Showing papers on "Three-CCD camera published in 2009"

Sensors for 3D Imaging: Metric Evaluation and Calibration of a CCD/CMOS Time-of-Flight Camera

Abstract: 3D imaging with Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras is a promising recent technique which allows 3D point clouds to be acquired at video frame rates. However, the distance measurements of these devices are often affected by some systematic errors which decrease the quality of the acquired data. In order to evaluate these errors, some experimental tests on a CCD/CMOS ToF camera sensor, the SwissRanger (SR)-4000 camera, were performed and reported in this paper. In particular, two main aspects are treated: the calibration of the distance measurements of the SR-4000 camera, which deals with evaluation of the camera warm up time period, the distance measurement error evaluation and a study of the influence on distance measurements of the camera orientation with respect to the observed object; the second aspect concerns the photogrammetric calibration of the amplitude images delivered by the camera using a purpose-built multi-resolution field made of high contrast targets.

Camera system with autonomous miniature camera and light source assembly and method for image enhancement

Abstract: The present Invention relates to a camera system suitable for use in minimally invasive surgery (MIS ), among other applications. In at least one embodiment, the camera system includes an autonomous miniature camera, a light source assembly providing features such as steerable illumination and a variable radiation angle, and a control and processing unit for processing images acquired by the camera Io generate improved images having reduced blurring using a deblurring algorithm.

Apparatus and method for calibrating images between cameras

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating images between cameras, includes: a detector for detecting dynamic markers from images taken by a motion capture camera and a video camera; a 3D position recovery unit for recovering 3D position data of the dynamic markers obtained by the motion capture camera; a 2D position tracking unit for tracking 2D position data of the dynamic markers obtained by the video camera; a matching unit for matching the 3D position data and the 2D position data of the dynamic markers; and a calibrating unit for converting the 3D position of the dynamic markers on a spatial coordinate system into image coordinates on an image coordinate system of the video camera to calculate intrinsic parameters and extrinsic parameters of the video camera to minimize a difference between coordinates of the 2D position data and the image coordinates.

Autonomous Configuration of Parameters in Robotic Digital Cameras

Abstract: In the past few years, the use of digital cameras in robotic applications has been increasing significantly. The main areas of application of these robots are the industry and military, where these cameras are used as sensors that allow the robot to take the relevant information of the surrounding environment and making decisions. To extract information from the acquired image, such as shapes or colors, the configuration of the camera parameters, such as exposure, gain, brightness or white-balance, is very important. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for the autonomous setup of the most important parameters of digital cameras for robotic applications. The proposed algorithm uses the intensity histogram of the images and a black and a white area, known in advance, to estimate the parameters of the camera. We present experimental results that show the effectiveness of our algorithms. The images acquired after calibration show good properties for further processing, independently of the initial configuration of the camera.

Calibration method and apparatus for automotive camera system, and method and ecu for determining angular misalignments of automotive camera system

Abstract: A method of automotive camera system calibration is disclosed in the present invention. At least two targets are placed within the field of view of each camera included in the system. Each camera captures the targets. Then, the vehicle is moved, and another image is captured. The images are used to derive the camera orientation parameters. Based on these parameters, misalignment of the cameras can be compensated by the image processing unit.

Virtual View Generation with a Hybrid Camera Array

Abstract: Virtual view synthesis from an array of cameras has been an essential element of three-dimensional video broadcasting/conferencing In this paper, we propose a scheme based on a hybrid camera array consisting of four regular video cameras and one time-of-flight depth camera During rendering, we use the depth image from the depth camera as initialization, and compute a view-dependent scene geometry using constrained plane sweeping from the regular cameras View-dependent texture mapping is then deployed to render the scene at the desired virtual viewpoint Experimental results show that the addition of the time-of-flight depth camera greatly improves the rendering quality compared with an array of regular cameras with similar sparsity In the application of 3D video boardcasting/conferencing, our hybrid camera system demonstrates great potential in reducing the amount of data for compression/streaming while maintaining high rendering quality

High-speed photographing apparatus using plural cameras

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high-speed photographing apparatus comprising a first camera for acquiring an image of an object, a second camera for acquiring the same image as the image acquired by the first camera, reflection means for reflecting the image of the object so that the first camera and the second camera obtain the same image with respect to the object, a controller for alternately providing a photographing signal to the first camera and the second camera at a speed higher than intrinsic photographing speeds of the first camera and the second camera such that the first camera and the second camera alternately capture images of the object, and an image synthesis section for synthesizing the alternately captured images.

Network camera management system and network camera management method

Abstract: The present invention is intended to manage a plurality of network cameras simply. The network camera management system comprises: a server for managing a plurality of cameras and controlling recording and/or displaying of an image captured by a camera; and a controller for instructing a management state of a camera on the server. By the operation of the controller, an image to be displayed is dynamically selected from images captured by the plurality of cameras according to the mode instructed by the controller. Thus, even if there are a large number of cameras, it is possible to display in such a form that it is intuitively easy to understand which camera's image is being displayed.

Method and system for measuring vehicle speed based on movement of video camera

Abstract: A digital video camera is placed on a vehicle. The video camera is attached to the vehicle and is directed to a surface at a certain angle to the surface. The camera angle can change while vehicle is in motion. The camera angle is constantly measured by angular sensor (i.e., inclinometer). Images of the surface are projected onto a video matrix and transformed into a sequence of digital frames that are formed at a pre-set time interval. A speed of the video camera relative to the surface is calculated as a ratio of an off-set between the adjacent frames and the time interval between the frames. Then a known relative speed of the vehicle can be corrected by multiplication of the height of the camera (above the surface) by a coefficient that equals a ratio of the known vehicle speed and the measured camera speed.

Vehicle-mounted video recorder, reproducing apparatus, and program

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display video to meet driver's intention only by performing a driving operation by a driver. SOLUTION: In a camera video displaying processing, a process is achieved in such states that a video to be displayed on a display 16 is switched to a video brought from a rear view camera 13 in the case that a video signal is input in a video signal brought from the rear view camera 13 and that the video to be displayed on the display 16 is switched to a video before being switched to the video brought from the rear view camera 13 in the case that the video signal is not input in the video signal brought from the rear view camera 13. Thus, only by setting a shift position to back by the driver, the video photographed by the rear view camera 13 is displayed on the display 16 and vehicle back conditions are confirmed by watching the display 16. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Long-distance target detection camera system

Abstract: Provided is a long-distance target detection camera system capable of detecting/tracking a target widely from a long distance to a short distance while simplifying the structure. The long-distance target detection camera system for detecting a long-distance target is configurged from a pair of convergence cameras (10) capable of convergence movement, a telescopic camera (20) having narrower-angle vision than that of the pair of convergence cameras (10), and a wide-angle camera (30) having wider-angle vision than that of the pair of convergence cameras (10). The telescopic camera (20) has the line of sight approximately equal to the trace line of the intersection point between the lines of sight of the pair of convergence cameras (10). The wide-angle camera (30) has the line of sight approximately equal to the line of sight of the telescopic camera (20). Further, the long-distance target detection camera system comprises a base (40) on which the cameras are mounted and motors for base movement (50) which control the movement of the base (40).

Camera calibration device and monitoring area setting device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera calibration device capable of calculating a camera parameter by simple work by utilizing the plan information of a photographing range and the height information of a camera. SOLUTION: By using the plan information 22 stipulating the photographing range of the camera 21 and the arrangement position of the camera 21 on a plane, the camera height information 23 stipulating the height of the camera in the three-dimensional space of a real world, and correspondence information between a point on the plan stipulated by the plan information 22 and a point on a camera video image corresponding to the point on the plane, the camera parameter 24 stipulating correspondence between the three-dimensional space of the real world and the two-dimensional space of the camera video image is calculated. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

On-board camera system and image processing method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an on-board camera system which can mount a stereo camera function and an around view function at lower cost, and an image processing method SOLUTION: The on-board camera system has a right side camera 2 and a left side camera 3, the imaging range of which changes with rotation of right and left side mirrors of a vehicle 200, a front camera 1 which photographs the front of the vehicle 200, a rear camera 4 which photographs the rear of the vehicle 200, a bird's eye view creation part 15B which creates a bird's eye view surrounding the vehicle 200 using images photographed by the front camera 1, the right side camera 2, the left side camera 3 and the rear camera 4, and a distance calculator 15A which calculates the distance to an obstacle that is in front of the vehicle 200 based on the disparity between the right side camera 2 and the left side camera 3 COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

High-precision synchronization of video cameras using a single binary light source

Abstract: Camera synchronization is necessary for multicamera applications. We propose a simple and yet effective approach termed random on-off light source (ROOLS) to synchronize video sequences. It uses a single light source such as an LED to generate a random binary valued signal that is captured by the video cameras. The captured binary-valued sequences are then matched and the temporal offset of the cameras is computed up to subframe interval precision. We test the proposed method on synchronizing video sequences captured under a variety of illumination conditions and the results are verified against the ground truth provided by an LED array clock. The main contribution of the proposed method is that it reliably achieves high-precision synchronization at a low cost of only adding a simple light source. In addition, it is suited for synchronization in both laboratory and outdoor environments.

Camera auto UV filter mode

Abstract: A portable communication device having a camera functionality including a camera lens and a UV filter element moveable into or out of a position covering the camera lens. The device includes an apparatus for detecting a light feature associated with an ambient light condition. The UV filter is automatically moved into or out of a position overlying the camera lens based upon the data determined from the light feature associated with the ambient light condition.

Device for producing image of partly moved scene in motor vehicle surrounding for video-based detection of objects e.g. guide posts, has video camera whose focusing is adjusted such that objects in close region are recorded in blurred way

Abstract: The device has a video camera (2) directed to a scene in a surrounding of a motor vehicle (1), where a focusing of the video camera is adjusted in such a manner that objects e.g. guide posts, in a close region (N) of the scene are recorded in a blurred manner. The video camera is focused to a distance that is larger than a hyper focal distance of the video camera. An evaluation unit implements an image analysis of the images of the video camera under the consideration of image stream. The video camera is mounted on the motor vehicle in a driving direction.

Image forensics of digital cameras by analysing image variations using Statistical Process Control

Abstract: In this paper, we propose the novel use of Statistical Process Control (SPC) as a tool for identifying anomalies in digital cameras, by analysing image variations. We apply SPC on six low-end cameras, and one mid-range camera. By plotting the mean distribution of image pixel data through control charts, we have been able to identify a clear distinction between images captured from low-end cameras (where the variation is approximately 21%), and mid-range cameras (where the variation is approximately 1%). Control charts are used to highlight out-of-control values within the image data. By examining the data of any out-of-control images, it is possible to deduce the cause of inconsistency in the device's image acquisition process. This could ultimately lead to the identification of a stochastic feature for images taken by certain types of digital cameras, to benefit research for camera identification. In this paper, the SPC model is described in relation to its potential use in the field of image forensics for aiding camera identification, and some experimental results are shown from the six test cameras to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model.

Package vision evaluation system

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of evaluating packages are provided. In a vision evaluation system embodiment, the system includes a light source, a first and second camera and a control system. The light source provides polarized backlight. The first camera has a first lens positioned to image the polarized back light. A ninety degree polarized filter is positioned between the first lens of the first camera and the light source. The ninety degree polarized filter is polarized 90 degrees from the polarized back light of the light source. The second camera has a second lens that is positioned near the first lens of the first camera. The control system is coupled to control the first and second cameras to take simultaneous images at a given frequency. The control system is further configured to determine locations to analyze based on image data from the first camera. Moreover, the control system is still further configured to analyze the determined locations in associated image data from the second camera. Packages whose image fails the analysis are removed from a packing line.

Passive geometric camera calibration for arbitrary camera configuration

Abstract: In this paper, we are concentrating on the passive geometric camera calibration, which calculates the geometric parameters of all cameras in a camera system based on certain predefined object The to-becalculated parameters include intrinsic parameters (eg focal length and aspect ratio) and extrinsic parameters (camera 3D position and orientation) Geometric camera calibration is the first and fundamental step in eg 3D measurement and 3D reconstruction systems Its accuracy always determines the quality of those systems Based on deliberately built calibration object, passive camera calibration can generate highly accurate parameter approximation of the camera system However, past research mainly focused on either single or stereo camera systems, few have studied calibration of multi-camera and special camera systems (eg mirror based cameras) In this paper, we will introduce a coherence systematic calibration system that is fully automatic, workable under difficult situations and applicable for single, stereo, and multiple normal or special camera systems

Novel vehicle detection system based on line scan camera

Abstract: In order to improve the precision and real-time character of the traditional video-based traffic detector, a novel vehicle detection system based on line scan camera is developed. In this system, the vertical view images of vehicles are captured by two line scan cameras which are mounted on the pole's arm over the roadway; The distance between two cameras is 2 meters along the road. The Vehicle's outline region in the captured image is extracted with a wavelet transform algorithm, and the vehicle's speed is estimated by a curve correlation method. Compared with video camera, the line scan camera only detects the moving objects and the static background of the pavement in the captured image hardly changes, hence the vehicle detection algorithm has a lower complexity and consumes less time. Moreover, the measurement precision of the vehicle's speed is much higher than the video-based traffic detector since the line scan camera has a frame rate of 1000Frames/s, while the rate of video camera is only 25~30 Frames/s.

Perimeter security system using active analysis of images reflected by a set of mirrors onto a video camera

Abstract: A perimeter security system includes a video camera ( 1 ), an element ( 7 ) for transmitting or retransmitting a radiation lighting a scene observed by the camera ( 1 ), and a unit ( 4 ) for image analysis and processing and for driving the camera ( 1 ). The system is essentially characterized in that it includes, in order to multiply the number of shots while using a single camera ( 1 ), at least two mirrors ( 6, 61 ) partially inserted into the field of vision of the latter, each mirror having the same vertical orientation but a different horizontal orientation so that the portion of the image seen by the camera on each of the mirrors always represents the same scene relative to the lighting element ( 7 ).

Camera arrangement for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle comprising a camera arrangement

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera arrangement for a motor vehicle z, and a motor vehicle comprising a camera arrangement. The camera arrangement (1) of the invention comprises a camera (2) that is equipped with an image sensor (3) for outputting image signals (S1) and a camera lens system (12) for capturing first surroundings and imaging the first surroundings on the image sensor (3) at a first object width. The camera arrangement (1) further comprises an additional camera lens system (13, 14), at least part of which is located in the beam path of the camera lens system (12). The camera lens system (12) and the additional camera lens system (13, 14) jointly from a lens system arrangement which allows second surroundings (A), especially a zone (A) of a surface (15) of a window pane (4), to be imaged or focused on the image sensor at a second object width that differs from the first object width.

Security camera has three-dimensional camera based on photonic mixer devices, where two-dimensional camera and three-dimensional camera are associated for active illumination

Abstract: The security camera has a three-dimensional camera based on photonic mixer devices. A two-dimensional camera and the three-dimensional camera are associated for active illumination. Both cameras are arranged in a camera case. The camera body and active illumination unit form a common structural unit. Each camera is assigned to its own lens.

Method for enhancing camera system of vehicle assistance system for vehicle, involves arranging camera and evaluation unit in common housing, where camera system is extended by another camera

Abstract: The method involves arranging a camera (1) and an evaluation unit (3) in a common housing (4). A camera system (20) is extended by another camera (2). The latter camera is arranged outside the housing. The former and latter cameras are coupled with evaluation unit by two communication connections (17,6) respectively. An independent claim is also included for a camera system with a feedback channel.

Camera system, method performed using the camera system, and program

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To embed a heuristics for standard video-shooting into a video recording device to serve for improving a quality of recorded video in a device for general consumers. SOLUTION: The method performed using a camera system includes: acquiring a plurality of parameters associated with the camera system; capturing the images shot by the camera system; analyzing the plurality of parameters of the camera system and the shot images; determining a user's action which has a possibility of adversely influencing on the quality of the video based on the result of the analysis; and presenting a notification, which represents the user's action which may have a possibility of causing an adverse influence, to the user on shooting pictures by operating an output mechanism of the camera system. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

A 5.5 megapixel high-performance low-light military video camera

Abstract: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. has combined the results of recent advances in CMOS imaging sensor, signal processing and embedded computing technologies to produce a new high performance military video camera. In this paper we present the design features and performance characteristics of this new, large format camera which was developed for use in military airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), targeting and pilotage applications. This camera utilizes a high sensitivity CMOS detector array with low read noise, low dark current and large well capacity to provide high quality image data under low-light and high intra-scene dynamic range illumination conditions. The camera utilizes sensor control electronics and an advanced digital video processing chain to maximize the quality and utility of the digital images produced by the CMOS device. Key features of this camera include: rugged, small physical size, wide operating temperature range, low operating power, high frame rate and automatic gain control for all-light-level applications. This camera also features a novel pixel decimation filter to provide custom image sizes and video output formats.

Microscope observation apparatus

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a microscope observation apparatus for performing color observation and monochromatic light observation by a single white light source without providing a plurality of light sources and a switching mechanism of the light sources. SOLUTION: An irradiation optical system 18 and an observation optical system 19 which obtain an observation image of a sample 2 by irradiating the sample 2 with light emitted from the white light source 6 and by imaging the light which transmitted or reflected from the sample 2; and a 3CCD camera 17 which have a function, for observing the observation image imaged by the observation optical system 19, to receive the light by separating the light into a plurality of different wavelength components and to output the received light of each wavelength component as electric signals, are included. The color observation which observes an image formed based on the electric signals of all wavelengths components received by the 3CCD camera 17 and the monochromatic light observation which observes an image formed based on the electric signal of each individual wavelength component are performed by changing a switch 21. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Method for measuring the movement of a video camera relative to a surface, and device for implementing same

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for measuring the movement rate of any movable apparatus, which systems use a video image of an underlying surface The proposed method makes it possible to produce, on the basis of the rate of travel of a video image projected onto the sensory element of a video camera (video matrix), an estimate of the travel of an apparatus on which said camera is mounted The proposed method also makes it possible to measure the height at which the camera is located relative to the underlying surface if the rate of movement of the apparatus on which the camera is mounted is known

Auto-Calibration of a Camera System Using Image-Alignment

Abstract: Calibration of a camera system is a necessary step in any stereo metric process. It correlates all cameras to a common coordinate system by measuring the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of each camera. Currently, manual calibration of a camera system is the only way to achieve calibration in civil engineering operations that require stereo metric processes (photogrammetry, videogrammetry, vision based asset tracking, etc). This type of calibration however is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, in civil engineering operations, camera systems are exposed to open, busy sites. In these conditions, the position of presumably stationary cameras can easily be changed due to external factors such as wind, vibrations or due to an unintentional push/touch from personnel on site. In such cases manual calibration must be repeated. In order to address this issue, several self-calibration algorithms have been proposed. These algorithms use Projective Geometry, Absolute Conic and Kruppa Equations and variations of these to produce processes that achieve calibration. However, most of these methods do not consider all constraints of a camera system such as camera intrinsic constraints, scene constraints, camera motion or varying camera intrinsic properties. This paper presents a novel method that takes all constraints into consideration to auto-calibrate cameras using an image alignment algorithm originally meant for vision based tracking. In this method, image frames are taken from cameras. These frames are used to calculate the fundamental matrix that gives epipolar constraints. Intrinsic and extrinsic properties of cameras are acquired from this calculation. Test results are presented in this paper with recommendations for further improvement.