Image methods for determining contour of terrain

Abstract

A device determines the contour of a landscape by receiving an optical image having a grid pattern projected thereon and converting the optical image of the landscape and the grid pattern into a digital image. The device employs software to perform an analysis of the color digital image to detect the grid pattern by using color characteristics of the mapping grid for processing the distortions of the grid pattern based on the Hausler and Heckel principles. An image is presented in real time to the viewer showing the depth pattern of the landscape in the image. This presentation may be by various colors, by outlines of constant depth and alike means commonly used in visual displays.

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