Abstract: A method for identifying an iris image can include obtaining an iris image of an eye, segmenting the iris image, generating, from the segmented iris image, a normalized iris image, and generating, from the normalized iris image, an iris template. The method can also include generating a modified iris template by extracting a portion of the iris template, comparing the modified iris template with a plurality of previously stored other modified iris templates and matching the modified iris template with one of the plurality of previously stored other modified iris templates. The method can also include generating a modified iris template by extracting a portion of the iris template, comparing the modified iris template with a plurality of previously stored other modified iris templates, and matching the modified iris template with one of the plurality of previously stored other modified iris templates.

Abstract: An iterative approach to vector median filtering wherein the resulting median vector need not be a member of the original data set. The iterative vector median filtering allows for fast convergence for complex computations and an output which is approximate to the mean, particularly for small data sets. In addition, a method and system for registering and matching 2.5 normal maps is provided. Registration of two maps is performed by optimally aligning their normals through 2-D warping in the image plane in conjunction with a 3-D rotation of the normals. Once aligned, the average dot-product serves as a matching metric for automatic target recognition (ATR).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically generating a three-dimensional computer model from a “point cloud” of a scene produced by a laser radar (LIDAR) system. Given a point cloud of an indoor or outdoor scene, the method extracts certain structures from the imaged scene, i.e., ceiling, floor, furniture, rooftops, ground, and the like, and models these structures with planes and/or prismatic structures to achieve a three-dimensional computer model of the scene. The method may then add photographic and/or synthetic texturing to the model to achieve a realistic model.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a back-illuminated semiconductor imaging device on a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate, and resulting imaging device is disclosed. The device includes an insulator layer; a semiconductor substrate, having an interface with the insulator layer; an epitaxial layer grown on the semiconductor substrate by epitaxial growth; and one or more imaging components in the epitaxial layer in proximity to a face of the epitaxial layer, the face being opposite the interface of the semiconductor substrate and the insulator layer, the imaging components comprising junctions within the epitaxial layer; wherein the semiconductor substrate and the epitaxial layer exhibit a net doping concentration having a maximum value at a predetermined distance from the interface of the insulating layer and the semiconductor substrate and which decreases monotonically on both sides of the profile from the maximum value within a portion of the semiconductor substrate and the epitaxial layer.

Abstract: Method for tracking an object recorded within a selected frame of a sequence of frames of video data, using a plurality of layers, where at least one object layer of the plurality of layers represents the object includes initializing layer ownership probabilities for pixels of the selected frame using a non-parametric motion model, estimating a set of motion parameters of the plurality of layers for the selected frame using a parametric maximization algorithm and tracking the object. The non-parametric motion model is optical flow and includes warping the mixing probabilities, the appearances of the plurality of layers, and the observed pixel data from the pixels of the preceding frame to the pixels of the selected frame to initialize the layer ownership probabilities for the pixels of the selected frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise in at least one frame in an image sequence is disclosed. A minimum function is applied to the at least one frame to produce a plurality of minimum values. A mask is generated in accordance with the plurality of minimum values. The mask is applied to reduce the noise in the at least one frame. In one embodiment, impulse noise is reduced. In another embodiment wideband non-linear noise is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for detecting edges of an object in a pre-crash sensing environment. The method includes extracting vertical edges from peaks in an array of column sums of absolute values of normalized horizontal derivates computed in the intensity image. The pixels with corresponding range image depths proximate the estimated object's closest surface contribute the column sums. The search is conducted for all likely combinations of left/right edge pairs preferably within a pre-determined horizontal range about the object's detected center. The left/right edge pairs that delimit a width within the pre-determined range of possible widths for the object are selected. Alternatively, an additional search is performed on each pair of edges to support any angular or inward slant on the edges of the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying an object in an image is disclosed. Edges of an object are detected within a region of interest. Edge analysis is performed on a plurality of sub-regions within the region of interest to generate an edge score. The object is classified based on the edge score.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing collision detection is described. An object is detected within a first operational range of an object tracker. A classification of the object is determined using the object tracker. The object tracker tracks the object. The object is detected within a second operational range of a collision detector. A safety measure is activated based on the classification using the collision detector.

Abstract: A stereo vision based collision avoidance systems having stereo cameras that produce imagery that is processed to produce a depth map of a scene. A potential threat is detected in the depth map. The size, position, and velocity of the detected potential threat are then estimated, and a trajectory analysis of the detected potential threat is determined using the estimated position and the estimated velocity. A collision prediction based on the trajectory analysis is determined, and then a determination is made as to whether a collision is imminent based on the collision prediction and on the estimated size of the potential threat.

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: The present invention provides a ballast circuit and method for fabricating the same for multi-electrode corona discharge arrays. The circuit includes a conductive plastic material and at least one corona electrode protruding from the conductive plastic material. The distance between the plastic material and the corona electrode varies and controls the electrical resistance and determines the voltage breakdown of the circuit. Additionally, a particle collection surface may preferably be located within the conductive plastic material or preferably be separated from the material depending on the circuit design and configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unsupervised learning of measures for matching objects between images from at least two non-overlapping cameras is disclosed The method includes collecting at least two pairs of feature maps, where the at least two pairs of feature maps are derived from features of objects captured in the images. The method further includes computing, as a function of at least two pairs of feature maps, at least one first and second match measures, wherein the first match measure is of a same class and the second match measure is of a different class.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for video surveillance is disclosed. In one embodiment, a sequence of scene imagery representing a field of view is received. One or more moving objects are identified within the sequence of scene imagery and then classified in accordance with one or more extracted spatio-temporal features. This classification may then be applied to determine whether the moving object and/or its behavior fits one or more known events or behaviors that are causes for alarm.

Abstract: An anti-piracy system introduces distortion into a recorded image, while maintaining a high quality projected image. The video source material includes modulated entities for providing artifacts incompatible with the content of the video source material and selectively deliverable information that the projection system uses to demodulate the entities. A projector receives the information about the modulated entity and corrects, or demodulates, the entity. The projection system also imposes a recording device dependent interference on the projected images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing an iris biometrics system that operates in minimally constrained settings. The image acquisition system has fewer constraints on subjects than traditional methods by extending standoff distance and capture volume. The method receives design parameters and provides derived quantities that are useful in designing an image acquisition system having a specific set of performance requirements. Exemplary scenarios of minimally constrained settings are provided, such as a high volume security checkpoint, an office, an aircraft boarding bridge, a wide corridor, and an automobile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining iris biometric information that provides increased standoff distance and capture volume is provided herein. In one embodiment, a system for obtaining iris biometric information includes an array of cameras defining an image capture volume for capturing an image of an iris; and an image processor, coupled to the array of cameras, for determining at least one suitable iris image for processing from the images generated for the image capture volume. The image capture volume may include a plurality of cells, wherein each cell corresponds to at least one of the cameras in the array of iris image capture cameras.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid state intra-cavity absorption spectrometer comprising a solid-state gain device interspersed in an array of oscillators in a chamber to produce a wide area coherent high power source of Terahertz radiation. The source is then partitioned into two separate regions, one having a gain medium and one having a sample chamber that can be held a different pressure and is chemically isolated from the gain region thereby forming an intra-cavity absorption spectrometer.

Abstract: A method and/or system for tracking objects, such as humans, over a wide area (that is, over an area that is delineated by a large spatial domain and/or a long-duration temporal domain) is provided. Such tracking is facilitated by processing, in real-time, near real-time or otherwise contemporaneous with receiving, images captured by each of a plurality or network of slightly overlapping stereo sensors, such as stereo cameras. The method includes and the apparatus is adapted for obtaining a plurality of local-track segments, wherein the plurality of local-track segments correspond to an object captured in images taken by a respective plurality of stereo sensors; and combining the local-track segments to form a global track.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a back-illuminated semiconductor imaging device on a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate, and resulting imaging device is disclosed. A substrate which includes an insulator layer and an epitaxial layer substantially overlying the insulator layer is provided. At least one bond pad region is formed extending into the epitaxial layer to a surface of the insulator layer. At least one bond pad is fabricated at least partially overlying the at least one bond pad region. At least one imaging component is fabricated at least partially overlying and extending into the epitaxial layer. A passivation layer is fabricated substantially overlying the epitaxial layer, the at least one bond pad, and the at least one imaging component. A handle wafer is bonded to the passivation layer. The at least a portion of the insulator layer and at least a portion of the bond pad region is etched to expose at least a portion of the at least one bond pad.