Image analysis – Image transformation or preprocessing – Correlation
Reexamination Certificate
2003-05-23
2004-08-24
Mehta, Bhavesh M. (Department: 2625)
Image analysis
Image transformation or preprocessing
Correlation
C348S036000, C348S042000, C348S218100, C348S222100, C352S070000, C358S540000, C359S725000, C382S254000, C382S284000, C382S294000, C399S006000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06782139
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to generating composite images and, more particularly, to correcting correlation errors in a composite image.
2. Description of the Related Art
The generation of composite images has many applications. One such application is the generation of panoramic images. Panoramic images can be generated from a number of separate images joined together to create a composite image that simulates a panoramic photograph of the same subject matter. For instance, a camera can be mounted on a tripod and rotated through a predetermined range of motion. As the camera is rotated, photographs may be taken periodically, with efforts to ensure that the images in sequential photographs overlap. The images in the individual photographs can then be joined to produce a panoramic image similar to what could have been acquired if a panoramic photograph had been originally taken.
One aspect of generating composite images is the alignment of the subject matter in the constituent images being joined. The subject matter of a first image must be accurately aligned with the subject matter of the second image at the seam where they are to be joined to prevent unattractive discontinuities in the composite image. This is particularly difficult in some contexts, such as when there are large periods of time between when the constituent images are captured, when there are significant variations in lighting conditions between constituent images, and where the images lack significant distinguishing features on which the alignment can be based.
One technique for aligning the subject matter in constituent images for placement in a composite image is known as “correlation.” Computers greatly facilitate correlation and a number of computer-implemented correlation techniques are known. One exemplary correlation technique is detailed in
Digital Image Processing
, by William K. Pratt (1991, 2d ed.) and discussed further below. However, these computer-implemented correlation techniques are also subject to problems in the contexts discussed above.
For instance, a second constituent image is frequently taken under brighter or darker lighting conditions than was the first image when the images are captured outdoors. In such situations, one may discern the seam in the composite photograph from the varied lighting conditions on either side of the seam. Another condition that may be called “stuttering” is illustrated in FIG.
1
. Because of the lack of distinguishing features in the first and second constituent images
10
and
12
, the composite image
18
includes an artifact
24
ghosting the desired image
12
and evidencing a poor correlation. Such a correlation error readily marks the seam
20
, and is therefore readily detectable by the human eye, aesthetically unpleasant, and unacceptable for most uses of the resulting composite image.
The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
REFERENCES:
patent: 4195911 (1980-04-01), Bougon et al.
patent: 5130794 (1992-07-01), Ritchey
patent: 5262867 (1993-11-01), Kojima
patent: 5392388 (1995-02-01), Gibson
patent: 5394520 (1995-02-01), Hall
patent: 5488484 (1996-01-01), Miyano
patent: 5495576 (1996-02-01), Ritchey
patent: 5563650 (1996-10-01), Poelstra
patent: 5646679 (1997-07-01), Yano et al.
patent: 5657402 (1997-08-01), Bender et al.
patent: 5668595 (1997-09-01), Katayama et al.
patent: 5782766 (1998-07-01), Weng et al.
patent: 5825044 (1998-10-01), Allen et al.
patent: 5883699 (1999-03-01), Kuramitsu et al.
patent: 5920657 (1999-07-01), Bender et al.
patent: 5990901 (1999-11-01), Lawton et al.
patent: 5999662 (1999-12-01), Burt et al.
patent: 6005987 (1999-12-01), Nakamura et al.
patent: 6038349 (2000-03-01), Cullen
patent: 6044181 (2000-03-01), Szeliski et al.
patent: 6081551 (2000-06-01), Etoh
patent: 6133943 (2000-10-01), Needham
patent: 6243103 (2001-06-01), Takiguchi et al.
patent: 6389179 (2002-05-01), Katayama et al.
patent: 6549681 (2003-04-01), Takiguchi et al.
patent: 6611629 (2003-08-01), Bender et al.
Barile Steven E.
Bender Blake R.
Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Desire Gregory
Intel Corporation
Mehta Bhavesh M.
LandOfFree
Correcting correlation errors in a compound image does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Correcting correlation errors in a compound image, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Correcting correlation errors in a compound image will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3317255