Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for determining the presence of a patterned object on the surface of a sensor. The apparatus comprises a sensor system coupled to a means for generating a control signal. The sensor system is configured to sense an image corresponding to the patterned object and to translate the image into image data. The means for generating a control signal generates a control signal if statistics of the image data exceed a pre-determined number of threshold levels. In a preferred embodiment, the patterned object is finger with a fingerprint on its surface and the sensor is fingerprint swipe sensor. Preferably, the threshold levels are software programmable.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for multi-level red eye correction in a digital image are described. In an embodiment, a method receives an input that identifies an actual red eye in a digital image and a red eye candidate score associated with the actual red eye. The red eye candidate score of the actual red eye exceeds a detection threshold value. The method corrects the coloration of the actual red eye with a level of correction based on the red eye candidate score.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus and method, for processing a captured or recorded image with a dimension of M×N temporarily stored in an external memory; M and N are both integers larger than 1. The image processing apparatus includes a reading module, a buffer, a first processing module, a second processing module, and a writing module. Particularly, the image processing apparatus and method of the invention is a tile-based apparatus and method, which can decrease the width of the buffer and further reduce the hardware cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for recognition, classification and spatial localization of bounded 3D-objects. In particular it relates to a computerized method for recognition, classification and localization of objects. The method comprises generation of a training database based on a large number of training views recorded by a camera or constructed using a CAD representation of an object. Characteristic curves are derived from the training views, and primitives of the curves are detected. Intrinsic and extrinsic descriptors of features are stored in the database together with data about the object class and pose of the view. Finally the recognition takes place in two stages: First the intrinsic descriptors of the recognition view are compared with those of the database. Second, among the best matching features it is explored which features agree mutually in the sense that they suggest the same object class at the same pose.

Abstract: An apparatus discriminates a potential obstacle in the path of a vehicle from among various objects in an image shot by a monocular camera. First, an object detecting unit detects an object in the image by applying a saliency calculation to the image. Second, an object discriminating unit discriminates an object from among the objects detected by the object detecting unit as a potential obstacle by applying a neural network method to the objects.

Abstract: A terminal device includes an input unit operable to input a first graphic code that corresponds to first information from a medium printed with a first series of graphic codes and a communication unit operable to use the first information as terminal identification information to establish communication through a network. The input unit inputs a second graphic code from a medium printed with a second series of graphic codes, the second graphic code corresponding to second information associated with the first information. The communication unit includes an acquiring unit operable to acquire the second information corresponding to the second graphic code.

Abstract: A video encoding system uses both a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU) to perform video encoding. The system implements a technique that enables the GPU to perform motion estimation for video encoding. The technique allows the GPU to perform a motion estimation process in parallel with the video encoding process performed by the CPU. The performance of video encoding using such a system is greatly accelerated as compared to encoding using just the CPU. Also, data related to motion estimation is arranged and provided to the GPU in a way that utilizes the capabilities of the GPU. Data about video frames may be collocated to enable multiple channels of the GPU to process tasks in parallel. The depth buffer of the GPU may be used to consolidate repeated calculations and searching tasks during the motion estimation process.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a wafer including a multiplicity of dies, the method including dividing an image of at least a portion of the wafer into a plurality of sub-images each representing a sub-portion of the wafer and selecting at least one defect candidate within each sub-image by comparing each sub-image to a corresponding sub-image of a reference including a representation, which is assumed to be faultless, of the portion of the wafer.

Abstract: A difference image is obtained between two images which are objects of comparative viewing, regardless of whether the images are processed images. A judgment means judges whether the two images are processed images, based on process confirmation data attached thereto. A correction means corrects images which have been judged to be processed images by the judgment means to a state equivalent to that of the images prior to image processes. The correction is performed based on image processing condition data which are attached to the processed images. A positional alignment means aligns the positions of the two images. An inter image calculation means performs inter image calculation between unprocessed or corrected images.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining the acceptability of an input image for a predetermined output operation, such as printing, includes the steps of: (a) identifying one or more important areas in the input image; (b) calculating a salient acceptability feature for each of the important areas; (c) determining the acceptability of the input image from the salient acceptability features of the important areas; and (d) implementing the predetermined output operation based on the acceptability of the input image determined in step (c).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for eye gaze tracking in human or animal subjects without calibration of cameras, specific measurements of eye geometries or the tracking of a cursor image on a screen by the subject through a known trajectory. One embodiment includes one uncalibrated camera for acquiring video images of the subject's eye(s) and optionally having an on-axis illuminator, and a surface, object, or visual scene with embedded off-axis illuminator markers. The off-axis markers are reflected on the corneal surface of the subject's eyes as glints. The glints indicate the distance between the point of gaze in the surface, object, or visual scene and the corresponding marker on the surface, object, or visual scene.

Abstract: A method for associating a stereo image, by acquiring images of an object from a first point and a second point and by associating the image at the first point and the second point, comprising a step of moving from the first point to the second point while taking an image of the object, a step of setting two or more pass points on the image of the first point, a step of comparing a preceding image and a subsequent image over time, a step of retrieving and identifying the pass points of the preceding image in the subsequent image, a step of retrieving and identifying the pass points sequentially with respect to every frame image data from the image of the first point to the image of the second point, a step of identifying the pass points of the image of the second point, and a step of associating the image at the first point with the image at the second point via the pass points.

Abstract: Classification methods are described that proceed in computer-assisted fashion, and in particular a method for evaluation and stabilization over time of classification results is described in which objects to be classified are sensed using sensors over a period of time, and are repeatedly classified with the inclusion of specific quality parameters for each object class. To ensure better classification reliability, the following steps may be carried out: a) increasing the value of the confidence parameter if a subsequent classification confirms the result of a previous classification; b) decreasing the value of the confidence parameter if a subsequent classification does not confirm the result of a previous classification; and c) generating a final classification result including the confidence parameters that have been increased or decreased in value.

Abstract: A method performed by a processing system is provided. The method comprises processing a first plurality of pixel values associated with a first face in a first frame of a digital video to generate a first enhanced pixel value, filtering the first enhanced pixel value to generate a first filtered value, and re-mapping at least the first plurality of pixel values with a first plurality of interpolated values generated from the first enhanced pixel value and the first filtered value.

Abstract: In an electrophotographic marking system a guard is provided to prevent fingerprint smears or markings on a platen glass. When fingerprint images are made, oil and other debris from the fingers mark the platen and cause subsequent images to reproduce these markings. This guard protects the platen from said marks via a convenient and economical expedient.

Abstract: A method of generating an image comprising a position identifying pattern 6 and content 7 comprises the steps of: defining criteria relating to a region where the content and the pattern are superimposed, the criteria determining whether the pattern 6 will be distinguishable over the content 7 when applied to a product; identifying such a region 7 in the image; and selecting a characteristic of the pattern or the content in the region on the basis of the criteria, such that the image in the region meets the criteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for person identification. In one embodiment, a method for identifying an individual includes obtaining at least one image of the individual, where the image depicts at least a portion of the individual's hair, comparing the visual characteristics of the individual's hair to the visual characteristics of imaged hair in one or more stored images, and identifying the individual based on the comparison.

Abstract: A partition pattern template generation method for alignment receives a learning image and performs partition template generation using the learning image to generate a plurality of partition template result output. A partition template acceptance test is performed using the plurality of partition template results to generate partition templates or failure result. A partition template search method for alignment receives an alignment image and partition templates and performs a plurality of template search steps to generate a plurality of matching scores output. A partition integration method is performed using the plurality of matching scores to generate a partition template search result. A partition integration error self checking method receives a preliminary template search result position and a plurality of the matching scores. A matching score profile comparison is performed using the plurality of the matching scores and the expected matching score profile to generate the template search result.

Abstract: Methods for improving spatial and/or temporal resolution of digital images and for improving image data transmission by a novel technique—back pixelation, which involves data processing and reconstruction of overlaid images from multiple acquisition or multiple sampling. The back pixelation technique may be used for image data acquisition and transmission; it may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. In particular, the methods of this invention may be used in reducing the pixel size of a two-dimensional image or the voxel size of a three dimensional image; producing a two- or three-dimensional image from a multiplicity of images acquired from an object which are capable of overlaying one another by an increment; producing and transmitting a two- or three-dimensional image by multiple acquisitions according to an acquisition matrix; or transmitting a two- or three-dimensional image by reducing or decomposing the image to a plurality of image data packets and transmitting the same.

Abstract: A computerized method for associating one or more portions of a diagnostic image with one or more electronic records is provided. The method includes receiving a diagnostic image having data particular to at least two persons and associating a first portion of the diagnostic image with an electronic record. The method may further include storing the first portion of the diagnostic image with the electronic record and/or associating and storing a common portion of the diagnostic image with the electronic record, the common portion consisting of data common to each person whose data is shown on the image. In one embodiment, the method may further include modifying the received diagnostic image and associating and storing the modified image with an electronic record. A computer system for associating at least a portion of a diagnostic image with an electronic record is also provided.