Abstract: The method identifies a pixon, a fundamental and indivisible unit of information, and a pixon basis, which represents the smallest number of cells of arbitrary shape or position required to fit the data, representing the minimum degrees of freedom necessary to specify the image. The goodness-of-fit is determined according to the Maximum Residual Likelihood (MRL) statistic or a similar chi-squared statistic.

Abstract: A facial image picture data is processed by an edge extraction part, which performs edge extraction on the inputted image picture. The processed data is then converted by a binary level conversion part for each preestimated point of facial elements. An image picture arithmetic processing part performs time-to-time arithmetic computation of correlation values between the data of the binary-leveled edged-image picture and the data having been previously stored in the shape data-base part, and issues an output including extracted data of feature points of the facial image picture.

Abstract: A method of clustering using a novel template to define a region of influence. Using neighboring approximation methods, computation times can be significantly reduced. The template and method are applicable and improve pattern recognition techniques.

Abstract: A process and associated apparatus can automatically read a dot matrix code marking on an article even when the marking has been partly obscured or damaged in some way. The process comprises capturing a video image of the dot matrix code and correlating points on the captured image with a mask of expected dot appearance, using a known two-dimensional correlation technique. However, the correlation is performed in accordance with certain thresholding and mask adjustment criteria to improve read reliability and map the possible dot pattern in preparation for an attempt at reading the code. After automatically reorientating the map of possible dots to a read orientation if necessary, decoding of the pattern of possible dots is then attempted by comparing it with a datum grid representing rows and columns of valid dot matrix codes. The process can output a signal affirming that a valid code has been found.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting the irradiation field of a radiographic image, wherein digital image data is acquired and subjected to multiple phases of digital imaging processes. The image is first acquired by a radiation image recording apparatus through a landmark-synthesizing device that generates landmark patterns on the acquired image. These patterns are indicative of where the irradiation field is located, and are subsequently detected by digital image processing techniques. Next, the irradiation field is robustly and efficiently identified through these landmark patterns. An irradiation map is then created that functions as a template for any further image processing to be done on the irradiation field. Once the irradiation field is identified, the landmark patterns are removed from the acquired image using digital image processing techniques if desired.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image input section, a color image/monochrome image converting section for performing image area division, a binarization circuit for binarizing a converted monochrome image, a reducing section for reducing a binary image, a boundary extracting section for extracting the boundaries between the areas of constituent elements constituting an input image, e.g., a binary image and a continuous gradation image, and a kind-of-image determining section for determining the kinds of images in partial areas defined by the extracted boundaries. For example, the image processing apparatus further includes a data compressing section.

Abstract: A method of processing digital angiographic images which enables automatic detection of stenoses includes a tracking step for the identification of pixels or points situated on the central lines of vessels, and a step for the detection of stenoses by measurement of the intensity of pixels along the central lines of the vessels. The stenoses detection step includes a sub-step for deciding whether a pixel zone is a potential stenosis zone when the intensity of its pixels exhibits a local variation so as to assume an intermediate value between the intensity of the pixels to both sides of this zone and the intensity of the pixels of the image background, a sub-step for defining an icon around potential stenosis zones, and a sub-step for the extraction of the pixels of edges of the vessel segments in the icons.

Abstract: An embedded multi-bit signal is steganographically detected from empirical data, such as image or audio data, and some aspect of a related system's operation is controlled in accordance therewith. One application of the invention is a video playback or recording device that is controlled in accordance with the embedded multi-bit signal to limit playback or recording operations. Another is a photo-duplication kiosk that recognizes certain steganographic markings in an image being copied and interrupts the copying operation.

Abstract: Method and device for binary segmentation of a digital image with a threshold obtained using a histogram to obtain a binary segmented digital image. The digital image is thresholded a number of grey levels, and the number of objects which appear when the digital image is thresholded at each of the grey levels is counted. A histogram of the number of objects per grey level is constructed, and a segmentation threshold is determined automatically on the basis of the histogram. The digital image is then thresholded at the segmentation threshold to obtain the binary segmented digital image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided, including division means for dividing input image data into a plurality of areas. Enlargement/reduction means are provided for enlarging/reducing image data. First calculation means calculate a first image size as a sum of results from enlargement/reduction at first to i-th areas enlarged/reduced by the enlargement/reduction means at a designated enlargement/reduction ratio. Second calculation means calculate a second image size as a result from the enlargement/reduction at an image comprising the first to i-th areas at the designated enlargement/reduction ratio. Determination means determine an enlargement/reduction ratio of enlargement/reduction to be performed on the image comprising the first to i-th areas, based on the first image size and the second image size.

Abstract: An image transforming section subjects image data to compression processing. A quantizing section quantizes the transformed data using a quantization width. A variable-length coding section subjects the quantized data to variable-length coding. A code-amount computing section determines a total code amount by accumulating partial code amounts. A control section performs control based on the code amount. An estimating method selecting section adaptively selects a quantization width estimating method. A coded result storage section stores data of a code amount corresponding to the quantization width. First and second quantization width estimating sections have different quantization width estimating methods.

Abstract: A method for determining region boundaries in an image comprises the steps of providing an image having a plurality of discrete points, determining for each discrete point in the image an affinity force vector representing the affinity of the point to every other point in the image, and detecting region boundaries in the image using the affinity force vectors. An apparatus for determining region boundaries in an image comprises means for providing an image having a plurality of discrete points, means for determining for each discrete point in the image an affinity force vector representing the affinity of the point to every other point in the image, and means for detecting region boundaries in the image using the affinity force vectors. Automatic spatial parameter selection for input in the affinity force vector determination and regional axis detection methods are also provided.

Abstract: Coverslip detection locating all four coverslip edges. A field of view processor receives image data from a charge coupled device camera. The charge coupled device camera images a slide and coverslip that is mounted on a movable frame. The slide and coverslip are illuminated from below with a uniform light source. The moveable frame is under computer control and moves in response to the field of view processor. The field of view processor locates the coverslip by first positioning the movable frame to view a portion of the slide on a predetermined potion of the slide within a predetermined area of the slide. The slide is then re-imaged after the movable frame moves the slide toward a chosen edge of direction. Edge type objects are located and followed over multiple fields of view. If the edge object satisfies a set of predetermined criteria the coverslip edge has been found. The edge is extended to find all four corners of the coverslip. The edge objects are processed using morphological operators.

Abstract: Groups of symbols to be recognized are standardized by fitting four flexible curves to the group of symbols. The curves are fitted by minimizing a cost or energy function that associates a cost with the curvature of the curves, the slant of the curves, the displacement in spacing between the curves and the distance of maxima and minima points from the curves. After the curves are fitted to the group of symbols, the symbols are standardized by transforming coordinates systems so that the fitted curves are placed in a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A method for recognizing an object image comprises the steps of extracting a candidate for mineda predetermined object image from an overall image, and making a judgment as to whether the extracted candidate for the predetermined object image is or is not the predetermined object image. The candidate for the predetermined object image is extracted by causing the center point of a view window, which has a predetermined size, to travel to the position of the candidate for the predetermined object image, and determining an extraction area in accordance with the size and/or the shape of the candidate for the predetermined object image, the center point of the view window being taken as a reference during the determination of the extraction area.

Abstract: An "image information enhancement" technique for processing digital images is presented, wherein enhancement of image detail contrast is accomplished by adding a differential hysteresis pattern to a digital image. The differential hysteresis image processing utilizes the persistence of intensity variations (i.e., hysteresis) as means for data reduction and image detail contrast enhancement. Image hysteresis is determined by a hysteresis cursor of an interactively chosen hysteresis range and differential hysteresis patterns are generated as a difference between hysteresis images.

Abstract: A table recognition apparatus for recognizing a table image wherein coexist characters and ruled lines. The apparatus comprises a character/ruled line separating part for separating characters from ruled lines in the table image; a character block extracting part for extracting character blocks from the character image separated by the character/ruled line separating part; and a character block extending part for extending the character blocks extracted by the character block extracting part in such a manner that the edges of the character blocks are aligned according to the positional relations between the blocks.

Abstract: A picture processing method for correcting distorted pictures is provided. A plurality of starting points are displayed on the boundary of the picture to be corrected. An operator enters motion vectors, each corresponding to a starting point. The motion vector for any starting point for which no motion vector was entered is calculated. The picture is converted according to the motion vectors. This conversion corresponds to procedures to move points in the picture in the directions indicated by motion vectors. The closer a given motion vector is to a point, the more it affects the direction and distance of the motion of this point. A converted picture is displayed. As required, processing steps are executed again, and motion vectors are designated again. The desired picture is obtained by repeating the setting of motion vectors and the evaluation of the converted picture.

Abstract: A volume image memory (24) stores an electronic image representation of a volumetric region, such as the volumetric region examinedby a medical diagnostic scanner (10). A sub-region of interest of the volume is selected (30) and the surface of the selected region or object of interest is divided into triangular surface regions with a triangular surface processor (38). A vertex merging processor (40) examines the triangles to locate vertices spaced by less than a preselected minimum. Vertices closer than the preselected minimum are replaced with a vertex at a median position merging the triangle into adjacent triangles. A vertex removal processor (50) identifies groups of triangles having a common vertex (V.sub.c) that form a pyramid. The surface normals (N) of the triangles which define the pyramid are examined to determine whether they are within a preselected deviation of parallel. The altitude of the pyramid, i.e., a distance between the common vertex and an average plane (P.sub.

Abstract: A border treatment is supplied to an image which is to be processed by using an algorithm operation on a neighborhood surrounding each image pixel of the image. The border provides a high frequency high contrast area which appears to the image processing system as an undesirable area and which is eliminated thereby allowing an uninfluenced treatment of each of the pixels in an image including the pixels at the edges of an image. Any neighborhood influence resulting from border pixels near the edge of the image is eliminated because these border pixels appear as noise which is eliminated. The appearance of noise is due to the high frequency alternation of contrasting areas which are processed as noise and thereby eliminated.