Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved telephone system and method that reduce call interruptions to a telephone, i.e., reduce interruptions caused by a caller placing a call to the telephone. If the no-call feature is enabled and a call is received by the telephone, the telephone answers the incoming telephone call in response to receiving the telephone call. The telephone then plays a message to the caller indicating that no calls are being taken. The telephone does not generate an audible ring signal in response to the telephone call received from the caller. The telephone system further comprises an exemption logic unit for allowing calls placed by certain callers to come through even when the no-call feature is enabled. The user indicates the exception parties to the no-call feature prior to receiving a call from an external party or at a later time.

Abstract: A personal computer is typically equipped with a modem that enables the user to dial through the Public Telephone Switched Network (PTSN) to access an Interactive Voice Response system. Once connected to the Interactive Voice Response System, the present system for providing personal computer access to an interactive voice response system uses the touch-tone generation capability of the personal computer to implement a predefined script to navigate through the Interactive Voice Response System. The navigation path is defined by the selections provided by the Interactive Voice Response System to enable a user to reach a computer interaction site that represents one of the back-end selections served by the Interactive Voice Response System. Thus, once the Interactive Voice Response System is traversed, the user can interact with the computer to perform the desired tasks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of controlling transmission of voice messages of information via telephone voice message systems, which are sometimes referred to as Voice Mail systems. Users of the system selectively specify voice message transmission instruction for controlling transmission of voice messages directed to them. Upon receipt of a user's voice message address, the voice message system determines whether the destination voice message address has a specified voice message transmission instruction previously selected by the receipt and processes the voice message in accordance with the instruction.

Abstract: A gateway enables point to multipoint connectivity from voice, data, or SVD clients over voice and data networks. The gateway connects one or more known voice networks (e.g. telephone networks) and one or more data networks (e.g. LANs, WANs, and internet) so that clients on either network may access any of the networks via various devices like analog telephones, data modems, SVD modems, or direct data network connections (e.g., ethernet, token ring). The gateway has connections to both the data network(s) as well as the voice network(s). The gateway is capable of splitting a signal with both voice and data streams and routing either and/or both of these streams over the voice network alone, the data network, or both. A process, executing on the gateway enables the gateway to establish connections on gateway paths and to control and direct a flow of voice and data information between the destinations on these networks.

Abstract: An electronic telephone book comprises a central processing unit, interface circuitry for coupling the central processing unit to a telephone line and a display comprising output circuitry to output information and control graphics and input circuitry for generating control signals responsive to user interaction with the control graphics.

Abstract: A method and system in which calls made by customers who are members of a group of customers having a group calling plan, but who have separate billing accounts, are priced based on the group calling plan and on the usage by other members of the group. Typical groups may include customers in specific geographic locations, such as residents in an apartment building or in a residential neighborhood, and offices and stores in a commercial building. Other groups may include customers in widely separated geographic locations, such as members of a nation-wide club or organization, alumni association members, etc. In order to price a call made over a network by a customer of the network, the customer being a member of a billing group, information specifying a group billing plan of the billing group is stored. A call made by a member of the billing group is priced based on the group billing plan.

Abstract: System and method for providing a customer with the ability to obtain temporary voicemail service in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) for the customer's calling line by dialing a call to special access code, without the intervention of a service representative. The call is recognized as a request for an initiation of a temporary voicemail service with respect to the customer's calling line. On the basis of the recognition, an association may be retained between the calling line number and the service switching point serving the calling line number. This retained association may be used later in the activation of the temporary voicemail service for the calling line number. The call is routed to a rental service interface through which rental information from the caller may be collected. This rental information may be compiled into a rental agreement that is used as the basis for activation of the temporary voicemail service with respect to the caller's calling line number.

Abstract: System and method providing a customer with the ability to obtain temporary notification service in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) for the customer's calling line by dialing a call to feature access code, without thc intervention of a service representative. The call is recognized as a request for an initiation of a temporary notification service with respect to the customer's calling line. On the basis of the recognition, an association may be retained between the calling line number and the service switching point serving the calling line number. This retained association may be used later in the activation of the temporary notification service for the calling line number. The call is routed to a rental service interface through which rental information from the caller may be collected. This rental information may be compiled into a rental agreement that is used for activation of the temporary notification service with respect to the caller's calling line number.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method provide a customer with the ability to obtain temporary caller identification services in an Advanced Intelligent Network. The customer initiates the service by dialing a call to a feature access code and does not require the intervention of a service representative. The call by the customer is recognized as a request for caller identification service. On the basis of the recognition, an association is retained between the line number and the Service Switching Point serving the line number. This retained association may be used later in the activation of the temporary caller identification service for the requested line number. The call is routed to a rental service interface through which rental information from the caller may be collected. This rental information may be compiled into a rental agreement that is used as the basis for activation of the temporary caller identification services with respect to the requested line number.

Abstract: A system and method for activation of an enhanced telecommunication service without a turn-on call by a subscriber. The present invention is described in the AIN environment, where an enhanced telecommunication service is set up for a directory number. The enhanced telecommunication service has an active state wherein the enhanced telecommunication service is applied to calls received for the directory number. The enhanced telecommunication service also has an inactive state wherein the enhanced telecommunication service is not applied to calls received for the directory number. The first call is directed to the directory number, where the enhanced telecommunication service is in the inactive state. A no answer condition from the directory number is detected with respect to the first call. In response to the detection of the no answer condition, the enhanced telecommunication service changes to the active state.

Abstract: A system and method of customized routing in the interconnection of multiple public switched telecommunications networks for both unbundled switching and for resale. The arrangement utilizes a hybrid combination of an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN), line class codes (LCC), and an adjunct processor to provide customized routing for both unbundled switching and for resale while coping with the varied capabilities and capacities of the switches found in the average public switched telephone network. The primary applications are for unbundlers and resellers to have operator (0+, 0−) calls and directory assistance calls (411/555) routed to their own platforms. The arrangement provides a solution to achievement of relatively rapid implementation in an efficient and economical manner with a minimum of modification to existing plant.

Abstract: A call processor in a call center provides agents with enhanced ability to handle multiple types of communications in a consistent manner. Information related to communications received by the call processor are displayed to agents in the call center in queue lists. Agents can select calls for further processing from the information presented in the queue lists.

Abstract: Selection of a call-center agent (106-108) to handle a call is based on which available agent's handling of the call will tend to optimize call-center performance criteria such as efficiency (e.g., minimize per-call handling time) or derived benefit (e.g., maximize revenue). Each agent has a service profile for each type of call that they handle. A service profile (400-402) comprises present values of a plurality of service metrics, such as proficiency, profitability, customer satisfaction, and agent satisfaction. When a call of a particular type becomes available, the present values of the service metrics of the service profile (400-500) of that call type of each agent who is available to handle the call are combined (304) into a score according to one of a plurality of formulas which corresponds to that call type, and the agent with the best score is assigned (306) to the call.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enabling communications devices to recognize call progress tones that may be used in foreign countries. The call progress tone detection system includes a communications device (50) having one or more frequency decoders (113) for determining the frequency of call progress tones, a cadence decoder (126) for determining the on/off pattern for the call progress tones and a table (122) for storing the call progress tone frequencies and the cadences. Recognition of call progress tones is accomplished by enabling the communications device (50) to receive one or more foreign call progress tones, enabling the user to associate the type of call progress tone for each call progress tone received and storing each call progress tone to a table (122) for later cross reference when initiating a call.

Abstract: A latch for securing the cover to the housing of a network interface device including a shaft having a bayonet-type projection at its tail end rotatable to lock with one of two tabs fabricated as part of the housing, and with a stop projection at its opposite end to capture the shaft within the cover. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing, the cover, the tabs and the shaft are all constructed of a substantially plastic composition, and with a controlled rotation of ±90° from the quiescent insertion of the shaft for locking and unlocking the network interface device in allowing for automated manufacture and assembly of the interface device in telephone and data equipment test accessing port.

Abstract: The generation of an audio output sound from an electronic communications device includes monitoring a level of an electrical power supply for the electrical communications device, and adjusting an audio input signal responsive to changes of the level of the electrical power supply for the electronic communications device. The adjusted audio input signal is amplified, and an output sound is generated responsive to the adjusted and amplified audio input signal. In addition, an audio output signal can be generated responsive to received sound including an echo of the output sound, an estimate of the echo of the output sound can be generated using the adjusted audio input signal and a model of an echo path of the output sound, and the echo portion of the audio output signal can be reduced using this estimate.

Abstract: A method of securing and monitoring access to information from a computer platform. At least one non-rewritable recording medium with information and operating software is produced. Users are authorized by defining user access rights to the information stored on the reading medium. A portable medium having information regarding the defined access rights recorded thereon is issued to each authorized user. The recording medium and the portable medium are inserted into readers fitted to the computer platform. The computer platform is configured into a secure workstation by executing security functions based upon parameters recorded on the recording medium, the portable medium, and the computer platform. After security functions are executed, operating software from the recording medium is loaded to the computer platform. The method enables the information stored on the recording medium to be accessed according to the defined access rights.

Abstract: A sound processing unit contains a speaker disposed at a position on a body of the sound processing unit, which outputs an input sound signal; a microphone disposed at another position on the body of the unit; a vibration pick-up disposed at a position near the speaker on the body of the unit such that the ear of the user touches the pik-up during conversation, which detects a bone conduction sound and which outputs it as a bone conduction sound signal; and a double talk detector that compares a level of the input sound signal with a level of the transmitting signal, and outputs a state signal to indicate a receiving state when the level of the input sound signal is judged to be more than a first specific value and the level of the transmitting signal is judged to be less than a second specific value.

Abstract: A telephone system includes two or more cardioid microphones held together and directed outwardly from a central point. Mixing circuitry and control circuitry combines and analyzes signals from the microphones and selects the signal from one of the microphones or from one of one or more predetermined combinations of microphone signals in order to track a speaker as the speaker moves about a room or as various speakers situated about the room speak then fall silent. Visual indicators, in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are evenly spaced around the perimeter of a circle concentric with the microphone array. Mixing circuitry produces ten combination signals, A+B, A+C, B+C, A+B+C, A−B, B−C, A−C, A−0.5(B+C), B−0.5(A+C), and C−0.5(B+A), with the “listening beam” formed by combinations, such as A−0.

Abstract: A voice-controlled timing and calculating device includes a microphone to receive a user's vocal signal, a voice amplifier amplifying the vocal signal, a comparison circuit comparing the vocal signal with information stored in a memory to retrieve an associated instruction, a processor performing the instruction of serving as a timer or a calculator to generate a result, and a voice synthesizer which converts the result from the processor into a synthetic voice which is then broadcast by a speaker so that the device may be operated with vocal input and vocal output. Further, the device may be provided with visual display to show the result of the processor. Also, a manually actuateable switch may be provided to allow a user to alternatively switch the processor between the timer and the calculator.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for steering a monaural audio signal representing a source of sound into left and right audio signals for presentation to the corresponding ears of a listener so that the listener perceives the sound source in a specific location relative to his head. The left and right signals may be provided through headphones or loudspeakers, in the latter case employing techniques to cancel the crosstalk from each loudspeaker into the opposite ear of the listener. The monaural audio signal is filtered using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) into the left and right outputs, these being equivalent to the acoustic HRTFs that would be generated if a source of sound were placed at the specific location relative to the listener.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for shifting the frequency range of an audio frequency range signal using digital frequency shifting and single sideband amplitude modulation techniques. In one embodiment, a frequency shifted single sideband, amplitude modulated signal is formed for application to the human hearing sensory system to provide enhanced hearing for hearing impaired persons. In another embodiment, the audio signal is shifted to an ultrasonic frequency range utilizing digital signal processing techniques in which an audio frequency signal is frequency shifted by modulation to a carrier frequency and in which a single sideband modulated signal is formed. The digital single sideband amplitude modulation techniques of this embodiment are also applicable to digital modulation systems for uses other than in hearing aids. In another embodiment, analog single sideband modulation is utilized for frequency shifting in a hearing aid application.

Abstract: In a hearing aid having feedback cancellation, a voltage regulator is provided to regulate the voltage from the hearing aid battery to the class D output. Feedback cancellation processing dynamically models the entire acoustic feedback path from the hearing aid processing to microphone, including the gain of the output stage. The gain of the output stage varies with the voltage of the battery, and the battery voltage depresses when a loud signal is processed by hearing aid, so the voltage regulator prevents the output stage gain from varying with time.

Abstract: A mechanical mounting system and extensional damping technique for loudspeaker crossover networks. This system decouples the crossover network from the loudspeaker enclosure (cabinet), isolating it from any vibrational energy in the cabinet walls. In addition, an extensional damping material is applied to the crossover network to damp any vibrational energy which may be coupled from the surrounding air into the network. The mounting system can be used for mounting any sensitive electronic components within an enclosure to provide isolation from the walls of the enclosure and from surrounding or environmentally induced vibrational energy.

Abstract: In a speaker, a first corrugated damping device and a second corrugated damping device are arranged on a stepped portion inside a cone rack and vertically spaced by a spacer ring, and a third corrugated damping device is suspended above the first and second corrugated damping device and secured to a back member at the back side of the cone rack to stabilize a paper cone in the cone rack.

Abstract: An improved method of pose determination and tracking does away with conventional segmentation while taking advantage of multi-degree-of-freedom numerical fitting or match filtering as opposed to a syntactic segment or feature oriented combinatorial match. The technique may be used to improve image database query based on object shape descriptors by allowing the user to request images from a database or video sequence which contain a key object described by a geometric description that the user designates or supplies. The approach is also applicable to target or object acquisition and tracking based on the matching of one or a set of object shape data structures.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly obtaining information about the suitability of terrain to meet concealment or visibility objectives, such as might be needed for military planning or for determining placement of relay antennas in a cellular communication system, is disclosed. The disclosed system precomputes heuristic visibility fields for a geographic area, then uses the precomputed heuristic visibility fields to rapidly determine points on a map that will provide the desired characteristics of exposure or concealment in response to a query.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for annotation of medical imagery to facilitate patient identification, diagnosis, and treatment is characterized by an imaging device for producing a first signal representative of sensed characteristics of the individual and a minutiae generator which receives the first signal and produces a second signal representative of minutiae of the individual, the minutiae corresponding to specific branch points of blood vessels of the individual. A minutiae data generator analyzes the characteristics of minutiae and produces a third signal representative of the characteristics which is stored in a minutiae database for each of the plurality of known individuals and their medical conditions. The minutiae and minutiae data may be used to annotate medical imagery to facilitate subsequent image comparison by providing standardized registration points and time-varying characteristics.

Abstract: A system encodes video by detecting the location of a facial region of a frame of the video. Sensitivity information is calculated for each of a plurality of locations within the video based upon the location of the facial region. The frame is encoded in manner that provides a substantially uniform apparent quality of the plurality of locations to the viewer when the viewer is observing the facial region of the video.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing 3D captured image data of scanned surfaces to locate object of interest, such as solder balls. A 3D model is created of an object of interest, the 3D model including weighted “don't care” areas where a match is not required. The 3D models which are used include geometric shapes, including a frustum, and models created from actual 3D image data of real objects. The 3D captured image data is processed to locate objects matching the 3D models, including processing by normalized correlation. Once the objects are located, the system selects data points within the 3D captured image data that are a predetermined distance away from the located objects. These data points are analyzed to determine a surface plane which fits the selected data points, thereby locating the surface in the 3D capture image data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a printed circuit board, whereby a list of windows encompassing respective regions of the printed circuit board are generated. The windows are then scanned, and data representing the respective regions is captured and stored. The captured data includes data relating to a plurality of pixels for each window. Next, data relating to a plurality of adjacent pixels is retrieved, and values of the adjacent pixels are summed. Finally, either the data relating to the plurality of adjacent pixels or the sum of adjacent pixel values is selected for use in subsequent processing. The apparatus and method is especially useful for determining an average brightness level for each window.

Abstract: A method and system for processing color space data to be rendered by display device for selective overloading of the color space data when the overloaded data, or the overloading of the data, is compatible with a satisfactory output of display device. If the color space data is compatible, overload processing occurs. If the original color space data is incompatible for overload rendering, the original color space data is passed through without overload processing. The compatibility generally is determined when possible remapping of the color space or the general form and the allowable ranges of values for each channel are the same for the original color space and the overloading color space. If incompatibility is determined, the original color space data is passed through the rendering processes without overloading.

Abstract: A method for block selection on a image of a table, the table including rows and columns defined by visible and non-visible grid lines and containing table cells, includes identifying super-cells that include one or more table cells, wherein super-cells are identified according to traced white areas surrounding table cells and bounded by visible grid lines, determining whether vertical and horizontal grid lines bounding each table cell are visible or non-visible, and determining whether vertical and horizontal grid lines bounding each super-cell are visible or non-visible.

Abstract: An acoustic signature recognition and identification system receives signals from a sensor placed on a designated piece of equipment. The acoustic data is digitized and processed, via a Fast Fourier Transform routine, to create a spectrogram image of frequency versus time. The spectrogram image is then normalized to permit acoustic pattern recognition regardless of the surrounding environment or magnitude of the acoustic signal. A feature extractor then detects, tracks and characterizes the lines which form the spectrogram. Specifically, the lines are detected via a KY process that is applied to each pixel in the line. A blob coloring process then groups spatially connected pixels into a single signal object. The harmonic content of the lines is then determined and compared with stored templates of known acoustic signatures to ascertain the type of machinery. An alert is then generated in response to the recognized and identified machinery.

Abstract: A computer method and system for converting a pixmap representing a drawing into a set of points or vectors representing the drawing. Closed loops of points or vectors are traced around boundaries between edge and non-edge pixels in the pixmap; each loop is identified as defining an outer perimeter or as defining a hole associated with some particular outer perimeter; and, for each outer perimeter, an ink art region is defined by an outer perimeter minus any areas defined by any associated holes. Color art vectorization may be created interior to ink art regions. Interior ink art regions may be formed at branches in the drawing. Boundaries may be smoothed and filtered. Drawings may be sized, scaled, or rotated. Vectorization may be extended to color and gray scale drawings.

Abstract: Pattern matching means 3 matches categories of a reference pattern stored in reference pattern memory means 2 and input samples of an input pattern produced by input pattern generating means 1. Data statistics estimating means 6 calculates the numbers of input samples in individual nodes of a tree scheme reference pattern stored in the tree scheme reference pattern memory means 4. Node selecting means 6 selects nodes used for adaptation according to the input sample numbers calculated by the data statistics estimating means 5. Adaptation parameter generating means 7 calculates an adaptation parameter in the Nodes selected by the node selecting means 6. Reference pattern generating means 8 produces an adapted reference pattern using the calculated adaptation parameter.

Abstract: An image encoder or other image processing apparatus includes a segmentation apparatus for assigning image pixels to regions, in accordance with predetermined criteria. The segmentation apparatus provides a temporally consistent segmentation throughout a motion picture sequence, and comprises: a motion compensation processor for predicting the segmentation for a current frame (F0) upon the basis of the segmentation (S1) of the preceding frame and estimated motion vectors (M); and a pixel identifier and reallocator for modifying the predicted segmentation in dependence upon the accuracy of pixel values (F0′) predicted for the current frame on the basis of the motion vectors (M). In particular, for portions of the image where pixel values are not accurately predicted by the motion vectors, it is assumed that the predicted segmentation is invalid, and such portions are re-segmented and merged into the predicted segmentation to obtain the temporally consistent segmentation.

Abstract: Apparatus for decoding, block by block, image block of N×N pixels, in coded image signal form obtained by successfully coding pixel values of plural peripheral pixels in the vicinity of a coding target pixel, the apparatus including means for replacing a pixel value of an undecoded pixel among three lines of nearby peripheral pixels with a pseudo pixel value obtained from a decoded peripheral pixel located closest to and on the same line as the uncoded pixel; means for generating a prediction pixel value for the target pixel from the value of the decoded pixel and the replacement pixel value of the undecoded pixel; means for (a) receiving the coded image signal, (b) performing a decoding process using the pixel values of at least one decoded pixel in each of a previously decoded block, the decoding target block, and a pseudo pixel value of an undecoded pixel, and (c) outputting a decoded image signal for each block; and means for combining decoded image signals corresponding to the blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling the amount of image compression data which is to be encoded in an image compression system using a wavelet transform. The amount of data accumulated in a channel buffer is controlled by removing from the wavelet-transformed image data, data cells which contain a frequency band and having a spatial orientation to which human eyes are less sensitive. An estimation is made as to how much data will accumulate in the channel buffer, based on a cyclic integration of the rate at which data is input to the channel buffer. The estimation is compared to a set of predetermined thresholds to determine how much if any of the wavelet-transformed image data is to be removed. If the estimation indicates an overflow, data cells D23, D43, and D83 are removed from the wavelet-transformed image frame. After overflow has been avoided, only data cell D23 is removed. If the estimation indicates an underflow, no data cells are removed.

Abstract: A discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficient prediction method and a DCT coefficient encoding method are provided. For the prediction of AC coefficients, location information of the nonzero AC coefficients is used. Then, the AC coefficients are divided into the vertical and horizontal component areas, and a remaining area, and variable modified zigzag scanning is applied for encoding. The performance of the AC coefficient prediction coding is improved as the absolute values of the predicted coefficients are small, and as the number of coefficients of value zero increases. The coefficients of value zero may be predicted as nonzero, so these coefficients are eliminated from the prediction. On the other hand, when using the characteristics of the adjacent blocks in a spatial domain, a larger weighted value is applied to the pixel values which are the nearest to the current block, thereby improving the prediction characteristics for DC/AC coefficients in a discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus including an input unit for inputting multi-valued input image data, a quantization unit for quantizing the input image data input by the input unit into output image data having a number of levels which is smaller than that of the input image data, and a correction unit for correcting a quantization error which occurs during a quantization process of the quantization unit, the correction unit correcting the quantization error by diffusing an error amount into input image data which have not yet been quantized by the quantization unit, wherein the correction unit periodically varies the error amount to be diffused into the input image data within a range of values up to and including the quantization error.

Abstract: There are provided image processing apparatus and method, in which an image signal expressed by a plurality of bits is continuously inputted every pixel, the input image signal is compared with a reference image signal, a change in image is detected, and when the change in image is not detected as a detection result, a quality improving process of the image signal is executed by using a plurality of image signals which are obtained for a period of time when the image change is not detected, and when the image change is detected as a detection result, the input image signal is outputted without performing the quality improving process, and when the image change is not detected as a detection result, the image signal which was subjected to the quality improving process is outputted.

Abstract: Structures are identified in pixel data representative of a discrete pixel image and are differentiated from non-structures. The structures are identified by comparing gradient magnitudes with a selected gradient value and by comparing gradient directions of adjacent pixels. Pixels having desired relationships are counted and a focus parameter is applied to the resulting count. A final gradient threshold value is identified based upon the count and the focus parameter. The threshold value identifies structural pixels. Isolated adjacent regions may be eliminated from the structures. Edges defined by the structures are binary rank order filtered to arrive at the final structural definition. The structural and non-structural pixels may be further processed to enhance the image for subsequent display.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of processing an image including the steps of decomposing the image into detail images at successive resolution levels. The detail images at successive resolution levels contain image information at respective spatial scales. Filtering of detail images is carried-out in dependence on at least one subsequent detail image having a lower resolution level than the current detail image. A processed image is reconstructed from the filtered detail images.

Abstract: A method of edge enhancing a digital image having pixels, includes acquiring a digital image; computing an edge boost function having positive and negative boost for different portions of the edge of the digital image; adjusting the edge boost function to produce a modified edge boost function such that the gain of the negative boost is greater than the gain of the positive boost; and applying the modified edge boost function to the digital image to provide an edge enhanced digital image.

Abstract: A wavelet transform is carried out on an image signal representing an image, in which periodical structure patterns corresponding to a frequency higher than a Nyquist frequency in sub-sampling effected with the wavelet transform are embedded, by using at least one kind of low pass filter capable of decreasing the frequency components of the image signal, which correspond to the periodical structure patterns. A reduced image, which is represented by low frequency components of the image signal, is thereby obtained from the wavelet transform such that no moire may occur in the reduced image. The reduced image thus having good image quality is utilized as an image to be viewed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a system and process for true multi-image alignment that does not rely on the measurements of a reference image being distortion free. For instance, lens distortion is a common imaging phenomenon. When lens distortion is present, none of the images can be assumed to be ideal. In an embodiment of the invention, all the images are modeled as intensity measurements represented in their respective coordinate systems, each of which is related to a reference coordinate system through an interior camera transformation and an exterior view transformation. Motion parameters determined in accordance with an embodiment of the invention dictate the position of the input frames within the reference frame. A reference coordinate system is used, but not a reference image. Motion parameters are computed to warp all input images to a virtual image mosaic in the reference coordinate system of the reference frame.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for inputting an original image and forming an image on a recording medium, includes an image direction detection unit for detecting the image direction of an original image, and a control unit for controlling image forming device to perform predetermined image forming processing in accordance with the detection result of the image direction detection unit. The image direction detection unit outputs a degree of determination as the detection result of the image direction, and a level for determining whether or not the predetermined image processing is done is set for the degree of determination.

Abstract: An image is grouped the image into levels of blocks of pixels, each particular level, except a top level, providing a subdivision of each block of pixels of a next higher level into a respective matrix of blocks of pixels of that particular level. An image source transfers pixel values of all of the pixels to an image receiver like a display device on a block by block basis. The blocks in each respective matrix are transferred consecutively without intervening transfer of pixel values of pixels from other blocks from the same level. This makes it possible to make interchangeable use of image receivers with mutually different resolutions, without requiring a change in the way the pixel values are transferred and without requiring a memory in the image receiver for pixel values that are transferred between the pixel values for one block.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing for the ingress/egress of an optical fiber in composite materials wherein flexible tooling protects the ingress and egress point of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is placed into the uncured laminates of the composite material prior to curing such laminates. The ingress/egress point of this fiber is protected from the laminates by enclosing the fiber with a plurality of polyimide and poly(tetrofluoroethylene) tubes. During the curing process, a rubber plate covers the laminates and the fiber optic lead are brought out of the laminates through a plug in the rubber plate and positioned along the rubber plate in grooves to protect the external fiber leads during curing. After curing a strain relief boot is placed over the fiber optic lead where it ingresses/egresses the composite material to relieve the strain generated on the optical fiber lead during operational use.