Abstract: An image interpolation method and apparatus by which to quickly generate and display motion pictures using a small amount of data. An image input unit inputs a first image and a second image. A matching processor computes a pixel matching between those images so that a corresponding point is obtained on the second image with respect to a lattice point of a mesh on the first image. The matching processor stores the matching results recorded as a corresponding point file. An intermediate image generator generates an intermediate image between the first image and the second image based on the corresponding point file. In particular, in generating the intermediate image, an attribute of the pixels on one image may be used as such without the attribute being interpolated between pixels of each image. Thus, when generating intermediate images, only one image and a smaller corresponding point file can be used.

Abstract: An image coding and decoding technology for compressing motion pictures which makes use of critical point filter technology and that includes detection of scene changes to provide more accurate decoding. An image input unit acquires key frames. A scene change detector detects when there is a scene change between key frames, and notifies a matching processor to that effect. The matching processor then skips generation of correspondence data between those key frames. A stream generator generates a coded data stream in a manner that key frames and associated correspondence data are incorporated when there is no scene change, while key frames and associated correspondence disable data are incorporated when there is a scene change. This allows a decoder to more accurately decode the data stream and take account of scene changes.

Abstract: An image-effect apparatus which provides high quality motion pictures and image effects such as supper slow motion based on a small amount of image data. An image input unit inputs a first image and a second image. A matching processor performs pixel matching between the first image and the second image, and a result thereof is recorded as a corresponding point file. An intermediate image generator generates an intermediate image between the first image and the second image based on the corresponding point file. A speed controller controls the number of intermediate images to be generated, based on a user's instruction. As the number of intermediate images generated is increased, slow motion and super slow motion images are produced.

Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus for encoding and decoding image data in which the coding and decoding method may be simplified based on factors such as processing speed requirements. In encoding, an image input unit receives a first image and a second image (key frames). A matching processor begins performing a multiresolutional analysis using pixel-by-pixel matching between the images but, due to predetermined factors or settings, either discontinues the analysis or switches to a simplified method of analysis prior to the final resolution level. If the analysis is discontinued during encoding (i.e. at the encoding side), the analysis may be completed at the decoding side prior to conducting the decoding and the decoding side may be arranged accordingly.

Abstract: An image input unit acquires a first image and a second image. A matching processor computes a matching between those images such that corresponding points are obtained on the second image with respect to lattice points of a mesh taken on the first image and generates a corresponding point file based on the matching. The corresponding point file comprises positional information on the corresponding points and difference data on attribute values of the corresponding points. An intermediate image generator generates an intermediate image of the first image and the second image, based on the first image and the corresponding point file. In particular, for an attribute such as color, the color difference data on a pair of corresponding points of the first image and second image are used when interpolating, such that the second image is not needed in the interpolation.

Abstract: An image data coding and decoding technique which realizes most efficient compression of the image data. The image data are input and separated into key frames and other intermediate frames. Per-pixel matching is computed between the key frames. A virtual intermediate frame between these key frames is generated by interpolating the matching-computed result. Difference is taken between the intermediate virtual frames and actual intermediate frames which have existed from the outset, so that the actual intermediate frames are encoded with the minimum quantity of codes.

Abstract: An image input unit acquires a first image and a second image. A matching processor computes a pixel matching between the images so that corresponding points are obtained on the second image with respect to lattice points of a mesh defined on the first image. A result thereof is recorded as a corresponding point file. An intermediate image generator generates an intermediate image of the first image and the second image based on the corresponding point file. Since the corresponding point file is composed of corresponding lattice points alone rather than corresponding pixels or the like, the amount of data is relatively small, and thereby allows efficient implementation of and application to various image effects, motion picture compression, on-line commodity presentation, and mobile applications.

Abstract: In an image generating system or apparatus, a first storage unit stores key frames and corresponding point data therefor. A performance specifying unit determines a processing performance of a user terminal. A resolution decision unit determines a resolution of motion pictures (intermediate frames) to be generated or reproduced in accordance with the determined processing performance. An intermediate frame generator generates intermediate frames at the determined resolution by interpolating the key frames based on the corresponding point data.

Abstract: An image coding and decoding technology for digital movie or video that provides for error checking within the digital video files. The digital video is coded in a data stream that includes key frames and correspondence data between key frames as well as additional correspondence data between somewhat separated key frames. During decoding, an intermediate image generator generates an intermediate frame or frames by interpolation, based on key frame data and correspondence data file between key frames. If an error detector detects an error in an input coded data stream, an error controller instructs the intermediate image generator to perform an error avoidance processing which may include substituting another key frame for an error-containing key frame or use of the additional correspondence data to create the intermediate key frame or frames for an error-containing correspondence data file, and so forth.

Abstract: An image interpolation method and apparatus by which to quickly generate and display motion pictures using a small amount of data. An image input unit inputs a first image and a second image. A matching processor computes a pixel matching between those images so that a corresponding point is obtained on the second image with respect to a lattice point of a mesh on the first image. The matching processor stores the matching results recorded as a corresponding point file. An intermediate image generator generates an intermediate image between the first image and the second image based on the corresponding point file. In particular, in generating the intermediate image, an attribute of the pixels on one image may be used as such without the attribute being interpolated between pixels of each image. Thus, when generating intermediate images, only one image and a smaller corresponding point file can be used.

Abstract: Provided is a pseudo-three-dimensional image generating technique by which a further increased large amount of CG images is generated and drawn. A pseudo-three-dimensional image generating apparatus includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit. When moving pictures that contain a three-dimensional object model are generated, the first processing unit generates key frames, selected at certain or varied intervals, of the moving pictures by CG. The second processing unit interpolates these key frames by an image processing, so as to generate intermediate frames. The timing of the key frames and intermediate frames are adjusted in a buffer memory and are then outputted to a display apparatus.

Abstract: An image processing system including an image coding apparatus and an image decoding apparatus. The image coding apparatus includes an image input unit for acquiring key frames, a matching processor for generating correspondence information between the key frames, a sound input unit for acquiring sound data to be synchronized with the key frames and correspondence information, and a stream generator for generating a coded data stream which includes the sound data, the correspondence information, and the key frames. The image decoding apparatus includes a stream input unit for acquiring the added data stream, a stream separator for separating the key frames, correspondence information and sound data from the coded data stream; an intermediate frame generator for generating intermediate frames from the key frames and correspondence information, and an output controller for outputting the key frames and intermediate frames in synchronization with the sound data.

Abstract: After a digital content is loaded into an information terminal such as a PC, ID information unique to a viewer or a user of the PC is imprinted into the content. The ID information is imprinted into a predetermined location of the content or alternatively, it may be imprinted over the entire content in the form of a spatial frequency. The content with an ID added thereto is then enabled to be used in the terminal.

Abstract: Encryption and decryption methods for 3-dimensional shape data, especially copyrighted data, useful for detecting unauthorized use or piracy of a 3-dimensional object's shape represented by the 3-dimensional shape data are provided. An alteration is added to 3-dimensional shape data representing a 3-dimensional object by using an encryption key. The encrypted data, having been altered, are distributed. The 3-dimensional object represented by the encrypted data is distorted and different from the original 3-dimensional object. The recipient of the encrypted data can obtain the original 3-dimensional shape data by reversing the alteration of the encrypted data by using a decryption key.

Abstract: A multiresolutional filter called a critical point filter is introduced. This filter extracts a maximum, a minimum, and two types of saddle points of pixel intensity for every 2×2 (horizontal×vertical) pixels so that an image of a lower level of resolution is newly generated for every type of a critical point. Using this multiresolutional filter, a source image and a destination image are hierarchized, and source hierarchical images and destination hierarchical images are matched using image characteristics recognized through a filtering operation.

Abstract: A multiresolutional filter called a critical point filter is introduced. This filter extracts a maximum, a minimum, and two types of saddle points of pixel intensity for every 2×2 (horizontal×vertical) pixels so that an image of a lower level of resolution is newly generated for every type of a critical point. Using this multiresolutional filter, a source image and a destination image are hierarchized, and source hierarchical images and destination hierarchical images are matched using image characteristics recognized through a filtering operation.

Abstract: A threshold element is implemented by output wired CMOS circuit. The corresponding threshold function is transformed to a form including the ratio of beta values of n- and p-transistors. Inputs are allocated to the n- and p-transistors in accordance with the ratio. The logic circuitry can be implemented with half of transistors in the similar implementation in a conventional CMOS circuitry, since every character entry corresponds to a single transistor.

Abstract: Shape expressions in CAD or CG have often been carried out in polygon data. In polygon representations, the amount of data becomes very large if precision is pursued. Another shape representation utilizing the existing polygon data asset is proposed. Polygon data showing the shape of an object is first obtained. Topological information of the object is extracted from the polygon data. Based on the information, the polygon data is converted into topological data. The inversion is carried out upon necessity.

Abstract: After a digital content is loaded into an information terminal such as a PC, ID information unique to a viewer or a user of the PC is imprinted into the content. The ID information is imprinted into a predetermined location of the content or alternatively, it may be imprinted over the entire content in the form of a spatial frequency. The content with an ID added thereto is then enabled to be used in the terminal.

Abstract: A topography information data processing system acquires ground surface data which represents bumps and hollows on the ground, generates manifold data which represents the shape of the manifold that encloses the bumps and hollows on the ground based on the ground surface data, and acquires topological geometric data applying the Morse theory to the manifold data. A new type of geographic information data representation is provided by using topological geometric data generated based on the Morse theory known in differential geometry and differential topology. Geographic information data suitable to be stored in a recording medium or to be transmitted through a network is provided.