Abstract: In an encoder, a high-dynamic range (HDR) image is encoded using a family of local forward reshaping functions selected according to an array of forward mapping indices (FMI) indicating which local forward reshaping function needs to be used for each pixel in the HDR image to generate a reshaped standard dynamic range (SDR) image. A decoder, given the reshaped SDR image, iteratively generates a reconstructed HDR image and estimated reshaped SDR images by adjusting a local FMI array and a local array of backward mapping indices (BMI) until an error metric related to the difference between the local BMI and FMI arrays and the difference between the estimate SDR images and the reshaped SDR image satisfy a convergence criterion. Techniques for generating families of local forward reshaping functions and local backward reshaping functions based on a global forward reshaping function are also presented.

Abstract: A source color grade and a destination color grade may be received by an end-to-end image mapping pipeline comprising forward and backward paths. Forward neural networks in the forward path may be applied to generate, from the source color grade, a forward reshaped color grade corresponding to the destination color grade. Backward neural networks in the backward path may be applied to generate, from the forward reshaped color grade, a backward reshaped color grade corresponding to the source color grade. An overall neural network cost function may be specified for the forward path and the backward path to generate a cost that may be used as a basis for determining operational parameters for the forward and backward neural networks.

Abstract: Methods and systems for frame rate scalability are described. Support is provided for input and output video sequences with variable frame rate and variable shutter angle across scenes, or for input video sequences with fixed input frame rate and input shutter angle, but allowing a decoder to generate a video output at a different output frame rate and shutter angle than the corresponding input values. Techniques allowing a decoder to decode more computationally-efficiently a specific backward compatible target frame rate and shutter angle among those allowed are also presented.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing software and hardware based solutions to the problem of synthesizing noise for a digital image. According to one aspect, a probability image is generated and noise blocks are randomly placed at locations in the probability image where the locations have probability values that are compared to a threshold criterion, creating a synthesized noise image. Embodiments include generating synthesized film grain images and synthesized digital camera noise images.

Abstract: Methods and systems for frame rate scalability are described. Support is provided for input and output video sequences with variable frame rate and variable shutter angle across scenes, or for input video sequences with fixed input frame rate and input shutter angle, but allowing a decoder to generate a video output at a different output frame rate and shutter angle than the corresponding input values. Techniques allowing a decoder to decode more computationally-efficiently a specific backward compatible target frame rate and shutter angle among those allowed are also presented.

Abstract: Given an input image in a high dynamic range (HDR) which is mapped to a second image in a second dynamic range using a reshaping function, to improve coding efficiency, a reshaping function generator may adjust the codeword range of the HDR input under certain criteria, such as for noisy HDR images with a relatively-small codeword range. An example of generating a scaler for adjusting the HDR codeword range based on the original codeword range and a metric of the percentage of edge-points in the HDR image is provided. The adjusted reshaping function allows for more efficient rate control during the compression of reshaped images.

Abstract: A backside illuminated image sensor, including a semiconductor layer, a first gate structure, and a light sensing device, is provided. The semiconductor layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The first gate structure is disposed on the second surface. The light sensing device is located in the semiconductor layer. The light sensing device extends from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: A confidentiality preserving system and method for performing a rank-ordered search and retrieval of contents of a data collection. The system includes at least one computer system including a search and retrieval algorithm using term frequency and/or similar features for rank-ordering selective contents of the data collection, and enabling secure retrieval of the selective contents based on the rank-order. The search and retrieval algorithm includes a baseline algorithm, a partially server oriented algorithm, and/or a fully server oriented algorithm. The partially and/or fully server oriented algorithms use homomorphic and/or order preserving encryption for enabling search capability from a user other than an owner of the contents of the data collection. The confidentiality preserving method includes using term frequency for rank-ordering selective contents of the data collection, and retrieving the selective contents based on the rank-order.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for securing an expansion card assembly in a computer chassis includes a lever, a stop member, a rotary latch, a first biasing structure, and a second biasing structure. The lever includes a latching end and an opposing pinned end. The stop member extends from the pinned end. The rotary latch is connected to the latching end and includes a receiving chamber and a hook structure. The hook structure includes a notch for receiving a stop pin. The first biasing structure extends from the lever into the receiving chamber and is configured to urge the rotary latch into a locked position. The second biasing structure is configured to urge the lever about the pinned end to an open position.

Abstract: A first predictor is applied to an input image to generate first-stage predicted codewords approximating prediction target codewords of a prediction target image. Second-stage prediction target values are created by performing an inverse cascade operation on the prediction target codewords and the first-stage predicted codewords. A second predictor is applied to the input image to generate second-stage predicted values approximating the second-stage prediction target values. Multiple sets of cascade prediction coefficients are generated to comprise first and second sets of cascade prediction coefficients specifying the first and second predictors. The multiple sets of cascade prediction coefficients are encoded, in a video signal, as image metadata. The video signal is further encoded with the input image.

Abstract: A method for image segmentation includes (a) clustering, based upon k-means clustering, pixels of an image into first clusters, (b) outputting a cluster map of the first clusters (c) re-clustering the pixels into a new plurality of non-disjoint pixel-clusters, and (d) classifying the non-disjoint pixel-clusters in categories, according to a user-indicated classification. Another method for image segmentation includes (a) forming a graph with each node of the graph corresponding to a first respective non-disjoint pixel-cluster of the image and connected to each terminal of the graph and to all other nodes corresponding to other respective non-disjoint pixel-clusters that, in the image, are within a neighborhood of the first respective non-disjoint pixel-cluster, (b) setting weights of connections of the graph according to a user-indicated classification in categories respectively associated with the terminals, and (c) segmenting the image into the categories by cutting the graph based upon the weights.

Abstract: A set of tensor-product B-Spline (TPB) basis functions is determined. A set of selected TPB prediction parameters to be used with the set of TPB basis functions for generating predicted image data in mapped images from source image data in source images of a source color grade is generated. The set of selected TPB prediction parameters is generated by minimizing differences between the predicted image data in the mapped images and reference image data in reference images of a reference color grade. The reference images correspond to the source images and depict same visual content as depicted by the source images. The set of selected TPB prediction parameters is encoded in a video signal as a part of image metadata along with the source image data in the source images. The mapped images are caused to be reconstructed and rendered with a recipient device of the video signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for frame rate scalability are described. Support is provided for input and output video sequences with variable frame rate and variable shutter angle across scenes, or for input video sequences with fixed input frame rate and input shutter angle, but allowing a decoder to generate a video output at a different output frame rate and shutter angle than the corresponding input values. Techniques allowing a decoder to decode more computationally-efficiently a specific backward compatible target frame rate and shutter angle among those allowed are also presented.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera and an electronic control unit (ECU) with an image processor. The ECU generates a reduced resolution frame of captured image data and the ECU determines a reduced resolution detection result based on pedestrian detection using the reduced resolution frame of captured image data. The ECU, responsive to processing by the image processor of image data, generates a cropped frame of captured image data and the ECU determines a cropped detection result based on pedestrian detection using the cropped frame of captured image data. Responsive to determining the reduced resolution detection result and determining the cropped detection result, the ECU merges the reduced resolution detection result and the cropped detection result into a final pedestrian detection result. The final pedestrian detection result is indicative of presence of a pedestrian within the field of view of the camera.

Abstract: According to examples, a system for generating and providing organization-bounded spaces for a virtual community of users may include a processor and a memory storing instructions. The processor, when executing the instructions, may cause the system to generate an organization-bounded space; analyze user information to associate a user with the organization-bounded space; enable the user to receive and publish a content item; and implement a security feature for communications associated with an organization-bounded space and/or its associated users. The processor may further determine recommend a group to the user and identify a user representative for the organization-bounded space.

Abstract: A device is provided. The device may be an optical device, a light coupling device, or a tunable light coupling device. The device includes a first portion, a lens, a light emitting element, and a waveguide. The first portion is disposed adjacent to a surface of a substrate and has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The light emitting element is disposed adjacent to the second side of the first portion. The lens is disposed adjacent to the first side of the first portion and between the light emitting element and the waveguide.

Abstract: A shoe cover comprises a shoe cover upper comprised of non-woven fabric; a shoe cover opening formed in the shoe cover upper; a shoe cover sole integrated with the shoe cover upper; a first sealing part extending from the top edge to the bottom surface of the shoe cover sole towards the front end of the shoe cover upper; a second sealing part extending from the top edge to the bottom surface of the shoe cover sole towards a rear end of the shoe cover upper; an elastic ring provided within a first accommodating space of the shoe cover upper proximate the shoe cover opening; an elastic strip provided on the shoe cover sole and extending along a front-rear direction; and a plurality of anti-slip strips disposed on the outer bottom surface of the shoe cover sole and comprised of an isotactic polypropylene polymer and/or an isotactic polypropylene derivative.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a metal ion in an aqueous solution, the method comprising immersing a hydrogel in the aqueous solution, wherein the hydrogel comprises a prefluorescent imaging moiety that is activated upon binding the metal ion. The method enables detection of lead ions in water.

Abstract: Backward reshaping metadata prediction models are trained with training SDR images and corresponding training HDR images. Content creation user input to define user adjusted HDR appearances for the corresponding training HDR images is received. Content-creation-user-specific modified backward reshaping metadata prediction models are generated based on the trained prediction models and the content creation user input. The content-creation-user-specific modified prediction models are used to predict operational parameter values of content-creation-user-specific backward reshaping mappings for backward reshaping SDR images into mapped HDR images of at least one content-creation-user-adjusted HDR appearance.

Abstract: A device includes an electronic processor configured to define a first set of sample pixels from a set of sample pixels determined from received video data according to a first electro-optical transfer function (EOTF) in a first color representation of a first color space; convert the first set of sample pixels to a second EOTF via a mapping function, producing a second set of sample pixels according to the second EOTF; convert the first and second set of sample pixels from the first color representation to a second color representation of the first color space; determine a backward reshaping function by repeatedly applying and adjusting a sample backward reshaping function so as to minimize a difference between predicted pixel values obtained by applying the sample backward reshaping function to the pixels of the converted first set and the pixels of the converted second set.