Abstract: Various techniques are provided for systems and methods to process images to reduce consumption of an available output dynamic range by the sky in images. For example, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a region or area in images that may correspond to the sky may be identified based on the location of the horizon in the images. A distribution of irradiance levels in the identified sky region may be analyzed to determine a dynamic range attributable to the sky region. A transfer function that compresses the dynamic range attributable to the sky region may be generated and applied so that the sky in the images may be suppressed, thereby advantageously preserving more dynamic range for terrestrial objects and other objects of interest in the images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a set of transducers. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a target device, an imaging device, and a calibrator. The imaging device generates a plurality of images of a target formed by the target device as the target device is rotated relative to the imaging device about a pivot axis formed at an interface between a first structure and a second structure in response to the first structure being rotated about the pivot axis relative to the second structure. The calibrator identifies a plurality of angles of the target about the pivot axis using the plurality of images. The calibrator further identifies calibration information using the plurality of angles.

Abstract: A method of processing a video transport stream includes receiving a video transport stream and identifying at least one portion of the video transport stream that is not to undergo modification when processed by a rate shaping device. An indicator is inserted into the video transport stream. The indicator is used to signal the statistical multiplexer that the at least one portion of the video transport stream is not to be modified when the video transport stream is processed by the rate shaping device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting a multimedia stream over a communication link on a network are disclosed. The systems and methods adaptively adjust encoding parameters based on monitoring changing conditions of the network. A transmitter includes an adaptive-rate encoder that adaptively adjusts a video encoding bit rate in response to changing conditions of the communication link. The encoder maintains tight rate control by utilizing slice processing and sub-frame rate adaptation, as well as maintaining a headroom between the channel bit rate and the video encoding bit rate. The adaptive-rate encoder also embeds intra-frame constraints in predictive frames traffic in order to reduce latency.

Abstract: A super resolution optofluidic microscope device comprises a body defining a fluid channel having a longitudinal axis and includes a surface layer proximal the fluid channel. The surface layer has a two-dimensional light detector array configured to receive light passing through the fluid channel and sample a sequence of subpixel shifted projection frames as an object moves through the fluid channel. The super resolution optofluidic microscope device further comprises a processor in electronic communication with the two-dimensional light detector array. The processor is configured to generate a high resolution image of the object using a super resolution algorithm, and based on the sequence of subpixel shifted projection frames and a motion vector of the object.

Abstract: Modular shelving systems and display shelves for modular shelving systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a modular shelving system includes a shelf support frame comprising a back plane portion and a base portion. At least one display shelf module is removably coupled to the back plane portion of the shelf support frame such that the display shelf module is vertically and horizontally positionable on the back plane portion of the shelf support frame. The display shelf module may include a top and bottom panels, and side panels that define an interior volume. A display panel may be affixed to a front of the display shelf module. A projector may be disposed in the interior volume of the display shelf module. The projector projects an optical signal onto a rear surface of the display panel such that image data is visible on a front surface of the display panel.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) image display device includes a display panel including an upper substrate and a lower substrate, the display panel displaying a left eye image and a right eye image; a patterned retarder that applies first and second circular polarizations to the light corresponding to the left and right eye images, respectively; a conductive tape attached to the upper substrate to discharge static electricity from the display panel; a panel guide on which the display panel and the patterned retarder are mounted; an electrically conductive gasket disposed on the panel guide in contact with the conductive tape; and a top case disposed on the panel guide and the conductive gasket such that the conductive gasket electrically connects the conductive tape to the top case.

Abstract: A method for delivering video over a network includes encoding, by a hosting service, a moving picture which includes a sequence of video frames as a primary compressed video stream and a secondary compressed video stream comprising a subset of the primary compressed video stream. The primary and secondary compressed video streams are then and the secondary compressed video stream transmitted over a network to a client device. The client device selects the primary compressed video stream for decoding in the absence of packet loss; however, if packet loss is detected, the client device selects the secondary compressed video stream for decoding.

Abstract: A data structure defining a high dynamic range image comprises a tone map having a reduced dynamic range and HDR information. The high dynamic range image can be reconstructed from the tone map and the HDR information. The data structure can be backwards compatible with legacy hardware or software viewers. The data structure may comprise a JFIF file having the tone map encoded as a JPEG image with the HDR information in an application extension or comment field of the JFIF file, or a MPEG file having the tone map encoded as a MPEG image with the HDR information in a video or audio channel of the MPEG file. Apparatus and methods for encoding or decoding the data structure may apply pre- or post correction to compensate for lossy encoding of the high dynamic range information.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for detecting defective brakes are disclosed. For example, the method detects that a wheel of a vehicle is in a position to be read by an infrared (IR) thermometer, signals the IR thermometer to take a temperature measurement of a brake of the wheel, receives the temperature measurement of the brake and determines that a defective brake condition exists when the temperature measurement of the brake is outside a temperature range.

Abstract: A method for generating three dimensional (3D) displays. The method includes displaying a hologram that combines three (or more) images encoded into three (or more) different OAM channels, and the method also includes reflecting light from the displayed hologram to create a multichannel light beam. Then, the method involves decoding the multichannel light beam to decode and display the three encoded images. The decoding step includes displaying the three encoded images in decoded form in three view zones, three focal planes, or on three spaced-apart planes. The decoding is performed by a single decoding screen using holograms used for generating the three encoded images or is performed by three decoding screens configured based on a differing one of the holograms used for generating the three encoded images. The displaying of the hologram step includes operating a spatial light modulator (SLM) to display the hologram on a screen of the SLM.

Abstract: An adaptive resolution transcoding system and method adaptively transcodes a source video with an optimized resolution and visual quality based on the video coding complexity (VCC) of the source video. The transcoding system is configured to receive a source video in its native format, and to obtain the video coding complexity score of the source video from a video coding complexity engine. The transcoding system is further configured to set a resolution adjustment level based on the complexity score. Based on the resolution adjustment level, the transcoding system determines an optimal output resolution for the source video for each video output format supported by the transcoding system. Responsive to a user selection of video output format, the transcoding system determines an optimal output resolution for the source video and encodes the source video with the determined optimal output resolution.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting artifacts present in video frames is disclosed. The system includes a decision module (110) and an artifact correction unit (120). The system receives artifact metrics (112) and artifact maps (122) corresponding to artifacts present in video frames and prioritizes the video frames to be corrected by considering the type and severity of the artifacts and the content of the video frames (113). Subsequent to prioritizing the video frames, the system corrects artifacts of selected frames by adjusting compressed domain parameters (126), such as quantization parameters and mode decisions. An encoder (130) compresses the video frames according to the adjusted compressed domain parameter to automatically provide a video stream with a lower incidence and severity of artifacts.

Abstract: An instrument for scanning a specimen has a two-dimensional sensor array, the sensor array containing a mosaic color filter array or a scanning color filter array. The instrument can be operated in fluorescence or in brightfield. The scanning color filter array has the same color throughout each row with adjacent rows having different colors.

Abstract: A pattern inspection method according to one aspect of the present invention includes generating a first positional deviation amount map by using data acquired by a pre-scan, generating a second positional deviation amount map by using data acquired by a full scan, generating a first positional deviation difference map by calculating a difference between the first positional deviation amount map and the second positional deviation amount map, generating a third positional deviation amount map from the first positional deviation difference map and the second positional deviation amount map, and judging existence of a value exceeding an allowable value, in values defined by the third positional deviation amount map.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional (3D) video rendering device may convert a first left view video of a decompressed 3D video having a first frame rate to generate a second left view video having a second frame rate, and convert a first right view video having the first frame rate to generate a second right view video having the second frame rate. The second left view video having a particular pixel resolution may be converted by the 3D video rendering device to generate a third left view video having full pixel resolution of the decompressed 3D video. The second right view video having the particular pixel resolution may be converted to generate a third right view video having the full pixel resolution. The 3D video rendering device may generate a sequence of video frames for 3D video display based on the third left view video and the third right view video.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of encoding blocks of values, e.g. DCT blocks, generated in accordance with an image compression scheme. The values are expressed as a set of bit planes, each bit plane comprising, for the values, all bits with a specific significance. In each bit plane at least one parameter is determined (7) in accordance with a predetermined definition, the parameter defining a partition of the bits in the bit plane which encloses all set bits. All bits in the partition are transferred (8) to a bit stream that may be truncated. This provides a method with low complexity. The invention further relates to a corresponding encoding device, a corresponding decoding device, and a corresponding bit-stream.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing photothermal measurements on a object. The apparatus, which may be provided as a handpiece, houses optical components including a laser, an infrared detector, a dichroic beamsplitter, and focusing and beam directing optics for the delivery of a laser beam to, and the collection of photothermal radiation from, a measured object. Some of the optical components may be provided on an optical bench that is directly attached to a thermally conductive tip portion for the passive heat sinking of internal optical components. The apparatus may further include a sampling optical element and a photodetector for the detection of luminescence, and a camera for obtaining an image of the object during a diagnostic procedure. The apparatus may be employed for the scanning of a tooth to determine an oral health status of the tooth.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring system including a three dimensional embedded sensor coupled to an article, wherein the three dimensional embedded sensor is a direct write embedded sensor using a high temperature light emitting material. A camera system detects illumination signals from the embedded sensors. A processing section processes the illumination signals and determines gas/surface temperatures and strain data for the article.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining longitudinal position of an elongated web are described. Sensors are used to detect one or more substantially continuous fiducial marks disposed longitudinally on the web. The sensors generate signals associated with the fiducial marks. A position detector receives the signals and determines a longitudinal position of the web using the sensor signals. The fiducial marks may be periodic fiducial marks, such as sine and/or cosine marks on the web and/or may be piecewise continuous marks. The coarse longitudinal position of the web can be determined based on periodically recurring features of the fiducial marks. The fine longitudinal position can be determined based on continuous portions of the fiducial marks between the periodically recurring features.