Abstract: Image processing to discriminate imaged objects that are adjacent or overlapping. Non-empty cells of the image that contain portions of the objects, and empty cells that lack any portions of the objects, are all determined. A global convex hull is defined to surround the non-empty cells of the image. Voids, including at least a first void and a second void, are found within the global convex hull, each being composed of contiguous empty cells and having a corresponding void boundary. A separation line is defined based on a first separation line endpoint along the void boundary of the first void and a second separation line endpoint along the void boundary of the second void, to separate two of the objects in the image. An output may be produced that includes indicia of at least portions of distinct boundaries of the objects in the image based on the separation line.

Abstract: A system and method for reading a machine readable code associated with an object moving relative to an imaging device may include capturing a first image of the machine readable code at a first resolution. A second image of the machine-readable code with a non-integer pixel shift in alignment at the first resolution may be captured. An interleaved image may be formed from the first and second images. An image of the machine-readable code may be generated at a second resolution using the interleaved image, where the second resolution is higher than the first resolution.

Abstract: A system and method for reading a machine readable code associated with an object moving relative to an imaging device may include capturing a first image of the machine readable code at a first resolution. A second image of the machine-readable code with a non-integer pixel shift in alignment at the first resolution may be captured. An interleaved image may be formed from the first and second images. An image of the machine-readable code may be generated at a second resolution using the interleaved image, where the second resolution is higher than the first resolution.

Abstract: A system and method for reading a machine readable code associated with an object moving relative to an imaging device may include capturing a first image of the machine readable code at a first resolution. A second image of the machine-readable code with a non-integer pixel shift in alignment at the first resolution may be captured. An interleaved image may be formed from the first and second images. An image of the machine-readable code may be generated at a second resolution using the interleaved image, where the second resolution is higher than the first resolution.

Abstract: A method for losslessly encoding and compressing and decoding original, raw, raster data, and other files by optimizing the results of preprocessing and transformation techniques. Four stages are involved: pre-processing during which the data is replaced by predictive values and the deviations from the predictive value; mapping each block through a transform sequence using a lossy reversible mapping; minimizing the joint entropy of the transformed data and deviation data by varying parameters for the predictive and transform step; and encoding the transformed sequence. At each stage of the compression of the data, different techniques are tried and compared and an optimal technique used to carry out that state.

Abstract: A method for losslessly encoding and compressing and decoding original, raw, raster data, and other files by optimizing the results of preprocessing and transformation techniques. Four stages are involved: pre-processing during which the data is replaced by predictive values and the deviations from the predictive value; mapping each block through a transform sequence using a lossy reversible mapping; minimizing the joint entropy of the transformed data and deviation data by varying parameters for the predictive and transform step; and encoding the transformed sequence. At each stage of the compression of the data, different techniques are tried and compared and an optimal technique used to carry out that state.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring volume and size of features such as lesions, tumors, sores, and wounds external to animal, human and plant skin, using 3D structured light scanners are provided. These methods and systems obtain a point cloud of the scanned feature, and employ algorithms to adjust the suggested feature geometry parameters to minimize deviations of the point cloud from suggested feature geometry. Obtained geometry parameters permit the calculation of the features' sizes and volumes.

Abstract: A method and device provide efficient wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing (WDM) including reduced signal distortion, higher wavelength selectivity, increased light efficiency, reduced cross-talk, and easier integration with other planar devices, and lower cost manufacturing. The method and device include a planar holographic multiplexer/demultiplexer having a planar waveguide, the planar waveguide including a holographic element that separates and combines pre-determined (pre-selected) light wavelengths. The holographic element includes a plurality of holograms that reflect pre-determined light wavelengths from an incoming optical beam to a plurality of different focal points, each pre-determined wavelength representing the center wavelength of a distinct channel. Advantageously, a plurality of superposed holograms may be formed by a plurality of structures, each hologram reflecting a distinct center wavelength to represent a distinct channel to provide discrete disperstion.

Abstract: A MUX, DEMUX or integrated combination MUX/DEMUX utilizing a discrete dispersion device (herein referred to as “D3” device), which includes at least one input port, at least one output port and an optical planar waveguide comprising a synergetic photonic bandgap quasi-crystal (“PBQC”) for guiding and supporting optical signals in a work bandwidth. The D3 device achieves a flat-top response for each channel, high channel isolation and background noise suppression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photonic multi-bandgap structure, herein also referred to as photonic bandgap quasi-crystal (“PBQC”), that can direct light, having wavelength components within a selected passband (&Dgr;&lgr;), from an input port, to a predefined output port, while providing an integrating element for Planar Lightwave Circuts. A photonic bandgap quasi-crystal of the invention combines in a planar waveguide spectrally selective properties of gratings, focusing properties of elliptical mirrors, superposition properties of thick holograms, photonic bandgaps of periodic structures, and flexibility of binary lithography. A photonic structure of the invention can be utilized, for example, as an integrating spectrally sensitive element in a variety of optical devices that can include, but are not limited to, optical switches, optical multiplexer/demultiplexers, multi-wavelength lasers, and channel monitors in Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) telecommunications system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photonic multi-bandgap structure, herein also referred to as photonic bandgap quasi-crystal (“PBQC”), that can direct light, having wavelength components within a selected passband (&Dgr;&lgr;), from an input port, to a predefined output port, while providing an integrating element for Planar Lightwave Circuits. A photonic bandgap quasi-crystal of the invention combines in a planar waveguide spectrally selective properties of gratings, focusing properties of elliptical mirrors, superposition properties of thick holograms, photonic bandgaps of periodic structures, and flexibility of binary lithography. A photonic structure of the invention can be utilized, for example, as an integrating spectrally sensitive element in a variety of optical devices that can include, but are not limited to, optical switches, optical multiplexer/demultiplexers, multi-wavelength lasers, and channel monitors in Wavelength Division Mulitplexing (WDM) telecommunications system.

Abstract: A method and device provide efficient wavelength division multiplexing/demultiplexing (WDM) including reduced signal distortion, higher wavelength selectivity, increased light efficiency, reduced cross-talk, and easier integration with other planar devices, and lower cost manufacturing. The method and device include a planar holographic multiplexer/demultiplexer having a planar waveguide, the planar waveguide including a holographic element that separates and combines pre-determined (pre-selected) light wavelengths. The holographic element includes a plurality of holograms that reflect predetermined light wavelengths from an incoming optical beam to a plurality of different focal points, each pre-determined wavelength representing the center wavelength of a distinct channel. Advantageously, a plurality of superposed holograms may be formed by a plurality of structures, each hologram reflecting a distinct center wavelength to represent a distinct channel to provide discrete disperstion.