Enhanced contrast for object detection and characterization by optical imaging using formed difference images
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for analyzing captured images, the method comprising:
- capturing a first plurality of digital images of a field of view using a camera and at least one light source;
identifying pixels of the first plurality of digital images that correspond to an object rather than to a background based on differences between first, second and third digital images captured by the capturing, the identifying including;
forming a first difference image based upon a difference between the first digital image captured by the capturing and the second digital image captured by the capturing;
forming a second difference image based upon the difference between the second digital image captured by the capturing and the third digital image captured by the capturing; and
determining a third difference image, wherein each of one or more pixels of the third difference image comprises a pixel of a smaller pixel value between a corresponding pixel in the first difference image and a corresponding pixel in the second difference image, wherein the third difference image identifies the pixels that correspond to the object; and
constructing a model of the object based on the identified pixels, the model including a position and a shape of the object.
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Abstract
Enhanced contrast between an object of interest and background surfaces visible in an image is provided using controlled lighting directed at the object. Exploiting the falloff of light intensity with distance, a light source (or multiple light sources), such as an infrared light source, can be positioned near one or more cameras to shine light onto the object while the camera(s) capture images. The captured images can be analyzed to distinguish object pixels from background pixels.
338 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for analyzing captured images, the method comprising:
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capturing a first plurality of digital images of a field of view using a camera and at least one light source; identifying pixels of the first plurality of digital images that correspond to an object rather than to a background based on differences between first, second and third digital images captured by the capturing, the identifying including; forming a first difference image based upon a difference between the first digital image captured by the capturing and the second digital image captured by the capturing; forming a second difference image based upon the difference between the second digital image captured by the capturing and the third digital image captured by the capturing; and determining a third difference image, wherein each of one or more pixels of the third difference image comprises a pixel of a smaller pixel value between a corresponding pixel in the first difference image and a corresponding pixel in the second difference image, wherein the third difference image identifies the pixels that correspond to the object; and constructing a model of the object based on the identified pixels, the model including a position and a shape of the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A wearable goggle, comprising:
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at least one camera oriented toward a field of view; at least one light source disposed on a same side of the field of view as the at least one camera and oriented to illuminate the field of view; and a processor coupled to the at least one camera and the at least one light source and configured to; capture a first plurality of digital images of the field of view using the at least one camera and the at least one light source; identify pixels of the first plurality of digital images that correspond to an object rather than to a background based on differences between first, second and third digital images captured by the capturing, the identifying including; forming a first difference image based upon a difference between the first digital image captured by the capturing and the second digital image captured by the capturing; forming a second difference image based upon the difference between the second digital image captured by the capturing and the third digital image captured by the capturing; and determining a third difference image, wherein each of one or more pixels of the third difference image comprises a pixel of a smaller pixel value between a corresponding pixel in the first difference image and a corresponding pixel in the second difference image, wherein the third difference image identifies the pixels that correspond to the object; and construct a model of the object based on the identified pixels, the model including a position and a shape of the object. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A computer system comprising:
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at least one camera oriented toward a field of view; at least one light source disposed on a same side of the field of view as the at least one camera and oriented to illuminate the field of view; and a processor coupled to the at least one camera and the at least one light source and configured to; capture a first plurality of digital images of the field of view using the at least one camera and the at least one light source; identify pixels of the first plurality of digital images that correspond to an object rather than to a background based on differences between first, second and third digital images captured by the capturing, the identifying including; forming a first difference image based upon a difference between the first digital image captured by the capturing and the second digital image captured by the capturing; forming a second difference image based upon the difference between the second digital image captured by the capturing and the third digital image captured by the capturing; and determining a third difference image, wherein each of one or more pixels of the third difference image comprises a pixel of a smaller pixel value between a corresponding pixel in the first difference image and a corresponding pixel in the second difference image, wherein the third difference image identifies the pixels that correspond to the object; and construct a model of the object based on the identified pixels, the model including a position and a shape of the object. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A tablet computer system comprising:
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at least one camera having a field of view and oriented toward a front surface so as to capture a motion of a user; at least one light source disposed on a same side of the field of view as the at least one camera and oriented to illuminate the field of view; and a processor coupled to the at least one camera and the at least one light source and configured to; capture a first plurality of digital images of the field of view using the at least one camera and the at least one light source; identify pixels of the first plurality of digital images that correspond to an object rather than to a background based on differences between first, second and third digital images captured by the capturing, the identifying including; forming a first difference image based upon a difference between the first digital image captured by the capturing and the second digital image captured by the capturing; forming a second difference image based upon the difference between the second digital image captured by the capturing and the third digital image captured by the capturing; and determining a third difference image, wherein each of one or more pixels of the third difference image comprises a pixel of a smaller pixel value between a corresponding pixel in the first difference image and a corresponding pixel in the second difference image, wherein the third difference image identifies the pixels that correspond to the object; and construct a model of the object based on the identified pixels, the model including a position and a shape of the object. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification