Abstract: The present invention provides an entropy coding method for coding video prediction residual coefficients, comprising the steps of: firstly, zig-zag scanning coefficients of blocks to be coded to form a sequence of (level, run) pairs; secondly, selecting a type of code table for coding a current image block to be coded according to a type of macro block; then switching and coding each (level, run) pair in the obtained sequence of (level, run) pairs with multiple tables, with the reverse zig-zag scanning order for the coding order of the pairs; at last, coding a flag of End of Block EOB with the current code table. The present invention of an entropy coding method for coding video prediction residual coefficients fully considers the context information and the rules of symbol's conditional probability distribution by designing different tables for different block types and different regions of level. The coding efficiency is improved and no impact to computational implementation complexity is involved.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image synthesis unit generating a synthesized image by inputting images photographed at different positions and connecting strip areas cut from the images. The image synthesis unit generates a left-eye synthesized image applied to display a 3-dimensional image by connecting and synthesizing left-eye image strips set in the images and generates a right-eye synthesized image applied to display a 3-dimensional image by connecting and synthesizing right-eye image strips set in the images. The image synthesis unit performs a process of setting the left-eye image strip and the right-eye image strip in an allowable range of set positions of the left-eye image strip and the right-eye image strip used to generate the left-eye synthesized image and the right-eye synthesized image, which are at different observing points, applicable to display the 3-dimensional images by acquiring the allowable range from a memory or calculating the allowable range.

Abstract: A control part 210 sets up an exposure condition under which the bright part of the object is properly exposed and an exposure condition under which the dark part of the object is properly exposed. The control part 210 controls the first and second imaging part 110 and 120 to capture images with the set exposures, whereby a pair of images captured with different exposures is obtained. The control part 210 extracts corresponding points that are characteristic points corresponding between the image pairs. The control part 210 optimizes the extracted corresponding points based on the density of corresponding points between the images constituting an image pair captured with the same exposure and based on the pixel value of the corresponding points between the images captured with different exposures. The control part 210 creates 3D modeling data using the optimized corresponding points.

Abstract: A means for 3D imaging takes two plane pictures of an object in different angles and respectively projects the correspondent images of the object toward users' eyes. Accordingly, the visual data would be transmitted to user's brain and integrated to construct a solid vision. A facility for 3D imaging comprises a multiple image projector consisting of a displaying unit installed on a refracting unit. Wherein, the displaying unit performs a plurality of images, and the refracting unit adopts an optical unit. Thereby, image beams generated by the displaying unit would travel through the refracting unit and deflect by a certain angle. Accordingly, the images shot from two different angles would be respectively projected into user's eyes, and a solid vision could be constructed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining camera parameters from images are provided. First, a sequence of original images associated with a target object under circular motion is obtained. Then, a background image and a foreground image corresponding to the target object within each original image are segmented. Next, shadow detection is performed for the target object within each original image. A first threshold and a second threshold are respectively determined according to the corresponding background and foreground images. Each original image, the corresponding background image, the first and second threshold are used for obtaining silhouette data and feature information associated with the target object within each original image. At least one camera parameter is obtained based on the entire feature information and the geometry of circular motion.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a coding means for encoding image data of multi-view images forming a stereoscopic image to generate a coded stream; and a transmission means for connecting output time information indicating output time of a decoded result of an image only to coded data of any one of the multi-view images in the coded stream.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for processing a three-dimensional (3D) video signal which corrects first and second video signals to prevent a reduction in a 3D effect and a disparity estimation error due to a difference between the first and second video signals. The method includes: a video signal detection unit detecting a difference between respective characteristics of received first and second video signals; and a video signal correction unit correcting the first video signal or the second video signal to equalize the characteristics of the first and second video signals. When the apparatus and the method are used, a reduction in the 3D effect and the disparity estimation error due to the difference between the first and second video signals can be prevented.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image of a face is generated. A depth map is created based on the stereoscopic image. A 3D face model of the face region is generated from the stereoscopic image and the depth map. The 3D face model is applied to process an image.

Abstract: A method for generating a 3D image utilizes a background image and an object image. A camera is used for capturing a 2D image including the background image and the object image. The object image is obtained from the 2D image according the background image. Then, an image from a first angle of view and an image from a second angle of view are generated by rendering the background image and the object image. So, the 3D image is generated by interweaving the image from the first angle of view and the image from the second angle of view.

Abstract: A lens and aperture device for determining 3D information. A projector projects an optical pattern toward a surface. The camera has at least two off-axis apertures thereon, arranged to obtain an image of the projected pattern including defocused information. The camera is movable between different positions to image the surface from said different positions, and the projector is at a specified angle of at least 5° relative to said camera. A processor carries out a first operation using information received through the apertures to determine a pose of said camera, and to determine three dimensional information about the object based on a degree of deformation of said optical pattern on said surface indicative of a three dimensional surface. An embodiment projects a grid of laser dots and uses laser-dot defocusing for approximate Z and thus grid correspondence, which can greatly increase the working depth of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional photographic system, which is applicable to take pictures of an object from a great variety of angles, particularly for taking series of pictures, which are later combined together forming a three-dimensional digital image of the object (1) and publish it on a server by submitting a link to a client, wherein said system comprises at least an automatic photographic rack, a computer device and a publishing server, said automatic photographic rack preferably comprises two rotating frames (4, 7) having actuators such as stepper motors (3, 5) or the like.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image acquisition device configured to acquire a first image and a second image for generating a stereo image; a parallax calculation device configured to calculate a parallax indicating a shift amount and a shift direction of a corresponding pixel of the second image with respect to each pixel of the first image; a parallax outline extraction device configured to extract a parallax outline, from a parallax map; a window setting device configured to set and sequentially move a pair of search windows along the parallax outline; a window determination device configured to determine a search window including an occlusion region on the basis of the first image within the pair of search windows; and a parallax correction device configured to correct a parallax of the occlusion region within the determined search window, on the basis of a parallax of another (not determined) search window.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used to film, record and reproduce video images in real time with a three dimensional appearance, using a video camera and a sonar system in order to obtain the depth information. According to the invention, an electronic system divides up the original image filmed in BGR format and each image is modified in accordance with the depth register (or programming) in order to form new images. Each image corresponds to a determined distance level. The result is displayed on a monitor comprising various independent transparent LCD (liquid crystal display) screens which are aligned one after the other. By displaying the images simultaneously, a single image is formed for the spectator, said image creating an appearance of volume and three-dimensional perception similar to low relief. The depth, video and sound signals are transmitted directly for reproduction purposes and to the magnetic tape recording system for storage purposes, using three magnetic tape heads.

Abstract: A method of forming at least one three dimensional (3D) color image of at least one object in a target space. The method comprises projecting, each of a plurality of projection cycles, a sequence comprising a plurality of gray coded light patterns, each colored in one of red green or blue, on a target space, capturing a plurality of two dimensional (2D) images of the target space during a plurality of acquisition cycles, each the acquisition cycle being timed to correspond with the projection of at least a sub sequence of the sequence, the sub sequence comprising red, green, and blue gray coded light patterns of the plurality of gray coded light patterns, extracting range data and color texture information of at least one object in the target space from the plurality of 2D images, and forming a 3D color image of the range data and color texture information.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement is refined by warping two-dimensional images of an object from offset camera positions according to a three-dimensional model of the object, and applying any resulting discrepancies to refine the three-dimensional model, or to refine one of a number of three-dimensional measurements used to create the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: A microscopy system is configured for creating 3D images from individually localized probe molecules. The microscopy system includes a sample stage, an activation light source, a readout light source, a beam splitting device, at least one camera, and a controller. The activation light source activates probes of at least one probe subset of photo-sensitive luminescent probes, and the readout light source causes luminescence light from the activated probes. The beam splitting device splits the luminescence light into at least two paths to create at least two detection planes that correspond to the same or different number of object planes of the sample. The camera detects simultaneously the at least two detection planes, the number of object planes being represented in the camera by the same number of recorded regions of interest. The controller is programmable to combine a signal from the regions of interest into a 3D data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for selecting image capture positions to generate three-dimensional images are disclosed herein. According to one aspect, a method includes determining a plurality of first guides associated with a first still image of a scene. The method can also include displaying a real-time image of the scene on a display. Further, the method can include determining a plurality of second guides associated with the real-time image. The method can also include displaying the first and second guides on the display for guiding selection of a position of an image capture device to capture a second still image of the scene for pairing the first and second still images as a stereoscopic pair of a three-dimensional image.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating stereoscopic content via depth map creation are disclosed herein. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a plurality of images of a scene captured at different focal planes. The method can also include identifying a plurality of portions of the scene in each captured image. Further, the method can include determining an in-focus depth of each portion based on the captured images for generating a depth map for the scene. Further, the method can include generating the other image of the stereoscopic image pair based on the captured image where the intended subject is found to be in focus and the depth map.

Abstract: The invention discloses a stereoscopic image generating method including the steps of capturing a first image and a second image from two different view angles, wherein the two images have a common primary target and a common secondary target; recognizing the common secondary target; analyzing respective capture information of the secondary target in the first image and the second image; according to the respective capture information in the first image and the second image, generating an image object placed in the first image and the image object placed in the second image; and according to an arrangement criterion, arranging the pixels of the first image, the pixels of the second image, the pixels of the image object placed in the first image and the pixels of the image object placed in the second image to generate a single mixed image.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an image of a sample having an external surface enclosing an inside, a light signal being emitted from within the inside, the method comprising: (a) providing two positioning images each comprising the external surface of the sample, (b) providing a light-emission image comprising data related to the light signal emitted from within the inside of the sample, (c) detecting a landmark pattern integral with the sample, (d) defining a transformation from the detected landmark position, (e) obtaining a referenced light-emission image by applying the transformation onto the light-emission image.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various techniques for improving global path optimization in a system that uses camera path for three-dimensional reconstruction. A subset of frames of data for the global path, the key frames, may be used to reduce the computational complexity of the optimization, while preserving full three-dimensional detail in the optimized model by relating other measurements to the optimized key frame path.

Abstract: A hierarchical pattern matching process is improved for use in three-dimensional reconstruction by calculating a disparity field for low-resolution data, and using this low-resolution disparity field to estimate the disparity field for higher-resolution images. By pre-warping a template according to the estimated disparity field, improved correlation results can be obtained.

Abstract: The surface shape of a three-dimensional object is acquired with an optical sensor. The sensor, which has a projection device and a camera, is configured to generate three-dimensional data from a single exposure, and the sensor is moved relative to the three-dimensional object, or vice versa. A pattern is projected onto the three-dimensional object and a sequence of overlapping images of the projected pattern is recorded with the camera. A sequence of 3D data sets is determined from the recorded images and a registration is effected between subsequently obtained 3D data sets. This enables the sensor to be moved freely about the object, or vice versa, without tracking their relative position, and to determine a surface shape of the three-dimensional object on the fly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing stereoscopic imaging. The method may involve obtaining a first image of a scene, at a first time, using a camera disposed on a platform, where the distance between the camera and the scene is changing. The camera may be used to obtain a second image of the scene, at a second time, with one of the first and second images being larger than the other. One of the images that is larger than the other may be resized so that the sizes of the two images are substantially similar. Both of the images may be rotated a predetermined degree so that the images form a stereo pair that may be viewed with a stereoscope viewing component or made into an anaglyph for viewing with an anaglyph viewing component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for accomplishing in-camera stitching of a high-resolution panoramic photograph from a set of component photographs while providing a satisfactory user experience. A low-resolution panorama is stitched, and a user of the camera performs a review of the low-resolution panorama using a display comprised in the camera. During the review, a high-resolution panoramic photograph is stitched by the camera in a background process.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the time required before a tracking process is performed again in calculating the position and orientation of an image capturing apparatus or an object. Images captured by the apparatus are acquired, the acquired images are stored in order per frame, straight lines detected in the captured images and straight lines in a three-dimensional space model are matched, the position and orientation of the apparatus are initialized by obtaining correspondences having the highest consistency, a captured image to be processed is selected from the captured images, the change in position and orientation of the apparatus is measured using the change in position and orientation of a target object in the selected image based on the initialized position and orientation of the apparatus, and if the measured change in position and orientation is not within a predetermined threshold, initialization is performed using the selected image.

Abstract: A method including providing a device that projects a pattern of coherent radiation. The method further includes capturing a reference image of the pattern using an image sensor by projecting the pattern of the coherent radiation onto a reference surface and engendering a relative motion between the reference surface and the image sensor while capturing the reference image. The method also includes storing the reference image in a memory associated with the device.

Abstract: The task of providing a device which makes it possible for the natural visual faculty of a partially vision-impaired person to be restored or supported as realistically as possible by means of a visual aid or visual prosthesis is achieved with the visual aid according to the invention in that, beyond the pure acquisition of a two-dimensional image, additional information is included in the image processing. For this purpose, a visual aid system is proposed which, during the reproduction of the processed image, visualizes additional information regarding the spatial position and/or specific attributes of objects in the acquired image which is associated with objects in the acquired image.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for incorporating a representation of a participant into a virtual 3D environment substantially in real-time is provided. An image including a participant is captured by a camera. A contour of the participant is automatically determined. Depth data is automatically associated with the participant contour. A first virtual 3D representation of the participant is automatically generated by extruding the participant contour based on the associated depth data. An interaction between the first virtual 3D representation of the participant and a second virtual 3D representation of a second object is displayed.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems for scanning biometric objects and compiling 2-dimensional digital images thereof, such images as can provide enhanced resolution, with reduced distortion.

Abstract: An image processing device is provided that can precisely measure the photographing position or posture of a photographing device or the coordinates of an object based on sequentially changing photographed images. A series of sequentially photographed images are acquired, from which feature points are extracted. The feature points are tracked and correlated. Stereo images are selected from the series of photographed images correlated. Images selectable as stereo images are grouped into a group of images, from which stereo images are selected, before an orientation and a 3D measurement are performed. The images are grouped according to the distance from the object to the photographing position or the photographing magnification. Images with abrupt changes are removed so as to improve the measurement precision.

Abstract: An image processing device is provided that can precisely measure the photographing position or posture of a photographing device or the coordinates of an object based on sequentially changing photographed images. A series of sequentially photographed images are acquired, from which feature points are extracted. The feature points are tracked and correlated to each other. Stereo images are selected from the series of photographed images correlated, and subjected to an orientation and a 3D measurement. The error range of corresponding points obtained by the 3D measurement is calculated. Based on the calculated error range, it is determined whether or not the corresponding points are appropriate for 3D measurement. Those corresponding points determined as inappropriate are deleted. Another orientation and another 3D measurement are performed using those corresponding points excluding the deleted ones, thus improving the measurement precision.

Abstract: Non-destructive imaging of an object. An imaging head supported on a rotatable arm samples an electric field scattered by the object at a plurality of locations as the arm rotates about a central axis, with the locations corresponding to a defined spatial domain located remotely from the object. One or more processors execute computer-readable instructions for controlling rotation of the arm and generating a multi-dimensional profile representative of the object in the defined spatial domain based on the sampling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for detecting and mapping three-dimensional information pertaining to one or more target objects. More particularly, the invention consists of selecting one or more target objects, illuminating the one or more target objects using a first light source and capturing an image of the one or more target objects, then, illuminating the same one or more target objects using a second light source and capturing an image of the one or more target objects and lastly calculating the distance at the midpoint between the two light sources and the one or more target objects based on the decay of intensities of light over distance by analyzing the ratio of the image intensities on a pixel by pixel basis.

Abstract: A mechanism for directing a three dimensional (3-D) camera is provided. The mechanism has a base that connects to a directable structure, to which the 3-D camera is attached. A control system accurately and precisely moves and positions the directable structure. The directable structure may be positioned in coarse movements to enable the 3-D camera to have an expanded field of view. More particularly, the desired field of view is divided into portions, and the directable structure moves the 3-D camera to be directed at each portion sequentially. Also, for each field of view portion, the directable structure positions the 3-D camera for acquiring a set of images, with each image being only slightly offset for the others. Using a dithering process, an enhanced effective resolution is obtained that exceeds the native resolution of the 3-D camera.

Abstract: An improved method of making stereoscopic pictures comprising photographing a scene with a camera spaced from the scene, moving the camera generally parallel to the scene while producing a plurality of pictures of the scene each taken at a different position relative to the scene, and separating the pictures into stereo pairs for viewing. Photographing and moving steps can be performed and the separating step can be done as soon as the pictures are available for viewing to produce the stereo pairs. Alternatively, the photographing and moving steps can be done at one time and the separating step can be done at subsequent times to produce the stereo pairs of the invention thereby allowing stereo pairs to be produced from existing motion pictures, computer generated images, videotapes and still photographs. The method can be used utilizing drones, satellites, rockets, slings and other vehicles to move the camera(s).

Abstract: A moveable console for holding an image acquisition or medical device, in particular for the purpose of brain surgical interventions. A method for the 3D scanning of, in particular, approached parts of the human body, and the electronic recording and reconstruction of information regarding the scanned object surface.

Abstract: Camera motion is determined in a three-dimensional image capture system using a combination of two-dimensional image data and three-dimensional point cloud data available from a stereoscopic, multi-aperture, or similar camera system. More specifically, a rigid transformation of point cloud data between two three-dimensional point clouds may be more efficiently parameterized using point correspondence established between two-dimensional pixels in source images for the three-dimensional point clouds.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus, such as a digital camera, having a movable lens barrier or cover which can easily be opened and closed to operate the image capturing apparatus in various predetermined modes depending on the position of the lens barrier. In one preferred embodiment, the image capturing apparatus has a body having a front face, a back face and a side face, which is between the front face and back face. A lens section is provided on the body and is operable to form an image. A lens barrier is operable to cover the front face, back face and side face of the body and to pivotally move around an axis which is substantially parallel to an optical axis of the lens section.

Abstract: The invention presents a single lens auto focus system of stereo image generation and a method thereof. The stereo three-dimensional (3D) image capturing method of a single lens auto focus camera, includes the steps of a) taking plural multi-focus images; b) estimating the plural multi-focus images to obtain a depth map and an all-in-focus image; c) mixing the depth map with plural background depth maps to obtain a mixed depth map; d) obtaining respectively a left image for left eye of user and a right image for right eye of user by means of depth image based rendering (DIBR); and e) outputting the left image and the right image, thereby displaying a stereo image onto a 3D display.

Abstract: This invention introduces, as one aspect, an apparatus for creating three-dimensional object model, comprising photographing means for photographing an object to be modeled for obtaining images to be used for creating the three-dimensional object model, setting means for longitudinally and latitudinally setting a relative position between the object and said photographing means, said setting means being capable of setting the object and said photographing means a plurality of different relative longitudinal and latitudinal positions, and control means for controlling said photographing means and said setting means so that a number of photographs taken from different relative longitudinal positions at a first relative latitudinal position is larger than that taken from different relative longitudinal positions at a second relative latitudinal position, the first relative latitudinal position being closer to a lateral position than the second relative latitudinal position.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image generating apparatus is constituted by: an image obtaining section, for obtaining a plurality of image groups, each constituted by a plurality of images for generating stereoscopic images and obtained by photography of subjects from different viewpoints; and an image layout section, for generating a stereoscopic layout image, in which a single image group selected from among the plurality of image groups as an image of interest is arranged at a predetermined position on a display screen in a stereoscopically viewable manner, and selected images from among the image groups other than the single image group are arranged such that they appear to be inclined and facing toward the predetermined position on the display screen at at least one of the right and left sides of the predetermined position.

Abstract: A processing method of interfacing a 3D image and a camera image is provided. In the processing method, a specific image pattern defined by a user is recognized, the recognized pattern is traced within an image, and a camera image and a 3D image are interfaced based on the tracing result. A 3D object is animated and rendered using a 3D graphic engine. The rendered image of the 3D object and the camera image are integrated and displayed.

Abstract: A method of generating a stereoscopic image is disclosed. The method includes defining at least two, three or more regions in a scene representing a region of interest, a near regions and/or a far region. This is followed by forming an image pair for each region, this image pair containing the information relating to objects in or partially in their respective region. The perceived depth within the regions is altered to provide the ideai or best perceived depth within the region of interest and acceptable or more compressed perceived depths in the other regions. The image pairs are then mapped together to form a display image pair for viewing on a display device.

Abstract: A camera that is adapted to present a preview image is provided. The camera has a trigger adapted to generate a trigger pulse and an image capture system for capturing images of a scene. A viewer is adapted to present one image to a first viewing area and another image to a second viewing area. A controller is adapted to receive a first trigger pulse and to cause the image capture system to capture a first image of the scene in response to the first trigger pulse. The controller is also adapted to receive a second trigger pulse and to cause the image capture system to capture a second image of the scene in response to the second trigger pulse and to cause the viewer to simultaneously present the first image to the first viewing area and to present the second image to the second viewing area. An observer positioned with a first eye in the first viewing area and a second eye in the second viewing area can detect parallax differences between the first image and the second image.

Abstract: A photographing assist device for achieving stereoscopic photographing without the provision of a dedicated camera or a plurality of identical cameras. The photographing assist device comprises: a rotor made of a circular member having the shape of a ring; a camera fixing part for mounting a camera; and a support for supporting the rotor rotatably. A camera is placed on and fixed to the camera fixing part. When the rotor is rotated, the camera also makes a circular movement on the plane of rotation. Continuous shooting is performed during the rotation, whereby images shot from a plurality of points of view are obtained. A stereoscopic image or an interpolated image is obtained subsequently through image processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes an image capturing unit generating a plurality of images at different visual points and a three-dimensional image processing unit extracting depth information using the plurality of images.

Abstract: A system and method including one or more cameras or other sensors to monitor an area, and to transmit such images or sensory data to a local hub that may include a cellular modem. The hub may transmit images or data to a remote cellular handset, where a user may view the images or data, and may transmit a signal back to the hub to take in action in or relating to the area being monitored or relating to the camera or sensor monitoring the area.

Abstract: A digital camera that automatically corrects dust artifact regions within acquired images by compiling a statistical dust map from multiple images acquired under different image acquisition conditions includes an optical system for acquiring an image including a lens assembly and an aperture stop. An electronic sensor array is disposed approximately at an image focal plane of the optical system for collecting image data according to spectral information associated with multiple pixels that collectively correspond to the image. Digital processing electronics include a processor for converting the image data to digital data and processing the digital data according to programming instructions. A memory has programming instructions stored therein for performing a method of automatic image correction of dust defect regions.