Super deep 3D images from a 3D omnifocus video camera

When using stereographic image pairs to create three-dimensional (3D) images, a deep depth of field in the original scene enhances the depth perception in the 3D image. The omnifocus video camera has no depth of field limitations and produces images that are in focus throughout. By installing an attachment on the omnifocus video camera, real-time super deep stereoscopic pairs of video images were obtained. The deeper depth of field creates a larger perspective image shift, which makes greater demands on the binocular fusion of human vision. A means of reducing the perspective shift without harming the depth of field was found.     

Liquid-crystal-display projector-based modulation transfer function measurements of charge-coupled-device video camera systems

We demonstrate the ability to measure the system modulation transfer function (MTF) of both color and monochrome charge-coupled-device (CCD) video camera systems with a liquid-crystal-display (LCD) projector. Test matrices programmed to the LCD projector were chosen primarily to have a flat power spectral density (PSD) when averaged along one dimension. We explored several matrices and present results for a matrix produced with a random-number generator, a matrix of sequency-ordered Walsh functions, a pseudorandom Hadamard matrix, and a pseudorandom uniformly redundant array. All results are in agreement with expected filtering. The Walsh matrix and the Hadamard matrix show excellent agreement with the matrix from the random-number generator. We show that shift-variant effects between the LCD array and the CCD array can be kept small. This projector test method offers convenient measurement of the MTF of a low-cost video system. Such characterization is useful for an increasing number of machine vision applications and metrology applications.     

一种超声波测距仪的设计与实现

针对液体、固体物体表面过于光滑,不易测量的状况,采用ATMEL公司生产的单片机AT89S52最小系统设计并实现了一种结构简单检测迅速的超声波测距仪。根据超声波在空气中的传播特性,重点讨论了超声波测距的数据处理方法、装置的硬件实现以及为提高测量精度采用的温度补偿方法。系统由单片机最小系统、温度测量电路、数码管显示电路、超声波发射接收电路、LED显示电路、报警电路组成。通过实验,表明系统测量工作可靠,有良好的测量精度和灵敏度。     

Compact and high-precision range finder with wide dynamic range andits application

Described is a new range finder using a self-mixing laser diode (SM-LD). The range finder has a high accuracy of ±0.15% and a wide dynamic range of 0.2-1 m using only one sensor head. Compared to ultrasonic range finders, the light beam of this laser range finder can be focused and scanned. The feasibility study shows a possible application of the range finder to a visual sensor of a robot. The proposed range finder has been successfully applied as an infrared (IR) active type range finder of a single-lens reflex camera     

Operational estimation of the slant range to an object derived from a minimal volume of measurements by a direction finder

A method of operational estimation of the slant range range of an object traveling rectilinearly and uniformly is described by means of two bearing measurements with the use of a priori information on the probable value of the velocity. An estimator of the efficiency of the method is given.     

Dual camera calibration for 3-D machine vision metrology

A dual-camera calibration algorithm and procedure are presented. The algorithm is based on the method of direct linear transformation and results in an overdetermined set of linear algebraic equations that can be utilized in determining the coordinate position of some identifiable feature in a scene relative to any set of orthogonal axes. Both radial and tangential lens distortions are considered in a second step of the calibration algorithm to improve the accuracy of the position sensor. Since the algorithm incorporates both types of lens distortions, it can be applied to a camera with any combinations of lenses, e.g. a lens system with a supplementary lens for close-up observations     

Monoblock laser for a low-cost, eyesafe, microlaser range finder

A small, lightweight, low-cost prototype laser has been developed for use in a microlaser range finder (muLRF). The laser design is based on a flash-lamp-pumped, Nd:YAG laser with a Cr(4+) passive Q switch. The design incorporates a monolithic potassium titanyl arsenide (KTA) optical parametric oscillator (OPO) in an intracavity configuration, producing output at 1.54 mum. Precisely cut, properly coated crystals make up the laser resonator, reducing the number of components and enabling laser oscillation with the simplest of alignment fixtures. The 1.54-mum laser cavity consists of only four rectangular-shaped crystals: a Nd:YAG laser rod, a Nd:YAG endcap, a Cr(4+) Q switch, and a KTA OPO. Along with a ceramic laser pallet and a flash lamp, these six components make up a prototype monoblock (essentially a one-piece) laser transmitter. Several of these simple prototypes have been built and tested, giving a nominal output of >3.0 mJ at 1.54 mum with a 27-ns pulse width. The transmitter was incorporated into a breadboard laser range finder, and successful ranging operations were performed to targets at ranges in excess of 3 km.     

First demonstration of neutron resonance absorption imaging using a high-speed video camera in J-PARC

The neutron resonance absorption imaging technique with a high-speed video camera was successfully demonstrated at the beam line NOBORU, J-PARC. Pulsed neutrons were observed through several kinds of metal foils as a function of neutron time-of-flight by utilizing a high-speed neutron radiography system. A set of time-dependent images was obtained for each neutron pulse, and more than a thousand sets of images were recorded in total. The images with the same time frame were summed after the measurement. Then the authors obtained a set of images having enhanced contrast of sample foils around the resonance absorption energies of cobalt (132 eV), cadmium (28 eV), tantalum (4.3 and 10 eV), gold (4.9 eV) and indium (1.5 eV).     

Crosswind sensing from optical-turbulence-induced fluctuations measured by a video camera

We present a novel method for remote sensing of crosswind using a passive imaging device, such as a video recorder. The method is based on spatial and temporal correlations of the intensity fluctuations of a naturally illuminated scene induced by atmospheric turbulence. Adaptable spatial filtering, taking into account variations of the dominant spatial scales of the turbulence (due to changes in meteorological conditions, such as turbulence strength, or imaging device performance, such as frame rate or spatial resolution), is incorporated into this method. Experimental comparison with independent wind measurement using anemometers shows good agreement.     

Time-varying, 3-D echocardiography using a fast-rotating probe

A fast continuous rotating ultrasound scan-head transducer was used to perform three-dimensional (3-D) echocardiography with 2-D images acquired during a single cardiac cycle. The 3-D images were reconstructed by interpolating 2-D data acquired with the probe. Two experiments were carried out to validate the image reconstructions. A dynamic cardiac phantom was used as a known reference to compare the minimal and maximal volumes estimated manually on the reconstructed 3-D images. The left ventricle (LV) volume of 30 healthy volunteers also were estimated using a semiautomatic ellipse approach and compared to measurements obtained with standard 2-D examination. Results showed a good agreement between 3-D and reference measurements.     

An integrated microsystem for 3-D magnetic field measurements

In this paper, we present a portable, battery-operated, three-dimensional magnetic microsystem (magneto-dosimeter), intended for monitoring the workers' exposure to magnetic fields in particular working environments, such as hospitals or physics laboratories. The proposed microsystem is based on a multichip module containing three equal channels for the three components of the magnetic field measurement, a microprocessor, and a memory. Each single-chip channel detects the magnetic field, converts it into the digital domain, and delivers the result to the microprocessor by means of an on-chip serial interface. The single-chip channel, fabricated in a 0.8-μm CMOS technology, is sensitive to magnetic fields ranging from -200 to +200 mT, achieving 12 bits of resolution, 11 bits of linearity, and an overall accuracy better than 1% in the temperature range from -20 to +80°C     

Intensity range extension method for three-dimensional shape measurement in phase-measuring profilometry using a digital micromirror device camera

Phase-measuring profilometry is an accurate and effective technique for performing three-dimensional (3D) shape and deformation measurements of diffuse objects by fringe projection. However, phase analysis cannot be performed in underexposed or overexposed areas of the detector when an object with wide reflectance is measured. A novel intensity range extension method using a digital micromirror device (DMD) camera is proposed. In the optics of the DMD camera, each pixel of the CCD corresponds exactly to each mirror of the DMD. The phase-shifted fringe patterns with high contrast can be easily captured by programming an inverse intensity pattern that depends on the reflectance of the object. Our method can provide a wider intensity range and higher accuracy for 3D shape measurement than other conventional methods in both underexposed and overexposed areas. The measurements of a replica of a metallic art object and a flat plane are analyzed experimentally to verify the effectiveness of our method. In the experiment, the percentage of invalid points due to underexposure and overexposure can be reduced from 20% to 1%.     

Computation of 3-D magnetostatic fields using a reduced scalarpotential

Some improvements to the finite element computation of static magnetic fields in three dimensions using a reduced magnetic scalar potential are presented. Methods are described for obtaining an edge element representation of the rotational part of the magnetic field from a given source current distribution. When the current distribution is not known in advance, a boundary value problem is set up in terms of a current vector potential. An edge element representation of the solution can be directly used in the subsequent magnetostatic calculation. The magnetic field in a DC arc furnace is calculated by first determining the current distribution in terms of a current vector potential. A 3-D problem involving a permanent magnet as well as a coil is solved, and the magnetic field in some points is compared with measurement results     

光笔式单摄像机三维坐标视觉测量系统

提出了一种光笔式单摄像机三维坐标视觉测量系统,系统主要由一支光笔、一架摄像机、一台笔记本电脑组成.光笔是一种手持式触发测头,在笔休上装有三个与球形笔尖测头中心成一条直线的点光源(发光二极管).测量时使笔尖测头接触被测物体表面,摄像机摄取笔体上三个发光二极管的像,由三个发光二极管的像面坐标就可计算出被测点的三维坐标.运用三点透视原理(P3P)建立了系统的数学模型并推导出了被测点坐标的求解公式.在三坐标测量机上做对比实验,实验测试结果表明,该系统达到了大尺寸现场测量要求的精度.     

Pedestrian detection using a singlemonochrome camera

A car-mounted single monochrome camera-based pedestrian detection algorithm is discussed. The detection range is divided into two sub-regions, that is, the near distance range and the far distance range. Two different detection algorithms are applied in the two regions. For the near distance range, where the direction of the motion of the detected obstacle is important, a motion segmentation approach using interest points is utilised. For the far distance range where the motion of the detected obstacle is not as important, a robust and computationally efficient modified inverse perspective mapping-based obstacle detection is utilised. Finally, a low-level pedestrian-oriented segmentation algorithm, which is aimed at the depth information of the detected pedestrian candidate, is also presented.     

Defect identification in 3-D elastostatics using a genetic algorithm

An inverse problem in engineering mechanics is considered where the position and the geometry of three-dimensional, ellipsoidal defects are identified by using measurements of the mechanical response under static loading on the external surface of the structure. The problem is solved by appropriate combination of genetic optimization (GO) and boundary element method (BEM) and following previously published two-dimensional problems. The three-dimensional case presents some additional difficulties. Furthermore, the function of several genetic operators and the effect of the parameters of genetic optimization on the efficiency of the solution has been numerically examined.     

Boundary layer scattering measurements with a charge-coupled device camera lidar

A CCD-based bistatic lidar (CLidar) system has been developed and constructed to measure scattering in the atmospheric boundary layer. The system uses a CCD camera, wide-angle optics, and a laser. Imaging a vertical laser beam from the side allows high-altitude resolution in the boundary layer all the way to the ground. The dynamic range needed for the molecular signal is several orders of magnitude in the standard monostatic method, but only approximately 1 order of magnitude with the CLidar method. Other advantages of the Clidar method include low cost and simplicity. Observations at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii, show excellent agreement with the modeled molecular-scattering signal. The scattering depends on angle (altitude) and the polarization plane of the laser.