Abstract: A method of reducing noise in an image comprises decomposing the image to generate wavelet coefficients at different scales. The wavelet coefficients are then modified based on the energy of the wavelet coefficients at the different scales. The image is reconstructed based on the modified wavelet coefficients.

Abstract: Binary image stitching based on grayscale approximation. In a first example embodiment, a method for automatic binary image stitching of first and second binary images includes several acts. First, the first and second binary images are converted into first and second thumbnail grayscale images. Each thumbnail grayscale image is a lower resolution than its corresponding binary image by a scaling factor. Next, a thumbnail transform is calculated between the first thumbnail grayscale image and the second thumbnail grayscale image. Then, a full-size transform is calculated as a function of the thumbnail transform and the scaling factor. Next, the stitched binary image is created by projecting the first binary image onto the second binary image using the full-size transform and combining overlapping portions of the first and second binary images.

Abstract: A method of preparing stable, transparent photocatalytic titanium dioxide sols is disclosed which involves thermal treatment of a suspension of amorphous titanium dioxide in the presence of certain alpha-hydroxy acids. The sots comprise titanium dioxide particles in the anatase form having a crystallite size less than about 10 nm and exhibit excellent stability and transparency at basic, neutral, and acid pH.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices, and computer program products for image noise reduction. In one example embodiment, a method for reducing noise in a digital image includes several acts. First, one or more objects are identified in an input image. Next, the input image or a portion thereof is processed to produce another image, which may be a blurred version of the input image. Finally, one or more objects in the processed image that correspond to the one or more objects identified in the input image are evaluated to determine whether to discard the one or more objects identified in the input image. For example, if an amount of energy preserved in an object after blurring is less than a threshold, the object may be discarded as noise.

Abstract: A nanocomposite particle, its use as a catalyst, and a method of making it are disclosed. The nanocomposite particle comprises titanium dioxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and a surface stabilizer. The metal oxide nanoparticles are formed hydrothermally in the presence of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The nanocomposite particle is an effective catalyst support, particularly for DeNox catalyst applications.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a spray-dried transition metal zeolite and a noble metal is disclosed. The spray-dried transition metal zeolite comprises a transition metal zeolite and a binder. At least 50 wt. % of the binder is titania. The catalyst is used in a process to produce an epoxide by reacting an olefin, hydrogen, and oxygen. The catalyst is easy to filter from a slurry and produces a reduced level of hydrogenation products.

Abstract: A nanocomposite particle, its use as a catalyst, and a method of making it are disclosed. The nanocomposite particle comprises titanium dioxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and a surface stabilizer. The metal oxide nanoparticles are formed hydrothermally in the presence of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The nanocomposite particle is an effective catalyst support, particularly for DeNOx catalyst applications.

Abstract: A nanocomposite particle, its use as a catalyst, and a method of making it are disclosed. The nanocomposite particle comprises titanium dioxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and a surface stabilizer. The metal oxide nanoparticles are formed hydrothermally in the presence of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The nanocomposite particle is an effective catalyst support, particularly for DeNOx catalyst applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to high activity titanium oxide DeNOx catalysts. In preferred embodinents, by depositing vanadium oxide on a titania supported metal oxide such as tungsten oxide, an improved catalyst may be generated. This catalyst may be used in the treatment of exhaust from sources such as automobiles and industrial plants.

Abstract: A method of correcting an underexposed digital image comprises determining the stop of underexposure at which the digital image was captured, correcting for one integer stop of underexposure iteratively until the amount of underexposure correction is equal to the integer component of the determined stop of underexposure and correcting for any remaining fractional component of the determined stop of underexposure.

Abstract: Stable, translucent or transparent titanium dioxide sols comprising amorphous titanium dioxide and an organic peptizing agent are provided that are useful in particulate binding applications. Also provided are methods for preparing the inventive sols. The inventive sols are prepared from titanium dioxide precursors including organotitanium compounds and water-soluble titanium salts that are treated to precipitate amorphous titanium dioxide. The amorphous titanium dioxide is re-dispersed and peptized to form a translucent or transparent mixture. The inventive sols are stable for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a spray-dried transition metal zeolite and a noble metal is disclosed. The spray-dried transition metal zeolite comprises a transition metal zeolite and a binder. At least 50 wt. % of the binder is titania. The catalyst is used in a process to produce an epoxide by reacting an olefin, hydrogen, and oxygen. The catalyst is easy to filter from a slurry and produces a reduced level of hydrogenation products.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and image capture device for limiting motion blur during capture of an image predetermines a relationship between movement of the image capture device, time and blur extent. A rate of movement of the image capture device is obtained and used in conjunction with the determined relationship and a blur extent limit as a basis for obtaining a maximum exposure time for the image capture device in order to limit blur extent. On the basis of the maximum exposure time obtained and a required image brightness, the image capture device is configured, and then an image is captured by the image capture device. Once the image has been captured, due to the possibility of under-exposure from having limited the exposure time, the image is processed as required to increase its intensity.

Abstract: A method of preparing stable, transparent photocatalytic titanium dioxide sots is disclosed which involves thermal treatment of a suspension of amorphous titanium dioxide in the presence of certain alpha-hydroxy acids. The sots comprise titanium dioxide particles in the anatase form having a crystallite size less than about 10 nm and exhibit excellent stability and transparency at basic, neutral, and acid pH.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to high activity titanium oxide DeNOx catalysts. In preferred embodiments, by depositing vanadium oxide on a titania supported metal oxide such as tungsten oxide, an improved catalyst may be generated. This catalyst may be used in the treatment of exhaust from sources such as automobiles and industrial plants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting unusual motions of an electronic device is disclosed. One example method includes measuring motion values of a device and comparing at least one motion value to a threshold to detect an unusual motion. The threshold is regularly adjusted based on at least a portion of the motion values. Another example method is directed to detecting an unusual motion of an electronic device based on motion values measured over a period of time. A plurality of motion values may be measured over a period of time and a cumulative function of the values may be compared to a threshold. A variety of protective actions or measures may be taken to protect a hard disk drive and/or other components in the electronic device from damage when unusual motions are detected.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising iron and a titanium-zirconium mixed oxide gel, and a process for preparing the catalyst are disclosed. The process comprises combining an iron compound and a titanium-zirconium mixed oxide gel in water to form an iron-titanium-zirconium mixed oxide, and then removing water to produce the catalyst. The catalyst is particularly effective for DeNOx applications, demonstrating high activity and good thermal stability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to high activity titanium oxide DeNOx catalysts. In preferred embodinents, by depositing vanadium oxide on a titania supported metal oxide such as tungsten oxide, an improved catalyst may be generated. This catalyst may be used in the treatment of exhaust from sources such as automobiles and industrial plants.

Abstract: A method of reducing noise in an image comprises decomposing the image to generate wavelet coefficients at different scales. The wavelet coefficients are then modified based on the energy of the wavelet coefficients at the different scales. The image is reconstructed based on the modified wavelet coefficients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing motion blur in a motion blurred image are provided. The method includes blurring a guess image based on the motion blurred image as a function of blur parameters of the motion blurred image. The blurred guess image is compared with the motion blurred image and an error image is generated. The error image is blurred and pixels in the blurred error image are weighted based on the steepness of edges proximal to corresponding pixels in the motion blurred image. The blurred and weighted error image and the guess image are combined thereby to update the guess image and correct for motion blur.