Abstract: An OPC feature measurement technique accurately measures serif area of OPC features, feature separation and line symmetry, and is especially useful for measuring dimensions which are less than about the wavelength of the examining radiation. The relative area of serifs present on a line end is measured by first defining a region of interest around the line end and then an intensity profile is created. The differences between data points on the profile and a constant value are summed in order to calculate a flux value. The flux value is divided by the intensity range to determine an area. The separation distance between a line end and another feature is determined by first defining a region of interest that spans the separation distance between the two features. Next, an intensity profile is created. The differences between data points on the profile and a constant value are summed to calculate a flux value. The separation distance between the features is calculated from the flux value.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable-storage medium for generating an identification code from a fingerprint image exhibiting a plurality of features. The method includes establishing a reference point from the plurality of features, generating at least one metric from the reference point and at least one of the plurality of features and forming the identification code from the at least one metric. Changes in the temperature and humidity of a finger when the image is taken at different times will result in minor variations of the measured features which, upon quantization, result a metric that is invariant from one fingerprint image to the next, for the same finger. This lowers the false rejection rate to an acceptable level. Meanwhile, the metric is sufficiently unique for a given set of features such that the probability of assigning the same metric to two different fingers is lowered to an acceptable level.

Abstract: A security identification system is disclosed for providing information regarding subjects to be identified. The system includes a biometric data input unit for receiving biometric data regarding a subject at a remote location, a biometric analysis unit, and a quality assurance unit. The biometric analysis unit is for analyzing the biometric data and comparing it against known biometric data in a database at a central facility. The biometric analysis unit is also for providing match data that is indicative of whether a match exists and whether the match is above a certain correlation threshold. The quality assurance unit is for permitting quality assurance personnel at the central facility to monitor interactions of a screener and a subject at the remote location.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for enhancing discrete pixel images. Image enhancement is first performed by separating structural regions from non-structural regions and performing separate smoothing and sharpening functions on the two regions. Non-uniform equalization is then performed to reduce differences between high and low intensity values, while maintaining the overall appearance of light and dark regions of the reconstructed image. Contrast enhancement is then performed on the equalized values to bring out details by enhancing local contrast.

Abstract: JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) images are encoded and decoded as fast as possible for a variety of disparate applications. A novel structure stores the 8×8 Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) blocks after entropy decoding in a JPEG decoder or after the Forward Discrete Cosine Transform (FDCT) in the JPEG encoder to use as an intermediate format between transform processes. The format was chosen to speed up the entropy decode and encode processes and is based on the information needed for the JPEG Huffman entropy coding, but lends itself to fast execution of other DCT based transforms, including arithmetic entropy coding.

Abstract: A method and system for producing digital orthophotos from imagery acquired as full or sparse stereo. The orthophotos can be produced in a variety of map coordinate systems without the need to convert or recompute DEM or photogrammetric solution data. In one embodiment, a two dimensional, planimetric free-network solution, utilizing arbitrary datum definition constraints, is used to provide a transitory coordinate system that is used to facilitate the image measurement process. It is utilized as a preliminary step to refine apriori block layout information to facilitate point picking and to provide general quality control capabilities before undertaking a rigorous 3D photogrammetric adjustment. In place of a general map conversion transformation, an identity transformation can be used, so that map coordinates and world coordinates are identical.

Abstract: A ruled line extracting apparatus obtains circumscribed rectangles of pixel concatenation regions included in an input pattern, and calculates the most frequent value of their heights. Additionally, the apparatus integrates segments by ignoring a wild card segment, and calculates the most frequent value of height/width of extracted straight lines and segments structuring the straight line. Next, it performs a process for integrating/deleting straight lines using each threshold value based on the highest frequency value. Then, it checks/deletes a straight line according to a distribution of black pixels around the straight line, and recognizes the remaining straight lines as ruled line candidates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding and decoding data that includes generating transformed signals in response to input data. In one embodiment, the transformed signals are generated using a reversible wavelet transform. The present invention also includes a method and apparatus for compressing the transform signals into data representing a losslessly compressed version of the input data. In one embodiment, the present invention decomposes the input data using reversible wavelet transforms.

Abstract: A processed image signal is obtained from an original image signal representing an original image by carrying out on the original image signal an image processing based on a signal representing information on a high frequency component of the original image signal. Band-limited image signals are made from the original image signal, and a signal representing information on a high frequency component of the original image signal is obtained from the band-limited image signals on the basis of a predetermined transformation function. The image processing is carried out on the original image signal on the basis of the signal representing information on a high frequency component of the original image signal.

Abstract: An intruding object detecting method and an intruding object detecting apparatus for judging whether an detected object is an intruding object or not even in the condition that there are shadows of moving objects other than target objects to be detected, such as shaking trees, leaves thereof, etc.

Abstract: A system and method for digitally rendering omni-directional images includes capturing images of a region 360 degrees about an origin point in a single plane, and assembling the images in a digital format to create a complete spherical image surrounding the origin point. The spherical image is projected onto faces of a cube surrounding the spherical image. Images which were projected on the faces of the cube may then be rendered to provide an omni-directional image.

Abstract: A method for optically scanning a subject having a three-dimensional surface contour includes illuminating the subject with a matrix of discrete two-dimensional image objects such as a grid of dots. Respective object illumination images of the illuminated subject are captured from different known image perspectives. The respective object illumination images are processed to obtain a set of three-dimensional coordinates of at least a portion of the surface contour, including correlating positions of common discrete image objects in the respective illumination images, using data regarding the image perspectives. The machine vision system includes camera apparatus disposed at different camera perspectives relative to a subject, and one or more light projectors for projecting a grid-like structured light projection onto the subject. The machine vision system captures a sequence of images including a light object projector image and an ambient light reference image from each camera perspective.

Abstract: Input data, distributed along a space axis, is converted into data distributed along a frequency axis by the use of a frequency range dividing filter, and is subjected to scalar quantization performed by a compression circuit with different step numbers for different frequency ranges, so that data in a plurality of frequency ranges along the frequency axis is compressed.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a transition model between input pixel samples from which output sample values are calculated based on various relative background and brightness conditions of the input pixel samples. A brightness condition is determined from the input sample values associated with the input pixel samples. A first transition model that preserves a constant luminance is used where the brightness condition is indicative of light isolated pixels and a second transition model that preserves a constant darkness is used where the brightness condition is indicative of dark isolated pixels. The resampling circuit may also use alternative models for other brightness conditions, such as for pixel transitions without any emphasis or alternating pixels. The resampling circuit may also perform modified operations for pixels arranged in a diagonal fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the information image recognition. Its usage for the adaptive processing and classification of an information stream allows to increase the recognition accuracy for a wide class of objects. The method for adaptive recognition of information images is implemented in the corresponding system including an adaptive information image processing unit, a model image comparison unit and a model image correcting unit.

Abstract: A reusable circuit design for use with electronic design automation EDA tools in designing integrated circuits is disclosed, as well as reticle inspection and fabrication methods that are based on such reusable circuit design. The reusable circuit design is stored on a computer readable medium and contains an electronic representation of a layout pattern for at least one layer of the circuit design on an integrated circuit. The layout pattern includes a flagged critical region which corresponds to a critical region on a reticle or integrated circuit that is susceptible to special inspection or fabrication procedures. In one aspect of the reusable circuit design, the special analysis is performed during one from a group consisting of reticle inspection, reticle production, integrated circuit fabrication, and fabricated integrated circuit inspection.

Abstract: When document image data are compressed, the data are divided into blocks including a plurality of adjacent pixels and are compressed according to attribute of the block in the unit of block. A plurality of encoders are provided for secondary encoding according to the type of image data, and one of them is selected appropriately according to the data type of the entire document. The data are compressed in the unit of block according to the decided attribute and the document type. Alternately, an input section received a compression ratio, and a second compression section compresses the image data further at the compression ratio.

Abstract: When a group of still images are reproduced interactively, reproduction wait time to confirm the content of the images can be shortened. Image data representing the group of still images including the still images photographed from various viewpoints are formed into a hierarchy and recorded in an image file. A first layer has image data representing an index image comprising images viewed from 4 points whose resolution is ¼ of that of the original image. A second layer has hierarchical image data representing images viewed from 16 points and having a resolution which is ½ of the original image resolution. A third layer has hierarchical image data having the same resolution as the original image and viewed from 36 points. Upon reproduction, the hierarchical image data are reproduced from the first layer.

Abstract: Black correction to character, lines, and the like, is performed smoothly so as to maintain quality of an image as much as possible. In a character thickness determining circuit 114 of a black character determination unit 113, the thickness of characters and lines are determined based on RGB signals. Further, character/line outline information is obtained at an edge detector 115, and chromaticity information is obtained at a chromaticity determining unit 116. When an image processing is performed based on the combination of the outline information and the chromaticity information, a thickness determination signal is corrected so that the thickness of the character, lines, and like changes continuously.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has an input unit for inputting a plurality set of drawing data representing one frame image a generating unit for generating first intermediate language data representing a watermark to be added to the one frame image and generating second intermediate language data by analyzing the drawing data input from the input unit and a producing unit for producing final print image data in accordance with the first and second intermediate language data, wherein the first intermediate language data representing the watermark is regenerated in accordance with contents of the second intermediate language data. A watermark added to an image can be reliably prevented from being lost by an image editing process.