Abstract: An image processing device and method for classifying symbols relies on a connected-component technique for isolating symbol regions. The device and method form connected components from an image derived by the application of an edge detection filter. The formation of connected components from this filtered image defines the edges of character shapes. As a result, the number of pixels that must be connected to define each connected component is substantially reduced and the speed of processing thereby increased. The application of the method is discussed primarily with respect to text in a video stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically generating a database of road sign images and positions where the road signs are identified from video images depicting roadside scenes that are recorded from a vehicle navigating a road and having a system that stores location information.

Abstract: A method and system for applying substance formulations to a land area is disclosed. A flexible, easily modifiable graphical representation of subareas of the area is provided, wherein to each subarea it is desired to apply a combination of one or more substance formulations uniformly throughout the subarea. A user (e.g., a farmer) needs only to specify a boundary for each subarea on a graphical image of the land area for computationally defining the subarea. Subsequently, since the land area image and the subarea boundaries thereon are geographically referenced to latitude and longitude coordinates, when applying such formulations to the land area, the present invention utilizes global positioning system (GPS) signals to thereby determine when such a subarea boundary has been traversed so that a corresponding change in the applied formulation(s) can be performed.

Abstract: A reader and pressure pad apparatus is disclosed for urging documents with various physical characteristics to conform to the shape of the reader, increasing the efficiency of the reader. The reader has a curved convex surface with a centrally located read head gap and the pressure pad, an oppositely curved concave surface, which is biased against the read head in order to improve the contact area between the document and the read area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting anomalies morphologically detecting regions of interest. The apparatus and method include a region of interest (ROI) detection unit which morphologically detects anomalies in two dimensional input images or morphologically detects regions of interest based on structuring elements which can be set by a user using a modified hit and miss transform which includes a thresholding feature. The thresholding feature makes it possible to vary how much the shape of features within the input images can deviate from the shape of structuring elements and still be detected as a region of interest. One application of this involves detection of abnormal cells in a cervical Pap-smear.