Abstract: A multi-eye image pickup device includes a left-side optical unit and a right-side optical unit. At a time of adjustment, an adjustment target mark is located so as to be slightly shifted in a faraway direction relative to a subject position where a subject is shot. The adjustment target mark is taken by the respective optical units, and images taken thereby are analyzed to find a clip area of each optical unit. The clip area has a predetermined size and the center thereof is positioned at the image of the adjustment target mark. The respective clip areas are stored in a correction memory of the multi-eye image pickup device. At a time of subject shooting, an image of the stored clip area is clipped from a shooting image taken by each optical unit.

Abstract: Provided is a background recovering apparatus for deleting an object of an arbitrary region and recovering a background covered with the object. The apparatus includes a storing block for storing the input image sequence, and storing the three dimensional (3D) position and posture information, and focal length information; a geometric information extracting block for extracting 3D with respect to the background; a background image generating block for generating the background image; and a background image inserting block for recovering the background by inserting the background image into an arbitrary region of a first view point.

Abstract: Systems and methods that may be employed to visually locate and/or track objects equipped with active RFID tags. The disclosed systems and methods may employ an articulated camera/s, such as closed circuit television (“CCTV”) or other suitable type of articulated camera/s, that is equipped with an antenna array.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium storing instructions of a computer program which when executed by a computer results in performance of steps including inputting a first image and a second image from two cameras, respectively, transforming the first image to a transformed image, obtaining a degree of similarity D indicating similarity between an image in a processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the first image, obtaining a degree of similarity P indicating a similarity between an image in the processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the transformed image, detecting the obstacle based on of the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P on a reference plane region, detecting the obstacle on a basis of the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P on a reference plane region, obtaining a difference K between the degree of similarity D and

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium storing instructions of a computer program which when executed by a computer results in performance of steps including inputting a first image and a second image from two cameras, respectively, transforming the first image to a transformed image, obtaining a degree of similarity D indicating similarity between an image in a processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the first image, obtaining a degree of similarity P indicating a similarity between an image in the processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the transformed image, detecting the obstacle based on of the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P on a reference plane region, and determining a width and a height of the processing region on the basis of a position in the vertical direction on the second image.

Abstract: A method for detecting an obstacle by using two cameras, the obstacle being on a reference plane in a field of view common to the two cameras, the method inputting a first image and a second image from the two cameras, respectively, transforming the first image to a transformed image, obtaining a degree of similarity D indicating a similarity between an image in a processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the first image, obtaining a degree of similarity P indicating a similarity between an image in the processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the transformed image, detecting the obstacle based on the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P on a reference plane region, detecting the obstacle on a basis of the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P on a reference plane region, obtaining a difference K between the degree of similarity D a

Abstract: This stereo camera system is constituted of a stereo optical module which acquires a stereo image, a central control unit which evaluates an object as a target based on the stereo image acquired by the stereo optical module, and a communication line through which stereo image data output from the stereo optical module is input to the central control unit. Further, in this stereo camera system, an image output processing circuit which performs predetermined image processing with respect to the stereo image acquired by the stereo optical module is provided in the stereo optical module, whereby this image output processing circuit performs a correction arithmetic operation which corrects unbalance at the time of capturing the stereo image.

Abstract: A method for detecting an obstacle by using two cameras, the obstacle being on a reference plane in a field of view common to the two cameras, the method inputting a first image and a second image from the two cameras, respectively, transforming the first image to a transformed image, obtaining a degree of similarity D indicating a similarity between an image in a processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the first image, obtaining a degree of similarity P indicating a similarity between an image in the processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the transformed image, detecting the obstacle based on the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P on a reference plane region, and determining a width and a height of the processing region on the basis of a position in the vertical direction on the second image.

Abstract: A roll stability control system for an automotive vehicle includes an external environment sensing system, such as a camera-based vision system, or a radar, lidar or sonar-based sensing system that generates image, radar, lidar, and/or sonar-based signals. A controller is coupled to the sensing system and generates dynamic vehicle characteristic signals in response to the image, radar, lidar, or sonar-based signals. The controller controls the rollover control system in response to the dynamic vehicle control signal. The dynamic vehicle characteristics may include roll related angles, angular rates, and various vehicle velocities.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium storing instructions of a computer program which when executed by a computer results in performance of steps including inputting a first image and a second image from two cameras, respectively, transforming the first image to a transformed image, obtaining a degree of similarity D indicating similarity between an image in a processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the first image, obtaining a degree of similarity P indicating a similarity between an image in the processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the transformed image, detecting the obstacle based on of the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P on a reference plane region, obtaining a difference K between the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P both obtained as being on the reference plane region, judging that the obstacle is at a position

Abstract: A method for detecting an obstacle by using two cameras, the obstacle being on a reference plane in a field of view common to the two cameras, the method inputting a first image and a second image from the two cameras, respectively, transforming the first image to a transformed image, obtaining a degree of similarity D indicating a similarity between an image in a processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the first image, obtaining a degree of similarity P indicating a similarity between an image in the processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the transformed image, detecting the obstacle based on the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P on a reference plane region, obtaining a difference K between the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P both obtained as being on the reference plane region, judging that the obstacle is at a positi

Abstract: A system and method to estimate the absolute coarse pose of a rigid body, and more specifically of an individual's head as captured by overhead wide-angle cameras, by integrating position and pose information. Position information ideally includes three-dimensional position information provided by range finders or derived from images captured by multiple cameras. The three-dimensional position information can additionally be employed to determine the anchored viewing ray for the object.

Abstract: One embodiment in accordance with the invention is a video system that can include a display screen and a plurality of video capturing devices located behind the display screen. It is noted that each of the plurality of video capturing devices is for capturing a video stream through the display screen.

Abstract: A quantum nanodot processing system, comprising: at least one image capture camera configured to capture scenes including actors and/or objects in a visible band; and at least one marker capture camera configured to capture motions of the actors and/or objects applied with at least one quantum nanodot (QD) marker, wherein the at least one marker capture camera is tuned to capture narrowband IR signals emitted by the at least one QD marker.

Abstract: A firearm sight can detect engagement of a firing pin with a cartridge, and can respond to this event by saving an image which shows a target and reticle at a point in time just prior to the detected event. An electronic reticle can be downloaded into the sight. The effective position of the reticle within the sight can be adjusted electronically, and a zoom factor of the sight can be adjusted electronically. The sight can sense approximately transverse movement thereof, and can provide a user with an indication of the amount of transverse movement. With the use of an additional device, the sight can automatically align its reticle to the bore of a firearm on which the sight is mounted.

Abstract: A traffic information sensor system includes an image acquisition device to generate video images of a traffic scene. The system also includes an image detection device to extract traffic information from the video images in connection with the lane position information of the traffic scene. The system also includes an information transfer device to transmit the extracted traffic information instead of the video images to a traffic management center. A traffic information detection method and system is also described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dynamically placing sensors in a 3D model is provided. Specifically, in one embodiment, the method selects a 3D model and a sensor for placement into the 3D model. The method renders the sensor and the 3D model in accordance with sensor parameters associated with the sensor and parameters desired by a user. In addition, the method determines whether an occlusion to the sensor is present.

Abstract: A position detection apparatus that is able to easily detect self-position during autonomous movement by a humanoid robot that moves by the use of legs or automobile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the imaging of surfaces of box like objects conveyed along a path. The objects are conveyed past at least one camera which is positioned at an angle to the object's surface. The at least one camera comprises a sensor array and zoom objective, the latter controlled by a control mechanism. The present system further comprises a control unit and at least one sensor. The sensor detects the location and velocity of an object. The data is conveyed to the control unit which further communicates with the control mechanism. The control unit causes the control mechanism to adjust the zoom on the objected so as to stay in constant focus with a passing surface of an object passing through the field of view of the at least one camera. After an object has passed through the field of view, the object is made to return to a home position.

Abstract: In an automatic camera calibration method in a system comprising a plurality of cameras, the automatic camera calibration method is characterized in that for each of the cameras, the estimated values of the position and posture of the camera are updated on the basis of observation information shared with the surrounding cameras and the estimated values of the respective current positions and postures of the surrounding cameras. An example of the observation information is the two-dimensional coordinate value of an image to be observed on an image plane of the camera and the size of the image to be observed.

Abstract: An angled axis machine vision system having two cameras angled with respect to roil axis. Provides advantages of horizontal alignment between two cameras and eliminates problem of utilizing horizontal/vertical lines in the environment for distance calculations when lines arc parallel or close to parallel to axis between camera centers. With camera centers angled about roll axis, horizontal/vertical lines in environment appear angled with respect to horizon, enabling accurate distance calculations. With the cameras angled about roll, lines in the environment may line up parallel to the axis between camera centers, but these instances are rare in real world environments. May be rotatably mounted in the roll axis wherein two sets of pictures from each of the cameras may either he utilized: the two sets compared for the number of parallel lines parallel to axis between camera centers and the set of pictures with least parallel lines used for distance calculations.

Abstract: Dense range data obtained at real-time rates is employed to estimate the pose of an articulated figure. In one approach, the range data is used in combination with a model of connected patches. Each patch is the planar convex hull of two circles, and a recursive procedure is carried out to determine an estimate of pose which most closely correlates to the range data. In another aspect of the invention, the dense range data is used in conjunction with image intensity information to improve pose tracking performance. The range information is used to determine the shape of an object, rather than assume a generic model or estimate structure from motion. In this aspect of the invention, a depth constraint equation, which is a counterpart to the classic brightness change constraint equation, is employed. Both constraints are used to jointly solve for motion estimates.

Abstract: Systems and methods that may be employed to visually locate and/or track objects equipped with active RFID tags. The disclosed systems and methods may employ an articulated camera/s, such as closed circuit television (“CCTV”) or other suitable type of articulated camera/s, that is equipped with an antenna array.

Abstract: Where a point corresponding to a point of interest P1 is not detected and a depth value thereof is not known and where points corresponding to surrounding points Pi and Pj are detected and depth values of the points Pi and Pj are known, a depth value of the point of interest P1 is determined by interpolation. A provisional corresponding point is determined from the provisional depth value. Region-based search is executed in the neighborhood of the provisional corresponding point so that precision in identifying the location of the corresponding point is improved.

Abstract: A first error coordinate between the image coordinate of a first indicator, which is arranged on the real space and detected on a first image captured by a first image sensing unit, and the estimated image coordinate of the first indicator, which is estimated to be located on the first image in accordance with the position/orientation relationship between the first image sensing unit (with the position and orientation according to a previously calculated position/orientation parameter) and the first indicator, is calculated.

Abstract: This invention is to decrease the sensor pitch, prevent saturation by external light, accurately determine skimming, simplify skimming determination, and prevent any difference in influence of the transfer efficiency between the ON and OFF states. For this purpose, a distance measuring apparatus includes a light projection section for projecting light to an object, a sensor array for receiving reflected light from the object, a first transfer section for transferring charges from the sensor array, and a ring-shaped second charge transfer section for integrating the charges from the first transfer section, wherein the first charge transfer section transfers charges in a light projection ON state and charges in a light projection OFF state at a timing, the transfer frequency of the second charge transfer section is twice that of the first charge transfer section, and the timing of the first charge transfer section has a phase different from that of the second charge transfer section.

Abstract: An image signal output device for use in a passive range finder. The device can correct the sensitivities of sensor arrays according to the amount of incident light. The output device has line sensor portions that produce pixel outputs. An A/D converter portion A/D converts these pixel outputs. At this time, the A/D conversion range of the A/D converter portion is modified according to the difference in sensitivity between the line sensor portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for improving visibility in a vehicle, especially in darkness, bad weather and fog, including one or more laser headlights radiating laser light of a wavelength outside the visible spectrum into a predetermined solid angle area ahead of the vehicle, a camera which is sensitive outside the visible spectrum and used for taking images of current traffic scenes, as well as an optical display system in the vehicle for reproducing the captured images in the visible spectrum. According to the present invention, provision is made for at least two different types of laser headlights which each illuminate different parts of the solid angle area to be observed to produce an angle-dependent radiation pattern of the laser light in a simple manner.

Abstract: A system for realizing support of safety driving or automatic driving, in which a vehicle-mounted stereo camera is used to detect obstacles on a road surface even in the presence of a reflected image of an obstacle under a wet road condition.

Abstract: A system comprises a two-dimensional photographing device and a three-dimensional measuring device that is removably attached to the two-dimensional photographing device. The two-dimensional photographing device and the three-dimensional measuring device can communicate with each other. Information indicating an operating condition of one of the devices is transmitted to the other device, which receives the information and sets own operating condition in accordance with the received information for photographing or measuring.

Abstract: An object recognition system comprises a memory for storing a plurality of distance ranges with different distance labels associated with respective distance ranges. The controller converts measured distance values into distance labels according to distance ranges to which the distance values belong. The controller groups the sections or windows of a captured image based on assigned distance labels. Detection area or viewing area of the sensors is divided into a plurality of distance ranges according to tolerance of the measured distance such that broader distance range is defined as the distance from the system is larger. The controller scans the windows with distance labels using a template that defines a joining relationship for the windows and assigns each window with a cluster label that is a combination of the distance label and a occurrence indicia, which is the same for the windows that satisfy the joining relationship.

Abstract: In order to measure an actual distance from a vehicle to a target, the target is detected from a picture signal generated by a camera mounted on a vehicle, a horizontally estimated distance of the target is calculated, variables including a vertical angle of the target on a circumference and a curvature radius of the circumference are calculated, and then the actual distance is calculated based on the vertical angle and the curvature radius.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera system, especially for photogrammetric applications. The camera system contains at least two first cameras (1, 2), which are inclined towards each other so that the optical axes (7, 8) of the first cameras (1, 2) intersect at a common point of intersection (5). The camera system also has at least two second cameras (10, 11) which are located at a distance from the first cameras (1, 2), in the viewing direction of the first cameras (1, 2). The inclination of the optical axes (7, 8) of the first cameras (1, 2) towards each other provides an area (b) in which the envelope that surrounds the acceptance cones of the first cameras (1, 2) has an essentially constant diameter. The second cameras (10, 11) are located in this area (b) so that the second cameras (10, 11) avoid truncating the projection of the visual fields of the first cameras (1, 2). The first cameras are preferably panchromatic and the second cameras polychromatic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means of ensuring a safety of the driving of automobiles and includes Video System, enabling for a driver, without changing his posture at the steering wheel, to have the sheer view of an area. Video System is the new method in the achievement of an observation of a locality and also of the analysis with a driver all, what has taken place around the car. A locality from the front the driver watches visually, all situated on the car's right and left sides and from behind he observes on screen picture. The sheer visibility around a car allows a driver completely check a situation and in case of a need to maneuver to avert accidents.

Abstract: Methods of measuring widths of illumination spots and distances between two points, and predicting detected signal widths are provided. Systems, software, and kits for performing the methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The method for optimizing inspection speed during optical inspection of parts in high, low and fluorescent light applications. There are described autofocus mechanisms and methods optimized for fluorescent and non-fluorescent applications that when combined with a high speed CCD camera and high numerical aperture (NA) optics, achieve superior signal to noise ratio, resolution, and inspection speed performance.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing a decoded audio/video broadcast programming signal to a monitor includes using a set top box (STB) docked with a docking station, connected to a television. The method and system provides a subscriber of the broadcast programming the distribution of the STB amongst docking stations and associated televisions. The STB may include a video recorder for recording audio/video broadcast programming. The docking station may contain an identifier that the STB can recognize and use to limit or expand the decoded audio/video broadcast programming signal.

Abstract: A system for measuring the distance traveled by bodies in flight during sports events, the bodies executing trajectories having a common predetermined take-off area, and a variable landing point within a landing surface. The system includes a fixed image acquisition device positioned at a predetermined distance from the take-off area for acquiring the image of the landing surface, a recorder for recording the landing surface image at least from the moment of initiation of the flight to completion of the flight, an identifying device for identifying a landing point of the body within the landing surface, and a calculating device for calculating the distance of the landing point from the take-off area.

Abstract: An imaging system configured to take panoramic pictures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the imaging system includes a camera, range finder associated with the camera and configured to provide depth information for objects within a field of view of the camera; and a processor coupled to receive information from the camera and depth information from the range finder, and configured to unwrap pictures taken by the camera according to the depth information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distance calculation method and an image pick-up apparatus that can be favorably used in a digital camera, for example, when calculating a distance between a point corresponding to an optical axis of the lens system on an image pick-up unit and a desired point and using the calculated distance value to correct defects such as shading that occur in formed images due to peripheral light fall-off in the lens system, for example. Accordingly, in the present invention, desired coordinates from terminals 1X, 1Y and coordinates of a center position from terminals 2X, 2Y are supplied to subtractors 3X, 3Y and absolute value circuits 4X, 4Y and distance values x, y on the coordinate axes are obtained. These distance values x, y are supplied to an adder 5 and a subtractor 6, and the subtracted value is supplied to a multiplier 8 via an absolute value circuit 7 and is multiplied by a value b′ from a terminal 9.

Abstract: A video surveillance system is provided for recording and executing camera operation patterns. Each pattern includes a plurality of records having a camera condition field and a count field. The system reads a camera condition and writes the condition to memory in a pattern record. The system compares each new camera condition with the condition stored in memory, and records a newly read condition into a new pattern record if the new camera condition is different from the condition data stored in the most recent pattern record. Otherwise, the count field is updated in the most recent pattern record by incrementing a count data therein. Patterns are executed by sequentially moving the camera through the camera condition stored in the pattern records, and keeping the system at a particular condition for a duration equal to the count data of each pattern record multiplied by a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A system for determining the position, orientation and deformation in 3 dimensional space of a moving object in real-time is provided having a plurality of activatable markers which are mounted onto the object and a sensor section comprising a plurality of individual sensors as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1. Individual markers are activated in sequence with only one marker energized at any time. Energy emitted by each activated marker is detected by the plurality of sensors positioned remotely. Since only one marker is activated at any time individual determination of the position of the particular energized marker is simplified. Individual sensors are arranged such that each sensor receives a different energy level from an energized marker depending on the relative position of the marker to the sensor. A control unit analyzes the energy distribution range to determine the actual marker position. The system compensates for ambient energy and sensor saturation.

Abstract: When compositing a plurality of acquired partial images, the effects of differences in viewpoint contained in the partial images can be reduced, and a high quality wide-viewfield image is inputted.

Abstract: The object distance display apparatus displays object distances according to actually measured object distance data entered in advance, matched with focusing lens positions acquired from a television lens device, and enables, when the apparatus is connected to the television lens device, any data entry error to be readily identified by graphically displaying the object distance data entered in advance. Actually measured object distance data entered in advance, matched with focusing lens positions, can be graphically displayed on an LCD panel with a touch panel function of the apparatus. If any abnormal datum such as an input error is detected, it can be deleted by touching a delete switch.

Abstract: An eye image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup unit, a guide mirror, a range sensor, and an infrared illuminating section. The image pickup unit includes an objective lens, an image pickup element such as a CCD, a shooting section and a light guide section as a basic configuration, and the image pickup unit shoots an image of an eye of a person. The guide mirror guides a subject to a shooting position. The range sensor measures the distance between the image pickup apparatus and the subject. The infrared illuminating section illuminates the subject. Rough guidance of the user is made using the guide mirror and fine alignment is made by using a guiding visible light obtained from the light guide section.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining video of a moving fixation point within a scene. According to one embodiment, the system includes a control unit and a plurality of non-moving image capturing devices positioned around the scene, wherein the scene is within a field of view of each image capturing device. The system also includes a plurality of image generators, wherein each image generator is in communication with one of the image capturing devices, and wherein a first of the image generators is responsive to a command from the control unit. The system also includes a surround-view image sequence generator in communication with each of the image generators and responsive to the command from the control unit for generating a surround-view video sequence of the fixation point within the scene based on output from certain of the image generators.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing contours of a three-dimensional subject, and/or acquiring data correlated with three-dimensional geometric features or location of the subject, involves capture of a pattern or signature emitted or reflected by the subject under natural illumination, illumination by one or more projected grids, and/or patternless projected illumination, and in which the grids, patterns, or signatures are optically separated from a composite image of the subject using one or more receivers, each including one or more beam splitters, for direct viewing or further processing.

Abstract: A video surveillance system is provided, including a wheeled trailer, a lockable cabinet mounted on the trailer and a mast, coupled to the trailer and capable of being folded for storage and transport and capable of being extended vertically. A plurality of video cameras are mounted on the mast, a screen splitter is located within the cabinet and receives video images at each of the plurality of cameras and combines the plurality of images into a single video image at an output. A video recorder located within the cabinet and having an input coupled to the output of the screen splitting device records the combined image from the screen splitter.

Abstract: Method and device for determining one or more Z distances from an object surface to a reference plane, for example the primary plane of the primary objective of a microscope. By projecting an optical pattern onto an object, and subsequently detecting and computationally evaluating the object's reflection of this pattern by means of an image processing unit, it is possible to obtain relief-like imaging of the object and to identify the individual Z distances, irrespective of the object's contouring.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing low-cost iris image pickup apparatus for picking up iris images at a high accuracy.