Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a humidification chamber, and a breathing circuit. A cartridge can be removably coupled to the heater base. The cartridge can include various sensors, probes, sensor wire connectors, heater wire connectors, and/or other features. The cartridge can include features configured to mate with corresponding features on the humidification chamber and the heater base. The cartridge includes a memory, such as an EEPROM, or other suitable storage device. When the cartridge is installed on the heater base, the memory is electrically connected to a processor and/or memory of the heater base. Various models of cartridges can be produced for use with different humidification chambers, breathing circuits, and/or therapies. A connector can be configured to couple an inspiratory conduit to an outlet port of the humidification chamber. The connector can provide a pneumatic connection to the outlet port and an electrical connection to the cartridge.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising novel adenosine base editors (e.g., ABE8) that have increased efficiency and methods of using these adenosine deaminase variants for editing a target sequence and methods of using same to treat genetical disorder or conditions, e.g. sickle cell disease, with engraftment.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of processing a cell is disclosed, which includes passing a cell through a pore of a membrane comprising a plurality of pores while exposing the cell to an agent so as to cause a change in the cell, thereby allowing said agent to enter the cell, where each of said pores extends from an input opening to an output opening and has at least one cross-sectional dimension, and in many embodiments a maximum cross-sectional dimension, less than a diameter of said cell. For example, at least one cross-sectional dimension of the pore, and in many embodiment the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the pore, can be less than about 40 microns, or less than about 30 microns, or less than about 20 microns, or less than about 15 microns, or less than about 10 microns.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting and correcting redeye in an image are described. In one aspect, pixels of the input image are segmented based on projections of color values of the pixels onto two-dimensional thresholding planes. Candidate redeye pixel areas are identified in the input image based on the segmented pixels of the input image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for backlit scene detection are described. The method includes performing a pre-test on an electronic image to determine that the electronic image does not include a disqualifying characteristic. Next, the method includes performing a type test on the electronic image to determine an image type of the electronic image from a first set of predetermined backlit image types. Next the method includes performing a post test on the electronic image to determine that the image darkness density does not exceed a predetermined density. Finally, the method includes performing a second post test on the electronic image to determine that the electronic image is one of a second set of predetermined backlit image types or that the edge percentage of the electronic image exceeds a predetermined percentage.

Abstract: Image tone adjustment systems and methods are disclosed. The system of the present invention includes an input to accept an input image. A curve generator is also disclosed that is used to generate a tone reproduction curve including a contrast stretch of the input image, a white stretch of the input image and a black stretch of the input image. Backlit correction is also applied by the tone adjustment corrector to thereby generate a tone adjusted image.

Abstract: A digital image search and retrieval system includes a query parser and a response composer. The query parser is configured to parse a query obtained from a client, the query including at least one metadata criterion, search a metadata database for one or more digital images satisfying the metadata criterion, and search a digital image database for the one or more digital images. The response composer is configured to compose a response including the one or more digital images from the digital image database and their corresponding metadata from the metadata database, and enable the client to render the response in accordance with one or more user preferences.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for detecting backlit images. Encoded color image data is first received into a computer having a processor and associated data storage. Histogram data is then calculated from the received encoded color image data, and a mid-tone range in normalized histogram data is then detected. A zone of normalized pixel counts within the mid-tone range is then selected. Data representing an entry point and an exit point of the normalized histogram data relative to the selected zone is then generated. A plateau area is detected in the histogram data in the selected zone between the entry point and the exit point. Thereafter, a backlit image detection signal is generated indicating whether a backlit image portion is present in the color image data according to the plateau detection.

Abstract: A photo book system and method with associated multimedia is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention provides a photo book including an image and an electronically readable code associated with the image. The electronically readable code is used for retrieving a multimedia file that corresponds to the image.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for validation of face detection in electronic images. Image data is first received along with at least one image portion that includes a possible facial depiction. Eye position data, nose position data, and mouth position data are also received. A reference point at a central location of the at least one image portion is then isolated. A width of the image portion is then isolated, and a facial region is isolated in accordance with the eye, nose, and mouth position data. The eye distance is then determined from the received eye position data. The isolated facial region data is then tested against the reference point and eye distance is tested against a width of the image portion. An output is generated corresponding to the accuracy of isolated facial region in accordance with the tests.

Abstract: Systems and methods for image contrast enhancement are disclosed. A tone reproduction curve function is generated for a plurality of pixel values, each including a brightness value, based on a contrast adjustment value, the brightness value of each of the pixels and a power-law function, the tone reproduction curve taking the form of an S-shaped curve. The S-shaped curve includes a bulging curve portion corresponding to an area wherein a brightness of pixels having values representative of relative brightness is increased, a sagging curve portion corresponding to an area wherein a brightness of pixels having values representative of relative darkness is decreased, and an inflection point serving as a demarcation between the bulging area and the sagging area of the tone reproduction curve. The exponent of the power-law function is generated as a quadratic polynomial function f(x) in a range 0?f(x)?1, wherein x is defined as a curvature factor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for backlit scene detection are described. The method includes performing a pre-test on an electronic image to determine that the electronic image does not include a disqualifying characteristic. Next, the method includes performing a type test on the electronic image to determine an image type of the electronic image from a first set of predetermined backlit image types. Next the method includes performing a post test on the electronic image to determine that the image darkness density does not exceed a predetermined density. Finally, the method includes performing a second post test on the electronic image to determine that the electronic image is one of a second set of predetermined backlit image types or that the edge percentage of the electronic image exceeds a predetermined percentage.

Abstract: Systems and methods of classifying pixels into a nonhuman animal integument class are described. In one aspect, values of features in a discriminant space are determined for respective pixels of the input image. The pixels are classified into a nonhuman animal integument class based on the respective feature values and a mapping that segments the discriminant space into one or more regions of feature values representing pixels associated with a nonhuman animal integument characteristic and one or more regions of feature values representing pixels unassociated with the nonhuman animal integument characteristic.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for image fog scene detection. Electronic image data is first received and divided into image regions, with each region consisting of a plurality of pixels. Next, a comparison matrix is generated corresponding to each image region based upon a comparison of minimum intensity values associated with corresponding pixels to a threshold value. An entry of at least one of the comparison matrices is then tested for a preselected value. The received electronic image data is then identified as inclusive of a fog scene based upon the output of the test on the entry of the comparison matrix. Based upon the identification, fog scene detection data representing an identified fog scene is then generated.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for image enhancement. Image data, encoded as a plurality of pixels in YCbCr space, is first received, with Y representing a luma component, Cb representing a blue chroma component, and Cr representing a red chroma component. A maximum Y value is selected from the received image data. HSV image data is received corresponding to the YCbCr image data, with H representing a hue component, S representing a saturation component, and V representing a brightness component. A pixel is then selected from the HSV image data having a minimum S value. The S (saturation) value and the V (brightness) value of the selected pixel are then tested against a first and a second threshold level. Thereafter, a Max-RGB algorithm is selectively applied to the RGB image data in accordance with the output of the testing.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for digital image classification. A first data set that includes a data range that corresponds to a first flesh tone range derived from measured flesh tones of subjects in a first ethnicity class is stored memory. A second data set having a data range that corresponds to a second flesh tone range derived from measured flesh tones of subjects in a second ethnicity unique to the first ethnicity is stored in memory. The data sets being encoded in a three dimensional color space. Image data is then received that includes a human subject. A facial region is isolated and image data in the facial region is compared with each data set via a processor operable with the memory. An image correction signal is generated representing whether the facial region aligns with the first data set or the second data set.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for image contrast enhancement. Input image comprised of digitally encoded image data is received into a data processor, including an associated data storage, and histogram data is generated corresponding to received image data. Acceptability of received image data is determined in accordance with a comparison of the histogram data to at least one preselected threshold value and a contrast adjustment including a white stretch, a black stretch, and a contrast stretch is performed on the input image in accordance with the histogram data.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for image facial detection employing skin tones. Image data comprised of a plurality of pixels encoded in at least a three dimensional component space is received and sub-sampled region data is generated from the received image data. A percentage of pixels having a low chroma value below a threshold value is then calculated and tested against a predetermined percentage threshold value. Each pixel is then classified in accordance with a skin tone model. Skin tone map data is then generated based on classification and a skin tone mask is output form the map data.

Abstract: Image tone adjustment systems and methods are disclosed. The system of the present invention includes an input to accept an input image. A curve generator is also disclosed that is used to generate a tone reproduction curve including a contrast stretch of the input image, a white stretch of the input image and a black stretch of the input image. Backlit correction is also applied by the tone adjustment corrector to thereby generate a tone adjusted image.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for detecting backlit images. Encoded color image data is first received into a computer having a processor and associated data storage. Histogram data is then calculated from the received encoded color image data, and a mid-tone range in normalized histogram data is then detected. A zone of normalized pixel counts within the mid-tone range is then selected. Data representing an entry point and an exit point of the normalized histogram data relative to the selected zone is then generated. A plateau area is detected in the histogram data in the selected zone between the entry point and the exit point. Thereafter, a backlit image detection signal is generated indicating whether a backlit image portion is present in the color image data according to the plateau detection.