Abstract: A pointing position detection device is provided which, along with enabling a human being to perform pointing operation in a natural manner, can perform detection at high accuracy. The device detects the presence of a human being from an image photographed by cameras and a position at which the human being is pointing, and which includes: a section which, based upon the image, detects a head position of the human being, including at least distance information; a section which, based upon tile image, detects a hand position of the human being, including at least distance information; a section which, based upon the hand position, calculates a hand tip position and a main axis of the hand; and a section which detects a pointing direction, based upon the head position, the hand tip position, and the main axis, wherein the pointing position is detected based upon the pointing direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more reliable safety monitoring device on the station platform, where the safety monitoring device detects the fall of a person on the platform edge on the railroad-track side onto a railroad track with stability, recognizes at least two persons, and obtains the entire action log thereof. The present invention recognizes the person at the platform edge by distance information and texture information and determines the position on the platform edge. At the same time, the present invention detects the case where the person falls onto the railroad track with stability and automatically transmits a stop signal or the like. At the same time, the present invention transmits an image of the corresponding camera. Further, the present invention records the entire action of all persons moving on the platform edge.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for triggering a device with a range finder based on aiming pattern. The system includes a processing device acquiring and processing data; an imager providing an image of an object; a range finder determining a distance from the imager to the object; a timer which is activated by the processing device; and an application acquiring data from the object within a measuring range if the processing device determines that the distance remains within a stabilization range for a period of time.

Abstract: An image selecting apparatus comprises an input unit 20, an A/D converter 30, a memory 40, a control unit 50, a recording unit 90, and an output unit 92. The input unit 20 continuously photographs a subject and inputs the data of the images. The A/D converter 30 converts the analog signal of the images received from the input unit 20 to digital signals. The memory 40 stores a plurality of images output from the input unit 20. The control unit 50 selects a desired image from the plurality of images stored in the memory 40. The recording unit 90 records the selected desired image and the output unit 92 outputs the selected desired image.

Abstract: Unauthorized entry into controlled access areas using tailgating or reverse entry methods is detected using machine vision methods. Camera images of the controlled area are processed to identify and track objects in the controlled area. In a preferred embodiment, this processing includes 3D surface analysis to distinguish and classify objects in the field of view. Feature extraction, color analysis, and pattern recognition may also be used for identification and tracking of objects. Integration with security monitoring and control systems provides notification when a tailgating or reverse entry event has occurred. More reliable operation in practical circumstances is thus obtained, such as when multiple people are using an entrance or exit under variable light and shadow conditions. Electronic access control systems may further be combined with the machine vision methods of the invention to more effectively prevent tailgating or reverse entry.

Abstract: A method of operating a traffic sensor to define ranges of centers of traffic lanes from the traffic sensor is described. The method comprises a) providing a set of lane center variables representing the ranges of the centers of the traffic lanes from the traffic sensor; b) initializing each lane center variable in the set of lane center variables to have an associated starting range value; and then, c) updating the set of lane center variables by, for each vehicle in a plurality of vehicles, i) detecting the vehicle, ii) determining an associated lane center variable having an associated lane center range value closest to the vehicle; iii) estimating a vehicle displacement from the associated lane center range value, and iv) calculating a new lane center range value for the associated lane centre variable using the associated lane center range value and the vehicle displacement.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a distance measurement section which measures a distance, on the basis of a plurality of images photographed by an imaging device at different visual point positions, from the imaging device to a subject for each pixel. A threshold setting section sets information indicative of a distance between an obstacle present between the imaging device and a main subject, and the imaging device. An image formation section compares the distance measured by the distance measurement section with the threshold information thereby to form an image from which an image of the obstacle is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a spatial area, in particular for safeguarding a hazardous area of an automatically operated installation, comprises an illumination device which at least temporarily emits light signals into the spatial area. A first image recording unit records a first image of the spatial area. The first image recording unit comprises an image sensor having a plurality of pixels. An evaluation unit determines a distance value for at least one spatial area point, which is located in the spatial area and is imaged on at least one pixel, by means of a propagation type measurement. The propagation type measurement suffers from a limited unambiguity range. Therefore, a test device is designed to check the distance value by means of a reference distance value determined from a second image of said spatial area.

Abstract: A sensor includes a first pixel for measuring a distance to an object by detecting reflected light applied from a light source and reflected by the object, wherein the first pixel includes a first charge increasing portion for increasing signal charges stored in the first pixel by impact ionization.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus (100), which measures the relative position and orientation of an image-capturing apparatus (50) capturing images of one or more measurement objects (10) with respect to the measurement object, acquires a captured image using the image-capturing apparatus (50). Moreover, the respective geometric features present in a 3D model of the measurement object (10) are projected onto the captured image based on the position and orientation of the image-capturing apparatus (50), thereby obtaining projection geometric features. Projection geometric features to be used in calculation of the position and orientation are then selected from the resultant projection geometric features based on distances between the projection geometric features in the captured image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the type of shot of an image is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of: assigning (203, 205) portions of the image to at least a first cluster or a second cluster, the clusters having different ranges of depth values associated therewith; and determining (207, 209) the shot type of the image on the basis of whether both the first and second clusters have been assigned at least one portion or whether there is a stepped or gradual change in the difference between the depth of the first and second clusters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for estimating range of the objects in the images from various distances. The method comprises receiving a set of images of the scene having multiple objects from at least one camera in motion. Due to the motion of the camera, each of the images are obtained at different camera locations Then an object visible in multiple images is selected. Data related to approximate camera positions and orientations and the images of the visible object are used to estimate the location of the object relative to a reference coordinate system. Based on the computed data, a projected location of the visible object is computed and the orientation angle of the camera for each image is refined. Additionally, pairs of cameras with various locations can then be chosen to obtain dense stereo for regions of the image at various ranges.

Abstract: Single-camera image processing methods are disclosed for 3D navigation within ordinary moving video. Along with color and brightness, XYZ coordinates can be defined for every pixel. The resulting geometric models can be used to obtain measurements from digital images, as an alternative to on-site surveying and equipment such as laser range-finders. Motion parallax is used to separate foreground objects from the background. This provides a convenient method for placing video elements within different backgrounds, for product placement, and for merging video elements with computer-aided design (CAD) models and point clouds from other sources. If home users can save video fly-throughs or specific 3D elements from video, this method provides an opportunity for proactive, branded media sharing. When this image processing is used with a videoconferencing camera, the user's movements can automatically control the viewpoint, creating 3D hologram effects on ordinary televisions and computer screens.

Abstract: There are provided an inter-vehicle distance detecting device and an inter-vehicle distance detecting method which can precisely measure an inter-vehicle distance from a user's own vehicle to a neighboring vehicle even if a radar becomes unable to detect the neighboring vehicle due to the influence of multipath or the like. If the radar does detect a neighboring vehicle, a width of the neighboring vehicle is calculated based on a precise inter-vehicle distance determined by the radar and a precise vehicle visual angle determined from an image taken by a camera, and is stored in a memory, and if the radar becomes unable to detect the neighboring vehicle, an inter-vehicle distance to the neighboring vehicle is calculated according to a trigonometric function based on the precise width of the neighboring vehicle previously stored in the memory and a precise vehicle visual angle determined from an image taken by the camera at this time.

Abstract: An object velocity measuring apparatus of this invention for measuring an object velocity in a photographic field from a plurality of photographic frames made up of a plurality of pixels comprises an object area extracting unit configured to extract, as an object area, a set of pixels from which an object has been sensed over at least M (M<N) of N successive frames including the present frame, a center-of-gravity computing unit configured to calculate the center-of-gravity position coordinates of the extracted object area in the photographic field, and a velocity computing unit configured to calculate the object velocity from the movement of the calculated center-of-gravity position coordinates between different frames.

Abstract: An implementation of automated location estimation using image analysis is described. In this implementation, an image of a place is obtained and matched with previously stored images. The matching may be achieved by employing methods based on key feature extraction algorithm, color histogram analysis, pattern matching or other image comparison techniques. Upon determining a match, the location information associated with the matched previously stored images provides the location. The location information may be in the form of location tags or location keywords and the location information may be used by the user or other applications for the purposes of location determination. The above technique also allows for the user to enter location information to improve accuracy. The location information may also be assigned to the previously stored images residing in local and remote databases for users and applications to automatically assign information or keywords to images.

Abstract: A computerized system for displaying, geolocating, and taking measurements from captured oblique images includes a data file accessible by the computer system. The data file includes a plurality of image files corresponding to a plurality of captured oblique images, and positional data corresponding to the images. Image display and analysis software is executed by the system for reading the data file and displaying at least a portion of the captured oblique images. The software retrieves the positional data for one or more user-selected points on the displayed image, and calculates a separation distance between any two or more selected points. The separation distance calculation is user-selectable to determine various parameters including linear distance between, area encompassed within, relative elevation of, and height difference between selected points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for surveying at least one target using a geodetic device. According to said method, a camera of the device captures a visual image and surveys an angle and/or a distance to the target with geodetic precision, the angle and/or distance surveillance being supported or controlled by the visual image. At the same time of capture of the visual image at least two distance points of a distance image are captured as the spatial distribution of discrete distance points in the area of detection. When the visual image and the distance image are correlated with each other, the target is recognized or the measuring process is controlled.

Abstract: A first ranging apparatus includes a light-emitting unit for emitting a series of first through fourth modulated lights which have respective different start phases at which the first through fourth modulated lights start being emitted, a light-detecting unit for detecting reflected lights from an object that is irradiated with the first through fourth modulated lights, and a calculating unit for calculating the distance up to the object based on the phase difference between the first through fourth modulated lights and the reflected lights. The light-emitting unit comprises a start phase controller for controlling the start phases. The light-detecting units samples the amounts of the reflected lights in exposure periods established at a constant cycle length from the time when the modulated lights start being emitted.

Abstract: A first ranging apparatus includes a light-emitting unit for emitting a series of first through fourth modulated lights which have respective different time lengths from a reference time to respective time points at which the first through fourth modulated lights start being emitted, a light-detecting unit for detecting reflected lights from an object that is irradiated with the first through fourth modulated lights, and a calculating unit for calculating the distance up to the object based on the phase difference between the first through fourth modulated lights and the reflected lights. The light-emitting unit comprises a start time controller for controlling the time lengths. The light-detecting units samples the amounts of the reflected lights in exposure periods established at a constant cycle length from the reference time.

Abstract: When the user of a system directs an indicator toward a light-emitting section, an imaging section provided in the indicator acquires an image PA in a given area including the light-emitting section. A determination section determines whether or not each pixel individually satisfies a first condition based on light-reception information relating to each pixel of the image PA, and a calculation section calculates an indication position of the indicator based on the positions of effective pixels in the image using the effective pixels which satisfy the first condition as pixels corresponding to the light-emitting section. The calculation section calculates a representative value of the effective pixels based on identification information relating to the effective pixels while changing weighting on the identification information relating to the effective pixels depending on whether or not the effective pixels satisfy a second condition.

Abstract: A solid image taking apparatus includes a plurality of image taking portions which obtain a plurality of images at each sight point by taking a plurality of images of objects from different sight points, a distance measuring portion which measures object distances which are distances to the objects from the plurality of image taking portions, and a classifying portion which classifies the objects included in the images into a plurality of groups according to the object distances and outputs the result of classification.

Abstract: A signal indicative of a distance from a first element to a second element, such as the end face of a piston from the end wall of its cylinder, is generated by providing an optical imager carried on a housing that is fixed on the end wall with the optical imager pointed to the end face. An image processor is arranged to identify image components, such as the end nut on the piston, from the acquired images of the first element. From the location of the nut the processor can identify the location of the outer edge of the circular end face and can determine the area of the end face in the image by counting pixels within the area. From the measured area as it appears in the image the distance can be calculated. The end face is illuminated by a light source shining through a light pipe passing through a drilled hole in the end wall. Characteristic markings can be applied on the end face for measuring distance when the nut is too close to be visible.

Abstract: A system and method for performing high-resolution imagery of a target are provided. One embodiment is a method of performing high-resolution imagery of a target comprising: generating a chirped waveform that modulates a light signal transmitted toward a target for performing active LADAR of the target; generating a low-frequency local oscillator waveform for performing active imaging; and simultaneously performing passive imaging and active LADAR.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a set of boundary points within a lattice is provided herein. The lattice is normalized into a regularly-spaced array and a first point within the array is selected. A software routine repeatedly locates boundary points by examining neighboring points and tracking array direction. The system includes a processor operatively connected to a display, an input device and a memory. The memory includes the software routine and the routine is executed on the processor. The output of the software routine is send to the display for viewing.

Abstract: Encoded pictures comprise one or more independently decodable frames, reference frames, and predicted frames. In the method an arrangement step is performed for arranging the pictures in an encoding order, and information on the presentation order is defined for the encoded pictures. Further in the method, a transmission step is performed for transmitting said encoded pictures to a decoder, a decoding step for decoding the encoded pictures for forming decoded pictures, and rearranging step for arranging the decoded pictures in presentation order. An expected increment value of the presentation order per picture is defined, and a parameter indicative of the difference between the expected increment value and the real increment value is calculated. The calculated parameter is VLC coded, and the VLC coded parameter is transmitted, wherein the VLC coded parameter is used in the decoder for arranging the decoded pictures in correct presentation order.

Abstract: The automatic work apparatus extracts the target image of which photos are taken by the left and right CCD cameras, specifies the spatial position of the target and executes an operation to the target by the arm. Two regions, the central region and the peripheral ones, allocated to the image taken by the CCD camera so that if the target image stays in the peripheral region of the image then the cameras are rotated to take the target image in the central portion and the position determining module determines the spatial position of the target and then tasks are done for the targets. The relative distance from the target is adjusted by transfer equipment. This invention is applicable to an automatic work apparatus that can operate a predetermined operation for moving target and an automatic operation control program to carry out such operation.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus for collecting media site data for use with media exposure measurement systems are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves displaying a first image of a scene and receiving a user-provided selection of a location in the first image. An object of interest in the scene is then identified based on the user-provided selection in the first image. The example method also involves obtaining a distance value representative of an approximate distance between an image capturing device and the object of interest in the scene. A zoom level of the image capturing device is then set based on the distance value to capture at least a portion of the object of interest in the scene. A second image of the object of interest is captured using the image capturing device.

Abstract: A system and a method of obtaining a dimension of a target object in an image comprises receiving coordinates of a number of feature points in the image, receiving coordinates of at least one reference object in the image with a known dimension, performing a calibration to adjust the coordinates of at least one of the feature points, and receiving coordinates of the target object in the image and determining the dimension of the target object based on the coordinates of the feature points. The coordinates of at least one of the feature points are adjusted to increase an accuracy in determining the dimension of the reference object.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for activating a function by using a measurement taken from at least one digital image (10) having at least two colours (195, 196) and originating from an image-capturing apparatus. According to such method: the relative sharpness is measured (190) between at least two colours in at least one region R of the image, and at least one action is controlled (191) depending on the measured relative sharpness.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method of measuring a distance using structured light. The apparatus includes a binarization unit binarizing an image, an image identification unit identifying an image having connected pixels in the binarized image, a length ratio calculation unit obtaining the length ratio of the major axis of the image having the connected pixels to a minor axis perpendicular to the major axis, a pixel mean calculation unit obtaining the mean of pixel values of the image having the connected pixels, and an image extraction unit extracting an image formed by the light irradiated from the light source, from the images having connected pixels using the length ratio and the mean of the pixel values.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a file comprises a three-dimensional information generating means, a displacement information storage means and a file generating means. The three-dimensional information generating means generates three-dimensional information representing each point obtained by an imaging system by an inherent coordinate system inherent to the imaging system. The displacement information storage means stores displacement information representing displacement of an origin of an universal coordinate system from an origin of the inherent coordinate system, as information of the universal coordinate system common to a plurality of imaging systems. The file generating means generates a file of a predetermined format including three-dimensional information generated by the three-dimensional information generating means and the displacement information stored by the displacement information storage means.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for absolute measurement of a print repeat length and/or at least one package length of a moving packaging web (1) in line with a printing machine. Normally the print repeat length and one package length are measured and analysed simultaneously. The measurements are made by means of a number of CCD-cameras (2, 3, 4) connected to a computer (6) by means of a frame grabber (7).

Abstract: A method and system for mutually immersive telepresencing are provided. A user is viewed at a user's location to provide a user's image. The size of the user's head is determined in the user's image. A surrogate having a surrogate's face display about the size of the user's head is provided. The user's image is processed based on the size of the surrogate's face display to provide an about life-size image of the user's head. The about life-size image is displayed on the surrogate's face display.

Abstract: Provided are a location awareness apparatus using a camera and a method thereof. The apparatus includes: an image capturing unit for photographing a position identification tag using a camera; a distance measuring unit for measuring a distance to a position identification tag; an incident angle measuring unit for measuring a photographing angle at a visual point; an image analyzing unit for reading the photographed image from the image capturing unit, and requesting location information corresponding to the read information to a position recognition server; and a location awareness unit for estimating a current location using the distance to the position identification tag, the photographing angle of the position identification tag, and the location information corresponding to the read information by the image analyzing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining visibility distance in a landscape. The device comprises a camera for taking an image of said landscape; means for storing said image; means for associating each pixel of the image with information representative of the distance between the camera and the point in the landscape corresponding to said pixel, thereby obtaining a map of distances; means for processing the image to detect whether a pixel of the image presents contrast greater than a predetermined value relative to at least some adjacent pixels; means for applying said processing for detecting contrast successively to the pixels of the image beginning from the pixel corresponding to the greatest distance and continuing to the first pixel found to satisfy the contrast condition; and means for associating said pixel with distance information from said map of distances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pattern-matching processing method based on left and right images of an object photographed in stereo. A left area and a right area are generated, each having a fixed pattern containing plural pixels extracted from the left and right images, respectively, and in the left area, a reference image is generated by calculating an interpolation pixel value to be used between two transversely adjacent pixels based on the average of the two pixel values, and by calculating an interpolation pixel value to be used between two vertically adjacent pixels based on the average of the plural pixel values surrounding the relating position. Similarly, in the right area, interpolation pixel values are calculated and a comparison image is generated. Then pattern matching is performed between the reference image and the comparison images generated sequentially by shifting the right original image pixel by pixel.

Abstract: An obstacle recognition apparatus is provided which can recognize an obstacle by accurately extracting a floor surface. It includes a distance image generator (222) to produce a distance image using a disparity image and homogeneous transform matrix, a plane detector (223) to detect plane parameters on the basis of the distance image from the distance image generator (222), a coordinate transformer (224) to transform the homogeneous transform matrix into a coordinate of a ground-contact plane of a robot apparatus (1), and a floor surface detector (225) to detect a floor surface using the plane parameters from the plane detector (223) and result of coordinate transformation from the coordinate transformer (224) and supply the plane parameters to an obstacle recognition block (226).

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate autonomous image capture and/or picture production. A location unit is attached to each tracked object. An object tracking device receives location information from each location unit. A camera control device controls, based upon the location information, at least one motorized camera to capture image data of at least one tracked object.

Abstract: A surveying apparatus is provided having a telescope, a digital camera, a measuring device, and a calculating device. The telescope collimates an aiming point on a surveying object. The digital camera has an imaging optical system provided separately from the telescopic optical system of the telescope. The measuring device measures the distance between the telescope and a surveying point to be surveyed. The calculating device calculates the location of the aiming point in an image which is captured by the digital camera.

Abstract: A position of a three-dimensional (3D) object relative to a display surface of an interactive display system is detected based upon the intensity of infrared (IR) light reflected from the object and received by an IR video camera disposed under the display surface. As the object approaches the display surface, a “hover” connected component is defined by pixels in the image produced by the IR video camera that have an intensity greater than a predefined hover threshold and are immediately adjacent to another pixel also having an intensity greater than the hover threshold. When the object contacts the display surface, a “touch” connected component is defined by pixels in the image having an intensity greater than a touch threshold, which is greater than the hover threshold. Connected components determined for an object at different heights above the surface are associated with a common label if their bounding areas overlap.

Abstract: A method is provided for synchronizing corresponding landmarks among a plurality of images of an elastic object. The method includes identifying a plurality of landmarks in a first image of the object and a second image of the object, determining a correspondence between the landmarks in the first image and the landmarks in the second image, determining a distance transformation between a pair of adjacent landmarks in the first image and the corresponding pair of adjacent landmarks in the second image, and when displaying the first and second images, using the distance transformation to smoothly navigate between the adjacent landmarks such that corresponding landmarks of the first and second images are arrived at about simultaneously during navigation.

Abstract: In optical image processing methods for determining the occupation of a vehicle seat, it is advantageous to know the position of the vehicle seat (14), even in the case when said seat is occupied. The above is achieved, whereby the side surface of the backrest (11), facing the camera (30) is part of a boundary plane. A section (T, B), between a separating plane, cutting vertically through the vehicle seat and the boundary plane (B) is at least partly not covered by a seat occupant in the direction of the camera. By means of an image processing method the position of the seat may be determined.

Abstract: A video sensor device is provided which incorporates a rangefinder function. The device includes a single video camera and a fixed laser spaced a predetermined distance from the camera for, when activated, producing a laser beam. A diffractive optic element divides the beam so that multiple light spots are produced on a target object. A processor calculates the range to the object based on the known spacing and angles determined from the light spots on the video images produced by the camera.

Abstract: Moving object detection is based on low illumination image data that includes distance or depth information. The vision system operates on a platform with a dominant translational motion and with a small amount of rotational motion. Detection of moving objects whose motions are not consistent with the movement of the background is complementary to shape-based approaches. For low illumination computer-based vision assistance a two-stage technique is used for simultaneous and subsequent frame blob correspondence. Using average scene disparity, motion is detected without explicit ego-motion calculation. These techniques make use of characteristics of infrared sensitive video data, in which heat emitting objects appear as hotspots.

Abstract: A method for determining an offset vector. The method includes obtaining an image of a first feature. An image of a second feature is also obtained. Also, a combination image of the first feature and the second feature is obtained. A plurality of composite images is utilized to determine an accurate offset vector between the first feature and the second feature in the combination image. The plurality of composite images is based on the image of the first feature and the image of the second feature.

Abstract: There is provided an imaging apparatus and an imaging method capable of matching coordinate positions of a plurality of images to be synthesized with each other when generating an image having a wide dynamic range by synthesizing the plurality of images each having a different exposure condition. When a luminance adjustment circuit adjusts a luminance value of each of reference image data and non-reference image data, a displacement detection circuit detects displacement between the reference image data and non-reference image data. After a displacement correction circuit corrects coordinate positions of the non-reference image data on the basis of the detected displacement, an image synthesizing circuit generates synthesized image data composed of reference image data and non-reference image data.

Abstract: A lane marker recognition method comprises the steps of inputting an image including a lane marker, extracting luminance change points in the image, and estimating the position of the lane marker using the extracted edge points. The edge extracting step includes calculating an angle of orientation of each of the edges and the lane marker position estimating step includes extracting edge points that are oriented toward a vanishing point of a road, from among the edge points extracted in the edge extracting step.

Abstract: A method of detecting the condition of a turf grass is described. According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises steps of attaching an active sensor to a mower; traversing a section of turf grass; and processing the output of the sensor. A device for detecting the condition of turf grass is also disclosed. The device comprises an array of illuminating devices generating a pattern of illuminating light; a detecting device receiving a pattern of reflected light which is coincident with the pattern of illuminating light; a detecting device adapted to detect stray light from the array of illuminating devices; and a feedback loop controlling the array of illuminating devices. A system employing the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided a step of acquiring a main point cloud data on a predetermined measurement range by a laser scanner, a step of detecting a range with no data acquired, a step of acquiring a supplementary image data of the range with no data acquired by an auxiliary image pickup device, a step of preparing a stereoscopic image based on the supplementary image data obtained by the auxiliary image pickup device, a step of acquiring supplementary point cloud data from the stereoscopic image, and a step of supplementing the range with no data acquired of the main point cloud data by matching of the main point cloud data and the supplementary point cloud data.