Abstract: An embodiment of an image enhancement method is introduced for use in an electronic device. An image composed of a plurality of pixel values is first received, and each pixel therein is separated into two channels. The image is further divided into a plurality of blocks. A distribution of a selected channel is determined for each block, which is selected from the two channels. For each pixel, the pixel value of the selected channel is adjusted according to at least one distribution corresponding to at least one neighboring block. For each pixel, the pixel value of the other channel is adjusted according to the adjusted pixel value of the selected channel. As a result, the adjusted image is provided.

Abstract: A system for measuring dimensions and/or other internal properties of a shoe, garment or other object of interest is described. The system includes a fixture having a measurement tip. When the tip is placed inside of the object of interest, a processor collects positional data from the fixture to develop a three-dimensional model of the interior of the object. If the measurement tip includes one or more pressure sensors, the processor may collect pressure data and use the pressure data to include stretch properties in the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: An exposure value adjustment apparatus, method, and non-transitory tangible machine-readable medium thereof are provided. The exposure value adjustment apparatus includes a camera module and a processor. The camera module captures a reference image by a base exposure value. The processor generates a histogram of the reference image, divides the histogram into a low partial histogram, a middle partial histogram, and a high partial histogram by a first threshold and a second threshold, decides a high exposure value according to the low partial histogram and the middle partial histogram, decides a low exposure value according to the high partial histogram and the middle partial histogram, and decides a middle exposure value according to the high exposure value and the low exposure value. The low exposure value is lower than the high exposure value, and the middle exposure value is between the high exposure value and the low exposure value.

Abstract: An embodiment of an image enhancement method is introduced for use in an electronic device. An image composed of a plurality of pixel values is first received, and each pixel therein is separated into two channels. The image is further divided into a plurality of blocks. A distribution of a selected channel is determined for each block, which is selected from the two channels. For each pixel, the pixel value of the selected channel is adjusted according to at least one distribution corresponding to at least one neighboring block. For each pixel, the pixel value of the other channel is adjusted according to the adjusted pixel value of the selected channel. As a result, the adjusted image is provided.

Abstract: A system and method configured to enhance gameplay between users in an online game and to deter the use of automated scripts in connection with online gameplay in order to achieve one or more advantages. In some implementations, the challenges are presented in-game as a pop-up window such that the player is presented with the challenge in this respect from time to time. In some implementations, the user is awarded virtual items in connection with a positive outcome response to the challenge while the user is penalized in some manner in connection with a negative outcome response. In some implementations, awards and penalties correlate to additions and subtractions of virtual items associated with the users inventory of virtual items. In some implementations, the negative value associated with a penalty is greater than the corresponding positive value of an award in connection with an applicable challenge.

Abstract: A system and method configured to provide remote access to a virtual space and enhance the efficiency of server operations associated with the virtual space. This system and method has particular application to online applications such as online games wherein many players are simultaneously competing for limited server resources in connection with game play. In some implementations, the system and method includes executing an instance of an online game and using the instance of the online game to enable participation in the online game by multiple users through multiple client computing platforms, wherein participation in the online game by the users includes entering and/or selecting requests on the client computing platforms that are executed in the instance of the online game. The system and method of the present invention also includes organizing the requests such that duplicative requests are combined into a single request and providing the organized requests for execution by one or more servers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting against certain energy sources used to charge a battery is disclosed.

Abstract: A developer mix formulation having tribocharge uniformity across varying temperature and humidity conditions is provided. A developer mix used in a dual component development (DCD) system is a mixture of toner particles and magnetic carrier particles. Tribocharge uniformity is achieved in the developer mix by using magnetic carrier particles having surface additives on its surface. Surface additives include but are not limited to silica, titania and alumina.

Abstract: A method for providing a developer mix having tribocharge uniformity across varying temperature and humidity conditions is provided. A developer mix used in a dual component development (DCD) system typically is a mixture of toner particles and magnetic carrier particles. Tribocharge uniformity is achieved in the developer mix by performing the step of treating the surface of the magnetic carrier particles with surface additives before the magnetic carrier particles are mixed with the toner particles. Surface additives include but are not limited to silica, titania and alumina.

Abstract: The accuracy of results of client-side determinations used for defining views of a virtual space may be verified via crowd-sourcing. Results of primary client-side determinations may be received from client computing platforms. Individual ones of the primary client-side determinations may be performed by individual client computing platforms presenting views of an instance of the virtual space to users. The results of the primary client-side determinations may form a basis for determining view information. The accuracy of the results of the primary client-side determinations may be verified by comparing the results of the primary client-side determinations with results of secondary client-side determinations performed by one or more client computing platforms. Individual ones of the secondary client-side determinations may simulate corresponding primary client-side determinations.

Abstract: A method performed by a network appliance having a plurality of application processing units, includes: receiving a first packet at the network appliance; calculating a first value using a mathematical algorithm based on one or more information regarding the first packet; and using the calculated first value to identify a first application processing unit of the plurality of application processing units in the network appliance. A network appliance includes: a plurality of processing units that are communicatively connected to each other; wherein a first processing unit of the plurality of processing units is configured for: calculating a first value using a mathematical algorithm based on one or more information regarding a first packet; and using the calculated first value to identify a second processing unit of the plurality of processing units.

Abstract: A color sampling method includes detecting a touch input on a touch screen, determining a first region corresponding to the touch input, performing a temporal analysis on the first region of a plurality of image frames to determine representative color values of pixels within the first region, determining a second region within the first region, and performing a spatial analysis on the second region to determine candidate color value corresponding to the touch input according to the representative color values of pixels within the second region.

Abstract: A method performed by a network system having a plurality of processing units implemented using a plurality of respective virtual machines, includes: receiving a first packet at a first virtual machine of the plurality of virtual machines, wherein the first virtual machine is configured to receive the first packet from a network through an interface and has session processing capability; calculating a first value using a mathematical algorithm based on one or more information regarding the first packet; and using the calculated first value to identify a second virtual machine of the plurality of virtual machines in the network system.

Abstract: Embodiments describe a system and method for presenting a data visualization using, at least in part, social network metrics. The social network metrics can include components such as a social connection score, a social content score and a social conversation score. Further details and values of the metrics can include a number of social network connections that an individual has in their social network, a number of content followers of the individual, a number of social network spaces to which the individual belongs, an indication of how a human resource interacts with others within a social network, a number of bookmarks shared, a number of tags added to particular areas of interest, a number of tags added to certain areas of expertise, and others.

Abstract: A system and method for example method for displaying enterprise data via a user interface display. An example method includes providing a first user option to select enterprise data to be displayed, yielding selected data in response thereto; employing a capsule to present a visualization or infographic characterizing at least a portion of the selected data; and providing a second user option to flip or rotate the capsule, thereby displaying additional enterprise data that is related to or representative of the selected data or portion thereof. In a specific embodiment, the first user option includes a slider bar that enables a user to specify a time frame to filter the enterprise data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scene recognition are provided. At least one dark region from an image is searched, and color for pixels of the at least one dark region is calculated. It is determined whether a proportion of low colorfulness pixels to the pixels of the at least one dark region is greater than a predefined threshold, wherein when the color information of the respective pixel is less than a specific level, the respective pixel is determined as low colorfulness. When the proportion of low colorfulness pixels to the pixels of the at least one dark region is greater than the predefined threshold, a scene corresponding to the image is not determined as a backlight scene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting and sealing a moving length of a fabric by heating, sealing, and finally cutting the fabric in a linear process to form an even, fused edge. The fabric undergoes a sequence of manipulations efficacious for cutting and sealing the fabric to a desired pattern and edge width. The method and apparatus help to minimize frayed edges on the fabric by bonding and fusing the fibers prior to cutting. The fabric is initially drawn through the apparatus in a predetermined pattern, such as a window blind. A heating portion directs a hot gas onto a section of the fiber desired for creating the edges. The heated section is compressed under a seal, which helps fuse perpendicular and parallel cross sections of fibers. The newly sealed section is then immediately cut with a cutting portion to form at least one fused edge.

Abstract: A system determines, in real-time, the routing of communication services from origination to destination based on a number of selected criteria used to determine an optimal path. Best value routing enables carriers and service providers to route a session/call by using an advanced intelligent network solution to generate optimal routes/service providers for servicing a request.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a system and a method for facilitating a user to meet a self-selected goal. The user enrolls in the program and receives a tailored series of motivational text messages. The text messages can be individualized for the user based on user goals, responses to pull text messages, responses to questionnaires, and the user's preferred style of receiving information. These text messages help to guide the user to reach the goal by encouraging and reminding the user to engage in desired behaviors. The system and method are described with respect to an exemplary embodiment for encouraging weight loss, but can also be used for other applications, such as diabetes control and smoking cessation.

Abstract: An electronic system for enhancing camera focusing on a portable electronic device is disclosed. The system comprises a body, a bus, and a camera module coupled to the bus and comprising a photosensitive substrate and a lens assembly wherein the lens assembly comprises a lens capable of being selectively moved to a distance from the photosensitive substrate for light focus thereon. Further, it comprises an accelerometer coupled to the bus and configured to generate orientation information, said orientation information indicating contemporaneous orientation of the body with respect to a predetermined reference. It also comprises a memory and a processor coupled to the bus. The memory comprises instructions that when executed implement an autofocus program configured to automatically determine the distance based on: 1) image data captured by said camera module; and 2) the orientation information generated by the accelerometer.