WO2009073009A1 - Procédé et appareil pour projeter des données visualisables sur un objet imagé - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil pour projeter des données visualisables sur un objet imagé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009073009A1
WO2009073009A1 PCT/US2007/025033 US2007025033W WO2009073009A1 WO 2009073009 A1 WO2009073009 A1 WO 2009073009A1 US 2007025033 W US2007025033 W US 2007025033W WO 2009073009 A1 WO2009073009 A1 WO 2009073009A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
image
interest
image data
imager
predetermined criteria
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Application number
PCT/US2007/025033
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English (en)
Inventor
Craig Schwartz
Larry Elliott
Original Assignee
Craig Schwartz
Larry Elliott
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Craig Schwartz, Larry Elliott filed Critical Craig Schwartz
Priority to PCT/US2007/025033 priority Critical patent/WO2009073009A1/fr
Publication of WO2009073009A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009073009A1/fr

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06V—IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
    • G06V10/00—Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding
    • G06V10/10—Image acquisition
    • G06V10/12—Details of acquisition arrangements; Constructional details thereof
    • G06V10/14—Optical characteristics of the device performing the acquisition or on the illumination arrangements
    • G06V10/143—Sensing or illuminating at different wavelengths

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to imaging technology and, more particularly, to a system and method for projecting viewable data onto an object.
  • an "object” may be an inanimate object or a life form.
  • a thermal image can be used to see invisible heat variations of a target object.
  • the user To view the thermal image, the user must obtain a thermal imager and look through the viewer of the thermal imager; or view the video output of the thermal imager on a remote TV or computer monitor.
  • direct or backscatter X-ray images can be used to see internal or hidden features of a target object with the aid of an appropriate imager and an associated viewer or remote monitor. It would be desirable to obtain and view images in a manner more convenient to users.
  • a system and method for identifying an object of interest includes at least one imager configured to capture an image of at least one object in a filed of view and generate image data from the captured image.
  • An image processing unit compares the generated image data to predetermined criteria, and produces an output when the generated image data meet the predetermined criteria.
  • At least one image projector is configured to respond to the output by displaying a viewable image onto an object of interest whose captured image resulted in meeting the predetermined criteria.
  • the system and method preferably operate in real time when imaging objects that are moving or are expected to move so that the viewable image displayed onto the object of interest follows the object when it moves.
  • the system and method may be configured to project different viewable images and/or more than one viewable image on selected and/or different objects.
  • a system and method for highlighting an object of interest includes capturing an image of at least one object of interest in a field of view with at least one imager; generating image data from the captured image; transforming at least a portion of the image data into a viewable format of preselected configuration; and displaying with at least one image projector an image in accordance with the preselected configuration onto the object of interest.
  • the displayed image may take a variety of forms and serve a variety of purposes.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a display system consistent with the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is an example of an arrangement of optics for use in the display system of
  • Figs. 3A-3D are examples of adjustments made for aligning the field of view of the imager with the projection of the image projector of the display system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 is an example of an area that can be covered using the display system of
  • Fig. 5 is an example of a thermal image of a human.
  • Figs. 6A-6D show an example of imaging, processing, and projecting a vector outline image on an object of interest consistent with the present invention.
  • Figs. 7A-7D show an example of imaging, processing, and projecting a raster line image on an object of interest consistent with the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is an example of a control panel that can be used in the display system of
  • Fig. 9 is an example of projecting an image on objects of interest at a distance consistent with the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 is an example of highlighting objects of interest in the example of Fig.
  • Fig. 11 is an example of providing a frame to the highlighted objects of interest in the example of Fig. 10.
  • Figs. 12A-12C show examples of varying frame shapes that can be projected in the display system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 13 is an example of an alternative application of the system of Fig. 1 for controlling a fire.
  • Fig. 14 is an example of an alternative application of the system of Fig. 1 for controlling an air mass.
  • Fig. 15 is an example of an application of the display system of Fig. 1 for identifying stress areas in a bridge.
  • Figs. 16A-16B are examples of an application of the display system of Fig. 1 for identifying hot spots in an electrical power apparatus.
  • Fig. 17 is an example of an application of the display system of Fig. 1 for displaying the contents of a container.
  • Fig. 18 is a block diagram of a display system consistent with the present invention that uses multiple imagers.
  • an observer can see properties of an object (which may be a life form) that otherwise may be difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye.
  • properties are extracted from data that is provided by either a thermal imager, an x-ray machine or any other examining device capable of revealing properties that are contained in or radiating from the object or life form that are not visible to the human eye.
  • properties can also be, for example, the contrasting phenomenon created by the object and its physical surroundings, as detected by the examining device.
  • the detected properties are displayed onto the object or life form by the projection of light.
  • This projection of light onto the object or life form can either be a direct representation of the data obtained from the examining device or a pertinent extraction thereof.
  • the properties displayed onto the object or life form are preferably displayed in such a way so as to be in direct proportion dimensionally to the properties that are found by the examining device to be contained in or radiating from the object or life form. The result of the projection enables anyone in the proximity of the projection to see the properties displayed onto the object or life form that is being detected by the imager.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a display system consistent with the present invention.
  • the display system includes an object of interest 10 (hereinafter object 10), at least one imager 20, at least one image projector 30, an image processing unit 40, a control panel 50, and a mechanical adjuster 60.
  • object 10 can be any type of object or life form that can be viewed and captured by the imager 20.
  • the object 10 may be humans, animals, buildings, containers, bridges, machinery, vehicles, electrical power apparatuses, etc.
  • the imager 20 can be implemented, for example, as a thermal imager, an X-ray machine, or any other type of imaging device that can detect and capture characteristics of an object that may not necessarily be seen with the naked eye, such as multi-spectral imagers, radio-wave imagers, electromagnetic field imagers, ultrasonic imagers, ultraviolet imagers, gamma ray imagers, microwave imagers, radar imagers, magnetic resonance imagers (MRIs), and infrared imagers (near, mid, and far, which is the thermal infrared imager).
  • the image projector 30 can be implemented, for example, as a laser projector or video projector.
  • the image processing unit 40 preferably includes processing hardware, such as a CPU, microprocessor, or multi-processor unit, software configured to transform image data captured by the imager 20 into projection data that can be displayed by the image projector 30, and memory or storage for storing the software and other instructions used by the image processing unit 40 to perform its functions.
  • processing hardware such as a CPU, microprocessor, or multi-processor unit, software configured to transform image data captured by the imager 20 into projection data that can be displayed by the image projector 30, and memory or storage for storing the software and other instructions used by the image processing unit 40 to perform its functions.
  • the image processing unit 40 can be configured with commercially available software applications, such as the LD2000 from Pangolin Laser Systems Inc. Where multiple imagers are used together (see, e.g., Fig. 18), the image processing unit may be configured to mix the image data from the imagers and output composite image data for projection of a viewable composite image onto the object being examined. Alternatively, the image processing unit can be configured to respond separately to the imaging data received from each imager, and output image data to the projector accordingly.
  • the image processing unit 40 may be configured to perform an automatic screening or discriminating function by comparing the image data generated by the imager 20 to predetermined criteria, e.g., historical data, such as may be contained in a data library 41 , and to produce an output automatically when the generated image data meet the predetermined criteria.
  • predetermined criteria e.g., historical data, such as may be contained in a data library 41
  • the image projector 20 would respond to the output by displaying a viewable image onto an object of interest whose captured image resulted in meeting the predetermined criteria.
  • the image processing unit may be configured to cause the projected image to blink at least initially so as to call attention to the highlighted object of interest.
  • the system operates in real time so that the viewable image displayed onto the object of interest follows the object when it moves.
  • the image displayed by the projector onto the object of interest may be in any color or form including, but not limited to, one or more dots; lines (curved, squiggle, straight, cross-hair); geometric shapes (e.g., circle, oval, triangle, square, polygon); a predetermined pattern; company logo; movie or TV or literary characters (persons or animals) or their costumes; text message; or any combination; outline or raster representations of the object of interest; etc.
  • the generated image data may comprise biometric data (including thermal or facial configuration data); body shape data; body stance data; behavioral data; etc.
  • shape data or thermal image data may be used.
  • the viewable image may be projected onto the center of data mass of the object of interest.
  • one or more viewable images may be displayed onto an object of interest; and objects in different classes may be illuminated with different images so as to distinguish them from one another (e.g., to distinguish enemy combatants from friendly combatants for the purpose of targeting weapons).
  • all combatants may be imaged thermally and illuminated to indicate their locations, but only enemy combatants would be illuminated by an additional image (e.g., a laser-generated dot or circle) to set them apart from the friendly combatants.
  • an additional image e.g., a laser-generated dot or circle
  • Each of the "friendlies” could be outfitted with a device that creates a distinctive image, for example, a specific article that blocks a certain recognizable shape (e.g., a star) in his thermal image, or another imaged "tag" that informs the system of his location, with such distinctive characteristic preventing the projection of the secondary image on him that is reserved only for non- friendly combatants.
  • the invention may be used to project a predetermined image onto an object of interest to highlight the object for various purposes.
  • a dot or a cross-hair image may be projected onto the object for targeting by a weapon.
  • the image displayed onto the object of may be in any color or form including, but not limited to, one or more dots; lines (curved, squiggle, straight, cross-hair); geometric shapes (e.g., circle, oval, triangle, square, polygon); a predetermined pattern; company logo; movie or TV or literary characters (persons or animals) or their costumes; text message; or any combination; outline or raster representations of the object of interest; etc.
  • the control panel 50 preferably includes a display, such as an LCD, plasma, or CRT screen, and an input unit, such as a keyboard, pointing device, and/or touch pad.
  • the display of the control panel 50 shows the image captured by the imager 20.
  • the input unit includes various controls that permit the user to make changes to the display system, such as the field of view of the imager 20, the positioning of the imager 20 and the image projector 30, and the addition of elements to be projected by the image projector 30.
  • the image projector 30 can be mounted on top of the imager 20, although other configurations, such as side by side, are also possible. Regardless of the arrangement between them, the mechanical adjuster 60 adjusts the relative positioning of the imager 20 with respect to the image projector 30.
  • the mechanical adjuster 60 adjusts the vertical, horizontal and axial (azimuth) positioning of the imager 20 and/or the image projector 30.
  • the imager 20 and the image projector 30 are properly aligned when the image captured by the imager 30 is aligned with the image projected by the image projector 30.
  • the adjustment by the mechanical adjuster 60 can be made to either the imager 20 or the image projector 30 or to both.
  • the adjustment of the mechanical adjuster 60 can be done manually by a user or can be done automatically through inputs made to the control panel 50.
  • the control panel 50 can be used to provide electronic adjustments, independent of the mechanical adjuster 60, to provide further refinements to the alignment of the imager 20 and the image projector 30.
  • Fig. 2 is an example of an arrangement of optics for use in the display system of Fig. 1.
  • the display system can be configured to include an optical system comprising a mirror 72 and a transmitter/reflector 74.
  • the transmitter/reflector 74 is designed to transmit or pass through certain electromagnetic waves and to reflect certain other electromagnetic waves.
  • the transmitter/reflector 74 can have a certain threshold such that electromagnetic waves with a wavelength under the threshold (e.g., visible light) are reflected, and electromagnetic waves with a wavelength greater than the threshold (e.g., thermal waves) are transmitted.
  • the imager 20 receives electromagnetic waves having a 9 micron wavelength, which is transmitted through transmitter/reflector 74.
  • the image projector 30, such as a laser projector projects an image comprising electromagnetic waves having a 0.5 micron wavelength onto the mirror 72, which reflects the electromagnetic waves to the transmitter/reflector 74. Because the electromagnetic waves from the image projector 30 are sufficiently short, i.e., shorter than the threshold of the transmitter/reflector 74, the transmitter/reflector 74 reflects the light waves from the image projector toward the object imaged by the imager 30.
  • 3A-3D are examples of adjustments made for aligning the field of view of the imager with the projection of the image projector of the display system of Fig. 1.
  • the double, solid line box corresponds to the optical field of view of the imager 20
  • the dashed-line box corresponds to the perimeter of the projection of the image projector 30.
  • the projection of the image projector 30 is off-axis from the optical field of view of the imager 20.
  • the mechanical adjuster 60 is used to change the axial (azimuth) positions of the imager 20 and the image projector 30 with respect to each other.
  • the projection of the image projector 30 is smaller in the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the optical field of view of the imager 20.
  • an electronic adjustment of the projection of the image projector 30 can be made.
  • the electronic adjustment can be made, for example, through the control panel 50 or through a direct adjustment on the image projector 30.
  • the electronic adjustment can be used to adjust the vertical and horizontal size of the projection of the image projector 30.
  • the electronic adjustment can also be made to adjust the vertical and horizontal size of the imager 20, i.e., the field of view of the imager 20, through the control panel 50 or through direct adjustment of the imager 20.
  • the projection of the image projector 30 is too low and too far to the left from the optical field of view of the imager 20.
  • the projection of the image projector 30 is adjusted to center the projection horizontally and vertically. This adjustment can be done using the mechanical adjuster 60 and/or the electronic adjustment.
  • Fig. 3D shows the projection of the image projector 30 properly aligned with the optical field of view of the imager 20.
  • the image projector 30 can project an image onto the object 10 that is in direct proportion dimensionally to the object 10 itself. There is alignment when the dashed-line box is within the double, line box.
  • Fig. 4 is an example of an area that can be covered using the display system of Fig. 1.
  • the imager 20 if the imager 20 is implemented as a thermal imager, such as the Raytheon 640x480 Common Uncooled Engine, then with a horizontal field of view at 45 degrees, the imager 20 can detect objects or activity up to 2000 feet away. At this distance, the field of view would measure at 1500 feet x 1125 feet. At ground level, this would cover 1 ,500,000 square feet. In a vertical plane at 2000 feet, the imager would detect 1,687,500 square feet.
  • the images projected by the image projector 30 can be seen very clearly at distances of better than 2000 feet.
  • the image projector 30 projects a sharp image that does not need to be focused.
  • the laser used is preferably in the green wavelength, around 532 nm.
  • the color green is preferable because it is the brightest color perceptible to the human eye, although other visible colors can be used.
  • the field of view, with a display system viewing at 45 degrees, can be expanded to 360 degrees by using multiple units side by side each viewing 45 degrees until 360 degrees are obtained.
  • the imager 20 can be implemented with a lens assembly that allows only 3 to 6 degrees field of view horizontally, but providing an ability to capture images at greater distances. Such an implementation could be useful at border crossings. At 3 to 6 degrees field of view, the imager 20 can detect a human presence up to and sometimes well over a mile away. In addition, even low powered lasers emitted by the image projector 30 can be seen at these distances.
  • Fig. 5 is an example of a thermal image of a human.
  • the imager 20, implemented as a thermal imager captures the thermal image of a human.
  • the captured image is processed by the image processing unit 40 and provided to the image projector 30, which projects the thermal image of the human directly onto the human.
  • Figs. 6A-6D show an example of imaging, processing, and projecting a vector outline image on an object of interest consistent with the present invention.
  • Fig. 6A shows the video output from the imager 20, such as when implemented as a thermal imager.
  • the video output from the imager 20 can be displayed on the display of the control panel 50.
  • Fig. 6A shows the video output from the imager 20, such as when implemented as a thermal imager.
  • the video output from the imager 20 can be displayed on the display of the control panel 50.
  • FIG. 6B shows the image of the object 10 captured by the imager 20 after converting the analog signal provided by the imager 20 into a digital signal and adjusting the contrast and brightness so that the highest contrast can be seen against the background.
  • the analog to digital conversion and brightness and contrast adjustment are performed by the image processing unit 40.
  • a vector outline is generated where white meets black.
  • the generation of the vector outline can also be performed by the image processing unit 40, and can be implemented in the image processing unit 40 with a vector graphics software program as are know in the art. Other means, including appropriate software, may be used to extract a silhouette of the object of interest needed to generate a vector outline for projection.
  • Figs. 7A-7D show an example of imaging, processing, and projecting a raster line image on an object of interest consistent with the present invention.
  • Figs. 7A and 7B are the same as Figs. 6A and 6B, respectively, described above. Accordingly, description of Figs. 7A and 7B are omitted.
  • Fig. 7C instead of generating a vector outline where white meets black, as shown in Fig. 6C, raster lines are generated wherever white is present.
  • the generation of raster lines can be performed by the image processing unit 40, and can be implemented in the image processing unit 40 with a raster graphics software program as are know in the art.
  • the image data corresponding to the raster lines generated by the image processing unit is provided to the image projector 30, which projects the raster lines over the object 10 that was imaged by the imager 20, as shown in Fig. 6D.
  • the image projector 30 thus visibly illuminates the body of each object 10 captured by the imager 20.
  • the outline and illuminating, as well as any other type of image projection can be performed in real time.
  • the video output of the imager 20, while it is imaging, is provided in real time to the image processing unit 40, which processes these video frames one by one in real time, such as with a video-to-vector graphics software program.
  • the image processing unit 40 analyzes each frame of video one by one in real time and creates a vector line(s) (or raster line or other type of image for projection) wherever white meets black on that frame.
  • the created vector line (or raster line or other type of image projection) replaces the frames of video one by one in real time with vector outline frames (or raster line frames or other type of image projection frames).
  • These newly created graphics frames are delivered electronically one by one in real time to the image projector 30, which in turn projects them directly over the object 10 that is being detected by the imager 20.
  • Fig. 8 is an example of a control panel that can be used in the display system of Fig. 1.
  • the control panel 50 includes a display 51, graphics keys 52, blink key 53, reset key 54, perimeter key 55, and pan and tilt key 56.
  • the display 51 can be implemented, for example, as a CRT, LCD, plasma, or other type of video display.
  • the graphics keys 52, blink key 53, reset key 54, perimeter key 55, and pan and tilt key 56 can be implemented as buttons on a panel separate from the display 51 or as a touch panel on the display 51 itself.
  • the graphics keys 52 can be used to block out portions of the image captured by the imager 20 and to add images to the image captured by the imager 20.
  • the graphics keys 52 include two different sized circles, two different sized rectangles, and four arrows.
  • the circles and arrows are graphics that can be added to the image captured by the imager 20, and the solid rectangles are graphics that can be used to block out portions of the image captured by the imager.
  • other shapes can be used for the graphics keys 52, both for graphics to be added to the image and for blocking out part of the image.
  • the added graphics may be of any size, such as to surround the object of interest (as shown in Fig. 8) or to be wholly within the outline of the object of interest.
  • the graphics keys 52 can also include a changeable size tool that permits the user to demarcate the size of an image portion deleted or an image added.
  • the position of the deleted image portion or the added image can be set using the pan and tilt key 52.
  • a pointing device such as a mouse or pen device can be used to set the position. It is also possible to permit a user to touch the location at which the selected graphic is placed.
  • the blink key 53 is selected when the user wants the projected image in a particular area to blink. To do so, the user can touch the area of the video screen (or demarcate the area with a changeable size tool in conjunction with a pointing device) and then select the blink key 53. This action causes the projected image in that area to blink, which is useful in drawing a viewer's attention to the blinking object.
  • the reset key 54 removes any image portions deleted and any images added by the graphics keys 52.
  • the perimeter key 55 adds a frame to the view on the display 51 and to the image projected by the image projector 30. The frame added by the perimeter key corresponds to the field of view of the imager 20.
  • the pan and tilt key 56 can be used, for example, to move the position the imager 20 (and correspondingly the position of the image projector 30), to change the size of the field of view of the imager 20, and to move the placement of objects added to the display 51.
  • a portion of a building is shown to include five human objects that are identifiable by the imager 20, such as by their heat signature when the imager 20 is implemented as a thermal imager.
  • the display 51 also includes two particular human objects that have circular images added by the graphics keys 52. The user may add these circular images to identify high value objects from among the objects captured by the imager 20 so that when the image projector 30 displays the image with the added circles onto the building itself including the human objects, anyone viewing the image displayed by the image projector 30 will see the circles around the high valued objects, and thus be able to discriminate objects of interest from objects that are not of interest.
  • the circle objects can be enemy combatants and the non-circled objects can be friendly combatants.
  • a frame can be added to the overall image.
  • the frame provides an outline of the actual image captured by the imager 20, i.e., the field of view of the imager 20.
  • the frame can be useful as it shows viewers exactly how much or how little the imager 20 is seeing.
  • Fig. 9 is an example of projecting an image on objects of interest at a distance consistent with the present invention.
  • a vehicle in which the display system has been implemented is positioned at night at a distance from the same building shown in Fig. 8.
  • the imager 20 can identify objects, in this case human objects, at a distance and illuminate them with the image projector 30.
  • a laser emitted by the image projector 30 can be in the near field infrared range, around 940 nm, which is invisible to the naked eye and thus allow only those with standard night vision capabilities to view the projection.
  • Fig. 10 is an example of highlighting objects of interest in the example of Fig. 9.
  • Fig. 10 shows two specific objects that are surrounded by circles, which are graphics added using the image add keys 54 of the control panel 50.
  • the image processing unit 40 can be configured to follow a highlighted object (e.g., an object around which a graphic is added) if the object moves while being imaged by the imager 20.
  • a highlighted object e.g., an object around which a graphic is added
  • the image processing unit 40 can process the image so that the circles remain around the moving objects.
  • Fig. 11 is an example of providing a frame to the highlighted objects of interest in the example of Fig. 10.
  • the frame in Fig. 11 shows how much of the building is being imaged by the imager 20.
  • Figs. 12A-12C show examples of varying frame shapes that can be projected in the display system of Fig. 1.
  • the horizontal and vertical size of this projected window can be adjusted independently to fit the specific needs of the operator.
  • the image projector 30 displays a full screen, which is the default size of the projected window.
  • Fig. 12B shows the display of a panoramic view in which the height of the projection window is made smaller.
  • the image projector displays a vertical view in which the width of the projection window is narrowed, such as if only a tall building needs to be examined. With these various window dimensions set, the image projector 30 does not project beyond those dimensions even though the imager 20 may capture an image larger than the window dimensions.
  • Fig. 13 is an example of an alternative application of the system of Fig. 1 for controlling a fire.
  • the system including the image processing unit 40 and the imager 20 can be suspended over an object on fire, such as a ship 82.
  • the display system can be suspended, for example, by a helicopter, a balloon, an airplane, or other aerial vehicle.
  • the imager 20 provides a thermal image of the ship 82, which identifies the hot spots, i.e., the fire locations, to the image processing unit 40.
  • the image processing unit 40 can be configured to identify the hot spots from the thermal image and provide that information to water cannon and guidance assemblies 80.
  • the image processing unit 40 can be configured to map digitally the perimeter of the entire theater of combustion including all hot spots and any thermal data relevant to this unstable condition. Based on this information, the assemblies 80 can be automatically directed to position and provide water to the most needed spots on the ship 82 and thus effectively and efficiently put out the fire on the ship. The identified hot spots can also determine the force at which the assemblies 80 provide water to the fire. Although assemblies 80 are described as using water, it should be understood that other fire retardants can be used.
  • Fig. 14 is an example of an alternative application of the system of Fig. 1 for controlling an air mass.
  • the system here would be carried by an aerial vehicle that is capable of positioning the system over a cold air mass 84 and a warm air mass 86.
  • the cold air mass 84 is on a trajectory course towards a warm air mass 86 or visa versa.
  • a hurricane or other violent weather front may start to form.
  • the imager 20, implemented as a thermal imager, with an aerial view of the air masses 84, 86 provides thermal data to the image processing unit 40.
  • the image processing unit can be configured to map digitally the entire thermal domain relevant to this weather event and calculate where the image projector 30, implemented as a powerful overhead laser, would best be directed in order to warm part or all of the cold air mass 84 so as to mitigate or stop the inevitable weather condition.
  • Fig. 15 is an example of an application of the display system of Fig. 1 for identifying stress areas in a bridge.
  • the imager 20 images at least a portion of the bridge. If implemented as a thermal imager, the image captured by the imager 20 would highlight the areas of the bridge that are mechanically stressed.
  • the image is then processed by the image processing unit 40, which provides the processed image to the image projector 30, and the image projector 30 projects the image onto the bridge so that viewers can witness exactly where on the bridge the stress spots are located.
  • Fig. 16A-16B are examples of an application of the display system of Fig. 1 for identifying hot spots in an electrical power apparatus. As shown in Figs.
  • the imager 20 images at least a portion of the electrical power apparatus. If implemented as a thermal imager, the image captured by the imager 20 would highlight the areas of the electrical power apparatus that correspond to hot spots. The image is then processed by the image processing unit 40, which provides the processed image to the image projector 30, and the image projector 30 projects the image onto the electrical power apparatus so that viewers can witness exactly where on the electrical power apparatus the hot spots are located.
  • the image processing unit 40 provides the processed image to the image projector 30, and the image projector 30 projects the image onto the electrical power apparatus so that viewers can witness exactly where on the electrical power apparatus the hot spots are located.
  • Fig. 17 is an example of an application of the display system of Fig. 1 for displaying the contents of a container.
  • the imager 20 is preferably implemented as an X-ray device.
  • the display system can be used to detect and display the contents of a shipping container 86.
  • the shipping container 86 passes through an X-ray area 22, which corresponds to a region that can be captured by the imager 20.
  • the X-ray image data is provided to the image processing unit 40, which transforms the X-ray image data into an image that can be projected by the image projector 30.
  • the image projector 30 projects the image onto the side of the container 86 so that viewers can witness the shape and position of the contents of the container without having to open the container.
  • the display system configured to remember first findings and display them longer, i.e., not display the image in real time. For example, if a person is detected and that person recognizes that his position is now being displayed, he would likely try to duck out of the sight of the imager 20, which would in turn stop the display system from displaying his position further.
  • the display system can be configured to remember the last position that was displayed by the image projector 30 and direct the image projector 30 to continue displaying that specific area for a predetermined period of time. This would give the viewers additional time to evaluate these sightings.
  • Embodiments according to the invention have wide-ranging applications, including but not limited to the intelligence, security and military fields, such as (purely by way of example):

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  • Controls And Circuits For Display Device (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système et un procédé pour mettre en valeur un objet d'intérêt, qui comprend la capture d'une image d'au moins un objet d'intérêt dans un champ de vision avec au moins un imageur ; la génération de données d'image à partir de l'image capturée ; la transformation d'au moins une partie des données d'image en un format visualisable ; et l'affichage avec au moins un projecteur d'image d'une image résultante sur l'objet d'intérêt. L'image projetée peut être une image présélectionnée. Une unité de traitement d'image peut comparer les données d'image générées à des critères prédéterminés, et produire une sortie lorsque les données d'image générées satisfont les critères prédéterminés. Le système et le procédé fonctionnent de préférence en temps réel de telle sorte que l'image visualisable affichée sur l'objet d'intérêt suit l'objet lorsqu'il se déplace.
PCT/US2007/025033 2007-12-07 2007-12-07 Procédé et appareil pour projeter des données visualisables sur un objet imagé WO2009073009A1 (fr)

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PCT/US2007/025033 WO2009073009A1 (fr) 2007-12-07 2007-12-07 Procédé et appareil pour projeter des données visualisables sur un objet imagé

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2007/025033 WO2009073009A1 (fr) 2007-12-07 2007-12-07 Procédé et appareil pour projeter des données visualisables sur un objet imagé

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WO2009073009A1 true WO2009073009A1 (fr) 2009-06-11

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010019880A1 (de) * 2010-05-07 2011-11-10 Smiths Heimann Gmbh Vorrichtung zur Überprüfung eines Objektes, insbesondere zur Kontrolle von Personen auf verdächtige Gegenstände
US8937657B2 (en) 2012-07-15 2015-01-20 Erik Klass Portable three-dimensional metrology with data displayed on the measured surface

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US20020136435A1 (en) * 2001-03-26 2002-09-26 Prokoski Francine J. Dual band biometric identification system
US20030086603A1 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-05-08 Distortion Graphics, Inc. System and method for transforming graphical images
US20040165766A1 (en) * 1996-10-08 2004-08-26 Yoshihiro Goto Method and apparatus for forming and displaying projection image from a plurality of sectional images
US20050031165A1 (en) * 2003-08-08 2005-02-10 Lockheed Martin Corporation. Method and apparatus for tracking an object

Patent Citations (4)

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US20040165766A1 (en) * 1996-10-08 2004-08-26 Yoshihiro Goto Method and apparatus for forming and displaying projection image from a plurality of sectional images
US20020136435A1 (en) * 2001-03-26 2002-09-26 Prokoski Francine J. Dual band biometric identification system
US20030086603A1 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-05-08 Distortion Graphics, Inc. System and method for transforming graphical images
US20050031165A1 (en) * 2003-08-08 2005-02-10 Lockheed Martin Corporation. Method and apparatus for tracking an object

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010019880A1 (de) * 2010-05-07 2011-11-10 Smiths Heimann Gmbh Vorrichtung zur Überprüfung eines Objektes, insbesondere zur Kontrolle von Personen auf verdächtige Gegenstände
EP2567255B1 (fr) * 2010-05-07 2016-03-09 Smiths Heimann GmbH Dispositif d'inspection d'un objet, en particulier de contrôle de personnes susceptibles de porter des objets suspects
US8937657B2 (en) 2012-07-15 2015-01-20 Erik Klass Portable three-dimensional metrology with data displayed on the measured surface

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