Abstract: A multi-modal method for locating objects in images wherein a tracking analysis is first performed using a plurality of channels which may comprise a shape channel, a color channel, and a motion channel. After a predetermined number of frames, intermediate feature representations are obtained from each channel and evaluated for reliability. Based on the evaluation of each channel, one or more channels are selected for additional tracking. The results of all representations are ultimately integrated into a final tracked output. Additionally, any of the channels may be calibrated using initial results obtained from one or more channels.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention locates facial features in an image by bandpass filtering the image and then performing morphological operations followed by a thresholding operation. This initial processing identifies candidate areas where facial features may be located. The candidate areas are evaluated by classifiers to determine if a facial feature, such as an eye or mouth, has been located.

Abstract: Noisy images of graphical or pictorial records, such as hand-written postal addresses, are cleaned by a method of analyzing the shapes of pixel clusters. According to such method, a set of structuring kernels is used to extract primitive shapes. The outcome of this extraction process is used to determine whether each pixel, in turn, is to be treated as part of a image element such as an alphanumeric character.

Abstract: Vehicle passenger collision protection device comprising an inflatable air bag and an acceleration sensor for determining the event of an impending accident and triggering the inflation of the air bag. The acceleration sensor is connected to the air bag inflation pyrotechnic propellant charge which expansion for the inflation of the air bag whereby the propellant is ignited by the appropriate sensor signal. The sensor activates a fan to run at its maximum power output to remove the combustion gases and particulates which escape from the air bag into the passenger space. The fan may be operated as a blower to force fresh air in or as an exhaust fan to suck contaminated air out of the passenger compartment. The fan is preferably the conventional fan associated with the air conditioning system provided in the vehicle. Alternately, a separate fan is connected to the existing ventilation system and may substitute for or supplement the first fan.