Abstract: A method for constructing arbitrary-plane and multi-arbitrary-plane mosaic composite images from a multi-imager is disclosed. A first homography set is generated for a multi-imager based on a first reference plane. A second homography set is then generated for the multi-imager based on a second reference plane, where the second reference plane is distinct from the first reference plane. The first homography set and the second homography set are then utilized to generate a third homography set for the multi-imager based on an arbitrary plane. In so doing, the arbitrary plane becomes repositionable with respect to a scene that the multi-imager is viewing. Multiple such arbitrary planes may be selected in constructing multi-planar mosaic composite images. Multiple such second reference planes may be presented to provide improved quality derivation of the said third homography set.

Abstract: A pixel clock generator that generates a pixel clock to regulate a drive timing of a scanning light source includes a data generating circuit that generates phase data based on a phase data pattern to correct an uneven scanning speed and fluctuation of scanning widths, and a pixel clock generating circuit generates a pixel clock having a long cycle based on a high-frequency clock and that performs a phase shift for the pixel clock based on the high-frequency clock. The phase pattern is set-such that difference in an amount of the phase shift between the pixel clocks adjacent to each other does not exceed a basic amount of the phase shift of the pixel clock generating circuit.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring information to and/or from flexible sheet media in a highly advantageous curved configuration is disclosed. The sheet material includes a length and a width defining first and second opposing surfaces. The assembly includes support means for supporting the sheet the curved configuration across its width, having the first surface inwardly oriented with respect to the curved configuration. Thereafter, moving means moves the flexible sheet material so supported in a direction along a read/write path generally parallel to the sheet material length and transverse to the direction of curvature. A read/write arrangement is provided which is configured for reading and/or writing information across the width of the first surface of the sheet as the sheet is moved along the path in the curved configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are described that provide automated and efficient optimization of camera settings. In certain embodiments of the invention, both focus and exposure settings are determined based on an analysis of compressed images taken of a frame. Based on this analysis, the camera focus and exposure settings are set to provide a preferred image quality of the particular frame. This optimization of the focus and exposure settings is performed at each frame within the multi-frame image source. As a result, each frame image is independently optimized and addresses variations, such as light and surface inconsistencies, across the multi-frame image source.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a light source emitting a plurality of colors; a light receiver including a plurality of pixels which receive lights of respective colors; an analog-to-digital converter which analog-to-digital converts analog signals obtained by the light receiver to obtain digital photoelectric conversion outputs, respectively; a color determining portion which receives output signals, determines whether output signals for respective colors from the same pixel are within predetermined ranges, respectively, and outputs, as dropout data, pixel position information of the pixel, the outputs signals from which are within the predetermined ranges, respectively; an image monochromating circuit which receives output signals and obtains monochrome data; a data substituting portion which receives the monochrome data, substitutes the monochrome data corresponding to the pixel position information from the color determining portion with a level at which the pixel is determined as a white level in a

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus which can verify whether or not an image has been able to be correctly read and easily correct an image which has not been able to be correctly read. The image processing apparatus has a reading section 105, an image processing section 110 for image-processing a read image, and a CPU 110 for controlling the entire apparatus. The image processing section 110 has a detection section 101 for detecting an image in a different state, a verification section 102 for displaying an image in a different state, and a correction section 106 for correcting the image. The image processing section 110 has a preview function for displaying the read image on a display section 108, and a correction function for correcting the image. The image processing apparatus can correct only a tilted image without rereading all images.

Abstract: Images of a document having a surface are captured. In this process, multiple scan lines respectively illuminated from different illumination angles relative to the document surface are scanned across the document surface in a first scan direction in relation to orientation of the document. Multiple scan lines respectively illuminated from different illumination angles relative to the document surface are scanned across the document surface in a second scan direction in relation to orientation of the document. The captured images are generated from scan line illumination reflected from the document surface during the scanning of respective ones of the scan lines across the document surface. A crease or a tear is detected in the document based on the captured images.

Abstract: A discrimination machine optically senses an object having a surface with a planar structure while scanning the planar structure along the surface. The machine includes a discrimination sensor including optical devices detecting light generated from the planar structure. The optical devices are disposed at an interval in a transverse direction, perpendicular to a scanning direction, to ensure a sufficiently wide sensing area for the object. A deviation detector detects deviation of the planar structure from a plane based on electrical signals output from the respective optical devices detecting the light generated by the object while the discrimination sensor is scanning the object. An optical device selector selects an optical device, from among the optical devices, based on the deviation detected. A determination is made as to whether the electrical signal output from the optical device selected is within an allowable margin.

Abstract: Visible and infrared radiation is generated from phosphors within a cold cathode lamp. At least partially transparent media is irradiated with the visible and infrared radiation from the cold cathode lamp. Infrared radiation that passes through the at least partially transparent media is sensed, and an artifact signal is generated from the sensed infrared radiation. The artifact signal corresponds to one or more unwanted artifacts on the at least partially transparent media.

Abstract: It is possible to provide a microscope system, capable of constructing a wide vision and high definition microscope image without requiring a work by a pathologist, of reducing a storage capacity for recording and storing after a pathologist observing and/or determining a diagnosis, and of forming and displaying a wide vision and high definition microscope image by comprising means for obtaining image information of the entirety, or a part, of a sample by moving an object lens and a sample relatively to each other in the perpendicular direction against an optical axis, means for designating a specific zone of the obtained image information, means for storing image information of the designated specific zone, means for reducing an information volume of image information not designated among the obtained image information, means for storing the reduced image information, and means for storing a positional relationship between these pieces of stored image information.

Abstract: Whenever a user prepares to use an application, or a file, to treat the scanned image of an object, the user only needs to place the object on a scanner and to select the icon of the application, or the file, and compile it with the icon of the scanner. The utilization of the present invention will automatically drive the driver of the scanner and integrate the relative information into the driver. Thus, after the scanned image is acquired, the application, or relative application of the file, is automatically active to treat the scanned image. Further, the format of the scanned image could be transformed by some applications such as the OCR.

Abstract: A method of scanning a target image and inhibiting backtrack artifacts from the scanned image comprises the steps of initiating a scan on a flat bed scanner, the flat bed scanner comprising at least a scanbar, a memory buffer and a motion control pattern comprised of a plurality of spaced elements, each element having an angled portion with respect to the motion of the scanbar; acquiring scan data comprising a motion control pattern data and an image data with said scanbar; storing the previously acquired scan data in a memory buffer; querying whether the memory buffer reaches a preselected full threshold; acquiring a last valid scan data; stopping and backtracking the scanbar when the memory buffer preselected full threshold is met; and, inhibiting backtrack artifacts by one of a first real-time position analysis or a post-processing analysis.

Abstract: Any one of a plurality of modes such as a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function and the like can be set, and an operation mode of an image reading unit at the time of its image reading operation is judged. A return speed of the image reading unit for returning to a reference position after completion of the scanning is set at a speed corresponding to the operation mode. As a result, a machine sound generated when the image reading unit moves does not cause a user to feel uncomfortable, and the waiting time until the next document reading can be shortened.

Abstract: Measurements in diagnostic medical imaging are cross-referenced. A measurement made for one type of data is reflected in an image for another type of data. For example, a length is measured from ultrasound data. A line associated with the length is displayed on the ultrasound image. In a magnetic resonance image (MRI), the same line is displayed at a corresponding location. The same measurement may also be made with the MRI data and reflected in the ultrasound image. Each image shows both measurements in this example. The difference in the same measurements from different types of data may be useful for diagnosis. In the above example, the length is measured from ultrasound and from MRI. The difference between the two measured lengths may provide diagnostically useful information.

Abstract: Signals from a color (multi-row) full width array sensor are used to detect and correct for motion quality issues in a constant velocity transport or platen document scanner. This capitalizes on the geometry of the full width array sensor, in which three or four rows of photo sites are arranged in the slow scan direction. For example, the arrival time of an image edge of the red sensor row may be compared to the slightly later arrival time at the blue sensor row, and the difference yields the velocity. The velocity can then be fed back to control the transport.

Abstract: A document OCR implementing device, includes a reading part configured to read a document and form a recognition image; an obtaining part configured to perform image processing of the recognition image and obtain a state of the recognition image; a plurality of OCR engines configured to perform a character recognition process of the recognition image; and a designating part configured to designate the OCR engine by combining the recognition image and the OCR engine; wherein the character recognition process is implemented by using the OCR engine designated by the designating part.

Abstract: An image processing device is provided with a reference position determining system that determines a reference position based on image data of an original, an image scanning system that scans the original line by line, the line extending in a main scanning direction, an image storing system that stores a predetermined number of lines of image data scanned by the image scanning system, a compensation value determining system that determines a compensation value which is used to make at least a position of a point in the predetermined number of lines of image data stored in the image storing system coincide with the reference position, and a compensating system that compensates the position of the predetermined number of lines of image data in accordance with the compensation value determined by the compensation value determining system.

Abstract: An image scanning method includes pre-scanning a first document to generate a first original image according to the first document; adjusting parameter settings of the first original image to generate and store a plurality of pre-view images corresponding to different sets of parameters; pre-scanning a second document to generate a second original image according to the second document; and scanning the second document to generate a plurality of scanning images according to the different sets of parameters of the pre-view images. The parameter settings of the first original image include brightness, shadow, and contrast settings.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring information to and/or from flexible sheet media in a highly advantageous curved configuration is disclosed. The sheet material includes a length and a width defining first and second opposing surfaces. The assembly includes support means for supporting the sheet the curved configuration across its width, having the first surface inwardly oriented with respect to the curved configuration. Thereafter, moving means moves the flexible sheet material so supported in a direction along a read/write path generally parallel to the sheet material length and transverse to the direction of curvature. A read/write arrangement is provided which is configured for reading and/or writing information across the width of the first surface of the sheet as the sheet is moved along the path in the curved configuration.

Abstract: There are provided an image processing method and apparatus which can reduce the storage capacity required to form low-frequency components having a plurality of resolutions and can suppress any degradation in image quality which is caused by a positional error between image data obtained as a result of image processing. The first luminance component of low resolution is extracted from image data, thereby further extracting the first low-frequency component. The image data is input at the second resolution, the second luminance component is extracted from the image data at the second resolution, and the second low-frequency component is extracted, thereby further extracting the second low-frequency component. Image processing is performed for the image data at the second resolution using the first low-frequency component and second low-frequency component.

Abstract: An image reading device including a plurality of image sensors configured to read image data of an original document, each of which having a reading range overlapping in a main scanning direction with an adjacent image sensor among the plurality of image sensors, and a gamma correction mechanism configured to conduct gamma correction to correct linearity of respective output characteristics of the plurality of image sensors, based on gamma correction data produced according to an output characteristic of a reference image sensor selected from the plurality of image sensors. The reference image sensor and the adjacent image sensor read identical input data, and the gamma correction mechanism compares the results, obtains a difference between the results, and adjusts the output characteristic of the adjacent image sensor to the output characteristic of the reference image sensor.

Abstract: A computer model of a physical structure (or object) can be generated using context-based hypothesis testing. For a set of point data, a user selects a context specifying a geometric category corresponding to the structure shape. The user specifies at least one seed point from the set that lies on a surface of the structure of interest. Using the context and point data, the system loads points in a region near the seed point(s), and determines the dimensions and orientation of an initial surface component in the context that corresponds to those points. If the selected component is supported by the points, that component can be added to a computer model of the surface. The system can repeatedly find points near a possible extension of the surface model, using the context and current surface component(s) to generate hypotheses for extending the surface model to these points.

Abstract: An image reader includes an image reading device, which is capable of reading a document, an initialization operation control device, which performs an initialization operation before a reading operation starts, in order to return the image reading device to a standby position where the image reading device needs to be located until the reading operation starts, an storage device that stores flag data representing whether the initialization operation needs to be performed, and a flag data control device that controls the flag data. When the flag data represents necessity of execution of the initialization operation, the initialization operation control device performs the initialization operation. When the flag data represents nonnecessity of the execution of the initialization operation, the initialization operation control device does not perform the initialization operation.

Abstract: A method and system for performing image mark recognition for a document is disclosed. A document is scanned into a digital image. Reference image marks are sensed from the digital image. The reference image marks may include trigger row marks and/or corner/crop marks. Coordinates denoting the location of cells within the digital image are determined base on the locations of the reference image marks. Response marks are evaluated for darkness, opacity, and/or grayness on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The response marks are each assigned a percentage value based on the ratio between a total color value for a cell and a maximum color value for a cell.

Abstract: An image coding technique capable of realizing a high speed coding processing for a mixed image with less a visual distortion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strobed image capture includes stroboscopic illumination synchronized with one or more cameras to improve a signal to noise ratio, reduce motion blur and avoid object damage in sensor systems used to analyze illumination sensitive objects.

Abstract: A discrimination machine optically senses an object having a surface with a planar structure while scanning the planar structure along the surface. The machine includes a discrimination sensor including optical devices detecting light generated from the planar structure. The optical devices are disposed at an interval in a transverse direction, perpendicular to a scanning direction, to ensure a sufficiently wide sensing area for the object. A deviation detector detects deviation of the planar structure from a plane based on electrical signals output from the respective optical devices detecting the light generated by the object while the discrimination sensor is scanning the object. An optical device selector selects an optical device, from among the optical devices, based on the deviation detected. A determination is made as to whether the electrical signal output from the optical device selected is within an allowable margin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concurrent image capture and decoding of graphical codes are disclosed. In an exemplary method disclosed herein, a first image is captured by an image capture component in a graphical code reader. The first image is processed by a decoding component. Processing the first image involves searching for a graphical code within the first image and attempting to decode the graphical code. A second image is then captured by the image capture component while the first image is being processed by the decoding component.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a row of first color sensors including a plurality of first color sensors for sensing first color light to generate a plurality of first sub-pixels and a row of second color sensors including a plurality of second color sensors for sensing second color light to generate a plurality of second sub-pixels. The distance between a first end of an effective sensing area of each first color sensor and a first end of an effective sensing area of a corresponding second color sensor in the linear direction of the image sensor is a first length greater than zero.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a plurality of processor elements including registers and configured to process respective data items, a global processor configured to control the plurality oaf processor elements; the global processor and the plurality of processor elements constituting an SIMD microprocessor, and a data control device coupled to a data transfer port for accessing the registers, the processor elements configured to perform a contiguity check and tentative labeling of pixels adjacent in a sub-scan direction as parallel processes with respect to binary image data, the data control device configured to perform a contiguity check and tentative labeling of pixels adjacent in a main scan direction as consecutive processes, and the parallel processes performed ahead of the consecutive processes with respect to a line of interest in the binary image data.

Abstract: Methods to capture a digital image are disclosed. Embodiments include methods for taking multiple color data readings with a series of sensing elements in one collecting location during a single exposure, associating the collecting location with a pixel, and calculating a color value for the pixel based on the multiple color data readings. The method may include directing light successively to the sensing elements of the series of sensing elements within one exposure via reflective optics. The method may include determining that a sensing element of the series of sensing elements is defective. The method may include redirecting light to align a non-defective sensing element of the series of sensing elements with the collecting location. The non-defective sensing element and the defective sensing element may be associated with the same color.

Abstract: A display system and method for use in controlling movement of a virtual image version of a physical object is described. A physical object may be placed on or near a display surface, which may sense the presence of the object and display a virtual image version of the object. In response to movement of the physical object, the virtual image may move as well. Movement speed of the virtual image may be capped at a maximum speed, so that if the physical object is moved too quickly, the image will remain moving at a constant maximum speed. Movement effects, such as blurring, fading, animation, etc. may be applied to the image during the movement. The movement may change direction as the physical object is detected in different positions, and the movement effects may be applied to smooth the change in direction (e.g., curving trajectory).

Abstract: A display device, comprising: a pixel array unit having display elements formed in vicinity of intersections of signal lines and scanning lines arranged in length and breadth, image pickup units and an output unit which outputs binary data corresponding to image picked up by said image pickup unit; a image pickup device provided separate from said image pickup unit; a first image processing unit configured to generate multiple gradation data based on multiple binary data picked up by said image pickup units based on multiple image pickup conditions; and a second image processing unit configured to receive either the image pickup data picked up by said image pickup device or the multiple gradation data generated by said first image processing unit, to conduct a prescribed image processing.

Abstract: To provide a technology of increasing coding efficiency for an isolated column which appears with a high frequency.

Abstract: An imager apparatus comprises a pixel and a first filter positioned in an incident light path for a portion of the pixel, the filter being operable to alternate between transmitting and reducing incident light on the pixel portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for associating images. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to capturing an image of image association data, capturing other images to which the image association data is relevant, and associating the other images such that each of the other images will have a file name that is reflective of the captured image association data.

Abstract: Generating an image includes receiving a light at sensors, where the light is associated with images. A previous matrix is determined, where the previous matrix includes image information associated with an image. For each sensor, a current image data corresponding to a current image is generated and a current matrix is determined using the previous matrix and the current image data. The current matrix includes image information associated with the current image. A fusion matrix is computed according to the current matrix of each sensor, where the fusion matrix initiates generation of a fused image.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing scanned pages are described. In one aspect, the invention features a method of processing a sequence of scanned pages of a document in accordance with which, page number indicators are extracted from scanned pages of the document. A histogram of extracted page number indicators is computed. Scanned page sequence information is determined based at least in part on the computed histogram. A computer program and a system for implementing the scanned page processing method also are described.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a plurality of processor elements including registers and configured to process respective data items, a global processor configured to control the plurality of processor elements; the global processor and the plurality of processor elements constituting an SIMD microprocessor, and a data control device coupled to a data transfer port for accessing the registers, the processor elements configured to perform a contiguity check and tentative labeling of pixels adjacent in a sub-scan direction as parallel processes with respect to binary image data, the data control device configured to perform a contiguity check and tentative labeling of pixels adjacent in a main scan direction as consecutive processes, and the parallel processes performed ahead of the consecutive processes with respect to a line of interest in the binary image data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drawing and formatting an image are described. In at least one embodiment, when a user prepares to use an application, or a file, to treat the scanned image of an object, the user only needs to place the object on a scanner and to select the icon of the application, or the file, and compile it with the icon of the scanner. The utilization of several embodiments of the present invention will automatically drive the driver of the scanner and integrate the relative information into the driver. Thus, after the scanned image is acquired, the application is activated to treat the scanned image. Further, the format of the scanned image could be transformed by some applications such as the OCR.

Abstract: A fluorescent color scanning method is disclosed to include the steps of: scanning a standard white to obtain a first reference white W1; reducing the scanning brightness and then scanning the standard white to obtain a second reference white W2; using the first reference white and second reference white to scan every scanning document and then storing the respective scanning results Pm and Qm; and comparing Qm to W2 so as to determine if the document contains a fluorescent color or not subject to: (i) determining that the document contains a fluorescent color if Qm>W2, and then converting Qm into the accurate color output Om; and (ii) determining that the document contains no fluorescent color if Qm?W2 and then using the value of Pm as the image output value.

Abstract: An overall image obtained by successively imaging different imaging regions a plurality of times during an image period using an imaging device is separated into a plurality of partial images respectively corresponding to each of the plurality of imaging operations. In cases where the object of imaging consists only of a static object, all of the partial images show more or less the same data. However, in cases where the object of imaging includes a moving object in addition to a static object, differences are generated in the partial images, which have different imaging timing. Accordingly, a judgement as to whether or not a moving object is contained in the overall image produced by synthesizing the plurality of partial images can be made by comparing the partial images.

Abstract: A method and system for performing image mark recognition for a document is disclosed. A document is scanned into a digital image. Reference image marks are sensed from the digital image. The reference image marks may include trigger row marks and/or corner/crop marks. Coordinates denoting the location of cells within the digital image are determined based on the locations of the reference image marks. Response marks are evaluated for darkness, opacity, and/or grayness on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The response marks are each assigned a percentage value based on the ratio between a total color value for a cell and a maximum color value for a cell.

Abstract: A document scanning method comprises causing relative movement between a document and first and second imaging elements, such that each of a succession of scan lines of the document is exposed in turn to the imaging elements; generating first and second image data words representative of overlapping portions of each scan line; and concatenating at least a portion of the words to generate a third word representative of the scan line, the method being characterised by the steps of cross-correlating at least a portion of each of the words to identify a portion of the second word that is included in the first word; discarding a portion of at least one of words; concatenating the first word or remainder thereof with the second word or remainder thereof to form the third word; and, if necessary, compressing or expanding the third word by linear interpolation so as to obtain a word of a predetermined length.

Abstract: Security scanning devices based on electrical tomography, including tomography systems based on the measurement of capacitance (ECT) and electromagnetic tomography (EMT), in combination with knowledge-based image analysis and understanding. Each device includes a sensing head or transducer, sensing electronics, image reconstruction and image analysis microprocessor (either microcontroller, DSP, laptop or desktop PC), a display unit and accompanying software for identifying dangerous materials and items. The security scanning devices enable enhancement of image resolution with ECT and EMT. More sensors, more sensitive circuits and flexible/optimal measurement protocols may be employed for obtaining more independent measurements and enable implementation of data fusion to combine the complementary sensitivity of ECT and EMT to different material properties, while providing architecture to implement image knowledge bases, which may characterize objects, whose image attributes are acquired from multiple sensors.

Abstract: Process for the observation of at least one sample region with a light raster microscope by a relative movement between the illumination light and sample via first scanning means along at least one scanning axis essentially perpendicular to the illumination axis wherein the illumination light illuminates the sample in parallel at several points or regions and several points or regions are detected simultaneously wherein at an angle to the plane of the relative movement, preferably perpendicular thereto, second scanning means are moved and an image acquisition takes place by the movement of the first and second scanning means being coupled and a three-dimensional sampling movement being done by the illumination of the sample wherein the second scanning means are coupled to the movement of the first scanning means in such a manner that straight and/or curved lines and/or plane and/or curved surfaces are scanned which are extended along at least one scanning direction of the first scanning means as well as along

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated analysis of transmitted and fluorescently labeled biological samples, wherein the apparatus automatically scans at a low magnification to acquire images which are analyzed to determine candidate cell objects of interest. Once candidate objects of interest are identified, further analysis is conducted automatically to process and collect data from samples having different staining agents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using dual bounding boxes as dynamic templates for cartridge rack identification and tracking is disclosed. An imaging tape cartridge picker system includes a picker assembly, illumination sources disposed at the front of the picker assembly for illuminating an object, an imager disposed on the front of the picker assembly for gathering image data of the object and a processor, coupled to the imager and illumination sources, for thresholding the image data obtained from the imager and for controlling the illumination sources, wherein the processor uses bounding boxes to identify the location of a desired physical feature in the thresholded image.

Abstract: A scanner, which reads machine readable information on an item and determines its location on the item, also includes one or more video cameras for determining dimensions of features on the item. A computer uses the machine readable information to find a record within a data structure. The record includes dimensions of one or more visible features of an item corresponding to the machine readable information and identified according to their location relative to the machine readable information. These dimensions of features are then compared to the dimensions of features of the item being scanned to determine whether the machine readable information read by the scanner matches the item being scanned.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring information to and/or from flexible sheet media in a highly advantageous curved configuration is disclosed. The sheet material includes a length and a width defining first and second opposing surfaces. The assembly includes support means for supporting the sheet the curved configuration across its width, having the first surface inwardly oriented with respect to the curved configuration. Thereafter, moving means moves the flexible sheet material so supported in a direction along a read/write path generally parallel to the sheet material length and transverse to the direction of curvature. A read/write arrangement is provided which is configured for reading and/or writing information across the width of the first surface of the sheet as the sheet is moved along the path in the curved configuration.