Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090050823 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SCATTERING-BASED SEMICONDUCTOR INSPECTION AND METROLOGY - Disclosed are apparatus and methods for inspecting or measuring one or more semiconductor targets. An incident beam is directed towards a first target as the first target substantially, continuously moves such that the incident beam remains directed at such first target during a first time period in which the first target substantially, continuously moves between a first position and a second position. An output beam scattered from the first target, in response to the incident beam being directed towards the first target during the first time period in which the first target substantially, continuously moves between the first and second positions, is detected such that information is obtained from the detected output beam during the first time period. The first time period is selected so that the information that is collected from the detected output beam during such first time period can be used to determine a characteristic of the first target. | 02-26-2009 |
20100175033 | SCATTEROMETRY METROLOGY TARGET DESIGN OPTIMIZATION - A metrology target design may be optimized using inputs including metrology target design information, substrate information, process information, and metrology system information. Acquisition of a metrology signal with a metrology system may be modeled using the inputs to generate one or more optical characteristics of the metrology target. A metrology algorithm may be applied to the characteristics to determine a predicted accuracy and precision of measurements of the metrology target made by the metrology system. Part of the information relating to the metrology target design may be modified and the signal modeling and metrology algorithm may be repeated to optimize the accuracy and precision of the one or more measurements. The metrology target design may be displayed or stored after the accuracy and precision are optimized. | 07-08-2010 |
20110069312 | METROLOGY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various metrology systems and methods are provided. | 03-24-2011 |
20110310388 | DISCRETE POLARIZATION SCATTEROMETRY - Systems and methods for discrete polarization scatterometry are provided. | 12-22-2011 |
20120033226 | OPTICS SYMMETRIZATION FOR METROLOGY - The present invention includes an illumination source, at least one illumination symmetrization module (ISM) configured to symmetrize at least a portion of light emanating from the illumination source, a first beam splitter configured to direct a first portion of light processed by the ISM along an object path to a surface of one or more specimens and a second portion of light processed by the ISM along a reference path, and a detector disposed along a primary optical axis, wherein the detector is configured to collect a portion of light reflected from the surface of the one or more specimens. | 02-09-2012 |
20120327503 | ILLUMINATION CONTROL - An optical system may include an objective, a source of illumination, an illumination system having illumination optics configured to direct the illumination onto the objective, and at least two dynamic optical array devices located at a pupil conjugate plane and a field conjugate plane, respectively in the illumination optics. The dynamic optical array devices are configured to control one or more properties of illumination coupled from the illumination system to the objective. | 12-27-2012 |
20130044331 | OVERLAY METROLOGY BY PUPIL PHASE ANALYSIS - The present invention may include measuring a first phase distribution across a pupil plane of a portion of illumination reflected from a first overlay target of a semiconductor wafer, wherein the first overlay target is fabricated to have a first intentional overlay, measuring a second phase distribution across the pupil plane of a portion of illumination reflected from a second overlay target, wherein the second overlay target is fabricated to have a second intentional overlay in a direction opposite to and having the same magnitude as the first intentional overlay, determining a first phase tilt associated with a sum of the first and second phase distributions, determining a second phase tilt associated with a difference between the first and second phase distributions, calibrating a set of phase tilt data, and determining a test overlay value associated with the first and second overlay target. | 02-21-2013 |
20130229661 | Metrology Systems and Methods - Various metrology systems and methods are provided. One metrology system includes a light source configured to produce a diffraction-limited light beam, an apodizer configured to shape the light beam in the entrance pupil of illumination optics, and optical elements configured to direct the diffraction-limited light beam from the apodizer to an illumination spot on a grating target on a wafer and to collect scattered light from the grating target. The metrology system further includes a field stop and a detector configured to detect the scattered light that passes through the field stop. In addition, the metrology system includes a computer system configured to determine a characteristic of the grating target using output of the detector. | 09-05-2013 |
20140060148 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING AND CORRECTING MISREGISTRATION TARGET INACCURACY - Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for calibrating a metrology tool by using proportionality factors. The proportionality factors may be obtained by measuring a substrate under different measurement conditions. Then calculating the measured metrology value and one or more quality merits. From this information, proportionality factors may be determined. Thereafter the proportionality factors may be used to quantify the inaccuracy in a metrology measurement. The proportionality factors may also be used to determine an optimize measurement recipe. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 03-06-2014 |
20140111791 | PHASE CHARACTERIZATION OF TARGETS - Systems and methods are provided which derive target characteristics from interferometry images taken at multiple phase differences between target beams and reference beams yielding the interferometry images. The illumination of the target and the reference has a coherence length of less than 30 microns to enable scanning the phase through the coherence length of the illumination. The interferometry images are taken at the pupil plane and/or in the field plane to combine angular and spectroscopic scatterometry data that characterize and correct target topography and enhance the performance of metrology systems. | 04-24-2014 |
20140136137 | METROLOGY TARGET CHARACTERIZATION - Methods and systems are provided, which identify specified metrology target abnormalities using selected metrics and classify the identified target abnormalities geometrically to link them to corresponding sources of error. Identification may be carried out by deriving target signals such as kernels from specified regions of interest (ROIs) from corresponding targets on a wafer, calculating the metrics from the target signals using respective functions and analyzing the metrics to characterize the targets. | 05-15-2014 |
20140146322 | Apodization for Pupil Imaging Scatterometry - The disclosure is directed to various apodization schemes for pupil imaging scatterometry. In some embodiments, the system includes an apodizer disposed within a pupil plane of the illumination path. In some embodiments, the system further includes an illumination scanner configured to scan a surface of the sample with at least a portion of apodized illumination. In some embodiments, the system includes an apodized pupil configured to provide a quadrupole illumination function. In some embodiments, the system further includes an apodized collection field stop. The various embodiments described herein may be combined to achieve certain advantages. | 05-29-2014 |
20140168650 | Spectral Control System - The disclosure is directed to a system and method of controlling spectral attributes of illumination. According to various embodiments, a portion of illumination including an excluded selection of illumination spectra is blocked, while another portion of the illumination including a transmitted selection of illumination spectra is directed along an illumination path. In some embodiments, optical metrology is performed utilizing the spectrally controlled illumination to enhance measurement capability. For instance, the spectral attributes of illumination utilized to analyze different portions of a sample, such as different semiconductor layers, may be selected according to certain measurement characteristics associated with the analyzed portions of the sample. | 06-19-2014 |
20140240951 | Systems for Providing Illumination in Optical Metrology - The disclosure is directed to systems for providing illumination to a measurement head for optical metrology. In some embodiments of the disclosure, illumination beams from a plurality of illumination sources are combined to deliver illumination at one or more selected wavelengths to the measurement head. In some embodiments of the disclosure, intensity and/or spatial coherence of illumination delivered to the measurement head is controlled. In some embodiments of the disclosure, illumination at one or more selected wavelengths is delivered from a broadband illumination source configured for providing illumination at a continuous range of wavelengths. | 08-28-2014 |
20150036142 | Metrology Systems and Methods - Various metrology systems and methods are provided. One metrology system includes a light source configured to produce a diffraction-limited light beam, an apodizer configured to shape the light beam in the entrance pupil of illumination optics, and optical elements configured to direct the diffraction-limited light beam from the apodizer to an illumination spot on a grating target on a wafer and to collect scattered light from the grating target. The metrology system further includes a field stop and a detector configured to detect the scattered light that passes through the field stop. In addition, the metrology system includes a computer system configured to determine a characteristic of the grating target using output of the detector. | 02-05-2015 |
20150116717 | SCANNING IN ANGLE-RESOLVED REFLECTOMETRY AND ALGORITHMICALLY ELIMINATING DIFFRACTION FROM OPTICAL METROLOGY - Angle-resolved reflectometers and reflectometry methods are provided, which comprise a coherent light source, an optical system arranged to scan a test pattern using a spot of coherent light from the light source to yield realizations of the light distribution in the collected pupil, wherein the spot covers a part of the test pattern and the scanning is carried out optically or mechanically according to a scanning pattern, and a processing unit arranged to generate a composite image of the collected pupil distribution by combining the pupil images. Metrology systems and methods are provided, which reduce diffraction errors by estimating, quantitatively, a functional dependency of measurement parameters on aperture sizes and deriving, from identified diffraction components of the functional dependency which relate to the aperture sizes, correction terms for the measurement parameters with respect to the measurement conditions. | 04-30-2015 |
20150198524 | NEAR FIELD METROLOGY - Metrology systems and methods are provided herein, which comprise an optical element that is positioned between an objective lens of the system and a target. The optical element is arranged to enhance evanescent modes of radiation reflected by the target. Various configurations are disclosed: the optical element may comprise a solid immersion lens, a combination of Moiré-elements and solid immersion optics, dielectric-metal-dielectric stacks of different designs, and resonating elements to amplify the evanescent modes of illuminating radiation. The metrology systems and methods are configurable to various metrology types, including imaging and scatterometry methods. | 07-16-2015 |
20150233818 | GRAZING ORDER METROLOGY - Metrology targets, optical systems and methods are provided, which enable metrology measurements of very small features, using resonance of illuminated radiation within periodical structures of the target, under appropriate illumination. Metrology targets comprise periodical structure(s) configured to resonate incident radiation and having a pitch defined by the grating equation with respect to configured parameters such as the selected diffraction order, refractive indices and the illumination's wavelength(s) and incidence angles. Possibly, the target may further comprise substructure(s) which are optically coupled with the resonating incident radiation in the periodical structure(s). The spatial organization of the periodic structures and the substructures, as well as the optical organization of illuminated and scattered radiation provide collecting phase signals from the targets at a range of parameters, such as different wavelengths, spatial angles and polarizations to enhance the metrology signal and achieve a very high sensitivity to very small target features. | 08-20-2015 |
20150316783 | Apodization for Pupil Imaging Scatterometry - The disclosure is directed to various apodization schemes for pupil imaging scatterometry. In some embodiments, the system includes an apodizer disposed within a pupil plane of the illumination path. In some embodiments, the system further includes an illumination scanner configured to scan a surface of the sample with at least a portion of apodized illumination. In some embodiments, the system includes an apodized pupil configured to provide a quadrupole illumination function. In some embodiments, the system further includes an apodized collection field stop. The various embodiments described herein may be combined to achieve certain advantages. | 11-05-2015 |
20160025646 | COMPRESSIVE SENSING WITH ILLUMINATION PATTERNING - Methods and systems are provided, which pattern an illumination of a metrology target with respect to spectral ranges and/or polarizations, illuminate a metrology target by the patterned illumination, and measure radiation scattered from the target by directing, at a pupil plane, selected pupil plane pixels from a to respective single detector(s) by applying a collection pattern to the pupil plane pixels. Single detector measurements (compressive sensing) has increased light sensitivity which is utilized to pattern the illumination and further enhance the information content of detected scattered radiation with respect to predefined metrology parameters. | 01-28-2016 |
20160084758 | METROLOGY IMAGING TARGETS HAVING REFLECTION-SYMMETRIC PAIRS OF REFLECTION-ASYMMETRIC STRUCTURES - Metrology targets, design files, and design and production methods thereof are provided. Metrology targets comprising at least one reflection-symmetric pair of reflection-asymmetric structures are disclosed. The structures may or may not be periodic, may comprise a plurality of unevenly-spaced target elements, which may or may not be segmented. The asymmetry may be with respect to target element segmentation or structural dimensions. Also, target design files and metrology measurements of the various metrology targets are disclosed. | 03-24-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090051487 | System and Methods for the Remote Measurement of a Person's Biometric Data in a Controlled State by Way of Synchronized Music, Video and Lyrics - A method enabling a user with an electronic communication device to establish and stabilize his mental, emotional and physical condition in respose to stimulation data and then using biometric sensors applied to the user to provide for remote/local gathering of standardized biometric data into a remote database coordinated with remote server software via an electronic network. The method includes initiating a session and selecting a session type by the user. The method also includes loading a track with the stimulation data, establishing links to the biometric sensors, setting the timing tolerances and biometric parameters based on new or existing user rules, stimulating the user with at least one of visual, audio, lyrics, text and vibration tracks to elicit stimulation data from the user, recording time stamps corresponding to key/tap input, deriving sync relationship between the user and the stimulation data, waiting for the variance and biometric parameters to stabilize and displaying a depiction of the stabilized condition on a screen. | 02-26-2009 |
20090083281 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL TIME LOCAL MUSIC PLAYBACK AND REMOTE SERVER LYRIC TIMING SYNCHRONIZATION UTILIZING SOCIAL NETWORKS AND WIKI TECHNOLOGY - A method enabling a local user having a playback device with a specialized player plug-in device to synchronize a display of song lyrics to a timer clock of hosting playback software and to search a remote computer system. The system includes a database with songs and hosting playback software with an interface to enable the user to locally receive and play back lyrics and timing metadata synchronized to a local music digital file. The method includes the user sending a query to the database via a proprietary software interface, searching in the database for lyrics and associated synchronization information, sending lyrics and associated synchronization information back and synchronizing and displaying the lyrics by the hosting playback software and the specialized player plug-in device, thereby enabling all users to enjoy access to synchronized lyrics. | 03-26-2009 |
20090202220 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATION OF A CUE SHEET FOR MUSIC AND OTHER ASSET LICENSING USING AN EDIT DECISION LIST REVERSE SEARCH - A method to enable automatic creation of a cue sheet for reporting of digital assets used in production. The method begins by parsing an Edit Decision List having codes containing a digital asset file and the duration of time that file was used in the production process. The method also includes using the codes as a key for searching a database of rights' owners, the search returning owners' and other identifying information. The identifying information includes at least composer name, publisher name, and at least one appropriate authority. The next step provides for using the identifying information to create a legal cue sheet for reporting of the digital assets. | 08-13-2009 |
20090327712 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VARIABLE ENCRYPTION - A method for variable encryption of a plurality of files. The method serves a plurality of subscribers. The method includes receiving a request from one of the plurality of subscribers to download at least one of the plurality of files and receiving authorization to download the at least one of the plurality of files. The method also includes accessing the at least one of the plurality of files, encrypting the at least one of the plurality of files and inserting a key into the encrypted at least one of the plurality of files. Finally, the method includes downloading the encrypted at least one of the plurality of files to the one of the plurality of subscribers, extracting the key and deciphering the encrypted at least one of the plurality of files, thereby making available decrypted at least one of the plurality of files to the one of the plurality of subscribers. | 12-31-2009 |
20110028216 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A MUSIC-BASED TIMING COMPETITION, LEARNING OR ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE - A method for a timing exercise performed on one of a dedicated player handset with screen and appropriate programming and a PC having appropriate programming and a screen, wherein a song is played, and wherein at least one sensor is provided to monitor activities of at least one participant. The method includes showing representations of the musical elements of the song on the screen of the dedicated player and recognizing at least one of the movements, facial expressions, body language, speech and identity of at least one participant; and as a result causing the representations to be “activated” by the participant, in the right order, at the right time and over the right duration. | 02-03-2011 |
20110137920 | METHOD OF MAPPING SONGS BEING LISTENED TO AT A GIVEN LOCATION, AND ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SYNCHRONIZED LYRICS OR SUBTITLES - The invention pertains to song-related software applications. More specifically, the invention describes mapping songs being listened to in a given area, identifying users listening to those songs, and optionally selecting to follow the songs listened to by a specific second user. The invention allows charting the most popular songs according to geographical location. Additionally, the invention allows a user to select an internet radio station and be provided with the synchronized lyrics of the song playing. The invention allows translation of lyrics into various languages and synchronization of the translation during playback of the song. The invention also allows a user to synchronize subtitles of multimedia presentations, with the playback of the presentation. | 06-09-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090143986 | Collision Warning System - A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. | 06-04-2009 |
20110018700 | Fusion of Images in Enhanced Obstacle Detection - A vehicle warning system that includes: a first camera mounted on the vehicle at a first longitudinal position along the length of the vehicle, which acquires consecutively in real time a plurality of first camera image frames; a second camera mounted on the vehicle at a second longitudinal position along the length of the vehicle, which acquires second camera image frames; and a processor configured to use information in both first and second camera image frames to determine whether there is a danger of a collision between the vehicle and an object shown in both the first and second camera images. The first and second longitudinal positions may be at different positions along the length of the vehicle. | 01-27-2011 |
20120056735 | COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM - A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. | 03-08-2012 |
20130135444 | Fusion of Far Infrared and Visible Images in Enhanced Obstacle Detection in Automotive Applications - A computerized system mountable on a vehicle operable to detect an object by processing first image frames from a first camera and second image frames from a second camera. A first range is determined to said detected object using the first image frames. An image location is projected of the detected object in the first image frames onto an image location in the second image frames. A second range is determined to the detected object based on both the first and second image frames. The detected object is tracked in both the first and second image frames When the detected object leaves a field of view of the first camera, a third range is determined responsive to the second range and the second image frames. | 05-30-2013 |
20130141580 | ROAD VERTICAL CONTOUR DETECTION - The driver assistance system includes a camera operatively connectable to a processor. The driver assistance system is operable while the host vehicle is moving to detect a deviation in vertical contour of a road. A first image frame and a second image frame are captured in the field of view of the camera. Image motion is processed between respective images of the road derived from the first image frame and the second image frame. The vertical contour of the road is estimated using a road surface model of the road and the deviation in the vertical contour is computed from the road surface model. | 06-06-2013 |
20130308828 | Collision Warning System - A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. | 11-21-2013 |
20140093132 | Collison Warning System - A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. | 04-03-2014 |
20140156140 | Collision Warning System - A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. | 06-05-2014 |
20140236471 | COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM - A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. | 08-21-2014 |
20140253701 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING IMAGES - An apparatus is provided for audibly reading text retrieved from a captured image. In one implementation, the apparatus comprises an image sensor configured to capture image data from an environment of a user, and at least one processor. The processor is configured to determine an existence of a pointing trigger in the image data, the trigger being associated with a user's desire to hear text read aloud, and wherein the trigger identifies an intermediate portion of the text a distance from a level break in the text. The processor is further configured to perform a layout analysis on the text to identify a level break associated with the trigger; and cause the text to be read aloud from the level break associated with the trigger. | 09-11-2014 |
20140267645 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING FEEDBACK BASED ON THE STATE OF AN OBJECT - A device and method are provided for providing feedback based on the state of an object. In one implementation, an apparatus for processing images is provided. The apparatus may include an image sensor configured to capture real time images from an environment of a user and at least one processor device configured to initially process at least one image to determine whether an object is likely to change its state. If a determination is made that the object is unlikely to change its state, the at least one processor device may additionally process the at least one image and provide a first feedback. If a determination is made that the object is likely to change its state, the at least one processor device may continue to capture images of the object and alert the user with a second feedback after a change in the state of the object occurs. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267647 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR RECOGNIZING TEXT ON A CURVED SURFACE - A device and method are provided for recognizing text on a curved surface. In one implementation, the device comprises an image sensor configured to capture from an environment of a user multiple images of text on a curved surface. The device also comprises at least one processor device. The at least one processor device is configured to receive a first image of a first perspective of text on the curved surface, receive a second image of a second perspective of the text on the curved surface, perform optical character recognition on at least parts of each of the first image and the second image, combine results of the optical character recognition on the first image and on the second image, and provide the user with a recognized representation of the text, including a recognized representation of the first portion of text. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267648 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING FAILED-ATTEMPT FEEDBACK USING A CAMERA ON GLASSES - Apparatuses and a method are provided for providing feedback to a user, who may be visually-impaired. In one implementation, a method is provided for providing feedback to a visually impaired user. The method comprises receiving from a mobile image sensor real time image data that includes a representation of an object in an environment of the visually impaired user. The mobile image sensor is configured to be connected to glasses worn by the visually impaired user. Further, the method comprises receiving a signal indicating a desire of the visually impaired user to obtain information about the object. The method also includes accessing a database holding information about a plurality of objects, and comparing information derived from the received real time image data with information in the database. The method comprises providing the visually impaired user with nonvisual feedback that the object is not locatable in the database. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267649 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC ACTION SELECTION BASED ON IMAGE CONTEXT - Devices and a method are provided for providing context-related feedback to a user. In one implementation, the method comprises capturing real time image data from an environment of the user. The method further comprises identifying in the image data a hand-related trigger. Multiple context-based alternative actions are associated with the hand-related trigger. Further, the method comprises identifying in the image data an object associated with the hand-related trigger. The object is further associated with a particular context. Also, the method comprises selecting one of the multiple alternative actions based on the particular context. The method further comprises outputting the context-related feedback based on a result of the executed alternative action. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267650 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HIERARCHICAL OBJECT IDENTIFICATION USING A CAMERA ON GLASSES - Apparatuses and a method are provided for providing environmental information to a user, who may be visually impaired. In one implementation, a method is provided for receiving real time image data including an object within the user environment. The method includes identifying a hand-related trigger in the image data. Upon identifying the hand-related trigger, the method includes executing a first search in the image data in an attempt to identify at least one object from a first category of objects. After initiating the first search, the method includes executing a second search in the image data in an attempt to identify at least one object from a second category of objects that differs from the first. The method also includes outputting audible feedback to the user associated with information related to an object or objects identified in the image data. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267651 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USING BACKGROUND CHANGE TO DETERMINE CONTEXT - Devices and a method are provided for providing feedback to a user. In one implementation, the method comprises obtaining a plurality of images from an image sensor. The image sensor is configured to be positioned for movement with the user's head. The method further comprises monitoring the images, and determining whether relative motion occurs between a first portion of a scene captured in the plurality of images and other portions of the scene captured in the plurality of images. If the first portion of the scene moves less than at least one other portion of the scene, the method comprises obtaining contextual information from the first portion of the scene. The method further comprises providing the feedback to the user based on at least part of the contextual information. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278430 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR EXPEDITED TEXT READING USING STAGED OCR TECHNIQUE - A system and method are provided for accelerating machine reading of text. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one processor device. The processor device is configured to receive at least one image of text to be audibly read. The text includes a first portion and a second portion. The processor device is further configured to initiate optical character recognition (OCR) to recognize the first portion. The processor device is further configured to initiate an audible presentation of the first portion prior to initiating OCR of the second portion, and simultaneously perform OCR to recognize the second portion of the text to be audibly read during presentation of at least part of the first portion. The processor device is further configured to automatically cause the second portion of the text to be audibly presented immediately upon completion of the presentation of the first portion. | 09-18-2014 |
20150086080 | ROAD VERTICAL CONTOUR DETECTION - A driver assistance/control system includes a camera operatively connectible to a processor mountable in a host vehicle. A vertical deviation in road contour is detected while the host vehicle is moving. First, second and third images of the road are captured from the camera. By matching image points of the road in the first image and corresponding image points of the road in the second image, a first homography is computed which transforms the first image of the road to the second image of the road. A second homography is computed which transforms the second image of the road to the third image of the road. A chained homography is computed by chaining the first and second homographies. By using the chained homography as an initial guess, a third homography is computed which transforms the first image of the road to the third image of the road. | 03-26-2015 |
20150302606 | COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM - A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. | 10-22-2015 |
20150317525 | ROAD VERTICAL CONTOUR DETECTION - Various driver assistance systems mountable in a host vehicle and computerized methods for detecting a vertical deviation of a road surface. The driver assistance system includes a camera operatively connectible to a processor. Multiple consecutive image frames are captured from the camera including a first image of the road and a second image of the road. Based on the host vehicle motion, the second image is warped toward the first image to produce thereby a warped second image. Image points of the road in the first image and corresponding image points of the road in the warped second image are tracked. Optical flow is computed between the warped second image to the first image. The optical flow is compared with an optical flow based on a road surface model to produce a residual optical flow. The vertical deviation is computed from the residual optical flow. | 11-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140204235 | APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING IMAGES TO PROLONG BATTERY LIFE - A device and method are provided for processing mages to prolong battery e. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus may include a wearable image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images from an environment of a user. The wearable apparatus may also include at least one processing device configured to, in a first processing-mode, process representations of the plurality of images to determine a value of at least one capturing parameter for use in capturing at least one subsequent image, and in a second processing-mode, process the representations of the plurality of images to extract information. In addition, the at least one processing device may operate in the first processing-mode when the wearable apparatus is powered by a mobile power source included in the wearable apparatus and may operate in the second processing-mode when the wearable apparatus is powered by an external power source. | 07-24-2014 |
20140204245 | APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING IMAGE CAPTURE SETTINGS - A device and method are provided for adjusting image capture settings. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus may include at least one wearable image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images from an environment of a user. The wearable apparatus may also include at least one processing device configured to identify, in at least one representation of at least one of the plurality of images, an existence of at least one visual trigger in the environment of the user, determine, based on a type of the at least one visual trigger, a value for at least one capturing parameter, cause the image sensor to capture at least one subsequent image according to at least the value of the at least one capturing parameter, determine a data size for storing at least one representation of the at least one subsequent image, and store, in a memory, the at least one representation of the at least one subsequent image. | 07-24-2014 |
20140253702 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXECUTING SYSTEM COMMANDS BASED ON CAPTURED IMAGE DATA - An apparatus and method are provided for identifying and executing system commands based on captured image data. In one implementation, a method is provided for executing at least one command retrieved from a captured image. According to the method, image data is received from an image sensor, and the image data may include printed information associated with a specific system commands. The method further includes accessing a database including a plurality of predefined system commands associated with printed information, and identifying in the image data an existence of the printed information associated with the specific system command stored in the database. The specific system command is executed after the printed information associated with the specific system command is identified. | 09-11-2014 |
20140267646 | APPARATUS CONNECTABLE TO GLASSES - An apparatus connectable to a pair of glasses provides information to a user by processing images captured from the environment of the user. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support configured for mounting on the pair of glasses and a sensory unit. The sensory unit includes a housing configured for selective attachment to the support and an image sensor contained within the housing. The support and the housing are configured to enable selective aiming of the image sensor to establish a set aiming direction relative to the pair of glasses. The support and the housing are configured to cooperate with each other such that each time the sensory unit is attached to the support, the image sensor assumes the set aiming direction without need for directional calibration. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267652 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING IMAGES - A apparatus and method are provided for processing images. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an image sensor configured to capture real time images from an environment of a user. The apparatus also includes a mobile power source, and at least one processor device configured to process, at an initial resolution, images to determine existence of a trigger, and access rules associating image context with image capture resolution to enable images of a first context to be processed at a lower capture resolution than images of a second context. The processor device analyzes at least one first image, selects a first image capture resolution rule, and applies the first image capture resolution rule to a subsequent captured image. The processor device analyzes at least one second image, selects a second image capture resolution rule, and applies the second image capture resolution rule to a second subsequent captured image. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270398 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUDIBLY PRESENTING TEXTUAL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN IMAGE DATA - An apparatus and method are provided for identifying and audibly presenting textual information within captured image data. In one implementation, a method is provided for audibly presenting text retrieved from a captured image. According to the method, at least one image of text is received from an image sensor, and the text may include a first portion and a second portion. The method includes identifying contextual information associated with the text, and accessing at least one rule associating the contextual information with at least one portion of text to be excluded from an audible presentation associated with the text. The method further includes performing an analysis on the at least one image to identify the first portion and the second portion, and causing the audible presentation of the first portion. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272815 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING ACTIONS BASED ON CAPTURED IMAGE DATA - An apparatus and method are provided for performing one or more actions based on triggers detecting within captured image data. In one implementation, a method is provided for audibly reading text retrieved from a captured image. According to the method, real-time image data is captured from an environment of a user, and an existence of a trigger is determined within the captured image data. In one aspect, the trigger may be associated with a desire of the user to hear text read aloud, and the trigger identifies an intermediate portion of the text a distance from a level break in the text. The method includes performing a layout analysis on the text to identify the level break associated with the trigger, and reading aloud text beginning from the level break associated with the trigger. | 09-18-2014 |
20150210312 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING LOW-HEIGHT OBJECTS IN A ROADWAY - Systems and methods use cameras to provide autonomous navigation features. In one implementation, a driver-assist object detection system is provided for a vehicle. One or more processing devices associated with the system receive at least two images from a plurality of captured images via a data interface. The device(s) analyze the first image and at least a second image to determine a reference plane corresponding to the roadway the vehicle is traveling on. The processing device(s) locate a target object in the first two images, and determine a difference in a size of at least one dimension of the target object between the two images. The system may use the difference in size to determine a height of the object. Further, the system may cause a change in at least a directional course of the vehicle if the determined height exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 07-30-2015 |
20150256742 | APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING IMAGE CAPTURE SETTINGS - A device and method are provided for adjusting image capture settings. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus may include at least one wearable image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images from an environment of a user. The wearable apparatus may also include at least one processing device configured to identify, in at least one representation of at least one of the plurality of images, an existence of at least one visual trigger in the environment of the user, determine, based on a type of the at least one visual trigger, a value for at least one capturing parameter, cause the image sensor to capture at least one subsequent image according to at least the value of the at least one capturing parameter, determine a data size for storing at least one representation of the at least one subsequent image, and store, in a memory, the at least one representation of the at least one subsequent image. | 09-10-2015 |
20160025972 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING ADVERTISEMENT EFFECTIVENESS USING WEARABLE CAMERA SYSTEMS - Systems are provided for analyzing the effectiveness of an advertisement using information provided by a wearable camera system. In one implementation, a system includes a memory storing executable instructions, and at least one processing device programmed to execute the instructions to receive, from the wearable camera system, information derived from image data related to an advertisement in an environment of a user of the wearable camera system. The processing device of the system may be further configured to receive information derived from the image data related to activities of the user, and may be configured to identify, based on this received information, a product acquired by the user that is associated with the advertisement. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026238 | DETERMINING A MATCHING SCORE BETWEEN USERS OF WEARABLE CAMERA SYSTEMS - A server and method are provided for determining a matching score related to users of wearable camera systems. In one implementation, a server determines a matching score related to users of wearable camera systems. Each wearable camera system is configured to capture images from an environment of a corresponding user and produce image data from the captured images. At least one processing device associated with the server may be programmed to receive image data from the wearable camera systems. The processing device may further determine a value of a matching score related to at least two users of the wearable camera systems. The value of the matching score may be based on the image data received from the wearable camera systems. The value of the matching score may indicate a level of exposure of the two users to similar visual details in their environments. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026240 | WEARABLE APPARATUS WITH WIDE VIEWING ANGLE IMAGE SENSOR - A wearable apparatus and method are provided for capturing image data. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus for capturing image data is provided. The wearable apparatus includes at least one image sensor for capturing image data of an environment of a user, wherein a field of view of the image sensor includes a chin of the user. The wearable apparatus includes two or more microphones, and an attachment mechanism configured to enable the image sensor and microphones to be worn by the user. The wearable apparatus includes a processing device programmed to capture at least one image, identify the chin of the user to obtain a location of the chin, select a microphone from the two or more microphones based on the location, process input from the selected microphone using a first processing scheme, and process input from a microphone that is not selected using a second processing scheme. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026257 | WEARABLE UNIT FOR SELECTIVELY WITHHOLDING ACTIONS BASED ON RECOGNIZED GESTURES - A wearable apparatus and method are provided for selectively disregarding triggers originating from persons other than a user of the wearable apparatus. The wearable apparatus comprises a wearable image sensor configured to capture image data from an environment of the user of the wearable apparatus. The wearable apparatus also includes at least one processing device programmed to receive the captured image data and identify in the image data a trigger. The trigger is associated with at least one action to be performed by the wearable apparatus. The processing device is also programmed to determine, based on the image data, whether the trigger identified in the image data is associated with a person other than the user of the wearable apparatus, and forgo performance of the at least one action if the trigger identified in the image data is determined to be associated with a person other than the user. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026853 | WEARABLE APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING IMAGE DATA - A wearable apparatus and method are provided for processing images including product descriptors. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus for processing images including a product descriptor is provided. The wearable apparatus includes a wearable image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images from an environment of a user of the wearable apparatus. The wearable apparatus also includes at least one processing device programmed to analyze the plurality of images to identify one or more of the plurality of images that include an occurrence of the product descriptor. Based on analysis of the one or more identified images, the at least one processing device is also programmed to determine information related to the occurrence of the product descriptor. The at least one processing device is further configured to cause the information and an identifier of the product descriptor to be stored in a memory. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026867 | WEARABLE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING IMAGE DATA USING MULTIPLE IMAGE SENSORS - A wearable apparatus and method are provided for capturing image data. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus for capturing image data is provided. The wearable apparatus includes a plurality of image sensors for capturing image data of an environment of a user. Each of the image sensors is associated with a different field of view. The wearable apparatus also includes a processing device programmed to process image data captured by at least two of the image sensors to identify an object in the environment. The processing device is also programmed to identify a first image sensor, which has a first optical axis closer to the object than a second optical axis of a second image sensor. After identifying the first image sensor, the processing device is also programmed to process image data from the first image sensor using a first processing scheme, and process image data from the second image sensor using a second processing scheme. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026868 | WEARABLE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING IMAGES INCLUDING PRODUCT DESCRIPTORS - A wearable apparatus and method are provided for processing images including product descriptors. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus for processing images including a product descriptor is provided. The wearable apparatus includes a wearable image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images from an environment of a user of the wearable apparatus. The wearable apparatus also includes at least one processing device programmed to analyze the plurality of images to identify one or more of the plurality of images that include an occurrence of the product descriptor. Based on analysis of the one or more identified images, the at least one processing device is also programmed to determine information related to the occurrence of the product descriptor. The at least one processing device is further configured to cause the information and an identifier of the product descriptor to be stored in a memory. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026870 | WEARABLE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY PROCESSING IMAGE DATA - A wearable apparatus and method are provided for capturing image data. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus for selectively processing images is provided. The wearable apparatus includes an image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images from an environment of a user. The wearable apparatus also includes at least one processing device programmed to access at least one rule for classifying images. The at least one processing device is also programmed to classify, according to the at least one rule, at least a first subset of the plurality of images as key images and at least a second subset of the plurality images as auxiliary images. The at least one processing device is further programmed to delete at least some of the auxiliary images. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026871 | OBTAINING INFORMATION FROM AN ENVIRONMENT OF A USER OF A WEARABLE CAMERA SYSTEM - A wearable apparatus and method are provided for executing actions based on triggers identified in an environment of a user. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus for storing information related to objects identified in an environment of a user is provided. The wearable apparatus includes a wearable image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images from the environment of the user and at least one processing device. The processing device may be programmed to process the plurality of images to detect an object entering a receptacle, process at least one of the plurality of images that includes the object to determine at least a type of the object, and based on the type of the object, generate information related to an action to be taken related to the object. | 01-28-2016 |
20160026873 | WEARABLE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY CATEGORIZING INFORMATION DERIVED FROM IMAGES - A wearable apparatus and method are provided for selectively categorizing information derived from images. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus for collecting information related to activities of a user may collect information related to activities of a user. The wearable apparatus may include an image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images from an environment of a user; a communications interface; and at least one processing device. The at least one processing device may be programmed to process the plurality of images to identify an activity occurring in the environment of the user; associate the activity with an activity category; and cause transmission of at least the activity category to a remotely located computing device via the communications interface. | 01-28-2016 |
20160027063 | TARGETED ADVERTISEMENTS BASED ON ANALYSIS OF IMAGE INFORMATION FROM A WEARABLE CAMERA - A system provides advertisements to users of a wearable camera system. In one implementation, the system includes a memory storing executable instructions and at least one processing device programmed to execute the instruction. The instructions may include instructions to receive, from a wearable camera system, data related to at least on characteristic identified in image data captured by the wearable camera system from an environment, select, based on the at least one characteristic, an advertisement, and transmit the advertisement to a device associated with a user the wearable camera system. | 01-28-2016 |
20160028917 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMEMBERING HELD ITEMS AND FINDING LOST ITEMS USING WEARABLE CAMERA SYSTEMS - Apparatuses and methods are provided for storing information related to objects associated with a hand of a user via a wearable camera system. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus for storing the information is provided comprising a wearable image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images from the environment of the user, and at least one processing device programmed to process the images. The processing device may detect the hand of the user, and an object associated with the user's hand. The processing device may proceed to store information related to the object. Consistent with disclosed embodiments, the stored information may be used for various purposes, such as warning the user of dangers, catering advertising to the user, and helping the user find objects when they are lost. | 01-28-2016 |
20160028947 | WEARABLE APPARATUS SECURABLE TO CLOTHING - A wearable apparatus is provided for securing a wearable apparatus to an article of clothing. In one implementation, an apparatus securable to an article of clothing may include a capturing unit including at least one image sensor configured to capture images of an environment of a user and a power unit configured to house a power source. The apparatus may further include a connector configured to connect the capturing unit and the power unit. The connector is configured to secure the apparatus to the article of clothing such that the capturing unit is positioned over an outer surface of the article of clothing and the powering unit is positioned under an inner surface of the article of clothing. | 01-28-2016 |
20160086041 | FUSION OF FAR INFRARED AND VISIBLE IMAGES IN ENHANCED OBSTACLE DETECTION IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS - A computerized system mountable on a vehicle operable to detect an object by processing first image frames from a first camera and second image frames from a second camera. A first range is determined to said detected object using the first image frames. An image location is projected of the detected object in the first image frames onto an image location in the second image frames. A second range is determined to the detected object based on both the first and second image frames. The detected object is tracked in both the first and second image frames When the detected object leaves a field of view of the first camera, a third range is determined responsive to the second range and the second image frames. | 03-24-2016 |
20160104048 | FUSION OF FAR INFRARED AND VISIBLE IMAGES IN ENHANCED OBSTACLE DETECTION IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS - A computerized system mountable on a vehicle operable to detect an object by processing first image frames from a first camera and second image frames from a second camera. A first range is determined to said detected object using the first image frames. An image location is projected of the detected object in the first image frames onto an image location in the second image frames. A second range is determined to the detected object based on both the first and second image frames. The detected object is tracked in both the first and second image frames When the detected object leaves a field of view of the first camera, a third range is determined responsive to the second range and the second image frames. | 04-14-2016 |