Abstract: A line segmentation method which starts with determining a first starting point coordinate and generating a list of potential character widths dependent on a maximum character width stored in a database and on characteristics of the portion of the line of text corresponding to the maximum character width. The method determines a second portion of the line of text corresponding to the first starting point coordinate and the first width on the list of potential character widths. On the second portion, a classification method is applied providing a likelihood of error for the first width and a candidate character. The likelihood of error is compared with a first threshold determined by a trade-off between speed and accuracy, and if the likelihood of error corresponding to the first width is lower than the threshold value, the candidate character is selected as the character meaning that a segment is known.

Abstract: A line segmentation method which starts with determining a first starting point coordinate and generating a list of potential character widths dependent on a maximum character width stored in a database and on characteristics of the portion of the line of text corresponding to the maximum character width. The method determines a second portion of the line of text corresponding to the first starting point coordinate and the first width on the list of potential character widths. On the second portion, a classification method is applied providing a likelihood of error for the first width and a candidate character. The likelihood of error is compared with a first threshold determined by a trade-off between speed and accuracy, and if the likelihood of error corresponding to the first width is lower than the threshold value, the candidate character is selected as the character meaning that a segment is known.

Abstract: A method for identifying a pattern in an image. In a first step the image is normalized to a binary matrix. A binary vector is subsequently generated from the binary matrix. The binary vector is filtered with a sparse matrix to a feature vector using a matrix vector multiplication wherein the matrix vector multiplication determines the values of the feature vector by applying program steps which are the result of transforming the sparse matrix in program steps including conditions on the values of the binary vector.

Abstract: A pattern recognition system and method which generates a feature vector by multiplying an image vector with a sparse matrix. The sparse matrix is generated from a Gabor function which is a sinusoidal wave multiplied by a Gaussian function. The Gabor function is a function of a set of parameters including a parameter related to the direction of the sinusoidal wave, a parameter related to a center of the Gabor function, and a parameter related to a wavelength of the sinusoidal wave. The wavelength takes at least two values, with a first wavelength value lower than or substantially equal to the distance between two adjacent centers of the Gabor function, and the first wavelength value is lower than a second wavelength value and higher than or substantially equal to half the second wavelength value.

Abstract: Iron containing a steam generator connected to steam outlet holes by a steam conduit with at least one filter for retaining mineral particles carried by the steam, wherein the steam conduit has a mineral deposit collection cavity with a mineral deposit removal orifice closed by a detachable plug that is accessible from outside the iron, and wherein the filter can be detached from the iron through the mineral deposit removal orifice.