Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products that identify and allow manipulation of shadows in a still frame (photo mode), or series of frames (movie mode). Manipulation of shadows includes such things as adjustment of shadow boundaries, softening of shadow boundaries, adjustment of shadow properties, and even removal of shadows altogether.

Abstract: A system or method of automated image processing that can automatically determine a color and transparency for a pixel with an observed color when given the pixel and a background reference color. A point in a color space can be automatically found by extrapolating in the color space based on two points in the color space that respectively correspond to or that respectively approximate the observed color and the given background reference color. A color for the given pixel that corresponds to or approximates the found point in the color space can also be calculated automatically. Based on the found point and the two points in the color space that respectively correspond to the observed color and the given reference color, a transparency for the pixel can be automatically found.

Abstract: Methods and software for self-gating a set of images. In exemplary embodiments, a fundamental heart frequency of the patient can be measured without the use of an ECG signal. In one method, the fundamental heart frequency can be determined by analyzing the size of the heart in the images. In another method, the fundamental heart frequency can be determined by applying a Fourier Transform. The measured fundamental heart frequency can thereafter be used to select slice images from the image scan for creation of a sagittal or coronal projection image. In exemplary embodiments, the resultant projection image can be used for coronary calcium detection and scoring.

Abstract: A process for cardiac movements to be used with a radiography apparatus (1) wherein acquiring of a series of successive images In of the region of the heart, an analysis of at least some of the images thus acquired to identify a heart movement; and a determination of the cardiac cycle starting from this movement.

Abstract: A method for aligning an image to be recorded by a direct image scanner on an upper layer of a printed circuit board with an image recorded on a lower layer thereof, the method comprising: visually imaging a portion of the image on the lower layer; and recording a pattern on the upper layer, referenced to coordinates of the visual image of the portion.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating a combined parameter map from a number of individual, initial parameter maps that contain values of various parameters dependent on the position (x, y), for each of the initial parameter maps and for each position, the signal value of the parameter at the appertaining position is converted into a first color value according to a first transfer function specifically defined for the respective parameter. Subsequently, the first color values are respectively converted into color code intensity values on the basis of a second transfer function. The color code intensity values of the individual parameters are then operated to form a combined intensity value. Finally, the combined intensity value is converted with a third transfer function into a color value at the appertaining position in the parameter map.

Abstract: Methods and systems for feature selection are described. In particular, methods and systems for feature selection for data classification, retrieval, and segmentation are described. Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and systems for complement sort-merge tree (CSMT), fast-converging sort-merge tree (FSMT), and multi-level (ML) feature selection. Accurate and fast results may be obtained by the feature selection methods and systems described herein.

Abstract: A de-blocking method smoothes pixels along a row or column that crosses a block boundary. Smoothing is performed to remove quantization or compression artifacts that appear on block edges when pixels in adjacent blocks are separately compressed. A maximum-allowed edge-pixel difference is generated from the quantization parameter QP. For each edge-crossing row or column, an edge difference is generated as half the difference between adjacent edge pixels in two blocks. This edge difference is compared to the maximum-allowed edge-pixel difference. When the edge difference is larger than the maximum-allowed edge-pixel difference, then the difference is limited to the maximum-allowed edge-pixel difference, since the pixel difference may be a real edge in the image. The limited or edge difference is then added or subtracted in decreasing amounts for several pixels in the row or column near the edge, smoothing the edge difference across several pixels, such as seven pixels.

Abstract: A method for generating data of an application with a picture, has the steps of authenticating that a person who makes picture-attached application data is an applicant, acquiring private information identified by identification information offered by the applicant and setting it as an application entry, embedding facial portrait authentication information for authenticating that the image data of the facial portrait represents the applicant in image data of the facial portrait to produce facial portrait data of the applicant, generating application data by adding the generated facial portrait data to the application entry set with the private information, and embedding application data authentication information for authenticating the contents of the application data in the generated application data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for performing gamma correction and edge correction on the image and for generating a noiseless image. The image processing apparatus includes a gamma correction unit for performing gamma correction on the image; an edge extraction unit for extracting an edge portion of the image on which gamma correction is performed by said gamma correction unit; a correction coefficient generation unit for generating a correction coefficient based on gamma correction performed by said gamma correction unit; an edge-image generation unit for generating edge-image data by multiplying the correction coefficient to image data of the edge portion; and an adding unit for adding the edge-image data to the image data of the image on which gamma correction is performed by said gamma correction unit.

Abstract: A moving object detection device comprising: an object distance setting part, determining the distance to a moving object that moves the most based on a distance image, in which information on distances to image-taken objects are embedded, and a difference image, in which the movements of moving objects are embedded as movement information; an object distance image generating part, generating an object distance image corresponding to the abovementioned distance; and a contour extraction part, extracting a contour inside the object distance image to detect a moving object.

Abstract: An ultrasound machine is disclosed that displays a color representation of moving structure, such as a cardiac wall tissue, within a region of interest on a monitor. The color representation is generated by displaying at least one color characteristic corresponding to a movement parameter of the structure, such as velocity or strain rate. The movement parameter is mapped to the color characteristic by apparatus comprising a front-end that generates received signals in response to ultrasound waves. A Doppler processor generates a set of parameter signals representing values of the movement parameter within the structure. A control processor adaptively generates a mapping function based on the distribution of the parameter signals to map the parameter signals to a set of color characteristic signals.

Abstract: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of always providing a high image quality recording image. A storage unit stores pattern information used for recording a target image on a recording medium at the unit of a pixel by means of a plurality of recording elements provided on the individual of the recording head (a plurality of pattern information items about use/no use of each recording agent in the recording elements together with a reference information item for deciding the pattern information used in recording the target pixel corresponding thereto. A correction unit corrects the information in the storage unit on the basis of the measured result of the density of the given image (test pattern) recorded in advance on the recording medium.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding a vehicle comprises a location module (e.g., location-determining receiver) for collecting preliminary location data for the vehicle. A vision module collects vision-derived location data for the vehicle during an evaluation time window. A location quality estimator estimates location quality data for the corresponding collected preliminary location data during an evaluation time window. A vision module estimates vision quality data for the corresponding collected vision-derived location data during the evaluation time window. A adjuster adjusts the preliminary location data to a revised location data based on the vision-derived location data such that the revised location data is registered with or generally coextensive with the vision-derived location data, if the vision quality data exceeds the minimum threshold level.

Abstract: For the entropy coding of image data after subjected to orthogonal transforation and quantization, a plurality of entropy coding units are provided in parallel. The plurality of entropy coding units can be operated efficiently and the entropy coding can be executed at high speed.

Abstract: There is provided a method of analyzing a plurality of views of an object, the object including an edge portion partially extending from a surface of the object into an internal volume of the object, comprising the step of analyzing each acquired view. The step of analyzing each acquired view includes analysis of the edge portion. Preferably, the object comprises breast tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for calculation of the duration a target area included within an image stream utilizes a three-dimensional model of at least one target area within a site. A counter is incremented during periods, for example on a frame-by-frame basis, when the target area is included in the image stream. An occlusion parameter is calculated for adjusting the calculated duration that the target area is included within the image stream. The occlusion parameter facilitates accounting for variations in a target area obstruction and is used for making adjustments to a counter so that a count indicative of a duration reflects variations in obstructions of the target area. A foreground parameter associated with target area is calculated for adjusting the calculated duration of the target area. The foreground parameter facilitates accounting for variations in the viewability of an image included within the target area resulting from various camera zooms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-invasively verifying human identities using near-infrared spectroscopy. Near-infrared tissue spectra can be obtained by projecting near-infrared radiation into skin on the underside of human forearms and capturing the light reflected back and out through the tissue. The tissue spectrum collected preferably includes primarily diffuse reflected light reflected from the inner dermis. Multiple tissue spectra and identities can be collected from individuals for whom identity verification may later be desired. The tissue spectra for each individual can be analyzed on a computer, and the spectra for each individual clustered or classified together using tools such as linear discriminant analysis. A target individual seeking identity verification can submit both a purported identity and a near-infrared tissue spectrum for analysis through near-infrared spectroscopy of the forearm.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for image processing proceeding from a computed tomography (CT) image of a lung as an original image that is registered using a contrast agent, pulmonary parenchyma pixels are determined, the pulmonary parenchyma pixels are presented in false colors, and the remaining image regions are presented in the gray scale values of the original image.

Abstract: Systems for fingerprinting digital data are described. In one embodiment, a system is configured to form a ? code by defining a plurality of fingerprinting words. Each fingerprinting word is unique and contains at least one spread sequence. Each fingerprinting word contains a plurality of ?-symbols, each ?-symbol containing 2c?1 spread sequences, where c is the number of colluders that are desired to be defended against. The fingerprinting words are structured to permit a collusion analysis to ascertain identities of potential colluders who change an associated fingerprinting word. The individual fingerprinting words are assigned to individual respective entities who constitute potential colluders and serve to identify an entity to which it is assigned.

Abstract: An automatic ticket dispenser of the type which prints onto a ticket, as or before it is dispensed, information including that as to time and date is provided. The ticket dispenser employs an electronic time clock advantageously with a battery back-up power supply and an electronic print head such as a dot matrix print head in the path of movement of tickets being dispensed. The ticket dispenser is of a type which is particularly suitable for use at entrances to parking areas and the like.