Multiple Cameras On Baseline (e.g., Range Finder, Etc.) Patents (Class 348/139)
  • Patent number: 10394022
    Abstract: A display apparatus (1) for use in displaying an image to a viewer, comprising a transparent optical waveguide display unit (2) arranged for receiving image-bearing light (4) into the optical waveguide display unit, for guiding the received light therealong to an output area (24) thereof, and for outputting from the output area the image-bearing light (6) collimated to present a viewable image. A light-emitting display screen (3) arranged adjacent to and behind the output area of the optical waveguide display unit is visible therethrough behind the output area (24). This combines the light from the light-emitting display screen (e.g. imagery) with the viewable image (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Mason
  • Patent number: 10359256
    Abstract: A camera sighting device, configured for securing about a firearm, the sighting device housed in a housing, with a smart phone or smart device mounting platform rotatably coupled thereon, with an additional rear viewing camera, integral or attachable to an armature. This said armature, additionally passes through an open portion of a clamping device, that is attachable to a threaded base portion, of the back side of said smart device mounting platform, and is both height and angularly adjustable. This said sighting device, provides the target image that is either received from other target viewing devices mounted on the firearm, or provides its own target image, to the smart device, where this said target image is viewable by the user, from any position that the user could position himself in relation to the firearm, by means of the said rotatable smartphone or smart device mounting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: HOOKSHOTTACTICAL, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Marshall Campbell
  • Patent number: 10342459
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus measuring a subject using a pattern projection image of the subject on which a light and dark pattern of light is projected, includes an insertion tube; an image sensor; an objective optical system forming the subject image on the image sensor; an illumination light source illuminating the subject; a pattern projector projecting the light and dark pattern onto the subject; and a projection window disposed at a distal end portion of the insertion tube. When the projection window is viewed from the front and the distal end portion of the insertion tube is divided into two sides by an imaginary first plane which includes a central axis of the insertion tube, a center of the projection window is at one of the two sides of the distal end portion of the insertion tube. An observation window is disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masayoshi Yokota
  • Patent number: 10332050
    Abstract: A computing platform may receive a plurality of messages comprising data indicating physical presence of a plurality of customers of a financial institution at a physical banking center location of the financial institution from an indoor positioning system located at the physical banking center location of the financial institution. The computing platform may identify one or more attributes of at least a portion of the plurality of customers of the financial institution at the physical banking center location of the financial institution, and one or more adjustments to a personnel-staffing schedule for the physical banking center location of the financial institution based on at least a portion of the data indicating the physical presence of the plurality of customers of the financial institution at the physical banking center location of the financial institution and the one or more attributes of the at least a portion of the plurality of customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventor: Carrie Anne Hanson
  • Patent number: 10281276
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that comprises a camera module and a control and evaluation unit. The camera module is designed to be attached to the surveying pole and comprises at least one camera for capturing images. The control and evaluation unit has stored a program with program code so as to control and execute a functionality in which a series of images of the surrounding is captured with the at least one camera; a SLAM-evaluation with a defined algorithm using the series of images is performed, wherein a reference point field is built up and poses for the captured images are determined; and, based on the determined poses, a point cloud comprising 3D-positions of points of the surrounding can be computed by forward intersection using the series of images, particularly by using dense matching algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Knut Siercks, Bernhard Metzler, Elmar Vincent Van Der Zwan, Thomas Fidler, Roman Parys, Alexander Velizhev, Jochen Scheja
  • Patent number: 10270939
    Abstract: An image is rendered on a display having a limited number of primary colors by (104) combining input data representing the color of a pixel to be rendered with error data to form modified input data, determining in a color space the simplex (208—typically a tetrahedron) enclosing the modified input data and the primary colors associated with the simplex, converting (210) the modified image data to barycentric coordinates based upon the primary colors associated with the simplex and (212) setting output data to the primary having the largest barycentric coordinate, calculating (214) the difference between the modified input data and the output data for the pixel, thus generating error data, applying (106) this error data to at least one later-rendered pixel, and applying the output data to the display and thus rendering the image on the display. Apparatus and computer-storage media for carrying out this process are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Crounse
  • Patent number: 10228556
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, apparatus and process for providing at least one radiation can be provided. For example, with at least one multi-mode waveguide, it is possible to transmit the radiation(s). In addition, with a shape sensing arrangement, it is possible To dynamically measure a shape of the multi-mode waveguide(s). Further, with a specifically programmed computer arrangement, it is possible to control a light modulator arrangement based on the dynamically-measured shape to cause the radiation(s) transmitted through the multi-mode waveguide(s) to have at least one pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Rohith K. Reddy, Guillermo J. Tearney
  • Patent number: 10154240
    Abstract: To generate a warning that a stereoscopic image sequence has been synthesised from a 2D image sequence, a video processor correlates left-eye image data and right-eye image data to identify any sustained temporal offset between the left-eye and right-eye image data. A measure of sustained correlation between a measured spatial distribution of horizontal disparity and a spatial model can also be used to generate the warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Snell Advanced Media Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Diggins, Michael James Knee
  • Patent number: 10116842
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater method and system for gathering range and dimensional information of subsea objects, the system comprising a camera module suitable for capturing images of sub-sea scenes; and a reference projection light source that, in use, projects a structured light beam onto a target. The structured light beam is preferably generated by a laser and may comprise spots, lines, grids and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: CATHX RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventors: Adrian Boyle, Michael Flynn, James Mahon
  • Patent number: 10062180
    Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to correction of an input depth image captured by a depth sensor. The input depth image can include pixels, and the pixels can have respective depth values in the input depth image. Moreover, per-pixel correction values for the pixels can be determined utilizing depth calibration data for a non-linear error model calibrated for the depth sensor. The per-pixel correction values can be determined based on portions of the depth calibration data respectively corresponding to the pixels and the depth values. The per-pixel correction values can be applied to the depth values to generate a corrected depth image. Further, the corrected depth image can be output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Grigor Shirakyan, Michael Revow, Mihai Jalobeanu
  • Patent number: 9983571
    Abstract: A remote control station that accesses one of at least two different robots that each have at least one unique robot feature. The remote control station receives information that identifies the robot feature of the accessed robot. The remote station displays a display user interface that includes at least one field that corresponds to the robot feature of the accessed robot. The robot may have a laser pointer and/or a projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: INTOUCH TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Yulun Wang, Marco Pinter, Kevin Hanrahan, Daniel Steven Sanchez, Charles S. Jordan, David Bjorn Roe, James Rosenthal, Derek Walters
  • Patent number: 9978135
    Abstract: Described are methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products for determining the presence of an object on a target surface. A machine vision system includes a first image capture device configured to image a first portion of a target surface from a first viewpoint and a second image capture device configured to image a second portion of the target surface from a second viewpoint. The machine vision system is configured to acquire a first image from the first image capture device, a second image from the second image capture device, rectify the first image and second image, retrieve a disparity field, generate difference data by comparing, based on the mappings of the disparity field, image elements in the first rectified image and a second image elements in the second rectified image; and determine whether the difference data is indicative of an object on the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Cyril C. Marrion, Nickolas James Mullan
  • Patent number: 9934563
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for 3D object recognition through 2D image processing based on white balancing and object-rotation in machine vision systems. According to some examples, image recognition of an object captured with a camera under insufficient lighting may be achieved through white balancing. Processing cost reduction may be achieved in the learning process for image recognition through automatic generation of rotated 2D images of target objects to be detected, such as machine parts, from a small number of 2D images of a target object and generation of a 3D image of the target object from the rotated 2D images. Image recognition may thus be ensured even under insufficient lighting through execution of the image recognition process for multiple images and learning the successful recognition results. Some examples may be implemented in mechanical parts selection, where 2D images of the parts may be available beforehand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Naofumi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9898668
    Abstract: A system and method of object detection are disclosed. In a particular implementation, a method of processing an image includes receiving, at a processor, image data associated with an image of a scene. The scene includes a road region. The method further includes detecting the road region based on the image data and determining a subset of the image data. The subset excludes at least a portion of the image data corresponding to the road region. The method further includes performing an object detection operation on the subset of the image data to detect an object. The object detection operation performed on the subset of the image data is exclusive of the at least a portion of the image data corresponding to the road region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jianfeng Ren, Ruiduo Yang, Feng Guo, Shili Xu, Shuxue Quan, Ning Bi
  • Patent number: 9886763
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a visual navigation method and a visual navigation device. The method may include steps of: obtaining a plurality of ambient sub-images for a collected ambient image based on the collected ambient image; performing a region-matching process on each of the ambient sub-images to determine a disparity between at least two of the ambient sub-images; and determining coordinates of an object in the ambient image based on the determined disparity, and performing a navigation based on the determined coordinates. In the present disclosure, the ambient image is collected by a single camera, the plurality of ambient sub-images is obtained by the micro-lens array based on the collected ambient image, and then stereo matching and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction are implemented based on the ambient sub-images to perform the visual navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: China Academy Of Telecommunications Technology
    Inventors: Rumin Zhang, Dijun Liu, Guobin Su
  • Patent number: 9866828
    Abstract: A video timing test equipment for measuring light integration time of a camera. The video timing test equipment may comprise: a control unit and shutter timing test unit. The control unit may generate input timing signals adjustable by a user. The shutter timing test unit may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), infrared light emitting diodes (IR LEDs), and an output controller. The output controller may regulate the illumination of the LEDs and IR LEDs based on the input timing signals. The shutter timing test unit may also comprise a UTC time display, edge time display, and pulse width display. The UTC time display may depict a UTC time as to when light integration begins or ends. The edge time display may depict an offset time associated with the start or end of light integration. The pulse width display may depict the duration of light integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Higdon, Jason Witzel
  • Patent number: 9849981
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed that includes a retractable payload delivery system. The payload delivery system can lower a payload to the ground using a delivery device that secures the payload during descent and releases the payload upon reaching the ground. The location of the delivery device can be determined as it is lowered to the ground using image tracking. The UAV can include an imaging system that captures image data of the suspended delivery device and identifies image coordinates of the delivery device, and the image coordinates can then be mapped to a location. The UAV may also be configured to account for any deviations from a planned path of descent in real time to effect accurate delivery locations of released payloads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: James Ryan Burgess, Joanna Cohen
  • Patent number: 9838610
    Abstract: An imaging system includes: an imaging device including an image sensor provided with an electronic shutter function, the imaging device being configured to capture a subject; a light source configured to emit illumination light for illuminating the subject; an identification unit configured to identify which one of a first light source and a second light source configured to emit light having a wavelength bandwidth different from a wavelength bandwidth of the first light source is employed as the light source used for observation; an electronic shutter controller configured to control the electronic shutter function of the image sensor based on a control pattern according to the classification of the light source identified by the identification unit; and an electronic shutter control pattern setting unit configured to set a control pattern of the electronic shutter function in accordance with the classification of the light source identified by the identification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aiko Sakai, Satoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9770163
    Abstract: A method and apparatus where the output from a high intensity light source is controlled to produce well-exposed images/videos and to reduce automatically the intensity when an unsafe issue is detected in medical devices such as endoscopes and the like. The method and apparatus overcome problems to control light sources that have high-frequency noise, slow-response time, nonlinearity, and non-monotonic response time and to protect the patients' tissues from possible overheating/burning and the eyes of personnel and patients from possible direct exposure to high intensity light used in medical devices such as endoscopes and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir I. Ovod
  • Patent number: 9756284
    Abstract: The described implementations relate to enhancement images, such as in videoconferencing scenarios. One system includes a poriferous display screen having generally opposing front and back surfaces. This system also includes a camera positioned proximate to the back surface to capture an image through the poriferous display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Cha Zhang, Timothy A. Large, Zhengyou Zhang, Ruigang Yang
  • Patent number: 9739603
    Abstract: A calibration device includes a part for controlling a projection device to project a pattern onto a three-dimensional object having characteristic points, a part for controlling an imaging device to acquire images wherein the three-dimensional object with the pattern projected thereon is imaged from imaging directions, a part for estimating a relative position and attitude of the imaging device with respect to the three-dimensional object based on positions of the characteristic points of the three-dimensional object on the images, a part for estimating reflection positions of projection light rays corresponding to characteristic points of the pattern on the three-dimensional object based on positions of the characteristic points of the pattern and the relative position and attitude of the imaging device, for each image, and a part for identifying positions and directions of the projection light rays corresponding to the characteristic points of the pattern based on the reflection positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki Hara
  • Patent number: 9715759
    Abstract: Images are made of a surface, and images are made of a covering (in the form of a reference object) having a pattern that includes an array of locally non-repetitive pattern elements. A three-dimensional models of the pattern elements on the covering is created using the images. A correlation in scaling between the process of generating three-dimensional models of the pattern elements on the covering and the process of generating a three-dimensional model of the surface is known, and this known correlation in scaling and the known actual distances among pattern elements on the covering can be used as a dimensional scale reference to determine dimensional information of the three-dimensional model of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Netvirta, LLC
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Andy Eow, Xiaoxu Ma
  • Patent number: 9704244
    Abstract: A method generates a three-dimensional map of a region from successive images captured from different camera poses. The method includes a camera capturing images of the region; designating a subset of captured images as a set of keyframes each having respective sets of image position data representing image positions of landmark points detected as feature points in that image; for a newly captured image, generating a camera pose prediction; selecting an ordering of the landmark points; detecting whether an image region of the new image approximately matches an expected image position of a landmark point based on the predicted camera pose by detecting whether the image region is substantially identical to the image information associated with that landmark point; and refining the pose prediction from the detecting step. The selecting includes performing a statistical test on the landmark points and selecting the ordering according to the statistical test results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited
    Inventor: Antonio Martini
  • Patent number: 9696413
    Abstract: A method for aligning a measuring device installed alongside a roadway at an unknown installation height, the measuring device including a laser scanner, a camera and a display. A camera image generated by the camera is inserted into the display and superimposed by a road model, formed from a multiplicity of straight lines running towards an intersection point. The measuring device is subsequently rotated and tilted, as a result of which the camera image is rotated and shifted on the display, until the images of the roadway margins and edges running parallel thereto are in alignment at the intersection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Jenoptik Robot GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Trummer, Michael Lehning, Marcos Michaelsen, Marko Ortner
  • Patent number: 9649764
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method for planning a robot grasp involve measuring interaction forces imposed on an object by an environment while a task is demonstrated using the object to obtain a disturbance distribution dataset, modeling a task requirement based upon the disturbance distribution dataset, identifying robot grasp types that can be used to satisfy the task requirement, calculating a grasp wrench space for each identified robot grasp, and calculating a grasp quality of each grasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Yu Sun, Yun Lin
  • Patent number: 9641817
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of generating multi-projection images. The method of generating multi-projection images includes controlling a plurality of different types of filming devices so that the filming devices are disposed at specific angles, controlling the shutter operations of the plurality of different types of filming devices in order to synchronize the plurality of different types of filming devices, and controlling the plurality of different types of filming devices so that the filming devices perform filming operations in a plurality of viewpoint directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: CJ CGV CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hwan Chul Kim, Su Ryeon Kang, Jihyung Kang
  • Patent number: 9615729
    Abstract: An endoscope system includes an illumination unit which includes a modulation section configured to control a visible light source so that visible light from the visible light source is subjected to intensity modulation in a predetermined pattern, and emits modulated visible light as illumination light, a detection section configured to detect the modulated visible light, and a determination section configured to determine whether an insertion portion of an endoscope is present in an object based on a detection result of the detection section. The illumination unit is arranged outside the object, and the detection section is arranged at the insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Ito, Masahiro Nishio
  • Patent number: 9578233
    Abstract: There is provided an imaging apparatus including a plurality of imaging units, and capable of recording a situation when a photographer captures a still image, and a change or reaction of the person such as the photographer other than the objects in the still image. The imaging apparatus includes a first imaging unit, a second imaging unit, an imaging instruction unit configured to instruct the first imaging unit to capture a still image, and a control unit configured to record a still image captured by the first imaging unit in a recording medium and to record a moving image captured by the second imaging unit in the recording medium when the imaging instruction unit instructs the first imaging unit to capture a still image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Aoyama, Tetsuya Hada
  • Patent number: 9563955
    Abstract: Techniques for efficiently identifying objects of interest in an environment and, thereafter, tracking the location and/or orientation of those objects. As described below, a system may analyze images captured by a camera to identify objects that may be represented by the images. These objects may be identified in the images based on their size, color, and/or other physical attributes. After identifying these potential objects, the system may define a region around each object for further inspection. Thereafter, portions of a depth map of the environment corresponding to these regions may be analyzed to determine whether any of the objects identified from the images are “objects of interest”—or objects that the system has previously been instructed to track. These objects of interest may include portable projection surfaces, a user's hand, or any other physical object. The techniques identify these objects with reference to the respective depth signatures of these objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay Kamarshi, Prasanna Venkatesh Krishnasamy, Amit Tikare
  • Patent number: 9551616
    Abstract: An approach to noninvasively and remotely detect the presence, location, and/or quantity of a target substance in a scene via a spectral imaging system comprising a spectral filter array and image capture array. For a chosen target substance, a spectral filter array is provided that is sensitive to selected wavelengths characterizing the electromagnetic spectrum of the target substance. Elements of the image capture array are optically aligned with elements of the spectral filter array to simultaneously capture spectrally filtered images. These filtered images identify the spectrum of the target substance. Program instructions analyze the acquired images to compute information about the target substance throughout the scene. A color-coded output image may be displayed on a smartphone or computing device to indicate spatial and quantitative information about the detected target substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Gary L. McQuilkin, Gregory L. Engelke
  • Patent number: 9532020
    Abstract: A calibration apparatus calibrating a projection unit projecting light-rays includes: an imaging unit taking an image of a surface of an object having a location and an attitude, the light-rays projected onto the surface by the projection unit; a location-and-attitude estimation unit estimating the location and the attitude of the surface based on the image; a reflection-point estimation unit estimating, based on the estimated location and the attitude, a reflection point at which one of the light-rays is reflected by the surface; and an identification unit identifying both a passing point that the one of the light-rays passes and a direction in which the one of the light-rays passes the passing point, or identifying only the direction, based on multiple reflection points obtained by the reflection-point estimation unit with respect to multiple different locations and/or multiple different attitudes of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki Hara
  • Patent number: 9521398
    Abstract: A system and a process configuration generates a unitary rendered image for a video from at least two cameras. The configuration detects a communication coupling of at least two cameras and determines a master camera and a slave camera. The configuration determines an orientation of camera sensor of the master camera and the slave camera and determines a first frame of a video for a synchronization point for a start of a video capture. The configuration captures and reads images from the master camera sensor and the slave camera sensor in response to the start of the video capture and orientation of the camera sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Woodman, David A. Newman, Stephen B. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9507147
    Abstract: A display system. A display device has viewports emitting expanded views of an image, an image receiving area receives the image, and optical conduits with exit pupil expanders expand the image through the viewports. A separate tracking projector has an image projector that projects an image along an axis, a marker search illuminator that projects light into a space including the axis, and an image capture component that captures target images that including at least three reflective marker images associated with the image receiving area. An image processor determines, based the marker images, a distance and an orientation of the image receiving area. A projection controller adjusts image data based upon the distance and the orientation to cause projected images to arrive squarely at the image receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Wolfgang Michael Theimer, Klaus-Dieter Meierling
  • Patent number: 9491359
    Abstract: An automatic-tracking camera apparatus which is capable of realizing continuous and smooth driving and obtaining an image with little position variation of a tracking target from a target position within the image and with little blur. The position of a camera body is changed by a gimbal device. The speed of a tracking target object at the next-after-next start timing of image acquisition by the camera body is predicted. The gimbal device is controlled so that the camera body reaches the position indicated by a position instruction value generated for the next-after-next start timing of image acquisition by the camera body, at the next-after-next start timing, and the speed of the camera body at the next-after-next start timing of image acquisition by the camera body corresponds to the speed predicted for the next-after-next timing of image acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tadashi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9438887
    Abstract: A depth measurement apparatus is adapted for acquiring a first and second image signals, calculating a correlation value for plural shift amounts, acquiring plural provisional shift amounts, reconstructing the first image signal using a filter corresponding to the provisional shift amounts, analyzing a contrast change by reconstruction, and determining depth on the basis of contrast analysis. The provisional shift amount is acquired by determining a first shift amount at which an extreme value of the correlation value is given, and a first range, which is a range of a predetermined shift amount including the first shift amount, into a plurality of second ranges, and acquiring provisional shift amounts for each of the second ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Oigawa
  • Patent number: 9367741
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deviation indicator with infrared imagery and a system for automatically aiming at and tracking a target. According to the invention, the deviation indicator with infrared imagery comprises an infrared pulsed laser (11) and the device (12) for controlling and processing infrared images also processes the laser pulse echoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: MBDA FRANCE
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Le Marec
  • Patent number: 9317923
    Abstract: A method for stereo vision may include filtering a row or column in a stereo image to obtain intensity profiles, identifying peaks in the intensity profiles, pairing peaks within a maximum disparity distance, determining a shape interval for peak pairs, selecting a peak pair with a maximum shape interval, determining a disparity offset for the peak pairs, extending shape intervals to include all pixels in the intensity profiles, computing depths or distances from disparity offsets, and smoothing the stereo image disparity map along a perpendicular dimension. Another method for stereo vision includes filtering stereo images to intensity profiles, identifying peaks in the intensity profiles, pairing peaks within a maximum disparity distance, determining shape intervals for peak pairs, and selecting peak pairs with the maximum shape interval. Apparatus corresponding to the above methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Beau Jeffrey Tippetts, Dah-Jye Lee
  • Patent number: 9279669
    Abstract: An optical measuring device for measuring a surface contour of an object, includes a tripod on which a camera platform is mounted, wherein on the camera platform at least two photo cameras are arranged for imaging the object comprising marking elements, and the at least two photo cameras are arranged on the camera platform in such a manner that imaging the object can be carried out from two different perspectives, wherein between the camera platform and the tripod a displacement device for the linear displacement of the camera platform in three directions that are independent of each other is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Andrej Klaas
  • Patent number: 9258552
    Abstract: There is provided: a CPU that, in at least one case among a case in which fluctuation of a fixed interval in the acquired parallax amount is greater than a predetermined value, and a case in which the parallax amount reaches a predetermined allowed limit value, or a case in which an object of acquisition of the parallax amount can no longer be detected, judges that there is an abnormality in the parallax amount, and that, in a case that is none of these, judges that there is no abnormality in the parallax amount, and that, when it is judged that there is no abnormality in the parallax amount, carries out first parallax adjustment, and that, when it is judged that there is an abnormality in the parallax amount, switches to control of a second parallax adjustment and carries out parallax adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Mori
  • Patent number: 9154771
    Abstract: An apparatus for capturing a stereoscopic image maintains the image quality of partial image data by appropriately cutting out the partial image data from image data generated by an imaging unit. The apparatus includes imaging units which generate right-eye image data and left-eye image data having binocular parallax for making a viewer sense a stereoscopic image; an information storage unit which stores, when image center points of the right-eye and left-eye image data image data are origins, position information indicating positions of right and left correction points obtained by moving marks projected on the right-eye and left-eye image data by a differential vector, respectively; and a cutout control unit which, based on the position information, cuts out pieces of partial image data having the same size from the right-eye and left-eye image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: JVC KENWOOD CORPORATION
    Inventor: Etsuya Takami
  • Patent number: 9041807
    Abstract: An image processing device configured to be installed in a vehicle includes an image acquirer, an image selector, a first luminance adjuster, a synthetic image generator, and an image provider. The image acquirer acquires camera images captured by cameras provided on the vehicle. The image selector selects one of the camera images as a representative image based on luminances of the camera images. The first luminance adjuster adjusts a luminance of at least one of the other camera images based on a luminance of the representative image. The synthetic image generator generates a synthetic image showing a periphery of the vehicle, based on the representative image and the other camera images the luminance of at least one of which has been adjusted by the first adjuster. The image provider outputs, to a display device installed in the vehicle, information corresponding to the synthetic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED, FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Masahiko Murakami, Nobunori Asayama
  • Publication number: 20150138352
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image processing device includes a processor and a memory. The processor acquires a first image captured at a first timing by an imager that is mounted on a movable body. The processor acquires a range image that represents a distance to a subject. The processor estimates a difference in viewpoint of the imager between at the first timing and at a second timing that is different than the first timing, based on movement information of the movable body. The processor generates a second image that is predicted to be captured by the imager at the second timing based on the first image, the range image, and the difference in viewpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takayuki Itoh, Tomoya Kodama
  • Publication number: 20150138351
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring at least one dimension of at least one element constituting a railway track, comprising a housing having a camera and a laser rangefinder pointing in the same direction as the camera, said housing being provided with a guide suitable for being positioned against a known reference point relative to said element of which a dimension is to be measured, as well as to a device for receiving, transmitting, computing, storing, and displaying information from the camera and the laser rangefinder and for remotely controlling these latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Edmond Briand
  • Patent number: 9025030
    Abstract: Improvements in a video system are presented that uses one or more camera(s) with a display system. The camera and display system operate together to allow a person to view the back or side of their head as they apply makeup or style their hair. The use of multiple cameras allows the person to view their hair, face or profile from different angles without requiring a single camera to be re-positioned or requiring the person to turn their head to view a particular area. The video system can blend the image from multiple cameras to achieve a view that is not from a single camera. The blending or morphing of the image allows the user the ability to obtain a view from nearly any angle without requiring them to move their head or adjust the camera angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Cheryl Garcia, Christopher Sauceda
  • Patent number: 9025023
    Abstract: A multimedia device includes a first image sensor to acquire a first image, a second image sensor to acquire a second image, and a processor to determine coordinate information of the person in the first image and to extract a feature of the person in the second image based on the coordinate information. The first and second image sensors have overlapping fields of view, the coordinate information provides an indication of a distance to the person, and the processor compares the extracted feature to reference information and recognizes the person based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soungsoo Park, Taehyeong Kim, Kyungyoung Lim, Sangki Kim, Mingoo Kang
  • Patent number: 9002057
    Abstract: A collaborative object analysis capability is depicted and described herein. The collaborative object analysis capability enables a group of cameras to collaboratively analyze an object, even when the object is in motion. The analysis of an object may include one or more of identification of the object, tracking of the object while the object is in motion, analysis of one or more characteristics of the object, and the like. In general, a camera is configured to discover the camera capability information for one or more neighboring cameras, and to generate, on the basis of such camera capability information, one or more actions to be performed by one or more neighboring cameras to facilitate object analysis. The collaborative object analysis capability also enables additional functions related to object analysis, such as alerting functions, archiving functions (e.g., storing captured video, object tracking information, object recognition information, and so on), and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Abdelkader Outtagarts, Muy-Chu Ly
  • Patent number: 8994826
    Abstract: Portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system and method configured to display motion capture/analysis data on a mobile device. System obtains data from motion capture elements and analyzes the data. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings associated with the captured motion can also be displayed. Predicted ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed. Data shown on a time line can also be displayed to show the relative peaks of velocity for various parts of the user's body. Based on the display of data, the user can determine the equipment that fits the best and immediately purchase the equipment, via the mobile device. Custom equipment may be ordered through an interface on the mobile device from a vendor that can assemble-to-order customer built equipment and ship the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Blast Motion Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Bentley
  • Patent number: 8976243
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a camera for use in a digital network, in particular as a surveillance camera in a working device, including an integrated router having at least two ports for communication with further network components, in particular having a first port for communication with a terminal and having a second port for communication with a further camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Liebherr-Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Marquart, Marcel Brasch
  • Patent number: 8970708
    Abstract: An alignment suite includes first and second targeting devices and an optical coupler. The first targeting device is configured to perform a positional determination regarding a downrange target. The first targeting device includes an image processor. The second targeting device is configured to perform a targeting function relative to the downrange target and is affixable to the first targeting device. The optical coupler enables the image processor to capture an image of a reference object at the second targeting device responsive to the first and second targeting devices being affixed together. The image processor employs processing circuitry that determines pose information indicative of an alignment relationship between the first and second targeting devices relative to the downrange target based on the image captured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Scott B. Goldblatt, Ryan P. DiNello-Fass, Jeffery W. Warren, Steven J. Conard
  • Patent number: RE46108
    Abstract: The communication device can easily serve as an extended user interface such as a remote controller of a target apparatus without causing any complicated operations to a user. The communication device includes the following units. An apparatus information obtainment unit (203) obtains apparatus information from an apparatus. A position information obtainment unit (206) obtains position information of the communication device (102). An operation information obtainment unit (212) obtains operation information based on the apparatus information. A storage unit (213) stores the position information as apparatus position information indicating as a position of the apparatus, in association with the operation information. A direction sensor unit (207) detects direction of the communication device (102). A directional space calculation unit (208) calculates a directional space of the communication device (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ohnishi, Masaru Yamaoka, Mitsuaki Oshima, Michihiro Matsumoto, Tomoaki Ohira, Shohji Ohtsubo, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Hironori Nakae, Kazunori Yamada