Abstract: A system and method for searching a finite collection of images using at least one semantic network. Upon receipt of a query from a user that includes a theme and one or more initial keywords, a set of keywords based on the theme and including the initial keywords is generated from one or more semantic networks corresponding to the theme and/or initial keywords. When the finite collection of images includes suitable metadata, a result set is generated of images corresponding to the expanded set of keywords. When the finite collection includes images lacking in metadata, a remote third-party image collection is searched with the set of keywords to obtain a result set that is used to train visual classifiers as to visual concepts associated with the keywords. The classifiers are used to classify the images in the finite collection lacking metadata and the search of the finite collection is performed with the set of keywords to generate a result set.

Abstract: A system and method for searching a finite collection of images using at least one semantic network. Upon receipt of a query from a user that includes a theme and one or more initial keywords, a set of keywords based on the theme and including the initial keywords is generated from one or more semantic networks corresponding to the theme and/or initial keywords. When the finite collection of images includes suitable metadata, a result set is generated of images corresponding to the expanded set of keywords. When the finite collection includes images lacking in metadata, a remote third-party image collection is searched with the set of keywords to obtain a result set that is used to train visual classifiers as to visual concepts associated with the keywords. The classifiers are used to classify the images in the finite collection lacking metadata and the search of the finite collection is performed with the set of keywords to generate a result set.

Abstract: A method for generating a personalized photo calendar includes providing a mapping between each of a plurality of discrete calendar time periods, such as months, and a set of seasonal themes, such as spring, summer, autumn, and winter. An image signature is computed for each of a set of user images. Scores are computed for the user images with respect to the seasonal themes, based on their computed signatures, with a categorizer trained on training images labeled with the seasonal themes. An image from the set is selected for each of the discrete calendar time periods, based on the mapping and on the computed scores. The selected images are inserted into a calendar template. The automated selection of images can reduce the time spent by a user in selecting images for a calendar, by automatically providing a set of seasonally appropriate images for the template.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a photobook are provided. The method includes receiving a set of images and automatically selecting a subset of the images as candidates for inclusion in a photobook. At least one design element of a design template for the photobook is automatically selected, based on information extracted from at least one of the images in the subset. Placeholders of the design template are automatically filled with images drawn from the subset to form at least one page of a multipage photobook. The exemplary system and method address some of the problems of photobook creation, thorough combining automatic methods for selecting, cropping, and placing photographs into a photo album template, which the user can then post-edit, if desired. This can greatly reduce the time required to create a photobook and thus encourage users to print photo albums.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can provide a method of detecting a density of a pigmented layer on an object. The method can include emitting a first modulated light onto a first portion of the object having the pigmented layer, detecting a first reflected light of the first modulated light from the first portion of the object, and determining the density of the pigmented layer according to the first reflected light. Furthermore, the method can include emitting a second modulated light onto a second portion of the object, detecting a second reflected light of the second modulated light from the second portion of the object, and determining the density of the pigmented layer according to a relative ratio that is related to the first reflected light and the second reflected light.

Abstract: An image printing system includes a print engine and a sensing system. The print engine is configured to print a marking material image on a image bearing surface. The sensing system includes a plurality of illuminators, a modulator, a sensor, and a demodulator. Each illuminator is configured to simultaneously emit a light beam at the marking material image on the image bearing surface, thereby producing reflectance from the marking material image at least in a first direction. The modulator is configured to modulate an intensity characteristic of each of the light beams emitted by the illuminators such that each light beam has a different modulated waveform characteristic, where the waveform characteristic includes at least frequency. The sensor is configured to detect the reflectance from the plurality of light beams in the first direction and output a reflectance signal.

Abstract: An image printing system includes a print engine and a sensing system. The print engine is configured to print a marking material image on a image bearing surface. The sensing system includes a plurality of illuminators, a modulator, a sensor, and a demodulator. Each illuminator is configured to simultaneously emit a light beam at the marking material image on the image bearing surface, thereby producing reflectance from the marking material image at least in a first direction. The modulator is configured to modulate an intensity characteristic of each of the light beams emitted by the illuminators such that each light beam has a different modulated waveform characteristic, where the waveform characteristic includes at least frequency. The sensor is configured to detect the reflectance from the plurality of light beams in the first direction and output a reflectance signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can provide a method of detecting a density of a pigmented layer on an object. The method can include emitting a first modulated light onto a first portion of the object having the pigmented layer, detecting a first reflected light of the first modulated light from the first portion of the object, and determining the density of the pigmented layer according to the first reflected light. Furthermore, the method can include emitting a second modulated light onto a second portion of the object, detecting a second reflected light of the second modulated light from the second portion of the object, and determining the density of the pigmented layer according to a relative ratio that is related to the first reflected light and the second reflected light.