An instrument for scanning single photographs to generate and store image data along epipolar lines for subsequent processing and map making is disclosed. The instrument embodies an electronically controlled mechanical stage translating the photographic image relative to a stationary microdensitometer along epipolar lines and a storage unit for storing the image data generated by the microdensitometer. An alternate embodiment of the mechanical stage includes a rotary stage reducing the scanning along epipolar lines to a simple X or Y translation. Alternate embodiments of the microdensitometer includes linear arrays of detector elements permitting the scanning of adjacent lines parallel to the epipolar lines for removing Y parallax in the subsequent processing or for scanning a plurality of epipolar lines during a single X axis translation. The storage unit may store the image data in analog or digital form in accordance with the requirements of the associated processing equipment.
The D(log E) curve of an unknown film is obtained by first measuring a first film having a known D(log E) curve and of the same type as the unknown film. Measured are the densities of a plurality of objects and their corresponding distances for which the object densities decay to film base densities. These values are plotted and with the known D(log E) curve, an x(log E) curve is obtained which is valid for all films of this type. The unknown film is measured to obtain values of object densities and corresponding decay distances and a curve of the values is obtained, and when used with the x(log E) curve for the film type, a new D(log E) curve is obtained for the unknown film.
There is disclosed an automatic apparatus for sequentially inspecting a plurality of selected areas of an apertured material. The apparatus comprises a light determination means including an established light source and a positioned light detection means, a movable retention means for retaining the apertured material, and a control means for actuating the light determination means and the movable retention means whereby the selected areas of the apertured material will be sequentially positioned between the light source and the light detection means whereupon light is projected through each of said areas. The light passing through the areas is detected by said light detection means. A method for inspecting is also disclosed.
A negative film reader records high-resolution optical density changes across negative film radiographic images to allow precise image dimensions to be determined. A laser light source capable of high-resolution focusing is passed through an intensity control filter, focused by a lens, and reflected off a mirror to focus in the plane of the negative film. The light transmitted through the film is collected by a second lens and directed to a photo diode detector which senses the transmitted intensity. The output of the photo diode signal amplifier is sent to the Y-axis input of an X-Y recorder. The film sample is transported in a plane perpendicular to the beam axis by means of a slide. The film position is monitored, with the signal amplified and recorded as the X-axis on the X-Y recorder. The linear dimensions and positions of image components can be determined by direct measurement of the amplified recording.
The apparent depth (416) of an apparent point (404) in a set of stereoscopic images (300) is altered by moving a region (502) in at least one image (300) which corresponds to the apparent point (404). The location of the regions (502) within each image (300) representing the apparent point (404), together with the geometry of the vantage point (306) locations, specifies the depth (316) of an actual point (304) in a scene. The region (502) corresponding to the apparent point (404) in one of the images (300) is then moved to another location in the image (300), in order to produce another set of images (300) in which the apparent depth (416) of the apparent point (404) has been altered. In other embodiments, portions of both images (300) are moved, to place the apparent point (404) at a desired location both in terms of apparent depth (416) and apparent epipolar location (314). The determination of the new apparent depth (416) for the apparent point (404) may be based on the initial apparent depth (416), or may be unrelated to the initial apparent depth (416). The new apparent depth (416) for the apparent point (404) may be selected by the user of a computer program carrying out the method. The set of stereoscopic images (300) may be still images or moving images, and may be captured digitally, scanned from photographs, or computer-generated.
A set of stereoscopic images (300) is compressed. For apparent points (404) in the set of stereoscopic images (300), a region (502) is identified in each image (300) which represents at least the apparent point (404). The locations of these regions (502) within the images (300), together with the geometry of the vantage point (306) locations, specify the apparent depths (416) of the apparent points (404) in the scene. Information relating to the apparent depths (416) is recorded for the apparent points (404). This recorded depth information, together with just one of the stereoscopic images (300), can be used to later reconstruct the other stereoscopic image (300) for stereoscopic viewing. The set of stereoscopic images (300) can be still images or moving images, and they can be captured digitally, scanned from photographs, or computer-generated.
