Abstract: In correspondence with the left and right external ears of a listener occupying a seat, a three dimensional sound field reproducing unit includes at least more than two speakers disposed on a headrest on the top of a backrest of the seat, and three dimensional signal processing means which converts an output signal from a sound source into a three dimensional sound field signal for supplying it to each of the speakers. Three dimensional sound field with high accuracy and fidelity is reproduced near the external ears of the listener.

Abstract: A hearing device has a housing with an acoustic input aperture and an acoustic output aperture. A cover element overlays the input aperture. The material of the cover element permits passage of sound received at the input aperture though the material. Two microphones are located in the housing under the cover element. The cover element has an exterior surface that is flush with the exterior surface of the housing.

Abstract: A dual tweeter speaker, wherein the tweeters are spaced far apart, is provided. The loudspeaker system includes a woofer and two tweeters, which are arranged so they reduce interference with sound waves emitted by the woofer. The spaced apart tweeters provide an improved stereo imaging range. The tweeters can also use a low cross-over frequency, so that they can provide both midrange and high frequencies.

Abstract: A vibrating device has an axially elongated frame, and a vibrating assembly including a hollow yoke. A magnetic driving device is provided for axially vibrating the vibrating assembly. A supporting shaft is provided for axially slidably supporting the vibrating assembly in the frame.

Abstract: A watermark and extracting method and a watermark hardware structure used in an image compression system. A series of data is generated by random variables, such that duplication is avoided. According to characteristics of the human vision system, weighted value of each block is analyzed by classification in the frequency domain. According to the specific weighted value for each block, a watermark intensity is embedded, such that the embedded watermark is not easily observed, while the robustness is retained. Therefore, the original figure is not required for extraction. In addition, the watermark embedding hardware structure can be incorporated in a joint photographic experts group (JPEG) system, so that the image itself contains the watermark data while being intercepted.

Abstract: An automated monitoring service downloads image files (including, e.g., graphic and video files) and audio files from various Internet sites, and checks these files for the presence of embedded digital watermark data. When found, such data is decoded and used to identify the proprietor of each watermarked file. The proprietors are alerted to the results of the monitoring operation, often apprising such proprietors of unknown distribution of their image/video/audio properties.

Abstract: A method and/or apparatus for detecting a watermark among a plurality of reproduced frames of data, the reproduced frames of data having been derived from respective original frames of data, includes the capability of: adding at least some of the reproduced frames of data together on a data point-by-data point basis to obtain an aggregate frame of data points; selecting peak data points of the aggregate frame of data points; computing correction information from deviations between the positions of the peak data points within the aggregate frame and expected positions of those peak data points; modifying positions of at least some of the data of at least some of the reproduced frames of data using the correction information such that those reproduced frames of data more closely coincide with respective ones of the original frames of data; and detecting the watermark from among the modified reproduced frames of data.

Abstract: A movable-vehicle security system includes a facial-recognition system including a scanner such as a television or infrared camera directed at the face of a person in the driver's seat, which system produces output control signals that are applied to enable or disable operation of the vehicle, with or without a key or other supplemental security system. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a camera mounted on the “third taillight” assembly (which is preferably mounted below the roof and inside the rear window), directed at the rear-view mirror, and coupled to a facial-recognition computer, which in turn is coupled (with appropriate security precautions) to an enabling element for the vehicle, such as a starter motor. In a further embodiment, the system can be coupled to various elements of the motive system to create an auto-starting car.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automobile display unit, an automobile infrared night vision device and an automobile with such a display unit or, as the case may be, with such an infrared night vision device. The display includes an image processing unit which processes the image data supplied to it such that contiguous areas of maximal light intensity are recognized and these image data are adapted to the extent that they are at least partially replaced by image data with reduced light intensity values. These changed image data are supplied to the display, which reproduces these image data. This display unit makes possible a reduction or a prevention of blinding by brilliant light, which is particularly disturbing in a case of display of infrared night vision image information.

Abstract: Swarming agents in networks of preferably physically distributed processing nodes are used for data acquisition, data fusion, and control applications. An architecture for active surveillance systems is presented in which simple mobile agents collectively process real-time data from heterogeneous sources at or near the origin of the data. System requirements are specifically matched to the needs of a surveillance system for the early detection of large-scale bioterrorist attacks on a civilian population, but the same architecture is applicable to a wide range of other domains. The pattern detection and classification processes executed by the proposed system emerge from the coordinated activities of agents of two populations in a shared computational environment. Detector agents draw each other's attention to significant spatio-temporal patterns in the observed data stream. Classifier agents rank the detected patterns according to their respective criterion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, method, software algorithm and system for evaluating plants for conditions or characteristics. In one aspect, the method can include imaging at least a portion of the plant and evaluating the image for discriminating condition(s) or characteristic(s) of interest. In one example, soybean roots are imaged and the image is evaluated to discriminate between soybean cyst nematode (SCN) cysts and the plant roots to count the number of SCN cysts for the plant. In another embodiment, a plant is illuminated by a ultra-violet radiation selected to cause photo-induced fluorescence of a target, e.g. SCN cysts. The fluorescence emitted is collected and analyzed to discriminate between the target and the remainder of the plant.

Abstract: This is a security and identification system designed to obtain improved images for use by real-time facial recognition and identification systems for screening individuals passing through secure entry or checkpoints such as airport passenger terminals, government offices, and other secure locations. The system detects the presence of a subject at the checkpoint, interactively instructs the subject to stop and move into position for proper identification and recognition, analyzes the facial features of the subject as (s)he passes through the checkpoint, and compares the features of the subject with those in a database. The system then generates different signals depending upon whether or not the subject is recognized. In one aspect of the invention, different methods and apparatus are provided for compensating for low ambient light so as to improve the quality of the facial image of the subject that is obtained.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for providing security for an image signal in a base station or a terminal by detecting face information from the image signal. The apparatus includes a signal receiving unit receiving an image signal transmitted from a terminal, a location discriminating unit detecting a calling location of the terminal and checking if the calling location falls within a security region, and a controller transmitting the image signal when the calling location does not fall within the security region, or when the calling location falls within the security region and the image signal contains face information. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent unauthorized transmission of images without additional big burden of security equipment or an invasion of individual rights of using image communication.

Abstract: A credit-card reader having a built-in digital camera for capturing a template signature and an email address on a credit card. The email address is identified by an optical character recognition program and input to an email system. A test signature is entered on a touch-pad input device and both the test and the template signatures are normalized and displayed for verification. Action buttons are provided on the display screen for enforcing the signature verification actions. The system enables the transmission of an electronic receipt selectively controlled by the customer and eliminates the needs of physically handling a credit card for signature verification and manual input or pre-registration of an email address for an electronic receipt. The computer-assisted features enables a central system of signature verification for purchase transactions at self-service check-out counters.

Abstract: A method and system of obtaining a ten-print plain impression fingerprint includes scanning a print image, processing the scanned image, separating the processed image into individual fingerprint images, and determining how many print images have been scanned. The method also includes comparing the print image to a previously scanned print image, quality classifying the separated images, indicating a quality classification of the print image based on the classifying step, and determining whether the print image is of a good quality. The system can include a ten-print scanner having a finger guide and a platen used to position four finger slaps onto the platen.

Abstract: A method for segmenting magnetic resonance (MR) images of an anatomical body of interest, for example the brain, comprises classifying a plurality of selected structures within the body of interest based on a plurality of image processing computations wherein the computations are adapted to relate respective T2 relaxation times corresponding to each of the structures. Thereafter, the method comprises segmenting the MR images for each of the structures substantially concurrently based on the plurality of image computations. A system for automatically segmenting magnetic resonance (MR) images of an anatomical body of interest comprises a processor coupled to an MR image acquisition device wherein the processor is adapted to perform concurrent segmentation computations for a plurality of selected structures within the anatomical body of interest.

Abstract: An image reading system having a reading device for reading image information from a containing member in which a recording medium capable of recording a radiographic image is built; control device for setting a reading condition of the containing member; an ID giving section for giving ID information to one of the containing member and the recording medium; a storage section for storing the reading condition; a selecting section for selecting at least one of a first registration type and a second registration type, the first registration type being for registering a correspondence between the reading condition and the containing member or the recording medium before image recording and the second registration type being for registering the correspondence after the image recording, and for using the system on a basis of the selected registration type; and a control section for correlating the reading device, the ID giving section, the control device, and the storage section.

Abstract: An image acquiring display apparatus comprising an editing system for photographing conditions, a method of editing photographing conditions by using the apparatus, and a program for arranging photographing conditions, in order to select any of photographing conditions rapidly and certainly. The image acquiring display apparatus has: a display for displaying at least a selection screen for selecting a photographing condition required for a patient from a plurality of photographing conditions, and a display screen for displaying image data read out of a radiographic image conversion medium having a radiographic image of the patient, recorded thereon; and an editing section for editing a plurality of photographing conditions to be displayed on the selection screen, of predetermined master data including a plurality of photographing conditions.

Abstract: A reusable circuit design for use with electronic design automation EDA tools in designing integrated circuits is disclosed, as well as reticle inspection and fabrication methods that are based on such reusable circuit design. The reusable circuit design is stored on a computer readable medium and contains an electronic representation of a layout pattern for at least one layer of the circuit design on an integrated circuit. The layout pattern includes a flagged critical region which corresponds to a critical region on a reticle or integrated circuit that is susceptible to special inspection or fabrication procedures. In one aspect of the reusable circuit design, the special analysis is performed during one from a group consisting of reticle inspection, reticle production, integrated circuit fabrication, and fabricated integrated circuit inspection.

Abstract: A testing system operable to accurately position a plurality of contact electrodes relative to a plurality of electrical contacts is disclosed. For one embodiment, the testing system comprises a first imaging system coupled to a wafer chuck. The wafer chuck is used to place the electrical contacts of a wafer in contact with the plurality of electrodes. To facilitate accurate positioning between the wafer electrical contacts and the contact electrodes, the first imaging system is configured to locate the plurality of contact electrodes. The testing system also comprises a second imaging system configured to locate the wafer electrical contacts. An image generator coupled to the first imaging system generate an alignment image on a focal point of the first imaging system. The testing system calibrates the first imaging system to the second imaging system using the alignment image.

Abstract: A stereoscopic three-dimensional optical metrology system and method accurately measure the location of physical features on a test article in a manner that is fast and robust to surface contour discontinuities. Disclosed embodiments may image a test article from two or more perspectives through a substantially transparent fiducial plate bearing a fiducial marking; camera viewing angles and apparent relative distances between a feature on a test article and one or more fiducials may enable accurate calculation of feature position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting the 3D shape of objects, in which the object is pressed into a plastically deformable mass provided with markers adapted to be evaluated photogrammetrically. After removal of the object from the marked mass, a plurality of photogrammetric images are taken from different views, and the images are evaluated photogrammetrically, the 3D shape of the object being calculated using an association of the markers corresponding in the images. The invention further relates to a corresponding arrangement for carrying out the method and is particularly suited for the detection of the 3D shape of objects whose 3D shape changes under load. One example of this would be the measurement of human feet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing reversible color conversion on digital image data using integer computer arithmetic. This color conversion provides an approximation of the luminance component to the luminance as perceived by the human visual system with any necessary precision (Kd) and without multiplication and division operations other than shifts. The color conversion can be used in conjunction with a lossless or lossy compression/decompression process. Other embodiments, including non-reversible and non-integer color conversion, are also provided.

Abstract: In order to improve character edge reproducibility in reproducing a color document image, a boundary between a character and a background is detected in color image data. Further, if the detected edge exists at the side of a character, it is decided as a true edge, and the image data are subjected to edge emphasis. Then, when an image is reproduced, undesirable partial whitening in characters in the image can be prevented.

Abstract: In a digital image, for each pixel to be thresholded, a threshold is selected from a set of thresholds.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a processing method and apparatus is provided for partitioning exposed areas created by motion compensation. The partitioning creates sub-areas in shapes and sizes that may be effectively dealt with and efficiently compressed. The partitioning may divide an arbitrarily shaped area by “pinching,” “slicing,” and/or “cleaving” the area into manageable sub-areas. In accordance with another embodiment, a method and apparatus is provided for processing points in a bounded area to locate a medial axis. In accordance with another embodiment, an electronically-implemented method and apparatus is provided for processing a bounded two-dimensional area in an array of points to determine, for each point inside the area, a nearest boundary point outside the area as measured by a Euclidean distance.

Abstract: A technique for analyzing images for a feature of interest includes generating gradients for a characteristic of an image, such as pixel intensity value, initiating a candidate boundary, and evolving the candidate boundary to the feature boundary. The gradients may be calculated at the outset and referred to through iterative steps in expansion of the candidate boundary to improve the computational efficiency of the processing. The candidate boundary is evolved, either inwardly or outwardly, by reference to mean curvature-weighted normals, resulting in very rapid convergence on the feature. The evolution naturally stops at the feature. The gradients may be diffused or smoothed to improve tolerance to artifacts and noise, while preserving original image definition and resolution. In a cardiac application, the endocardial and myocardial boundaries are analyzed and used to generate composite images, calculate ejection fractions and so forth.

Abstract: In order to achieve the aim of the invention, a method for the coding of a series of images is disclosed, whereby base information and additional information are determined for the series of images. Said images are coded by means of the base information and the additional information, whereby the additional information guarantees a progressive improvement in image quality.

Abstract: A structure capable of reducing the amount of transferred digital image data of a digital display has a digital image and timing control unit for controlling the receiving and transfer of image data and providing timing control. The digital image and timing control unit includes at least one first and second registers, a data address flag unit, and a control logic. The first and second registers serves to buffer the image data of the n-th image data line and (n+1)-th image data line. The control logic compares the image data and enables the flags in the data address flag unit corresponding to the image position to be updated, so as to determine the image data to be transferred.

Abstract: In an image processing method and apparatus for decoding and displaying input encoded data, the upper limit value of the data size to be stored in a memory that stores fragmented encoded data which form image data is set. It is checked based on the data size already stored in that memory, the upper limit value, and the data size of the input encoded data, if that input encoded data can be stored in the memory. If it is determined that the input encoded data cannot be stored in the memory, a region to be deleted in the image data of the data stored in the memory is determined. Data included in the determined region to be deleted is deleted for each fragmented data as a unit. If it is determined that the input encoded data can be stored in the memory, or after the data is deleted, the input encoded data is stored in the memory.

Abstract: Moving images, of the same content, having different resolutions are divided into a plurality of tiles and encoded tile by tile to generate bit streams. When decoding, the minimum number of tiles necessary to display are acquired and decoded. Further, moving images having a high resolution and those having a low resolution are decoded in parallel. The moving images having a low resolution are enlarged and used for substitution until the decoding of the moving images having a necessary resolution is completed.

Abstract: Coding, transcoding and iterative filtering methods and apparatus are described wherein a 2D FIFO is used to implement CACLA processing, and wherein the processing methods are block-oriented. A block-by-block processed input image or input coded image, which is delayed in an arbitrary number of lines and columns, is provided such that the output image is produced in a block-by-block schedule at a reduced or minimal memory access and memory size cost. A 2D FIFO which is memory-efficient in image block coding and decoding applications is described. The 2D FIFO has an associated scheduling mechanism for enabling delay of a block-by-block coded input signal, such as an image, in an arbitrary number of lines and columns, such that the output image is produced in a block-by-block schedule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing compression and/or decompression is described. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a system having a buffer, a wavelet transform unit, and a coder. The wavelet transform unit has an input coupled to the buffer to perform a wavelet transform on pixels stored therein and to generate coefficients at an output. The coder is coupled to the wavelet transform unit to code the transformed pixels received from the buffer.

Abstract: A system, method, and electronic chip for compressing a digital data signal while maintaining a quality level is disclosed. A signal is received that is representative of a quality level. The signal may be received into a computer system or into an electronic chip, such as an application specific integrated circuit or an electronic chip operating with a computer system. A digital data signal, which may be a digital image stream is decorrelated based in part on the received quality level. The decorrelated digital data signal is quantified according to frequency so as to provide equal resolution across all frequencies. The quantified digital data signal is then entropy encoded. The digital data signal is thereby compressed. Upon decompression, the uncompressed data maintains the desired quality level over all values. If the values are color components within a digital image stream, the color components will have the desired S/N ratio.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for capturing an image of a subject; has: an image pick-up unit for acquiring the image; and a noise reduction unit which removes a frequency component of a color difference signal of the image corresponding to a frequency component of a luminance signal based on the frequency component of the luminance signal of the image.

Abstract: A system for imaging with a circularly symmetric multifocal aspheric lens is provided for obtaining an extended depth of field. The system includes a camera for capturing an image of at least one object through a circularly symmetric multifocal aspheric lens to provide a blurred image, and a computer system for processing the captured blurred image to provide a recovered image of the object having an extended depth of field. The recovered image may be outputted to a display or other peripheral device. Processing of the blurred image utilizes one of inverse filtering, convolution matrix (e.g., edge sharpening matrix), or maximum entropy. The computer system performing image processing may be in the camera or represent a computer system external to the camera which receives the blurred image. The extended depth of field is characterized by the object being in focus over a range of distances in the recovered image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards detecting contouring artifacts in a received video signal and reducing the detected artifacts by dithering and/or by adding least significant bits to selected pixels in the video signal. The contouring artifacts are detected by applying a magnitude difference test and/or an averaging test to a predetermined pixel span. The artifacts are reduced by substituting a replacement pixel for a selected pixel in the pixel span. A replacement pixel is generated by calculating an average pixel value for the predetermined pixel span, by reducing (e.g., rounding or truncated) the average pixel value to a bit resolution that is greater than the bit resolution of the pixels in the predetermined pixel span, or by adding a dither signal to the average pixel value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of adjusting the saturation of a color image. A saturation value for each of a plurality of pixels of an input image is calculated, and a peak saturation value and a mean saturation value of the input image are calculated using the saturation values of the pixels. A peak gain value based on the peak saturation value and a mean gain value based on the mean saturation value are calculated. A local gain value is calculated using the mean gain value and the saturation values of the pixels. A pattern gain value for a test pattern image and a color gain value for a skin color image are also considered to adaptively adjust the saturation of the input image.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain an image photographed with an image-sensing device using a flash, in which the brightness of the image of the subject of the photograph is proper. An integrated value of brightness of a photographed image is obtained; a weighted evaluation value is calculated; contrast of the photographed image is obtained; a gain of an image signal is obtained by using the evaluation value after which, a suppression gain, by which a value of suppressing the gain fluctuates according to the contrast, is obtained in order to correct the brightness of a photographed subject to the proper brightness; a correction gain for making final corrections to an image by using the gain and the suppression gain is calculated; and the image signal is amplified by a gain adjustment circuit, thereby correcting the photographed image.

Abstract: According to an equalizing circuit and an equalizing method, a memory control unit receives an input of an input image data signal, a first memory stores the input image data signal after delaying it and a CPU designates at least any one of a main scan coordinate and a subscan coordinate to start equalizing of the input image data signal, a main scan size and a subscan size of the equalized block and skew values in a main scan direction and in a subscan direction of the equalized block. Then, a register setting unit holds the setting information which is designated by the CPU and an equalizing control unit performs the equalizing of the input image data signal at a certain timing independently of a skew value of the equalized block on the basis of the setting information held by the register setting unit and outputs the equalized image data signal.

Abstract: The complexity of image stitching into a panoramic image is simplified with the use of one or more projectable fiducial marks that ease the establishment of a relationship between adjacent scenes of an image without leaving undesirable fiducial vestiges in the final image. A fiducial generator, having a controllable source of illumination, is positionable to project the fiducial into adjacent and overlapping scenes.

Abstract: An image correction data calculation apparatus of the invention includes a calibration pattern display unit for creating and supplying a calibration pattern, an image display unit for displaying the calibration patterns supplied thereto, an image capturing unit for capturing the calibration patterns displayed on the image display unit, and an arithmetic operation unit for calculating image correction data based on pattern-captured images obtained by capturing the calibration patterns and based on pattern information including information such as the pattern-captured images obtained by capturing the calibration patterns, the coordinates of the calibration patterns, and the like.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied on a computer readable medium are provided for binding curvature correction in an image of pages of a bound medium. The binding curvature correction involves electronically acquiring an image of a set of pages of a bound medium, the image of the set of pages having a binding curvature distortion, and, generating a corrected image, the corrected image including the content of the image without the binding curvature distortion.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing a size of an image. The invention comprises a system for rotating the image in a first direction using a rotation algorithm to generate an intermediate reduced image; a system for rotating the intermediate reduced image in a direction opposite the first direction using the rotation algorithm to generate a final reduced image; and wherein the rotation algorithm uses weighted sums of neighboring pixels in the image prior to rotation to calculate new pixel values. The invention may also comprise an enhancement system for boosting contrast of the final reduced image.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for reducing the resolution of a digital image, such as a JPEG image. The digital image is pre-scaled by a pre-scaling factor that is selected such that a matrix multiplication is performed upon the digital image once pre-scaled, to reduce the resolution of the image. The matrix multiplication utilizes a multiplier that exhibits symmetry, thereby to reduce the number of calculations required to reduce the resolution of the image. Resolution reduction is performed, for instance, prior to communicating the digital image to a mobile station operable in a mobile communication system.

Abstract: A retaining element for use with elastic sheet material is disclosed. In one form, the sheet material can be provided as a bag having first and second side walls. The retaining element can be in the form of an elastic strip attached to one of the side walls. The retaining strip can comprise a heat-unstable activatable material such that it can be applied to the bag in a deadened condition wherein the strip is set and subsequently heated to transition to an activated condition wherein the retaining element is elasticized to provide an elasticized article which can have a shirred appearance. The retaining element can have various configurations and can be activated by various methods.

Abstract: A reclosable bag has a body with opposite faces having side edges and defining an interior. The bag also has a reclosable hook-and-loop fastener strip secured to one of the bag faces. The fastener strip may form a reclosable face closure for accessing the bag interior through a face of the bag. In some cases the closure strip extends around one or more of the edges of the bag to form a pour spout side opening or to define a hinge as in a flip top box.

Abstract: A bearing system in which an axially stiff narrow gap fluid dynamic gas bearing. As an example two fluid dynamic bearings are provided spaced apart along a shaft, one of the bearings comprising a fluid dynamic bearing, the other comprising an air bearing. The fluid dynamic bearing has a larger gap, while the air bearing has a relatively small gap. The overall working surface area of the air bearing may be twice as much or more than the working surface area of the fluid bearing.

Abstract: A thrust bearing tilting pad has face with a border region including an engagement surface and defining a pocket with generally longitudinal sidebars and a bottom. The pad has leading and trailing portions, with the face extending generally longitudinally therebetween. The leading and trailing portions can be positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, relative to a direction of movement of a runner. The pad is pivotally supported by (e.g., mechanical and/or hydrostatic) pivot and can cooperate with one or more other pads and fluid within a housing to hydrodynamically and mechanically support the runner in an axial position. In another embodiment, the pad tilts free of mechanical engagement with other pads. The leading portion can define an entrance to the pocket and the sidebars can converge along the direction of motion of the runner.

Abstract: A bearing with a rotational sensor has a magnetic sensor includes a race including an inner ring and an outer ring. Between the inner ring and the outer ring, a magnetic sensor holding member having an annular portion is arranged. The annular portion of the magnetic sensor holding member is provided with a holding portion holding the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor is held in the holding portion of the magnetic sensor holding member and is arranged between the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring and the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring. Therefore the bearing with a rotational sensor that is improved to allow easy assembly and compactness can be obtained.