Abstract: An image capture and display system comprises an image capture array positioned on a vehicle, the image capture array comprising a plurality of image sensing members. At least one transmitter is provided for transmitting images from the image sensing members. The system also includes a monitor display array positioned remotely from the image capture array. The monitor display array comprises a display monitor for and corresponding to each image sensing member, and a receiver for receiving the images corresponding to each transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera assembly operable to capture a surrounding scene. The camera assembly comprises a rotatable structure, a motor assembly operable to rotate the rotatable structure, a camera coupled to the rotatable structure, and a controller operable to control the motor assembly synchronous with the imaging device such that the linear device captures the image while the motor is rotating the camera. The imaging device can include a linear optical array (e.g., a CMOS image sensor). In one embodiment, the controller is programmed to rotate the camera at least 300 degrees, and preferably about 360 degrees. If desired, the amount of rotation of the camera is adjustable. For example, the camera assembly can further include an indicator (e.g., a magnet) that determines an amount of rotation of the camera, and a position of the indicator can be adjusted to change the amount of rotation of the camera.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a process for producing and viewing through the internet high-resolution images of the commonly viewed exterior surfaces of a vehicle, while maintaining the same background view for multiple images of the vehicle. The background and the imaging device are revolved around a vehicle which is maintained in fixed position between the background and the imaging device. The vehicle does not need to be rotated or moved during the imaging.

Abstract: The automatic system makes it possible to reduce the probability of error when identifying the vehicle of an offender, increases the length of a speed limit monitoring zone to several hundreds/thousands of meters, and makes it possible to cut expenditure on the construction and maintenance of gantries for the installation of speed limit monitoring devices. A method for the combined processing of signals from a radar and a panoramic video camera is proposed, in which data flows from the video camera and the radar are independently obtained, after which they are compared and data about the speed and coordinates are obtained with little probability of error in identifying the vehicle of an offender. The device for realizing the method comprises a radar with a signal processing module to calculate the speed and distance of all vehicles on a chosen section of road, and a panoramic video camera.

Abstract: A device for acquiring two-dimensional images of a three-dimensional object including a housing having a receptacle for receiving the object. The receptacle has a floor and an interior sidewall. The sidewall has at least one sight window and a plurality of lights for illuminating the object. A rotatable turntable is positioned on the floor of the receptacle, and the object is positioned on the turntable. At least one camera having an iris is located within the housing and positioned so that the iris can obtain images of the object through the sight window, allowing the camera to obtain still images of the object as the object is rotated on the turntable. There is also provided methods for stitching the still images of the three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional image to facilitate optical character recognition and further data processing.

Abstract: A mirror assembly adapted for use in a panoramic imaging system for capturing a panoramic image includes a mirror for optically coupling to a fisheye lens having a first field of view, the mirror configured for reflecting an image of a second field of view through the fisheye lens. A housing has a first end and a second end, the mirror being secured proximate to the first end, and the second end having an engagement portion for securing the mirror assembly to the panoramic imaging system. When the mirror assembly is secured to the panoramic imaging system, the mirror is optically coupled to the fisheye lens and a detector for capturing a first portion of the panoramic image and a second portion of the panoramic image, the first portion of the panoramic image having a portion overlapping the second portion of the panoramic image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting moving objects are provided. Systems illustratively include an image acquisition component, an image processing component, and a display component. Image acquisition components capture image data over a wide spatial area. Image processing components have dedicated algorithms for change detection and receive captured image data from image acquisition components. Image processing components utilize the captured data and the dedicated algorithms to perform image change detection. Display components receive processed image data from image processing components and provide visual indications that items of interest have been detected. Methods illustratively include obtaining first and second images covering a wide field-of-view. The second image is registered to and compared to the first image. Based at least in part on the comparison, a moving object within the wide field-of-view is detected. An indication of the moving object is provided.

Abstract: Systems for extending a field-of-view of an image acquisition device are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a rotatable image-directing device, an actuator, and a controller. The rotatable image-directing device directs optical images along an optical image path. The actuator controls a position of the rotatable image-directing device, and the controller generates signals for synchronizing the rotatable image-directing device and the image acquisition device. The signals illustratively include a first signal that is transmitted to the actuator, and a second signal that is transmitted to the image acquisition device.

Abstract: A driving recorder system and a coordinate positioning method thereof. The system comprises a curved image lens, an operation module, a processing module, a display module and a storage module. The curved image lens captures the curved image of the surrounding areas thereof. The operation module restores the curved image into a restored image. The processing module receives the restored image and adds time data to the restored image. The display module displays the restored image and the time data. The storage module stores the restored image and the time data.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism may include a drive table, an indexing table, a control ring between the tables, and a cam follower. The cam includes lobes on an inner surface. A drive arm of the cam follower is coupled to the drive table and an end of an indexing arm of the cam follower rides over the lobes during use. A spring may be coupled between the drive table and the indexing table. As the drive table rotates continuously, the components serve to move the indexing table in a non-continuous movement, by which it stops for a period and then moves to the next stop, etc. A camera may take a still image at each stop position, and the images may be stitched together (e.g., through use of an onboard computer) to produce a panoramic image. A power supply may also be provided, so that the entire system may be self-contained.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device capturing a subject image through an optical system; an image signal processor having a function of combining multiple captured images into a single image, the images being captured during the period when the imaging apparatus is moved; and a control unit, wherein the image signal processor detects any effect of parallax or a moving subject based on the similarity among motion vectors between adjacent images, and the control unit issues a warning when the image signal processor detects any effect of the moving object or parallax to prompt image recapturing.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus, method, and medium for generating a panoramic image. In the apparatus, a previously captured image and a currently captured image are projected onto a predetermined curved surface so as to form a first mapping image and a second mapping image, respectively. Movement values in predetermined directions are calculated for maximizing a color similarity between overlapped sections of the first and second mapping images. A panoramic image is generated using the first and second mapping images and the calculated movement values. Therefore, overlapped sections of neighboring images can be precisely superposed and aligned when a panoramic image is generated using a series of images.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for panoramic imaging are disclosed herein. Systems for capturing a panoramic image of a panoramic field of view include a fisheye lens having a first field of view, a mirror optically coupled to the fisheye lens for reflecting an image of the a second field of view through the fisheye lens, the second field of view having a portion overlapping the first field of view, and a detector, optically coupled to the fisheye lens and the mirror, for capturing a first portion of the panoramic image corresponding to the first field of view and a second portion of the panoramic image corresponding to the second field of view.

Abstract: A software application for an electronic device with an integral or attached vibrator automatically controls activation of the vibrator to induce hands-free controlled rotation of the device. In typical embodiments, the device is a smartphone with a camera, and the application activates the vibrator to cause the device to rotate to a series of angular positions, activates the camera to take a series of photographs at those positions, and stitch together those photographs into a composite panoramic photograph. The application monitors the angular position of the device based on inputs from motion and/or position sensors of the device. In other embodiments, the application automatically activates the vibrator to induce hands-free rotation of the device for other uses such as video-conferencing or gaming. And in other embodiments, the application activates the vibrator to cue manual rotation of the device by the user for panoramic photography or other uses.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating a curved sensor from silicon fibers are disclosed. In another embodiment, a curved sensor is produced having mini-sensors of differing sizes. In another embodiment, these mini-sensors are configured so that every other mini-sensor in a row of mini-sensors is shifted upwards slightly relative to its neighboring mini-sensors in the same row.

Abstract: System for monitoring at least one observation area including at least one camera for providing panorama pictures of the at least one area, where the camera is arranges on a rotating platform in the at least one area to be monitored; at least one video camera for providing real time video and which is arranged on a stationary platform in the at least one area to be monitored; a processing device connected to the camera and the video camera for capturing, processing and coordinating signals.

Abstract: A chart generation unit generates an adjustment chart, and a projection unit projects the adjustment chart onto a circular cylinder. A parameter acquiring unit acquires 12 parameters in total, relating to the positions of four corners and middle points of a top side and a bottom side of a chart and lateral expansion of the chart, the chart being input by a user through manipulations of an operation unit. A transform function determination unit calculates, from the total of 12 parameters, an accurate transform function for projecting an image onto the circular cylinder. An image conversion unit applies geometric transformation to the image based on the calculated transform function.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a portable electronic device includes an imaging unit, a moving unit, and a control unit. The imaging unit images a subject in an imaging region. The moving unit changes orientation and/or a position of the portable electronic device. The control unit causes the moving unit to change the orientation and/or the position of the portable electronic device so as to move the imaging region of the imaging unit.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a driving unit for displacing one of a lens unit and an imaging device with respect to an optical axis, and a controller for causing the driving unit to displace one of the lens unit and the imaging device, in response to the motion of the image capturing apparatus. When, with a shooting direction being moved, captured images are generated so that a panoramic image is generated from the captured images, the controller displaces the position of the lens unit or the imaging device at the start of exposure of each image to be captured in a direction based on a direction in which the shooting direction is moved. In addition, a displacement amount at the start of the exposure is set in response to the length of an exposure time period so that the displacement during the exposure time period becomes small and the quality of an image is improved.

Abstract: A method of assembling a panoramic image from a plurality of frames in a camera, the method comprising: (a) acquiring a video stream using a camera; (b) selecting an initial frame from the video stream for capture as a still image; (c) further selecting additional frames; and (d) stitching the additional frames to the initial frame in the camera to create a panoramic image.

Abstract: In the case of a camera system for recording images consisting of at least one single camera, a solution is intended to be provided which allows a good sharp image to be recorded. This is achieved by virtue of the single cameras (1) each being arranged in different directions such that they record a continuous overall image, with the overall image comprising the frames from the single cameras (1), and are being a central control unit (3) which can be used to capture the motion profile of the camera system by means of at least one sensor (2) and to ascertain the trigger times of the single cameras (1) on the basis of a prescribed target function, said camera system moving autonomously over the entire time progression.

Abstract: A reproducer is provided with members shown below. Namely, the reproducer is provided with a storage part for storing images, a vibration detection part for detecting a vibration operation by a user, a switching instruction part for instructing switching of reproduction content in slide show reproduction based on a detection result from the vibration detection part, a synthesis processing part for performing creation processing of slide show images, which are images for the slide show reproduction, based on instructions of the switching instruction part, and a slide show control part for performing the slide show reproduction of the images stored in the storage part and the slide show images.

Abstract: In a method for capturing a panoramic image by using an electronic device, the electronic device receives preview images from an image capturing device. The electronic device controls the image capturing device capturing images corresponding to the preview images, and obtains the images from the image capturing device. Once the electronic device acquires a predetermined number of continuous images captured by the image capturing device at a predetermined number of continuous capturing angles, the electronic device stitches the predetermined number of continuous captured images into a panoramic image.

Abstract: This invention has an object to provide an image editing program and apparatus allowing users to intuitively produce images covering the omnidirection. In a virtual space, an omnidirectional image is projected according to a coordinate conversion and displayed at a display device 20. For omnidirectional image edition, a view direction and a view angle are changed in the virtual space with a pointing device 30, and under control of a central control unit 11, display of the omnidirectional image in a screen image is renewed to perform two-dimensional drawing to an image for drawing having the same coordinate system as that of the screen image with the pointing device 30 using the screen image as a clue. After the end of drawing, the coordinate conversion is made to the drawing image to project the image at a proper position of the omnidirectional image. The omnidirectional image is thus completed by repeating the steps of view direction changes and drawing.

Abstract: An object is to provide a vehicle periphery monitoring device wherein distortions in a captured image containing an edge of the vehicle body can be corrected so that parallel perception is the same as in actual space, and wherein images readily discernible to the driver can be displayed. The edge of the vehicle body is included in the image captured by a camera provided to the vehicle. A Y-axis along the edge of the vehicle body and an X-axis orthogonal to the Y-axis are set in the captured image. Distortions are corrected so that the X-axis is enlarged at a magnification ratio ? that increases in a nonlinear fashion that depends of the distance from the X-axis while the Y-axis is kept substantially fixed. The captured image thus corrected for distortion is displayed on an onboard monitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image detection system for a panoramic view comprising linearly disposed optical channels with a microlens and a detector which is situated in the focal plane thereof. The camera unit is thereby mounted on a rotating or rotating-oscillating rotational shaft, as a result of which a panoramic view of the image detection system is made possible. Image detection systems of this type are used in medical technology, on vehicles, for inspection of hole-like recesses and also for 360° image detection in rooms.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and a module for measuring rotation and a portable apparatus comprising said module. The module of the present invention is adapted for measuring rotation of a target, and the module includes a first sensor, a second sensor and a processor. The first sensor is disposed at a first location of the target, for sensing a first centripetal acceleration and a first tangential acceleration when the target is rotated. The second sensor is disposed at a second location of the target, for sensing a second centripetal acceleration and a second tangential acceleration when the target is rotated. The processor is coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, for receiving the first centripetal acceleration and the first tangential acceleration from the first sensor, receiving the second centripetal acceleration and the second tangential acceleration from the second sensor, and calculating the rotation angle of the target accordingly.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes a synthesizer configured to synthesize a plurality of images, a detector configured to detect positional information, a first instructor configured to instruct a start of a photography preparing operation, a second instructor configured to instruct a start of a photographic operation, and a controller configured to determine first and second capturing conditions in accordance with an instruction from the first instructor and to hold reference position information based upon the positional information when the first instructor provides an instruction, the controller being configured to make an image-pickup unit start the consecutive shooting under the first capturing condition in accordance with an instruction from the second instructor, and to make the image-pickup unit capture an image under the second capturing condition when the detector detects that the positional information of the image-pickup apparatus corresponds to the reference position information.

Abstract: Captured images are associated with orientation. An imaginary rotational control can be used to play back the captured images associated with orientation.

Abstract: An image capture system for capturing images of an object, such as the Earth. The image capture system includes a moving platform, at least two image capture devices, a position system, an event multiplexer and a computer system. The image capture devices are mounted to the moving platform. Each image capture device has a sensor for capturing an image and an event channel providing an event signal indicating the capturing of an image by the sensor. The position system records data indicative of a position as a function of time related to the moving platform. The event multiplexer has at least two image capture inputs and at least one output port. Each image capture input receives event signals from the event channel of one of the image capture devices. The event multiplexer outputs information indicative of an order of events indicated by the event signals, and identification of image capture devices providing the event signals.

Abstract: The present invention includes a panoramic imaging system for projecting a 360 degree cylindrical field of view onto a two-dimensional annular format using a panoramic imaging block with a concentric axis 5 of symmetry, two refractive surfaces and two reflective surfaces, and an additional aspheric lens for mitigating aberrations inherent in refractive and reflective lenses.

Abstract: The disclosed Off-Road Vehicle Vision Enhancement System is for all terrain vehicles operating in extreme off road environments. When an all terrain vehicle is operating in areas where there are large obstacles to traverse the operator needs to be able to maneuver the vehicle over the obstacles with the utmost of care and precision. The operator needs to be able to see the precise placement of the wheels over the obstacles to achieve optimum ground clearance and avoid getting hung-up. The Off-Road Vision Enhancement System includes a retractable protective housing located under the vehicle containing cameras which communicate to the operator the precise relationship of his wheels traversing the obstacles. The retractable housing is designed for simple operation, maximum protection of the cameras and self cleaning of accumulated debris.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism may include a drive table, an indexing table, a control ring between the tables, and a cam follower. The cam includes lobes on an inner surface. A drive arm of the cam follower is coupled to the drive table and an end of an indexing arm of the cam follower rides over the lobes during use. A spring may be coupled between the drive table and the indexing table. As the drive table rotates continuously, the components serve to move the indexing table in a non-continuous movement, by which it stops for a period and then moves to the next stop, etc. A camera may take a still image at each stop position, and the images may be stitched together (e.g., through use of an onboard computer) to produce a panoramic image. A power supply may also be provided, so that the entire system may be self-contained.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of obtaining panoramic images that appear most natural to the naked eye by executing a mathematically precise image processing operation on a wide-angle image acquired using a wide-angle lens that is rotationally symmetric about an optical axis, and devices using the methods. Imaging systems using this method can be used not only in security•surveillance applications for indoor and outdoor environments, but also in diverse areas such as video phones for apartment entrance doors, rear view cameras for vehicles, visual sensors for unmanned aerial vehicles and robots, and broadcasting cameras. Also, it can be used to obtain panoramic photographs using digital cameras.

Abstract: A conference recording device includes a panoramic camera device. The panoramic camera device is disposed on a table surface. The panoramic camera device has a first view plane formed at one side of the table surface, wherein the first view plane intersects with the horizontal plane of the panoramic camera at an acute angle. A conference recording method includes: retrieving image information of the panoramic camera, analyzing the image information to produce a comparison result, adjusting the image information to produce a corrected image, and receiving the comparison result and the corrected image by a display module. When the comparison result shows that a speaker is changed, the display module outputs the corrected image of the speaker.

Abstract: A camera is mounted in a sphere-shaped housing. The housing can be rotated within a base that permits the camera to take multiple images covering a panoramic view. Motion of the housing within the base is detected by motion sensors that provide positional information for allowing the images to be stitched together. The motion sensors are optical mice sensors. Processing circuitry and a power supply may be located within the housing.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method enable capturing a 360° panoramic image by a digital camera having a fixed angle lens. A number of frames is set for capturing the 360° panoramic image of the digital camera unit. The electronic device receives an initial azimuth of the digital camera unit from an electronic compass and determines rotation points of the digital camera unit. A current azimuth from an electronic compass of the electronic device is received and the rotated angle of the digital camera unit is calculated. The electronic device captures at least one image if the digital camera unit rotates to one of the rotation points.

Abstract: Panoramic imaging systems including rotatable minors are provided. A panoramic imaging system includes a rotatable platform, an imaging device mounted to the rotatable platform, and a minor rotatably mounted to the rotatable platform. The mirror is positioned in an optical path of the imaging device. The mirror and the imaging device are oriented such that the minor and imaging device are in the same plane, an optical axis of the imaging device is substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the rotatable platform, and an axis of rotation of the minor is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable platform when the mirror is in an initial position.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and panoramic photographing method for the same are provided. The panoramic photographing method includes displaying a preview image upon selection of a panoramic mode, successively capturing a first partial image and second partial image in response to input of a shooting start signal, setting a photographing direction through a comparison between the first partial image and second partial image, and producing a panoramic image in the set photographing direction. As a result, the user does not have to set the photographing direction to capture a panoramic image using a mobile terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an imaging system including a camera terminal apparatus capable of performing pan operation and/or tilt operation and a camera control apparatus for controlling the camera terminal apparatus. In the imaging system, the camera terminal apparatus includes a signal processor configured to generate a panorama image, a panorama image storing unit configured to store the generated panorama image, and an imaging direction controller configured to generate camera position information indicative of an imaging direction, and the camera control apparatus includes a position determination processor configured to determine a position of the imaging direction in the panorama image, based on the camera position information, and a panorama image processor configured to process the panorama image in such a way that the determined position becomes the center position of an image.

Abstract: Any given part is cut out from a distorted circular image photographed by use of a fisheye lens and converted into a planar regular image with less distortion. A virtual sphere H having a radius R on a distorted circular image S on an XY plane is defined, thereby allowing a user to designate a cut-out center point P, a magnification m, and a planar inclination angle ?. A visual line vector n passing through an intersecting point Q immediately above the point P is determined to define an UV orthogonal coordinate system having an orientation depending on the angle ? on a plane orthogonal to a visual line vector n at a point G in which a distance between two points OG is given as m·R. The UV orthogonal coordinate system is curved along the side face C of a “virtual cylindrical column in which the point G forms one point on the side face to have a straight line V? parallel to the V axis and also passing through the point O as a central axis,” thereby defining the UV curved coordinate system.

Abstract: To prevent information required for reproducing of a 3D/multi-viewpoint image being lost even in a case in which editing or the like of the 3D/multi-viewpoint image is performed using a device or application software that does not support 3D/multi-viewpoint images, a compound-eye digital camera can switch between a multi-viewpoint image taking mode that images a subject image viewed from a plurality of viewpoints and a single viewpoint image taking mode that takes a subject image viewed from a single viewpoint. When taking an image in the multi-viewpoint image taking mode, the compound-eye digital camera sets a protect flag for multi-viewpoint images acquired with an image pickup device and records the multi-viewpoint images. As a result, the taken multi-viewpoint images are protected, and erasure or editing of the images cannot be performed without permission.

Abstract: A camera having automated panoramic image capture provides one or more capture sequences for capturing images of objects detected within one or more of its detection zones. The capture sequences may include actions to move or reposition an imaging device of the camera to one or more locations, and to capture one or more images before, during, or as the imaging device is moved. In addition, particular operations of the camera may be conditioned on specific circumstances or environmental conditions relevant to image capture or the operation of the camera. The camera may comprise a wide angle imaging device for capturing images having a wide field of view. An image processor may be used to convert radially distorted images captured by the wide angle imaging device into rectilinear images.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image searching and capturing system and a control method thereof. The system comprises a first capture device, a second capture device, a control module and a processing module. The first capture device captures a plurality of multi-spectral panoramic images with panorama. The control module controls the second capture device to search and target an azimuth of target object according to the plurality of multi-spectral panoramic images; the control module controls that the second capture device rotates a rotation module to capture a high-resolution image of a target object. The control module controls a rotation angle and a rotation direction of the rotation module according to attitude information, position information, and azimuth of the target object. The invention is applied to environmental monitoring and disaster monitoring, and has automatic search for targets, calibration targets and achieve high-resolution images and other effects.

Abstract: A system for capturing images of a target, such as a test tube, that is presented in front of an optical imager and rotated 360 degrees. The imager of the system captures a series of images which are then stitched together to form a panoramic image of the target. The panoramic image may then be processed to decode any barcode code information placed on the target, capture other information placed on the target, or obtain information about the target or the contents thereof.

Abstract: A method for real-time prompting a stitching degree of a panoramic image applied to a digital image pickup device. At first, a boundary band of a first image is captured to obtain an boundary image, and a second image is detected. Next, the boundary image and a local image of the second image are merged, and an association value of the boundary image and the local image of the second image is calculated. Then, the second image after being merged with the boundary image and a prompt signal corresponding to the association value are displayed on a screen.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device that images an object image through an optical system; an image signal processing section having a function of combining a plurality of imaged images into a combined image piece, the imaged images being obtained while the imaging apparatus is swept; a position sensor capable of obtaining position information of the imaging apparatus; and a controller that processes information of the position sensor, wherein the controller sends a notification of an appropriate value of a sweeping angular velocity based on the detection information of the position sensor and outputs a warning signal when the sweeping angular velocity exceeds an appropriate range.

Abstract: An automatic capturing method of a panoramic image for a digital camera panoramic image is presented. In the method, a motion vector value of an alignment image selected from a first image captured by the digital camera in a real-time image is continuously tracked, calculated, and accumulated to obtain an accumulated motion vector value. When the accumulated motion vector value reaches a preset threshold value, the digital camera is automatically driven to capture a second image, so as to stitch and blend the first image and the second image into a panoramic image. Through the automatic image capture mode, operations for capturing the panoramic image are simplified.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a video obtaining unit configured to obtain a plurality of items of video data captured by a plurality of image-capturing devices; a position information obtaining unit configured to obtain position information including an orientation and an angle of view of each of the image-capturing devices; a reproduction position calculation unit configured to calculate a reproduction position of each item of the video data so that a projection direction and an angle of view of the item of the video data matches the orientation and the angle of view of a corresponding one of the image-capturing devices by using the position information; and a reproduction controller configured to reproduce each item of the video data at the corresponding reproduction position.

Abstract: A method of providing an omnidirectional view about an object by providing at least two camera modules, each module having a plurality of cameras disposed about the periphery of each module with each camera having a predetermined field of view. The modules are directly attached to a respective predetermined position on a surface of the object to provide up to a 360 degree view about the object when the fields of view of each camera are combined from each module. Electrical communication is enabled between the plurality of cameras and at least one position external to the modules to enable viewing about the object from the external position.