With Camera And Object Moved Relative To Each Other Patents (Class 348/142)
  • Patent number: 8810650
    Abstract: A scene is imaged onto a spatial light modulator. The scene is captured by collecting a pan-chromatic image using a pan-chromatic camera. An object in the scene is detected based on one of physical motion or hyperspectral detection. A spectral measurement of the scene is performed using a hyperspectral image spectrometer. A current position, a current positional velocity, and a current positional acceleration of the object is tracked. An estimated position, an estimated positional velocity, and an estimated positional acceleration of the object for a future time is estimated. A current spectrum, a current effective spectral velocity, and a current effective spectral acceleration of the object is tracked. An estimated spectrum, an estimated effective spectral velocity, and an estimated effective spectral acceleration of the object for a future time are estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Jonathan Neumann
  • Publication number: 20140211001
    Abstract: A device for measuring a complexly formed object includes a plurality of light-section measuring devices, a rotator for causing a rotation between the complexly formed object and the plurality of light-section measuring devices around a rotation axis, wherein each of the plurality of light-section measuring devices is configured to generate a respective fan beam in a respective fan plane, wherein the fan planes are arranged such that the rotation axis extends within each of the fan planes, wherein the plurality of light-section measuring devices is configured such that the fan beams are directed to the complexly formed object from different fan directions which, when projected into a common plane through which the rotation axis extends, by rotation around the rotation axis, differ from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Guenther KOSTKA, Peter SCHMITT, Christian HUEGEL, Ralf GOLDSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20140204205
    Abstract: A method for measuring a height profile of a vehicle passing on a road, said method comprising the following steps: directing a monocular camera from a point above the road onto the road with an angle of aperture that captures a section of the road from above, recording at least a first image of the passing vehicle by the camera at a first moment in time, recording at least a second image of the passing vehicle by the camera at a second moment in time, generating a movement vector image of the vehicle from an analysis of the optical flow between the first and the second image, and creating the height profile of the vehicle from the movement vector image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Kapsch TrafficCom AG
    Inventors: Christian Kotz, Oliver Rafelsberger, Christian Janner
  • Patent number: 8786702
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for visually conveying a percept. The percept may represent information learned by a video surveillance system. A request may be received to view a percept for a specified scene. The percept may have been derived from data streams generated from a sequence of video frames depicting the specified scene captured by a video camera. A visual representation of the percept may be generated. A user interface may be configured to display the visual representation of the percept and to allow a user to view and/or modify metadata attributes with the percept. For example, the user may label a percept and set events matching the percept to always (or never) result in alert being generated for users of the video surveillance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Behavioral Recognition Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Kenneth Cobb, Bobby Ernest Blythe, Rajkiran Kumar Gottumukkal, Ming-Jung Seow
  • Patent number: 8780214
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus having a continuous shooting function includes an imaging unit configured to generate an image signal based on an optical signal of a subject, a storage unit configured to store an image file based on the image signal, a first detector configured to detect a motion of the imaging apparatus, and a controller configured to control a capturing interval of the imaging unit for capturing an image in a continuous shooting operation based on a detecting result of the first detector so that the capturing interval for a magnitude of the motion of the imaging apparatus which is larger than a predetermined value is shorter than the capturing interval for the magnitude of the motion of the imaging apparatus which is smaller than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Ishii, Masatoshi Nakamura, Ryo Hirota, Yasutoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8773531
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) pointing sensing apparatus may be provided. The 3D pointing sensing apparatus may include an image generation unit that may photograph a first light source and a second light source in a light emitting unit, and generate an image including an image of the first light source and an image of a second light source. Also, the 3D pointing sensing apparatus may include an orientation calculation unit that may calculate an orientation of the light emitting unit, using a size difference between the image of the first light source and the image of the second light source in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: SangHyun Kim, Hyong Euk Lee, Won-Chul Bang
  • Patent number: 8773286
    Abstract: A system having a controller is provided. The controller receives a signal indicative of an actual position and an actual orientation of a machine on a worksite, from a position detection module. The controller determines a first view of the machine on the worksite. The first view shows the actual position of the machine and a target position of the machine. The controller determines a second view of the machine on the worksite. The second view has a first and a second indicator. The first indicator is indicative of the actual position and the actual orientation of the machine. The second indicator is indicative of the target position and a target orientation of the machine. The controller displays any one of the first view and the second view based, at least in part, on the actual position of the machine relative to the target position on a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Friend, Qi Chen, Brian G. Funke
  • Patent number: 8767070
    Abstract: A surveillance system (1) includes a configuration module (7) that defines object characteristic ranges, the configuration module including a selection device (10, 13) for interactive selection and/or confirmation of selection of an object (9) as a reference object (14), the object characteristic ranges being defined on the basis of the object characteristics of the reference object (14). The selection device includes a display device (13) on which the surveillance scene (12) containing the objects (9) is depicted in real time, and a human-machine interface to mark an object on the display device as the reference object. An object detector is programmed and/or electronically configured to detect moving objects in the surveillance scenes and to classify them as objects to be monitored on the basis of their object characteristics. The classification is performed by comparing the object characteristics of the object to the object characteristic ranges that form classification conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Busch
  • Publication number: 20140176706
    Abstract: A range-finding method includes driving a moving member to move relative to a target to a first position, capturing a picture of the target in the first position to obtain a first picture by a picture capturing module on the moving member, feature-analyzing the first picture to obtain a first feature image of the first picture; driving the moving member to move relative to the target from the first position to a second position, capturing a picture of the target in the second position to obtain a second picture by the picture capturing module, feature-analyzing the second picture to obtain a second feature image of the second picture, and by a processing unit, computing a distance between the moving member in the second position and the target according to a distance between the first and second positions and a size change between the first and second feature images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Zong Jing Investment, Inc.
    Inventor: Charlene Hsueh-Ling WONG
  • Patent number: 8760519
    Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a threat in a distributed multi-camera surveillance system. The method includes: monitoring movement of an object in a field of view of a first camera using software installed at the first camera; detecting a suspicious object at the first camera when movement of the object does not conform with a motion flow model residing at the first camera; sending a tracking request from the first camera to a second camera upon detecting the suspicious object at the first camera; monitoring movement of the object in a field of view of the second camera using software installed at the second camera; assigning threat scores at the second camera when the movement of the object does not conform with a motion flow model residing at the second camera; and generating an alarm based in part on the threat scores detected at the first camera and the second camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hasan Timucin Ozdemir, Kuo Chu Lee
  • Patent number: 8760510
    Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generated first planar light screen, and a first and second detector offset from the perpendicular plane of the light screen. The first detector is located on a first side of the perpendicular plane, and the second detector is located on the opposite side of the perpendicular plane. The first and second detectors detect the instantaneous projection of the first planar light screen upon an object within the first planar light screen, and to output first and second data corresponding to the detected projection. A velocity sensor determines the instantaneous velocity of the object as the object moves relative to the first planar light screen, and to output third data corresponding to the determined velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Robert T. Aloe, Patrick Flynn
  • Publication number: 20140152814
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for imaging and measuring deflections in structures such as railroad rail are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment relates to a vision system having a high-speed, visible-light imaging camera and an evaluation unit configured for analyzing images from the camera to detect geometric variations in the structure. In a second example, additional sensors are used to identify the wheel location(s) in the same reference frame as the measurement system. In analyzing structures such as railroad track rail, the imaging camera can be coupled to a moving rail vehicle and configured for generating images of the rail as the vehicle moves along the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
    Inventor: BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
  • Publication number: 20140132761
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises projecting, from a projector, a diffused on an object. The method further includes capturing, with a first camera in a particular location, a reference image of the object while the diffused is projected on the object. The method further includes capturing, with a second camera positioned in the particular location, a test image of the object while the diffused is projected on the object. The method further includes comparing speckles in the reference image to the test image. The projector, first camera and second camera are removably provided to and positioned in a site of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: YiChang Shih, Myers Abraham Davis, Samuel William Hasinoff, Frederic Durand, William T. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8723950
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the fit of a modular window assembly into a simulated vehicle body opening includes a base member, a vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator mounted to the base member, one or more light sources disposed in the vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator and one or more devices for securing the vehicle window to the vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator. A method of utilizing the apparatus is also a part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventor: Brian Hertel
  • Publication number: 20140125799
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having a forward field of view in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The imaging sensor includes an array of photosensing elements that has groupings of photosensing elements, each grouping having at least three neighboring photosensing elements. At least one photosensing element of each grouping is a red light sensitive photosensing element and at least one other photosensing element of each grouping is a white light sensitive photosensing element. A control may process image data captured by the imaging sensor to determine a taillight of a leading vehicle present in the forward field of view and traveling ahead of and in the same direction as that of the equipped vehicle. The control may process captured image data to determine rate of approach of the equipped vehicle relative to the leading vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Brent J. Bos, Kenneth Schofield
  • Patent number: 8711216
    Abstract: A device having built-in digital data means is powered by an unlimited power source for a lamp-holder, LED bulb, or light device connected to unlimited power source by prongs or a base that can be inserted into a socket that would otherwise receiving a bulb. The device may take the form of a webcam having auto tracking functions and retractable prongs that plug directly into a wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 8711206
    Abstract: Mobile camera localization using depth maps is described for robotics, immersive gaming, augmented reality and other applications. In an embodiment a mobile depth camera is tracked in an environment at the same time as a 3D model of the environment is formed using the sensed depth data. In an embodiment, when camera tracking fails, this is detected and the camera is relocalized either by using previously gathered keyframes or in other ways. In an embodiment, loop closures are detected in which the mobile camera revisits a location, by comparing features of a current depth map with the 3D model in real time. In embodiments the detected loop closures are used to improve the consistency and accuracy of the 3D model of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Newcombe, Shahram Izadi, David Molyneaux, Otmar Hilliges, David Kim, Jamie Daniel Joseph Shotton, Pushmeet Kohli, Andrew Fitzgibbon, Stephen Edward Hodges, David Alexander Butler
  • Patent number: 8705799
    Abstract: The path and/or position of an object is tracked using two or more cameras which run asynchronously so there is need to provide a common timing signal to each camera. Captured images are analyzed to detect a position of the object in the image. Equations of motion for the object are then solved based on the detected positions and a transformation which relates the detected positions to a desired coordinate system in which the path is to be described. The position of an object can also be determined from a position which meets a distance metric relative to lines of position from three or more images. The images can be enhanced to depict the path and/or position of the object as a graphical element. Further, statistics such as maximum object speed and distance traveled can be obtained. Applications include tracking the position of a game object at a sports event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sportvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin S White, Alina Alt
  • Patent number: 8704902
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are provided for displaying an image device subject command on an imaging device. The imaging device receives an image device subject command from a user. The image device subject command instructs an action to be performed by a subject being recorded by the imaging device. The imaging device identifies a visual representation that correlates to the image device subject command. The imaging device displays the visual representation of the subject command on a display associated with the imaging device. The visual representation directs the subject being recorded to perform the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Indran Naick, Clifford J. Spinac, Calvin L. Sze
  • Patent number: 8687057
    Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement apparatus generates patterns to be projected onto the measurement object, images the measurement object using an imaging unit after projecting a plurality of types of generated patterns onto the measurement object using a projection unit, and computes the coordinate values of patterns on a captured image acquired by the imaging unit, based on the projected patterns, a geometric model of the measurement object, and information indicating the coarse position and orientation of the measurement object. Captured patterns on the captured image are corresponded with the patterns projected by the projection unit using the computed coordinate values, and the distances between the imaging unit and the patterns projected onto the measurement object are derived. The position and orientation of the measurement object are estimated using the derived distances and the geometric model of the measurement object, and the information on the coarse position and orientation is updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kobayashi, Shinji Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20140085461
    Abstract: An image specification system includes a sender and a receiver. The sender includes a determination unit and a sending unit. The receiver includes a receiving unit, an obtainment unit and an image specification unit. The receiving unit receives first time information on a time at which a positional relationship between a first object provided with the sender and a second object is a predetermined state, sent from the sending unit when the determination unit determines that the positional relationship is the predetermined state. The obtainment unit obtains images successively captured by an image pickup unit and correlated with respective second time information on times at which the respective images are captured. The image specification unit specifies, from the images, an image correlated with second time information corresponding to the first time information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuaki ABE
  • Patent number: 8665317
    Abstract: A digital camera captures at least photographic subjects intended to be positioned on left and right ends of a group photograph (temporary imaging), and prompts a user to designate the photographic subjects (may move) intended to be positioned on the left and right ends. Next, the digital camera, which has been placed on a suitable surface (such as on a desk), moves the optical zoom further to the wide-angle side than during the temporary imaging, and performs actual imaging when the self-timer reaches time up. Then, the digital camera identifies the photographic subjects designated by the temporary imaging within the actually captured image, and after determining the left, right, upper, and lower ends of a clipping area such that the identified photographic subjects are included, clips an image of the determined clipping area as a final image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Hamada, Tomoharu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8659656
    Abstract: Methods, circuits, and systems for time encoder-based unmixing of hyperspectral imaging data are disclosed. A method of unmixing hyperspectral imaging data includes receiving mixed image data of one or more pixels. The mixed image data is generated by an imaging device that captures hyperspectral data. The mixed image data includes sensed spectral band intensities of materials in an area represented by a particular pixel. The mixed image data is converted from first analog domain signals into pulse domain signals. A solution to a mixing equation in the pulse domain is generated to identify abundances of one or more of the materials based on the sensed spectral band intensities. The sensed spectral band intensities are compared to reference spectral band intensities of a set of considered materials. The solution is converted from a pulse domain into an analog domain as second analog domain signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jose Cruz-Albrecht, Peter Petre
  • Patent number: 8643736
    Abstract: An approach is provided for remotely participating over a wireless network in an event. Certification information corresponding to a ticket purchased for an event is received at a proxy server. The ticket permits control, via a mobile device over a wireless network, of a remote camera to view an event from a plurality of viewing perspectives. The proxy server maintains a plurality of communication sessions with the mobile devices over the wireless network, wherein the communication sessions correspond to the event and provide participation in a virtual community to experience the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Chu
  • Patent number: 8643720
    Abstract: A computer system for continuously panning oblique images. More particularly, the computer system uses a methodology whereby separate oblique images are presented in a manner that allows a user to maintain an understanding of the relationship of specific features between different oblique images when panning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, Chris Schnaufer, Frank Giuffrida
  • Publication number: 20140028840
    Abstract: A control and measuring technology can be used for controlling road traffic and overspeed violations of vehicles, moving in a dense flow of traffic, with a definite identification of the measured speed with the vehicle. According to this method, frames with the image of the vehicle number plate are registered during its movement in the control zone of the camera. The parameters of the camera position relatively to the road plane are measured. The number plate corner and centre point coordinates are measured in the frame coordinate system at the beginning and at the end of the control zone and, using the centre point of the number plate at the beginning and at the end of the control zone, the direction of the number plate movement in the road coordinate system is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Yury Leonidovich ZARUBIN, Nikolai Vitalieviceh Ubozhenko, Dmitry Anatolievich Stukalov, Maksim Anatolievich Vovk, Aleksei Anatolievich Aistov
  • Publication number: 20140009604
    Abstract: A device having a scan function comprising an electro-optical distance measuring element having a laser axis as the target axis, a motorized optical deflection unit, which deflects the target axis by a deflection angle, and an angle measuring element for determining at least one angular position of the deflection unit. First measurement of angle coordinates of a reticle in a first angular position of the deflection unit as the first position, and second measurement of angle coordinates of the reticle in a second angular position of the deflection unit as the second position. The first and second measurements of the reticle are carried out on the basis of images taken with a camera, the optical axis of which is deflected by the deflection unit, and calibration parameters are determined on the basis of the angular positions and the angular coordinates in the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Juerg Hinderling, Bianca Gordon, Bernd Walser
  • Patent number: 8625086
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining coordinates of a target in relation to a surveying instrument wherein a first image is captured using a camera in a first camera position and orientation, a target is selected by identifying an object point in the first image, and first image coordinates of the object point in the first image are measured. The surveying instrument is then rotated around the rotation center so that the camera is moved from the first camera position and orientation to a second camera position and orientation, while retaining the rotation center of the surveying instrument in a fixed position. A second image is captured using the camera in the second camera position and orientation, the object point identified in the first image is identified in the second image, and second image coordinates of the object point in the second image are measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble AB
    Inventors: Michael Vogel, Set Svanholm, Christian Grässer
  • Patent number: 8625905
    Abstract: A method for classifying objects in motion that includes providing, to a processor, feature data for one or more classes of objects to be classified, wherein the feature data is indexed by object class, orientation, and sensor. The method also includes providing, to the processor, one or more representative models for characterizing one or more orientation motion profiles for the one or more classes of objects in motion. The method also include acquiring, via a processor, feature data for a target object in motion from multiple sensors and/or for multiple times and trajectory of the target object in motion to classify the target object based on the feature data, the one or more orientation motion profiles and the trajectory of the target object in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Schmidt, Prakruti S. Prativadi, Shane A. Griffin, Ethan J. Phelps
  • Patent number: 8614743
    Abstract: A security camera system according to present invention embodiments includes a telephoto type lens with one or more factors of optical zoom. A set of prisms that steer incoming beams from the surrounding environment (to adjust the field of view) is disposed in front of the lens. The security camera system preferably includes a wide angle staring mode that encompasses a large field of view, where the prisms are oriented to provide no steering effect. The security camera system further includes a high-resolution zoom mode, where the telephoto lens focuses on a region of interest and the prisms perform beam steering to adjust the field of view and enable the region of interest or an object to remain at the center of the security camera system view. Image processing techniques may be employed that consider the beam steering angle and the field of view to compensate for distortion effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Exelis Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Scott Winsor
  • Publication number: 20130335562
    Abstract: A mobile device tracks a relative pose between a camera and a target using Vision aided Inertial Navigation System (VINS), that includes a contribution from inertial sensor measurements and a contribution from vision based measurements. When the mobile device detects movement of the target, the contribution from the inertial sensor measurements to track the relative pose between the camera and the target is reduced or eliminated. Movement of the target may be detected by comparing vision only measurements from captured images and inertia based measurements to determine if a discrepancy exists indicating that the target has moved. Additionally or alternatively, movement of the target may be detected using projections of feature vectors extracted from captured images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Arvind Ramanandan, Christopher Brunner, Mahesh Ramachandran, Abhishek Tyagi, Daniel Knoblauch, Murali Ramaswamy Chari
  • Patent number: 8610787
    Abstract: Camera device includes an imaging unit, a communications unit, an identified area detection unit, and an image data processing unit. The imaging unit images an area in a shooting field to obtain image data. The communications unit communicates with a memory device that stores subject information, and obtains the subject information. The identified area detection unit dynamically detects an identified area corresponding to the subject. The image data processing unit specifies a protected area in the identified area based on the subject information, and applies protection only to the protected area when the subject is a protection target. This structure provides the camera device that generates image data in which a subject to be protected is obscured in an imaged subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Namba, Yusuke Mizuno
  • Patent number: 8605150
    Abstract: An image processing system includes an object illuminated by a pre-determined first spectrum of light and an array of fringe lines, an imaging device configured to capture an image of the object including the first spectrum of light and the fringe lines reflecting from a surface of the object, and a processor in signal communication with the imaging device to receive an input data representing the image of the object, wherein the processor: generates a first data model based on the input data; removes a DC-component from the first data model to create a second data model; and performs a two dimensional Fourier transform profilometry based on the second data model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hoft
  • Publication number: 20130321621
    Abstract: An electronic device with an image sensor may capture an image of the surface of a structure as a user moves the device across the surface of the structure. The electronic device may have sensors such as a magnetometer, an acoustic sensor, and a thermal sensor for gathering sensor data. An accelerometer and a gyroscope within the electronic device may be used in gathering position information. The image may be captured by gathering image tiles and stitching together the image tiles to form the image. An object such as a ferromagnetic object may be embedded within the structure below the surface. The electronic device may have a display on which the image is displayed. Information about the location of the object which is gathered using the sensors may be overlaid on top of the displayed image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Martin M. Menzel
  • Patent number: 8593519
    Abstract: A field watch apparatus for use in a subject vehicle acquires a road image from a roadside capture unit located around the subject vehicle on a road and, based on the acquired image, generates an overhead view of a field around the subject vehicle in an intuitively recognizable manner by including a distant surrounding vehicle in the view, thereby providing a precisely understandable view of the field around the subject vehicle for the ease of satisfactorily identifying the distant surrounding vehicle without being compromised by the position of the roadside capture unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Makiko Tauchi, Sei Iguchi, Asako Nagata
  • Patent number: 8594436
    Abstract: Method for detecting edge of fixed pattern includes receiving and analyzing a first image to obtain a first edge information. Second image and a corresponding second edge information are received, in which the second image includes an accumulation of image history information. According to the first edge information and the second edge information, a consistent number and an inconsistent number for pairs of pixels at the corresponding location of the first image and the second image are calculated, in which the consistent number represents how many pairs of pixels of which two compared pixels of each pair are both edge pixels, and the inconsistent number represents one of the two compared pixels is not the edge pixel. When the consistent number is greater than first predetermined value and meanwhile the inconsistent number is less than second predetermined value, first image and second image have a fixed pattern with fixed edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Yu-Shu Liu, Chun-Wei Chen, Jiande Jiang, Tsui-Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 8593516
    Abstract: Method for determining a distance between two external stores on an aircraft or aerial vehicle and aircraft with at least two external stores. The method includes separating one of the two stores from the aircraft or aerial vehicle in flight, and determining a chronological course of a distance during the separation operation with at least one magnetic field sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Donauer, Ronald Deslandes
  • Patent number: 8587679
    Abstract: In the creation of video program material, picture composition decisions—especially framing parameters—taken by an operator for small-display presentation of a scene are used the automatic generation of picture composition decisions for a larger display. Framing parameters such as pan, are temporally filtered before being applied to the wider field of view provided for the larger display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Snell Limited
    Inventor: Michael James Knee
  • Patent number: 8582810
    Abstract: A method of detecting potential changed objects in a first image and a second image, where the first and second images at least partially overlap. The method includes obtaining data describing first and second images and detecting sets of objects in images. A common coordinate system for the sets of objects is calculated. Objects in the sets are eliminated based on positions of the objects and objects outside an area of overlap of the images are eliminated. Data indicating the zero or more remaining objects in the sets is output to indicate potential changed objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems PLC
    Inventor: Edward Slinger Campbell
  • Patent number: 8576280
    Abstract: An image measuring apparatus includes a strobe illumination unit, a camera, a movement mechanism, and a controller. The controller includes a focus position detector that detects the focus position of the camera by controlling the movement mechanism to move the camera along the optical axis of the camera at a predetermined velocity and by controlling the camera to pick up an image of a measurement target object at plural positions. The focus position detector includes an illumination control unit that controls the lighting time of the strobe illumination unit, thereby controlling the brightness of illumination, a relative position acquisition unit that acquires the position of the camera at the center of the lighting time, and a contrast detection unit that detects the contrast of the image picked up by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kanamori, Takeshi Saeki, Hirato Sonobe
  • Publication number: 20130286197
    Abstract: In a method for detecting a falling object using a safety guard device, a current digital image of the overhead scene is captured by an image capturing device of the safety guard device. The method detects a falling object in the current digital image, and outputs alarm messages when a falling object is detected in the current digital image and the falling object is going to hit a user of the safety guard device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HOU-HSIEN LEE, CHANG-JUNG LEE, CHIH-PING LO
  • Patent number: 8558890
    Abstract: An aerial reconnaissance camera system is disclosed which compensates for atmospheric dispersion. The dispersion is principally a function of the observing altitude and slant range and occurs in the camera depression direction only. The effective spectral dispersion of the atmosphere is shown to be about 15 microradians over the visible/near infrared spectrum (500 to 900 nanometers) at typical long range oblique photography (LOROP) imaging ranges. Consequently, dispersion is compensated by means of a fixed optical wedge incorporated into the optical path of the reconnaissance camera, e.g., in a fixed reconnaissance window. The wedge has dispersive qualities opposite to the effective net dispersion of the atmosphere for an expected reconnaissance mission using the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Fred Mrozek, Russell A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8553086
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method (101), in relation to a current video frame (300) comprising a visual element (320) associated with a location in a scene captured in the frame (300), said visual element (320) being associated with a plurality of mode models (350), said method matching (140) one of said plurality of mode models (350) to the visual element (320), said method comprising, for each said mode model (350), the steps of determining (420) a visual support value depending upon visual similarity between the visual element (320) and the mode model (350), determining (440) a spatial support value depending upon similarity of temporal characteristics of the mode models (350) associated with the visual element and mode models (385) of one or more other visual elements (331); and identifying (450) a matching one of said plurality of mode models (350) depending upon the visual support value and the spatial support value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jarrad Michael Springett, Peter Jan Pakulski, Jeroen Vendrig
  • Patent number: 8537221
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to vision systems for vehicles and, more particularly, to rear-view vision systems which provide the vehicle operator with scenic information in the direction rearward of the vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a rear-view vision system utilizing image capture devices, such as CMOS imaging arrays in external rear view mirrors to support lane change in a driver assistant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniel Wagner, Frank Lisenmaier
  • Patent number: 8537227
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are provided for displaying an image device subject command on an imaging device. The imaging device receives an image device subject command from a user. The image device subject command instructs an action to be performed by a subject being recorded by the imaging device. The imaging device identifies a visual representation that correlates to the image device subject command. The imaging device displays the visual representation of the subject command on a display associated with the imaging device. The visual representation directs the subject being recorded to perform the action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Indran Naick, Clifford J. Spinac, Calvin L. Sze
  • Patent number: 8525874
    Abstract: An assistance system for visually handicapped persons with visual impair in a part of their visual field aims at providing a technical solution for these persons, informing them actively about objects or movements in the visually impaired side, by way of body-worn sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Richard Daniel Willmann, Gerd Lanfermann, Juergen Te Vrugt, Edwin Gerardus Johannus Maria Bongers
  • Publication number: 20130211657
    Abstract: A method and system may operate a coupled range imager and intensity imager to obtain a sequence of at least two automatically registered images, each automatically registered image including concurrently acquired range data and intensity data with regard to an imaged scene. The registered range and intensity data is analyzed to yield an estimated motion of an element of an imaged object of the imaged scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Shuqing ZENG
  • Publication number: 20130194419
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for identifying a moving object in front of a vehicle by using stereo vision based technique. The invention also discloses a method and a system for determining an instantaneous distance between the moving object and the vehicle by processing the image of the moving object through a processor and by filtering and refining the image by using a Kalman filter to remove noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Brojeshwar Bhowmick, Arijit Sinharay, Arpan Pal, Sambit Bhadra
  • Patent number: 8497902
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, system, and computer-readable medium for locating a sensor of a gaming console relative to a position of a display device in a gaming system includes displaying an image on the display device, estimating the first position and first orientation of the display device relative to the portable device, once the sensor on the portable device has found the image on the display device, instructing the user to move the portable device to a new position, estimating the second position and second orientation of the display device relative to the portable device, once the sensor on the portable device has found the image on the display device, determining the size of the display device using information gathered during the estimating of the first position and orientation and the estimating of the second position and orientation, and determining the orientation of the display device relative to a sensor of a gaming console using the two findings sent to the gaming
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Osman
  • Patent number: 8493444
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of detecting a blocked aperture in an image device. In certain embodiments, the system and method is used in mail processing of letters and flats. In certain embodiments, the image sensor captures an image of the front of an item. If the aperture of the image sensor is obstructed, a void will appear on the image of the item. The system can detect the void and increment an alarm count until a pre-defined threshold is reached wherein the system signals an alarm so that the blockage can be removed and the affected items can be re-introduced for correct processing. In another embodiment, images obtained when the aperture is expected to be clear of any items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Simon Franklin Reidel, Anthony Everett Sileo