Abstract: A three-dimensional image pickup apparatus for capturing a three-dimensional image which includes a left-eye image and a right-eye image includes: a first imaging unit having a first optical system and operable to take the left-eye image; a second imaging unit having a second optical system and operable to take the right-eye image; and a controller operable to control the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit. The first optical system and the second optical system individually include a convergence angle changing unit capable of optically changing a convergence angle and a focal length changing unit capable of optically changing a focal length. The controller, when controlling the focal length changing unit to change the focal length, controls the convergence angle changing unit based on a predetermined constant convergence angle tracking curve to keep the convergence angle constant before and after the change of the focal length.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an active illumination imaging system comprising a first camera and a second camera, each having an optical axis and a field of view (FOV) characterized by a view angle in a plane that contains the optical axis and wherein the optical axes of the cameras intersect at an intersection region common to their FOVs at an angle substantially equal to half a sum of their view angles.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stereographic camera system and a method of operating a stereographic camera system. The stereoscopic camera system may include a left camera and a right camera having respective left and right lenses and an IOD mechanism to set an interocular distance between the left and right cameras. A foreground distance sensor may provide an output indicative of a distance to a closest foreground object. A controller may causes the IOD mechanism to set the interocular distance based on, in part, the output of the foreground distance sensor.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a first camera, and a second camera. The first camera is connected to the housing. The second camera has a movable lens. The second camera is connected to the housing. The second camera is proximate the first camera. The movable lens is configured to move from a first position to a second position. A field of view of the second camera corresponds to a field of view of the first camera when the movable lens is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products for real-time high dynamic range (HDR) imaging are provided. A method includes creating a first HDR image file for a subject image captured from a first angle and at a first time increment (T1). The first HDR image file is created by a first image capturing device. The method also includes receiving a second HDR image file for the subject image captured from a second angle at T1, creating a first composite HDR image file by combining elements of the first HDR image file with elements of the second HDR image file, and generating a first three-dimensional HDR image from the composite HDR image file. The second HDR image file is received in real-time, such that the first three-dimensional HDR image reflects the subject at T1.

Abstract: The mount device for a stereoscopic recording rig comprising two cameras (3a, 3b), each having one lens (4a, 4b) includes a mount element (2) which can be tilted at a bearing means (11a) about a horizontal tilt axis (11). Furthermore, a beam splitter (7, 8) attached at the mount element (2) at a radial distance from the tilt axis (11) and comprising a partially transparent mirror (8) is provided, the mirror plane of which extends in parallel to the tilt axis (11). Two attachment means (5a, 5b) are mounted at the mount element (2) at both sides of the beam splitter (7, 8) at an angular distance about the tilt axis, wherein one camera (3a, 3b) can be mounted at each of the attachment means (5a, 5b) such that the projections of the optical axes (6a, 6b) of the lenses of the cameras (3a, 3b) from a horizontal direction intersect on an imaginary vertical plane cut perpendicularly by the tilt axis (11) and the optical axes (6a, 6b) hit the mirror plane.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stereographic camera system and method. A stereographic camera may include a left camera and a right camera including respective lenses and an interface for receiving a selection of a selected mode from a plurality of preset operating modes. One or more preset stereo parameters associated with each of the plurality of operating modes may be stored in a preset parameter memory. An interocular distance mechanism may set an interocular distance between the left camera and the right camera based on, at least in part, the one or more preset stereo parameters associated with the selected mode.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stereographic camera system and a method of operating a stereographic camera system. The stereoscopic camera system may include a left camera and a right camera having respective left and right lenses and an IOD mechanism to set an interocular distance between the left and right cameras. A foreground distance sensor may provide an output indicative of a distance to a closest foreground object. A controller may causes the IOD mechanism to set the interocular distance based on, in part, the output of the foreground distance sensor.

Abstract: To enable satisfactory simultaneous and widely varied pictures to be obtained, for example, by allowing a common user to obtain an overall picture while the common user performing desired image capturing, or the like. A first image capturing device image-captures a subject to record this image, and also transmits a trigger signal to a second image capturing device. The second image capturing device image-captures an image to record this image in accordance with the trigger signal. Thus, the first and second image capturing devices enable both of an overall image and a zoomed image to be obtained with simultaneous timing.

Abstract: An adapter for controlling a first camera and a second camera, which exhibit differing operating characteristics, in a three-dimension (3D) camera imaging system. The adapter provides a camera control signal to the first camera to control operation of the first camera. The adapter converts the camera control signal to a second camera control signal utilizing information from the first and the second cameras indicative of imaging states of the cameras, and provides the second camera control signal to the second camera to control operation of the second camera. The conversion compensates for the differing operating characteristics of the first and second cameras.

Abstract: There is provided a frame structure for stereoscopic imaging. First and second cameras may be mounted to the structure to respectively record first and second images which may be combined to produce a three-dimensional image. The frame structure comprises a casing sized and shaped to receive a beam splitting device therein and first and second camera supports mounted to a sidewall of the casing for respectively holding the first and second cameras. Each camera support comprises an outer frame defining an internal cavity to receive a corresponding camera therein, and attaching means which comprise at least three connecting portions contacting the casing sidewall and positioned around an opening of the casing sidewall. This configuration substantially prevents deformation of the frame structure due to bending.

Abstract: The invention relates to electronic equipment. The equipment includes camera means for forming data from an object located in the imaging direction, in which case the said camera means include at least two camera units (CAM1, CAM2) and data-processing means, which are arranged to process the data formed using the camera means, in a manner corresponding to the currently selected imaging mode, to form image information. In the equipment, the mutual position of the camera units (CAM1, CAM2) relative to each other is arranged to be altered to correspond to the current imaging mode.

Abstract: On the basis of an image taken by a right image taking unit and/or an image taken by a left image taking unit, an imaging parameter common to the right and left image taking units is calculated. The calculated imaging parameter is set in the right and left image taking units.

Abstract: There is disclosed stereographic camera system including first and second cameras including respective first and second lenses. A convergence mechanism may set a convergence angle by rotating at least the first camera about a first pivot axis. A first pivot shift mechanism may adjust the position of the first camera such that the first pivot axis passes through a nodal point of the first lens.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of operating a 3D camera and a frame-linked 2D/3D camera system. The 3D camera may receive data conveying operating parameters of at least one 2D camera. Operating parameters of the 3D camera including a pan angle ?3D, a tilt angle T3D, a lens focal length FL3D, and a lens focus distance FD3D may be set based on, at least in part, the received data. An interocular distance IOD of the 3D camera may be set and a stereo convergence angle ? of the 3D camera may be set based on IOD and FD3D.

Abstract: There is disclosed a platform for a stereographic camera system, a stereographic camera, and a method for operating a stereographic camera. The platform may include a first linear motion mechanism and a second linear motion mechanism. A camera mounting plate may be rotatably coupled to the first linear motion mechanism at a first rotation axis and rotatably coupled to the second linear motion mechanism at a second rotation axis.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stereographic camera system including a first camera and a second camera including respective first and second lenses. A zoom mechanism may synchronously set focal lengths of the first and second lenses to a selected focal length of a plurality of predetermined focal lengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical measurement device with an image acquisition unit, which has at least two camera units (10) on a holding structure, assigned to each other, using local arrangement and alignment. A stable, low-cost design is obtained by the fact that the holding structure has a one-piece supporting body (1) with mounting structures molded thereon, in which the camera units (10) are accommodated (FIG. 2).

Abstract: There is disclosed stereographic camera system including a left and a right camera including respective lenses, plural mechanisms to synchronously set a focal length of the lenses, to synchronously set a focal distance of the lenses, to set a convergence angle between the left and right cameras, and to set an intraocular distance between the left and right cameras. A controller may determine a convergence based on the focal length. The controller may cause an interocular distance and a convergence angle between the left and right cameras to be set based on a maximum allowable disparity, the focal length of the lenses, the convergence distance, and a distance to an object in the scene.

Abstract: An omni-directional stereo camera and a control method thereof. The omni-directional stereo camera includes two or more omni-directional cameras, and a supporting member installed within a shooting range between the omni-directional cameras to interconnect the omni-directional cameras and including compensation patterns formed at the surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rig for a stereoscopic camera system. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a modular stereoscopic rig system. The modular rig system comprises a plurality of interchangeable bases, a first camera mounting module for mounting a first camera to one base and a second camera mounting module for mounting a second camera to the same base.

Abstract: The camera system of the present invention includes a plurality of cameras each including an imaging unit and an image processing unit. If configured to operate in a mode that is for cooperation with other cameras, a first camera included in the camera system causes the image processing unit thereof to receive images from other cameras, and generate synthesized image by synthesizing the received images and an image captured by the imaging unit thereof. The first camera transmits the generated synthesized image to a second camera included in the camera system. The second camera causes, if configured to operate in the mode that is for cooperation with other cameras, the image processing unit thereof to perform part or whole of encoding of the received synthesized image.

Abstract: A driving mechanism includes a driven member partially having a spherical surface, piezoelectric units that support the driven member between them and drive the driven member, and a base that holds the piezoelectric units. Each of the piezoelectric units includes a driving portion having a flat surface in contact with the spherical surface of the driven member, a first piezoelectric element that moves the driving portion along a first axis parallel to the flat surface, a second piezoelectric element that moves the driving portion along a second axis that is parallel to the flat surface and intersects the first axis, and a support member that supports the driving portion through the first and second piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: There is disclosed stereographic camera system including first and second cameras including respective first and second lenses. A convergence mechanism may set a convergence angle by rotating at least the first camera about a first pivot axis. A first pivot shift mechanism may adjust the position of the first camera such that the first pivot axis passes through a nodal point of the first lens.

Abstract: There is disclosed stereographic camera system including a left and a right camera including respective lenses, plural mechanisms to synchronously set a focal length of the lenses, to synchronously set a focal distance of the lenses, to set a convergence angle between the left and right cameras, and to set an intraocular distance between the left and right cameras. A controller may determine a convergence based on the focal length. The controller may cause an interocular distance and a convergence angle between the left and right cameras to be set based on a maximum allowable disparity, the focal length of the lenses, the convergence distance, and a distance to an object in the scene.

Abstract: A lens device, in which object light is branched by a half mirror after passing through a photographic lens to allow photographing with two photographing means and in which the half mirror can be retracted from the optical axis to obtain a clear image using one of the photographing means, is provided. The half mirror in the lens device is provided between a front-side relay lens and a rear-side relay lens, and is provided such that the half mirror can be retracted away from an optical axis of the photographic lens and advanced toward from the optical axis. The rear-side relay lens is moved along the optical axis to a position in accordance with the retracting of advancing of the half mirror.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system uses a single primary optical lens along with three non-collinear apertures to obtain three offset optical channels each of which can be separately captured with an optical sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for realizing a multi-camera system having two optical paths with a single processing path for the two optical paths. Such a multi-camera system typically includes a first image-capture device associated with a first optical train wherein the first image-capture device is typically pointed in a first direction (i.e., away from the user). The multi-camera system further includes a second image-capture device having a second optical train wherein the second image-capture device is typically pointed in a second direction (i.e., toward the user). The multi-camera system further includes a single processing block coupled to the first image-capture device and the second image-capture device. The processing block is typically operable to process image data captured at each image-capture device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for acquiring stereoscopic images. A first camera may be mounted to a first convergence plate, the first convergence plate coupled to a first plate via a first XY slide and a first pivot displaced from the first XY slide. A distance between the first plate and a second plate may be adjusted to set an interocular distance between the first camera and a second camera. The first convergence plate may be rotated about the first pivot to set, at least in part, an angle of convergence between the first camera and the second camera.

Abstract: A computed design of a composite camera having multiple digital imaging devices is generated automatically in accordance with the following process. A target volume to be captured by the composite camera and a target resolution for capturing the target volume are obtained. A representation of a view frustum of each of a plurality of digital imaging devices is generated based on at least one characteristic of each device. The digital imaging devices are organized based on the view frusta. A set of digital imaging devices is selected from the organized digital imaging devices, where the view frusta of the set of digital imaging devices substantially covers the target volume with at least the target resolution. The set of digital imaging devices are positioned based on each device's physical characteristics. A computed design of the composite camera that includes digital imaging devices held in position by a mechanical fixture is generated.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system uses a single primary optical lens along with three collinear apertures to obtain three offset optical channels each of which can be separately captured with an optical sensor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a platform suited for use in dual camera, stereoscopic digital cinema. The fixture may have a base, a first convergence plate and a second convergence plate. The base may be mounted to a tripod, steadicam, crane, boom or other device for supporting a platform used in stereoscopic cinematography. The base may have two platforms attached to each other via a linear slide. The convergence plates may be attached to the respective platforms via an XY slide.

Abstract: This invention introduces, as one aspect, an apparatus for creating three-dimensional object model, comprising photographing means for photographing an object to be modeled for obtaining images to be used for creating the three-dimensional object model, setting means for longitudinally and latitudinally setting a relative position between the object and said photographing means, said setting means being capable of setting the object and said photographing means a plurality of different relative longitudinal and latitudinal positions, and control means for controlling said photographing means and said setting means so that a number of photographs taken from different relative longitudinal positions at a first relative latitudinal position is larger than that taken from different relative longitudinal positions at a second relative latitudinal position, the first relative latitudinal position being closer to a lateral position than the second relative latitudinal position.

Abstract: A scene is imaged by moving an optical lens relative to an image sensing surface (such as film or a pixel array) synchronously with exposing different portions of the image sensing surface. The synchronous actions are preferably adaptable to the scene being imaged, so objects at different object distances are focused at different times and exposed to different portions of the sensing surface at different times within an exposure frame period. Exposure time for the different portions of the sensor may be varied according to speed or brightness of the different objects in the scene to be imaged, as detected at the camera by measuring apparatus similar to auto focus distance measuring apparatus. A camera and a program of computer readable instructions are also detailed. Alternatives to moving the lens relative to the image sensing surface include changing a shape of the lens.

Abstract: A photographing assist device for achieving stereoscopic photographing without the provision of a dedicated camera or a plurality of identical cameras. The photographing assist device comprises: a rotor made of a circular member having the shape of a ring; a camera fixing part for mounting a camera; and a support for supporting the rotor rotatably. A camera is placed on and fixed to the camera fixing part. When the rotor is rotated, the camera also makes a circular movement on the plane of rotation. Continuous shooting is performed during the rotation, whereby images shot from a plurality of points of view are obtained. A stereoscopic image or an interpolated image is obtained subsequently through image processing.

Abstract: A computer includes a photographing unit for photographing every time a turn table is rotated and acquiring images of the photographing target from a plurality of photographing devices; a coordinate-system setting unit for setting a coordinate system; position of an extracted feature point of the photographing target being defined as reference of the coordinate system; a viewpoint-parameter calculation unit for calculating viewpoint parameters on the basis of the coordinate system set by the coordinate-system setting unit and camera parameters such as focal lengths of the photographing devices, the viewpoint parameters including position data of the photographing devices and direction data of the photographing devices are oriented; and a correspondence-data storage unit for storing the images and the viewpoint parameters being made correlated with each other, the images being acquired by the photographing unit, the viewpoint parameters being calculated by the viewpoint-parameter calculation unit.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a stereoscopic camera to a vehicle, by which a plurality of cameras are attached to a body frame of the vehicle in order to stereoscopically capture images surrounding the vehicle; and the same structure includes a lateral stay for coupling the plurality of cameras with each other; and brackets for fixing the lateral stay or the plurality of cameras on the body frame, which are provided at a plurality of points, spaced from each other, of the lateral stay, or at the plurality of cameras fixed on the lateral stay; wherein the rigidity of at least a part of the brackets is lower than the bending rigidity of the lateral stay.

Abstract: This stereo camera system is constituted of a stereo optical module which acquires a stereo image, a central control unit which evaluates an object as a target based on the stereo image acquired by the stereo optical module, and a communication line through which stereo image data output from the stereo optical module is input to the central control unit. Further, in this stereo camera system, an image output processing circuit which performs predetermined image processing with respect to the stereo image acquired by the stereo optical module is provided in the stereo optical module, whereby this image output processing circuit performs a correction arithmetic operation which corrects unbalance at the time of capturing the stereo image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system uses a single primary optical lens along with three non-collinear apertures to obtain three offset optical channels each of which can be separately captured with an optical sensor.

Abstract: The present invention presents a bionic automatic vision and line of sight control system and method, wherein the system comprises multiple camera sets, wherein each camera set comprises one or more parallel camera with different shooting range, wherein each camera set is driven by one or three actuators, capable of rotating in two or three degree of freedom. The present system is capable of fast object positioning, high accuracy tracking and wide range compensation for line of sight deviation caused by the movement of the system. More specifically, the system can ensure two camera sets to position and track the same object at the same time. The present system not only can be used in various fixed places to monitor, protect and care taking, it can also be installed on various moving objects, such as cars, airplanes, boats, military equipments, and it can be used as eyes for various types of robots.

Abstract: A system for localizing objects has two or more measurement units. Calibration methods provide transformations to a common reference frame by locating calibration features in local reference frames of the measurement units. A calibration target spanning measurement fields of the measurement units may be used. The measurement units may have overlapping measurement fields. The measurement units may comprise stereo vision units or other units capable of locating objects or object features.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera system, especially for photogrammetric applications. The camera system contains at least two first cameras (1, 2), which are inclined towards each other so that the optical axes (7, 8) of the first cameras (1, 2) intersect at a common point of intersection (5). The camera system also has at least two second cameras (10, 11) which are located at a distance from the first cameras (1, 2), in the viewing direction of the first cameras (1, 2). The inclination of the optical axes (7, 8) of the first cameras (1, 2) towards each other provides an area (b) in which the envelope that surrounds the acceptance cones of the first cameras (1, 2) has an essentially constant diameter. The second cameras (10, 11) are located in this area (b) so that the second cameras (10, 11) avoid truncating the projection of the visual fields of the first cameras (1, 2). The first cameras are preferably panchromatic and the second cameras polychromatic.

Abstract: Each of the CCD cameras 10A, 10B for making a film of a vehicle forward road environment is mounted on the both ends of a chassis 16 with a high stiffness. A mounting seat member 17 is formed at a center of the chassis 16. The CCD cameras 10A, 10B are mounted onto a vehicle body through fixing the mounting seat member 17 onto the vehicle body. Portions other than the mounting seat member 17 of the chassis 16 are disposed apart from the vehicle body.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus for capturing parallax images for the left eye and right eye which meet a fusion condition. A stereo camera image-captures a subject and displays captured parallax images on a stereoscopic display. An observer looks at the screen of the display. The lines of sight of both eyes of the observer are then detected, and a distance from the view point of the observer to the subject is measured based on the line-of-sight data. Instead of the observer, the apparatus determines whether the subject distance satisfies the fusion condition. The apparatus thus determines an image-fusible range, based on a (known) convergence angle, a (known) base line distance, a (known) size of the display, and the distance of distinct vision of the observer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera system, especially for photogrammetric applications. The camera system contains at least two first cameras (1, 2), which are inclined towards each other so that the optical axes (7, 8) of the first cameras (1, 2) intersect at a common point of intersection (5). The camera system also has at least two second cameras (10, 11) which are located at a distance from the first cameras (1, 2), in the viewing direction of the first cameras (1, 2). The inclination of the optical axes (7, 8) of the first cameras (1, 2) towards each other provides an area (b) in which the envelope that surrounds the acceptance cones of the first cameras (1, 2) has an essentially constant diameter. The second cameras (10, 11) are located in this area (b) so that the second cameras (10, 11) avoid truncating the projection of the visual fields of the first cameras (1, 2). The first cameras are preferably panchromatic and the second cameras polychromatic.

Abstract: A two degree of freedom camera mount. The camera mount includes a socket, a ball, a first linkage and a second linkage. The socket includes an interior surface and an opening. The ball is positioned within an interior of the socket. The ball includes a coupling point for rotating the ball relative to the socket and an aperture for mounting a camera. The first and second linkages are rotatably connected to the socket and slidably connected to the coupling point of the ball. Rotation of the linkages with respect to the socket causes the ball to rotate with respect to the socket.

Abstract: A camera and camera control method capable of aligning the relative angles of a first photo section and a second photo section with good precision in a short time. The camera comprises a first photo section for capturing an image, and a second photo section installed to have a parallax d versus the first photo section, and forms a three dimensional image from the images captured with the first photo section and the second photo section wherein, said camera contains a laser emission section to beam a laser beam L1 towards nearly the same direction as the optical path CL1 of the first photo section.

Abstract: A medical support system includes a patient-side system including patient shooting devices for photographing a patient's body and forming respective images displaying respective parts of the patient's body; a medical-side system located at a position spaced away from the patient-side system and including an image synthesizer for splicing together, at boundary portions, respective adjacent images of the patient's body to produce a composite image displaying an area of the patient's body extending across the respective images, and a display for displaying the composite image produced by the image synthesizer; and a communication link for transmitting information between the medical-side system and the patient-side system and for transferring the images produced by the patient shooting devices to the medical-side system.

Abstract: A technique of capturing a stereoscopic panoramic photographic image of a scene, includes capturing a first 360.degree. panoramic image of a scene from a first point on a vertical axis; and capturing a second 360.degree. panoramic image of the scene from a second point on the vertical axis, the second point being displaced from the first point by a stereoscopic baseline distance.

Abstract: A three-dimensional stereoscopic system using two camera units mounted onto a sub-base and each camera unit mounted onto a moveable base. The bases rotates and are synchronized to turn with each other to control the horizontal viewing angle. Both camera units are synchronized to scan an image source in unison. The video signals from the camera units are loaded into a switching unit which alternatively outputs information from one camera unit and then the other camera unit. In this manner, both a left eye view and a right eye view are transmitted to a television monitor to be viewed as a stereoscopic image.