid crystal array.

Abstract: A passive millimeter-wave imaging system (10) that includes a millimeter-wave camera (12) positioned at the end of an aircraft landing strip (14) to provide an image (20) of the aircraft (16) approaching the landing strip (14) along a landing glidepath (18). The camera (12) broadcasts the image (20) of the aircraft (16) approaching the landing strip (14) to the aircraft (16) and to a control tower (24). With this information, the pilot of the aircraft (16) sees his aircraft's position relative to the glidepath (18), and can make landing adjustments accordingly. Likewise, the tower personnel can monitor the aircraft landing glidepath (18) to insure that the aircraft (16) maintain a safe distance relative to the ground.

Abstract: A visual display system and method for full and realistic stimulation of night vision goggles according to the present invention includes a display system for stimulating night vision goggles across a large dynamic range. The display system includes a high resolution head tracked area of interest display for a rear projection video display. The system time multiplexes the display of raster and calligraphic images in the area of interest. The system also includes a method of calligraphic light point projection that conserves power by using a head tracked slow speed high sensitivity electromagnetic deflection system to position an electron beam which is modulated in X-Y position in a calligraphic fashion by a high speed secondary yoke to create intense light point images for the area of interest display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining certain ambient conditions in a scene by analyzing a sequence of images that represent the scene. The apparatus uses only image information to determine scene illumination, or the presence of shadows, fog, smoke, or haze by comparing properties of detected objects, averaged over a finite video sequence, against properties of the reference image of the scene as that scene would appear without any objects present. Such a reference image is constructed in a manner similar to time-averaging successive camera images.

Abstract: A system is described that uses chopped laser illumination, chopped and fered wide baseline stereo imaging, specular reflectors along the path to navigated, comparison of the two stereo images collected to determine and subtract from the images the magnitude of the backscatter field, inverse point spread filtering based on the fusion of the specular reflector pattern, and stereoscopic display for the pilot to allow navigation through fog and other aerosols. In particular, aircraft pilots will be able to land their aircraft in fog and other aerosols.