Abstract: A system and method of adding hyperlinked information to a television broadcast. The broadcast material is analyzed and one or more regions within a frame are identified. Additional information can be associated with a region, and can be transmitted in encoded form, using timing information to identify the frame with which the information is associated. The system comprising a video source and an encoder that produces a transport stream in communication with the video source, an annotation source, a data packet stream generator that produces encoded annotation data packets in communication with the annotation source and the encoder, and a multiplexer system in communication with the encoder and the data packet stream generator. The encoder provides timestamp information to the data packet stream generator and the data packet stream generator synchronizes annotation data from the annotation source with a video signal from the video source in response to the timestamp information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for generation of 3-D content from 2-D sources. In particular, the present invention provides a method for determining a point cloud from one or more 2-D sources. The method of the present utilizes a search process for locating a point of maximal crossing of line segments, wherein each line segment line is generated for each possible point match between an image point in a first 2-D scene data source and an image point in a second 2-D scene data source. The search is performed over all possible camera rotation angles. The point cloud solution generated by the methods of the present invention may then be utilized as input to perform texture mapping or further 3-D processing.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product in a computer system for generating an image for producing a design for a container, the method comprising the steps of generating a virtual sculptural relief design; projecting the virtual sculptural relief onto a virtual container surface, said virtual container surface corresponding to a non-open region of said container; manipulating said relief in three-dimensional space to provide a virtual projected sculptural relief on said non-open region of said virtual container surface; and removing the virtual conatiner surface outside the profile of the virtual projected sculptural relief. The container comprises a handle and a sidewall, a three-dimensional image being applied on the handle and sidewall of the container, the handle creating a hole between itself and the sidewall of the container. The image may be manipulated to fit multiple surfaces of the container which are at various angles with respect to one another.

Abstract: An imaging system and method enables 3-D direct segmentation from a series of spatially offset 2-D image slices in a volume scan. The algorithm first smoothes and preserves the interface edges of the image volume using Bottom-Hat gray scale morphological transform followed by 3-D segmentation using fast 3-D level sets by preserving topology constraints, for example, cortical thickness in a brain volume. The method inputs opposite polarity spheres (contracting and expanding spheres) which morph into shapes within the volume using a surface propagation technique. The speed of propagation is controlled by the likelihood statistical component derived under constraints. During the propagation polygonalization extracts the zero-level surface set. The field distribution is computed using the improved shortest distance method or polyline distance method. The morphing algorithm then morphs the input concentric spheres into interface surfaces such as WM-GM and GM-CSF with cortical constraint.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that generates image data from which it can be determined from the processed image what kind of processing has been performed on the image, and that enables bulge correction of the image and transformation of the image to be carried out with ease.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) facial imaging system is disclosed for generating facial images, indexing those images by composite codes and for searching for similar two-dimensional (2-D) facial images. The 3-D images of human faces are generated from a data repository of 3-D facial feature surface shapes. These shapes are organized by facial feature parts. By assembling a shape for each facial part is assembled, a 3-D facial image is formed. Human facial images may be represented with a composite code (facial feature part code and shape code). A 3-D image of any face may be generated using the code to select the proper facial feature shapes from the stored repository of shapes.

Abstract: A calibration information calculation unit 340 calculates the first coordinate positions of feature points included in images obtained by an image sensing apparatus at timings from an instruction unit 350 using position data, on world coordinate system, of a plurality of feature points held by a world coordinate holding unit 310 and the measured values of a position/posture sensor 130 input to a data management unit 330 at the timings. The unit 340 receives the second coordinate positions, which are acquired by an image coordinate acquisition unit 320, of the feature points included in the images obtained by the image sensing device at the timings. The unit 340 calculates calibration information using the first and second coordinate positions.

Abstract: A method of mapping an input color gamut of an input device onto an output color gamut of an output device includes establishing a threshold chroma value in the input color gamut. For first input chroma values below the threshold chroma value, each first input chroma value is mapped onto a respective one of a plurality of first output chroma values such that a first linear relationship exists between the first input chroma values and the first output chroma values. Each corresponding first input lightness value is mapped onto a respective one of a plurality of first output lightness values such that a second linear relationship exists between the first input lightness values and the first output lightness values. For second input chroma values above the threshold chroma value, each second input chroma value is mapped onto a respective one of a plurality of second output chroma values such that a first non-linear relationship exists between the second input chroma values and the second output chroma values.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described that allow a surface of interest to be defined by the selection of a seed point that lies on the surface of interest. When a single seed point is defined, additional points that are in the vicinity of the seed point are grouped with the seed point to form a first set of points. When multiple seed points are defined, additional points that are in the vicinities of the seed points are grouped with the seed points to form the first set of points. The first set of points, along with a surface type, are then used to define a candidate surface. Following this, a second set of points is defined using the seed points and additional points that fall within a predefined distance of the candidate surface. The second set of points are partitioned into groups, and the groups that include the seed points along with the surface type are then used to redefine the candidate surface.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for estimating epipolar geometry, in terms of a fundamental matrix, between multiple images of an object for stereo vision processing. The fundamental matrix embodies the epipolar geometry between the images. In general, the present invention includes a method for estimating epipolar geometry between multiple images of an original space given an initial estimate of the fundamental matrix found using a standard linear estimation technique. Namely, the system and method of the present invention estimates the fundamental matrix by transforming image points of multiple images into projective space. After this transformation is performed, nonlinear optimization is used with one parameterization of the fundamental matrix. The images are then inverse transformed back to the original space with a final estimate of the fundamental matrix. In addition, the original noise information is preserved during the optimization in the projective space.

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 for generating a three-dimensional model of an object from a two-dimensional image sequence. According to one embodiment, the system includes an image sensor for capturing a sequence of two-dimensional images of a scene, the scene including the object, a two-dimensional motion filter module in communication with the image sensor for determining from the sequence of images a plurality of two-dimensional motion parameters for the object, and a three-dimensional structure recovery module in communication with the two-dimensional motion filter module for estimating a set of three-dimensional shape parameters and a set of three-dimensional motion parameters from the set of two-dimensional motion parameters using a rank 1 factorization of a matrix.

Abstract: A method and system for producing digital orthophotos from imagery acquired as full or sparse stereo. The orthophotos can be produced in a variety of map coordinate systems without the need to convert or recompute DEM or photogrammetric solution data. In one embodiment, a two dimensional, planimetric free-network solution, utilizing arbitrary datum definition constraints, is used to provide a transitory coordinate system that is used to facilitate the image measurement process. It is utilized as a preliminary step to refine apriori block layout information to facilitate point picking and to provide general quality control capabilities before undertaking a rigorous 3D photogrammetric adjustment. In place of a general map conversion transformation, an identity transformation can be used, so that map coordinates and world coordinates are identical.

Abstract: An image forming process for easily making an image drawing (ortho-image) in an actual place while confirming it in real time. Measuring of control points (at least three points) is performed (S110), and preparation is made for forming an ortho-image based on image data thereof and survey data. Where photographing is carried out from a plurality of directions, additional image measuring is performed (S140). Then, ortho-image formation is performed on a PC (S160). Here, if a formed ortho-image is not what is desired, ortho-image correction is performed (S180). After a satisfactory image is obtained (S200), the process moves to a next area to be measured, and the same operation is repeated. On the other hand, unless a satisfactory image is obtained, additional image measuring (S140) is performed again.

Abstract: A system and method for digitally rendering omni-directional images includes capturing images of a region 360 degrees about an origin point in a single plane, and assembling the images in a digital format to create a complete spherical image surrounding the origin point. The spherical image is projected onto faces of a cube surrounding the spherical image. Images which were projected on the faces of the cube may then be rendered to provide an omni-directional image.

Abstract: A method for optically scanning a subject having a three-dimensional surface contour includes illuminating the subject with a matrix of discrete two-dimensional image objects such as a grid of dots. Respective object illumination images of the illuminated subject are captured from different known image perspectives. The respective object illumination images are processed to obtain a set of three-dimensional coordinates of at least a portion of the surface contour, including correlating positions of common discrete image objects in the respective illumination images, using data regarding the image perspectives. The machine vision system includes camera apparatus disposed at different camera perspectives relative to a subject, and one or more light projectors for projecting a grid-like structured light projection onto the subject. The machine vision system captures a sequence of images including a light object projector image and an ambient light reference image from each camera perspective.

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: 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: Feature correspondence between images using an image pyramid is disclosed. In one embodiment, a fundamental matrix between a first and a second image is generated from the image pyramid. The image pyramid is first generated, and has a predetermined number of fineness levels, from a coarsest to a finest level. Each of the images has significant features at each pyramid level. A plurality of hypotheses, or particles, is generated for the fundamental matrix at the coarsest level, based on matching significant features of the images at the coarsest level. In an iterative procession through the levels of the image pyramid, starting at a present level initially set to the coarsest level and then subsequently advanced by one fineness level upon each iteration, an importance sampling function is first formulated from the hypotheses. The plurality of hypotheses is then generated at the next pyramid level based on the function, and on the significant features of the images at this next level.

Abstract: A footwear database system receives precision three dimensional foot image data of imaged feet of human beings, and receives precision footlast 3D image data from footwear manufacturers for storage into databases for automatic determination of footwear sizes. After imaging feet and storing the footlast data, a customer can thereafter remotely select, for example, through catalogs and web sites, a style of footwear and the footwear database system then determines the acceptable and best fitting size for the desired style of the footwear of a respective footwear manufacturer, and in so doing provides an automatic best fitting size selection for reducing footwear returns due to poor and uncomfortable fits.

Abstract: A bidirectional texture function (BTF) synthesizer serves to synthesize BTFs on arbitrary manifold surfaces using “surface textons” given a sample BTF as an input. The synthesized BTFs fit the surface geometry naturally and seamlessly, and not only look similar to a sample BTF in all viewing and lighting conditions, but also exhibit a consistent mesostructure when the viewing and lighting directions change. Further, the synthesized BTFs capture the fine-scale shadows, occlusions, and specularities caused by surface mesostructures, thereby improving the perceived realism of the textured surfaces. In addition, the BTF synthesizer can describe real-world textures to allow a user to decorate real-world geometry with real-world textures. Finally, BTF synthesis using surface textons works well for any materials that can be described by three-dimensional textons.

Abstract: A method discovers patterns in unknown multi-dimensional data. A time-series of the multi-dimensional data is generated and a point cross-distance matrix is constructed by self-correlating the time-series. All minimum cost paths in the point cross-distance matrix are located at multiple time resolutions. The minimum cost paths are then related to temporal sub-sequences in the multi-dimensional data to discover high-level patterns in the unknown multi-dimensional data.

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.

Abstract: A two-dimensional image contains a number of objects, which are represented in layers from front to rear, perpendicularly with respect to the two-dimensional image plane. Each object is defined by a polygon, which encloses a distinguishably represented area of the two-dimensional image. A method orders polygons in a plurality of polygons of a two-dimensional image in a sequence defined by layering of the polygons in the two-dimensional image. A first polygon in the sequence is a reference polygon. The method sequentially assigns each polygon in the sequence, starting with the reference polygon, to one of a plurality of layers so that within a given layer no polygon assigned to the given layer (i) overlaps with another polygon in the given layer, and (ii) is included within another polygon in the given layer.

Abstract: An accumulation buffer is cleared (S501), an real image is input (S502), a color buffer is cleared (S503), and the real image is drawn in the color buffer (S504). Then the viewpoint (including parameters concerning the viewpoint) and the view volume of a virtual camera is set (S505) and a computer graphics image is drawn in the color buffer (S506). Then each pixel value of the image in the color buffer is scaled by a factor of 1/N (S507) and the scaled image is added to the accumulation buffer (S508). The process from step S503 to step S508 is repeated N times (S509) by moving the viewpoint position at step S505. An averaged image provided by averaging, on a pixel basis, N combined images stored in the accumulation buffer is output (S510).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for adjustment and matching of stereoscopic images (206, 208) of the eye fundus (106). Illumination errors between the images are eliminated, such as by adjusting groups of pixels so that the mean and variance of a group (306) from the left image (206) will have the same mean intensity and variance as the corresponding group (308) from the right image (208). An epipolar line adjustment is performed, such as by shifting points in the images based on matched points in the images. Image occlusion errors are detected and removed, such as by matching point analysis. Once these adjustment steps have been completed, a matching analysis can be preformed using the corrected images.

Abstract: A method for implementing sliding-window image processing for associative operators such as MIN, MAX, AND, and OR is disclosed. For one dimension, the present method divides the image into blocks according to the sliding window size and for each block calculates two sets of partial results, one working from the left boundary of the block and the other working from the right boundary of the block. The partial results from two adjacent blocks can then be combined in one operation to give a final value for any window straddling two adjacent blocks. The total number of operations is proportional to 3M; where M is the scan length as compared to (n−1)M using prior art; where n is the length of the sliding window. The present invention can be extended to two-dimensional arrays and can be extended to support arbitrary window sizes.

Abstract: There is provided an image combining apparatus comprising an image input unit for entering photographed images, an image memory for temporarily storing the entered images, a corresponding point extracting unit for extracting the corresponding point information between the images stored in the image memory, a photographing method discriminating unit for discriminating the photographing method at the photographing operation based on the extracted corresponding point information, a combination process unit for appropriately combining the images according to the discriminated photographing method, and a combined image memory for storing the combined image. The corresponding point extraction unit extracts the corresponding points between two images, and the photographing method discrimination unit discriminates whether the translational photographing method or the panning photographing method is used. The combination process unit executes combination of the images, based on the discriminated photographing method.

Abstract: A computerized apparatus and associated method and program code on a storage medium, for producing a flattening map of a digitized image. This image may be initially synthetically produced as discrete data or as quasi-discrete image data of a real object—and the original image data may be stored as two-, three-, or four-dimensional dynamic coordinate data. Once produced, the flattening map can be conformally mapped onto the computer generated surface (whether 2-D, 3-D, or any of the dynamically-varying family of surfaces) for display on a computer-assisted display apparatus in communication with a processor. The apparatus and associated method and program code include constructing a first set of data comprising a plurality of discrete surface-elements to represent at least a portion of a surface of the digitized image, and performing a flattening function on the first set of data to produce the flattening map.

Abstract: A stereo synchronizing signal generator for liquid crystal shutter glasses is provided. The stereo synchronizing signal generator includes a signal generating unit to generate preliminary shuttering signals according to an image vertical synchronizing signals and a start signal. A signal delaying unit is provided to delay the preliminary shuttering signals according to a value, which can be changed by users. Then an output unit is provided to transmit the delayed shuttering signals to the liquid crystal shutter glasses. Due to that the signal generating unit generates a predetermined shuttering signal, such as right eye shuttering signal, at the rise edge of the start signal, the shuttering signals can always match up to the right image. Furthermore, the signal delaying unit can adjust the timing of the shuttering signal according to the value of the register, therefore the shuttering signals can always be synchronized with the image.

Abstract: In one form, the present invention is a method for rapidly resampling a three-dimensional volume of data to permit efficient interactive viewing and visualization of the data is provided in which a set of parallel line segments defining a surface having a constant slope in at least one direction and intersecting the three-dimensional volume are selected and the data is processed at points on the parallel line segments to generate a reformatted image of the data. A corresponding apparatus embodiment is provided. Processing of data can proceed quickly because it is not necessary to check the parallel line segments during processing of the points on the segments to determine whether the points are within a given data volume.

Abstract: Cameras (10, 12) produce first and second images (14, 16) of an object (18) from different viewpoints. An image partitioning module (54) partitions the images (14, 16) into a plurality of vertically striped regions (70), such that each region (70) of the first image (14) corresponds to a region (70) of the second image (16). A region alignment module (55) vertically shifts a region (70) of the first image (14) in a direction calculated to vertically align a portion (30) of the region (70) with a substantially matching portion (32) of the corresponding region (70). A disparity calculation module (62) calculates at least one disparity value between at least a portion (30) of the vertically shifted region (70) and at least a portion (32) of the corresponding region (70).

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of reconstruction of tridimensional scenes. While conventional methods are often limited to the 3D reconstruction of the bounding volume of the concerned objects, the proposed method of recovery of a 3D geometric model from 2D views taken by one single camera, giving an information even about the parts which are hidden in each view, is implemented according to a first depth labeling step, implemented in a sub-system (11) and including initialization and projection sub-steps followed by a refinement process, and to a second reconstruction step, implemented in a sub-system (12). By means of a close cooperation of the 3D depth maps thus obtained for two views of a scene, a 3D model is identified and extracted.

Abstract: The acquisition of 3-D scenes by a single hand-held camera is disclosed. The camera is preferably mounted on a lens attachment with four mirrors, enabling stereo capturing of the scene. The signal processing tasks involved, camera calibration and correspondence estimation, are each disclosed. Both fixed and self-calibration methods benefit from the use of the lens attachment to acquire a scene. Specifically, full self-calibration of the camera is enabled, without loss of absolute scale as seen in prior art stereo self-calibration methods. Accurate 3-D models are obtained with the method of the invention.

Abstract: A method determines a distance from a 3D point to a 3D surface from a 2D projected range image. A projected distance and a cliff distance from the 3D point to the 3D surface are determined using the projected range image. The projected distance and the cliff distance are then combined to determine the distance from the 3D point to the 3D surface.

Abstract: In the past, databases containing three dimensional images were searched by keywords and indexes. For such functionality a set of keywords must be associated with each image. This is not a dynamic method and is prone to errors. It has been found that searching of three-dimensional images stored electronically can be performed in dependence upon characteristics of the image such as colour, shape, size, scale, etc. A method is disclosed for searching three dimensional images in dependence upon image characteristics.

Abstract: A method using CC and MLO views localized in a display in 3-D as a breast virtual model, incorporating, feature capturing using gradient, energy and entropy codes, calibration classification according to features using binary decision trees, nipple detection, and 3-D spatial coordinate transformation and display of breast clustered microcalcifications.

Abstract: A visual image system is constructed as including: a three-dimensional visual image reproducer for transmitting a three-dimensional video signal; a parallax quantity detecting section for detecting a parallax quantity in the three-dimensional video signal from the three-dimensional visual image reproducer; a fatigue measure estimating section for estimating the degree of fatigue based on the detected parallax quantity and outputting an image switching signal correspondingly to a fatigue measure estimating quantity; a 3D/2D image switching section for providing an output by switching between three-dimensional and two-dimensional images based on the image switching signal; and an image display section for displaying a three-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image. The visual image system thereby fulfills the capability of suitably controlling the degree of three-dimensionality of stereoscopic images by inferring from the inputted video signal the degree of effects likely to be produced on the observer.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied on a computer readable medium are provided for binding curvature correction in an image of pages of a bound medium. The binding curvature correction involves electronically acquiring an image of a set of pages of a bound medium, the image of the set of pages having a binding curvature distortion, and, generating a corrected image, the corrected image including the content of the image without the binding curvature distortion.

Abstract: A 2D/3D image conversion system includes target phase value calculating means for calculating a target phase value per parallax calculation region based on a dynamic range of a preset target phase value and depth information per given unit area generated by depth information generating means; real phase value calculating means which calculates a current real phase value per parallax calculation region in a manner to progressively approximate a real phase value to a target phase value of a parallax calculation region with a corresponding previous real phase value and then determines a current real phase value per given unit area based on the current real phase value per parallax calculation region thus obtained; and phase control means for producing a first image signal and a second image signal from a signal residing in each given unit area of the 2D input image, the first and second image signals having a horizontal phase difference therebetween based on the current real phase value corresponding to the give

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating textures for a three-dimensional (3D) facial model are provided.

Abstract: A method for computing the location and orientation of an object in three-dimensional space.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a single lens instantaneous 3D image taking device for the application in digital image taking. The digital image taking device contains a lens, an aperture disk and a single sensor installed and aligned in a straight line. The aperture disk has three off-optical-axis apertures with different angular coordinates that are installed with red, blue, and green filters, respectively, for light to pass through. When light passes through the lens and the three apertures on the aperture disk, it will be projected onto the sensor, giving image and color information from three different perspectives. Finally, through color separation and image correlation, a precise 3D range image and color information can be obtained.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional image is generated from an input 2-dimensional image based upon illuminative characteristics of the input image by filtering the 2-dimensional input image with filters of different orientations, outputting base shading images corresponding to the filters, extracting positive pixel values for each base shading image, calculating a difference between the pixel values of the input image and the extracted positive pixel values, calculating a median value of the calculated difference, selecting the filter to output a base shading image of smallest median, outputting a shading image by filtering the input image with the selected filter, combining the input image with the shading image and outputting the 3-dimensional image based upon the combined image. A previously selected filter for a preceding image can be considered when selecting a filter for a current image, enabling generation of 3-dimensional moving pictures.

Abstract: An arithmetic unit for image transformation for transforming a fisheye image obtained by using a fisheye lens into a plane image for display, comprising: a first coordinate calculating unit for obtaining first projection coordinates derived by projecting coordinates on the plane image onto a fisheye image face as an imaginary object face; and a second coordinate calculating unit for obtaining second projection coordinates derived by projecting the first projection coordinates obtained by the first coordinate calculating unit onto the fisheye image face.

Abstract: An occlusion culling method for image processing and system therefor. The culling method first determines which polygons are hidden, or occluded, by other objects. These hidden or occluded polygons will not contribute to the final scene and, therefore, need not be rendered. In the first major step, the input models are preprocessed to build a hierarchical data structure which is as an approximation to the input models. Simple polygonal occluders are determined for substitution in place of the complex image geometry in successive visibility queries. Once the first preprocessing step is complete, the second step may be executed at run-time, while a user is inspecting, or visualizing, the input. In the second step, the occluders, determined in the first step, are used to selectively forego rendering shapes or shape portions that are unseen from the current viewpoint.

Abstract: A communications system is described in which a plurality of mobile phones are provided, each including means for generating a user interface for enabling users to identify points in images as feature points. All of the phones are then operable to utilise points identified by users to generate 3D models of individuals in the images. The 3D models are generated by associating stored average depth data for points corresponding to the co-ordinates of the feature points and further points whose position is identified relative to the co-ordinates of the feature points. The 3D models are then used to generate images which are displayed on the mobile phones.

Abstract: A system and method are described for aligning a locally-reconstructed three-dimensional object, whose local reconstruction is relative to a local coordinate system, to a global coordinate system by using pre-mapped control points which are projected onto one or more of the images that may be used to generate the local reconstruction. A system includes a control point information generator and an alignment generator. The control point information generator is configured to identify in at least image associated with a local reconstruction of the object a projection of at least one control point in the scene onto the at least one image, and generate local projected coordinate information indicating coordinates of the projection in the at least one image.

Abstract: An imaging system places an object upon a background pattern of regular repetitive marks and records a 2D image that is then processed for determining where in the image the repetitive marks are interrupted by the object, thereby indirectly determining the edge of the object. Multiple 2D images from different perspective are used to create a 3D image of the object. When the object is a human foot, individual bar codes and imaged foot dimensions can be cross-referenced to manufactured shoe sizes for accurate ordering of correctly sized footwear.

Abstract: A method for image processing, especially for converting a two-dimensional image of a three-dimensional real subject into a three-dimensional representation of the same three-dimensional real subject, wherein the subject is composed of elements, each of which is represented by a pixel in the two-dimensional image. The image's colors are subjected to an analysis with regard to color quality, and the individual color points' orientation in space is localised by utilizing a color temperature scale, a color saturation scale and a contrast scale, with the result that each color obtains its perspective place relative to the image's other colors.