Image processing apparatus

Citation

Rigelsford, J. (2004), "Image processing apparatus", Industrial Robot, Vol. 31 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2004.04931bad.006

Image processing apparatus

Image processing apparatus

Keywords: Image processing

Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, JapanPatent number: US6,647,146Publication date: 11 November 2003Title: Image Processing Apparatus

This patent describes an apparatus and method for creating a three-dimensional model of an object. Such models can be created using at least two images of the object taken from different positions to determine the relative position of points on the object in two-dimensions and the relative “depth” of the points. These matching points can be used to calculate points in a three-dimensional space representing points on the object. A number of different techniques are used to identify the matching points, and a number of solutions are calculated and tested for the relative positions. Edges in an image are identified by first identifying corner points in the image and then by edge orientation, the edges between the corner points can be identified. The edges are processed in strength order to remove cross-overs, the images sub-divided into regions by connecting points at the ends of the edges on the basis of the edge strengths, and matching points within corresponding regions in two or more images are identified.