Abstract: As set forth herein, a computer-implemented method facilitates replacing text on cylindrical or curved surfaces in images. For instance, the user is first asked to perform a multi-click selection of a polygon to bound the text. A triangulation scheme is carried out to identify the pixels. Segmentation and erasing algorithms are then applied. The ellipses are estimated accurately through constrained least squares fitting. A 3D framework for rendering the text, including the central projection pinhole camera model and specification of the cylindrical object, is generated. These parameters are jointly estimated from the fitted ellipses as well as the two vertical edges of the cylinder. The personalized text is wrapped around the cylinder and subsequently rendered.

Abstract: A system and method of rendering in real time a virtual object onto a viewfinder display, the method comprising determining one or more scene properties of a scene on a viewfinder display of a device, receiving a virtual object for insertion into the scene, determining a location for placing the virtual object within the scene, determining a first appearance of the virtual object based on the one or more scene properties, and inserting the virtual object with the first appearance into the scene depicted on the viewfinder display of the device based on the location.

Abstract: As set forth herein, systems and methods facilitate providing an efficient edge-detection and closed-contour based approach for finding text in natural scenes such as photographic images, digital, and/or electronic images, and the like. Edge information (e.g., edges of structures or objects in the images) is obtained via an edge detection technique. Edges from text characters form closed contours even in the presence of reasonable levels of noise. Closed contour linking and candidate text line formation are two additional features of the described approach. A candidate text line classifier is applied to further screen out false-positive text identifications. Candidate text regions for placement of text in the natural scene of the electronic image are highlighted and presented to a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining an image and providing one or more document files to a user. The method may include capturing an image of a target object using an imaging device of an electronic device, analyzing the image to identify a plurality of features and feature locations on the target object with a processor using an image recognition application, accessing a model database to identify an appliance model having features and feature locations that match the identified features and feature locations from the image, retrieving one or more document files that correspond to the identified model from a file database, and providing the one or more document files to a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining an image and providing one or more document files to a user. The method may include capturing an image of a target object using an imaging device of an electronic device, analyzing the image to identify a plurality of features and feature locations on the target object with a processor using an image recognition application, accessing a model database to identify an appliance model having features and feature locations that match the identified features and feature locations from the image, retrieving one or more document files that correspond to the identified model from a file database, and providing the one or more document files to a user.

Abstract: A method and a system for identifying a vehicle in a parking area includes receiving video data from a video camera observing a parking area from a first field of view over duration of time and receiving image data from a still camera observing a second field of view overlapping the first field of view. The method includes tracking a location of a vehicle across a sequence of frames. The tracking includes determining a time instant at which each frame was captured. The method includes comparing a select frame captured by the video camera with an image captured by the still camera. Based on the comparing, the method includes matching the vehicle in the image with the vehicle in the frame. The method includes determining a license plate number of the vehicle by locating a license plate on the vehicle in the image.

Abstract: A process for embedding a barcode into an image generates an extended barcode that includes a number of copies of the barcode. The extended barcode is embedded into the original image and a textured image is generated. A barcode region is selected that includes a machine-readable copy of the barcode. A transition region is selected that includes a set of pixels that are within a predetermined distance from the barcode region. The textured image is combined with the original image to produce the output image based on the barcode and transition regions.

Abstract: A process for embedding a barcode into an image generates an extended barcode that includes a number of copies of the barcode. The extended barcode is embedded into the original image and a textured image is generated. A barcode region is selected that includes a machine-readable copy of the barcode. A transition region is selected that includes a set of pixels that are within a predetermined distance from the barcode region. The textured image is combined with the original image to produce the output image based on the barcode and transition regions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for embedding a two-dimensional machine-readable code into the background of a document in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The objects (picture, graphics, text, etc.) in a document image are first segmented from the background. A location for embedding the barcode is determined. A texture image is created by replicating the barcode to a size that covers the entire image. A modulation index map is generated from the segmentation results. The original image is modulated to produce the output image based on the texture image and the modulation index map.

Abstract: A process for creating a barcode with an embedded logo considers a printer gamut and divides the printer gamut into multiple regions. A virtual printer gamut is then generated with the colors in bright and dark regions. A target logo image is generated by mapping the virtual gamut to the original logo image. A logo with embedded barcode is produced using the colors specified in the target logo image.

Abstract: As set forth herein, a computer-implemented method facilitates pre-analyzing an image and automatically suggesting to the user the most suitable regions within an image for text-based personalization. Image regions that are spatially smooth and regions with existing text (e.g. signage, banners, etc.) are primary candidates for personalization. This gives rise to two sets of corresponding algorithms: one for identifying smooth areas, and one for locating text regions. Smooth regions are found by dividing the image into blocks and applying an iterative combining strategy, and those regions satisfying certain spatial properties (e.g. size, position, shape of the boundary) are retained as promising candidates. In one embodiment, connected component analysis is performed on the image for locating text regions. Finally, based on the smooth and text regions found in the image, several alternative approaches are described herein to derive an overall metric for “suitability for personalization.

Abstract: A method and device for receiving an image of a symbology captured by an imaging device, displaying an image of the symbology, displaying a boundary indicator around the symbology, adjusting the image size to correspond with the boundary indicator, decoding the symbology, and initiating an action by device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate real-time personalization of an electronic image by overlaying a text string on a planar surface of an object in the electronic image. A linear or affine transform is executed on a selected text string to position the text string in a reference rectangle or text box. A non-linear or projective transform is applied to the rectangular text box to project the box into a user-defined quadrilateral on the planar surface in the image. A page description language (PDL) file is generated and includes the transformed quadrilateral text box overlaid on the electronic image. At print-time, a database (e.g., a spreadsheet or the like) containing multiple text strings is read, once for each text string, and multiple images are printed. Each printed image has one of the text strings overlaid thereon, on the planar surface defined by the quadrilateral.

Abstract: As set forth herein, a computer-implemented method is employed to place personalized text into an image. A location within the image is selected where the text is to be placed, and region is grown around the selected location. The 3D geometry of the surface is estimated proximate to the location and sets of parallel straight lines in the image are identified and selected to define a bounding polygon into which text may be inserted. Optionally, a user is permitted to adjust the bounding polygon once it has been automatically generated.

Abstract: As set forth herein, a computer-implemented method facilitates replacing text on cylindrical or curved surfaces in images. For instance, the user is first asked to perform a multi-click selection of a polygon to bound the text. A triangulation scheme is carried out to identify the pixels. Segmentation and erasing algorithms are then applied. The ellipses are estimated accurately through constrained least squares fitting. A 3D framework for rendering the text, including the central projection pinhole camera model and specification of the cylindrical object, is generated. These parameters are jointly estimated from the fitted ellipses as well as the two vertical edges of the cylinder. The personalized text is wrapped around the cylinder and subsequently rendered.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate real-time personalization of an electronic image by overlaying a text string on a planar surface of an object in the electronic image. A linear or affine transform is executed on a selected text string to position the text string in a reference rectangle or text box. A non-linear or projective transform is applied to the rectangular text box to project the box into a user-defined quadrilateral on the planar surface in the image. A page description language (PDL) file is generated and includes the transformed quadrilateral text box overlaid on the electronic image. At print-time, a database (e.g., a spreadsheet or the like) containing multiple text strings is read, once for each text string, and multiple images are printed. Each printed image has one of the text strings overlaid thereon, on the planar surface defined by the quadrilateral.

Abstract: As set forth herein, a computer-implemented method is employed to place personalized text into an image. A location and region within the image is determined where the text is to be placed. The 3D geometry of the surface is estimated proximate to the location where the text is to be placed. A personalized text string is received. The personalized text string is incorporated into the image to appear as if it is rendered onto the surface or object according to the estimated 3D geometry.