Abstract: Systems and methods for testing and calibrating camera modules based on a benchmark standard are provided. The systems can include a receptacle for receiving a camera module under test and a spectrometer. The test station can capture a test measurement using the camera module under test while contemporaneously capturing a true measurement using the spectrometer. Using the true measurement, the test station can predict how the benchmark standard would have performed in those conditions and compare that expected performance to the test measurement. Any differences can be stored in memory within the camera module under test for later retrieval to optimize image processing.

Abstract: This invention concerns the testing of surveillance camera installations. In particular, the invention involves an automatic testing system for surveillance camera installations, and a method for testing. The invention involves receiving test or “probe” images from at least one camera in the installations. Storing a reference image from at least the one camera. Comparison of the probe image with a reference image from the same camera, and production of an output when maintenance is required for that camera. The comparison involves the steps of: Extracting salient features from both the probe and reference images. Calculating matching factors between the salient features extracted from both images. And, computing a decision about whether maintenance is required from the matching factors.

Abstract: Present embodiments contemplate systems, apparatus, and methods to calibration a multi camera device. Particularly, present embodiments contemplate initiating a calibration of multiple cameras in response to a predetermined event. A calibration records current environmental conditions along with the sensor positions of each camera when focused. By recording a plurality of calibration points under a variety of imaging and environmental conditions, a more accurate synchronization of the multiple cameras' focus positions can be achieved.

Abstract: A camera module includes an image capture unit used to capture at least one image of a subject. An image analysis unit is integrated in the camera module to analyze the quality of the image captured by the image capture unit to determine whether the camera module meets one or more preset requirements. The camera module further includes an output unit used to output one or more analysis results of the image analysis unit to determine whether the camera module meets preset capability requirements.

Abstract: A mobile platform includes a microphone array and is capable of implementing beamforming to amplify or suppress audio information from a sound source. The sound source is indicated through a user input, such as pointing the mobile platform in the direction of the sound source or through a touch screen display interface. The mobile platform further includes orientation sensors capable of detecting movement of the mobile platform. When the mobile platform moves with respect to the sound source, the beamforming is adjusted based on the data from the orientation sensors so that beamforming is continuously implemented in the direction of the sound source. The audio information from the sound source may be included or suppressed from a telephone or video-telephony conversation. Images or video from a camera may be likewise controlled based on the data from the orientation sensors.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a camera including (a) obtaining a two-dimensional (2D) homography that maps each of parallelograms projected onto two images taken by the camera into a rectangle, wherein the 2D homography is defined as a rectification homography and wherein new cameras that have virtual images are defined as rectified cameras and a new infinite homography is generated between the two rectified cameras, the virtual images being transformed from original images by the rectification homography; (b) obtaining an original infinite homography by using the correlations among the new infinite homography, the rectification homography and the original infinite homography; and (c) obtaining intrinsic camera parameters based on the correlation between the original infinite homography and the intrinsic camera parameters, thereby calibrating the camera.

Abstract: A surveillance camera system using a power line communication technique is provided, which can operate in the same way as in the case where the AC power is supplied, even when the AC power is not supplied. Provided with DC power source units respectively in a camera unit and a control recording unit, it is switched to a drive by the DC power source units when the AC power is cut, and simply transmits the information signals such as monitored images through the AC power line without superimposing them on the AC power. Therefore, under the condition that the AC power line between the camera unit and the control recording unit is physically connected, transfer of the information signals is possible and the same operation as in the period when the AC power is supplied is possible even when the AC power is not supplied.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel array section having a two-dimensional array of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion section; a memory storing pixel data output from the pixel array section; a correction section reading the pixel data from the memory, and performing a correction process on the pixel data; a control section controlling writing and reading of data into and from the memory; an external interface to output the pixel data subjected to the correction process; and a test-data output section outputting test data. The control section writes the test data in a same writing sequence as a sequence of writing the pixel data output from the pixel array section into the memory, and reads the test data in a same reading sequence as a sequence of reading the pixel data output from the pixel array section from the memory, and outputting the pixel data via the external interface.

Abstract: Methods for storing on a storage or memory medium, and retrieving, and displaying of multiple images in a registered manner, the images have been recorded concurrently. The images may comprise at least 2 video programs. A camera system for recording multiple concurrent images is also disclosed. Lenses and corresponding image sensors are calibrated to have calibrated and associated settings for recording multiple images that are substantially registered images. A registered image may be displayed on a single display. It may also be displayed on multiple displays. A camera for recording and displaying registered multiple images may be part of a mobile phone.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing camera lenses and presenting information regarding camera lenses performance are described. An interactive user interface is provided over a network for display on a user terminal by a computer system. A user request is received at the computer system from the user terminal for lens data from a first lens. Lens data, including test data obtained via a first digital image captured using the first lens at the first focal length setting and the first aperture setting is accessed from memory and transmitted to interactive user interface. The interactive user interface is configured to display an identification of the first camera body, an identification of the first lens, the first focal length setting used to capture the image, and the first aperture setting used to capture the image. Using the lens test data, the interactive user interface generates and displays sharpness graph data.

Abstract: A “Transform Invariant Low-Rank Texture” (TILT) Extractor, referred to as a “TILT Extractor” accurately extracts both textural and geometric information defining regions of low-rank planar patterns from 2D images of a scene, thereby enabling a large range of image processing applications. Unlike conventional feature extraction techniques that rely on point-based features, the TILT Extractor extracts texture regions from an image and derives global correlations or transformations of those regions in 3D (e.g., transformations including translation, rotation, reflection, skew, scale, etc.). These image domain transformations inherently provide information relative to an automatically determinable camera viewing direction. In other words, the TILT Extractor extracts low-rank regions and geometric correlations describing domain transforms of those regions relative to arbitrary camera viewpoints.

Abstract: An adjustment method of the present invention includes an evaluation step of evaluating an imaging performance of an optical image that is formed via an optical system, a classification step of classifying the imaging performance evaluated in the evaluation step, a restoration step of generating a restored image of the optical image based on a classification of the imaging performance, and an adjustment step of adjusting the optical system using an adjustment unit of the optical system based on the restored image.

Abstract: A dead pixel compensating apparatus includes, inter alia, a pattern generation unit generating a programmable test pattern including data with respect to at least one dead pixel; a register array storing the test pattern; a dead pixel compensation unit receiving the test pattern stored in the register array and performing a dead pixel compensation algorithm to output compensation data; and a determination unit comparing the test pattern and the compensation data to determine whether or not the dead pixel compensation algorithm has an error, wherein a dead pixel compensation algorithm for compensating for a dead pixel of an image sensor in image data supplied from the image sensor is tested.

Abstract: A method of generating a high dynamic range (HDR) image and a digital image pickup device using the same are described. The digital image pickup device is employed to generate an HDR image according to a single digital image. The method includes the steps of obtaining an original image; performing a gray-scale processing to convert the original image into an original gray-scale pattern, in which each pixel in the original gray-scale pattern is assigned with a gray-scale value; performing a conversion procedure according to a gradient and a compensation value of the gray-scale value of each pixel in the original gray-scale pattern, and generating a high dynamic gray-scale pattern by using the gradients and the compensation values; and compensating the original image with the high dynamic gray-scale pattern, so as to generate the HDR image.

Abstract: A method of determining the movement in position of the optical axis of a camera having an optical zoom lens, comprising the steps of: obtaining a test image at a predetermined level of optical zoom; applying a digital zoom to at least part of the test image, selecting a plurality of test points in the digitally zoomed test image; changing the level of optical zoom by a predetermined amount and changing the level of digital zoom; obtaining the test image at the different level of zoom; analysing the digitally zoomed test image at the different level of optical zoom; searching at least part of the digitally zoomed test image at the different level of zoom for two of said plurality of said test points; converting the position of the test points in the digitally zoomed images into corresponding positions within the optically zoomed images; and determining the amount of movement of the optical axis on the basis of the difference in position between corresponding test points within the optically zoomed images.

Abstract: A projector device that generates a projection image, photographs this projection image and performs various adjustments to the projection image.

Abstract: A method of automatically configuring a device. The method comprises: obtaining an image of a scene comprising a machine-readable code containing configuration information for the device; processing the image to extract the configuration information; and using the configuration information to configure the device. The step of obtaining the image comprises at least one of: capturing the image using a camera; or receiving the image captured by a camera. The configuration information comprises date or time information.

Abstract: For use in calibration of an onboard camera, there are provided a calibration index free of erroneous detection and a method of calibrating an onboard camera using such calibration index. The calibration index for use in onboard camera calibration includes a curved graphic formed of a curved line surrounding a predetermined region and a linear graphic comprising at least two straight lines forming an intersection point within the region surrounded by the curved graphic, the curved graphic and the linear graphic being formed in a same plane. A plurality of segments separated by the curved line forming the curved graphic and the straight lines forming the linear graphic are colored in a checkered pattern.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for dual processing of raw image data by main image processing and alternative image processing capabilities of an electronic device are provided. According to an embodiment, alternative image processing may analyze a first copy of a frame of raw image data before a second copy of the frame of raw image data is processed by main image processing. Thereafter, the main image processing may process the second copy of the frame of raw image. The main image processing may be calibrated based at least in part on the analysis of the first copy of the frame of raw image data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image correction method for a camera system, which minimizes the amount of data that must be stored by a camera system and which can conveniently correct mounting errors of cameras. In the image correction method for a camera system, image data about a reference ground, which is captured by a camera and on which at least one ground mark is indicated, is acquired. Coordinates of a captured ground mark are obtained based on the image data. A preset Look-Up Table (LUT) is corrected using errors between the coordinates of the captured ground mark and coordinates of a preset reference mark. The ground mark and the reference mark may respectively have four or more corresponding correction points.

Abstract: A light source control apparatus and a method for controlling light source are provided. The light source control apparatus is used to controlling N light-emitting devices connected in series. N+1 nodes are sequentially defined at two terminals of each light-emitting device mentioned above, where N is a natural number. The light source control apparatus includes a testing circuit and a compensation circuit. The testing circuit is coupled to the nodes to transmit a testing current to light-emitting devices between Ith node and Jth node, where I and J are natural numbers, and N+1>=J>I>=1. The compensation circuit is coupled to the nodes to measure a brightness of light-emitting devices between Ith node and Jth node, decide a value of a compensation current according to an intensity of the brightness, and provide the compensation current to light-emitting devices between Ith node and Jth node.

Abstract: An image converter includes: a pixel array having multiple imager pixels for outputting imager pixel signals, and a readout and processing device for reading out the pixel array and for receiving and processing the imager pixel signals. The pixel array has multiple reference pixels for outputting reference pixel signals, and at least one reference current device for outputting reference currents to the reference pixels for simulating illumination intensities. The readout and processing is adapted to jointly read out, receive, and process the reference pixel signals and the imager pixel signals.

Abstract: An electronic camera having a plurality of functions including capturing and recording images is provided. The electronic camera includes an operation input unit for inputting external operations that designate corresponding functions of the camera to be performed, an image pickup unit for capturing the image of an object, and a recorder for recording the image captured by the image pickup unit. The electronic camera further includes a playback unit for at least playing back image information that is recorded on the recording medium and a mode selector for selecting one operation mode of the camera from a plurality of available operation modes that include an operation explanation mode. If the operation explanation mode is selected at the mode selector, the playback unit plays back an operation guide that is pre-stored in a memory, the operation guide explaining at least one of the camera operations and functions thereof.

Abstract: A method of determining calibration parameters of a camera comprises taking a first image of an object, taking a second image of the object, wherein the position of the camera with respect to the object is changed between the first and the second image, the calibration parameters of the camera being fixed between the first and the second image, determining a transformation that is adapted to transform a portion of the first into a corresponding portion of the second image, and determining the calibration parameters from the transformation.

Abstract: An automated test measurement system (ATMS) (100), for automatically measuring a device under test (DUT) (60), includes a control module (110), a signal generation module (120), an encoder module (130), and a signal analyzer module (140). The control module receives an encoder parameter and a test item, and generates a pattern command and an analyzer command according to the test item. The signal generation module generates a pattern according to the pattern command. The encoder module transforms the pattern into a bitstream according to the encoder parameter, and transmits the bitstream to the DUT. The bitstream is then transformed into a test signal. The analyzer module receives the test signal from the DUT, and analyzes the test signal according to the analyzer command. An automated test measurement method therefor is also provided.

Abstract: A camera module includes an image capture unit used to capture at least one image of a subject. An image analysis unit is integrated in the camera module to analyze the quality of the image captured by the image capture unit to determine whether the camera module meets one or more preset requirements. The camera module further includes an output unit used to output one or more analysis results of the image analysis unit to determine whether the camera module meets preset capability requirements.

Abstract: A method for processing images includes: obtaining video images or capturing a series of images in real time; detecting difference between two adjacent images, and reserving one of the images when the difference is less than a preset threshold; detecting feature information of the obtained images; and performing definition-related treatment for the images detected as having the feature information, comparing definition of each image with a preset definition criterion, and reserving clear images.

Abstract: Techniques pertaining to methods and devices for calibrating camera parameters are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, objects on an image are detected and features on the objects, such as the top of a person, are identified. Perspective parallel lines based on the object features are constructed and vanishing points from the converged perspective parallel lines are determined. A vanishing line is defined according to the vanishing points. The intrinsic parameters, such as focal length, and the extrinsic parameters, such as tilting and pan angles, of a camera are calibrated according to the vanishing points, the vanishing line and a reference object with known dimensions, or known camera angles, The calibrated camera parameters are used for accurate photogrammetric measurements and computer vision applications.

Abstract: The calibration tool of the present invention is a transparent camera calibration tool in which a plurality of indicator points is spatially distributed and fixed, wherein the indicator points are formed as intersecting points of thin wires extended to the frame by varying the position of the thin wires in the thickness direction and the indicator points are formed as groups of intersecting points of thin wires rendered by extending a plurality of parallel thin wire groups in different directions. The indicator groups are arranged in at least two sets in a non-coplanar relationship and embodied by distributing distinguishable minute particles in a transparent raw material or by marks or similar in the surface of the raw material. Further, a plurality of cameras arranged separately from one another are calibrated in the same coordinate system by using the transparent camera calibration tool, plate tools that are added thereto, and light beams.

Abstract: Systems and methods for camera sensor system self-calibration are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method may include exposing a camera sensor system to a known output from a camera display. The method may also include determining a calibration value by comparing image signals from the camera sensor system to expected values based on the known output from the camera display. The method may also include storing a calibration value in memory for retrieval during camera use.

Abstract: A method for testing image pipelines includes transforming an untransformed captured image multiple times using a plurality of pipelines, thereby generating a plurality of transformed images, and comparing a functional set of metrics associated with each of the plurality of transformed images with a functional set of metrics associated with each image in a ground truth set. From the comparison, a determination is made as to which of the plurality of pipelines generates a transformed image that is functionally closest to an image in the ground truth set.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a camera system which is capable of recording at least two images simultaneously is described. The method comprises the step of processing a first pair of images, wherein the processing step comprises transforming at least one of a first and a second image of the first pair through a projective map on a plane, the map depending on one or more parameter values, so as to align an epipolar line in the first image with a corresponding epipolar line in the second image of the first pair, resulting in a second pair of images.

Abstract: An image capture device, which illuminates a subject and receives light reflected from the subject to capture an image of the subject, is provided to achieve a small-size configuration and easy assembly. A plurality of light-emitting elements are mounted in positions on the periphery of an image sensor, and a light-guiding member guides light from the plurality of light-emitting elements to the image capture range for illumination. And protrusions of the light-guiding member are pressed by the lower end of a hood which blocks light from outside the image capture range, and the hood upper end is pressed by a filter. Slits are provided in the hood lower end. Even in assembly where a visible light filter is installed on the hood and fixed to an outer case, the occurrence of gaps between the hood and the visible light filter can be prevented through the spring action of the slits.

Abstract: Digital cameras are calibrated so that detailed highlights and shadows in scenes being photographed are reproduced in digital images of those scenes by calibrating holographic data obtained from target images at those scenes. In one embodiment the target image is obtained from an actual target having black and white, and optionally gray, target areas; and in another embodiment, the target image is obtained from the scene being photographed. In both embodiments, histographic data is manipulated so that shadow and highlight data spikes are automatically placed in boundary areas by automatically adjusting lens aperture and/or shutter speed prior to taking the desired photograph of the scene. The resulting photograph is adjusted for highlight and shadow details.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method for providing image evaluation information is provided. The image processing apparatus includes: an encoder to encode an external image signal input from an image sensor to generate encoded image data; an evaluation unit to evaluate the image data based on analysis information associated with the external image signal to generate evaluation information; and an interface unit to externally transmit the evaluation information associated with the image data.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an image of a predetermined extract of a printed product makes corrections to a white reference to account for spatial variations and changes of illumination intensity over time. Intensity signals recorded from first predetermined areas within the extract are combined arithmetically with reference data values that represent a measure of the intensity of the light reflection from unprinted regions of the printed product. At the start, an image of a white reference is recorded and basic reference data for the entire extract are derived from the intensity signals of this image. During each evaluation of an image of the predetermined extract, correction data are derived from intensity signals recorded from second predetermined areas within the extract.

Abstract: Indications of user inputs with respect to a diagnostic image displayed on a display monitor are received to identify defective locations of the display monitor. Information is collected based on the received user inputs that identify defective locations of the display monitor.

Abstract: A device for measuring data for calibration for obtaining data for calibration of a camera 2 capable of varying its optical conditions, wherein the data for calibration are obtained using a plurality of images of a calibration chart 1 having marks arranged thereon which were photographed with the camera 1 under varied optical conditions, comprising: a mark extracting part 131 for extracting the marks from the images of the chart; an internal parameter calculating part 134 for calculating data for calibration under optical conditions under which the images of the chart were photographed based on the positions of the marks extracted by the mark extracting part and a plurality of conditions under which the images of the chart were photographed; and an internal parameter function calculating part 160 for calculating data for calibration corresponding to the varied optical photographing conditions of the camera 2, using the data for calibration calculated in the internal parameter calculating part and a plurality

Abstract: A method for calibration of an imaging device that includes a sensor and optics for forming an image on the sensor. The method includes making a first image quality measurement, based on an output of the sensor, while imaging a first target at a first distance from the device and varying an offset between the optics and the sensor. A second image quality measurement is made while imaging a second target at a second distance from the device, which is different from the first distance, and varying the offset between the optics and the sensor. A working point of the optics is set relative to the sensor responsively to the first and second image quality measurements.

Abstract: A lens module (800) includes a lens barrel (20), a base (10), and a temperature compensation module (30). A first lens (201) is disposed in the lens barrel. The lens barrel is disposed in the base. The temperature compensation module is detachably installed in the base, and the temperature compensation module includes a temperature compensation lens (302). The temperature compensation lens is configured for compensating for deformation of the first lens caused by temperature changes.

Abstract: When an error occurring in a terminal (device) is detected, one or more solutions for removing the detected error are displayed to a user, so that the detected error can be easily removed by the user even though the user is not familiar with operations or detailed functions of the camera.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a human/machine interface (HMI) for use with machine vision systems (MVSs) that provides the machine vision system processing functionality at the sensor end of the system, and uses a communication interface to exchange control, image and analysis information with a standardized, preferably portable device that can be removed from the MVS during runtime. In an illustrative embodiment, this portable device can be a web-browser equipped computer (handheld, laptop or fixed PC) or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The communication interface on the sensor-end of the system is adapted to communicate over a cable or wireless communication link (for example infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF)), with a corresponding communication interface in the portable device.

Abstract: Calibration targets for use with digital cameras comprise black and white target areas to which digital cameras are exposed simultaneously to provide proper settings for highlight and shadow sensitivity prior to making a digital photograph. In addition a white or gray neutral target area, without color bias, is provided, to which the digital cameras are exposed to provide desired settings for color balance prior to making digital photographs. In one embodiment of the calibration target, the black and white target areas are on one side of a panel and the white or gray neutral target area is on the other side of the panel. In accordance with methods of calibrating digital cameras and to methods of photography, the image of the black and white target areas is adjusted by viewing a histogram display thereof and adjusting exposure settings until spikes in the histogram representing black and white detection are equally balanced between boundaries with no lateral offset.

Abstract: An imaging device is calibrated using a flat, featureless surface and uniform illumination, relying on the effect of off-axis illumination and vignetting on the reduction of light into the camera at off-axis angles. The effect of the tilt of the camera is also considered. These effects are used to extract intrinsic camera parameters including focal length, principal point, aspect ratio and skew.

Abstract: A calibration system for a vision-based automatic writing implement is disclosed. The automatically controlled writing implement is appended to an articulated robot arm. The writing implement draws or writes on a substrate and recognizes what a user draws or writes on the same substrate. The user may move the substrate while drawing, thereby confusing the drawing and recognition processes. Accordingly, a controller draws a target on the substrate initially. Before each drawing or recognition step, the controller uses a digital video camera to find and recognize the target and determine whether the substrate has moved. The target is asymmetrical, such that the controller can determine the orientation as well as the position of the substrate. The controller can then orient its drawing and recognition algorithms to the new location and orientation of the substrate.

Abstract: An internal or external device may be utilized to calibrate a digital camera for changing ambient light conditions. The device may include a surface which either provides for white light reflectivity or white light transmissivity for making a first measurement of white light intensity. A plurality of light emitting elements of known wavelengths can be used to obtain a second intensity measurement. This information may be used to calibrate the camera for changing ambient light.

Abstract: Calibration targets for use with digital cameras comprise black and white target areas to which digital cameras are exposed simultaneously to provide proper settings for highlight and shadow sensitivity prior to making a digital photograph. In addition a white or gray neutral target area, without color bias, is provided, to which the digital cameras are exposed to provide desired settings for color balance prior to making digital photographs. In one embodiment of the calibration target, the black and white target areas are on one side of a panel and the white or gray neutral target area is on the other side of the panel. In accordance with methods of calibrating digital cameras and to methods of photography, the image of the black and white target areas is adjusted by viewing a histogram display thereof and adjusting exposure settings until spikes in the histogram representing black and white detection are equally balanced between boundaries with no lateral offset.

Abstract: Producing calibration data (to remove vignetting, e.g., color-dependent vignetting) for a digital camera includes: arranging, in front of the camera, a white reference surface that is to be imaged; capturing, via the camera, a characteristic array of data corresponding to an image of the reference surface for each color that the camera can image; and manipulating each characteristic array to reduce a total amount of data representing the reference image.

Abstract: The present invention enables a user to automatically calibrate a projector-camera system to recover the mapping from a given point in the source (pre-projection) image and its corresponding point in the camera image, and vice versa. One or more calibration patterns are projected onto a flat surface with possibly unknown location and orientation by a projector with possibly unknown location, orientation and focal length. Images of these patterns are captured by a camera mounted at a possibly unknown location, orientation and with possibly unknown focal length. Parameters for mapping between the source image and the camera image are computed. The present invention can become an essential component of a projector-camera system, such as automatic keystone correction and vision-based control of computer systems.

Abstract: A digital imaging system includes an array of sensors arranged generally in rows and columns and having data lines coupled to the sensors. Receiving logic is coupled to sense voltages on the data lines. A reference voltage generator (which can include a resistor network) generates a plurality of reference voltages in the digital imaging system in response to an applied differential voltage. A test row of sensors are electrically coupled to corresponding reference voltages, each test sensor coupled to a data line and receiving a voltage based on its coupled reference voltage. The receiving logic includes at least one A/D converter that reads the test sensor voltage value and converts it to a digital value.