Multiple coordinated detectors for examination and ranging

摘要

This invention focuses specifically on the use of epipolar lines and the use of matrix transformations to coordinate cameras. This invention organizes cameras in a manner which is intuitive and effective in perceiving perspectives which are not normally possible; to calculate range precisely; to allow redundancy; to corroborate feature recognition; and to allow perspectives from angles from which no cameras exist. By enabling remote scene reconstruction with a limited set of images, transmission bandwidth is greatly conserved.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method of using a plurality of imaging devices, positioned in a spaced apart relationship with each other, to create a new image of an object from a new viewpoint where an imaging device is not positioned, said method comprising:
capturing images of said object with each of said plurality of imaging devices; projecting epipoles from an image plane of said each of said plurality of imaging devices to infinity; positioning all image planes coplanar with each other; selecting a center position of a new viewpoint; linking, with baselines, said center position of said new viewpoint with centers of plurality of imaging devices; running epipolar lines, parallel to a respective baseline, from key features of a captured image by said plurality of imaging devices; intersecting epipolar lines from each respective key feature in said each of said plurality of imaging devices to define corresponding key features in said new viewpoint; and aligning, using matrix transformations, captured images from said plurality of imaging devices at corresponding respective key features in said new viewpoint to create said new image.