Abstract: A method for identifying a person from the detected eye image has been developed, the steps of which are: (a) discriminating the image difference by comparing the detected personal eye image with the simple background scene, and compressing the corresponding discriminated eye image; (b) decoding the compressed image to the binary coded image by utilizing multi-critical values; (c) defining only the bright region of the binary coded image as the surveying area; (d) generating the histogram for the surveying area; (e) comparing the specified histogram of the surveying area with various pre-stored templates to sort-out the similar facial groups and pick at least one similar eye region among the similar facial groups, and (f) determining the best matched eye appearance through the character analysis of the selected similar eye regions.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for detecting, at high precision, the contours of the eyes and the lips from an image including a shot of the face is provided. The apparatus includes an image input portion used to input an image, a feature point detecting portion that detects plural feature points of the object from the input image, a facial pose estimating portion that estimates a rotation angle indicating a facial pose from the detected, plural feature points, an initial parameter correcting portion that estimates initial parameters to detect the contours of the eye and the lips from the detected, plural feature points, and corrects the estimated initial parameters using the estimated rotation angle, an initial contour generating portion that generates an initial contour of the object using the corrected initial parameters, and a contour generating portion that generates a final contour from the initial contour.

Abstract: A representation of an object in an image of a live event is detected by matching potential representation of the object against multiple types of templates. For example, the templates can include monochrome data, chrominance and/or luminance data, pixel data of the object from an earlier image, e.g., as a video template, an edge and morphology based template, a model of the object, or a predetermined static texture which is based on an appearance of the object. A weighting function may also be used. In one possible approach, a first type of template is used in an initial search area, and a second type of template is used in a smaller region of the initial search area. Based on a position of the optimum representation of the object in the image, a graphic can be provided in the image, or sensor and/or registration data of a camera can be updated.

Abstract: An efficient technique is provided for determining a portion of a document corresponding to a captured image. Areas of a document in which the pattern is at least partially obscured are identified. A reference pixel in the image is selected, and an offset between the pixel and the pattern is determined. A pixel-by-pixel comparison is then made of the image with the document such that the reference pixel is only compared with locations in the document that are both within the identified areas and have the determined offset from the pattern. The comparison with the highest correspondence between the image pixels and the electronic document then identifies the position of the reference pixel relative to the electronic document.

Abstract: A method is provided for correcting magnetic field distortions in an electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) pattern. An EBSD pattern is firstly generated from a sample placed within an electron microscope. A predetermined representation of a magnetic field in the microscope is used to calculate the trajectories of electrons in the microscope, for different emergence angles. A corrected EBSD pattern is then calculated using the calculated trajectories, the corrected EBSD pattern representing the EBSD pattern if the microscope magnetic field were substantially absent.

Abstract: In accordance with an image processing method, a data region is detected from input image data. The input image data is rotated in accordance with inclination of an image. Determination is made whether the data region of rotated image data protrudes from an image area of the input image data. When detection is made of protruding, the smallest area including the data region is extracted from the rotated image data. When the data region of the rotated image data protrudes from the image area of the image data previous to rotation, the smallest region including the data region of the rotated image data is extracted from the rotated image data. Therefore, loosing information from image data subjected to rotational correction can be prevented. Also, the amount of image data subjected to rotational correction can be minimized.

Abstract: A technique that improves image analysis efficiency by reducing the number of computations needed to detect constant regions. Constant region detection according to the present techniques includes determining whether an image analysis window at a current position contains a constant region by analyzing a new line of pixels in the image analysis window if a pixel at a predetermined location in the image analysis window in the current position has a value equal to a pixel at the predetermined location from a previous position of the image analysis window. Analyzing only the new line of pixels saves the computational time that would otherwise go into analyzing all of the pixels in the image analysis window.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handwritten character input device and handwritten input character processing method enabling easy selection of a text input area and reliable input of handwritten characters, regardless of where the text input area is located.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a captured image and, more particularly, for processing a captured image comprising a document. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a camera to capture documents is described. In another embodiment, a method for processing a captured image that includes a document comprises the steps of distinguishing an imaged document from its background, adjusting the captured image to reduce distortions created from use of a camera and properly orienting the document is described.

Abstract: A single image is obtained from among a plurality of temporal series images. At least one of a plurality of types of classifiers, each type of classifier judging each of a plurality of predetermined states of a predetermined subject, is employed to discriminate the state of the subject within the obtained image. At least one state is predicted for the subject within the obtained image, based on stepwise changes of the state of the subject obtained by previously discriminated states within temporal series images preceding the obtained image. The classifier corresponding to the predicted state is prioritized or weighted, when applying the classifiers to perform discrimination.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding device for determining nominal mechanical data for an electronic device by automatic image processing of a digital image of a specimen of said electronic device. In the method, an object in said digital image, which object corresponds to said specimen, is identified and appearance data for the appearance of the identified object are determined. Then, at least some of the determined appearance data are compared with a stored set of nominal appearance data, which nominal appearance data are based on a prior knowledge of appearances of electronic devices, and at least some nominal appearance data of the set of nominal appearance data are selected. Finally, the nominal mechanical data of the electronic device is determined in accordance with the selected nominal appearance data and at least some of the determined appearance data.

Abstract: A virtual reality system surveys a real-world environment, generates 3D data that defines the real-world environment, renders a virtual 3D environment using the 3D data, retrieves a virtual object from a database comprised of pre-stored virtual objects, renders the virtual object in the virtual 3D environment, and re-positions the virtual object in the virtual 3D environment.

Abstract: A target recognizing device that creates a template concerning a target by itself is provided. The device comprises a robot camera for creating continuous images showing a target and an arithmetic operation unit for controlling the robot camera. A robot camera acquires continuous image information by means of a camera rotatable by a motor. The arithmetic operation unit comprises a template management section for allowing an update part to update a template stored in a template storage part and a target recognition section having an image storage part where the acquired image information is stored, a recognizing part for recognizing a target by using the template, and a motion command part for rotating a camera according to the result of recognition.

Abstract: System and method for detecting symmetries of discrete curves. A mapping operator is applied to a first discrete curve to amplify its features, generating a first mapped discrete curve. A correlation of the first mapped discrete curve with each of a plurality of rotationally shifted versions of a second mapped discrete curve is computed, generating a corresponding plurality of correlation values. A minimum period of the two curves is determined based on the correlation values, and, based on the minimum period, a symmetry group (SG) of the two curves is determined and output. If the two curves are the same curve, the SG is the rotational SG of the discrete curve. If the second curve is a reflection of the first, the SG is the mutual reflection SG of the first. If the first and second curves are different curves, the SG is the mutual SG of the two curves.

Abstract: Video programs are identified by watermark data subliminally conveyed within the picture data. By reference to such program identification data, video recording devices can automatically identify desired programs, and respond accordingly. For example, if a desired television program is originally scheduled to air at 5:00 p.m., but is delayed until 5:10 due to a sporting event that exceeded its broadcast slot, a video recorder equipped with the disclosed technology can sense the delayed start, commence recording at 5:10, and continue recording until the (delayed) end of the program. The program identification can also identify the program's subject matter, allowing automated recording of programs that match a viewer's profile.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide a check validation scheme wherein a payor's signature is digitized, encrypted and embedded on the front of the check using glyphs. When the payor seeks to convert a blank check into a negotiable instrument, the user fills out the check and signs it. When the check is presented to a bank for payment, a teller using a decoding device, decodes and decrypts the digitized signature such that a human-readable image of the digitized signature can be seen on a screen for comparison with the payor's scripted signature. If the two signatures are identical, the check is honored.

Abstract: The present invention allows detection of an exposure time of an image that has already been captured. A motion detector 102 detects an amount of inter-frame movement of a foreground object in a designated frame based on the designated frame and a frame preceding or subsequent to the designated frame. A mixture-ratio calculator 104 detects a mixture ratio indicating the ratio of mixture of a foreground component and a background component in a mixed area of the designated frame. In accordance with the mixture ratio, the mixture-ratio calculator 104 detects the amount of movement of the foreground object within an exposure time in which pixel data is obtained. A shutter-time calculator 106 detects a ratio of a time interval between frames to the exposure time based on the amount of inter-frame movement and the amount of movement within the exposure time of the foreground object. The present invention is applicable to an image processing apparatus.

Abstract: Rotation and scale invariant profiles are generated for matching to a pattern template using a fast regular shaped pattern construction method. The invention achieves rotation invariant matching, rotation and scale invariant matching, and/or scale invariant matching. Invariant profiles are used to perform fast rotation, rotation and scale, or scale invariant search for initial detection of match candidates. The rotation invariant contours of this invention approximate circular contours through use of regular shaped patterns such as octagon or multiple rotated octagons. Rotation invariant search does not depend on rotation angles and is very fast.

Abstract: Character recognition includes detecting a union of characters, preprocessing the union of characters, comparing the preprocessed union of characters with one or more template symbols, and applying a decision rule to either reject a template symbol or decide that the template symbol is included in the union of characters. Such preprocessing involves representing the union of characters as one or more curves, and parameterizing the curve(s); and, regarding various classes of transformation, forming one or more shapes for the curve(s). The comparing operation involves forming one or more geometric proximity measures, and determining for every shape the values of those measures between the shape and correspondingly determined shapes for the template symbols. Applying a decision rule involves selecting one or more template symbols in consideration of the values.

Abstract: A form identification method which can identify forms without errors even if a form is inputted from a scanner in different direction or the form is enlarged/shrunk. A form registration method which enables change/modification of forms when form types are pre-registered. Inputted points as features are extracted from the form, modification of enlargement/shrinkage, rotation, or skew is made to the inputted points. Form types are identified based on minimum distances between the inputted point and pre-registered dictionary points. When registering a similar form type, warning can be displayed on the screen. In a system a dictionary registration station, a form identification station, and a form edit station are connected via a communication network. Each station operates in interlocking manner, identifies inputted forms, and registers them into a dictionary.

Abstract: A character recognition method is provided, in which the method includes the steps of: picking up images in a motion picture by changing brightness for each image; extracting a character area from each image; recognizing at least one character in the character area by performing a matching process between the character area and dictionary images for each image, and determining a character recognition result for each image; and selecting a final character recognition result of which the matching degree is the highest from the character recognition results of the images. Accordingly, even when a character is too dark to recognize due to shadows in the daytime or a character is too bright to recognize due to irradiation in the nighttime, the character can be recognized by using images having differing brightness.

Abstract: An object-region-data describing method for describing object region data relating to a time-series variation of an object region in video data including a plurality of frames, the method comprising obtaining a conversion parameter representing conversion from a reference object region into a target object, approximating a time-series variation of the conversion parameter by an approximate function, and describing the object region data using an approximate function parameter identifying the approximate function and information on the reference object region. Thus, it is possible to describe a region of the desired object in video data by a small quantity of data and facilitate generating the object regions and handling data on the object region.

Abstract: A system and method recognize a user-defined model object within an image. The system and method recognize the model object with occlusion when the model object to be found is only partially visible. The system and method also recognize the model object with clutter when there may be other objects in the image, even within the model object. The system and method also recognize the model object with non-linear illumination changes as well as global or local contrast reversals. The model object to be found may have been distorted, when compared to the user-defined model object, from geometric transformations of a certain class such as translations, rigid transformations by translation and rotation, arbitrary affine transformations, as well as similarity transformations by translation, rotation, and scaling.

Abstract: An accumulation method for fast pattern search can accurately locate regular shaped patterns of interest. The method can be used for invariant search to match patterns of interest in images where the searched pattern varies in size or orientation or aspect ratio, when pattern appearance is degraded, and even when the pattern is partially occluded, where the searched image is large, multidimensional, or very high resolution, or where the pattern size is large. The computation requirement is independent of the size of the pattern region.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the temperature profile of the surface being sprayed or otherwise treated, the apparatus comprising four electric arc spray guns (1) spraying molten steel. The guns (1) are connected to a six-axis industrial robot (2) which is adapted to move them over the surface of the ceramic substrate (3). The metal deposited by the spray builds up a metal shell referred to as the sprayform. The temperature profile of the sprayform surface (3) is recorded periodically by a thermal imaging camera (4) positioned directly above the surface (3). The apparatus includes a pruning filter for receiving each pixel of an image captured by the camera (4) and for applying at least a lower temperature limit to it so as to reject or disregard any pixels determined to have a temperature less than the lower temperature limit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stereo image measuring device capable of carrying out high-speed and highly reliable three-dimensional measurement for a stereo image, easily correcting any omitted measurement, measurement errors or the like, and achieving a much higher speed, efficiency and reliability for measurement as a whole. A survey instrument measures a number of control points on site. A camera is, for example a digital camera, a film camera or the like. A control point search unit executes correlation between a control point measured beforehand by the instrument survey and an image. A search area setting unit sets a search area to be used for image correlation processing based on the control points correlated by the control point search unit, and sets respective data blocks, i.e., a reference data block and a search data block. An arithmetic operation unit executes orientation calculation, and image correlation processing (stereo matching) for the search area set by the search area setting unit.

Abstract: The invention method and system provides rotation of an image on a display screen. A graphics library translates on-screen coordinates from a base viewing mode to a desired alternate viewing mode. The translated coordinated are rendered directly to the display screen.

Abstract: A window picture (robust window picture) is selected as a model window picture, which is unlikely to be influenced by the variations in an environment and selected irrespective of the variations in an environment of pictures assumed to be inputted in a recognition phase. Alternatively, a window picture (stable window picture) is selected as a model window picture, in which the changes in a feature value are small even though an environment is varied. For example, a tracking window picture group is obtained from a registered picture group in which an environment is continuously varied, by tracking window pictures of a basic registered picture. Then, a static extraction window picture is obtained by extracting window pictures as independent pictures from a series of pictures. Then, a window picture selected both in the tracking window picture group and in the static extraction window picture is set as a robust window picture, and picture matching is conducted using the robust window picture.

Abstract: A method is provided for finding a whole pattern in an image, where at least a portion of the whole pattern falls outside the boundary of the image. The method includes, for each candidate pose of a search model of the whole pattern that results in a transformed search model that may extend beyond the boundary of the image, applying a match-quality metric to only a subset of search model features and corresponding image features, the subset being uniquely determined by the pose. The features which do not overlap the image at that pose of the model are completely excluded from the metric computation. All the relevant available information is used, using no arbitrarily hypothesized information. The higher-level strategy of the search procedure is free to consider poses where the model extends partially outside the image, and the results of each metric computation will be the most true value possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing an information signal stored on a first storage medium (4). The apparatus comprises a reading unit (2) for reading the information signal from the first storage medium, an output unit (6) for supplying the information signal to a display unit, an user controllable input unit (8) for receiving commands to enable an user to access the information signal. The user controllable input unit is adapted to receive a first command at an instant. The apparatus further comprises a unit (10) for controlling the reading unit to start reading the information signal from said storage medium at a second position in the information signal in response to said first command, the information signal at said second position having features showing a similarity with features of the information signal at a first position read at said instant of receiving said first command, or a features of an information signal read prior to said instant.

Abstract: The difference data between the real patter data Sij, and a 5×5 window with a noticed pixel in the center and the design pattern data Rij obtained by the design pattern data of the window being shifted in a plurality of directions with respect to the design pattern data Rij is found by a shift direction operation section, and the design pattern data in the direction in which the total of the pixels is minimum is selected from the difference data by a selection section, the difference between the central pixels Sij, Qij of the selected design pattern data and the central pixels Sij, Qij of the windows of the real pattern data is found by a difference operation section, and the difference and a threshold are compared in a defect judgement section, and thereby the pattern inspection of the object is carried out.

Abstract: A system and method of locating a selected point in a bounded area of a three-dimensional graphical environment is described in which boundary points are assigned to boundaries of the area wherein boundary axes are formed (20), a selected boundary is determined by determining the consecutive boundary axes that the viewing orientation vector lies between (21), and a selected point on the selected boundary is determined dependent on angles formed by the selected boundary, the first and second boundary axes, and the viewing orientation vector (22). The selected point coordinate is compared and matched to image object coordinates (23) to determine the selected image object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing pixels in an image of an object surface by providing at least two images of the surface wherein each pixel has a unique location common to all of the images; comparing each pixel value at each location to an identification matrix; and identifying the region in which each pixel is located based on the comparison. The matrix can comprise a plurality of non-pixel values representing one or more regions, each of the regions defining at least one surface attribute. One embodiment provides at least two references images of a template using the same technique used to obtain each image of the surface, and creating the matrix using the reference images. Providing at least two images comprises providing a first and second image, wherein the surface is illuminated using a first and second source of illumination, or providing the first using a source of illumination and providing the second from the first.

Abstract: An image input apparatus receives image data from a scanner having a reading surface on which an original image is placed, the image data being generated through reading the reading surface. An image outline determination apparatus determines an outline of an original image placed on the reading surface of the scanner in accordance with the image data obtained by the scanner. An area designation section designates a rectangular proposed area of which at least portion enters into an area of the original image placed on the reading surface.

Abstract: An image correcting method and apparatus is disclosed in which processing other than a smoothing process can be performed in accordance with conditions of a line such as correction of a line width with a small circuit size and at low cost. The disclosed dot image correcting method stores correction data corresponding to a correction dot pattern(s) in a window(s), determines whether or not a dot pattern coincides with a correction dot pattern, and when coincidence is detected, performs correction in accordance with corresponding correction data, characterized in that there are a plurality of windows, and correction data are stored corresponding to a combination of correction dot patterns in various windows, and determination is made as to whether or not dot patterns in a plurality of windows coincide with a combination of correction dot patterns in various windows, and when coincidence is detected, correction is performed in accordance with corresponding correction data.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a search tool that registers transformation of a trained pattern by at least four degrees of freedom to register the instance of a pattern in an arbitrary six-degree-of-freedom pose is provided. The search tool is first trained to recognize a plurality of versions of a trained pattern/fiducial that are incrementally transposed to induce differing levels of known aspect and shear. An object having several instances of the trained pattern located at known spacings and orientations therebetween is imaged by the trained search tool, and the located instances of the trained pattern are compared to expected instances of the trained pattern to measure relative six-degree-of-freedom orientation for the underlying object.

Abstract: Radiation images recorded serially on a plurality of sheets overlapping partially are positioned accurately. An image positioning processing apparatus comprises overlap area detection means for detecting an overlap area between two radiation images overlapping partially, rotation correction means for rotating, based on the overlap area, a lower image out of the two images, template setting means for setting a plurality of templates within the overlap area of the lower image, rank setting means for setting a reliability rank for each of the templates, matching position determining means for determining, based on the ranks of the templates, a matching position at which an image portion within each of the templates almost matches up with an image portion within the overlap area of an upper image, and positioning means for carrying out positioning of the two images based on the matching position having been determined.

Abstract: A method of character recognition includes detecting a union of characters, preprocessing the union of characters, comparing the preprocessed union of characters with one or more template symbols, and applying a decision rule in order to either reject a template symbol or decide that the template symbol is included in the union of characters. Preprocessing the union of characters involves representing the union of characters as one or more curves, and parameterising said curve or curves, and regarding various classes of transformations forming one or more shapes for the curve or curves. The comparing operation involves forming one or more geometric proximity measures, and determining for every shape the values of said geometric proximity measures between said shape and correspondingly determined shapes for the template symbols. Finally, applying a decision rule involves selecting one or more template symbols in consideration of the values.

Abstract: In order to make it easier to specify the area with a shape other than a rectangle on the image plane of an image pickup device and to analyze an element in the range thereof, a test method of an image pickup device is provided, which comprises the steps of: preparing a plurality of layers in which a rectangular area may be specified; giving a priority for each layer; placing the layers on top of each other so as to divide an image plane of an image pickup device into a plurality of areas; specifying a certain area among the plurality of areas; and performing data analysis on pixels of an image pickup device in a specified area.

Abstract: A system and method for non-rigid image registration using distance functions includes portions for receiving a source shape into an image space, integrating a global linear registration model with local deformations to assess the source shape, optimizing a functional defined on a parameter or feature space where the functional quantifies the similarity between the source shape and a target shape in terms of distance functions, creating an augmented registration space including a plurality of target shape clones coherently positioned in the image space, tracking moving interfaces between the source shape and the target shapes and clones through a level set method, and registering the source shape by seeking mutual correspondences between the source shape, the target shape and the target shape clones.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image recognition method whereby the influence of noise due to fluctuations of the ambient environment can be minimized and which has good response and high recognition accuracy, without using binary processing.

Abstract: According to an image data correction conversion circuit and a skew quantity correction method respectively according to the present invention, image data for predetermined lines is stored, the quantity of skew of the stored image data is measured, the number of blocks into which the image data is divided is operated based upon the quantity of the skew and a control signal for correcting and converting the image data based upon the operated data is output. A selector acquires image data the quantity of skew of which is corrected by selecting and outputting the stored image data for predetermined lines according to the control signal.

Abstract: A method for computing the location and orientation of an object in three-dimensional space.

Abstract: An apparatus for pattern matching encoding includes a pattern extracting unit for extracting patterns in input binary or multi-level image data, an accumulating/match-checking unit for accumulating each extracted pattern and executing a match-check thereof with patterns that have been accumulated, a line segment checking unit for checking each pixel in the match pattern or the extracted pattern as to which line segment in directions the pixel is positioned on, and an encoding unit for encoding the extracted pattern by selecting a template having an optimum form according to the result of the line segment checking. The codes in pattern matching encoding are reduced, and the efficiency of code transmission and code accumulation is improved.

Abstract: In a method for matching two images, each consisting of a plurality of pixels and having partially overlapping contents, the degree of correspondence between the contents of the images is determined for different displacement positions representing different overlappings of the images. More specifically, a plurality of numbers are determined for each one of a plurality of said displacement positions. Each number is formed with the aid of pixel values from both images and is used to simultaneously retrieve predefined overlap assessment values for at least two of said displacement positions. The overlap assessment values retrieved are subsequently used to determine the degree of correspondence between the images for the different displacement positions. The method is carried out with the aid of a computer and can be implemented as a computer program.

Abstract: A method, system, and storage medium for determining retide tilt in a lithographic system is provided. Test patterns contained on a reticle are printed in a photoresist located on an upper surface of a semiconductor substrate by a lithographic system. The test patterns may include three posts of different diameters wherein one of the diameters is approximately equal to the minimum allowable feature size printable by the lithographic system. Images of the test patterns are measured by a scanning electron microscope under the control of a computer system. The computer system then assesses the measured images of the test patterns to determine if the reticle tilt is acceptable or unacceptable. In one embodiment, the computer system may assess the measured images by comparing the measured images to predetermined images of the test patterns for different focus conditions. The computer system may also calculate the amount of reticle tilt.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for improving the appearance of electronic images, and more specifically, to the efficient use of template rotation within a template matching process to enhance such images. The invention reduces the number of entries that are stored in a look up table by eliminating identical patterns that differ only by the angle at which they are output. The appropriate templates are then rotated it by the required angle for output subsequent to their retrieval from the lookup table.

Abstract: A system for inspecting indicia on a golf ball is disclosed herein. The system uses a multitude of cameras to analyze indicia that has been printed on the surface of the golf ball in order to accept or reject each golf ball. In a preferred embodiment, the system is placed in-line with the printing of the indicia on the golf ball surface, and prior to the curing of the indicia in order to easily remove unacceptable indicia.

Abstract: In an image recognition method of recognizing a plurality of images from an input image, the plurality of images to be recognized including at least one of a specific image and images provided by rotating the specific image, the method includes the steps of: preparing at least one of mask areas on a window area for each image to be recognized, the window area being structured by cells which are arrayed in two-dimensionally, the cell being formed of at least one pixel, the mask area being structured by at least one of the cells and corresponding to an area representing a feature of the image to be recognized; first determining whether or not the image to be recognized exists based on the result of subjecting pixel density values of the input image in the mask area to operation for each image to be recognized; and second determining whether or not any of the plurality of images to be recognized exists in the window area based on the determination result of the first determining step.