Abstract: A method of processing an image is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining an image decomposed into a set of scaled images, each being characterized by a different image-scale; and calculating, for each of at least some scaled images, a relative luminance between the scaled image and another scaled image of the set, using intensities in the scaled image and intensities in the another scaled image. The method further comprises processing each scaled image using an adaptation procedure featuring an image-specific effective saturation function of the relative luminance, thereby providing a processed scaled image; combining at least some of the processed scaled images to provide a combined image; and outputting the combined image to a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method of processing an image having a plurality of picture-elements is disclosed. The method comprises: preprocessing the image to selectively enhance contrast of some picture-elements of the image, and employing a companding procedure for the preprocessed image, thereby providing a processed image. The contrast enhancement optionally and preferably features a mapping function having a plateau region for diminishing image data with intensity levels below an intensity threshold, thereby providing a preprocessed image.

Abstract: A method of processing an image is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining an image decomposed into a set of scaled images, each being characterized by a different image-scale; and calculating, for each of at least some scaled images, a relative luminance between the scaled image and another scaled image of the set, using intensities in the scaled image and intensities in the another scaled image. The method further comprises processing each scaled image using an adaptation procedure featuring an image-specific effective saturation function of the relative luminance, thereby providing a processed scaled image; combining at least some of the processed scaled images to provide a combined image; and outputting the combined image to a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method of processing an image having a plurality of picture-elements is disclosed. The method comprises: preprocessing the image to selectively enhance contrast of some picture-elements of the image, and employing a companding procedure for the preprocessed image, thereby providing a processed image. The contrast enhancement optionally and preferably features a mapping function having a plateau region for diminishing image data with intensity levels below an intensity threshold, thereby providing a preprocessed image.

Abstract: A method of processing an image is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining an image decomposed into a set of scaled images, each being characterized by a different image-scale; and calculating, for each of at least some scaled images, a relative luminance between the scaled image and another scaled image of the set, using intensities in the scaled image and intensities in the another scaled image. The method further comprises processing each scaled image using an adaptation procedure featuring an image-specific effective saturation function of the relative luminance, thereby providing a processed scaled image; combining at least some of the processed scaled images to provide a combined image; and outputting the combined image to a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method of processing a polychromatic image is disclosed. The method comprises, for each of at least a portion of the picture elements, assigning to the picture element a new color value for each individual color, and storing the new values in a computer readable medium. The new values are assigned by: processing each of a first and a second colors of the picture element, based, at least in part on first and second colors of peripheral picture elements, to respectively provide a first processed color value and a second processed color value; employing optimization for reducing error and for assigning to the picture element a new color value for each of the first and second colors; and assigning to the picture element a new color value for a third color calculated based, at least in part, on the new color values for the first and second colors.

Abstract: A method of processing a computerized tomography image is disclosed. The method comprises preprocessing the image using contrast enhancement weight function, thereby providing a preprocessed image having a first dynamic range; and applying a companding procedure to the preprocessed image, so as to reduce the first dynamic range.

Abstract: A method of processing a polychromatic image is disclosed. The method comprises, for each of at least a portion of the picture elements, assigning to the picture element a new color value for each individual color, and storing the new values in a computer readable medium. The new values are assigned by: processing each of a first and a second colors of the picture element, based, at least in part on first and second colors of peripheral picture elements, to respectively provide a first processed color value and a second processed color value; employing optimization for reducing error and for assigning to the picture element a new color value for each of the first and second colors; and assigning to the picture element a new color value for a third color calculated based, at least in part, on the new color values for the first and second colors.

Abstract: A method of processing an image having a plurality of picture-elements is disclosed. The method comprises: preprocessing the image to selectively enhance contrast of some picture-elements of the image, and employing a companding procedure for the preprocessed image, thereby providing a processed image. The contrast enhancement optionally and preferably features a mapping function having a plateau region for diminishing image data with intensity levels below an intensity threshold, thereby providing a preprocessed image.

Abstract: A method of processing a computerized tomography image is disclosed. The method comprises preprocessing the image using contrast enhancement weight function, thereby providing a preprocessed image having a first dynamic range; and applying a companding procedure to the preprocessed image, so as to reduce the first dynamic range.

Abstract: A method for gradual expansion of a cellular network comprising the steps of: A. Creating a plurality of new, smaller cells within an existing, larger cell, wherein each new cell is randomly located; B. integrating each of the new cells within the existing cellular network by connecting it to the cellular network infrastructure; and C. giving priority in connecting mobile users through one of the new cells' base stations, by transferring calls from the existing base station to a new base station, whenever possible. In a cellular network system, an add-on base station comprising transmitters, receivers and a controller, wherein the controller includes means for listening to the cellular traffic and for allowing the base station to take control according to predefined rules.

Abstract: A method for handling permits, comprising the steps of: (A) a gatekeeper presents a gatekeeper's permit including an authorization to ask for a user's permit; (B) a user checks the validity of the gatekeeper's permit. If the permit is valid, then go to step (C), else END; (C) the user presents a user's permit and a user's certificate; (D) the gatekeeper checks the validity of the user's permit and certificate, and the correspondence therebetween, and performs a predefined action if the result of the validity check is positive. The user's permit further includes a HTML (HyperText Markup Language) stamp, to allow automatic permit verification.

Abstract: A system for handling permits, comprising means for reading a certificate, means for reading a permit and decision means for performing a predefined activity based on the results of the combined verification of the certificate and the permit. A method for handling permits, comprising the steps of (A) Approval of the issuance of a permit to a specific person, after that person was identified and following some decision routine; (B) The generation by the authorities involved of a message for a permit, which includes data items to indicate the identity of the permit issuing authority, the identity of the person to whom the permit was issued, the type of permit and to whom it is to be presented; (C) Encryption of the message by an authorized person to generate the permit, with the encryption using their private key; and (D) the permit is delivered to the person who has been identified with his/her certificate.