Abstract: A fault-tolerant data processing computer system and method for implementing a distributed two-tier state machine aimed for distributed (replicated) data stores, in which consistency is maintained despite the failure of any number of replicas and communication paths. In the distributed two-tier state machine, one process (device) in a network of processes (devices) is chosen as the leader, and that leader is responsible for executing functions that return state machine commands, and for broadcasting the commands to the other processes. The processes execute the commands in the logical precedence order that corresponds to the order of function executions that return these commands. The system and method ensures that each of the processes issues exactly the same sequence of commands for execution, such that each command in the sequence, except the first one, has a precedent command on which the command logically depends.

Abstract: A method for disoccluded region coding in multiview video data stream by an entropy encoder, the method comprising the steps of: coding a block of a base view; storing state and estimated probabilities in contexts models of the entropy encoder in a context storage module with a reference identifying the block of the base view; repeating the aforementioned steps of coding and storing for every block of the base view of the multiview video data stream; starting coding of a disoccluded region and dividing, into blocks, disoccluded area of a side view associated with the base view; determining, for neighboring blocks, of currently coded block, that have not been in the disoccluded area, a corresponding block in the base view, using a block correspondence database; when such a correspondence is determined, reading a previously stored state and estimated probabilities in context models of the entropy encoder for the corresponding block; copying all coding modes from the corresponding block to the neighboring block;

Abstract: A method for predictive encoding of a depth map, includes the steps of receiving a depth map; dividing the depth map to blocks; performing quad-tree decomposition of the depth map to sub-blocks; approximating each of the sub-blocks by a plane, wherein the plane is associated with three plane points; and determining an order of coding of the sub-blocks; and providing an encoded depth map in a form of a set of planes defined by parameters. The method includes, while encoding consecutive sub-blocks: calculating predictors for the plane points of the currently-encoded sub-block (C); calculating differences between the actual values of the plane points and the values of the corresponding predictors; and providing the parameters of the plane for the currently-encoded sub-block (C) in form of the differences.

Abstract: A method for video object tracking using stereoscopic images with depth maps. The method comprises calculating a first axis histogram for each depth map and applying: a first object detection method to track objects based on at least one of: the contents of the images and the depth maps; and a second object detection method to track objects based on the contents of the histograms of the depth maps. The locations of tracked objects are determined based on comparison of the results of the first object detection method and the second object detection method.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for generating a depth map for a pair of stereoscopic images, the system comprising a lower level processing arrangement and a higher level processing arrangement. The lower level processing arrangement comprises a search range estimation module receiving a reliability map and configured to determine a range of considered disparities in a higher level of processing wherein a decision regarding such range is taken based on the reliability map. The higher level processing arrangement comprises a depth map generation with reliability module receiving output of an image sections matching module configured to output a depth map and a reliability map wherein the reliability map comprises data on reliability, with which a disparity value has been determined for each point of the pair of stereoscopic images.

Abstract: A method for depth-image-based rendering, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a first reference view; obtaining a depth map for the first reference view; obtaining a second reference view; obtaining a depth map for the second reference view; the method further comprising the steps of extracting noise present in the first and the second reference views; denoising the first and the second reference views and, based on the denoised first and second reference views, rendering an output view using depth-image-based rendering; adding the extracted noise to the output view.

Abstract: A method for estimation of dimensions of an object present on images obtained from a set of N cameras and representing the same scene from different viewpoints, based on a 3D object model. The method comprises determining (302) a 3DMM model. It further comprises matching (303) the 3DMM model to each of N images of the set in order to determine a set of parameters hi, ?i, ?i, wherein hi describes the orientation of the matched model with respect to the i-th image; ?i describes the 3D shape of the model matched to the i-th image and ?i describes the appearance/texture of the model matched to the i-th image.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing a distorted wide angle image with barrel distortion to obtain a plurality of reconstructed images, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: determining, on the basis of a mapping function representing the distortion of the distorted image, a reconstruction function representing the position of points (r0) of reconstructed image as a function of position of points (r1) on the distorted image, determining a plurality of viewing angles (?1, ?2, ?3), for each viewing angle (?1, ?2, ?3), generating a reconstructed image comprising points of the distorted image comprised within the particular viewing angle (?1, ?2, ?3) and reconstructed using the reconstruction function, such that each reconstructed image has its central point corresponding to the same point of the distorted image.

Abstract: A method for estimating a size of an object present on two images representing the same scene from different points of view, the method comprising: determining an AAM image model; matching the AAM image model to the images to find a set of parameters describing the shape of the model (pc) and the appearance of the model (?c) for which minimal matching errors for both images occur; and estimating the size of the object based on the differences in locations of points of the AAM image model in the images. The image model is matched to both images mutually, i.e. by using information from both images.

Abstract: A method for determination of the images of electron relaxation times, T1, in EPR tomography consists in the resultant relaxation time, T1, established from the ratio of amplitudes of signals recorded for various scanning directions is found, whereupon a variability function of the resultant relaxation time, T1, is found for at least two different scan frequencies, whereupon projections for the respective relaxation times are established for every point of the recorded spectra by matching functions specific for the respective relaxation times to the resultant function of variability of relaxation time, and then images are reconstructed in 1D or in 2D or in 3D depend of the experimental conditions.

Abstract: A method for analyzing behavior in an intelligent surveillance system, the system being operable to provide a series of consecutive images of an area under surveillance for consecutive time points, the method comprising the steps of: for each image of the series, generating a set of points defining at least one moving silhouette on an image; tracing the position of points in the sets of points on consecutive images in order to generate trajectories of points; providing a database of predefined trajectories corresponding to behavior; comparing the generated trajectories of points for said moving silhouette with database records; outputting information regarding the type of predefined behavior said moving silhouette corresponds to.

Abstract: A method to generate magnetic fields of high uniformity within the object examined in which two pairs of coils are used in which the current flows in the same direction and sense.

Abstract: An image coding method. The method includes encoding a first image, the first image having a reduced spatial resolution relative to an input image, wherein values of the first image depend on energy of corresponding areas of the input image, and encoding a first shape information of the shape of a spatial spectrum of the input image. The method further includes reconstructing a second image from the encoded first image, reconstructing a second shape information from the encoded first shape information, and generating a noise image having an intensity described by the second image and having a spectrum shape described by the second shape information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing a distorted wide angle image with barrel distortion to obtain a plurality of reconstructed images, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: determining, on the basis of a mapping function representing the distortion of the distorted image, a reconstruction function representing the position of points (r0) of reconstructed image as a function of position of points (r1) on the distorted image, determining a plurality of viewing angles (?1, ?2, ?3), for each viewing angle (60 1, ?2, ?3), generating a reconstructed image comprising points of the distorted image comprised within the particular viewing angle (?1, ?2, ?3) and reconstructed using the reconstruction function, such that each reconstructed image has its central point corresponding to the same point of the distorted image.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for video signal encoding with motion estimation, the video signal comprising frames divided into prediction units, the method comprising the steps of: determining (401) the current prediction unit (PUX) to be encoded, creating (407) a list (LMVXpred) comprising motion vector predictions (MVPUY) from neighboring units (PUY), selecting (411) from the list (LMVXpred) the motion vector prediction which is the best according to a predetermined cost function for encoding the current prediction unit (PUX), using (412) the selected prediction number to encode the current prediction unit (PUX).

Abstract: A method for determination of the images of electron relaxation times, T1, in EPR tomography consists in the resultant relaxation time, T1, established from the ratio of amplitudes of signals recorded for various scanning directions is found, whereupon a variability function of the resultant relaxation time, T1, is found for at least two different scan frequencies, whereupon projections for the respective relaxation times are established for every point of the recorded spectra by matching functions specific for the respective relaxation times to the resultant function of variability of relaxation time, and then images are reconstructed in 1D or in 2D or in 3D depend of the experimental conditions.

Abstract: A method to generate magnetic fields of high uniformity within the object examined in which two pairs of coils are used in which the current flows in the same direction and sense.

Abstract: A compressed air supply system for vibro-isolated tools comprises a telescopic-tubular connection between the tool grip and the tool compressed air engine. A cut-off valve is mounted at the inlet to a supply duct through the grip, the outlet of the duct being connected to a pipe of the supply system mounted in the grip by means of an elastic connection. The pipe of the supply system has holes through the wall thereof with increasing diameters which, during motion of the tool housing relative to the compressed air engine, overlap with holes in an intermediate sleeve into which the air supply pipe slidably extends. The intermediate sleeve conveys the air to the air engine.

Abstract: A multistage digital switching network for use in telecommunications has two identical subnetworks. Each of the subnetworks consists of three modules which are connected in series. In one embodiment, the subnetworks are connected through additional modules identical to the middle module of the series of the subnetworks. In another embodiment, otherwise unused outputs of the middle modules of the subnetworks are used for the connections between the subnetworks.

Abstract: Vibro-isolation of connections of structural units of hand tools consisting of a vibro-isolator with a constant reaction force is characterized by that on the side of the body /3/ of the compressed-air engine there is an upper /9/ and lower /10/ elastic guide being the first stage of vibro-isolation in the directions /x/ and /y/ perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the tool, whereas in the main direction /z/ parallel to the axis of symmetry of the tool vibro-isolation is ensured by an elastic system consisting of a vibro-isolator /1/ with a constant reaction force connected to the body /3/ of the compressed-air engine through a spring washer /2/, whereas on the side of the grip /4/ vibro-isolator /1/ with a constant reaction force is mounted through a spring washer /6/ and sleeve /7/ being at the same time the second stage of vibro-isolation of the grip /14/.