Method for simplifying the imaging of objects with non-Lambertian surfaces
US7717574B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B21/00
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
For objects with non-Lambertian surfaces, an object surface is mapped by effectively modifying the reflective properties of the object surface being sensed. By effectively making the surface Lambertian with high albedo, a calibration imaging task is achieved using a typical camera from a single or small number of camera positions. The calibration method temporarily modifies the surface properties of the imaged object by applying a thin and opaque layer, such as a coating, covering, or veneer, to the object for the duration of the calibration imaging task. The surface of this layer is a Lambertian reflector, with medium to high albedo. The layer is snugly applied, so a shape of the layer is as close as possible to that of the surface. Once the layer is applied, imaging of the layer surface essentially yields the same shape as the underlying object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.