Multiple Cameras Patents (Class 348/47)
  • Patent number: 8922626
    Abstract: A stereo camera apparatus for obtaining distance information of an object includes a camera unit that includes a left image sensor and a right image sensor respectively obtaining a left-side image and a right-side image, each being composed of a frame including plural pixels of plural rows and plural columns, the left image sensor and the right image sensor sequentially exposing the pixels of the rows from upper to lower in the frames, respectively; a shift amount detection unit that detects a relative positional shift amount in the vertical direction between a left-side image and a right-side image; and a timing control unit that changes the starting time of exposing the frame by the left image sensor or by the right image sensor based on the positional shift amount in the vertical direction detected by the shift amount detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin Aoki
  • Patent number: 8922625
    Abstract: A mobile terminal is provided that includes a first camera to obtain a first image of an object, and a second camera to obtain a second image of an object, the second camera being separated from the first camera by a distance d. The mobile terminal also includes a controller to determine the distance d between the first camera and the second camera when the first camera obtains the first image of the object at a same time that the second camera obtains the second image. Still further, the mobile terminal includes a varying device to allow the distance d between the first camera and the second camera to vary, and a display to display a combination of the first image and the second image to allow a perceived three-dimensional (3D) image of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Ho Kim, Yi Seon Jeong, Duck Moon Shin, Woon Phil Kim, Hyun Jun Yang, Min Hun Kang, Jung Wan Kang, Hye Sook Lee, Yong Jun Kim, Min Keun Woo, Su Cheoul Kim, Won Taek Oh
  • Patent number: 8922627
    Abstract: An image processing device includes an input unit that receives a first image and a second image that are taken from different positions. A first cutting unit cuts a first block from the first image. A second cutting unit moves a second block by P pixels in a row direction, in a moving limit set in a processing area of the second image, and cuts the second block from the second image. A correlation value calculating unit calculates a correlation value between the first and second blocks. A deviation amount calculating unit calculates an amount of deviation between the first and second images based on a largest value of the correlation value. The setting unit narrows the moving limit based on the correlation value calculated in the N-th row when the amount of deviation is calculated in the (N+1)-th row of the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventor: Yuji Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20140375771
    Abstract: Separable units comprising plenoptic cameras and eye ports can be attached to either the smart phone or to the eyeglasses by a mating surface. These separable units can be wireless coupled to a remote device, to a remote display, to other separable plenoptic cameras, or to other eyeglasses. The separable units can be mated to an eyeglass and positioned over the eye or eyes of the user. In addition, these separable cameras can be electrically wired through the mating device. The cameras can be placed at various distances apart from another offers greater flexibility in analyzing the depth of images. These images from these cameras are shared within the system. The smart phone can be in wireless contact with a remote system comprising another server, the Internet, another smart phone, another camera system, or the camera mounted on the eyeglass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Thaddeus Gabara
  • Publication number: 20140375772
    Abstract: Long and short distance 3-D images can be shared between users. The first user takes an image or video of an object using a plenoptic camera. The user can focus the original image using the crystalline lens measuring unit to any POD automatically or manually adjust the focus using a far/near button. In addition, the user can send the original image to a second user or guest. The first and second users can perform a process to align their accommodation information versus the function of the POD. The first user can view the original image and their crystalline lens measuring unit can determine the POD being viewed setting the accommodation value or do so manually using the far/near button The accommodation value is sent to the second user who translates the first user's accommodation value into their accommodation value and observes the final image being perceived by the first user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Thaddeus Gabara
  • Publication number: 20140375774
    Abstract: A generation device includes a processor configured to execute a process including: acquiring a plurality of picture signals each including two images between which a position of an object in the two images differs in accordance with a parallax; changing the parallax by relatively moving the two images in a display area; generating an image for the display area by acquiring, with respect to an image moved in the display area out of the two images, an image of a part corresponding to an area in which the image is not included in the display area from the other image out of the two images and setting the acquired image in the area; and outputting the generated image for the display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Chikara IMAJO, Koji TAKATA
  • Publication number: 20140375773
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for defining a search range for conjugate points in a set of images. In one technique, an intra-overlap area in two images can be used to define a search range in which a conjugate point can be found; in an aspect, this search range might be expressed as a distance range from a station at which one or both of the two images were captured. That distance range can be used to narrow the search range in an image captured from another station, substantially reducing both the computation time to identify a conjugate match and the likelihood of identifying an incorrect match.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Shaojun He, Shawn Weisenburger
  • Publication number: 20140375775
    Abstract: Systems and methods for 2D image and spatial data capture for 3D stereo imaging are disclosed. The system utilizes a cinematography camera and at least one reference or “witness” camera spaced apart from the cinematography camera at a distance much greater that the interocular separation to capture 2D images over an overlapping volume associated with a scene having one or more objects. The captured image data is post-processed to create a depth map, and a point cloud is created form the depth map. The robustness of the depth map and the point cloud allows for dual virtual cameras to be placed substantially arbitrarily in the resulting virtual 3D space, which greatly simplifies the addition of computer-generated graphics, animation and other special effects in cinemagraphic post-processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Hoyt H. Yeatman, JR., Gary Robertson
  • Patent number: 8917317
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a plurality of cameras. The method includes: for each camera, detecting a projection of a proxy object included in an image captured by the camera; for each camera, detecting surface features associated with the proxy object included in the image captured by the camera; for each combination of two different cameras, determining a correspondence set that maps the detected surface features associated with the proxy object included in the image captured by one camera to the detected surface features associated with the proxy object included in the image captured by the other camera; and generating correspondences between features based on relationships between the different correspondence sets, wherein the correspondences between features can be processed by a camera calibration toolbox to generate camera calibration parameters for each camera in the plurality of cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thabo Dominik Beeler
  • Patent number: 8917324
    Abstract: In an image capturing and processing system, a device and method is provided. The lens is made of simple lens with high diffractive materials and known strong color aberrations. The method includes the steps of: calibrating or measuring a Point Spread Function (PSF) for each color components at a set of distances, capturing image data, and calculating the image obtained using a de-convolution method based on the PSF found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jennifer Jinghan Yu
  • Patent number: 8917318
    Abstract: A shooting apparatus has an image pickup section, a display section which displays an image picked up by the image pickup section, an operation section for performing operations including a shooting command, a communication section which performs communication with a further shooting apparatus, a determination section which determines a left-right placement relationship between the shooting apparatus and the further shooting apparatus from a predetermined position held by the user with a right hand or a left hand or from a predetermined operation, and a control section which, by transmitting a signal to the further shooting apparatus through the communication section, performs control for causing at least a portion of an image picked up by the further shooting apparatus to be transmitted from the further shooting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Masaomi Tomizawa, Osamu Nonaka
  • Publication number: 20140368602
    Abstract: Teleconferencing is performed between two telecommunication devices having a display device and a stereoscopic pair of cameras positioned outside opposed sides of the display device at the same level partway along those sides. The separation between the centers of the cameras is in a range having a lower limit of 60 mm and an upper limit of 110 mm to improve the perceived roundness in a displayed stereoscopic image of a head. In captured stereo images that are video images, a head is segmented and the segmented backgrounds are replaced by replacement images that have a lower degree of perceived stereoscopic depth to compensate for non-linear depth perception in the displayed stereo images. Images are shifted vertically to position an eye-line of a detected face at the level of the stereoscopic pair of cameras of the telecommunication device where the images are displayed, improving the naturalness of the displayed image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Graham J. Woodgate, Michael G. Robinson, Adrian J. Hill
  • Publication number: 20140371600
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring mechanical properties of tissue has a stereo optical surgical microscope with at least one objective lens and at least two digital cameras such that paired images obtained from the digital cameras form stereo pairs, and a digital image processing system adapted to determine surface topography of tissue from the stereo pairs of images and a resulting surface displacement map as a result from indentation. The apparatus has an one indenter; and mechanical modeling routines stored in memory of the image processing system, the mechanical modeling routines capable of constructing computer models of mechanical properties of tissue, and fitting parameters of the computer model to observed surface displacement maps generated by coregistering surface topography of tissue with and without the indenter positioned on the tissue. In an embodiment, fitted parameters of the computer model are displayed and used to adjust a surgical plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Songbai Ji, David W. Roberts, Keith D. Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20140368614
    Abstract: A three dimensional scanning apparatuses and methods of calibrating such apparatuses. The apparatus included a camera moveable along a first longitudinal axis, and a projector moveable along a second longitudinal axis which is parallel or coincident with the first longitudinal axis. Movement of one of the camera and projector along its corresponding longitudinal axis toward the other of the camera and projector causes the other of said camera and projector to move along its corresponding longitudinal axis toward the one of said camera and projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: OSAMU SCOTT IMAI, STUART KEVIN IMAI
  • Patent number: 8913123
    Abstract: A system for mounting a needle shield to a syringe. The system includes a syringe nest and a gripper having a gripping position and a release position. The gripper is movable between an aligned position and a spaced position. A shaker has a shaker axis that is generally coaxial with the syringe axis. The shaker is movable along the shaker axis. An inspection camera is positioned proximate the syringe axis and defines a line of sight. The syringe nest, gripper, shaker and cap plunger are generally aligned along the syringe axis in a placing configuration wherein the gripper is in the gripping position holding the needle shield. The gripper is in the spaced position and the distal end of the cap plunger is in engagement with the needle shield in a final cap mounting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Miller
  • Publication number: 20140362188
    Abstract: An image processing device includes an image acquirer that acquires data of a shot image obtained by a camera, a depth image acquirer that acquires a depth image obtained by representing a distance of a subject from the camera in the depth direction as a pixel value, and a first object detector that detects a region of an image of a first object from the shot image or the depth image. The image processing device further includes a second object detector that detects a region of an image of a second object based on the region of the image of the first object and the pixel value in the depth image, a clipping region decider that decides a clipping region including at least the regions of the images of the first and second objects, and a display image generator that generates a display image by using the clipping region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Yutaka Yokokawa, Nicolas Doucet, Masafumi Noda, Yuki Miyamae
  • Patent number: 8908960
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a method is described. The method includes generating a positional relationship between one or more support structures having at least one motion capture mark and at least one virtual structure corresponding to geometry of an object to be tracked and positioning the support structures on the object to be tracked. The support structures has sufficient rigidity that, if there are multiple marks, the marks on each support structure maintain substantially fixed distances from each other in response to movement by the object. The method also includes determining an effective quantity of ray traces between one or more camera views and one or more marks on the support structures, and estimating an orientation of the virtual structure by aligning the determined effective quantity of ray traces with a known configuration of marks on the support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve Sullivan, Colin Davidson, Michael Sanders, Kevin Wooley
  • Patent number: 8908013
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collaborative imaging include a device for collaborative image capturing device comprising a computational image sensor including a imaging sensor configured to detect light signals from a field of view, and one or more processors configured to control at least one parameter of the imaging sensor and to adjust the at least one imaging sensor parameter based on a respective light signal detected by one or more other computational image sensors, and a network interface configured to exchange data with the one or more other computational image sensors, wherein the exchanged data indicates the respective light signals detected by the one or more other computational image sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Francisco Imai
  • Publication number: 20140354779
    Abstract: A method of controlling a host electronic device collaboratively photographing a subject with one or more guest electronic devices is provided. The method includes forming a session with the one or more guest electronic devices, performing synchronization with the one or more guest electronic devices through the formed session, transmitting a photographing command signal for enabling the one or more guest electronic devices to photograph the subject to the one or more guest electronic devices, photographing the subject, and receiving, from each of the one or more guest electronic devices, a picture generated by photographing the subject in a different direction from a photographing direction of the host electronic device and photographing related information on a state at a photographing time point of each of the one or more guest electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Jae CHO, Hyuk-In KWON
  • Publication number: 20140354780
    Abstract: A correction apparatus is provided with terminals which are connected in one-to-one correspondence with each of lens apparatuses and which transmit control signals to the lens apparatuses which are connected. A common control signal is transmitted from all of the terminals to the lens apparatuses which are connected with the terminals. Individual control signals are transmitted to the lens apparatuses, which are connected with the terminals, from all of the terminals or from the other terminals than any one terminal. The group of terminals are communicably connected with each other and mutually hold the common control signal and the individual control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Yuuji MATSUURA
  • Patent number: 8902295
    Abstract: A 3D camera comprises first and second laterally displaced optical imaging systems each comprising one or more lenses. The optical imaging systems also each comprise one or more actuators arranged to move one or more lenses of the respective optical imaging system, and a digital image analyzer configured to evaluate the respective field of view of first and second images of a stereoscopic image pair obtained respectively from the first and second optical imaging systems and to generate a disparity value based on a disparity between the respective fields of view. The 3D camera is arranged in operation to adjust the field of view of one or more images generated by the first and second optical imaging systems responsive to the disparity value so as to reduce the disparity between the respective fields of view of stereoscopic image pairs obtained from the first and second optical imaging systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited
    Inventors: Ian Bickerstaff, Simon Benson, Nigel Kershaw, Ian Michael Hocking
  • Patent number: 8902288
    Abstract: A system that runs in web browsers of mobile devices that allows mobile users to take photos of building exteriors and interiors or other real world objects, upload photos, share photos with others, and use the photo images to model the 3D models with the system's image-based modeling interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Zhe Fan, Mark Limber, Brian Gammon Brown, Tilman Reinhardt, Matthew Robert Simpson
  • Patent number: 8902305
    Abstract: A system for managing face data includes a global face capturing unit configured to capture a global face image; and a global face data generation unit configured to obtain shape information and texture information of global face data, and generate the global face data. Further, the system includes a local face capturing unit configured to capture a plurality of local face images; and a global face posture extraction unit configured to estimate a position and a direction of the face of a captured user. Furthermore, the system includes a local capturing device posture extraction unit configured to extract posture information of the local face capturing unit; and a local face data generation unit configured to generate texture information and shape information, and generate local face data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Bon Woo Hwang, Kap Kee Kim, Seung-Uk Yoon, Bonki Koo, Ji Hyung Lee
  • Publication number: 20140347450
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating a 3D image of vehicle surroundings. The method according to the present invention includes the steps of: mapping images captured by a plurality of cameras installed in a vehicle to a virtual plane defined by a 3-dimensional space model having a container shape with a flat bottom surface and a top surface which has an increasing radius; and creating a view image having a viewpoint of a virtual camera by using the image mapped to the virtual plane. According to the present invention, it is advantageous that an image of vehicle surroundings including surrounding obstacles can be expressed naturally and three-dimensionally. It is also advantageous that an optimal image of vehicle surroundings can be provided by changing the virtual viewpoint according to a traveling state of the vehicle. There is also the advantage that a user can conveniently adjust the viewpoint of the virtual camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: IMAGENEXT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-In Han, Sung-Je Cheon, Jong-Woon Park, Won-In Baek
  • Publication number: 20140347449
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a first imaging device configured to perform photoelectric conversion on subject light input through a first filter to output a first image signal, the first filter preventing light in a predetermined wavelength band of wavelengths longer than that of visible light from being transmitted; a second imaging device arranged at a different position from the first imaging device and configured to perform photoelectric conversion on subject light containing a wavelength component of the light in the predetermined wavelength band to output a second image signal; a correlation detection unit configured to detect a correlation between the first and second image signals; a luminance signal generation unit configured to generate a luminance signal; a color signal generation unit configured to generate a color signal; and a three-dimensional image generation unit configured to generate a three-dimensional image by the correlation, the luminance signal, and the color signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akihisa YAMAZAKI, Tomoo MITSUNAGA, Shun KAIZU, Shin YOSHIMURA
  • Patent number: 8897621
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging portion that images an omnidirectional subject on the basis of an imaging position when imaging is performed and generates a circular image including the omnidirectional subject, an image processing portion that specifies a substantially fan-shaped object region in a circular image which is generated on the basis of a direction specified based on an attitude of an imaging apparatus in the imaging position among all directions and converts an image of the object region into a substantially rectangular image, and a display control portion that simultaneously displays a conversion image which is the converted image and the generated circular image on a display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Okegawa, Hirokazu Nakaya, Takahiro Tokuda
  • Patent number: 8896670
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a distance data analysis unit that analyzes subject distance information with the partial region units of captured images having different viewpoints, and a data generation unit that determines whether a recorded image or an output image is set to a two-dimensional image or set to a three-dimensional image depending on the analysis result, and generates the recorded or output image based on the determination result, wherein the data generation unit determines a recall level of stereoscopic vision in three-dimensional display based on the analysis result, and if it is determined that the recall level of stereoscopic vision is low, generates a two-dimensional image as the recorded or output image, and if it is determined that the recall level of stereoscopic vision is high, generates a three-dimensional image as the recorded or output image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tadashi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8896849
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a set of optical imaging functions that describe the imaging of a measuring volume onto each of a plurality of detector surfaces on which the measuring volume can be imaged at in each case a different observation angle by means of detection optics. In addition to the assignment of in each case one image position (x, y) to each volume position (X, Y, Z), the method according to the invention envisages that the shape of the image of a punctiform particle in the measuring volume be described by shape parameter values (a, b, 100 , I) and that the corresponding set of shape parameter values be assigned to each volume position (X, Y. Z) for each detector surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lavision GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Wieneke
  • Patent number: 8896668
    Abstract: A method of combining data from multiple sensors is disclosed. The method includes receiving lines of image data at an image processor having an input for a single camera. Each line of the image data includes first line data from a first image captured by a first camera and second line data from a second image captured by a second camera. The method also includes generating an output frame having a first section corresponding to line data of the first image and having a second section corresponding to line data of the second image. The first section and the second section are configured to be used to generate a three-dimensional (3D) image format or a 3D video format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergiu R. Goma, Milivoje Aleksic, Hau Hwang, Joseph Cheung
  • Patent number: 8896669
    Abstract: An image adjustment apparatus for processing images output by two image capturing devices arranged with respect to one another so as to capture images representing different respective views of a scene comprises a noise combiner for combining a noise signal with one or both of a pair of corresponding images captured by the two image capturing devices; a difference detector for detecting differences in color properties between the pair of corresponding images output by the noise combiner; and a color property adjuster for adjusting color properties of images from at least one of the image capturing devices on the basis of the differences detected by the difference detector, so as to reduce the differences in color properties between corresponding images captured by the two image capturing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuakira Moriwake
  • Patent number: 8896667
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a stereoscopic camera module with left and right image sensors separated by a stereo base line. The camera module may have an adjustable convergence such that the position at which objects are captured by the left and right image sensors with zero horizontal disparity can be moved closer to and farther from the electronic device. The convergence of the camera module may be adjusted such that a region of interest or an object (i.e., subject) is captured with minimal horizontal disparity. With arrangements of this type, conflicts between accommodation (e.g., the location of a display) and convergence (e.g., the perceived location of the region of interest or subject either behind, on the plane of, or in front of a display) may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Elaine W. Jin
  • Publication number: 20140340486
    Abstract: An image processing system includes first imaging means for capturing an image of a subject to acquire a first input image, second imaging means for capturing an image of the subject from a point of view different from the first imaging means to acquire a second input image, and distance information acquisition means for acquiring distance information indicating a distance relative to a predetermined position, for each unit area having a predetermined pixel size, based on a correspondence for each point of the subject between the first input image and the second input image. The unit area is defined by a first pixel interval corresponding to a first direction in the first input image and a second pixel interval different from the first pixel interval, corresponding to a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Motohiro Asano
  • Publication number: 20140340485
    Abstract: Methods and systems for three-dimensional virtual reconstruction of a workpiece surface are provided. A workpiece is positioned on a display screen between the display screen and at least one imager. The imager acquires multiple images of the workpiece while (a) multiple light stripes are displayed and swept in a first directional orientation across the display screen, (b) multiple light stripes are displayed and swept in at least one second directional orientation across the display screen, and (c) multiple images for each position of the multiple light stripes at different exposure times are captured. From the multiple images, a difference caused by the workpiece in a width and a profile of the multiple light stripes is determined. That difference is used to calculate a depth value (z) of the workpiece at each imager pixel position (x, y). The calculated depth value is used to reconstruct a surface shape of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Eastern Kentucky University
    Inventor: George V. Landon
  • Patent number: 8890938
    Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The digital photographing apparatus that generates a 3D image includes a digital signal processing unit that generates the 3D image based on a first image obtained by photographing a predetermined object and a second image sent from another digital photographing apparatus photographing the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-ki Jin
  • Patent number: 8890937
    Abstract: Methods and systems for anonymized video analysis are described. In one embodiment, a first silhouette image of a person in a living unit may be accessed. The first silhouette image may be based on a first video signal recorded by a first video camera. A second silhouette image of the person in the living unit may be accessed. The second silhouette image may be of a different view of the person than the first silhouette image. The second silhouette image may be based on a second video signal recorded by a second video camera. A three-dimensional model of the person in voxel space may be generated based on the first silhouette image, the second silhouette image, and viewing conditions of the first video camera and the second video camera. In some embodiments, information on falls, gait parameters, and other movements of the person living unit are determined. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Marjorie Skubic, James M. Keller, Fang Wang, Derek T. Anderson, Erik Edward Stone, Robert H. Luke, III, Tanvi Banerjee, Marilyn J. Rantz
  • Patent number: 8891612
    Abstract: A method of encoding multi-view video using camera parameters and a method of decoding multi-view video using the camera parameters are provided. The method of encoding multi-view video using the camera parameters includes detecting the camera parameters from each of a plurality of video data input from a multi-view camera in predetermined video units, and adaptively encoding each of the plurality of the video data according to whether each video data has the camera parameters. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the efficiency of compressing video without degrading video quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Industry-Academia Cooperation Group of Sejong University
    Inventor: Yung-lyul Lee
  • Patent number: 8890977
    Abstract: Methods for storing on a storage or memory medium, and retrieving, and displaying of multiple images in a registered manner, the images have been recorded concurrently. The images may comprise at least 2 video programs. A camera system for recording multiple concurrent images is also disclosed. Lenses and corresponding image sensors are calibrated to have calibrated and associated settings for recording multiple images that are substantially registered images. A registered image may be displayed on a single display. It may also be displayed on multiple displays. A camera for recording and displaying registered multiple images may be part of a mobile phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Spatial Cam LLC
    Inventor: Peter Lablans
  • Patent number: 8890940
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods and articles, may operate to capture a portion of an omniscopic or omni-stereo image using one or more image capture media. The media may be located substantially perpendicular to a converging ray originating at a viewpoint on an inter-ocular circle and having a convergence angle between zero and ninety degrees from a parallel viewpoint baseline position that includes a non-converging ray originating at the viewpoint. The media may also be located so as to be substantially perpendicular to a non-converging ray originating at a first viewpoint at a first endpoint of a diameter defining an inter-ocular circle, wherein the origin of the non-converging ray gravitates toward the center of the inter-ocular circle as spherical imagery is acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Micoy Corporation
    Inventor: Trent N. Grover
  • Publication number: 20140333730
    Abstract: A method of 3D reconstruction of a scene, including the implementation of at least two sensors each having a series of elementary receivers arranged so as to view the scene according to distinct respective solid angles and which are each sensitive to a physical characteristic of a signal received by the receiver originating from the scene. The sensors are adapted for emitting an asynchronous stream of events indicative of a modification of the signal received by one of the elementary receivers at a given instant, as well as the implementation of a 3D reconstruction algorithm having a step of pairing elementary receivers of each of the sensors utilizing signals generated by the sensors, the pairing including pairing between them events generated by each of the sensors and temporarily close together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE (PARIS 6)
    Inventors: Ryad Benosman, Joao Carneiro, Sio-Hoi Ieng
  • Publication number: 20140333729
    Abstract: A vehicle vision system includes a plurality of cameras having respective fields of view exterior of the vehicle. A processor is operable to process image data captured by the cameras and to generate images of the environment surrounding the vehicle. The processor is operable to generate a three dimensional vehicle representation of the vehicle. A display screen is operable to display the generated images of the environment surrounding the vehicle and to display the generated vehicle representation of the equipped vehicle as would be viewed from a virtual camera viewpoint. At least one of (a) a degree of transparency of at least a portion of the displayed vehicle representation is adjustable by the system, (b) the vehicle representation comprises a vector model and (c) the vehicle representation comprises a shape, body type, body style and/or color corresponding to that of the actual equipped vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Goerg Pflug
  • Publication number: 20140333728
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for depth image acquisition of an object wherein at least two time-of-flight cameras are provided and the object is illuminated with a plurality of different light emission states by emitting light signals from each camera. Measurements of the light reflected by the object during each light emission state are obtained at all the cameras wherein the measurements may then be used to optimise the depth images at each of the cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Technische Universitat Munchen Forschungsforderung und Technologietransfer
    Inventors: Nassir Navab, Victor Antonio Castaneda Zeman, Diana Mateus
  • Patent number: 8885025
    Abstract: A processor includes: an imaging control unit which causes an imaging unit for capturing an image with changing a focused object distance, to change the focused object distance with a first change width in the case of a first focused object distance, and to change the focused object distance with a second change width that is smaller than the first change width in the case of a second focused object distance that is shorter than the first focused object distance; and an image processing unit which extracts focused object image data from captured image data for each of the focused object distances, and generates image data by shifting the extracted object image data by parallax amounts corresponding to the respective focused object distances, and by synthesizing the extracted object image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Iwabuchi, Kazuaki Ito, Hiroaki Kusaba, Hiroto Ito, Masafumi Oikawa, Masaaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 8885024
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods and articles, may operate to capture a portion of an omniscopic or omni-stereo image using one or more image capture media. The media may be located substantially perpendicular to a converging ray originating at a viewpoint on an inter-ocular circle and having a convergence angle between zero and ninety degrees from a parallel viewpoint baseline position that includes a non-converging ray originating at the viewpoint. The media may also be located so as to be substantially perpendicular to a non-converging ray originating at a first viewpoint at a first endpoint of a diameter defining an inter-ocular circle, wherein the origin of the non-converging ray gravitates toward the center of the inter-ocular circle as spherical imagery is acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Micoy Corporation
    Inventor: Trent N. Grover
  • Patent number: 8885022
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for integrating a virtual rendering system and a motion control system to provide an augmented reality. There is provided a method for integrating a virtual rendering system and a motion control system for outputting a composite render to a display, the method comprising obtaining, from the motion control system, a robotic camera configuration of a robotic camera in a real environment, programming the virtual rendering system using the robotic camera configuration to correspondingly control a virtual camera in a virtual environment, obtaining a virtually rendered feed using the virtual camera, capturing a video capture feed using the robotic camera, rendering the composite render by processing the feeds, and outputting the composite render to the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gay, Aaron Thiel
  • Patent number: 8885023
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for integrating a virtual rendering system and a motion control system to provide an augmented three-dimensional reality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Thiel, Michael Gay, Anthony Bailey
  • Patent number: 8885040
    Abstract: A method for 3-dimensional vision inspection of objects, such as microelectronic components, which have protrusions as features to be inspected, such as input/output contact balls, is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining interior and exterior parameters of a stereo camera system, forming a rectified stereo camera system with a rectified camera coordinate system from the parameters of the stereo cameras determined above. A pair of images of the object having a plurality of co-planar protrusions on one surface is captured by the stereo cameras system and is transformed into the rectified coordinate system to form a pair of rectified images. Conjugate points of each protrusion are then determined in the rectified images for the measurement of its location, co-planarity and height. Various configurations of the apparatus for capturing the images and processing the image data are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Generic Power Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Joo Puah, Hak Wee Tang, Soon Poo Teo
  • Patent number: 8885070
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit for acquiring a plurality of view point images imaged from a plurality of viewpoints by a plurality of imaging optical systems each including a zoom lens; a storage unit for storing an error of the imaging optical system; an optical zoom magnification specifying unit for receiving specification instruction of an optical zoom magnification; a zoom lens driving unit for moving the zoom lens to a position corresponding to the instruction of the optical zoom magnification; and a correction unit for setting an electronic zoom magnification corresponding to the position of the zoom lens, magnifying a viewpoint image to be corrected from within the plurality of viewpoint images based on the electronic zoom magnification, and extracting a part of the magnified viewpoint image to eliminate an object point shift amount corresponding to the error from the magnified viewpoint image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Michitaka Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20140327743
    Abstract: An auto focus (AF) method and an AF apparatus are provided. The method includes the following steps. At least one target object is selected and photographed by a first image sensor and a second image sensor to generate a three-dimensional (3D) depth map. A block covering at least one initial focusing point is selected. The 3D depth map is queried for reading depth information of a plurality of pixels in the block. It is determined whether depth information of the pixels is enough to operate. If yes, a first statistics operation is performed, and focusing depth information is obtained. If not, the position of the block is moved or the size of the block is enlarged to obtain the focusing depth information. A focusing position is obtained according to the focusing depth information and the AF apparatus is driven to perform an AF procedure according to the focusing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Hong-Long Chou, Chung-Chia Kang, Wen-Yan Chang, Yu-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 8878910
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image display apparatus includes: a display device; an acquisition device for acquiring a left eye image and a right eye image; a first display control device for displaying a stereoscopic image on the display device based on the left and right eye image; an instruction reception device for receiving an instruction indicating enlargement and display of a partial area deviated in a horizontal direction from a center of the stereoscopic image; a cut-out device for cutting out areas necessary for the enlargement and display from the left and right eye image in response to the instruction; a deviation amount calculation unit for calculating a deviation amount in a vertical direction between a center of the left eye image and a center of the right eye image; an image movement device for moving the left eye image and/or the right eye image in the vertical direction by the calculated deviation amount; and a second display control device for enlarging and displaying the partial area on the display devi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Hoshino
  • Patent number: 8878908
    Abstract: Automatically converging a plurality of images for use in a stereoscopic camera system including a plurality of 2-D cameras, the method including: receiving a focal distance from each 2-D camera of the plurality of 2-D cameras, wherein each 2-D camera includes at least one image sensor; calculating a system focal distance of the stereoscopic camera system by using focal distances received from the plurality of 2-D cameras; determining a center of interest using the calculated system focal distance of the stereoscopic camera system; and moving the at least one image sensor in each 2-D camera to adjust directions of view of the plurality of 2-D cameras to converge at the center of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc
    Inventors: Chris Cookson, George H. Joblove, David L. Hays