Image processing apparatus

Claim 1

A method of recording images of a subject object, processing the image data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and rendering the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: positioning the subject object relative to a calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in the image of the three-dimensional computer model is positioned in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; recording images of the subject object and calibration pattern from different relative recording positions and/or orientations; processing data defining the recorded images to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and generating data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 2

A method of recording images of a subject object, processing the image data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and rendering the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: positioning the subject object relative to a calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in the image of the three-dimensional computer model is positioned in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; recording images of the subject object and calibration pattern from different relative recording positions and/or orientations; processing data defining the recorded images to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and generating data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 3

A method using connected computer processing apparatus of processing images of a subject object to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object and processing the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof showing a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: sending from a first apparatus to a second apparatus data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and/or orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in the image of the three-dimensional computer model faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; processing the data defining the images in the second apparatus to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; performing processing in the second apparatus to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and performing processing in the second apparatus or in a third apparatus to generate data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 4

A method using connected computer processing apparatus of processing images of a subject object to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object and processing the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof showing a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: sending from a first apparatus to a second apparatus data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and/or orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in the image of the three-dimensional computer model faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; processing the data defining the images in the second apparatus to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; performing processing in the second apparatus to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and performing processing in the second apparatus or in a third apparatus to generate data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 9

A method of generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of a subject object and data defining a viewing camera for the three-dimensional computer model to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: receiving image data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded at different relative recording positions and/or orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in an image of the three-dimensional computer model generated using the viewing camera faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; processing the image data to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and generating data defining a viewing camera for the three-dimensional computer model for generating image data showing the selected part of the subject object in dependence upon the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 10

A method of generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of a subject object and data defining a viewing camera for the three-dimensional computer model to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: receiving image data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded at different relative recording positions and/or orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in an image of the three-dimensional computer model generated using the viewing camera faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; processing the image data to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and generating data defining a viewing camera for the three-dimensional computer model for generating image data showing the selected part of the subject object in dependence upon the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 16

A method of generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of a subject object for rendering by a predetermined viewing camera to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: receiving image data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded at different relative recording positions and/or orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in an image of the three-dimensional computer model generated using the viewing camera faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; processing the image data to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern relative to the predetermined camera viewing position and direction; and generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations.

Claim 17

A method of generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of a subject object for rendering by a predetermined viewing camera to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: receiving image data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded at different relative recording positions and/or orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in an image of the three-dimensional computer model generated using the viewing camera faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; processing the image data to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern relative to the predetermined camera viewing position and direction; and generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations.

Claim 24

A method of recording image data of a subject object, processing the image data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and displaying an image to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: positioning the subject object relative to a calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in the image faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; recording images of the subject object and calibration pattern from different relative recording positions and/or orientations; processing data defining the recorded images to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; selecting data defining a recorded image in dependence upon the stored calibration pattern; and displaying an image in dependence upon the selected image data.

Claim 25

A method of recording image data of a subject object, processing the image data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and displaying an image to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: positioning the subject object relative to a calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in the image faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; recording images of the subject object and calibration pattern from different relative recording positions and/or orientations; processing data defining the recorded images to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; selecting data defining a recorded image in dependence upon the stored calibration pattern; and displaying an image in dependence upon the selected image data.

Claim 26

A method of generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of a subject object and data defining an image to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: receiving image data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded at different relative recording positions and/or orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in an image is in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; processing the image data to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and generating data defining an image of the selected part of the subject object in dependence upon the stored calibration pattern and the received image data.

Claim 27

A method of generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of a subject object and data defining an image to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: receiving image data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded at different relative recording positions and/or orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in an image is in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; processing the image data to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and generating data defining an image of the selected part of the subject object in dependence upon the stored calibration pattern and the received image data.

Claim 28

A method of generating data defining an image of a predetermined part of a subject object, comprising: receiving image data defining images of the subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded at different relative recording positions and/or orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in an image faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; processing the image data to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; and generating data defining an image of the selected part of the subject object in dependence upon the stored calibration pattern and the received image data.

Claim 29

A method of generating data defining an image of a predetermined part of a subject object, comprising: receiving image data defining images of the subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded at different relative recording positions and/or orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in an image faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; processing the image data to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; and generating data defining an image of the selected part of the subject object in dependence upon the stored calibration pattern and the received image data.

Claim 33

A method of processing data defining a three-dimensional computer model, comprising: receiving data defining a three-dimensional computer model and data defining at least one of a position and a direction relative to the three-dimensional computer model; and positioning the three-dimensional computer model relative to a predefined virtual viewing camera in dependence upon the defined position or direction.

Claim 34

A method of processing data defining a three-dimensional computer model, comprising: receiving data defining a three-dimensional computer model and data defining at least one of a position and a direction relative to the three-dimensional computer model; and positioning the three-dimensional computer model relative to a predefined virtual viewing camera in dependence upon the defined position or direction.

Claim 35

A method of processing data defining a three-dimensional computer model, comprising: receiving data defining a three-dimensional computer model and data defining at least one of a position and a direction relative to the three-dimensional computer model; and generating data defining a virtual viewing camera relative to the three-dimensional computer model in dependence upon the defined position or direction.

Claim 36

A method of processing data defining a three-dimensional computer model, comprising: receiving data defining a three-dimensional computer model and data defining at least one of a position and a direction relative to the three-dimensional computer model; and generating data defining a virtual viewing camera relative to the three-dimensional computer model in dependence upon the defined position or direction.

Claim 39

A system for recording images of a subject object, and for processing the image data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and rendering the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a calibration pattern having a position or direction defined relative thereto; and a data processor comprising: a position and orientation calculator operable to process data defining images of the subject object and calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and orientations to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; a computer model generator operable to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and an image data generator operable to generate data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 40

A system for recording images of a subject object, and for processing the image data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and rendering the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a calibration pattern having a position or direction defined relative thereto; and a data processor comprising: a position and orientation calculator operable to process data defining images of the subject object and calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and orientations to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; a computer model generator operable to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and an image data generator operable to generate data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 41

A system of connected computer processing apparatus for processing images of a subject object to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object and for processing the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof showing a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a first apparatus operable to send to a second apparatus data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in the image of the three-dimensional computer model faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; and a second apparatus having: a position and orientation calculator operable to process the data defining the images to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; and a computer model generator operable to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and further comprising an image data generator in the second apparatus or in a third apparatus operable to generate data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 42

A system of connected computer processing apparatus for processing images of a subject object to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object and for processing the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof showing a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a first apparatus operable to send to a second apparatus data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the subject object which is to appear in the image of the three-dimensional computer model faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; and a second apparatus having: a position and orientation calculator operable to process the data defining the images to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; and a computer model generator operable to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and further comprising an image data generator in the second apparatus or in a third apparatus operable to generate data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 60

A system for recording images of a subject object, for processing the image data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and for displaying an image to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a calibration pattern having a position or direction defined relative thereto; and a processing apparatus configured to: process data defining images of the subject object and calibration pattern recorded from different relative record positions and orientations to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; select data defining a recorded image dependence upon the stored calibration pattern; and display an image in dependence upon the selected image data.

Claim 61

A system for recording images of a subject object, for processing the image data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and for displaying an image to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a calibration pattern having a position or direction defined relative thereto; and a processing apparatus configured to: process data defining images of the subject object and calibration pattern recorded from different relative record positions and orientations to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; select data defining a recorded image dependence upon the stored calibration pattern; and display an image in dependence upon the selected image data.

Claim 72

A system for recording images of a subject object, and for processing the images data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and rendering the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a calibration pattern having a position or direction defined relative thereto; and processing means comprising: means for processing data defining images of the subject object and calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and orientations to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; means for generationing data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and means for generating data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 73

A system for recording images of a subject object, and for processing the images data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and rendering the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a calibration pattern having a position or direction defined relative thereto; and processing means comprising: means for processing data defining images of the subject object and calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and orientations to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; means for generationing data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and means for generating data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 74

A system of connected computer processing apparatus for processing images of a subject object to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object and for processing the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof showing a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a first apparatus having means for sending to a second apparatus data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the* subject object which is to appear in the image of the three-dimensional computer model faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; and a second apparatus having: means for processing the data defining the images to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; and means for generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and further comprising means in the second apparatus or in a third apparatus for generating data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 75

A system of connected computer processing apparatus for processing images of a subject object to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object and for processing the three-dimensional computer model to generate an image thereof showing a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a first apparatus having means for sending to a second apparatus data defining images of a subject object together with a calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and orientations, the subject object being positioned relative to the calibration pattern so that a selected part of the* subject object which is to appear in the image of the three-dimensional computer model faces in a predetermined direction relative to the calibration pattern; and a second apparatus having: means for processing the data defining the images to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; and means for generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; and further comprising means in the second apparatus or in a third apparatus for generating data defining an image of the three-dimensional computer model showing the selected part of the subject object using a viewing camera defined relative to the stored calibration pattern.

Claim 80

A system for recording images of a subject object, for processing the image data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and for displaying an image to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a calibration pattern having a position or direction defined relative thereto; and processing means comprising: means for processing data defining images of the subject object and calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and orientations to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; means for generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; means for selecting data defining a recorded image in dependence upon the stored calibration pattern; and means for displaying an image in dependence upon the selected image data.

Claim 81

A system for recording images of a subject object, for processing the image data to generate data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object, and for displaying an image to show a predetermined part of the subject object, comprising: a calibration pattern having a position or direction defined relative thereto; and processing means comprising: means for processing data defining images of the subject object and calibration pattern recorded from different relative recording positions and orientations to calculate the relative positions and orientations at which the images were recorded by comparing the calibration pattern in the images with stored data defining the calibration pattern; means for generating data defining a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object relative to the stored calibration pattern using the calculated positions and orientations; means for selecting data defining a recorded image in dependence upon the stored calibration pattern; and means for displaying an image in dependence upon the selected image data.