Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects of the image-based backgrounds for images, an image is analyzed in order to identify a color that represents the image. An enhanced background is generated based at least in part on the identified color, and both the image and the enhanced background are output on a screen. In addition, or alternatively, the identified color can be saved as being associated with the image in order to be used to generate an enhanced background for the image when the image is displayed.

Abstract: There are many applications that conduct both generation of contrast or complexity level and motion estimation for video processing. The applications often use a block matching technique. An embedded system such as a personal digital camera is an example of such an application. Additionally, comparison of error differences around the location of minimum error in a motion estimation error table is able to be used to determine low contrast in a scene.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for controlling visual parameters of a capturing device to minimize clipping and saturation according to predefined parameters. The method may include processing pixel values of a current input frame of a received video signal captured by a capturing device; accumulating processing results of the current input frame to processing results of one or more previous input frames and calculating a desired dynamic range based on pre-determined user parameters. The processing may further include checking if the accumulated results are within the desired dynamic range and determining if adjustment is desired. If the accumulated results are not within the desired dynamic range, adjusting visual parameters for a subsequent input frame, by controlling the capturing device and if the accumulated results are within the desired dynamic range maintaining current visual parameters of the current input frame for the subsequent input frame.

Abstract: A method for image volume segmentation includes receiving an input image, obtaining an oriented closed contour on one or more slices of the input image, determining a minimum-weight surface from the oriented closed contour using a minimum-cost circulation network flow, and outputting the minimum-weight surface as a segmentation of the input image.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product for performing computer aided diagnosis on temporal subtraction images of objects. A mode of a gray-level histogram is identified, and a gray-level threshold is established at a predefined fraction of this modal value. All pixels with gray levels below this threshold that lie within the lung regions of the temporal subtraction image remain “on,” while all other pixels are set to zero. Area and circularity requirements are imposed to eliminate false-positive regions. Areas of pathologic change identified in this manner may be presented as outlines in the subtraction image or as highlighted regions in the original radiographic image so that, in effect, temporal subtraction becomes a “background” process for computer-aided diagnosis. The present invention is also directed to method, apparatus, and computer program product for performing temporal subtraction on energy subtraction images, with or without subsequent computer aided diagnosis, of objects.

Abstract: A tracking processing unit (137) performs a search in a frame using a color feature amount of an object and determines a target area estimated to include the image of the object based on the first evaluation value indicating a degree of matching between a search result and the object. An update detection circuit (139) performs a search in the frame using a shape feature amount of the object, calculates a second evaluation value, and determines an update area for updating a first feature amount based on the second evaluation value indicating a degree of matching between the search result and the object. An update determination circuit (140) determines whether or not to update the first feature amount. A tracking result drawing circuit (144) draws an outer frame of the target area when determined not to update, and draws that of the update area when determined to update.

Abstract: A method of image enhancement includes acquiring color information from an image, determining a color distribution of the image based on the color information, and changing a brightness of the image based on the color distribution.

Abstract: A method, performed by a software process executing on a computer system, includes accessing a digital image comprising a plurality of pixels. The method also includes determining whether one or more pixels bounding a first rectangular sub-region of a predetermined size within the digital image satisfy a specified criterion. If a predetermined percentage of bounding pixels satisfy the specified criterion, the method assumes that all pixels within the first rectangular sub-region also satisfy the specified criterion. The method further includes selectively executing an image analysis algorithm on the digital image using the assumption that all pixels within the rectangular sub-region also satisfy the specified criterion.

Abstract: A display device includes: a brightness histogram information producing unit that produces brightness histogram information on the basis of an image signal; an APL calculating unit that calculates an APL on the basis of the brightness histogram information; a highest class determining unit that determines a highest class, which is a class with a highest brightness, on the basis of the brightness histogram information; an APL difference value calculating unit that calculates an APL difference value which is a difference value between an APL of a previous frame and an APL of a current frame; and a white peak value determining unit that determines a white peak value of a current frame by adding a predetermined value to a white peak value of a previous frame when a highest class difference absolute value, which is an absolute value of a difference value between a highest class of the previous frame and a highest class of the current frame, is less than a threshold value and that determines a white peak value of t

Abstract: The method includes deciding a predominant edge direction of an image using edge directions of a plurality of pixels, and sharpening each of the pixels based on the predominant edge direction and the edge directions of the pixels.

Abstract: An image processing device, which includes: an original reception unit that receives an original image; a dot image generation unit that generates, on the basis of additive information to be added to the original image, a dot image in which a plurality of dots each formed by one or more pixels are arranged; a state alteration unit that, when any of the dots in the dot image is determined to be not extractable, alters a state of the non-extractable dot on the basis of a relationship between a position on the dot image generated by the dot image generation unit and a corresponding position on the original image; and a composite image generation unit that generates a composite image by superimposing, on the original image, the dot image having the state of the non-extractable dot altered by the state alteration unit.

Abstract: The present invention aims to prevent a problem that an image on a document sheet is erased due to misdetection of a line-shaped noise. A copy machine 1 compares RGB values of a target pixel with averaged RGB values (Step S103). If only one of the RGB values has a difference that is greater than a prescribed value Ref2 (Step S103: YES), the copy machine 1 extracts the target pixel as a line-shaped noise pixel, and moves to a line-shaped noise correction (Step S108) while holding the address of the target pixel in a line-shaped noise address storing area 49b. If two of the RGB values have differences (Step S103: NO, Step S104: YES) and a difference between these two of the RGB values is no greater than a prescribed value Ref3 (Step S105: YES), the copy machine 1 extracts the target pixel as a line-shaped noise pixel, and moves to the line-shaped noise correction (Step S108) while holding the address of the target pixel in the line-shaped noise address storing area 49b.

Abstract: Method for motion detection in a current picture (CP) with respect to a reference picture (RP), wherein for a plurality of locations in the current picture (CP) respective difference values (|D|) are determined (B100). A respective difference value is determined based on a difference between a first value and a second value, wherein the first value is descriptive of a photometric measure of one of the locations in the current picture (CP) and the second value is descriptive of the photometric measure of a corresponding location in the reference picture (RP). Based on the difference values, a histogram is determined (B102). The histogram is used as a basis for determining (B104) a threshold (T1, T2, T3). At a respective location in the current picture (CP), motion is detected by comparing the threshold (T1, T2, T3) to the difference value (|D|) of the respective location.

Abstract: Methods and systems for image quality assessment are disclosed. A method includes accessing an image, identifying features of the image, assessing the features and generating subjective scores for the features based upon a mapping of the features to the subjective scores and based on the subjective scores, generating an image quality score. Access is provided to the image quality score.

Abstract: A method and a device for segmenting a digital image of biological cells, a method and a device for analyzing the dynamic behavior of biological cells and a method and a device for visualizing the dynamic behavior of biological cells.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and a control method thereof include an adaptive threshold, which can be adapted for every block dividing an entire scanned region of a document, is set. A brightness value of original brightness data of the document is disregarded, and is substituted by a brightness value of background color data corresponding to the block, by use of a brightness threshold and a color difference threshold set as the adaptive threshold based on difference between brightness of the blocks and difference between color differences of the blocks. Accordingly, there is no problem of back surface noise such that an undesired object of a back surface of the duplex-printed document appears on a scan image in scanning a front surface of the document.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for minimizing dot visibility in color marking devices capable of dot-on-dot printing. The present method achieves minimum dot visibility for a given dispersed-dot screen by performing a CMYK to CMYKRGB conversion which uses less visible dots as much as possible before more visible dots are introduced. The output color dot coverages are calculated sequentially to minimize the coverage of more visible dots in a decreasing order of brightness. Resulting images have noticeably reduced halftone graininess, particularly in the mid to darker tone areas. The present method is also computationally efficient.

Abstract: A digital camera function, such as can be implemented in a cellular telephone handset, and that includes automated segmentation of foreground subjects in acquired digital photos and images. Successive images are captured by the digital camera function at different flash exposure levels, for example using existing light only and using flash exposure. After alignment and registration of the images, luminance difference values in the two images are determined for each pixel, and the luminance difference values compared against a threshold value on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Those pixels with luminance difference values exceeding the threshold are segmented from the image as foreground subjects.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method of measuring a distance using structured light. The apparatus includes a binarization unit binarizing an image, an image identification unit identifying an image having connected pixels in the binarized image, a length ratio calculation unit obtaining the length ratio of the major axis of the image having the connected pixels to a minor axis perpendicular to the major axis, a pixel mean calculation unit obtaining the mean of pixel values of the image having the connected pixels, and an image extraction unit extracting an image formed by the light irradiated from the light source, from the images having connected pixels using the length ratio and the mean of the pixel values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing method, an image processing apparatus and an image processing program for dealing with inverted characters (outlined characters) constituted by white pixels on a black ground in a tree structure same as that of normal characters constituted by black pixels on a white ground. In the present invention, black pixel blocks and white pixel blocks are sampled recursively from a binary image, tree structure data indicating a positional relation between the sampled black pixel blocks and white pixel blocks is created, an inverted image is created by white-black-inverting the insides of black pixel blocks that can include inverted characters, of black pixel blocks included in the tree structure data, white pixel blocks and black pixel blacks are sampled from the created inverted image, and data regarding the sampled white pixel blocks and black pixel blocs is added to corresponding nodes of the tree structure data.

Abstract: A method of deblocking an input signal is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) calculating a plurality of transform coefficients corresponding to each of a plurality of blocks in the input signal at baseband, (B) calculating a plurality of quantization parameters based on the transform coefficients, at least one of the quantization parameters corresponding to each respective one of the blocks and (C) generating an output signal by deblocking the input signal based on the quantization parameters.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an input image signal is passed through a plurality of first high pass filters having different passing frequency band to generate level histograms. High frequency component noise reduction processing is applied to the output of one of the first high pass filters selected based on one of the generated histograms that satisfies a predetermined threshold, low frequency component noise reduction processing is applied to a result obtained by subtracting the output of the selected first high pass filter from the input image signal, and outputs obtained by both the noise reduction processing are added.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique of accurately extracting areas of characters included in a captured image even in a case where noise or dirt of a relatively large area occurs in a background image. An integrated pixel value is obtained by integrating pixel values in a character extracting direction B for pixel positions in a character string direction A of an image including a character string. A standard deviation value is calculated along the character extracting direction for pixel positions in a character string direction A. The integrated pixel value and the standard deviation value are combined for pixel positions in a character string direction A. A threshold is set automatically or manually. A part of pixel positions in a character string direction A having the combined value of the integrated pixel value and the standard deviation value higher than the threshold is recognized as a character area to be extracted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique of accurately extracting areas of characters included in a captured image even in a case where noise or dirt of a relatively large area occurs in a background image. A pixel value integration evaluation value is obtained by integrating pixel values in a character extracting direction B at each of the pixel positions in a character string direction A of an image including a character string. A waveform of the value is expressed as waveform data. A first threshold and a second threshold are set for the waveform data. An area in which the waveform data exceeds the first threshold is set as a character candidate area. In a case where an area in which the pixel value integration evaluation value exceeds the second threshold exists in the character candidate areas, the character candidate area is regarded as a true character area and the characters are extracted.

Abstract: A method for detecting, in single time-point, in-vivo imaging data related to artifacts in the imaging of objects, includes acquiring at least one in-vivo image with imaging apparatus. A background image corresponds to imaged air of the in-vivo image. The background image is obtained in two steps. A first step includes establishing an object-air boundary and a second step is an atlas-based refinement of a background volume of interest. A histogram reflects an intensity distribution of the background image. The background image is formed of a set of voxels where artifacts are detected. Intensities above a definable intensity value provide an initial estimate of a range of artifacts intensities. A modified morphological opening operation is executed, formed of an erosion of a set of voxels and a dilation, performed iteratively and constrained to voxels intensity above the intensity value, so that the opening operation provides natural definition of artifacts regions.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for characterization of background regions of substantially-uniform color in a digital image. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a histogram of the first-channel values of a plurality of image pixels may be formed, and a peak region in the first-channel histogram may be detected. Subsequently a histogram of image values of a second channel may be formed accumulating second-channel values for only those image pixels with first-channel values within the peak region of the first-channel histogram, and a peak region in the second-channel histogram may be detected. An image characteristic may be associated with image pixels with first-channel and second-channel values within the first-channel peak and the second-channel peak regions, respectively.

Abstract: A watermark information embedding apparatus generates a document image from electronic document data that has been input thereto, modifies the electronic document data based upon the document image and embeds information in the electronic document data. The apparatus includes a document image generator for generating a document image from the electronic document data; a document analyzer for detecting layout information of each constituent image in the generated document image; a normalization information calculation unit for calculating normalization information, which is for normalizing placement of each constituent image, based upon the detected layout information; a modification unit for modifying the electronic document data; and an embedding unit for embedding information in the modified electronic document data.

Abstract: Computer-implemented image processing methods and apparatuses are presented for automatically selecting regions of interest within an image represented by pixel intensity values. A first pixel box is employed in progressively scanning and evaluating the image. If pixels within the first pixel box have pixel-intensity-related characteristics exceeding respective defined thresholds, then those pixels are identified as an area of interest and a second pixel box is employed in progressively scanning and evaluating the selected area of interest to identify regions of interest. Each area of interest is larger than a region of interest, and the second pixel box is smaller than the first. Regions of interest within the image are identified if one or more pixel-intensity-related characteristics of pixels within the second pixel box exceeds a second defined threshold, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first. Once selected, identifying information for the regions of interest is stored or output.

Abstract: A method for setting a control variable of a filter for noise reduction in medical images is provided. Image data of the medical images is classified into at least one noise region and at least one structure region. A variance measurement is performed either for all the image pixels or a subset of them to determine the edge thicknesses. A histogram is generated from the edge thicknesses. The maximum of the histogram is determined and a Gaussian curve is fitted to the histogram. A threshold value for noise and structure is determined as a function of the standard deviation of the Gaussian curve. The noise and structure are measured in the regions. The standard noise and structure deviations are determined and compared. The control variable is setup as a function of the comparison of noise and structure. The invention can be used for reduction of temporal noise in bandpass images.

Abstract: An image based occupant classification system includes a supplemental restraint system, an image sensor, and an illumination source. The image sensor is in communication with the supplemental restraint system and is configured to monitor vehicular conditions. The illumination source is in communication with the supplemental restraint system and is configured to selectively actuate in response to the collision indicator. Vehicles are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collision avoidance apparatus and method employing stereo vision applications for adaptive vehicular control. The stereo vision applications are comprised of a road detection function and a vehicle detection and tracking function. The road detection function makes use of three-dimensional point data, computed from stereo image data, to locate the road surface ahead of a host vehicle. Information gathered by the road detection function is used to guide the vehicle detection and tracking function, which provides lead motion data to a vehicular control system of the collision avoidance apparatus. Similar to the road detection function, stereo image data is used by the vehicle detection and tracking function to determine the depth of image scene features, thereby providing a robust means for identifying potential lead vehicles in a headway direction of the host vehicle.

Abstract: In a computer system in which information represented by digital data is output to plural pages of recording medium, and then information on the plural pages of recording medium is read to use digital data representing the read information, authentication information is embedded in information of a start page selected by the computer system; a page number of the start page embedded the authentication information is notified to a user; information on the plural pages of recording medium is read, wherein the start page is positioned so as to be read first; digital data read from the plural pages of recording medium is authenticated based on the authentication information embedded in the start page; and a process for the digital data read from the plural pages of recording medium is controlled in accordance with a result of the authentication.

Abstract: A computer-based method for adjusting luminance of a light-emitting device on image measuring machine is provided. The method includes reading a model definition curve and model coordinates of an object and a charge couple device (CCD). The method further includes locating the object and the CCD to positions on the image measuring machine, and capturing a digital image of the object. Furthermore, the method includes adjusting a resistance of the light-emitting device to ensure an ordinate deviation corresponding to each abscissa value between a new definition curve and the model definition curve falls in an allowable deviation range. A related system is also provided.

Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view exterior of a vehicle with the field of view being in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data and an image processor is operable to process the image data. A control, responsive to the image processor, is operable to provide at least (a) an adaptive forward lighting function for at least one forward facing light of the equipped vehicle, (b) a lane departure warning function and (c) a traffic control signage function. The control may provide the traffic control signage function at least in part by recognition of a geometrical organization present in the forward field of view of the camera. The adaptive forward lighting function may provide adjustment of a beam direction of the at least one forward facing light of the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: Correcting pattern noise projection images includes acquiring a set of projection images with an optical tomography system including a processor, where each of the set of projection images is acquired at a different angle of view. A threshold is applied to each projection image produce a set of threshold images. Each threshold image may optionally be dilated to produce a set of dilated images that are summed to form an ensemble image. Each of the dilated images is processed to produce a set of binary images. The set of binary images are summed to form an ensemble mask. The ensemble image is divided by the ensemble mask to yield a background pattern noise image. Each projection image is multiplied by a scaling factor and divided by the background pattern noise to produce a quotient image that is filtered to produce a noise corrected projection image.

Abstract: A method of motion detection using an adaptive threshold, adaptive for determining whether a plurality of target pixels in a current scan line are moving pixels or not, is provided. First, a first threshold is given for determining whether the target pixels in the current scan line are moving pixels. Then, a number of moving pixels in a previous scan line of the current scan line is calculated and determined whether larger than a second threshold. If the number of moving pixels is larger than the second threshold, the first threshold is adjusted by a decrement, and then whether the target pixels in the current scan line are moving pixels is determined by using the adjusted first threshold.

Abstract: The invention provides image display panels. The image display panel comprises a histogram generator, a tone slope generator, and an image transformer. The histogram generator receives an original image, counts the pixels of different gray levels to generate a histogram distribution of the original image, and compares the pixel counts at every gray level with a first threshold count to identify the peaks of the histogram distribution. The tone slope generator generates a tone slope based on the histogram distribution and peaks of the histogram distribution. The image transformer transforms the original image into a modified image based on the tone slope.

Abstract: In an image processing technology, an original image is inputted by accepting an input of an original image to be image-processed; a local area is set, with a pixel of which brightness is to be converted being a center of the local area, from the original image; a local histogram relating to brightness of the local area is calculated; a local cumulative histogram is calculated by accumulating the local histogram; first and second monotone increasing functions are determined, respectively, corresponding to cumulative frequency values in first and second classes of the local cumulative histogram; first and second weighting functions are determined, respectively, corresponding to the first and second monotone increasing functions; a conversion function relating to brightness of the pixel is produced from the first monotone increasing function weighted by the first weighting function and the second monotone increasing function weighted by the second weighting function; and the brightness of the pixel is then conv

Abstract: An authentication apparatus includes: image processing means for performing predetermined image processes on biometric trait image data sequentially supplied from image pickup means at predetermined intervals, the predetermined image processes including at least a binarization process; detection means for detecting, over time, correlation values between adjoining images of the image data on a time axis and correlation values between adjoining binarized images of binarized image data on a time axis; and selection means for selecting, when a situation in which both the correlation values of the images and the correlation values of the binarized images are respectively less than a first threshold and a second threshold continues over a predetermined period of time, one of the binarized image data input after the continuation of the situation, to be compared with registration data.

Abstract: Background images are removed and only desired payment information is extracted from a grayscale image of a check or similar financial instrument. A density distribution improvement process applied to grayscale raw image data 40 acquired by scanning a check corrects the density distribution of the raw image data 40 to separate the density range of the desired payment information from the density range of the background image. A threshold level 44 for clearly separating the payment information from the background image is then calculated from the characteristics of the density distribution of the grayscale improved image data 42 acquired by the density distribution improvement process. Histograms of the density distributions are used to determine the characteristics of the density distribution. The improved image data 42 is then converted to binary image data 46 using the threshold level 44.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a histogram generation unit configured to generate a density histogram on the basis of image data of an original document, a white-reference value detection unit configured to acquire as a white reference value a density value at a density distribution peak in a predetermined white side range of the density histogram, a background-removal level determination unit configured to determine a background-removal level value having the maximum density to remove a background component by using a reference table on the basis of the white reference value, and a background removal unit configured to remove the background component from the image data by using the white reference value and the background-removal level value.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprising: background generation means for generating, on each of corresponding pixel positions of more than one input image, a pixel value involved in a predetermined distribution among pixel values of the input images as a background pixel value in the pixel position; degree-of-difference generation means for generating, on each of the pixel positions, a degree-of-difference indicating a degree to which each input image pixel value has a difference from the background pixel value; and output image generation means for generating, on each of the pixel positions, an output image pixel value by reflecting the input image pixel values depending on the degree-of-difference.

Abstract: A method and a device for segmenting a digital image of biological cells, a method and a device for analyzing the dynamic behavior of biological cells and a method and a device for visualizing the dynamic behavior of biological cells.

Abstract: An image processing method includes the following steps. Firstly, a specified digital image and a designated text/graph are retrieved. Then, the specified digital image is processed to obtain image information associated with a right-side-up image of the specified digital image. Afterwards, the designated text/graph is automatically adjusted and attached on a specified position relative to the right-side-up image according to the image information, thereby printing the specified digital image and the designated text/graph.

Abstract: A background color of a document is detected based on image data of a colormetric system in which brightness and color components are separated. A color plane is divided into color areas, and the number of elements of image data belonging to each color area is counted. The number of elements of image data belonging to each area of a multiple area constituted of mutually adjacent color areas is then counted. A color area in which the number of elements of image data exceeds a first threshold is extracted and given a positive evaluation. A multiple area in which the number of elements of image data exceeds a second threshold is extracted and a positive evaluation is given to each color area in the multiple area. A color area receiving a positive evaluation both individually and as part of a multiple area is specified as a background color.

Abstract: A document managing apparatus includes a determining unit which determines whether a document print image can be generated or not when the document is entered in file managing information in which a data file is entered, the data file constituting the document which is a managing target, a print image generating unit which generates the document print image when the determining unit determines that the document print image can be generated, the document print image being entered as the file in the file managing information, an application start-up unit which starts up an application program according to the document when the determining unit determines that the document print image cannot be generated, and a screen dump generating unit which generates a screen dump of the document entered as the file in the information based on the document displayed on a display unit by the application program started.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes: a moving object image generation unit which receives, on a frame-by-frame basis, an overall image captured by a camera and performs inter-frame differential processing on the overall image or background differential processing between the overall image and a background image that is previously prepared; a density calculation unit which transforms the differential processed image into one-dimensional information and calculates a density indicating a degree of density of moving objects or of a crowd through frequency analysis; a model generation unit which calculates a reference density of the moving objects or of the crowd based on the density of a predetermined date and time; and a situation determination unit which compares between the density at the current time and the reference density, determines whether or not the density at the current time is different from the reference density, and generates a determination result.

Abstract: A picture displaying method is disclosed. In the picture displaying method, a first picture is displayed. A luminance distribution chart which represents a distribution of luminance levels of the first picture is displayed. A first luminance level and a second luminance level are selected on the luminance distribution chart. The second luminance level is higher than the first luminance level. Input and output characteristics defined by the first luminance level and the second luminance level are changed to correct a gradation of the first picture and obtain the second picture. The first picture changes to the second picture and the second picture is displayed.

Abstract: A homogeneous region detector of an image using an adaptive threshold, and a method of the same. The homogeneous region detector includes a global region standard deviation calculation part to calculate a global region standard deviation of a whole region of an input image, a local region standard deviation calculation part to divide the input image into a predetermined number of local regions and to calculate a local region standard deviation of the each local region, and a homogeneous region determination part to separate the homogeneous region from a feature region in the input image using an adaptive threshold calculated based on entropy of the input image. Accordingly, the homogeneous region can be precisely detected by effectively separating the homogeneous region from the feature region of the input image by using the threshold adaptively calculated based on the entropy of the input image, so that the homogeneous region can be applied to various fields of image processing.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an area splitting section that splits whole image areas of a first page before edition and a second page which has been edited into plural regions; an alignment section that performs relative alignments between each of the corresponding split regions of the first page image and the second page image, produced by the area splitting section; and an extraction section that extracts edit information from the second page image by comparing the first page image with the second mage image which have been aligned by the alignment section.