Abstract: It is described a method for measuring the sharpness in an X-ray system (100). The measurement is based on a common edge response. An edge device (120) representing the projection device is placed within a beam-shaping device (470). Due to a high geometrical magnification factor the edge response function (241a) and also both an impulse response function (246a) and a modulation transfer function (251a) will predominately depend on the size of the focal spot (112) rather than on a pre-sampling spread function of a detector (130) being used for receiving the X-radiation (117), which has laterally passed the edge device (120).

Abstract: A method for measuring the spatial frequency response (SFR) of an imaging system (299) including a display device (280) and an image capture device (290) is disclosed. The method displays a sequence of displayable test pattern images on the display device, the sequence comprising a first test pattern image and at least two subsequent test pattern images, each of the displayable test pattern images including a test pattern having at least one sinusoidal pattern at one or more spatial frequencies such that a phase shift of the sinusoidal pattern has a plurality of pre-determined values. The displayed images are captured with the image capture device to generate a corresponding sequence of captured test pattern images. The captured test pattern images are then compared with the displayable test pattern images to calculate the SFR at a plurality of image locations in the imaging system at the one or more spatial frequencies.

Abstract: A vehicle environment monitoring apparatus is equipped with a monitored object detecting unit 26 which detects an object having possibility of contact by applying an object detecting algorithm for short range when the distance calculated from data on one disparity by the first distance calculating unit 24 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, and detects the object having possibility of contact by applying an object detecting algorithm for long range when the distance is longer than the predetermined distance, using the distance between the object and the vehicle calculated from a disparity gradient by the second distance calculating unit 25.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for compensating a roll angle (?) when operating a camera-assisted driver assistance system in a motor vehicle. A camera takes a first image (32) and the coordinates of at least two characteristic points (30) of the first image (32) are determined. With the camera a second image (33) is taken and the coordinates of the two characteristic points (30) in the second image (33) are determined. Depending on the determined coordinates of the characteristic points (30) in the first and the second image (32, 33), two actual displacement vectors (IV—1, IV—3) are determined, each of which is representative for a displacement of the characteristic points (30) from the first image (32) to the second image (33) in an image plane of the camera.

Abstract: A fake-face detection method using range information includes: detecting face range information and face features from an input face image; matching the face image with the range information; and distinguishing a fake face by analyzing the matched range information.

Abstract: A method for determining a defect during sample inspection involving charged particle beam imaging transforms a target charged particle microscopic image and its corresponding reference charged particle microscopic images each into a plurality of feature images, and then compares the feature images against each other. Each feature image captures and stresses a specific feature which is common to both the target and reference images. The feature images produced by the same operator are corresponding to each other. A distance between corresponding feature images is evaluated. Comparison between the target and reference images is made based on the evaluated distances to determine the presence of a defect within the target charged particle microscopic image.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing distance-based distortion in a camera image of an object, where the distanced-based distortion is due to differences in distance from the camera to different parts of the object. In one approach, the distortion is reduced by estimating distances to different parts of the object and then generating a reprojected image of the object dependent upon the estimated distances and upon a virtual viewpoint that is more distant than the camera from the object. In a further approach, the image is warped such that points in the image match corresponding points in one or more stored templates. In a still further approach, if excessive distortion is present in the image, the camera zoom is increased and a magnified image is displayed, prompting a person to move farther from the camera thereby reducing the distortion.

Abstract: Accuracy of a three-dimensional imaging system is improved through the use of model-based calibration and lookup tables to resolve distance according to, e.g., x-displacement, y-displacement, or image disparity data. In an embodiment, the lookup table(s) stores localized parameterization data used to calculate calibrated results.

Abstract: A method for measuring a curved surface of an object is provided. The method aligns a point-cloud of an object and a triangulated curved surface of the object, obtain an original deviation value for each triangle on the triangulated curved surface by measuring a distance between each triangle and the nearest point in the point-cloud, and assign a color to each triangle according to a color assigned to a deviation range in which each original deviation value falls. The method further balances the assigned colors of all triangles on the triangulated curved surface, and generates a report according to data on the triangulated curved surface with the balanced colors.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes: a first image capturing unit configured to capture a subject-including image including a subject image under a first capturing condition; a second image capturing unit configured to capture a background image under a second capturing condition that is substantially the same with the first capturing condition; a positioning unit configured to perform positioning of the subject-including image and the background image; a difference generating unit configured to generate differential information indicating difference between each corresponding pair of pixels in the subject-including image and in the background image as positioned by the positioning unit; and a subject extracting unit configured to extract a subject region including the subject image from the subject-including image based on the differential information generated by the difference generating unit.

Abstract: A depth estimation and conversion apparatus and method is provided. Depth of an video may be estimated by extracting feature information from the input video, and estimating the depth of the input video based on the extracted feature information.

Abstract: A video image processing system, which determines a type of a video image scene and processes the video image based on a processing method corresponding to the type of the video image scene, is provided. A landmark feature variable obtaining section calculates the landmark feature variable on the basis of the photographing direction, the photographing position, and the landmark information. A moving feature variable obtaining section calculates a moving feature variable on the basis of the photographing position, the moving speed and route information. A video image type determining section determines a type of the video image scene on the basis of the landmark feature variable and the moving feature variable. A video image processing section determines a processing method of the video image on the basis of the type of the video image scene and a usage purpose, and processes the video image on the basis of the determined processing method. A display section displays the processed video image.

Abstract: A navigation system having a camera captures a front view image for guiding a driver of a vehicle to a destination. A portion of the front view image is identified as a destination image area, and the destination image area is marked by an arrow based on a processing in the navigation system. Then, the front view image with destination marking is displayed on a monitor for guiding the driver.

Abstract: A non-contact measurement apparatus and method. A probe is provided for mounting on a coordinate positioning apparatus, comprising at least one imaging device for capturing an image of an object to be measured. Also provided is an image analyser configured to analyse at least one first image of an object obtained by the probe from a first perspective and at least one second image of the object obtained by the probe from a second perspective so as to identify at least one target feature on the object to be measured. The image analyser is further configured to obtain topographical data regarding a surface of the object via analysis of an image, obtained by the probe, of the object on which an optical pattern is projected.

Abstract: A determination device includes a region information recording unit that records therein region information regarding a closed region corresponding to a data distribution shape of a same category within a feature space, the closed region being formed by a plurality of nodes and line segments connecting the plurality of nodes. The determination device also includes a category deciding unit that decides a category of a determination target based on the region information and a position of the determination target within the feature space.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is also provided an apparatus for estimating the fiber fineness of a known mass of fibers, the apparatus including: an image capturing device for capturing either i) all of the fibers selected for testing or ii) a fraction thereof, in one or more images; a computer capable of automatically determining the total length of fiber or fibers in the or each image; and a means for estimating the fiber fineness of the fibers using the total fiber length in the image(s).

Abstract: A first image and a second image are obtained by sensing an image of a moving object from two different viewpoints using a first imaging device and a second imaging device. A plurality of feature points are detected from the first image. A disparity distribution representing a disparity for each feature point is obtained by performing stereo image processing using the first image and the second image. A threshold is determined for disparities in the disparity distribution. A feature point having a disparity exceeding the threshold in the disparity distribution is classified as an intra-moving-object feature point. An image area of the moving object in the first image is detected by using the intra-moving-object feature point.

Abstract: A display section displays a speedometer having a substantially circular shape on an outer circumference of which a speed scale is provided. Then, that point on the outer circumference of the speedometer which indicates a speed at a moment is calculated. Further a speed that is attained at a given time period (e.g. 0.5 second) after the moment if the speed is increased at an acceleration at the moment is calculated. An arc-shaped pointer is displayed, the arc-shaped pointer passing (i) the calculated point of the speed scale, (ii) a middle point between the calculated point of the speed scale and a center of the speedometer, and (iii) the center of the speedometer. With this arrangement, a display device displaying the speedometer allows a driver to easily recognize the speed and an amount of a change therein (i.e. acceleration).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical navigation system for determining a pose, which includes the position and orientation of an object in an environment. The optical navigation system uses a number of beacons affixed at known locations in the environment to provide electromagnetic radiation in a sequenced pattern. An on-board optic images the radiation from the beacons onto an on-board centroid sensing device to obtain an imaged distribution of the radiation on the on-board centroid sensing device. The centroid sensing device determines the centroid of the imaged distribution and provides centroid information to a navigation unit for determining the pose of the object from the centroid. The navigation system is particularly well-suited for navigating hand-held objects.

Abstract: An image size changing section obtains a size changed image by changing the size of one of two original images captured by a pair of cameras. If an edge of an object has many oblique components, the edge is difficult to detect as a vertical edge but, when the image is horizontally reduced, an oblique edge becomes close to a vertical edge. For this reason, feature end points are extracted with reliability by a feature extracting section and, thereby, an object is recognized and the distance to the object is determined reliably.

Abstract: A system and methods for accessing 2D digital images and 3D geometric models over a network (preferably the Internet) and transforming and composing that media along with 2D digital image and 3D geometric model media, acquired by other means, into enhanced 2D image and 3D model representations for virtual reality visualization and simulation is disclosed. Digital images and models from a network and other sources are incorporated and manipulated through an interactive graphical user interface. A photogrammetric media processing engine automatically extracts virtual sensor (camera) and geometric models from imagery. Extracted information is used by a reconstruction processor to automatically and realistically compose images and models. A rendering system provides real-time visualization and simulation of the constructed media. A client-server processing model for deployment of the media processing engine system over a network is disclosed.

Abstract: In a method to determine a selection vector that indicates a displacement of an image area from a first position in a first image to a second position in a second image, a set of prediction vectors and a set of test vectors are provided. Using selected test vectors, an image comparison is performed to supply an image comparison result for each selected test vector. The selected test vectors and at least one prediction vector are compared to provide at least one test vector comparison result for each selected test vector. The image comparison result and the at least one test vector comparison result are linked to provide at least one quality characteristic for each selected test vector. A ranking order is determined for these quality characteristics, where at least one test vector is selected as the displacement vector based on the ranking order determined.

Abstract: A relative depth of points captured by at least two recording sources are determined. A first sequence of image frames acquired from a first source and a second sequence of image frames acquired from a second source are received by a data processing system. The data processing system identifies a plurality of points-of-interest, each point-of-interest being present in both the first sequence and the second sequence. The points-of-interest are clustered into common depth planes at least by comparing motion across the sequences of different points-of-interest. Results of the clustering are stored in a processor-accessible memory system.

Abstract: An image photographing apparatus has a photographing unit for obtaining a plurality of observation images by photographing a same object by a plurality of members having the different optical transfer characteristics, a characteristics calculation unit for calculating optical transfer characteristics according to a distance to the object, and a distance calculation unit for calculating the distance to the object from the plurality of observation images and the optical transfer characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system for imaging an object (14) in an examination zone (5). The imaging system comprises a radiation source emanating radiation for illuminating the examination zone (5), a detection unit for generating detection values depending on the radiation after having passed the examination zone (5) and a moving unit for moving the 5 radiation source and the examination zone relative to each other along a first trajectory (15) and along a second trajectory (16). The position of at least one of the first trajectory (15) and of the second trajectory (16) with respect to the object is determined by a determination unit. The imaging system further comprises a reconstruction unit for reconstructing an image of the object (14) from the detection values using the determined position of the at least one of 10 the first trajectory (15) and the second trajectory (16).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for detecting and characterizing heterogeneities within a bulk material that exhibit scale-dependent uniformity represented by locally representative volume elements (LRVEs). The invention is particularly useful in the characterization of local variations of crystallographic texture of metals and alloys, including metallurgical Ti alloys. The invention consists of generating ultrasonic waves through different paths in the object, and detecting differences in time, amplitude and/or phase of the detected frequency components traveling the different paths to characterize a statistical mean dimensions of the LRVEs, for example, by autocorrelation. Mean sizes of the LRVEs in the scan directions can be computed by autocorrelation, and mean sizes in the direction of the propagation can also be approximated.

Abstract: User interface systems and methods for roof estimation are described. Example embodiments include a roof estimation system that provides a user interface configured to facilitate roof model generation based on one or more aerial images of a building roof. In one embodiment, roof model generation includes image registration, image lean correction, roof section pitch determination, wire frame model construction, and/or roof model review. The described user interface provides user interface controls that may be manipulated by an operator to perform at least some of the functions of roof model generation. In one embodiment, the user interface provides user interface controls that facilitate the determination of pitch of one or more sections of a building roof. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating a computer mouse uses a camera to capture images of a user's palm on a plane, transfers the images to a computer, analyzes the images to determine movement information of the user's palm, and determines a corresponding mouse operation according to preset associations between movements of the user's palm and operations on mouse buttons. The system and method further execute a computer command corresponding to the mouse operation associated with the movement information of the user's palm, so as to activate a action of a cursor displayed on a display screen of the computer.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus in which an erroneous discrimination about a convergence of a super resolution process can be eliminated and precision of the super resolution process can be improved is provided. The apparatus has: a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an object; a deteriorated image reconstructing unit that reconstructs an image of the object by repetitive calculations; and an end discriminating unit that discriminates an end of an image reconstructing process. In the case of discriminating an end of the image reconstructing process, the end discrimination is made only to a specific distance layer based on information of the distance measured by the distance measuring unit or every distance layer based on the distance information.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring three-dimensional shape of a wood block are disclosed. A planar light beam is projected by a light emitting device against a wood block rotatably supported on its tentative spin axis in such a way that two continuous lines extending parallel to the tentative spin axis for the entire block length are illuminated on the outer peripheral surface of the block. The block with the illuminated lines is photographed at a plurality of its angular positions by a imaging device. Based on data of the photographed line images, distances between the tentative spin axis and each of the illuminated lines on the outer peripheral surface of the block are computed at a plurality of cross-sections of the block along the tentative spin axis. Distances from the tentative spin axis to the outer peripheral surface of the block, including shapes of various irregularities on the surface of the block, are measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depth imaging by triangulation in which a pattern is projected on to an object scene and the scene, and the pattern, imaged, the projection and the imaging being spatially offset, in which the pattern has a characteristic dimension x and depth changes in the object scene cause deformations in the image of the pattern having a maximum dimension ?x, characterised in that ?x<x.

Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring device is provided with an image processing target area setting portion for setting an image processing target area (61) that may include an image portion of an monitoring object in a captured image (Im2) on the basis of a distance between an object and a vehicle; a feature region extracting portion for extracting a feature region with a feature amount of a head of a pedestrian in a search area (64) based on the image processing target area (61); an image processing target area correcting portion for correcting a range of the image processing target area from (61) to (62) on the basis of the position of a feature region (60a), an object type discriminating portion for discriminating a type of real space monitoring object corresponding to the image portion included in the corrected image processing target area (62).

Abstract: A method and system for video-based road lane curvature measurement is provided. An image processing system receives roadway scene images from a vehicle-mounted video camera to measure road curvature. Road boundary indicators, such as lane markings, are used for identifying the road boundaries. The road curvature is approximated using a relation between the slope of a line connecting two points on a lane marking, and the average longitudinal distance from the camera to the line.

Abstract: An obstacle detection system using stereo cameras mounted on a vehicle, to detect an obstacle existing on a ground plane at a high speed and in a high precision even with the stereo cameras being uncalibrated and with a vibration during a traveling and a change in the inclination of the ground plane. The obstacle detection system comprises: a plurality of uncalibrated TV cameras for inputting stereo images; an image storage unit 2 for storing a plurality of images inputted from the TV cameras; a feature extraction unit 3 for extracting a plurality of mutually parallel lines existing on the ground plane; a parameter computation unit 4 for determining a relation to hold between the projected positions of an arbitrary point of the ground plane upon the individual images, from the plurality of lines extracted by the feature extraction unit 3; and a detection unit 5 for detecting an object having a height from the ground plane, by using the relation determined by the parameter computation unit 4.

Abstract: The disclosed method measures the distance between two arbitrary points of interest from the user position by determining the range and angle between the two points. To measure the angle between the two points, a first method uses a micro-opto-electro-mechanical scanner to form a scan line between the two points of interest. A scan angle is determined based on the applied AC voltage needed to cause the endpoints of the scan line to coincide with the points of interest. The second method, an image-processing method, is applied to determine the angles between the points of interest. A Microprocessor uses captured images including the points of interest to determine the angle between the points. In both methods, the Microprocessor calculates the distance between the two points of interest by using the determined angle, together with the measured ranges and sends the calculated distance to a display.

Abstract: A parking assist device detecting a parking stall line from an image, which is captured by a capturing portion; setting a parking target position on the basis of the parking stall line; and assisting the vehicle to travel to the parking target position; the parking assist device includes a vehicle detecting portion for detecting a movement of the vehicle, a memorizing portion for memorizing the movement detected by the vehicle detecting portion, as a vehicle moving trajectory, a temporary parking target position estimating portion for assuming a temporary parking target position on the basis of variations of the vehicle moving trajectory, which has been memorized by the memorizing portion, and a parking stall line searching area setting portion for setting a parking stall line searching area, within which a parking stall line is searched on the basis of the temporary parking target position.

Abstract: A control device of a temperature controller, for adjusting the temperature of an environment having at least one active object, includes a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a process unit and a control unit. The first image sensor is for capturing a first image containing the image of the active object. The second image sensor is for capturing a second image containing the image of the active object. The process unit calculates a distance between the active object and the temperature controller according to the first and second images. The control unit controls an operational status of the temperature controller according to the distance calculated by the process unit.

Abstract: Accurate measurements of flight path obstructions are taken from a moving aerial platform. Platform position, including altitude, is combined with dynamic data including target distance and target elevation data to calculate obstruction height or altitude. An optical subsystem on the aerial platform images the obstructions and provides a video stream showing the obstructions. The video stream and aerial platform data are wirelessly communicated to a control terminal where an operator observes a presentation of obstructions and obstruction altitudes or heights. The operator can issue commands to the aerial platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying 3-D coordinates of a target region on a tire includes: taking a digital image of a tire; finding an edge of a tire bead using pixel brightness values from the tire image; calculating tire bead circle center and radius using a plurality of image pixels on the tire bead edge; and performing a pixel brightness search around the bead circumference using the bead circle's center and radius to identify the target area X, Y coordinates. The Z-coordinate and slope of the target area are determined from multiple point distance calculations across the region.

Abstract: An image-based vehicle safety warning system is disclosed, which uses an image retrieval module for receiving an image signal and camera parameters related to the source of the image signal into a space definition module, which defines an image space and warning areas of different levels in the image space. Then, an object identification module identifies parts of a possible vehicle in the image according to the image signal and variations thereof. A warning indication module then obtains an interrelation by locating the position of the vehicle within the image space and comparing the vehicle position with the warning areas, thereby providing alarms in different levels based on the interrelation.

Abstract: An optical computerized method and system for the 3D measurement of the external surface of an object in relief by projection of fringes onto the object and use of a phase-shifting method, wherein four projection axes of the fringes onto the object are implemented, the origin of each projection axis being considered as an illumination point located substantially at each of the four vertices of a virtual tetrahedron, the object being placed substantially at the centre of the tetrahedron, and the shootings are taken from four shooting points located substantially along four shooting axes, each of the shooting axes being the median of one of the four trihedrons formed by the four triplets of projection axes, the four shooting points being located at such a distance from the object that, at each shooting point, each image includes at least one portion of each of the three surfaces of the object that can be lighted by the three illumination points of the triplet of projection axes, the median of which defines the

Abstract: A maneuvering assisting apparatus includes a plurality of cameras. Each camera is arranged in a downward attitude on a side surface of a ship hull, and captures surroundings of the ship. A CPU creates a whole-circumference bird's eye view image representing in an aerially viewed manner the surroundings of the ship, based on outputs of these cameras. Also, the CPU transparently multiplexes a graphic image representing at least an extension of the aerially viewed ship, onto the whole-circumference bird's eye view image. Moreover, the CPU non-transparently multiplexes a graphic image representing one portion of the aerially viewed ship, onto the whole-circumference bird's eye view image.

Abstract: An electronic camera detects a person's face image from an object image obtained by photographing an object, executes an enlarging process on the detected face image so as to obtain a face image whose face size is suitable, and displays the face image which is enlarged into the suitable size on a display device. When a plurality of people are present on the object image, the enlarged face images are switched by an image operating switch. As a result, the switched face image is displayed on the display device.

Abstract: In order to measure a three-dimensional shape, feature information is read from a database. A board is transferred to a measurement position. A measurement head is transferred to an inspection area of the board. Light of a first lighting device for three-dimensional measurement and light of a second lighting device for two-dimensional measurement is illuminated onto the inspection area to photograph a first reflection image and a second reflection image that are reflected from the inspection area. The inspection area is realigned by comparing the feature information with at least one of the photographed first and second reflection images to inspect distortion of the inspection area. The realigned inspection area is inspected. Thus, the three-dimensional shape may be precisely measured.

Abstract: In accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention, an image is projected upon a surface. The image can include a pattern having a plurality of individual shapes used to measure and map the surface. The plurality of individual shapes include features that are detectable in a direction parallel to the plane formed by a projection axis of the projected shapes and a point associated with a view axis. The image further comprises a feature containing an encoding information for identifying the plurality of shapes individually. The feature containing encoding information can be a separate feature from each of the plurality of individual shapes, or may be a feature integral to the plurality of individual shapes. The feature containing encoding information is oriented such that the encoding information is retrieved along a line perpendicular to a plane formed by the projection axis and the point along the view axis. The use of the feature is used to perform multiframe reference independent scanning.

Abstract: A system including a data acquisition system and a processing system is provided. The data acquisition system is configured to capture a first reference frame that includes a first feature in a first imaging area on a substrate prior to a relative position between the data acquisition system and the substrate being adjusted by approximately a predetermined distance during a first time period, capture a first comparison frame that includes the first feature in a second imaging area on the substrate and a second reference frame that includes a second feature in the first imaging area on the substrate subsequent to the first time period, and capture a second comparison frame that includes the second feature in the second imaging area on the substrate subsequent to the relative position being adjusted by approximately the predetermined distance during a second time period that is subsequent to the first time period. The second imaging area is separated from the first imaging area by the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A range image generating apparatus capable of preventing or reducing generation of range images with interference, which contain e.g., pixels with erroneous distance values is provided. The range image generating apparatus includes: a light source radiating a light; an image pickup element; a range image generating unit; a frequency changing unit that changes a modulation frequency for each frame rate or charge storage time; and a control unit that controls the light source and the image pickup element in synchronization with the modulation frequency changed by the frequency changing unit.

Abstract: A method for detecting a vehicle-to-vehicle distance and a system thereof are applied in a first vehicle for detecting a distance between the first vehicle and a second vehicle. The method includes focusing on the second vehicle; capturing an image of the second vehicle after the focusing; analyzing the captured image to obtain at least one main feature in the image; determining whether the image is a vehicle license plate according to the main feature; calculating a focusing distance to the second vehicle after the focusing when the image is the vehicle license plate; outputting the calculated focusing distance as the vehicle-to-vehicle distance. A low-cost and reliable dynamic vehicle alarm and protection system can be realized based on the method for detecting a vehicle-to-vehicle distance.

Abstract: An image classification program that is executed by a computer includes a first processing step of calculating feature values on the basis of the pixel densities of images, a second processing step of performing calculating in a space defined by the feature values, and a third processing step of grouping images that correspond to feature values that have been divided by the clustering.

Abstract: A center location of an eye pattern generated by superimposing waveform signal pieces cut out from a waveform signal generated by a simulator is calculated, and an arrangement of a mask as a quality evaluation criterion of the eye pattern on the center location is envisaged to calculate time coordinate values and voltage coordinate values of feature points included in the mask. First feature points not on a time axis is set as processing objects, and a margin in the voltage axis direction is calculated based on the voltage coordinate values of the first feature points and the voltage coordinate values of waveform signal piece parts associated with the first feature points. Second feature points on the time axis is set as processing objects, and a margin in the time axis direction is calculated based on the time coordinate values of the second feature points and the time coordinate values of waveform signal piece parts associated with the second feature points.