Abstract: A surgical microscope for generating an image of an object region includes an eyepiece and an objective conjointly defining a viewing beam path, an image capturing device and a beam path switching device for out-coupling image information. The switching device is switchable between a first switching state wherein light in the viewing beam path is split into a first component along a first beam path to the eyepiece at an intensity IT1 and a second component along a second beam path to the image capturing device at an intensity IT2 and a second switching state wherein the light in the viewing beam path is deflected into the second beam path to the image capturing device at an intensity IU. The switching device includes a beam splitter movable in and out of the viewing beam path and a deflecting element movable into and out of the viewing beam path.

Abstract: A method, system, and article are directed to haze reduction for image processing.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an image device for generating velocity maps. The image device includes an image capturing group, a depth map generator, an optical flow generator, and a velocity map generator. The image capturing group includes at least one image capturer, each image capturer of the image capturing group captures a first image at a first time and a second image at a second time. The depth map generator generates a first depth map according to the first image and a second depth map according to the second image. The optical flow generator generates first optical flow according to the first image and the second image. The velocity map generator generates a first velocity map according to the first depth map, the second depth map and the first optical flow, wherein the first velocity map corresponds to the first image.

Abstract: An image recognition device includes an image acquisition unit, a moving object detection unit, and a pedestrian detection unit. The image acquisition unit acquires consecutive captured images of a surrounding of a vehicle from a camera mounted to the vehicle. The moving object detection unit calculates a moving amount based on consecutive captured images in time series acquired by the image acquisition unit to detect a moving object from the captured images. The pedestrian detection unit detects a pedestrian using an identifier for identifying a pedestrian from the captured images acquired by the image acquisition unit. The pedestrian detection unit relaxes a detection criterion for detecting a pedestrian using the identifier in a region of a captured image where the moving object is detected.

Abstract: A visualization apparatus and a system for enhancing hand-eye coordination during a medical procedure are provided. The visualization apparatus includes an elongate support member, a head member, an operating head element, and a processor. The head member connected to the elongate support member at a predetermined angle includes an angled wall for mounting a reflector. The operating head element connected to an upper end of the head member mounts and supports an objective lens. The objective lens focuses light from an operating field to a reflector to create an image of the operating field. An eyepiece lens accommodated in the elongate support member or the head member magnifies the created image. The processor operatively communicating with an image receiver processes and transmits the magnified image to a viewer. The orientation of the magnified image on the viewer is similar to the orientation of the operating field, thereby enhancing hand-eye coordination.

Abstract: There is provided a transmitted light volume adjusting apparatus including a first polarizing plate provided on an optical axis, the first polarizing plate being configured to transmit light in a first polarizing direction, a second polarizing plate provided on the optical axis at a back stage of the first polarizing plate, the second polarizing plate being configured to transmit light in a second polarizing direction, and a first actuator configured to rotate the first polarizing plate and the second polarizing plate around a direction of the optical axis as a rotation axis direction in a state in which a difference between polarizing axes, which is an angle formed by the first polarizing direction and the second polarizing direction, is kept constant.

Abstract: A method performed by an object size mapping system is described for enabling improved positioning of a vehicle. The object size mapping system includes a first reference camera adapted to be arranged on-board a reference vehicle. The object size mapping system determines a current reference position of the reference vehicle. The system captures by the first reference camera, at the current reference position of the reference vehicle, a current reference image of a stationary physical reference object situated in the surroundings of the reference vehicle. The object size mapping system then determines a current reference size value of at least a portion of the stationary physical reference object, in the current reference image. The object size mapping system stores the current reference size value to be associated with the current reference position of the reference vehicle and a mapped digital reference object corresponding to the stationary physical reference object.

Abstract: An image sensor having different bias voltages is provided. The image sensor may include a plurality of pixels configured to output pixel signals based on a received optical signal, and logic circuits configured to output the pixels signals as image data. The pixels may be formed on a first region of a semiconductor substrate, the first region being substrate biased to a first voltage. The logic circuits may be formed on a second region of the semiconductor substrate different from the first region, the second region being substrate biased to a second voltage different from the first voltage. A full-well capacitance (FWC) of the photodiode may be increased by applying the first voltage, which is a negative (?) voltage, to a photodiode of a pixel to reduce (or, alternatively prevent) a blooming effect.

Abstract: An object estimation apparatus estimates a position and a speed of an object in images based on the images taken by an image taking means from different positions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing images captured by a camera device including multiple optical chains, e.g., camera modules, are described. Three, 4, 5 or more optical chains maybe used. Different optical chains capture different images due to different perspectives. Multiple images, e.g., corresponding to different perspectives, are captured during a time period and are combined to generate a composite image. In some embodiments one of the captured images or a synthesized image is used as a reference image during composite image generation. The image used as the reference image is selected to keep the perspective of sequentially generated composite images consistent despite unintentional came movement and/or in accordance with an expected path of travel. Thus, which camera module provides the reference image may vary over time taking into consideration unintended camera movement. Composite image generation may be performed external to the camera device or in the camera device.

Abstract: A method and system for rendering scenes in stereoscopic 3-D comprises identifying, or detecting, that a rate of change, of one or more elements of a scene to be rendered in stereoscopic 3-D, satisfies a criterion. The perceived depth of elements of the scene is then dynamically modified, and the scene is rendered. The method can reduce eye strain of a viewer of the scene, since the perceived difference in depth of objects or elements of the scene is reduced while the object is changing position or visibility dramatically.

Abstract: A decoding method decodes a bit stream in an image decoding apparatus. The method includes receiving a weight parameter that is added to a luma quantization parameter as the bit stream. The method also includes decoding, in a decoding unit in the image decoding apparatus, the bit stream, and generating a luma component of quantized coefficients and a chroma component of quantized coefficients. Further, the method includes performing, in a dequantization unit in the image decoding apparatus, dequantization on the luma component of quantized coefficients using the luma quantization parameter and the chroma component of quantized coefficients using a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of the luma quantization parameter weighted by an add operation of the weight parameter. In addition, the method includes performing, in a transform unit in the image decoding apparatus, an inverse orthogonal transform.

Abstract: A method of generating metadata includes using at least one digital image to select a plurality of objects, wherein the at least one digital image depicts the plurality of objects in relation to a physical space. The method also includes, by at least one processor and based on information indicating positions of the selected objects in a location space, producing metadata that identifies one among a plurality of candidate geometrical arrangements of the selected objects.

Abstract: A system and method processes visual information including at least one object in motion. The visual information is processed by locating at least one spatial edge of the object, generating a plurality of spatio-temporal gradients for the at least one spatial edge over N frames, and then generating motion blur images from the spatio-temporal gradients. A regression analysis is performed on the motion blur images to determine direction of motion information of the object, and scene activity vectors are then generated for the N frames based on the direction of motion information. An event is detected in the visual information based on the scene activity vectors.

Abstract: A display apparatus which is controllable by a remote control apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes: a communicator which communicates with the remote control apparatus, a storage which stores user interface (UI) screen information which is mapped to each application executable in the display apparatus, and a controller which, if a first application is executed based on a user command, controls a transmission of UI screen information corresponding to the first application from among the UI screen information stored in the storage to the remote control apparatus.

Abstract: A flat panel display remote-controlled viewing angle adjustment system (1) comprising a support assembly (2) for supporting a flat panel display (9), an electrical driving assembly for driving the support assembly (2), and an angular control assembly attached to the support assembly (2). The adjustable system (1) is configured such that when the electrical driving assembly is started, the flat panel display (9) is rotated about a vertical axis that passes through one of the left side and the right side of the flat panel display (9) and only when the flat panel display (9) returns to zero angle position can it rotate about a vertical axis that passes through the other of the left side and the right side of the flat panel display (9).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to search for image data with an intuitive operation to which active elements are added. A digital photo frame 1 searches a non-volatile data base memory 15 or a network for image data based on parameters respectively related to a position and a direction in which the digital photo frame 1 is arranged, a distance or a depth from the digital photo frame 1, and time. The digital photo frame 1 displays an image expressed by the image data thus searched.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a transmitter apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a transmitter system capable of easily transmitting a wideband signal. The transmitter apparatus includes: a first acquisition unit that obtains first transmission control information; a second acquisition unit that obtains second transmission control information similar to information input to another transmitter apparatus; and a generating unit that processes transmission target data based on a parameter contained in the first transmission control information and generates data including the processed transmission target data and the second transmission control information. The present technology can be applied to a transmitter apparatus that transmits a DVB-C2 signal.

Abstract: A process and system that allows an end user to insert images into a video content so that the images appear part of that content. This allows a consumer to seem to be part of a video, and interact with the famous personalities in that video. A video content is produced and a first software program is used to insert place holding templates into the video content. The end user produces a video image satisfying the requirements of the inserted template, and a second software program composites the two video streams so that the end user's video image is inserted into the first video content replacing the templates. The system can also be used to insert advertising information into a background to create custom, personalized, “on the fly” advertisements and product placements.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for a three-dimensional video capture workflow for dynamic rendering. There is provided a method of generating three-dimensional video data comprising obtaining two-dimensional video data from a scene having a plurality of objects, identifying objects in the scene, obtaining relative positions of the plurality of objects, encoding the two-dimensional video data to generate encoded two-dimensional video data, generating relative positions metadata based on the relative positions of the plurality of objects, and providing a three-dimensional depth factor metadata for operation on the relative positions metadata. In this manner, existing two-dimensional workflows may be utilized in a cost effective manner, and end users may adjust the three-dimensional depth factor metadata to suit particular rendering environments or personal viewing preferences.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for determining an illumination flux condition in a scene. The method comprises the steps of generating and storing a sequence of images of the scene, each one of the sequence of images comprising an array of pixels and corresponding to the scene photographed in a preselected polarization direction, different from the polarization direction of other ones of the sequence of images, determining a polarization sequence vector for at least one pixel in the array, as a function of color information for the pixel in the array, among the sequence of images; and utilizing the polarization sequence vector to determine one of a shadowed and lit illumination condition for the at least one pixel.

Abstract: A method for following hand movements in an image flow, includes receiving an image flow in real time, locating in each image in the received image flow a hand contour delimiting an image zone of the hand, extracting the postural characteristics from the image zone of the hand located in each image, and determining the hand movements in the image flow from the postural characteristics extracted from each image. The extraction of the postural characteristics of the hand in each image includes locating in the image zone of the hand the center of the palm of the hand by searching for a pixel of the image zone of the hand the furthest from the hand contour.

Abstract: A near-to-eye (NTE) display allows an operator of an apparatus, such as a pilot of an aircraft, to see a conformal video presentation of the view outside the apparatus. Significant objects outside are converted into a conformal video view. An accelerator measures movement and rate of movement of the NTE display positioned on the operator's head, and if the movement and rate exceed a threshold, either ceases the continued display, removes, or deemphasizes the conformal image, for the period of the delay in order to eliminate any jerky or jittery motion of the displayed conformal image, which may be distracting, irritating, or headache inducing to the pilot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus directed to the field of autostereoscopic displays. The method provided is for creating images or image data suitable for use with an autostereoscopic display. The method comprises a projection step and a transformation step for processing item coordinates representing at least one item in a 3D scene to provide images or image data. The transformation step comprises calculating a transformation dependent on the geometry of an autostereoscopic display. The projection step comprises calculating a projection dependent upon a projection plane constructed in the 3D scene. The apparatus comprises an array of apertures and an imaging portion, the imaging portion comprising a plurality of Digital Micromirror Devices.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system transforms a first sequence of video frames of a first dynamic scene to a second sequence of at least two video frames depicting a second dynamic scene. A subset of video frames in the first sequence is obtained that show movement of at least one object having a plurality of pixels located at respective x, y coordinates and portions from the subset are selected that show non-spatially overlapping appearances of the at least one object in the first dynamic scene. The portions are copied from at least three different input frames to at least two successive frames of the second sequence without changing the respective x, y coordinates of the pixels in the object and such that at least one of the frames of the second sequence contains at least two portions that appear at different frames in the first sequence.

Abstract: A fault inspection method and apparatus in which the scattergram is separated or objects of comparison are combined in such a manner as to reduce the difference between an inspection object image and a reference image. As a result, the difference between images caused by the thickness difference in the wafer can be tolerated and the false information generation prevented without adversely affecting the sensitivity.

Abstract: A texture processing apparatus includes a CG data acquisition unit acquiring calculator graphics (CG) data including CG model data, camera data, light data, texture data items, and a preset emphasis parameter for texture mapping processing, the CG model data, the camera data and the light data composing data for rendering a CG image, the texture data items being acquired or produced under different conditions, a calculation unit calculating, using the CG data, an emphasis texture processing condition corresponding to the preset emphasis parameter, the emphasis texture processing condition being used to perform texture mapping processing on a CG model, an extraction unit extracting a particular texture data item from the acquired texture data items in accordance with the texture processing condition, and a processing unit performing emphasis processing on the particular texture data item in accordance with the preset emphasis parameter to obtain a emphasized texture data item.

Abstract: The invention is a method for converting a monoscopic video movie passively acquired using a single camera to a stereoscopic video movie. The method comprises generating stereoscopic pairs comprising, for each frame in the original sequence, a transformed original frame selected from the monoscopic video movie and a transformed alternate frame. The transformed frames are generated from the original and the alternate frame.

Abstract: A local positioning system which includes a video camera, a computer communicating with the video camera and a target object sighted by the video camera and having a target object coordinate system. The computer is adapted to define a relative position and orientation of the video camera with respect to the target object, determine a position and orientation of the video camera in the target object coordinate system, and determine the position of a point of interest in the target object coordinate system. The system can also be used to aim the camera at a previously recorded point of interest on the target object. Contact with, or close proximity to, the target object is not required. A local positioning method is also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide an image processing device capable of processing so as not to give a viewer a feeling of unnaturalness even when a crash occurs in the frame interpolation processing using motion vectors. It is determined whether there is any input of a vector state (Step S0). If it has been determined that there is an input of a vector state, then based on the vector state, it is determined whether a vector evaluation calculation range is within an effective range (Step S2). If it has been determined based on the vector state that the vector evaluation calculation range is not within an effective range, then the flow moves to a ratio signal adjusting mode. With regard to the adjustment of the ratio signal, once having moved to the ratio signal adjusting mode, first, as an example, the ratio signal is set to 1/3 in generating an interpolation frame, and then in the generation of the next interpolation frame, the ratio signal is set to 1/5.

Abstract: Frames of broadcast video received at a device are cropped to produce rendered frames on a display of the device, the cropping being based on both (a) a predetermined value indicating a location within each of at least some of the frames with respect to which the cropping is to be done and (b) a characteristic of the display.

Abstract: A display device of the present invention is mounted on an automotive vehicle. An obstacle located in front of the vehicle is detected by a camera, and its features including speed, distance, size, etc. are analyzed by electronic circuits. An image showing the features of the front object is outputted from a liquid crystal panel. The outputted image is reflected on the windshield, displaying a virtual image to a driver. The virtual image is displayed in a form of a spot encircling the front obstacle seen through the windshield. The ways of displaying the encircling spot are variously changed according to a degree of collision danger that is determined according to a period in which the vehicle reaches the obstacle. For example, if the degree of collision danger is high, the spot is shown in red-orange color and/or with a high brightness. Thus, the driver easily recognizes the front obstacle in a high degree of collision danger.

Abstract: Outdoor imaging is plagued by poor visibility conditions due to atmospheric scattering, particularly in haze. A major problem is spatially-varying reduction of contrast by stray radiance (airlight), which is scattered by the haze particles towards the camera. The images can be compensated for haze by subtraction of the airlight and correcting for atmospheric attenuation. Airlight and attenuation parameters are computed by analyzing polarization-filtered images. These parameters were estimated in past studies by measuring pixels in sky areas. However, the sky is often unseen in the field of view. The invention provides methods for automatically estimating these parameters, when the sky is not in view.

Abstract: A first representation of a video stream is received that includes video frames, the representation expressing the video frames at a relatively high pixel resolution. At least one of the video frames is detected to include a region of interest. A second representation of the video stream that expresses the video frames at a relatively low pixel resolution is provided to a video playing device. Included with the second representation is additional information that represents at least a portion of the region of interest at a resolution level that is higher than the relatively low pixel resolution.

Abstract: A first method determines a position of a point of interest on a target object surface in a target object coordinate system using orientation and distance measurements of a pointing instrument in an instrument coordinate system. A second method determines an orientation of a pointing instrument in an instrument coordinate system for the instrument to be aligned with a point of interest on a target object surface having a target object coordinate system, wherein a position of the point of interest in the target object coordinate system is known. A third method controls orientation of a laser beam of a laser in an instrument coordinate system for the laser beam to trace an image on a target object surface having a target object coordinate system, wherein positions of points for the image on the surface of the target object in the target object coordinate system are known.

Abstract: A method of enhancing data. A trace may be determined from a target data point in a target frame and a respective data point in an adjacent frame. At least an approximate value of the target data point may be determined from the trace.

Abstract: In a communication system having at least three communication devices communicating with each other, a seating-order determination device for generating seating-order information for information sent from each communication device and for transmitting the seating-order information to each communication device is provided. Each communication device controls the output position of each information according to the seating-order information to output the information sent from the other communication devices in a seating order corresponding to the seating-order information. The seating order is always automatically changed to the most appropriate condition according to the progress of a conference and the state of conversations to provide the user with a comfortable conference environment and a comfortable communication environment.

Abstract: A system for navigating an image-guided object through an imaged subject supported on table in relation to an image acquired by an image detector is provided. The system includes a first tracking element attached to the patient, and a second tracking element attached at the table. The first and second tracking elements define first and second coordinate systems. A controller is operable to register the second coordinate system with a third coordinate system defined by the image detector, measure a spatial relation between the first tracking element and the second tracking element, register the first coordinate system with the third local coordinate system defined by the image detector based on the spatial relation between the first and second tracking elements, and generating a composite image comprising a virtual image of the object in spatial relation to the image of the imaged subject acquired by the image detector.

Abstract: A signal protocol assembly is adapted to bridge electronic communications across a plurality of communications platforms allowing a plurality of electronic devices to transfer data therebetween. The signal protocol assembly is electrically connected between the electronic communications device and a communications hub to help facilitate in the translation of communications from the electronic communications device to a third party independent communications protocol, and back when necessary. The signal protocol assembly includes a microprocessor for receiving data from each of the plurality of electronic devices. The signal protocol assembly also includes a plurality of ports electrically connected to the microprocessor for selectively connecting a portion of the plurality of electronic devices in electrical communication with the microprocessor.

Abstract: A local positioning system which includes a video camera, a computer communicating with the video camera and a target object sighted by the video camera and having a target object coordinate system. The computer is adapted to define a relative position and orientation of the video camera with respect to the target object, determine a position and orientation of the video camera in the target object coordinate system, and determine the position of a point of interest in the target object coordinate system. The system can also be used to aim the camera at a previously recorded point of interest on the target object. Contact with, or close proximity to, the target object is not required. A local positioning method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor includes an array of pixels to capture an image, the array of pixels arranged as a plurality of pixel groups, each of the pixel groups having a two or more pixels coupled to a shared floating diffusion node for outputting merged image signals from the pixel groups, at least one inter-pixel switch to control transfer of electrical charge from a floating diffusion node for a first one of the pixel groups to a floating diffusion node for a second one of the pixel groups to temporarily store a portion of a previous image frame within the floating diffusion node for the second one of the pixel groups, and a motion comparator to compare an image signal from the first one of the pixel groups with an image signal from the second one of the pixel groups to detect motion between a current frame and the previous frame.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for determining an illumination flux condition in a scene. The method comprises the steps of generating and storing a sequence of images of the scene, each one of the sequence of images comprising an array of pixels and corresponding to the scene photographed in a preselected polarization direction, different from the polarization direction of other ones of the sequence of images, determining a polarization sequence vector for at least one pixel in the array, as a function of color information for the pixel in the array, among the sequence of images; and utilizing the polarization sequence vector to determine one of a shadowed and lit illumination condition for the at least one pixel.

Abstract: A method of object detection in an image uses a background anomaly approach that searches for anomalies of a particular size and shape that are distinguishable from the image's local background. Included is a geometric classifier used to distinguish regularly-shaped objects from irregularly-shaped objects.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dynamically placing sensors in a 3D model is provided. Specifically, in one embodiment, the method selects a 3D model and a sensor for placement into the 3D model. The method renders the sensor and the 3D model in accordance with sensor parameters associated with the sensor and parameters desired by a user. In addition, the method determines whether an occlusion to the sensor is present.

Abstract: An apparatus and a smethod providing fair bandwidth sharing by adjusting video image quality in a data packet network comprises a network load detection means for detecting a network load and a video encoding control circuit. The network load has an uncongested state, a loaded state, and a congested state. The video encoding control circuit adjusts a video quality to a target video quality, by increasing the video quality when the network load is in the uncongested state and decreasing the video quality when the network load is in the congested state. The video quality is determined as a peak mean squared error between an uncompressed image and a corresponding decoded image. The network load is detected by using a forward explicit congestion notification bit.

Abstract: A broadcasting system which permits broadcast of high dignity by rationalized equipment is provided. In this broadcasting station, the N-th affiliated station SatN forwards program material data (24a), CM material data (25a) and organization information data (26a) to a central station Cbs via an ATM/LAN (50), and registration means (1) registers and stores such data into a program bank (4), a CM bank (5) and a data server (2). Automatic sending control means (9) and automatic sending means (10) for the N-th affiliated station take out materials from the program bank (4), the CM bank (5) or a CM bank (6) for different J-th affiliated station, etc. under real time management of time management means (15) on the basis of organization information registered and stored in the data server (2) to organize televising contents Oacn to send out the televising contents to the N-th affiliated station SatN via a dedicated digital line (51).

Abstract: A mobile object combination detection apparatus includes a plurality of moving image input units, a plurality of mobile object detection units each connected to one of the moving image input units, and a combination determination unit. Each of the plurality of mobile object detection unit detects a mobile object at a predetermined position on a moving image inputted thereto from the moving image input unit, and sends detection information to the combination determination unit. The combination determination unit compares the detection information of the mobile object sent thereto from each of the mobile object detection unit with a predetermined condition to determine that a target mobile object is detected-when the detection information satisfies the predetermined condition.

Abstract: The image of a local user is captured from a beam splitter disposed in front of a video display. By canting the beam-splitter away from the surface of the video display, the bore-sight of the video camera is made to coincide with the line of sight from the local user to the center of the video display. This enables the arrangement to convey eye-contact from one user to another user using the same type of apparatus at a remote location.

Abstract: In a method for manipulation of a movable object displayed in a television picture, the distance between the object and fixed basic positions is detected at a time t together with the distance between the object and a television camera in a known position. The object's position is converted to a position X,Y in the television camera's picture plane, generating therein a synthetic object which overlays the movable object and represents it in the television picture. In a method for generating a synthetic track which represents the path of a movable object displayed in television pictures during a period &thgr;, the path of the object is calculated on the basis of its detected positions, and these positions are used for generating a synthetic track which is displayed in a television picture in order to represent the path of the object in the period T.

Abstract: Studio camera position and motion may be derived from the camera image by separating out the background and deriving from a background having a number of areas of hue and/or brightness different from adjacent areas estimates of movement from one image to the next. The initial image is used as a reference and amended with predicted motion value. The amended image is compared with incoming images and the result used to derive translation and scale change information. Once the proportion of the reference image contained in an incoming image falls below a threshold a fresh reference image is adopted.