Abstract: The invention is a method of spectral data classification that uses the decoupling of target chromaticity and lighting or illumination chromaticity in spectral data and the sorting and selection of spectral bands by values of a merit function to obtain an optimized set of combinations of spectral bands for classification of the data. The decoupling is performed in “delta-log” space. A rotation transform may be applied. For a broad range of parameters, correction of lighting chromaticity may be obtained by use of an equivalent “Planck distribution” temperature. Merit function sorting and band combination selection is performed by multiple selection criteria. The method achieves reliable pixel classification and target detection in diverse lighting or illumination, especially in circumstances where lighting is non-uniform across a scene, such as with sunlight and shadows on a partly cloudy day or in “artificial” lighting.

Abstract: Improvement of the performance, usability, and functionality of software for editing three dimensional computer models and textures is described. Editing operations are performed on the model in an ordered list to reduce the amount of memory required to maintain previous versions, and certain editing operations are precalculated to reduce the amount of real time calculation required. Improvements to usability and functionality are provided by more precisely selecting portions of a model for editing, allowing textures to be moved more easily on the model, and allowing better blending of the appearance of adjacent textures.

Abstract: System and method for constructing a 3D model of an object based on a series of silhouette and texture map images. In the exemplary embodiment an object is placed on a rotating turntable and a camera, which is stationary, captures images of the object as it rotates on the turntable. In one pass, the system captures a number of photographic images that will be processed into image silhouettes. In a second pass, the system gathers texture data. After a calibration procedure (used to determine the camera's focal length and the turntable's axis of rotation), a silhouette processing module determines a set of two-dimensional polygon shapes (silhouette contour polygons) that describe the contours of the object. The system uses the silhouette contour polygons to create a 3D polygonal mesh model of the object. The system determines the shape of the 3D model analytically by finding the areas of intersection between the edges of the model faces and the edges of the silhouette contour polygons.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying the contour of an object that is depicted in an image. An object is placed on a rotating turntable and a camera, which is stationary, captures images of the object as it rotates on the turntable. In one pass, the system captures a number of photographic images that will be processed into image silhouettes. After a calibration procedure (used to determine the camera's focal length and the turntable's axis of rotation), a silhouette processing module determines a set of two-dimensional polygon shapes (silhouette contour polygons) that describe the contours of the object by comparing light intensity values in the images of the object with light intensity values from an image of the background without the object.

Abstract: A method for remotely detecting whether a subject is alive, comprising the steps of determining a calibration spectral signature for light reflectance from living skin, normalizing the calibration spectral signature values to the calibration reflectance value at a reference wavelength, storing the normalized calibration spectral signature, determining a subject spectral signature of the light reflectance of a region of skin of the subject whose liveness is to be determined, normalizing the subject spectral signature values to the subject reflectance value at the reference wavelength, comparing the normalized subject spectral signature with the normalized calibration spectral signature for at least one wavelength, generating a subject liveness signal based on the comparison of the normalized subject spectral signature with the normalized calibration spectral signature, and emitting the subject liveness signal.

Abstract: The invention is a method of spectral data classification that uses the decoupling of target chromaticity and lighting or illumination chromaticity in spectral data and the sorting and selection of spectral bands by values of a merit function to obtain an optimized set of combinations of spectral bands for classification of the data. The decoupling is performed in “delta-log” space. A rotation transform may be applied. For a broad range of parameters, correction of lighting chromaticity may be obtained by use of an equivalent “Planck distribution” temperature. Merit function sorting and band combination selection is performed by multiple selection criteria. The method achieves reliable pixel classification and target detection in diverse lighting or illumination, especially in circumstances where lighting is non-uniform across a scene, such as with sunlight and shadows on a partly cloudy day or in “artificial” lighting.

Abstract: A method for remotely detecting whether a subject is alive, comprising the steps of determining a calibration spectral signature for light reflectance from living skin, normalizing the calibration spectral signature values to the calibration reflectance value at a reference wavelength, storing the normalized calibration spectral signature, determining a subject spectral signature of the light reflectance of a region of skin of the subject whose liveness is to be determined, normalizing the subject spectral signature values to the subject reflectance value at the reference wavelength, comparing the normalized subject spectral signature with the normalized calibration spectral signature for at least one wavelength, generating a subject liveness signal based on the comparison of the normalized subject spectral signature with the normalized calibration spectral signature, and emitting the subject liveness signal.

Abstract: System and method for constructing a 3D model of an object based on a series of silhouette and texture map images. In the exemplary embodiment an object is placed on a rotating turntable and a camera, which is stationary, captures images of the object as it rotates on the turntable. In one pass, the system captures a number of photographic images that will be processed into image silhouettes. In a second pass, the system gathers texture data. After a calibration procedure (used to determine the camera's focal length and the turntable's axis of rotation), a silhouette processing module determines a set of two-dimensional polygon shapes (silhouette contour polygons) that describe the contours of the object. The system uses the silhouette contour polygons to create a 3D polygonal mesh model of the object. The system determines the shape of the 3D model analytically by finding the areas of intersection between the edges of the model faces and the edges of the silhouette contour polygons.

Abstract: System and method for constructing a 3D model of an object based on a series of silhouette and texture map images. In the exemplary embodiment an object is placed on a rotating turntable and a camera, which is stationary, captures images of the object as it rotates on the turntable. In one pass, the system captures a number of photographic images that will be processed into image silhouettes. In a second pass, the system gathers texture data. After a calibration procedure (used to determine the camera's focal length and the turntable's axis of rotation), a silhouette processing module determines a set of two-dimensional polygon shapes (silhouette contour polygons) that describe the contours of the object. The system uses the silhouette contour polygons to create a 3D polygonal mesh model of the object. The system determines the shape of the 3D model analytically by finding the areas of intersection between the edges of the model faces and the edges of the silhouette contour polygons.

Abstract: System and method for constructing a 3D model of an object based on a series of silhouette and texture map images. In the exemplary embodiment an object is placed on a rotating turntable and a camera, which is stationary, captures images of the object as it rotates on the turntable. In one pass, the system captures a number of photographic images that will be processed into image silhouettes. In a second pass, the system gathers texture data. After a calibration procedure (used to determine the camera's focal length and the turntable's axis of rotation), a silhouette processing module determines a set of two-dimensional polygon shapes (silhouette contour polygons) that describe the contours of the object. The system uses the silhouette contour polygons to create a 3D polygonal mesh model of the object. The system determines the shape of the 3D model analytically-by finding the areas of intersection between the edges of the model faces and the edges of the silhouette contour polygons.

Abstract: A MUX, DEMUX or integrated combination MUX/DEMUX utilizing a discrete dispersion device (herein referred to as “D3” device), which includes at least one input port, at least one output port and an optical planar waveguide comprising a synergetic photonic bandgap quasi-crystal (“PBQC”) for guiding and supporting optical signals in a work bandwidth. The D3 device achieves a flat-top response for each channel, high channel isolation and background noise suppression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photonic multi-bandgap structure, herein also referred to as photonic bandgap quasi-crystal (“PBQC”), that can direct light, having wavelength components within a selected passband (&Dgr;&lgr;), from an input port, to a predefined output port, while providing an integrating element for Planar Lightwave Circuts. A photonic bandgap quasi-crystal of the invention combines in a planar waveguide spectrally selective properties of gratings, focusing properties of elliptical mirrors, superposition properties of thick holograms, photonic bandgaps of periodic structures, and flexibility of binary lithography. A photonic structure of the invention can be utilized, for example, as an integrating spectrally sensitive element in a variety of optical devices that can include, but are not limited to, optical switches, optical multiplexer/demultiplexers, multi-wavelength lasers, and channel monitors in Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) telecommunications system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photonic multi-bandgap structure, herein also referred to as photonic bandgap quasi-crystal (“PBQC”), that can direct light, having wavelength components within a selected passband (&Dgr;&lgr;), from an input port, to a predefined output port, while providing an integrating element for Planar Lightwave Circuits. A photonic bandgap quasi-crystal of the invention combines in a planar waveguide spectrally selective properties of gratings, focusing properties of elliptical mirrors, superposition properties of thick holograms, photonic bandgaps of periodic structures, and flexibility of binary lithography. A photonic structure of the invention can be utilized, for example, as an integrating spectrally sensitive element in a variety of optical devices that can include, but are not limited to, optical switches, optical multiplexer/demultiplexers, multi-wavelength lasers, and channel monitors in Wavelength Division Mulitplexing (WDM) telecommunications system.

Abstract: System and method for constructing a 3D model of an object based on a series of silhouette and texture map images. In the exemplary embodiment an object is placed on a rotating turntable and a camera, which is stationary, captures images of the object as it rotates on the turntable. In one pass, the system captures a number of photographic images that will be processed into image silhouettes. In a second pass, the system gathers texture data. After a calibration procedure (used to determine the camera's focal length and the turntable's axis of rotation), a silhouette processing module determines a set of two-dimensional polygon shapes (silhouette contour polygons) that describe the contours of the object. The system uses the silhouette contour polygons to create a 3D polygonal mesh model of the object. The system determines the shape of the 3D model analytically-by finding the areas of intersection between the edges of the model faces and the edges of the silhouette contour polygons.

Abstract: Improvement of the performance, usability, and functionality of software for editing three dimensional computer models and textures is described. Editing operations are performed on the model in an ordered list to reduce the amount of memory required to maintain previous versions, and certain editing operations are precalculated to reduce the amount of real time calculation required. Improvements to usability and functionality are provided by more precisely selecting portions of a model for editing, allowing textures to be moved more easily on the model, and allowing better blending of the appearance of adjacent textures.