Detecting Alignment Marks Patents (Class 382/287)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7974451
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a diffusion weighted image processing apparatus or the like which can correct a distortion of a diffusion weighted image requiring smaller endurance on a patient in a diffusion weighted image processing method for correcting distortion of a diffusion weighted image. The diffusion weighted image processing apparatus has a correcting device which relatively corrects, with mutual reference among two or more diffusion weighted images having different directions of gradient field pulses during imaging, distortions occurring in the directions of the gradient field pulses during the imaging of the diffusion weighted images, the distortion being caused by the gradient field pulse of the diffusion weighted image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ziosoft, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7911503
    Abstract: A measurement line segment projection unit (400) projects, onto a sensed image, a three-dimensional model which is arranged at the position and orientation of a physical object (199). A search range is set for each side of the virtual object projected onto the sensed image, near the side of the virtual object in the sensed image based on a positional relationship between the side and other sides of the virtual object. A side of the physical object (199) on the sensed image is searched for within the search range for each side of the virtual object. The position and orientation relationship between the physical object (199) and an image sensing device (50) is calculated using the correspondence relationship, determined based on the search result, between each side of the three-dimensional model projected onto the sensed image and each side of the physical object (199) located on the sensed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7889362
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus prints images on print sheets, and insets tab-index sheets between the printed print sheets. The image forming apparatus includes an orientation detecting unit which detects an orientation of a print sheet being supplied, a rotation-angle selecting unit which selects a rotation angle of an image such that the image is arranged in an orientation matching the detected orientation of the print sheet and in a predetermined positional relationship with a tab of the tab-index sheets, and a printing unit which prints the image being rotated by the selected rotation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Tsukuba, Yoh Masuyama, Masato Terao
  • Patent number: 7881560
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a position of a marker in an Augmented Reality System. After detection of the marking points of a marker in a captured image, marker vectors are determined using the marking points of the marker, and the distance of the marker from a capturing unit is calculated using the determined marker vectors. The determined distance and marker vectors are used in order to establish a rotation matrix reproducing an orientation of the marker in relation to the capturing unit, wherein the simplification that all marking points of the marker are located at the same distance from the capturing unit is valid and the signs of the rotation matrix are derived from substantially parallel marker vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ben St John
  • Patent number: 7880919
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus enabling identical editing of a plurality of edit target images includes an edit position designator for designating, for a single image, an edit position as an edit target, an alignment position designator for designating an image alignment position and a edit unit that aligns an edit image and edits a designated area having the edit position for the single image as its reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Tomita, Koji Nakagiri, Yasuo Mori, Junko Sato, Wataru Kanaya, Michiko Kanaya, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7869663
    Abstract: Methods of analyzing three dimensional data sets obtained from a sample over time are provided. A first three dimensional data set is obtained from the sample at a first time. A first volume intensity projection (VIP) image is created from the first three dimensional data set. One or more first landmarks are identified and registered in the first VIP image. A second three dimensional data set is obtained from the sample at a second time, different from the first time. A second VIP image is created from the second three dimensional data set. The one ore more first landmarks are identified and registered in the second VIP image. The first and second VIP images are aligned based on the registered one or more first landmarks in the first and second VIP images. Related systems and computer program products are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Bioptigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Buckland, William J. Brown, Joseph A. Izatt
  • Patent number: 7864981
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an orientation of a camera installed on a vehicle, comprising the following operations: installing the vehicle at a location provided with markings on the ground, detecting these markings, estimating a vanishing point based on these markings, and matching the vanishing point with a positioning point by angular displacement of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Joël Leleve, Julien Rebut
  • Patent number: 7848595
    Abstract: A method for processing data pixels in a holographic data storage system is disclosed. The method includes assigning predetermined reserved blocks throughout each data page, where each reserved block comprises known pixel patterns, determining position errors of the data page by computing the best match between regions of the data page and the predetermined reserved blocks, and compensating the data pixels at the detector in accordance with the corresponding position errors of the data page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: InPhase Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Ayres, Alan Hoskins, Kevin R. Curtis
  • Patent number: 7848592
    Abstract: An image fusion method for medical applications, comprising: a. acquiring a first image with a planned radiation region; b. acquiring a second image with actual radiation region; c. determining if user defined landmarks have been placed on the first and second images, if user defined landmarks are present go to step (d), if not go to step (e); d. pre-transforming the first image or second image or both images; e. performing a first delineation step on the actual radiation region; f. determining if the delineation is correct, if yes go to step (g), if not go to step (h); g. fusing the first and second image and exit process; and h. selecting multiple contour points around the actual radiation region in the second image; i. performing a second delineation step on the actual radiation region and go to step (f).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Shoupu Chen, Jay S. Schildkraut
  • Patent number: 7848594
    Abstract: Exposure is performed with a reticle installed in an exposure apparatus, and a measurement mark on the reticle is transferred onto a wafer so as to form a first transferred image of the measurement mark (step 212). Then, the wafer is rotated (step 218), and then the measurement mark is transferred onto the wafer that has been rotated and a second transferred image of the measurement mark is formed (step 224). In this manner, the first transferred image and the second transferred image of the measurement mark each formed on the wafer are respectively imported by an SEM, according to a direction of the wafer with respect to the reticle during transfer of the measurement mark. Image processing having a common measurement direction is applied to each of the images that are imported without having to rotate the images, and the size of the first transferred image and the second transferred image in the measurement directions is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Iori Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7835592
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an image projected onto a warped surface is provided. The method initiates with capturing calibration points within a calibration image projected onto the warped surface. The method includes analyzing the calibration points to determine relative locations among the calibration points. In one embodiment, the method utilizes a pseudo origin for locating beginning points for successive rows of calibration points. The calibration points are ordered according to the relative locations. The ordered calibration points may be applied to alter the image data prior to projection of the image data onto the warped surface. A system for calibrating points so that an image projected onto a warped surface does not appear as distorted is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Doug McFadyen, Tatiana Pavlovna Kadantseva
  • Patent number: 7809182
    Abstract: A method for suppressing electromagnetic background radiation in the image according to a precharacterization, a device for carrying out the method according to a precharacterization, a measuring instrument, and a use of the device for identifying a laser signal as a mark for subsequent measuring processes as well as for identifying a source of a laser signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventor: Holger Kirschner
  • Patent number: 7747053
    Abstract: An image diagnosis supporting system comprising a means for reading in image data representative of the image of a subject acquired by a medical imaging apparatus, a means for detecting an abnormal shadow candidate satisfying at least one of a plurality of criteria for abnormal shadow criteria from the image thus read in, and a means for displaying the image thus read in and a marker indicative of the abnormal shadow candidate thus detected in a superimposed state. The image diagnosis supporting system is further provided with a means for setting criteria supporting judgment of the abnormal shadow candidate detected by the abnormal shadow candidate detecting means as judgment supporting criteria, and a control means for displaying the judgment supporting criteria thus set, the abnormal shadow candidate and the marker simultaneously on the display means. Accordingly, it is possible to support the user in accurately judging the type of an abnormal shadow candidate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Kadomura, Taiga Goto
  • Patent number: 7715606
    Abstract: A marker system includes a marker, and a positioner coupled to the marker, the positioner configured to position the marker from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position. A method of providing a marker system includes obtaining a first data representative of a first predetermined position, obtaining a second data representative of a second predetermined position, and moving a set of one or more markers from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, wherein the set of one or more markers is moved using a positioner. A method of using a marker system includes detecting a marker when the marker is located at a first position, moving the marker from the first position to a second position using a positioner, and detecting the marker when the marker is located at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew G. Jeung, Hassan Mostafavi, Alexander Sloutsky, Sergey Povzner
  • Patent number: 7715067
    Abstract: A scanner includes a housing, a transparent platen disposed on the housing for positioning a document, and a calibration pattern formed on a side of the transparent platen. The calibration pattern includes an arc having a first point and a second point. The scanner further includes an optical engine installed inside the housing for scanning the document and the calibration pattern with movement in a first direction, and a control module installed inside the housing for controlling the optical engine to move to a scan start position according to the first point and the second point of the calibration pattern scanned by the optical engine and a radius of curvature of the arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chen-Tsai Tsai, Yan-Mei Chen, Hsueh-Chou Hsu
  • Patent number: 7702131
    Abstract: A sequence of images depicts a foreground object in motion. A base image is selected, and the other images in the sequence are co-registered with the base image in order to align the images to a common coordinate system. A background image and a binary foreground mask are generated from the sequence of aligned images. By applying the foreground mask to a chosen one of the aligned images, a representation of the moving object is extracted. After blurring the background image, the extracted representation may be superimposed onto the blurred background image to produce a new image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Troy Chinen, Sergey Ioffe, Thomas Leung, Yang Song
  • Patent number: 7688381
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for accurately repositioning an imaging device in order to acquire or project a new image of a scene of interest. Accurate repositioning of an imaging device is necessary for generating or displaying high quality time-lapse image sequences for a variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ken VanBree
  • Patent number: 7664341
    Abstract: An index layout measurement method and apparatus measures a relative layout relationship between a first index or index group which exists in a given first region in a physical space and a second index or index group which exists in a second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Rika Takemoto, Shinji Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 7659835
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for recognizing a parking slot by using a bird's-eye view and a parking assist system using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Hogi Jung
  • Patent number: 7634155
    Abstract: Consistent with an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of locating a position of a movable member is provided. The movable member is movable along a path and has a surface with a plurality of markings provided thereon. The method includes sensing an image of a portion of the surface of the movable member, and calculating a position of the movable member based on the image. Further, the method includes determining whether the movable member is at a location corresponding to one of the plurality of markings, and eliminating an error associated with the position when the movable member is at the location corresponding to the one of the plurality of markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Pawelski, Francis J. Raab, Trent S. Kucher
  • Patent number: 7634128
    Abstract: A stereoscopic three-dimensional optical metrology system and method accurately measure the location of physical features on a test article in a manner that is fast and robust to surface contour discontinuities. Disclosed embodiments may image a test article from two or more perspectives through a substantially transparent fiducial plate bearing a fiducial marking; camera viewing angles and apparent relative distances between a feature on a test article and one or more fiducials may enable accurate calculation of feature position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Rudolph Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald B. Snow, John T. Strom, Raymond H. Kraft
  • Patent number: 7623676
    Abstract: A method and/or system for tracking objects, such as humans, over a wide area (that is, over an area that is delineated by a large spatial domain and/or a long-duration temporal domain) is provided. Such tracking is facilitated by processing, in real-time, near real-time or otherwise contemporaneous with receiving, images captured by each of a plurality or network of slightly overlapping stereo sensors, such as stereo cameras. The method includes and the apparatus is adapted for obtaining a plurality of local-track segments, wherein the plurality of local-track segments correspond to an object captured in images taken by a respective plurality of stereo sensors; and combining the local-track segments to form a global track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventors: Tao Zhao, Manoj Aggarwal, Rakesh Kumar, Harpreet Sawhney
  • Patent number: 7613361
    Abstract: An information processing device for obtaining placement information regarding an imaging device of markers to be calibrated that are provided upon the imaging device, includes: a first image obtaining unit adapted to obtain a first image photographed with the imaging device; a second image obtaining unit adapted to obtain a second image obtained by photographing the imaging device from a bird's-eye view position; a first detecting unit adapted to detect information relating to image coordinates of reference markers placed in a scene, from the first image; a second detecting unit adapted to detect information relating to image coordinates of markers to be calibrated from the second image; and a calibration information calculating unit adapted to obtain the calibration information using information relating to image coordinates of the reference markers detected by the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mahoro Anabuki, Kiyohide Satoh, Shinichi Aratani, Daisuke Kotake
  • Patent number: 7613356
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for inputting a signal indicating a change in position of an image sensing apparatus to predict present position and orientation of the image sensing apparatus using previously obtained position and orientation, by identifying corresponding pairs of indicators detected from an image in real space sensed by the image sensing apparatus and indicators contained in an image when sensed from a predicted position and orientation and using a correction method determined by the number of identified indicator pairs either to correct all or some of the degrees of freedom of the predicted camera position and orientation or to use the predicted camera position and orientation directly as is. As a result, highly accurate detection results can be obtained using a simple structure in the detection of the position and orientation of the image sensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Uchiyama, Kiyohide Satoh
  • Patent number: 7594319
    Abstract: A first electronic component having two alignment holes perforated at predetermined positions thereof so as to be spaced away from each other by a predetermined interval is held with a receiving table, and also a second electronic component having two alignment marks formed at predetermined positions thereon so as to have an interval therebetween in agreement with that between the two alignment holes is held with a position-adjusting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakamura, Norio Kawatani, Masahisa Hosoi, Kazumasa Osoniwa, Hiroshi Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 7590280
    Abstract: An exposure apparatus for exposing an object to light. The apparatus includes a camera which captures an image of a mark on the object to obtain image data corresponding to the image, an extraction section which extracts an edge position in the image data obtained by differentiating the image data, a determination section which determines a position of the mark by comparing the extracted edge position with a template, and a control section which changes at least one of a parameter used by the extraction section and a parameter used by the determination section, based on a result of the comparing by the determination section. The object to be exposed is positioned based upon the position of the mark determined by the determination section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7580590
    Abstract: An optical image system surface resolution calibration method is provided herein, which utilizes a calibration standard and an image sensor device. The surface of the calibration standard is provided with a plurality of interleaving bright lines and dark lines, the calibration standard is disposed in a plane to be measured, and the image sensor device is provided with an imaging means, a memory means, and a logic-arithmetic means, that is used to fetch the image information of the calibration standard and store the image information thus obtained. Meanwhile, the image sensor device is used to select and calculate the linear equations of the bright lines, and finally calculate the magnification factor of the image fetched by the image sensor device through the geometric mathematical means by making use of the slope and intersection distance of the linear equation and the average distance between the adjacent bright lines calculated from the intersection distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Chroma Ate Inc.
    Inventors: Yao-Min Lin, Wei-Che Chang, Huang-Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 7567699
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the center of a rotationally symmetrical alignment mark thereby using an image recognition software. The alignment mark is recognized by the image recognition software in different orientations by rotating the alignment mark around a symmetry angle with respect to which the alignment mark is rotationally symmetrical, and respective reference points are determined. The center of rotation of the determined reference points corresponds to the center of the alignment mark. Moreover, the invention provides a method for aligning two flat substrates each having a rotationally symmetrical alignment mark and being arranged substantially parallel with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Sus MicroTec Lithography GmbH
    Inventor: Sven Hansen
  • Patent number: 7555021
    Abstract: A Digital Multi-Source Multi-Destination Video Multiplexer and Crossbar Device and method which may be applied to a video imaging system, in which multiple input image sources including super-computer-generated digital image scenes, personal computer generated digital image scenes, or any machine with OC-48 fiber optically generated digital scenes are multiplexed, bit combined, and output as a selection of multiple digital video output formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Bryan J. Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 7529387
    Abstract: A method is provided for estimating the placement information of a plurality of types of markers of which the amounts of the placement information differ respectively, detects a plurality of types of markers from multiple images, calculates the position where the detected marker is projected on an image surface based on the approximate values of the positions and orientations of an imaging device when multiple images are photographed, obtains the correction value of the placement information of a marker so as to reduce a sum of error between the position of the detected marker on the image surface and the projected position of the marker calculated, corrects the placement information of the marker, and also calculates the placement information of a plurality of types of markers by repeating these processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Kotake, Shinji Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 7502685
    Abstract: A vehicle navigation apparatus is provided which can reliably guide a vehicle along a guidance route when the vehicle approaches an intersection of interest at which it is to make a turn even if another intersection exists between a vehicle position and the intersection of interest. A controller determines whether or not another intersection exists between the vehicle position and the next guidance intersection (an intersection at which the vehicle is to make a turn) when the vehicle reaches a predetermined distance from the guidance intersection. If another intersection is determined to exist, an intersection guidance map with an arrow indicative of the guidance route colored in a predetermined color is displayed on a display device. In one embodiment, if another intersection does not exist between the vehicle and the guidance intersection, the color of the arrow displayed is changed to a different color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hikaru Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7492471
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus prints images on print sheets, and insets tab-index sheets between the printed print sheets. The image forming apparatus includes an orientation detecting unit which detects an orientation of a print sheet being supplied, a rotation-angle selecting unit which selects a rotation angle of an image such that the image is arranged in an orientation matching the detected orientation of the print sheet and in a predetermined positional relationship with a tab of the tab-index sheets, and a printing unit which prints the image being rotated by the selected rotation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Tsukuba, Yoh Masuyama, Masato Terao
  • Patent number: 7489832
    Abstract: Dots (14) are marked on the stage surface of a stage (13) beforehand, and when an original (5) is placed on that stage, a document camera (1) acquires stage specification information such as the number of pixels of an image of the dot (14) and that of a check area (82) of the image thereof, based on the resolution of a shot image obtained by shooting. Based on the acquired stage specification information, the document camera (1) identifies an area of an image of the stage (13), acquires a binarized image which represents the area of the image of the stage (13) in white, so that a boundary between an area of an image of the original (5) and the area of the image of the stage (13) becomes clarified. Based on the binarized image, the document camera (1) determines the outline of the image of the original (5), and acquires the image thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuji Makino, Masao Sambongi
  • Publication number: 20090010529
    Abstract: A method for processing wafers includes learning a first pattern at a de-skew site on a first wafer layer, saving the first patterns in a recipe for de-skewing wafers, learning a second pattern at the de-skew site a second wafer layer, and saving the second pattern in the same recipe for de-skewing wafers. Learning the first pattern may include determining a score of uniqueness for the first pattern. The method further includes finding the de-skew site on the second wafer layer using the first pattern before learning the second pattern. Finding the de-skew site includes determining a score of similarity between the first pattern and the second pattern. Learning the second pattern is performed when the score of similarity is less than a threshold value. A recipe for de-skewing wafers includes multiple patterns of a de-skew site of a wafer, wherein the patterns include a first pattern at the de-skew site on a first wafer layer and a second pattern at the de-skew site on a second wafer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: NANOMETRICS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jian Zhou, Hua Chu
  • Publication number: 20090003729
    Abstract: Defects in an image forming system may give rise to scratched fiducials, missing fiducial regions, or other defects in an image that can run parallel to the process direction. The present disclosure provides for a fiducial compensation method and system for detecting defects thereby allowing spatial tone reproduction curves to be calculated and applied to a digital image in order to eliminate printed streaks due to a photoreceptor's non-uniformities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: David J. Metcalfe, Terri A. Clingerman, Stuart A. Schweid, Howard Mizes
  • Patent number: 7463773
    Abstract: An initial search method uses the input image and the template to create an initial search result output. A high precision match uses the initial search result, the input image, and the template to create a high precision match result output. The high precision match method estimates high precision parameters by image interpolation and interpolation parameter optimization. The method also performs robust matching by limiting pixel contribution or pixel weighting. An invariant high precision match method estimates subpixel position and subsampling scale and rotation parameters by image interpolation and interpolation parameter optimization on the log-converted radial-angular transformation domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: DRVision Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Shih-Jong J. Lee, Seho Oh
  • Patent number: 7450781
    Abstract: A method of enlarging an image field of a camera by combining partial images. This method includes continuously rotating at least two refractive prisms such that an optical axis of the at least two prisms scans in a cycloidal pattern. Furthermore the method includes capturing and combining a plurality of partial images. Finally, the cycloidal pattern is formed as an astroid pattern with a plurality of vertexes. The partial images are generated at the time of the reversal movement during the scanning in the astroid pattern, which limits unsharpness in the images kept to less than the size of a pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Barth, Michael Assel
  • Patent number: 7437207
    Abstract: An apparatus and method performing a sequence of processing steps on a load supported by a processing plate. The load can include a single sheet on which a plurality of applications are performed or can include a plurality of panels on which respective applications are performed. For each application, at least one coarse target and at least one panel target are used to adjust the programmed coordinates for that application. After the first application of the load is processed using the coarse and panel targets, coarse and panel targets are located for the second application. Using the alignment provided by these targets, the second application is processed. Each subsequent application is similarly aligned and processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Howerton, Mehmet Alpay, Ling Wen
  • Patent number: 7433509
    Abstract: A method for processing wafers includes learning a first pattern at a de-skew site on a first wafer layer, saving the first patterns in a recipe for de-skewing wafers, learning a second pattern at the de-skew site a second wafer layer, and saving the second pattern in the same recipe for de-skewing wafers. Learning the first pattern may include determining a score of uniqueness for the first pattern. The method further includes finding the de-skew site on the second wafer layer using the first pattern before learning the second pattern. Finding the de-skew site includes determining a score of similarity between the first pattern and the second pattern. Learning the second pattern is performed when the score of similarity is less than a threshold value. A recipe for de-skewing wafers includes multiple patterns of a de-skew site of a wafer, wherein the patterns include a first pattern at the de-skew site on a first wafer layer and a second pattern at the de-skew site on a second wafer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Nanometrics Incorporated
    Inventors: Jian Zhou, Hua Chu
  • Publication number: 20080240614
    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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Jason A. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20080240615
    Abstract: An image processing device, which performs deformation of an image, includes a deformation area setting unit, a deformation area dividing unit, and a deformation processing unit. The deformation area setting unit sets at least a portion of an area on a target image as a deformation area. The deformation area dividing unit divides the deformation area into a plurality of small areas. The deformation processing unit performs deformation of an image within the deformation area by deforming the small areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20080226195
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a request is received that includes a specification of a static location and a dynamic location. A static image is created that includes a map that represents an area centered around the static location. A dynamic image is created asynchronously from the creation of the static image. An amalgamated image is generated that includes the static image and the dynamic image, which is over a portion of the static image. In this way, spatial data may be drawn in a manner that increases performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Maykel Martin
  • Patent number: 7423540
    Abstract: A method of detecting the state of an operator of a vehicle utilizes a low-cost operator state detection system having no more than one camera located preferably in the vehicle and directed toward a driver. A processor of the detection system processes preferably three points of the facial feature of the driver to calculate head pose and thus determine driver state (i.e. distracted, drowsy, etc.). The head pose is generally a three dimensional vector that includes the two angular components of yaw and pitch, but preferably not roll. Preferably, an output signal of the processor is sent to a counter measure system to alert the driver and/or accentuate vehicle safety response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Branislav Kisacanin
  • Patent number: 7420719
    Abstract: Method embodiments herein print a test document using a multi-function printing device to produce a printed document. This printed document is examined in a first direction to determine a first skew of the printing device. The first skew comprises a combination of raster output scanner skew and media path skew. The printed document is also examined in a second direction to determine a second skew. However, this second skew only includes the media path skew of the printing device. Once these two skews are acquired, the method can subtract the media path skew from the first skew to calculate the raster output scanner skew of the printing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael C. Mongeon
  • Patent number: 7417774
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for identifying intended response marks in an optically scanned image of a response sheet having key marks and response targets printed in the same color. Pixel darkness values assigned by a digital imaging scanner are used to locate key marks and response targets and to identify response marks. Areas of the sheet may be selectively filtered to mask the response targets. Alternatively, a color imaging scanner may be used to produce a set of color values, such as RBG values, for each pixel. Software can act as a virtual filter by using the RBG values to detect or to mask a color in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC
    Inventor: David D. S. Poor
  • Patent number: 7415169
    Abstract: A viewing system and method for enhancing objects of interest represented on a moving background in a sequence of noisy images and for displaying the sequence of enhanced images, comprising extracting means (11) for extracting features related to an object of interest in images of the sequence; registering means (12) for registering the features related to the object of interest with respect to the image referential, yielding registered images (13); similarity detection means for determining the resemblance of the representations of a registered object of interest in succeeding images and weighing means for modulating the intensities of the pixels of said object of interest over the images of the sequence; temporal integrating means (14, 33b) for integrating the object of interest and the background over a number, or at least two, registered images (13) of the sequence; and display means (54) for displaying the processed images (15, 45) of the enhanced registered object of interest on faded background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Raoul Florent, Lucile Nosjean, Pierre Lelong, Peter Maria Johannes Rongen
  • Patent number: 7415170
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus is provided for processing an image signal obtained from a solid-state image pickup device, in which a plurality of types of color filters are discretely provided on pixels, and a pixel to be interpolated and surrounding pixels thereof have image signals. The apparatus comprises an interpolation section for generating a missing color signal in the image signal of each pixel by interpolation using at least the image signals of the surrounding pixels among the image signals of the pixel to be interpolated and the surrounding pixels thereof. The interpolation section obtains an interpolation pattern, which is similar to a pattern of data values of the pixel to be interpolated and the surrounding pixels thereof, depending on uniformity and gradient of the image signals of the pixel to be interpolated and the surrounding pixels thereof, and performs interpolation depending on the interpolation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuji Kimura, Takuji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7415150
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that computes translational differentials between a “perfect” image (henceforth called a database-image) and a scanned-image of a photomask. During operation, the system receives a noise-free database-image and a scanned-image that is generated by an imaging process. Next, the system computes a set of candidate-translational-differentials using the database-image and the scanned-image. The system then generates one or more sets of translated directional-gradient-images based on the set of candidate-translational-differentials and using the database-image and the scanned-image. Next, the system converts the database-image into a set of smoothed directional-gradient-images. Finally, the system computes translational differentials by performing a normalized correlation using the set of smoothed directional-gradient-images and the one or more sets of translated directional-gradient-images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Fereydoun Maali
  • Patent number: RE41364
    Abstract: A test image has a black bias on a white background. The black bias is a line set at about 45 degrees to the scan lines of a scanner. Boundary points of the scanned bias are found. A regression line is calculated from the positions of the boundary points. Differences in the positions of adjacent boundary points, together with the slope reciprocal of the regression line, are used to determine error values. The error values are compared with a gate value to determine if there are any occurrences of scan line misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Yu-Fen Tsai, Te-Chih Chang