Abstract: An image processor for producing clusters of related objects in a multi-level digital representation of an image includes a part for identifying predetermined objects in the image and for supplying data defining their locations. It also includes a part for deriving segmentation data directly from the multi-level digital representation. A segmentation device receives both sets of data and clusters the predetermined objects into groups for each segmented region before providing clustering data for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: Transmembrane receptors in the signaling pathways of bacterial chemotaxis systems influence cell motility by forming noncovalent complexes with the cytoplasmic signaling proteins to regulate their activity. The requirements for receptor-mediated activation of CheA, the principal kinase of the Escherichia coli chemotaxis signaling pathway, can be demonstrated using self-assembled clusters of a receptor fragment (CF) derived from the cytoplasmic domain of the aspartate receptor, Tar. Histidine-tagged Tar CF can be assembled on the surface of unilamellar vesicles via a lipid containing the Nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid moiety as a headgroup. The stability of such a complex can be controlled by the properties of the template including the size and composition, which can be used, for example, to vary the 2-dimensional concentration of receptor fragments. Surface-assembled CF is also found to serve as a substrate for receptor methylation, which is catalyzed by the receptor transferase.

Abstract: An image processing system produces clusters of related objects for subsequent analysis. It receives a multi-level digital representation of the image and predetermined objects are identified by extraction units (4). A segmentation unit (6) drives boundary data from the multi-level digital representation, the boundary data representing boundaries between different regions of the image. A clustering unit (8) clusters the predetermined objects into groups in dependence on their proximity to each other and in dependence on the boundary data and supplies this cluster data for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing images comprise means (2) to scan in an image. The image data is stored and a variance calculator (6) calculates a variance for the scanned image. An image categoriser (16) determines what further processing of the image is appropriate in dependence on the variance.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing, in a continuous manner, a gradient dyeing across the width of a long strip of a plastic sheet and an apparatus used therefor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the orientation of the plastic strip is maintained substantially constant during the passage through a dye bath, and the dye liquid level is repetitively varied by use of a liquid level control means. This invention is particularly useful for making gradient-dyed plastic sheets which in turn are used for making sunglass lenses.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing, in a continuous manner, a gradient dyeing across the width of a long strip of a plastic sheet and an apparatus used therefor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the orientation of the plastic strip is maintained substantially constant during the passage through a dye bath, and the dye liquid level is repetitively varied by use of a liquid level control means. This invention is particularly useful for making gradient-dyed plastic sheets which in turn are used for making sunglass lenses.