Abstract: A method for testing an image capture device. The method for testing an image capture device comprises providing an image test board printed with at least two positioning marks and at least one test pattern, the at least one test pattern being positioned in a coordinate system defined by the at least two positioning marks, capturing a test image of the image test board with the image capture device, locating the at least two positioning marks in the test image to find the coordinate system, and analyzing the at least one test pattern in the test image in accordance with the coordinate system to verify the quality of the image capturing device.

Abstract: An image capture and viewing system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an image capture system for providing an image of a subject. The image capture system includes a planar surface, a first camera, a second camera and a control module. The first camera is positioned to capture a first subject image of a subject positioned between the planar surface and the first camera. The second camera is spaced from the first camera. The second camera is positioned to capture a second subject image of the subject. The control module is configured to generate a synthesized image of the subject from a virtual view point using the relative positioning of the first camera, the second camera, and a planar surface.

Abstract: Resolution of an image capture system is measured by imaging a test target having a progression of feature sizes and pitch in respective sub-fields thereof. The image captured by the imaging system is then inspected to determine a sub-field image which does not include aliasing in the form of a Moire' pattern. Inclusion of reference numerals corresponding to the sub-field image feature size and pitch allows direct reading of the resolution of the imaging system. Such a system enables fast and accurate determination of the resolution and alignment of an imaging system using an inexpensively produced test target together with an arbitrary image viewing program.

Abstract: A method for enabling an output device to emulate colors of a target camera includes the following steps: (a) utilizing the target camera to shoot a color chart to obtain a first plurality of output values respectively corresponding to a plurality of color patches of the color chart, (b) utilizing the output device to shoot the color chart to obtain a second plurality of output values respectively corresponding to the plurality of color patches of the color chart, (c) comparing the first plurality of output values with the second plurality of output values to deduce a color transform matrix, and (d) applying the color transform matrix in an image processing pipeline of the output device to enable the output device to emulate colors of the target camera.

Abstract: An image evaluation chart and a method for testing performances of the video equipment using the same. The image evaluation chart includes a resolution inspection area. The resolution inspection area includes a center point located at a center part of the chart, a regular-squared outer line located at outside of the center point, and a plurality of resolution measurement lines symmetrically arranged at right and left sections and upper and lower sections on the basis of the center point. Therefore, the image evaluation chart accurately and efficiently tests all performances, for example, resolution, balance, view angle, distortion, and focus, etc., of video equipment such as a camera by means of one-shot image capture, and provides users with reliable test data.

Abstract: Color correction matrix determining method and apparatus and image photographing method and apparatus are used in a color processing system that converts input image data into output image data and has two color correction matrixes that are a first matrix and a second matrix, with a white balance correction circuit being sandwiched between the first matrix and the second matrix. The color correction matrix determining method and apparatus input a light source range and determines the first matrix based on this inputted light source range on the occasion of determining the color correction matrix in the color processing system. The image photographing method and apparatus discriminates a photographing light source range and determines the first matrix based on the discriminated photographing light source range.

Abstract: In a test method in which an image photographed by a camera apparatus 1 attached to a body of a vehicle is displayed on a display device 17 and an examiner examines compliance or non-compliance of the shooting direction of the camera apparatus 1 by comparing the position of a reference pattern and the position of a judgment pattern on the displayed photographed image, the photographed image is obtained at first by photographing with the camera apparatus 1 a test chart which is placed at a predefined position ahead of the vehicle with the reference pattern drawn on the test chart. Next, the judgment pattern is set at a specific position on the photographed image. Then, the photographed image on which the judgment pattern has been set is displayed on the display device 17.

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: A test system for testing a portable electronic apparatus is described. The test system has at least a display, a platform, and a controller. The controller controls the display to display test images in sequence. The controller commands the portable electronic apparatus, via a test interface, to capture the test images on the display to generate image data. The controller determines whether the image data meet a predetermined test requirement. The test system can further include at least a light source and a reflector. The reflector reflects the light on the display, so that the display reaches a predetermined uniformity of light.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for obtaining relatively high dynamic range images using a relatively low dynamic range image sensor without significant loss of resolution. The image sensor has an array of light-sensing elements with different sensitivity levels in accordance with a predetermined spatially varying sensitivity pattern for the array of light-sensing elements. An image of a scene is captured with the image sensor and stored as brightness values at respective pixel positions in a linear or two-dimensional uniform grid. The brightness values of the captured image at the pixel positions are then used to estimate the brightness values at off-grid positions of a uniform off-grid array located at respective interstices of the pixel position grid.

Abstract: A method for aligning a lens of a camera with a sensor of the camera. The method includes positioning a test object a predetermined distance away from the lens of the camera, photographing the test object with the camera to produce image data, and outputting the image data from the camera to a calibration device. The method also includes dividing the image data into a plurality of sections, calculating resolution data for at least two sections of the image data, calculating position parameters of the lens according to the resolution data, and correcting alignment of the lens with respect to the sensor according to the position parameters.

Abstract: A method for testing cameras includes positioning a camera such that an image of a target is displayed on a monitor within at least one default image parameter. The method further includes engaging a dimming condition of a light source from the camera, thereby generating a lighting condition signal. Subsequently the camera receives the lighting condition signal and displays it on the monitor. A group of observers then analyze the lighting condition signal. The method continues through engaging a second dimming condition of the light source from the first camera, thereby generating a second lighting condition signal, which is also displayed on the monitor. The group of observers then analyzes the second lighting condition signal.

Abstract: A color measurement device comprising a means for electronically recording a digital color image, a target holder extending from the recording means having a distal end, and a target at the distal end of the holder, the target having one or more reference color regions thereon.

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: Resolution of an image capture system is measured by imaging a test target having a progression of feature sizes and pitch in respective sub-fields thereof. The image captured by the imaging system is then inspected to determine a sub-field image which does not include aliasing in the form of a Moire' pattern. Inclusion of reference numerals corresponding to the sub-field image feature size and pitch allows direct reading of the resolution of the imaging system. Such a system enables fast and accurate determination of the resolution and alignment of an imaging system using an inexpensively produced test target together with an arbitrary image viewing program.

Abstract: A reference device for setting color biasing mechanisms on a camera and achieving a consistent color biasing in different environmental situations, and a method of making the same. The reference device comprises a reflective media having a surface that has had its spectral characteristics analyzed and its surface treated with colored droplets, wherein each of the droplets is less than 5 picoliters in volume, to achieve a degree of desired white neutrality or color bias of different spectral quality than that which was analyzed as aforesaid.

Abstract: A camera of this invention is a camera containing a shake correction device for correcting the shake by reading out application voltage data corresponding to a detected shake amount by use of parameters stored in an EEPROM indicating the relation between a voltage applied to a wedge prism and a deflection angle of a light beam and applying a voltage subjected to the temperature correcting process to the wedge prism to change the index of refraction of the wedge prism and deflect the light beam in a direction opposite to the shake direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for exploring the viewpoint and focal length of a fisheye lens camera (FELC). It employs the characteristic of the central symmetry of the distortion of the fisheye lens (FEL) to set its optic axis by means of a calibration target with a plurality of symmetrically homocentric figures. Once the optic axis is fixed, further disclose the viewpoint (VP) of the FELC along the optic axis through a trail-and-error procedure and calculate its effective focal length and classify it to the primitive projection mode. Because the invention is capable of finding out both the internal and external parameters of the FELC and the calibration method is easy, low-cost, suitable to any projection model, and has greater sensitivity corresponding to an increasing in image distortion, the distortive images can be transformed easily to normal ones which fit in with a central perspective mechanism.

Abstract: A color reproduction system includes a tristimulus value calculation unit for calculating tristimulus values (X, Y, Z) under observation illumination light corresponding to the spectral reflectance of an object, which is obtained by a spectral reflectance calculation unit, and a color image signal calculation unit for calculating output color image signals (R?, G?, B?) to a CRT monitor on the basis of the tristimulus values (X, Y, Z). The tristimulus value calculation unit converts spectral reflectance image data (F) of the object into tristimulus value image data (X, Y, Z) under the observation illumination light using the spectral reflectance data of a color chip formed from a plurality of unit color chips, color chip image data (P?) obtained by sensing the color chip with a digital camera under the observation illumination light, spectral sensitivity data of the digital camera, and color matching function data.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus provided with a picture-taking device which photographs a subject, includes a transmission type chart to be attached to the photographing apparatus and having at least a chromatic color portion; a storage device which stores a color reproduction target value for the chromatic color portion of the chart; and a correction device which corrects a color correction coefficient of image data obtained by photographing by the photographing apparatus, on the basis of image data obtained by photographing an achromatic color portion of a subject by the picture-taking device through the chromatic color portion of the chart and on the basis of the color reproduction target value stored in the storage device.

Abstract: When information is received specifying a desired product and a desired light source type, e.g. a type of a light source used in an environment in which the product, if purchased, would actually be used, a server device provides a color reproducing correction process for original image data obtained by shooting the desired product. Specifically, component data corresponding to a color of the light source at shooting and that corresponding to a color of the light source of the desired type are used to correct original image data to attain image data obtained when the product is shot under the desired light source type. The data obtained by the correction is transmitted to a consumer terminal and displayed on a screen. The consumer confirms the displayed image, and if satisfied with e.g. how the product would present color, the process moves on to an on-line transaction process for product purchasing.

Abstract: A finder apparatus which is used together with a photographing apparatus presents a marker for positioning for setting relative positions of the photographing apparatus and an object for calibration so as to be visually recognizable by an operator in a finder configured to present an image of a subject so as to be visually recognizable by the operator, when photographing the object for calibration including at least one of a known shape and a known surface attribute in order to acquire parameters of a photographing optical system of the photographing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is in the technical field of image digitizers or scanners. It relates to a method and device that enables the automatic calibration of digitizing equipment. The method and device of the invention enable the auto-calibration of a digitizing device by taking into account sensitometric data specific to a film strip to be digitized, to automatically adjust the digitizing parameters of the digitizing device, according to these sensitometric data and without operator intervention. The application field of the invention more especially relates to the users of digitizing equipment dedicated to motion picture films.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to measure the precise color characteristic of an image pickup machine and accurately reproduce a subject in an image display unit. A color characteristic measurement apparatus which has a test chart (1) as a subject of an image pickup machine (6), a hole (2) made in the test chart (1), a black box (3) placed on a rear face of the test chart (1) and formed on an inner surface in black, and a light output section (4) placed in the black box (3) at a position where the light output section (4) can be observed through the hole (2) from the outside.

Abstract: A method for aligning a lens of a camera with a sensor of the camera. The method includes positioning a test object a predetermined distance away from the lens of the camera, photographing the test object with the camera to produce image data, and outputting the image data from the camera to a calibration device. The method also includes dividing the image data into a plurality of sections, calculating resolution data for at least two sections of the image data, calculating position parameters of the lens according to the resolution data, and correcting alignment of the lens with respect to the sensor according to the position parameters.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a device for determining an intensity and/or color and/or sharpness profile in each case of an optical lens system (3), which projects a test pattern (1) consisting of measuring fields (5), wherein the projection is directed indirectly or directly in each case toward a sensor area (6) of electronic color and brightness sensors of high resolution, whose measured signals, which are correlated to the measuring fields (5), are sent to a computer (60), which determines from these the intensity and/or color and/or sharpness profile and/or distortion propagation profile, outputs them to an image processing system (62) for an electronic image flaw correction of images (B) that were generated by an identical lens system (3), and stores them or temporarily stores them on a data carrier (61).

Abstract: An electronic camera can be reprogrammed, recalibrated or optimized for a given application or environment by a remote expert who does not have to be present locally. The camera requires a bi-directional data path to the expert, preferably using the internet, for writing parameters into the camera's program memory and for reading its acquired images. The remote expert must be capable of presenting selected visual stimuli to the camera, which are presented by a suitable image presentation device to the camera, under remote control by the expert. Thanks to the invention, a recalibration of the camera is more simple, faster, at lower costs and independent of the location of the camera user.

Abstract: A color measurement device comprising a means for electronically recording a digital color image, a target holder extending from the recording means having a distal end, and a target at the distal end of the holder, the target having one or more reference color regions thereon.

Abstract: An optical axis direction, a distance measurement accuracy and so on are efficiently performed for quality assurance of a vehicle-mounted camera in cooperation of an image processing unit and a vehicle-mounted navigation control unit. In a vehicle monitoring system for imaging view ahead of the vehicle with the camera (2a, 2b) installed in the vehicle body and for recognizing a running condition with the image processing unit (20), the image processing unit measures an optical axis direction and a distance measurement accuracy to determine whether the camera quality is appropriate or not for quality assurance of the vehicle-mounted camera. The determined result is displayed on a monitor (52) of the vehicle mounted navigation control unit (5) to recommend adjustment of the camera.

Abstract: The gray balance of an input signal produced when a gray chart is read by a digital camera is adjusted by a color processor. Thereafter, a color chart is read by the digital camera, and color correction functions in the color processor are corrected so that chromaticities of an output signal with the adjusted gray balance will be in conformity with the chromaticities of the color chart.

Abstract: A video camera system capable of matching colors between configured video cameras by effectively reducing color differences therebetween. A red, a green and a blue signal from imaging devices are amplified by preamplifiers and video amplifiers before being fed to a color matching circuit. The color matching circuit performs color matching in accordance with the levels of the red, green and blue signals using variables of gains and DC offset values. The gains and DC offset values are determined by the color matching circuit executing predetermined operation expressions. With a plurality of colors imaged in advance by the video cameras to be matched in color with a reference video camera, necessary coefficients of the operation expressions are obtained by use of the level measurements (tristimulus values) of the red, green and blue signals from an integrating circuit of each camera.

Abstract: In an image output calibrating system for cameras, a camera is supported so as to be directed at a plurality of different angles, and a light source is placed in front of the camera. A control unit associates the pan and tilt angles of the camera with corresponding positions of an image of the light source on the imaging device so that the relationship between each point on the object and the corresponding point on the image of the object formed on the imaging device of the camera can be identified.

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 testing cameras includes positioning a camera such that an image of a target is displayed on a monitor within at least one default image parameter. The method further includes engaging a dimming condition of a light source from the camera, thereby generating a lighting condition signal. Subsequently the camera receives the lighting condition signal and displays it on the monitor. A group of observers then analyze the lighting condition signal. The method continues through engaging a second dimming condition of the light source from the first camera, thereby generating a second lighting condition signal, which is also displayed on the monitor. The group of observers then analyzes the second lighting condition signal.

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: The calibration of an imaging system having a camera (20) for capturing colour data for a target object (carcass 10) includes a primary calibration to obtain a primary transform for RGB data to enable compensation for variations in the camera operation or characteristics, and a secondary calibration obtain a secondary transform to enable compensation for local lighting conditions during capture and processing of colour data for captured images to be analysed. The calculated primary transform relates the actual measured colour data to known standard colour data for the particular standard colour specimens (31). The standard colour specimens (31) are presented in an enclosure or hood (30) to the camera under controlled illumination and with extrancous or external light being excluded from illuminating the specimens. A preliminary calibration includes calibrating the primary calibration standard colour specimens and associated controlled light source against centralised laboratory standard colours.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to measure the precise color characteristic of an image pickup machine and accurately reproduce a subject in an image display unit. A color characteristic measurement apparatus which has a test chart (1) as a subject of an image pickup machine (6), a hole (2) made in the test chart (1), a black box (3) placed on a rear face of the test chart (1) and formed on an inner surface in black, and a light output section (4) placed in the black box (3) at a position where the light output section (4) can be observed through the hole (2) from the outside.

Abstract: Images are sharpened and corrected for position dependent blur by providing a sharpening function which is adapted to operate upon signals corresponding to a selected number of pixels, providing a plurality of values which are a function of the position dependent blur; and applying the plurality of values to the sharpening function to modify the sharpening function so that after the modified sharpening function is applied to the image, a sharpened image will be provided which has been corrected for the position dependent blur.

Abstract: An imaging device installed on an autonomously movable body which comprises an image-taking section for taking images of the surrounding environment, and an object detecting section for detecting objects and obstacles by processing the obtained images. The imaging device comprises: an image processing section to perform color detection of the images taken by the image-taking section; a white calibration plate for the image-taking section to perform color correction; and a calibration plate control section for moving the calibration plate into a field of view of the image-taking section, wherein it is determined whether color information which is sufficient to perform color detection is obtainable from the images taken by the image-taking section, and color correction is performed using the calibration plate when it is determined that the images taken by the image-taking section do not provide color information sufficient to perform color detection.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to measure the precise color characteristic of an image pickup machine and accurately reproduce a subject in an image display unit.

Abstract: A camera section photographs a camera test chart. A calibration controller of the camera section reads out image data of the camera test chart, and executes calibration of the camera section by use of characteristic values of obtained image data and standard data, which is stored in an internal memory. Next, a printer test chart, printed by a printer section, is photographed by the calibrated camera section. Image data of the printer test chart is sent to the printer section from the camera section. A calibration controller of the printer section performs calibration of the printer section by use of characteristic values of obtained image data and standard data, which is stored in an internal memory. By calibrating both the camera and the printer sections, it is possible to execute effective calibration of the apparatus.

Abstract: An image of an optical target including dark and light monochromatic patches is captured. An average YUV value is calculated from a predetermined number of YUV values for each monochromatic patch. A white balance is performed using the averaged YUV values and a predetermined reference image. Each averaged YUV value is converted to an equivalent RGB value. A difference in RGB values between the light and the dark monochromatic patches produces a dynamic range for the RGB values. The dynamic range for the G value is adjusted to match the dynamic range for a G′ value of the predetermined reference image.

Abstract: A calibration system activates all or a majority of a display with the same value, such as with the same color. The camera is pointed at the display, but doesn't have to precisely pick up the whole display. The computer compares the pixel information received in the camera photosensor, and can store an appropriate correction factor. Not only does the user not have to precisely position the camera, jitter due to use hand movement is not a problem since this smoothes out the color information from the various pixels on the display, and actually improves the calibration. A target can be provided on the display to indicate if the user is properly pointing the camera at the display.

Abstract: A color display characteristic measurement apparatus is provided with a first image pickup device for picking up an image of a first color component, a second image pickup device for picking up an image of a second color component, a measurement image generator for causing a color display apparatus to display a measurement image thereon, the measurement image being displayed in a single color to which both the first image pickup device and the second image pickup device are sensible, and a calculator for calculating, based on a first picked-up image of the first image pickup device and a second picked-up image of the second image pickup device, calibration data for calibrating a relative displacement between the first and second image pickup devices.

Abstract: When information is received specifying a desired product and a desired light source type, e.g. a type of a light source used in an environment in which the product, if purchased, would actually be used, a server device provides a color reproducing correction process for original image data obtained by shooting the desired product. Specifically, component data corresponding to a color of the light source at shooting and that corresponding to a color of the light source of the desired type are used to correct original image data to attain image data obtained when the product is shot under the desired light source type. The data obtained by the correction is transmitted to a consumer terminal and displayed on a screen. The consumer confirms the displayed image, and if satisfied with e.g. how the product would present color, the process moves on to an on-line transaction process for product purchasing.

Abstract: A digital camera is calibrated by establishing the coordinates of at least four feature points of a pattern mounted on a planar surface. At least two, and preferably three or more, images of the planar pattern are captured at different, non-parallel orientations using the digital camera. The image coordinates of the pattern's feature points are then identified in the captured images. A closed form solution can be employed to derive all the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters needed to provide the camera calibration. Essentially, the known pattern coordinates and corresponding image coordinates are used to compute a homography for each image. Then, a process is employed that estimates the intrinsic camera parameters by analyzing the homographies associated with each image. Finally, the extrinsic parameters for each image are computed from the intrinsic parameters and the homographies.

Abstract: A system for controlling the integrity of an image recorded on a first recording medium, for example, film, and transferred to a second recording medium, for example, videotape. The system includes a control chart having a set of chart control information and a plurality of control strips each having a set of strip control information. The control chart, which is for use by a cinematographer on a set, is recordable on the film under substantially the same conditions under which the image is recorded onto the film. Each of the control strips, which are for use by a telecine colorist at a transfer machine, is formatted to correspond to a different type of commercially available film so that one of the control strips corresponds to the film on which the image is recorded. The set of strip control information on each of the control strips includes information substantially the same as information included in the set of chart control information.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique of making color correction by means of a simple operation so that the color difference among imaging apparatus is minimized for a particular color specified by a user. In the color correction operation, an MPU provided in a camera displays a marker on a viewfinder. A user controls a user interface so as to put the marker on a desired color of a color chart thereby selecting a color to be weighted. The MPU inputs data obtained by measuring the color chart via the camera and also inputs color reference data obtained by measuring the same color chart under the same conditions via another camera serving as a reference camera. The MPU determines the coefficients of a linear matrix circuit for making color correction by means of a calculation with a weight specified by the user. The resultant coefficients are set in the linear matrix circuit.

Abstract: An endoscopic video system for correcting a video image of an object to be studied has a processing unit controlling an electronic image recorder which has a multiplicity of image elements, each generating an output signal upon illuminating a known test object. The processing unit has a learning mode of operation, wherein it determines and records a correction value corresponding to a difference between an output signal of the known test object and a generated one by each of the image elements, and a recording mode, wherein an output signal generated by each image element upon illuminating an object to be studied is adjusted at the correction value.

Abstract: An analysis method for cinematographic film uses a film scanner for converting the images of the film into video images, the film scanner having a calibration mode providing a standardized video reproduction of films and a manual mode allowing the operator to adjust the film scanner for improving the visual quality of the video images it produces.