Detecting Alignment Marks Patents (Class 382/287)
  • Patent number: 8468148
    Abstract: A method of searching the Internet or onboard database or other source through devices that contain or are coupled to cameras or other imaging devices, the method including extracting search terms from the human-understandable content encoded in a machine-readable code and displayed to the recipient on the device following the imaging of that code by the device's imager. The method of search utilizes a method of navigation and input that produces a location indicator on the device display that corresponds to the location of an image of a machine-readable code in the sensor of the device's imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Walter Gerard Antognini, Thomas Charles Antognini
  • Patent number: 8447097
    Abstract: When computation of a three-dimensional measurement processing parameter is completed, accuracy of a computed parameter can easily be confirmed. After a parameter for three-dimensional measurement is computed through calibration processing using a calibration workpiece in which plural feature points whose positional relationship is well known can be extracted from an image produced by imaging, three-dimensional coordinate computing processing is performed using the computed parameter for the plural feature points included in the stereo image used to compute the parameter. Perspective transformation of each computed three-dimensional coordinate is performed to produce a projection image in which each post-perspective-transformation three-dimensional coordinate is expressed by a predetermined pattern, and the projection image is displayed on a monitor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Fujieda, Atsushi Taneno, Hiroshi Yano, Yasuyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8446432
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for presenting image data to include a graphic element. In one embodiment a method includes acquiring image data from a display buffer of a device, analyzing the image data to identify active and passive regions of the image data and ranking passive regions to determine a confidence measure for each passive region. The method may further include modifying the image data for display on the device to include a graphic element, wherein the graphic element is presented in a passive region based on the ranking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Suranjit Adhikari, Steven Friedlander
  • Patent number: 8442356
    Abstract: Methods of analyzing three dimensional data sets obtained from a sample over time are provided. The methods include aligning first and second volume intensity projection (VIP) images based on at least one landmark in the first and second VIP images. The first and second VIP images are obtained from a first three dimensional data set obtained from the sample at a first time and a second three dimensional data set obtained from the sample at a second time, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Bioptgien, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, William J. Brown, Joseph A. Izatt
  • Patent number: 8442352
    Abstract: A method (100), an apparatus (1100), and a computer program product are disclosed for generating alignment marks. A basis pattern (120) and a high frequency component (130) are combined (140). The basis pattern is defined such that a scaled and rotated version of the basis pattern correlated with the basis pattern is substantially equal to the auto-correlation of the basis pattern within a complex multiplicative constant. The high frequency component is of sufficient energy for cross correlation without detriment to the basis pattern. The basis pattern may be generated from a basis function, which may be a logarithmic radial harmonic function (LRHF). The combination is output as at least one alignment mark having an increased maximum frequency. The method (100) may further comprise printing the at least one alignment mark on a print medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Brendon Yenson, Scott Alexander Rudkin
  • Patent number: 8428393
    Abstract: A system and method of non-linear grid fitting and coordinate system mapping may employ data processing techniques for fitting a set of measured fiducial data to an ideal set of fiducials; the fiducials may be arranged in a known (e.g., Cartesian grid) pattern on a substrate imaged by an imaging apparatus. Exemplary embodiments may model the non-linear transformation to and from imaged coordinates (i.e., coordinates derived from acquired image data) and artifact coordinates on the fiducial plate (i.e., actual coordinates of the fiducial relative to a reference point on the fiducial plate).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Rudolph Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond H. Kraft
  • Patent number: 8422792
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for performing image analysis of an image using a repeating geometric sequence. In some examples, a computing system accesses image data that defines an image for image analysis. The computing system determines a repeating geometric sequence that generates variously oriented edges or sub-regions in the image data. The computing system applies the repeating geometric sequence to the image data, thereby generating a series of coordinates that represent the image data defined by the variously oriented edges or sub-regions. The coordinates are determined by the variously oriented edges or sub-regions and not by horizontal or vertical Cartesian lines. The computing system organizes the image data represented by the series of coordinates into a set of one or more arrays and performs image analysis on the set of one or more arrays to produce an image analysis result for the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Ezekiel Kruglick
  • Patent number: 8422749
    Abstract: A method of identifying a myocardial region of interest in cardiac medical image data is disclosed. The method includes identifying myocardial tissue (200) in first (204) and second (206) views of the medical imaging data and constructing a myocardial surface (502). In one embodiment, the myocardial surface is modeled as a plurality of elliptical arc segments (502) and a half ellipsoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Alexander Fischer
  • Patent number: 8417060
    Abstract: Methods for generating an image mosaic are provided. In one respect, pixels saliency of a first image and a second image are determined. One salient pixel may be selected from the determined pixels saliency group of the first image and one salient pixel may be selected from the determined pixels saliency group of the second image. A mosaicking technique of the first and second image may be performed if the one salient pixel of the first image and the one salient pixel of the second image are registered successfully.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Glen Patrick Abousleman, Huibao Lin, Jennie Si
  • Patent number: 8417016
    Abstract: An acceptor device for sheet objects such as banknotes, comprises a sensor to derive data corresponding to a spatial array of data samples from a face of a sheet object, said data being configured in a sampling frame that lies within a range of positional relationships to a reference frame. The acceptor device also comprises a processor operable to process the data to determine the relationship between the reference frame and the sampling frame for the sensed data, and being operable to transform pre-selected regions of the sensed data from the sampling frame so as to correspond to data in the reference frame, and to make a comparison of the transformed data with reference data corresponding to the pre-selected regions in the reference frame and to the sheet object depending on the outcome of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Money Controls Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm Reginald Hallas Bell, Kevin Charles Mulvey, Andrew William Barson, John Ashby
  • Patent number: 8385686
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing method, image processing device and program which make it possible to shorten the processing time, and which also make it possible to set tile regions in appropriate ranges, by dividing one image into a plurality of regions and performing a transformation for each of these regions. The post-transformation image is divided into a plurality of tile regions, and transformation processing and the like are successively performed, with each of these tile regions as the object. In cases where a given tile region that is the object of processing contains a central axis that passes through the origin of the post-transformation image, the tile size of this region is altered by the tile size determining part 41 so that this region does not contain a central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hisashi Sano
  • Patent number: 8374420
    Abstract: A learning control device performs a positioning process, a first image capturing process, and a first deviation amount calculating process in which a reference position deviation amount in the horizontal direction between the imaging reference position and a detection mark is derived based on image information captured in the first image capturing process to derive a position adjustment amount from the derived reference position deviation amount, and the learning control device further includes a positioning correcting process in which the position adjustment device is operated to adjust a position of the second learn assist member based on the derived movement adjustment amount when the reference position deviation amount derived in the first deviation amount calculating process falls outside a set tolerance range. A second image capturing process, and a second deviation amount calculating process may be further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuya Murakami
  • Patent number: 8369604
    Abstract: A position detector, which detects the position of a mark formed on a substrate (W), comprises a creating unit (9), a search unit (13), and a correction unit (14). The creating unit (9) creates a template used for identifying a mark to be detected (WM) based on an image including the mark (WM). The search unit (13) searches an image by using the template created by the creating unit (9), and determines whether there is a pseudo pattern, other than the pattern of the mark (WM), whose degree of matching with the template is higher than a reference value. The correction unit (14) corrects the template based on the information of the pseudo pattern when it is determined that there is the pseudo pattern, and creates a corrected template whose degree of matching with the pseudo pattern is lower than the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nozomu Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8355600
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for displaying an area of wireless-telecommunications coverage of a geographic region by a plurality of images is provided. In embodiments, an image representing an amount of wireless-telecommunications coverage for a geographic region is referenced. A plurality of image data points, including corners, are mapped to real-world geographic coordinates to create a registered image. A plurality of colors, each representing a different wireless-telecommunications coverage area, are identified. A second image is created that includes only pixels associated with selected colors and, thus, only represents the wireless-telecommunications coverage areas associated with the selected colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Rickey Jack Haught, John Patrick Kullman, Mark Anthony Martin, Scott D. Boxberger
  • Patent number: 8351657
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, which comprises the capturing of image data representing a physical object using an electronic device. First visual objects are determined in the image data. Second objects are determined among the first visual objects. Position information is determined for the second visual objects within the physical object. Third visual object are obtained based on the position information from object data storage. The third visual objects are matched to the first visual objects and differences between third visual objects and the first visual object are indicated to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Kaj Makela, Jukka Nurminen, Olli Immonen, Petteri Saarinen, Panu Vartiainen
  • Patent number: 8340466
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is the improvement of an arrangement for the imaging of surface structures of three-dimensional objects, comprising a device for the optical recording of the surface of at least a partial region of the three-dimensional object from different positions, such that the imaging of the object can be carried out with comparatively little complexity with high reproducible accuracy. According to the invention, the arrangement thus comprises a selection circuit (9), for the selection of a first image section (10) and a subsequent image module (11), in which at least one further image section (12) is digitally recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Kordass, Christian Gärtner
  • Patent number: 8330990
    Abstract: A method and system modify a rasterized digital image to reduce registration artifacts, the image having a black plane and a color plane by determining if a pixel is part of a connected black region and if the pixel is part of a connected color region. It is determined if the pixel is part of a connected black region and a connected color region that are contiguous. A dilation operation is performed on the color plane value of the pixel if the pixel is part of a connected black region and a connected color region that are contiguous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Xing Li, Yingjun Bai
  • Patent number: 8314944
    Abstract: An image forming device includes a main body casing, a cover configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body casing, a sensing unit configured to sense an opening-closing operation of the cover, a forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a detecting unit configured to perform a detecting operation to detect a deviation of an image forming position of the image to be formed by the forming unit, an accepting unit configured to accept a print request, and a control unit configured to control the detecting unit to perform the detecting operation in response to the print request being accepted when the sensing unit senses an opening-closing operation of the cover after execution of a previous detecting operation, and thereafter to control the forming unit to form the image in the image forming position corrected to cancel the deviation detected in the detecting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Kushida
  • Patent number: 8311365
    Abstract: An analysis method for a regional image is disclosed for an image datum from a C-arm device. The analysis method includes: providing an indication module, reading the image datum, selecting a plurality of ROIs (Regions of Interest), calculating an average brightness of each of the ROIs, searching every of the steel ball image data, comparing each of the steel ball image data and analyzing each of the steel ball image data. By individually analyzing the regional image datum, the brighter or darker image signal can be excluded so that it can improve precision during searching the steel ball image data. Moreover, it is also more effective for comparing an image profile of the steel ball image datum with a real profile of the steel ball of the indication module. Thus, the steel ball image can be readily defined by its correspondence with the steel ball of the indication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Accumis, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-Chu Chen, Kuo-Tung Kao, Hong-Yu Zhu, Chi-Bin Wu
  • Patent number: 8300947
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the contour of a user object in a moving picture during video communications so that a personal background image is not provided during video communications. Information about center coordinates as well as a size of a face of the user object is extracted from a moving picture frame. Edges are extracted from the moving picture frame, and a boundary of a head of the user object is estimated using a semicircle. The boundaries of left and right shoulders and left and right arms of the user object are estimated using second-order function graphs that overlap a largest portion of the edges. An entire contour of the user object is estimated according to the boundaries of the head, the left and right shoulders, and the left and right arms of the user object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Korea University Industrial & Academic Collaboration Foundation
    Inventors: Young-O Park, Kwan-Woong Song, Young-Hun Joo, Kwang-Pyo Choi, Yun-Je Oh, Chang-Su Kim, Jae-Kyun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8294814
    Abstract: The invention teaches a method of automatically creating a 3D model of a scene of interest from an acquired image, and the use of such a 3D model for enabling user to determine real world distances from a displayed image of the scene of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Ken VanBree
    Inventors: Ken VanBree, Leila Sink
  • Patent number: 8289573
    Abstract: A method and system modify a rasterized digital image to reduce registration artifacts, the image having a black plane and a color plane by determining if a pixel is part of a connected black region and if the pixel is part of a connected color region. It is determined if the pixel is part of a connected black region and a connected color region that are contiguous. A dilation operation is performed on the color plane value of the pixel if the pixel is part of a connected black region and a connected color region that are contiguous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Xing Li, Yingjun Bai
  • Patent number: 8289593
    Abstract: A multifunction printer includes a scanner; a memory which stores a plurality of still image data; a printing head which prints, on a first printing medium, thumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of the still image data; an image data-extracting section which extracts a base image data and a correction image data when the first printing medium is read by the scanner after a predetermined base image selection mark has been marked by a user to one of the plurality of thumbnail images printed on the first printing medium and a predetermined correction position mark has been marked to a partial area of the thumbnail image and which cuts out, from the correction image data, correction data corresponding to the area marked with the correction position mark, and an image-combining section which combines the base image data with the correction data to generate combined image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroto Sugahara, Kazuma Goto
  • Patent number: 8249391
    Abstract: Methods and systems for correcting skew in digital images are disclosed according to embodiments of the invention. Embodiments may include receiving the endpoints of the skew-line, calculating the sine and cosine of the skew-angle from the endpoints and rotating the image using the sine and cosine of the skew-angle. Embodiments of the invention may also include various ways for a user to provide a skew-line and/or endpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20120206617
    Abstract: A measure of frame-to-frame rotation is determined. A global XY alignment of a pair of frames is performed. Local XY alignments in at least two matching corner regions of the pair of images are determined after the global XY alignment. Based on differences between the local XY alignments, a global rotation is determined between the pair of frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: TESSERA TECHNOLOGIES IRELAND LIMITED
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Larry Murray, Piotr Stec, Ilariu Raducan
  • Patent number: 8244067
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying a constellation of alignment marks within an arrangement of computer readable marks in an image (1412), the arrangement of computer readable marks (1412) including alignment marks (1401-1406) and data carrying marks (1407-1410). The alignment marks (1401-1406) define a reference grid within the arrangement of computer readable marks and the data carrying marks (1407-1410) are modulated with respect to the reference grid to encode data. The method selects at least two marks (1501, 1502) from the arrangement of computer readable marks and determines a rotation center with reference to the selected marks (1501, 1502). The method then determines rotated positions for the selected marks by rotating each of the selected marks by a predetermined angle about the rotation center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael Chun Tao Chan, Eric Lap Min Cheung, Dmitri Katchalov, Kapil Batra, Stephen Edward Ecob
  • Patent number: 8242932
    Abstract: An imaging system (10) and method (200) for reading residential and/or commercial meters. The system and method comprise a transmission element (12) that attaches to an external location of a meter (24). The transmission element (12) selectively communicates a reading signal (40) corresponding to a meter value. The system and method further comprise an imaging unit (14) located within the transmission element (12) that images the meter value at a prescribed frequency. The system and method also comprise a transceiving arrangement (16) that receives the reading signal (40) communication from the transmission element. The transceiving arrangement (16) also comprises a converter (44) that analyzes and converts the reading signal (40) communication to a use signal (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Roslak, Andrew Doorty, Luis Llamas Martinez Garza
  • Patent number: 8237788
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a solid-imaging system (10) are disclosed. A calibration plate (110) having a non-scattering surface (140) with a plurality (150) of light-scattering fiducial marks (156) in a periodic array is disposed in the solid-imaging system. The actinic laser beam (26) is scanned over the fiducial marks, and the scattered light (26S) is detected by a detector (130) residing above the calibration plate. A computer control system (30) is configured to control the steering of the light beam and to process the detector signals (SD) so as to measure actual center positions (xA, yA) of the fiducial marks and perform an interpolation that establishes a calibrated relationship between the angular positions of the mirrors and (x,y) locations at the build plane (23). The calibrated relationship is then used to steer the laser beam in forming a three-dimensional object (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Guthrie Cooper, Christopher Knaack
  • Patent number: 8224121
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are provided for imaging a unit under test. Orientation of an imaging system is determined with a machine vision system, a unit under test is scanned with the imaging system, and the scanned image is processed into a substantially distortion-free image. The scanned image may be processed into a substantially distortion-free image by mapping a scanned image to coordinates determined by the machine vision system. By combining the position and orientation information collected at the time each image pixel is collected, the image can be assembled without distortion by mapping a detector signal to the appropriate image coordinate. Alternately, the scanned image may be processed into a substantially distortion-free image by mapping a scanned image to a predetermined matrix grid of coordinates, identifying distortion in the scanned image, and correcting identified distortion in the scanned image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Gary E. Georgeson, Talion Edwards, John W. Finlayson
  • Patent number: 8218202
    Abstract: Multiple images are combined where the images exhibit variations in illumination between one another. The images are of the same portion of an object, and each image is represented by a set of image data. A comparative data transform is applied to each set of image data, such that the transformed comparative image data isolates and preserves first variations in the illumination between the images but suppresses second differences in illumination between the images. At least one normalization transform is determined from the transformed comparative image data sets. When applied to at least one of the image data sets, the at least one normalization transform minimizes the variation in illumination between the image data sets. Each determined normalization transform is applied to the at least one of the image data sets. The normalized sets of image data are transformed to a single image of the portion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrew Hunter, Stephen Pollard
  • Patent number: 8208734
    Abstract: A method is provided for acquiring a reserved block in a holographic storage system. A symmetrical reference table is defined according to the characteristics of a known reference reserved block. Then, the differences between respective unit blocks and the reference reserved block are calculated according to the symmetrical reference table so as to determine total match scores for respective unit blocks. Consequently, the unit block having the highest match score is deemed as the reserved block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Lite-On It Corporation
    Inventor: Yin-Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 8204340
    Abstract: A method for a computer system includes receiving a first camera image of a 3D object having sensor markers, captured from a first location, at a first instance, receiving a second camera image of the 3D object from a second location, at a different instance, determining points from the first camera image representing sensor markers of the 3D object, determining points from the second camera image representing sensor markers of the 3D object, determining approximate correspondence between points from the first camera image and points from the second camera image, determining approximate 3D locations some sensor markers of the 3D object, and rendering an image including the 3D object in response to the approximate 3D locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Two Pic MC LLC
    Inventors: Nori Kanazawa, Douglas Epps
  • Patent number: 8200039
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses, including computer program products, are provided for re-layout of composite images. In some implementations, a method includes identifying geometric transformations corresponding to multiple images from a collection of images, where a geometric transformation reorients a corresponding image in relation to a common reference frame when applied and identifying a reference image for the multiple images in the collection of images. The method also includes determining overlapping image regions for the multiple images starting from the reference image, the determining based on the identified geometric transformations, determining additional transformations of a specified type for the multiple images based on the overlapping image regions, where an additional transformation lays out a corresponding image in relation to the reference image when applied, and making the additional transformations available for further processing and output with respect to the collection of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Hailin Jin, Jen-Chan Chien
  • Patent number: 8194947
    Abstract: Facilitating analysis of one or more mammography images on a review workstation is described. A point or region of interest is identified in a first mammography image of a human breast. The distance between the point or region of interest and a point of reference, preferably the breast nipple, on the first mammography image is determined. A locus of points in a second mammography image of the breast is calculated, the locus of points representing potential locations corresponding to the point or region of interest in the first mammography image, and the calculation being based at least in part on the distance between the point or region of interest and the point of reference. The locus of points is then highlighted a user so as to facilitate a determination by the user of one or more locations in the second mammography image corresponding to the point or region of interest in the first mammography image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriele Zingaretti, Jimmy R. Roehrig, Julian Marshall, Vincenzo Velocci
  • Patent number: 8189925
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods and computer storage media for associating a known geographic location with a known identity. Feature matching, of at least two images, is performed in at least two iterations. The iterations are based on an orientation of feature vectors associated with points of interest in each image. A geometric model is applied to the matched points of interest to improve the matched pairs. Two images are identified as being related. As a result, the known geographic location is associated with the known identity. Additional embodiments include augmenting feature vectors with a coordinate location of a related point of interest based on a geometric model. Further, an exemplary embodiment includes an additional matching iteration based on the augmented feature vectors. In an exemplary embodiment, the feature matching utilizes a Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Kroepfl, Eyal Ofek, Yonatan Wexler, Donald Wysocki, Gur Kimchi
  • Patent number: 8182161
    Abstract: There is provided a method to image a dual-sided thermal media including a plurality of contiguous, alternating first and second thermally imageable panels distinguished by one or more associated sense marks, each of the imageable panels including a first and second imageable sides. The method includes determining a starting panel of the alternating first and second thermally imageable panels of the thermal media on which to start imaging one or more received pages of data, determining a starting side of the first and second imageable sides of the starting panel according to number of the one or more received pages of data, advancing the thermal media to the starting panel using at least one of the of the one or more associated sense marks, and imaging the thermal media with the one or more received pages of data starting at the determined starting side of the advanced to determined panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy W. Rawlings, Michael J. VanDemark
  • Patent number: 8125376
    Abstract: A handheld GNSS device for determining position data for a point of interest is provided. The device includes a housing, handgrips integral to the housing for enabling a user to hold the device, and a display screen integral with the housing for displaying image data and orientation data to assist a user in positioning the device. The device further includes a GNSS antenna and at least one communication antenna, both integral with the housing. The GNSS antenna receives position data from a plurality of satellites. One or more communication antennas receive positioning assistance data related to the position data from a base station. The GNSS antenna has a first antenna pattern, and the at least one communication antenna has a second antenna pattern. The GNSS antenna and the communication antenna(s) are configured such that the first and second antenna patterns are substantially separated. Coupled to the GNSS antenna, within the housing, is at least one receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Javad GNSS, Inc.
    Inventors: Javad Ashjaee, Lev B. Rapoport, Mikhail Gribkov, Alexander Gribkov
  • Patent number: 8103109
    Abstract: There is a need to provide simple, accurate, fast and computationally inexpensive methods of object and hand pose recognition for many applications. For example, to enable a user to make use of his or her hands to drive an application either displayed on a tablet screen or projected onto a table top. There is also a need to be able to discriminate accurately between events when a user's hand or digit touches such a display from events when a user's hand or digit hovers just above that display. A random decision forest is trained to enable recognition of hand poses and objects and optionally also whether those hand poses are touching or not touching a display surface. The random decision forest uses image features such as appearance, shape and optionally stereo image features. In some cases, the training process is cost aware. The resulting recognition system is operable in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John Winn, Antonio Criminisi, Ankur Agarwal, Thomas Deselaers
  • Patent number: 8103077
    Abstract: A method and system for locating an opaque region, such as a heart region in a chest X-ray radiograph is disclosed. In order to segment a heart region in a chest X-ray radiograph, a heart region boundary is generated based on lung boundaries in the chest X-ray radiograph and an average heart region model. A location of the lower boundary of the heart region in the chest X-ray radiograph is then determined. Left and right portions of the heart region boundary are independently registered to corresponding portions of the lung boundaries, and upper and lower portions of the heart region boundary are adjusted based on the left and right portions in order to form a smooth contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lin Hong, Ying Li, Hong Shen
  • Patent number: 8098412
    Abstract: A method detects a center of a wafer having a notch when aligning the wafer mounted on a movable mounting table. The method includes capturing an image of the wafer by using an imaging unit, the image including the notch; extracting an edge line from the image of the wafer; detecting a shape of the notch from the edge line; and calculating the center of the wafer based on the shape of the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Fumito Kagami
  • Patent number: 8094971
    Abstract: A method of automatically determining orientation of a digital image comprises extracting features of the digital image and processing the extracted features using diverse classifiers to determine orientation of the digital image based on the combined output of the diverse classifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Guerzhoy, Hui Zhou
  • Patent number: 8077913
    Abstract: In order to determine the actual position (A) of a geodetic measuring instrument (1) inside a dead range (T) wherein signals originating from a positioning system are shadowed, two reference structures (5) are detected from at least two known positions and the distances associated with the reference structures (5) are measured. Image information linked to said distance measurements is captured. Said information contains data on the arrangement of the reference structures (5). The actual position (1) can be derived from subsequent capture of the reference structures (5) from a position inside the dead range (T). Image processing methods are used advantageously to identify and measure the reference structures (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Euler
  • Patent number: 8064728
    Abstract: The formation of marks on devices is described. In one embodiment, a method for marking a device includes forming a plurality of unique marks sequentially on a device. The method includes defining a virtual array having a plurality of cells extending in an x-direction and a plurality of cells extending in a y-direction, wherein the marks are each positioned in a cell in the virtual array. The method also includes capturing an image including the relative cell position of the marks within the virtual array and converting the relative position of the marks within the virtual array into a set of coordinates including an x value along the x-direction and a y value along the y-direction for each of the marks. The method also includes generating a device identification using a plurality of the x values and the y values. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jason A. Garcia
  • Patent number: 8055100
    Abstract: A system and method for confirming the accuracy of an image registration process is provided. The method includes: receiving a first image that depicts a scene area; defining a comparison area within a second image that includes the scene area; obtaining a registration model that registers the first image to the second predefined image; constructing a third image from the first image and the comparison area of the second image based on the registration model; and comparing the third image to the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Leib, Lawrence A. Oldroyd
  • Patent number: 8055099
    Abstract: An exposure method capable of performing accurate exposure without using a large photomask. The exposure method performs exposure while relatively moving a photomask above a substrate and includes a step of performing position correction of the photomask by performing, on a front side of the photomask relatively moved in a moving direction, image recognition of a pattern prearranged on the substrate such as a line and a black matrix and by correcting deviation of the photomask with respect to the pattern, and a step of checking the position correction of the photomask by performing image recognition of a reference mark arranged on the photomask and by determining whether or not the position correction of the photomask is accurately performed in the step of performing the position correction of the photomask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shouichi Ogata, Daisuke Fuse, Yasuo Minami
  • Patent number: 8045235
    Abstract: Provided are a specific image information adding method with enhanced detection accuracy enabling multiple pieces of information to be added, and an image forming apparatus using the method. In the method of adding specific image information about a recorded image onto the recorded image, the specific image information consists of reference information and identification information, the reference information is formed so as to be able to set a reference position for reading of the specific image information, and the identification information is formed from dot images indicative of bit information at predetermined positions on an arc or a circumference around the reference position. The identification information can represent a single information item by a plurality of dot images, which are placed on a plurality of different arcs or circumferences and arranged at predetermined spacings in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nakai, Koichi Sumida, Takao Yamanouchi
  • Publication number: 20110229055
    Abstract: A phantom for determining the alignment of two or more imaging apparatuses. The phantom comprises a vessel, wherein a cavity is defined by the inner surfaces of the vessel. The cavity is for holding a fluid therein. Two or more rods extend through the cavity, the rods being non-parallel with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: KING'S COLLEGE HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
    Inventor: Gillian Clarke
  • Patent number: 7995241
    Abstract: A method of capturing an image of a document is provided. First, a notebook computer having a base is provided, wherein an image pickup device is disposed on the notebook computer, and a symbol mark is formed on the base of the notebook computer. Next, a document fixer having a fixer middle mark is provided. The document is fixed by the document fixer, wherein a centerline of a long edge of the document is aligned with the fixer middle mark. Next, the document fixer is moved according to a size of the document until the fixer middle mark is aligned with the symbol mark. After the image of the document is captured, an image processing procedure is performed. By aligning the fixer middle mark with the symbol mark of the notebook computer, the document is precisely positioned and thus a sharp image with no tilted distortion is acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Chung Wang, Chen-Ning Hsi
  • Patent number: 7986807
    Abstract: Machine readable signals embedded in other media signals include a circular structure in a transform domain to facilitate detection. The machine readable signals are not apparent to human observers of rendered media containing the machine readable signals, such as images and documents. A detector captures the media signal, transforms it to the transform domain, and then uses the circular structure in the transform domain to facilitate detection despite rotation of the media signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: John Stach, Hugh L. Brunk, Ravi K. Sharma
  • Patent number: 7983476
    Abstract: A working apparatus comprises a working unit which executes work on a work subject, and a calibration jig on which a plurality of markers is arranged in a radial pattern from a center point of markers, the plurality of markers being arranged in three dimensions, and the calibration jig being attached to a working unit such that a calibration reference point set of a working unit coincides with a center point of markers. According to such a composition, it becomes possible to calibrate a position of a working unit even when a portion of the jig containing a center point of markers is occluded during image measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shunta Tate, Masato Aoba