Abstract: A content based image retrieval system that extracts images from a database of images by constructing a query set of features and displaying images that have a minimum dissimilarity metric from images in the database. The dissimilarity metric is a weighted summation of distances between features in the query set and features of the images in the database. The method is useful for image searching such as web-based image retrieval and facial recognition.

Abstract: A programmable sensor array (1) having a plurality of programmable cells (2). Each of the cells (2) comprises a programmable module (4) and a sensor element(6) operatively coupled to the programmable module. There is also an analogue module (8), typically an analogue to digital converter, that provides the operatively coupling of the sensor element (6) to the programmable module (4). The sensor element (6), programmable module (4) and analogue module (8) are in a stacked relationship.

Abstract: The invention provides for a device (1) and method (20) for identifying, from a plurality of files, at least one file suitable for attaching to a text message to be transmitted from the device. The message is typically an EMS or MMS message and the invention includes identifying (22) at least one keyword or phrase in the message to be used in a metadata search. Then the invention conducts searching (23) a least one database for files identified by metadata corresponding to at least one search word associated with the keyword or phrase. Identifying (24) the least one file suitable for attaching to the message is performed, wherein the at least one file has associated metadata matching the search word. A user then may select the file plus other files that are attached to (27) and transmitted (28) with the text message.

Abstract: A programmable sensor array (1) having a plurality of programmable cells (2). Each of the cells (2) comprises a programmable module (4) and a sensor element(6) operatively coupled to the programmable module. There is also an analogue module (8), typically an analogue to digital converter, that provides the operatively coupling of the sensor element (6) to the programmable module (4). The sensor element (6), programmable module (4) and analogue module (8) are in a stacked relationship.

Abstract: A method (40) and system (1) for bit modeling and encrypting a code block created from an image. There is also provided a method (60) and system (20) for inverse bit modeling and decrypting an encrypted version of the code block comprising context dependent sequence of bits. Both methods (40,60) and systems (1,20) use a respective encrypting sequence or decrypting sequence associated with an encryption key or seed. The method (40) effects a conducting coefficient bit modeling (46) on at least part of a selected code block in a bit modeling order identified by the encrypting sequence. The method (60) effects a constructing coded wavelet coefficients (66) from the context dependent modeled sequence of bits in an order identified by the decrypting sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stereoscopic panoramic video generation includes novel techniques for panorama projection, stitching and calibration for various depth planes. The apparatus includes a polygonal camera head (40) having multiple sides (42) and a circular projection center (44) located within the polygon. Each side of the polygon has a pair of cameras (46a, 46b) for capturing image scenes. The cameras (46a, 46b) are arranged such that image projection lines (48) extending from the cameras are perpendicular to the side upon which the camera is located and tangent to one side of the circle of the projection center. Projection surfaces (50) are warped such that the image projection lines are also perpendicular to the projection surfaces. Stereoscopic panoramic video is generated with no occlusion of the scene by the capturing apparatus and no visible perspective errors or image mosaic artifacts.

Abstract: A method (12) for collaboratively watermarking a digital content that includes portions produced by respective members (6) in a group is disclosed. A trusted authority (4) provides (16) a plurality of partial watermarks (30, 32, 40) and distributes (18) to each of the members (6) one of the plurality of partial watermarks (30, 32, 40). The members (6) watermark respective portions using the partial watermarks (30, 32, 40) to create respective watermarked portions. A combiner (8) combines the watermarked portions to produce a watermarked digital content having a watermark. A recipient (10) is able to extract the watermark from the watermarked digital content and verify that it is similar to a master watermark (28, 42).

Abstract: A method of image segmentation is disclosed. The method partitions at least part of an input image (9, 29) into a plurality of partitioned units (10). The method next determines segments (13,14,15,16) for each of the plurality of partitioned units (10) based on at least one pixel attribute of the input image (9, 29). Subsequently, the method selectively combines (18) the segments of the partitioned units (10) to provide a segmented version of the input image (9, 29). A system (1) for image segmentation having an image partition module (2), a block segmentation module (4) coupled to the image partition module (2) and a segment combination module (5) coupled to the block segmentation module (4) is also disclosed for performing the above method.