Abstract: A method 300 for retrieving media content (120). The method can include receiving metadata (118) associated with a first media file, receiving the first media file, processing at least the metadata to identify at least a second media file (124) likely to be of interest to a user, and automatically downloading the second media file. Processing the metadata can include identifying at least one parameter contained in the metadata and/or the first media file that correlates to the second media file. Metadata (122) also associated with the second media file also can be downloaded.

Abstract: An object detection algorithm that generates a two-layer Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) during a training session, and subsequent to the training session, uses the two-layer GMM to perform face detection. No labeling of local features is needed. The only input that is provided by a user is the setting of a few global parameters for the image being captured during the training session, such as, for example, the person's facial pose.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and electronic device for processing video data are disclosed. A video capture mechanism 202 may capture the video data. A key frame extractor 204 may extract a key frame from the video data automatically based on a set of criteria. A video encoder 206 may encode the video data with a key frame identifier.

Abstract: Both an XML schema and XML instance data as correspond to an XML document are provided (301). The XML schema is processed (302) apart from the XML instance data to provide resultant compressed XML schema data while the XML instance data is processed (303) to provide a corresponding XML instance table. The latter is compressed (304) to yield a resultant compressed XML instance table. Following receipt of such items, the compressed XML instance table is decompressed (403) to provide a resultant XML instance table with the latter being used (404), along with the XML schema, to facilitate a corresponding XML document process.

Abstract: A method 300 for retrieving media content (120). The method can include receiving metadata (118) associated with a first media file, receiving the first media file, processing at least the metadata to identify at least a second media file (124) likely to be of interest to a user, and automatically downloading the second media file. Processing the metadata can include identifying at least one parameter contained in the metadata and/or the first media file that correlates to the second media file. Metadata (122) also associated with the second media file also can be downloaded.

Abstract: A method according to the invention includes the steps of determining a signature metric (601) for a portion of a first image (403). A second image (401) is searched (605) for at least one relative match of the signature metric, yielding one or more candidate regions. In a pixel domain, the one or more candidate regions are searched (607) for the portion of the first image to obtain a motion vector for the first image (403). The second image (401) is searched in a search window (407) that is smaller than the area of the second image (401).

Abstract: A method of encoding and decoding a transaction card with a block of image data digitally representing the features of a digital portrait of an authorized transaction card user is disclosed along with apparatus for performing the method. The encoding method partitions the digital portrait of the transaction card user into feature blocks. Each feature block is compared against a library of like feature blocks to determine the best match with a pair of library feature blocks. The library's feature blocks are derived from a plurality of portraits taken from the general population. Each library feature block is represented (addressed for access) by a code-vector in a codebook.

Abstract: An improved method for removing blocking artifacts in regions of slowly varying intensity in an electronic image decoded from a transform coded representation of an image, includes the steps of: receiving signals indicative of DC and AC coefficient values of transformed blocks of image data; modifying the DC value in each of the blocks based on the level of activity within the block and the DC values in neighboring blocks; performing AC prediction in each block using the modified DC values; replacing the AC values in each block with the AC predicted values based on the level of activity within the block and the modified DC values in neighboring blocks; and reconstructing the image using the modified DC and AC coefficient values.

Abstract: A block adaptive differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) system includes both a lossless DPCM processor responsive to blocks of pixel values for producing encoder command signals and a lossy DPCM compressor responsive to blocks of pixel values for producing encoder command signals. An encoder receives the encoder command signals from the lossless DPCM processor and lossy DPCM compressor and produces a compressed encoded bit stream. A switch responsive to a compression configuration signal and to the encoder command signals from the lossy compressor selectively passes the encoder command signals from the lossless processor or the lossy compressor to the encoder.

Abstract: A data compression system can operate in a number of different configurations, and wherein the bit rate produced by a given configuration can be controlled over some finite range by a control signal from a rate controller for smoothly transitioning between the configurations so that discontinuous jumps in bit rate and distortion are minimized is provided by determining thresholds on the feedback control signals, the thresholds being used to determine when to switch in or out of each configuration; the thresholds furthermore being determined from the intersection points of the rate distortion curves for the available configurations.

Abstract: Each member of a set of transform representative data structures (such as look-up tables (LUTs), each representing an N TO M-dimensional transform), is stored in compressed form in a storage device included in, or which is otherwise accessible to, an image processing device or system. Each stored transform representative data structure may then, according to one embodiment of the invention, be selectively attached to image data being processed by the image processing device or system. According to a further aspect of the invention, image data, having compressed transform representative data attached thereto, may be processed utilizing methods and apparatus operative to detach, decompress and apply the transform represented by the decompressed transform representative data, to a decompressed version of the image data. The result of the aforementioned process is for image data to be transformed according to a transform specified by information previously attached to the image data.

Abstract: A transaction card is described in which data representing an identifiable image can be stored in a limited amount of storage space. The image to be stored is converted to an associated matrix of pixel values. The matrix of pixel values is partitioned into a plurality of ordered image portions corresponding to a like partitioning of the image. The partitioning is generally related to feature locations in the image. Each image portion is compared with a reference set of image portions represented by pixel groups. Associated with each pixel group is a signal group. For each image portion, a signal group is chosen for the associated reference pixel group that most closely matches with the pixel image portion. The signal groups representing the matrix of pixel values or the image to be stored are stored as bit patterns on the storage space of a transaction card. The bit patterns may then be read and converted to the signal groups.