Abstract: Representing an image includes extracting information reflecting one or more characteristics of an image that then is used to compute a first histogram vector. The first histogram vector includes one or more vector elements, each representing information for a different characteristic extracted about the image. Multiple subsets are identified within at least one of the vector elements included in the first histogram vector and a second histogram is created. The second histogram vector includes a vector element for each of the subsets identified within the vector elements included in the first histogram vector. Data within the vector elements of the second histogram vector represents the extracted image characteristics.

Abstract: An image is divided into one or more (e.g., foreground) regions of interest with transition regions defined between each region of interest and the relatively least-important (e.g., background) region. Each region is encoded using a single selected quantization level, where quantizer values can differ between different regions. In general, in order to optimize video quality while still meeting target bit allocations, the quantizer assigned to a region of interest is preferably lower than the quantizer assigned to the corresponding transition region, which is itself preferably lower than the quantizer assigned to the background region. The present invention can be implemented iteratively to adjust the quantizer values as needed to meet the frame's specified bit target. The present invention can also be implemented using a non-iterative scheme that can be more easily implemented in real time.

Abstract: A currency counting and discrimination device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of currency bills to be discriminated, a discriminating unit for discriminating the denomination of the currency bills, and one or more output receptacles for receiving the currency bills after being discriminated by the discriminating unit. The device further comprises a transport mechanism for transporting the currency bills, one at a time, from the input receptacle past a sensor of the discriminating unit and to the one or more output receptacles.