Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating a camera in a surveillance system. The method and system use a mathematical rotation between a first coordinate system and a second coordinate system in order to calibrate a camera with a map of an area. In some embodiments, the calibration can be used to control the camera and/or to display a view cone on the map.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing a panoramic image, the method including: preparing images of a plurality of levels, which are made by scaling each of two source images at several rates; computing a Sum of Square Difference (SSD) between two corresponding images in each of the plurality of levels of the two source images to form an image stitched together; and when stitching the two images, the overlapping area is divided into a plurality of parts and each part is assigned a weight which is linearly applied respectively to the divided part of each source image for blending color. The apparatus includes stitching units to stitch source images together at the plurality of levels and blending units to color blend the source images in the overlapped area.

Abstract: A mobile device comprising a first image sensor, a second image sensor configured to change position with respect to the first image sensor, a controller configured to control the position of the second image sensor, and an image processing module configured to process and combine images captured by the first and second image sensors.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including a first camera configured to receive an input of a first image; a second camera configured to receive an input of a second image; a touchscreen configured to display a photograph command key including a first zone, a second zone and a common zone; and a controller configured to set a photograph mode selected from a 3D photograph mode and a 2D photograph mode, to control the first and second cameras to respectively capture the first and second images upon receiving a photograph command touch action on the common zone, and to perform either a 3D image processing or a 2D image processing on the photographed first and second images according to the set photograph mode.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and method of controlling an image photographing therein are disclosed, by which a user interface for effectively receiving an input of a control command for each of a plurality of cameras provided to a mobile terminal can be provided. The present invention includes receiving an input of a first image and an input of a second image using a first camera and a second camera, respectively, setting a first photographing condition for the first camera and a second photographing condition for the second camera, photographing the first image and the second image using the first camera and the second camera according to the set first photographing condition and the set second photographing condition, respectively, generating a third image by synthesizing the photographed first and second images together, and displaying the generated third image as a photographed image.

Abstract: A panoramic imaging device comprises: a photodetector array; a lens array having, on one plane, a center lens for receiving light in a front range of 36° to form a central unit image on the photodetector array, and left and right side lenses for receiving lights in left and right ranges each of 72° in capture angle of 180°; and four prisms in two pairs placed facing the side lenses. The two pairs of left and right prisms (more inclined and less inclined pairs) collect lights in divided two pairs of left and right ranges each of 36° in the 72° range (pairs closer to, and farther from, the front range), respectively, to form four side unit images on the photodetector array which are combined with the central unit image to reproduce a panoramic image without using wide-angle lenses or complex image correction process.

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: The invention relates to a method for generating video stream data relating to different fields of vision from a camera having a sensor which records high resolution images in a distorted manner. According to the invention, image corrections are performed for separate fields of vision, and a total video stream is output from the differently corrected image data.

Abstract: The present invention is a self contained portable and compact omni-directional monitoring and automatic alarm video device. The device enables automatic omni-directional detection, directional imaging inspection, tracking, real-time alarm transmission, and remote monitoring. The device comprises an omni-directional detection sensor, processor, and directional video imaging camera located inside a rotatable housing. The omni-directional detection sensor enables detection of moving objects near the device's surroundings; the processing assembly enables extraction of information such as the relative direction to the moving object and automatic pointing of the directional video imaging camera in that direction by rotation of the housing. The information acquired by the video camera is then transmitted to a remote control and observation unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving image stitching accuracy and a device for implementing the same, which apply to the multi-camera system for wide-angle image generation. Lens distortion causes mismatches of the features in the overlapping region of the images captured by the multi-camera system. As a result, the mismatches on the stitched wide-angle image are visible. The method and device for improving image stitching accuracy correct the lens distortion before stitching the images captured by the multi-camera system, so that the features in the overlapping region are matched and a seamless wide-angle image is generated by the stitching engine.

Abstract: A panoramic imaging device comprises: a photodetector array; a lens array having, on one plane, a center lens for receiving light in a front range of 36° to form a central unit image on the photodetector array, and left and right side lenses for receiving lights in left and right ranges each of 72° in capture angle of 180°; and four prisms in two pairs placed facing the side lenses. The two pairs of left and right prisms (more inclined and less inclined pairs) collect lights in divided two pairs of left and right ranges each of 36° in the 72° range (pairs closer to, and farther from, the front range), respectively, to form four side unit images on the photodetector array which are combined with the central unit image to reproduce a panoramic image without using wide-angle lenses or complex image correction process.

Abstract: A camera arrangement comprising a plurality of camera elements and a corresponding method of arranging camera elements is described. The camera arrangement improves the resolution of a stitched image by maintaining a uniform overlap between the fields of view of adjacent camera element. The uniform overlap is achieved. This is because the amount of unnecessary overlap required to achieve the required degree of overlap is reduced.

Abstract: An image display system includes a dividing apparatus which signals N divisional images formed by dividing a source image and having no overlap with each other, N transmission lines which transmit the N divisional images, N dummy pixel insertion sections which produce and insert dummy pixels based on the divisional images to the outer side of the images to produce expanded images, and N image processing sections which apply a spatial signal process to the expanded images. The image display system further includes N divisional image cutting out sections which remove image components of the dummy pixels from the spatially processed images to cut out images of a size equal to that of the inputted divisional images and an image synthesis section which patches the cut out divisional images to produce a re-synthesized image of a size equal to that of the source image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a virtual room created by locating cameras on the outside walls of a structure, e.g., a building, and then projecting live video from the cameras onto the inside walls of the structure using projectors. Because of the way the projectors and cameras are oriented, the walls appear to be invisible to a person inside the structure.

Abstract: A method (400) for managing a data stream (30) encoded according to a digital transmission protocol and configured for broadcasting to a consumer network device (14) within a broadband communications network (10). A message relating to the data stream is encapsulated (402) within a transport layer data packet (502). The packet has a destination port number field. A value associated with a predetermined parameter of the digital transmission protocol is created (404) within the field. Based on the value, the packet is forwarded (406) to the consumer network device according to a network layer protocol. When the forwarded message is received by the consumer network device, the consumer network device processes the data stream based on the message, and establishes an application layer communication socket based on the destination port number value. The socket is usable to receive further messages associated with the predetermined parameter of the digital transmission protocol.

Abstract: A pixel structure disposed on a substrate and electrically connected to a scan line and a data line is provided. The pixel structure has a reflective area and includes a common line, a semiconductor lower electrode, an upper electrode, a patterned dielectric layer, a reflective electrode and an active device. The semiconductor lower electrode electrically connected to the common line is disposed on the substrate within the reflective area. The upper electrode is disposed above and electrically isolated from the semiconductor lower electrode. The patterned dielectric layer with the micro-bumps is disposed on the upper electrode and exposes a part of the upper electrode. The reflective electrode is disposed on the patterned dielectric layer and the part of the upper electrode. Besides, the reflective electrode is electrically connected to the upper electrode. The active device is electrically connected to the scan line, the data line and the reflective electrode.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of controlling a plurality of monitoring cameras which transmit a plurality of live-view images of a plurality of channels, respectively, are provided. The method includes: displaying a panorama image of a channel among the plurality of channels on a panorama region in a screen of a display unit; and controlling at least one of a monitoring camera of the channel and the panorama image according to a command input by a user.

Abstract: A fast renderer for panoramic images is herein disclosed. In an embodiment, a precomputation is made of (a) a region on a surface defined by a first transformation from a viewport to the surface and (b) a second transformation that maps from the precomputed region to the viewport. In order to render the surface on the viewport, the renderer determines what portion of the image intersects with the precomputed region and proceeds to apply the precomputed second transformation to the portion of the image, thereby resulting in a transformed image which can be rendered in the viewport for display.

Abstract: An image taking apparatus including a plurality of imaging units each including a lens with a variable focal distance and an image sensing device is provided. The plurality of imaging units are disposed such that their viewpoints are substantially coincident with each other and image areas partially overlap each other so as to allow it obtain a wide angle image by connecting a plurality of images obtained by the imaging units. Each imaging unit includes a set of mapping tables each of which represents the correspondence, for a particular focal distance, between a particular coordinate system and a coordinate system in which an image taken by each image sensing device is represented. Each imaging unit further includes a controller adapted to select a mapping table corresponding to the focal distance, and a mapping unit adapted to map the image into the particular coordinate system according to the selected mapping table.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a panoramic projection of a volumetric image of an object is disclosed. A virtual camera is placed in a center of a cubic space within the object. Images obtained from the camera are projected onto a single plane. A front image is mapped in a window at a center of the plane. A left, right, top and bottom image of the cubic space are mapped around the rectangular window such that the left, right, top and bottom images form a continuous image surrounding the rectangular window.

Abstract: To provide a processing apparatus for performing synthesis of video data to which video data of optically overlapped (duplicated overlap) video images are imparted. An image processor includes gamma removal units 810, 811, and 812 which remove gamma processing performed on video data to which video data of optically overlapped (duplicated overlap) video images are imparted, a video synthesis unit 825 which synthesizes video data adjacent to each other in the video data from which the gamma processing is removed, and a gamma addition unit 826 which re-performs gamma processing on the synthesized video data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel imaging system for obtaining full stereoscopic spherical images of the visual environment surrounding a viewer, 360 degree both horizontally and vertically. Displaying the images obtained by the present system, by means suitable for stereoscopic displaying, gives the viewers the ability to look everywhere around them, as well as up and down, while having stereoscopic depth perception of the images displayed images. The system according to the present invention comprises an array of cameras, wherein the lenses of said cameras are situated on a curved surface, pointing out from common centers of said curved surface. The captured images of said system are arranged and processed to create sets of stereoscopic image pairs, wherein one image of each pair is designated for the observer right eye and the second image to his left eye, thus creating a three dimensional perception.

Abstract: The digital camera includes a photographing unit which picks-up image data, a storage control unit which stores the image data, a reconstruction control unit which reconstructs the stored image data, an image data processing unit which combines the picked-up image data and the reconstructed image data, and stores the produced image data into the recording medium, a display control unit makes a display unit simultaneously display the picked-up image data for monitoring and the reconstructed image data, or makes the display unit display the image data generated by the image data processing unit.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of an image system using a pantoscopic lens as an input video image source. In particular, all of the image process steps are in SOC (System on A Chip) without PC. The present invention provides the entire-view video image process method comprising the steps of: (1) start; (2) inputting and processing the information for transforming a pantoscopic image based on hemisphere coordinate to another pantoscopic image based on cylindrical coordinate, and generating a cylindrical projection image; (3) inputting and confirming the information applied to generate a plurality of perspective object images based on cylindrical coordinate, and then generating the plurality of perspective object images; (4) merging the cylindrical projection image and the plurality of perspective object images to become an output video image, and determining the output video image; (5) end.

Abstract: The present invention describes several embodiments of electro-optical assemblies, which are capable of capturing full or nearly full spherical field of view. The present invention presents improvements of the prior art methods by unifying several methods to achieve coverage of a large field of view. The present invention provides a method for utilizing the concept of reflective surfaces and combining two image capture devices to achieve an even larger field of view than those presented previously.

Abstract: An image reproduction apparatus includes display-image discrimination unit for discriminating a display mode (normal display, at-a-glance display, panoramic display, etc.) in which selected image data is to be displayed, display-mode setting unit for setting the display mode, which is discriminated by the display-image discrimination unit, to the image data, and display unit for displaying the image data in the display mode set by the display-mode setting unit.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide a convenient image processing apparatus which does not limit image sensing purposes. To achieve this object, an image processing apparatus has a recording medium for recording and playing back an image sensed by an image sensing unit, and an image display unit for playing back and displaying at least an image sensed before the current image. The image display unit has a display layout mode for displaying the current image sensing signal and at least the image sensed before the current image sensing signal with their partial boundary regions overlapping each other.

Abstract: A display system includes a single image-projection device, and a reflective surface optically coupled to the image-projection device, wherein the reflective surface is configured to reflect a plurality of images projected by the image-projection device onto a plurality of display surfaces, the projection being along a same path as a collection of the plurality of images.

Abstract: A projection system for presenting infrared scenes having biological and chemical agents, simulants and objects such as battlefield items. The generated scenes are primarily for the evaluation of infrared sensors, cameras and stand-off detectors. The system may have two or more projectors that combine various scenes into one scene having components with modified or imposed spectra signatures. Also, the system may generate a dynamic series of scenes that show synthetic scenarios of moving objects, agent clouds, non-toxic simulants and other items.

Abstract: A multi-camera capture system is aligned using a capture system so that a subject remains in the field of view of a camera. In one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-camera system capture system is mounted on a camera platform. The camera platform is connected to a subject platform and the subject platform is constrained to remain in the field of view of a first camera of the multi-camera capture system. In another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-camera capture system is mounted on a camera platform that moves along a circular track system. The camera platform is configurable to align a first camera to capture a subject within the circular track system as the camera platform moves along the circular track system.

Abstract: A system projects multiple output images on a display surface. The system includes multiple projectors. Each projector includes a processing unit. The processing unit includes a microprocessor, a memory and an I/O interface connected by busses. A projector sub-system coupled to the processing unit is for displaying output images on the display surface. A camera sub-system coupled to the processing unit is for acquiring input images reflecting a geometry of the display surface. The camera sub-system is in a fixed physical relationship to the projector sub-system. A network sub-system coupled to the processing unit is for communicating messages between the projectors. Internal sensors coupled to the processing unit are for determining an orientation of the projector sub-system and the camera sub-system with respect to the display surface.

Abstract: A method of tessellating a surface into a family of modular elements comprised of diamond shaped areas.

Abstract: A camera which has a plurality of subsystems which simultaneously capture a plurality of single view images which together form a panorama. An identification of the particular camera that produced a set of images is recorded in a file along with the images produced by the camera. The characteristics of each particular camera are also recorded either in the camera or in a separate file. The program used to seam a set of single view image then has available information concerning the camera that produced the images and the parameters of that particular camera. Using the available information the seaming program can compensate for the characteristics of the particular image capture device that produced a particular set of images.

Abstract: A tactical display unit having a set of abutting viewing screens with each of the viewing screens located at an angle of at least 60 degrees to each other and each having an identical image thereon with the screens positioned either above or below a lateral head region of the viewers to create a communications zone where each of the viewers can both visually and orally communicate with one another even if viewers are on the opposite side of the viewing screens.

Abstract: A method for implementing edge blending between a first and second video frame to create a seamless multichannel display system. The method is implemented in a graphics computer system including a processor coupled to a memory via a bus. Within the computer system, a first video frame is rendered for display on a first video channel. A second video frame is rendered for display on a second channel. A first overlap region is rendered onto the first frame to obtain a first blended video frame. A second overlap region is blended onto the second frame to obtain a second blended video frame. The first blended video frame from the first channel and the second blended video frame from the second channel are then combined such that the first overlap region and the second overlap region correspond, thereby forming a seamless junction between the first blended frame and the second blended frame and implementing a high fidelity multichannel display.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises an image-data collection station (1) having a platform (2) which is rotatable about an azimuthal axis. Several image sensors (3) are mounted on and rotate with the platform (2). A static monitoring station (7) includes a computerized sensor control system (10) for selectably and independently turning the sensors (3) ON and OFF during the rotation of the platform (2). Station (7) additionally monitors the data output from the sensors (3) and delivers a visible output at a VDU (8).

Abstract: An intelligent video monitor system includes a video monitoring unit having a plurality of detectors arranged in an array for monitoring for an intrusion within a defined area. A plurality of video receiver units are dispersed with and arranged in an array along with the plurality of detectors for monitoring video within the defined area, each of the plurality of video receiver units arranged for monitoring a portion of the defined area. Processing and control circuitry processes outputs from the plurality of detectors and video receiver units and automatically selects at least one of the video receiver units based on the processed outputs and a wireless transmitter transmits the output from the automatically selected at least one video receiver unit. A wireless receiver unit receives the output signal transmitted by the transmitter. The receiver unit includes an antenna for receiving the signal output from the transmitter.

Abstract: A generic data processing engine is operable to receive a format definition and process data formatted according to the definition, without use of formatting information in the data. The format definition includes a description of the syntax of the format, and a description of the semantics of the format. The syntax and semantics may be described in the same language or in different languages, and the engine is configured to produce an internal representation of the syntax and semantics. The engine receives queries and uses them together with the internal representation to set masks for the filters. The filters apply the masks to the data and return filtered data to the engine, which may forward a portion of the filtered data to applications, store a portion of the filtered data, set new masks based on a portion of the filtered data, or modify the existing masks based on a portion of the filtered data. The filters may also be configured to return filtered data directly to applications, bypassing the engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a very flexible, digital system for capturing and storing panoramic images using progressive scan (that is, non interlaced) technology. The system includes a digital image input device and an associated control computer. Since the image capture device is digital it can be easily and flexibly controlled by software in the control computer. The image input device has six lenses positioned on the six faces of a cube. While the image input system can have other lens configurations, the use of six lenses in a cubic configuration is optimal for a system that is used to capture a spherical panorama. The six lenses simultaneously focuses different images on six CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices). The image input device also includes an embedded controller, and data compression circuitry. The embedded controller controls the exposure time of the CCDs (i.e. the effective aperture and effective shutter speed) and reads image data from the CCDs.

Abstract: At each of n shooting (or capturing) points, a natural scene is captured for a period of time tS(N), where N=1 to n, using one or more video cameras held at rest, and it is then converted into each of a plurality of stationary-viewpoint images. Furthermore, on the way from the (N−1)th shooting point to the Nth (N=2 to n) shooting point, a natural scene is captured for a period of time tM(N), where N=2 to n, using the video cameras being moved and it is then converted into each of a plurality of moving-viewpoint images. In order to provide a virtual reality environment for a user, the plurality of stationary-viewpoint images and the plurality of moving-viewpoint images are reproduced in turn according to user's movements detected.

Abstract: A reflective rotund lens is positioned for projecting a panoramic picture of its horizontal surroundings at a given elevation onto a CCD array, for converting the picture into “pixel form” or an image signal. The image signal is digitized via an A/D converter circuit. A digital signal processor system is programmed for extracting a strip of pixel locations representative of an image ring mapped to pixel locations via superimposition upon the image, whereby all pixel locations outside of the image ring are eliminated by passing the pixels thereof through said A/D converter circuit at a rate higher than the conversion rate of said A/D converter circuit.

Abstract: This invention discloses an imaging system including at least one focal plane array, a plurality of optical pathways, each viewing different scenes, and an optical switching assembly operative to supply to the at least one focal plane array outputs of the plurality of optical pathways in a time-shared manner.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a panoramic imaging arrangement comprising a transparent component and a reflective material. The transparent component has a first surface about a vertical axis of revolution, a second surface about the axis of revolution, and an opening formed therein to define a third, internal surface about the axis of revolution. The third surface has a concave profile in a plane of the axis of revolution. The reflective material is located on the second surface to provide a reflective surface against the second surface. The first surface, the reflective surface and the third surface are positioned relative to one another so that light from a 360° surrounding panoramic scene enters the transparent component through the first surface, whereafter the light is reflected from the reflective surface, whereafter the light exits the transparent component through the third surface.

Abstract: An image recording and reproducing apparatus includes a recording processing unit for receiving video signals in at least two different modes, and for recording the received video signals together with mode signals indicating the mode of the video signals. A signal reading unit reads a video signal and the corresponding mode signal recorded by the recording processing unit, and a detecting unit detects the mode of the video signal from the mode signal read by the signal reading unit. A generation unit generates a signal based on the video signal in accordance with the detected mode of the video signal such that the generated signal has a format that corresponds to the mode of the video signal.

Abstract: An internet on-demand system for television presents internet content and traditional television programming as part of a single coherent interface. The user can select a channel from a rotary menu wheel. The system includes a server and a client capable of providing a dynamic graphical user interface. The system can display an internet gateway interface which actively scrolls through and highlights links to selected web pages which are organized according to templates corresponding to their content. The web pages are presented on the graphical user interface as channels as part of the same milieu as channels of traditional television programming. An intelligent agent passively filters selected web pages for a user to explore based on the user's past pattern of usage of the client.

Abstract: A scheme for image selection in an image transmission system for transmitting images from an image source to an image display device, capable of eliminating a need for the viewer to select the desired image by actually watching individual images and easily selecting the desired image in which a specific desired target of the viewer is shown. Feature information for identifying targets shown in each image is obtained, while a desired feature information for identifying a desired target specified by the viewer is entered. Then, the desired image which contains the desired target specified by the viewer is selected according to the obtained feature information and the entered desired feature information. The feature information may be obtained by recognizing targets shown in each image provided by the image source, or may be generated in advance in correspondence to images provided by the image source.

Abstract: An apparatus has a multi-eye image pickup apparatus comprising left and right image pickup systems for picking up two images, left and right image memories for storing the left and right images picked up by the left and right image pickup systems, a corresponding point extracting portion for determining a partial image common to the left and right images from the left and right images stored in the left and right image memories, a combining conversion portion and a combined image memory for combining the left and right images to form an image, based on the result of determination by the corresponding point extracting portion, and an image outputting portion for separating the image combined by the combining conversion portion and then stored in the combined image memory, into separate images to output the separate images as images for constructing a panorama image.

Abstract: A compound eye image pickup apparatus with reduced parallax having two optical image pickup systems wherein the cross points between entrance pupils and optical axes of the two optical image pickup systems are generally coincident.

Abstract: A reflective rotund lens is positioned for projecting a panoramic picture of its horizontal surroundings at a given elevation onto a CCD array, for converting the picture into "pixel form" or an image signal. The image signal is digitized via an A/D converter circuit. A digital signal processor system is programmed for extracting a strip of pixel locations representative of an image ring mapped to pixel locations via superimposition upon the image, whereby all pixel locations outside of the image ring are eliminated by passing the pixels thereof through said A/D converter circuit at a rate higher than the conversion rate of the A/D converter circuit.

Abstract: A laser light based image projection apparatus and method for projecting full color moving images comprising a plurality of color daub components onto a remote viewing screen comprises a source of digital image data in the form of inter-related color position co-ordinates and color intensity values at any instant in time, which digital image data are analyzed by a color value analyzer to derive therefrom specific red, blue, and green color intensity components and specific red, blue, and green color position co-ordinates. Time-based laser intensity control signals, time-based directional control signals, specific laser addresses, and projection timing parameters are calculated, and are used to produce laser actuation signals that control narrow diameter beam red, blue, and green lasers, to control optically adjusted wide diameter beam red, blue, and green lasers, and to control optically adjusted very wide diameter beam red, blue, and green lasers.