Abstract: Techniques are provided for estimation of human orientation and facial pose, in images that include depth information. A methodology embodying the techniques includes detecting a human in an image generated by a depth camera and estimating an orientation category associated with the detected human. The estimation is based on application of a random forest classifier, with leaf node template matching, to the image. The orientation category defines a range of angular offsets relative to an angle corresponding to the human facing the depth camera. The method also includes performing a three dimensional (3D) facial pose estimation of the detected human, based on detected facial landmarks, in response to a determination that the estimated orientation category includes the angle corresponding to the human facing the depth camera.

Abstract: A long-term object tracker employs a continuous learning framework to overcome drift in the tracking position of a tracked object. The continuous learning framework consists of a continuous learning module that accumulates samples of the tracked object to improve the accuracy of object tracking over extended periods of time. The continuous learning module can include a sample pre-processor to refine a location of a candidate object found during object tracking, and a cropper to crop a portion of a frame containing a tracked object as a sample and to insert the sample into a continuous learning database to support future tracking.

Abstract: A system, article, and method of neural network object recognition for image processing includes customizing a training database and adapting an instance segmentation neural network used to perform the customization.

Abstract: An example apparatus for generating synthesized images includes a receiver to receive a frame, a mask and external images. The apparatus also includes a foreground augmenter to generate augmented foregrounds in the frame based on the mask. The apparatus includes a background augmenter to generate augmented backgrounds based on the frame, the mask, and the external images. The apparatus also further includes an image synthesizer to generate a synthesized image based on the generated augmented foregrounds and the augmented backgrounds.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to match images using semantic features are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a semantic labeler to determine a semantic label for each of a first set of points of a first image and each of a second set of points of a second image; a binary robust independent element features (BRIEF) determiner to determine semantic BRIEF descriptors for a first subset of the first set of points and a second subset of the second set of points based on the semantic labels; and a point matcher to match first points of the first subset of points to second points of the second subset of points based on the semantic BRIEF descriptors.

Abstract: Generally this disclosure describes a video communication system that replaces actual live images of the participating users with animated avatars. A method may include selecting an avatar; initiating communication; detecting a user input; identifying the user input; identifying an animation command based on the user input; generating avatar parameters; and transmitting at least one of the animation command and the avatar parameters.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a highly effective in situ treatment method for endogenous pollution in sludge, belonging to the field of environmental engineering water treatment. In view of the problem that it is difficult to effectively treat the endogenous pollution of river sludge, the present invention provides the highly effective in situ treatment method for endogenous pollution in sludge, which specifically adopts a combination of phoslock, calcium peroxide and aluminum modified zeolite to perform in-situ remediation of sludge, effectively inhibit the release of endogenous pollution of sludge, facilitate the ecological treatment of polluted water subsequently, and finally realize the long-term water improvement against pollution.

Abstract: A system, article, and method of point cloud registration using overlap regions for image processing.

Abstract: A device, method and system of video and audio sharing among communication devices, may comprise a communication device for generating and sending a packet containing information related to the video and audio, and another communication device for receiving the packet and rendering the information related to the audio and video. In some embodiments, the communication device may comprise: an audio encoding module to encode a piece of audio into an audio bit stream; an avatar data extraction module to extract avatar data from a piece of video and generate an avatar data bit stream; and a synchronization module to generate synchronization information for synchronizing the audio bit stream with the avatar parameter stream.

Abstract: A vertical lifting type drum coal-mining machine without a rocker arm includes a central control box, left and right cutting and lifting reduction gear boxes, left and right guide rail fixing box bodies, left and right traction reduction gear boxes, and left and right traveling gear boxes. The left and right cutting and lifting reduction gear boxes are provided with slideways in fit with lifting guide rails of the left and right guide rail fixing box bodies. Lifting cylinders drive the left and right cutting and lifting reduction gear boxes to make lifting motion. A cutting gear reduction mechanism adopts two-stage fixed-axle gear transmission and two-stage planetary gear transmission, is free from multiple idler pulley groups and has simple transmission chain. The fit between the lifting guide rails and the slideways enables the entire machine to be compact in structure, and the reliability and stability of operation are improved.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for detection of humans in images that include depth information. A methodology embodying the techniques includes segmenting an image into multiple windows and estimating the distance to a subject in each window based on depth pixel values in that window, and filtering to reject windows with sizes that are outside of a desired window size range. The desired window size range is based on the estimated subject distance and the focal length of the depth camera that produced the image. The method further includes generating classifier features for each remaining windows (post-filtering) for use by a cascade classifier. The cascade classifier creates candidate windows for further consideration based on a preliminary detection of a human in any of the remaining windows. The method further includes merging neighboring candidate windows and executing a linear classifier on the merged candidate windows to verify the detection of a human.

Abstract: A system and method of teaching a neural network through reinforcement learning methodology. The system includes a machine-readable medium having one or more processors that perform a motion task to produce a first result corresponding to navigating a device during a first episode and performing an interaction task during that same episode. After completion of the first episode a processor calculates a Q value change based on the first task result and the second task result. The processor then modifies parameters based on the Q value change such that during subsequent episode iterations the motion task and interactive task are improved and a smooth and continuous transition occurs between these two tasks.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to face detection window refinement using depth. Existing face detection systems may perform face detection by analyzing portions of visual data such as an image, video, etc. identified by sub-windows. These sub-windows are now determined only based on pixels, and thus may number in the millions. Consistent with the present disclosure, at least depth data may be utilized to refine the size and appropriateness of sub-windows that identify portions of the visual data to analyze during face detection, which may substantially reduce the number of sub-windows to be analyzed, the total data processing burden, etc. For example, at least one device may comprise user interface circuitry including capture circuitry to capture both visual data and depth data. Face detection circuitry in the at least one device may refine face detection by determining criteria for configuring the sub-windows that will be used in face detection.

Abstract: The multi-tube parallel free rotary thread demisting device includes a soot pit, a side liquid guide plate, liquid accumulation units, free rotary thread units, a fixing support, a flue gas inlet, motor connecting shafts, motors, a casing, a flue gas outlet, and a base support. A main body of the device includes a plurality of free rotary thread units and a plurality of liquid accumulation units that are mounted in parallel. The motors are mounted on an outer wall of the casing. The free rotary thread units are connected to the motors via the motor connecting shafts respectively. The motor connecting shafts are fixed via the fixing support. The device has low resistance, high efficiency, and high flue gas treatment throughput, and can avoid scaling and jamming.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods may generate a map of a search environment based on a probability of a target human being present within the search environment, capture a red, green, blue, depth (RGBD) image of one or more potential target humans in the search environment based on the map, and cause a robot apparatus to obtain a frontal view position with respect to at least one of the one or more potential target humans based on the RGBD images.

Abstract: Disclosed is a comprehensive vertical-lifting drum shearer without a rocker arm suitable for mining a medium-thick long wall coal seam having a coal seam dip angle of less than 30 degrees and a medium-hard or hard coal quality.

Abstract: Generally this disclosure describes a video communication system that replaces actual live images of the participating users with animated avatars. A method may include selecting an avatar; initiating communication; detecting a user input; identifying the user input; identifying an animation command based on the user input; generating avatar parameters; and transmitting at least one of the animation command and the avatar parameters.