Abstract: A method of performing chroma-key coding including the steps of defining color regions and quantifying the number of pixels in the regions, classifying macroblocks in accordance with the number of pixels thus quantified, assigning chroma complexity weights for use in the computation of quantization step-size based on the classification of the macroblocks, computing the quantization step-size, performing quantization and performing variable length coding.

Abstract: A hardware accelerator board utilizes field programmable gate arrays which can be reprogrammed on the fly during program execution to achieve dedicated hardware processing speeds and greater flexibility than provided by compiled or interpreted software. The accelerator board is used to permit the user to interact with the computer system in which the board is installed to interactively produce a correlation of two images of the same scene. Correlated images are used to determine depth of objects in the scene shown in the correlated images.

Abstract: A method of compressing color source image data includes forming a quantization table with a "supra-threshold" term. This method includes a step of selecting a set of target images, where each target image includes one or more image elements such as text. These image elements are then analyzed to identify those that are more important for visual quality. These "supra-threshold" terms are then selected that gives a larger weight to the quantization table elements that correspond to important image elements and a smaller weight to the table elements that correspond to less important image elements. This process selectively weights the characteristics of each DCT basis vectors. By giving larger weights to the table elements that correspond to the "up-downness" of the image, i.e., the vertical attributes of the image elements, and the "left-rightness" of the image, i.e.

Abstract: A video test strip reader uses a video imager or camera for viewing a viewing field containing reagent test strips each having test pads reacted with a specimen containing constituents of interest. The video imager produces an analog signal representing an image of the viewing field. An image handler coupled to the video imager converts or digitizes the analog signal into a digital signal representing the image and stores the image in the form of an array of pixels representing the image. Each pixel contains color information broken down into red, green or blue (RGB). A processor coupled to the image handler analyzes the array of pixels, determines the location and orientation of a test strip, identifies the test areas on the test strip, measures the corresponding test areas on the strip at the proper times and calculates the test results, such as the concentration of the constituents of interest in the specimen or other measurable properties of the specimen such as color or specific gravity, etc.