49 results about "Vision based systems" patented technology

A method of detecting a dynamic weather event includes the steps of: (a) receiving video images of a scene from a camera; (b) dividing each of the video images into multiple regions, in which a region is defined by a range of distances from the camera to objects in the scene; (c) selecting a region; and (d) segmenting the selected region into a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) image patches, in which each 3D image patch includes a time-sequence of T patches, with each patch comprised of N×M pixels, wherein N, M and T are integer numbers. The method also includes the following steps: measuring an image intensity level in each of the 3D image patches; masking 3D image patches containing image intensity levels that are above a first threshold level, or below a second threshold level; and extracting features in each 3D image patch that is not discarded by the masking step. Based on the extracted features, the method makes a binary decision on detecting a dynamic weather event.

The invention provides for systems and methods for location-identification and monitoring of objects, such as shipping containers, at a transit terminal using an automated vision based tracking system. Such a system is ideally suited to provide minimal error rates, low cost implementation, real-time data and automatic merging of data with corresponding object identification systems and terminal operating systems. The systems and methods of the present invention provide for location-tracking of objects without the need to retrofit the objects with a tagging or marker device. The vision-based system incorporates the use of multiple imaging devices and a hand-off method for tracking the location of the objects over extended distances.

A system and method for identifying the start location of the lead thread and the thread profile and quality in a threaded bore in a part, where the system and method can be used for determining the location of the lead thread in a threaded bore in a cylinder head for a spark plug in one non-limiting embodiment. The system includes a moveable table on which the part is mounted. The system also includes a probe having an optical assembly that is inserted in the threaded bore. A camera uses the optical assembly to generate images of the thread bore, where the images are image slices as the probe moves through the threaded bore. The image slices are unwrapped and then joined together to form a planer image to determine a start location of the lead thread, thread count, defects in the threaded bore and thread profile parameters.

A method for is provided for creating a shadow-reduced image from a captured image for distinguishing a clear path of travel. Each pixel of a captured input image is plotted according to a two dimensional logarithmic graph. A specific color set relating to an associated color value of a clear path. A linear illumination-invariant axis is determined as a function of the specific color set. An illumination direction for the linear illumination-invariant axis is determined. A log-chromaticity value of each plotted pixel of the specific color set is projected on the axis. Edges in the input image and the illumination-invariant image domain are identified. The identified edges of the input image are compared to identify edges in the illumination-invariant image domain. A determination is made whether a shadow edge is present in response to comparing the edges. A shadow-reduced image is generated for scene analysis by a vehicle vision-based system.

The invention provides a chute system (C1,C2,C3) for a sorting system arranged for transporting objects, e.g. for use for discharging luggage from a conveyor system. The chute system has one or more chute sections with an inlet (IL) in one end and an outlet (OL) in the opposite end. Displacement means, e.g. a pneumatic actuator, is arranged to adjust an angle of inclination of the one or more chute sections (C1,C2,C3) by displacing the chute section (C1,C2,C3) in a motion comprising pivoting around a pivot point positioned downstream of the inlet (IL). E.G. the pivot point can be positioned at the outlet, e.g. by means of a hinge. The adjustment of the angle of inclination may be controlled by a processor in response to various position and / or speed sensors and / or information about incoming objects from a vision based system or from the associated sorting system, e.g. identification of poly wrapped objects. The angle of inclination can be increased in case an object stops on the chute section, or the angle of inclination can be decreased in case an object moves too fast, even if a simple gravity chute is used. A cascade of two or more chute sections (C1,C2,C3) with adjustable angles of inclination can be used to control batches of objects and to control back pressure of objects on the chute.

Vision based system and method for detecting a breach of security in a monitored area. One or more sequences of events are stored in the system. Each sequence of events includes a different combination of events and an order in which the events have occurred. An action is associated with each sequence of events such as triggering an alarm, generating an audible sound, calling 911 etc. when the events detected by the system match a given sequence the action associated with that sequence is performed. The system receives an image stream of the area and detects the events occurring in the images including the detection of a human body, its size and location within the monitored area. The system may be activated at all time without requiring people in the monitored area to change their normal behavior.

A method is provided for removing an illumination generated shadow in a captured image. An image is captured by an image capture device. Each pixel of the captured image is represented by a respective color value in a logarithmic graph. A non-linear illumination-invariant kernel is determined. An illumination direction for each respective color set is determined in the logarithmic graph that is orthogonal to the non-linear illumination-invariant kernel. A log-chromaticity value of each plotted pixel is projected on the non-linear illumination-invariant kernel. Edges are identified in the input image. Edges are identified in the illumination-invariant image domain. The identified edges are compared. A determination is made whether a shadow is present in response to an edge identified in the input image and an absence of a correlating edge in the illumination-invariant image domain. A shadow-reduced image is generated for scene analysis by a vehicle vision-based system.