Abstract: An image matrix of an image to be filtered is scanned in four different directions, i.e. row-wise, column-wise and also in the two diagonal directions, and in all pixel sequences scanned local maxima and minima are determined. From these values the actual grey-level variation in the non-filtered image is approximated by way of a function which includes an inflection point, for example a sine function. The approximation is realized, for example, according to the least error squares method; the inflection point indicates a point of an edge. interruptions in the course of the edges as well as shifts with respect to the actual image are thus avoided.

Abstract: A coplanar sustaining plasma panel, and particularly an electrode arrangement make is possible to better contain the sustaining discharges in a predetermined zone. Plasma panel (10) of the invention comprises addressing electrodes (X1 to X3) crossed with sustaining electrodes arranged by pair (p1, p2), each sustaining electrode pair being formed of an addressing-sustaining electrode (Y1, Y2) and a sustaining-only electrode (E1, E2). A pixel (PX1 to PX6) consists approximately at each crossing of an addressing electrode (X1, X2, X3) with a sustaining electrode pair (p1, p2). At least one of two electrodes (Y1, E1) of same pair (p1) comprises, at the level of each pixel (PX1 to PX6), a projecting surface (SB1 to SB3, SC1, SC3) oriented toward the other electrode.

Abstract: An image information processing apparatus having a multi-function switch includes an image information reader for reading image information, wherein the reading frequency of the reader can be varied. A first switch is provided for switching between a first reading mode in which the image information printed on a sheet is read by the reader, and a second reading mode in which image information displayed on a screen is read by the reader. A second switch is provided for selecting between a plurality of different reading frequencies in the second reading mode. Control circuitry is provided for controlling the reader to read the image information at a predetermined reading frequency higher than the plurality of reading frequencies in the first mode, and to read the image information at one of the plurality of reading frequencies selected by the second switch in the second reading mode.

Abstract: An image signal processing circuit for an ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a frame correlation circuit for performing, in accordance with a predetermined correlation coefficient, a frame correlation process for an ultrasonic frame image signal output from an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver circuit, and a correlation coefficient output circuit for outputting a frame correlation coefficient corresponding to a difference between a current input frame image signal and an immediately preceding frame image signal, i.e., a coefficient which decreases as the difference increases to the frame correlation circuit.

Abstract: A process for optically checking perforations in a hollow article, particularly the micro-perforations in the vicinity of the leading or trailing edge of a hollow turbine blade for a turbo-shaft engine, comprises illuminating the inner cavity of the article through an opening at one end thereof, scanning the length of the article by means of a video camera and making a record of the luminance of the reflected light received by the camera through the perforations to be checked, converting the sequence of the data thus collected into electric signals, storing the said signals in a computing and storage unit, and processing and comparing the signals with a predetermined train of reference signals derived from a standard article.

Abstract: A color image processing apparatus for automatically feeding a plurality of documents one at a time and processing images printed on the documents. The apparatus automatically discriminates an image as to chromatic/achromatic without errors and thereby executes optimal image processing matching the kind of an image without resorting to operator's manipulations.

Abstract: The invention described is a process of and an apparatus for recognizing the size, location, orientation etc. of an object without human intervention. The convolution technique is used to solve the field theory equations to generate linearity signals characteristic of points in the optical image of the object. The linearity signal is perception of linear or strip-like features in an image. The recognition is achieved by analyzing the linearity signals.

Abstract: A linear accelerator drift tube is formed by a casting technique. Coolant circualting grooves are integrally formed in the central body of the drift tube as well as face plates. This minimizes the temperature of the drift tube in an operating environment thereby maximizing the R.F. efficiency of the unit. The face plates are attached to the central body of the drift tube by means of a solder/electroform joining. The stem of the drift tube includes concentric passages integrally formed in the cast central body which enables efficient circulation of coolant through the drift tube.

Abstract: A philatelic stamp grading invention includes image digitizing hardware for creating a two-dimensional array of data bytes corresponding to the digitized image of the stamp. A computer executes a program which analyzes the stamp image data and determines the minimum border width of each side of the stamp between the edges of the stamp and the design or vignette of the stamp. A centering index is calculated from the minimum border values determined for each edge of the stamp. A printer is also shown providing means for printing the centering index, as well as printing out a hard copy of the computer analyzed stamp image.