Abstract: A method for reconstructing an image of an object utilizing a computed tomographic (CT) imaging system having a radiation source configured to project a beam of radiation through an object and towards a multislice detector array configured to sense attenuation of the radiation passing through the object; the method includes helically scanning an object to acquire a plurality of slices of projection data, generating a separate projection dataset for each of N separate detector rows wherein the separate projection datasets include detector row projection data and detector row conjugate projection data, combining the detector row projection data and the detector row conjugate projection data, and helically weighting the combined projection data using a combined helical weighting and conjugate data weighting algorithm such that a greater weight is applied to combined center row projection data than to at least one outermost detector row projection data.

Abstract: An apparatus images a surface. An imager stage linearly translates the surface in a first direction. A fiber optic bundle has a first end of parallel first fiber ends defining a linear input aperture perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the surface, and a second end defining a generally circular output aperture. Each first fiber end optically communicates with the output aperture. A radiation beam linearly scans and interacts with the surface below the input aperture to produce a light signal that is collected by the input aperture and transmitted by the fiber bundle to the output aperture. A photodetector detects the light signal at the output aperture. A processor processes the detected light.

Abstract: A self-contained system uses light reflectivity to examine intensity of a dyed spot on a device membrane surrounded by background area to discern information about the specimen that produced the spot. In a preferred embodiment, a master clock alternatively drives one LED focussed upon the spot center, and then drives two LEDS focused on the background area. Light reflected from the spot and background is detected by preferably two photodetectors (“PDs”) spaced-apart a multiple of 90° azimuthal, a configuration discovered to minimize the effects of uneven membrane topography upon light intensity measurements. The PD outputs are average-summed together and are input to a phase lock-in amplifier system that enhances detected signal/noise by measuring signal voltage without producing noise. The lock-in system simultaneously positively and negatively amplifies the average-summed PD outputs, which amplified signal is then switched in synchronism with the LED drive signals.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present application, an imager and method for detecting and locating rare cells in a sample is disclosed. An imager stage supports the sample. A fiber optic bundle has a proximate bundle end of first fiber ends arranged to define an input aperture viewing the sample on the translation stage. The fiber optic bundle further has a distal bundle end of second fiber ends arranged to define an output aperture shaped differently from the input aperture and disposed away from the imager stage. A scanning radiation source is arranged in fixed relative position to the input aperture. The scanning radiation source scans a radiation beam on the sample within a viewing area of the input aperture. The radiation beam interacts with the sample to produce a light signal that is reflected, scattered, transmitted, re-emitted, or otherwise collected and received by the input aperture and transmitted via the fiber optic bundle to the output aperture.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting cheque fraud includes a cheque scanning module and a detection module. The cheque scanning module scans cheques and matches the encoded Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) data (i.e. serial number, Customer Account Number and amount) from the scanned digital electronic images with items in an issuance database which contains client provided cheque particulars. The detection module passes the cheque images through an optical character recognition (OCR) process to read what is written on the cheque and to match results against the issuance database. If the written information on the face of a cheque is unreadable or there is no match with the information in the issuance database, the detection module passes the cheque through a series of slower more precise OCR processes. Any cheques that are not successfully read and matched are highlighted as an “exception” and immediately forwarded to the client for further action.

Abstract: A device for quality testing of a body comprising a surface comprising a structuring bounded by edges and a substantially edge-free unevenness, wherein the structuring illustrates a quality impairment and wherein the unevenness illustrates a potential quality impairment, includes a means for generating a height representation, wherein the height representation of the surface includes the structuring and the unevenness. A means for calculating a variation representation calculates the variation associated to the point for every point of the height representation, so that at a boundary of the structuring a high variation is obtained, while at a boundary of the unevenness a low variation is obtained. A means for detecting regions which are potentially quality affecting detects regions as potentially quality-affecting which comprise a variation which is smaller than a predetermined variation threshold value regarding its magnitude.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assessing the quality of a printed circuit board assembly using digitized video image analysis. The apparatus integrates with existing relatively low precision automated surface mount technology (“SMT”) manufacturing systems as an inspection station insertable at various steps in the assembly process or as a separate manually loaded station. The inspection station includes a high resolution video imaging system and a video image analyzer comprising an onboard master computer that generates control signals to reposition the camera mounted within a screen on a movable carriage and/or reposition the circuit board, and adjust the lighting; and generates individual board status data to be archived, graphically displayed on monitors or otherwise utilized by a rework station.

Abstract: In an exposure method of drawing and exposing a second pattern with a scanner so as to match a first pattern formed on a sample upon exposure with a reduction projection exposure apparatus, a matrix is set on the sample. A distortion correction map representing an offset of a point corresponding to each matrix point on the first pattern from an ideal position is formed. The block of the matrix small for a large offset and large for a small offset are set when drawing the second pattern while correcting drawing information of the second pattern on the basis of offset information represented by the correction map. The block size of the distortion correction map is not uniformly reduced. A small block size is set for a large distortion, and a large block size is set for a small distortion, thereby reducing the data amount.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring breathing movement of a subject is disclosed. A method and system for detecting and predictably estimating regular cycles of breathing movements is disclosed. Another disclosed aspect of the invention is directed to detect and report irregularity of breathing activity of an infant, such as cessation and non-periodicity, which suggests a likelihood of SIDS.

Abstract: An image processing system useful for facial recognition and security identification obtains an array of observation vectors from a facial image to be identified. A Viterbi algorithm is applied to the observation vectors given the parameters of a hierarchical statistical model for each object, and a face is identified by finding a highest matching score between an observation sequence and the hierarchical statistical model.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image on a substrate, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. The rendered composite image includes at least a first source image that is encoded and rendered with use of a selected colorant so as to be visually discernible on the substrate during a plurality of modes of intended illumination as a “background” image, and a second, “narrow band” source image that is encoded in the composite image so as to be recovered when illuminated by at least a selected of the plurality of modes of intended illumination that employs complementary narrow band illuminant.

Abstract: According to a hue conversion, hue angles of C, M, and Y are always set to hue angles HC, HM, and HY of C, M, and Y of a printer, hue angles of R and G are always set to hue angles HR and HG of R and G of a monitor, and the hue angle of B is always set to a value HB desired by a user. The gradation from black through a full color to white is made linear in each color of R, G, B, C, M, and Y according to the hue conversion. The user sets the hue angle HB for B. Therefore, the user can obtain blue color B which provides the user's favorite hue and gradation. Every hue can be reproduced excellently and gradations can be reproduced without color shifts.

Abstract: Classification process for a colour image with a view to determining the shot location, i.e.

Abstract: In a method of detecting and segmenting characteristic regions in an image, such as a colour image having characteristic regions, where the image is represented by a plurality of pixel values expressed in grey tones, a circle of radius r is defined for a plurality of pixel positions, which radius approximated is regarded as the radius of a characteristic region. The optimum value of radius r is determined by calculating, for a large number of possible values of r, the difference between the characteristic grey tone value of an outer zone having the radius range r1 to qr1 (=r2), where q is a constant, and the characteristic grey tone value of an inner zone having the radius range 0 to r1. Then the radius r1 providing the greatest difference is selected as the radius of the object.

Abstract: Correction for color fog is securely achieved with limited load of processing. The RGB image data are converted into the luminance Y and the chromaticity values C1, C2, then a highlight point and a shadow point are determined and are connected to define the axis of the color solid. The color solid is rotated so as that the axis becomes parallel to the luminance axis Y and is so translated in parallel manner that the pixel of the minimum luminance coincides with the original point of the color space.

Abstract: A user interface allows a user to input handwritten, key-press, and spoken text in a seamless, synchronized manner. A text input panel accepts soft keyboard presses and handwritten words, characters, and gestures. A text recognizer/synchronizer integrates textual input from various sources while recognizing and preserving the order in which a user entered text via the soft keyboard, via handwriting, and/or by speaking. Synchronized text may be displayed in a stage area of the text input panel before being passed to an operating system message router and/or an application program. While in handwriting recognition mode, various permutations and combinations of a word recognition area, a character recognition area, and a keybar/keypad may optionally be displayed.

Abstract: An image recognizing method is provided, which includes the capability of efficiently recognizing characters such as letters and numerical characters included in an original image with accuracy when at least one of the characters is composed of plural elements. In this method, the elements in the original image are extracted to obtain a second image, in which each of the elements is enclosed by a rectangular frame. Then, a composite image is prepared with respect to a combination of the rectangular frames in the second image. After calculating a characteristic amount of the elements included in the composite image, the characteristic amount is input in a back-propagation network, in which learning about a reference character(s) to be included in the image has already finished, so that a degree of agreement between the characteristic amount of the composite image and the reference character is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for matching a stored template with an image of an object. This is a final stage identification device in the at least one candidate array is received from a prescreener and/or intermediate discriminator. The candidate array includes a respective plurality of direction values at least partially defining a respective contour of an object within a two-dimensional image containing a possible target. The candidate array is compared with at least one stored template array. The stored template array includes a respective plurality of direction values at least partially defining an outline of a predetermined object of interest. The template array may include a plurality of template segment arrays such that various portions of the overall template are compared one at a time with the entire candidate array. The match between candidate and stored template may be scored based upon how well the template segments correspond to the candidate.

Abstract: The adaptive artificial vision method comprises the following steps: (a) defining successive couples of timesteps (t−1, t; t, t+1; . . . ) synchronized by a clock (101), (b) comparing two successive images (It−, It; It, It+1, . . . ) from an input device (102, 103) at each couple of synchronized timesteps (t−1, t; t, t+1; . . . ) spaced by a predetermined time delay &tgr;0 for obtaining a delta image &Dgr;t which is the result of the computation of the distance between each pixel of the two successive images (It−1, It; It, It+1, . . .

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image in a physical form, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. The rendered composite image may be subjected to a varying field of illumination, generated, for example, by a switched sequence of individually activated, differing illuminants. This sequenced array of illuminants causes a corresponding sequence of source images to be recovered in rapid succession, thus imparting a sense of change, such as motion, between or within the recovered source images.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image on a substrate, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. At least one of the source images includes image content in the form of a textured image. When the rendered composite image is subjected to illumination by one of the narrow band illuminants for which a source image was encoded, the textured image in the recovered source image becomes visually detectable.

Abstract: Several embodiments in accordance with the invention are disclosed. An embodiment for compressing a gray scale image is described and an embodiment for decompressing the codebook produced by compressing the gray scale image is described. Of course, the invention is not limited to only gray scale images, however.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a system for graphics compression and display. The system has a compression component and a decompression component. The compression component comprises a simplifier module and a lossless compressor module, and the decompression component comprises a decompressor module and a renderer module. The simplifier module performs lossy compression based on histogram-based quantization. The lossless compressor module performs run-length encoding of color regions and adaptive Golomb coding of color values. The decompressor module receives a compressed file and outputs a corresponding file that is in a device independent intermediate format comprising decoded global parameters; a device independent color table; and pairs of colors and run-lengths. The renderer module receives a decoded device independent color table and converts the table into one or more device dependent colors.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to detect an image area of interest in an image file by a method with a lighter processing load by making determination using characteristics of a quantization table.

Abstract: A method for compressing a sequence of digital images includes: comparing a reference image of the sequence of digital images to a subsequent image of the sequence of digital images. In response to the reference and subsequent images being the same within a predetermined threshold, 1) a count of a number of images discarded is incremented, 2) the subsequent image is discarded, and 3) the comparing step is repeated with a next subsequent image. In response to the reference and subsequent images not being within the predetermined threshold, 1) the count is initialized and 2) the comparing step is repeated using the subsequent image as the reference image. Rather than comparing whole images corresponding portions of the images can be compared and compressed independently.

Abstract: A video processing system 100 is provided with video encoding device 10 and video decoding device 20. The video encoding device 10 implements backward interframe prediction from a temporally subsequent frame and outputs information indicating that an option to eliminate use of a decoded image of the temporally subsequent frame was chosen. The video decoding device 20 eliminates use of the decoded image of the frame on the basis of this information, in conjunction with input of the information for eliminating use of the decoded image of the temporally subsequent frame.

Abstract: A data compressing and decompressing device is adapted to be used with an image pickup device and a frame buffer. The data compressing and decompressing device includes a first data register in communication with the image pickup device, a first encoder in communication with the first data register, a second encoder in communication with the first encoder and the frame buffer, a decoder in communication with the frame buffer, and a second data register in communication with the decoder. The second encoder encodes the difference into a length-variable recovery data code in a first condition of the difference, encodes the difference into a first constant-length recovery data code in a second condition of the difference, and encodes the difference into a second constant-length recovery data code in a third condition of the difference.

Abstract: Method and system for lossless compression coding of a digitally represented image. The image is expressed as one or more blocks, each block having a sequence of pixels with binary pixel values. Within each block, a predictor index is chosen that predicts a pixel value as a linear combination of adjacent (actual) pixel values. The predicted and actual values are compared, and twice the predicted value is compared with the sum of the actual value and a maximum predicted value, to determine a value index, which is used to represent each pixel value in a block in compressed format. Use of the value index representation reduces the average number of bits needed to express each pixel value by an estimated 33-46 percent, reduces the time required for compression encoding by an estimated 4-6 percent, and reduces the time required for decompression by an estimated 49-61 percent.

Abstract: Datawords encoded using a first-order Reed-Muller code are decoded using a Fast Hadamard Transform (FHT). Where the dataword is known to comprise a number of unused bits at one end, the soft decisions of the codeword are reordered. Majority polling is then performed on groups of the soft decisions to produce a series of soft decisions which make up a new codeword. The new codeword is then decoded using an FHT of lower order than the FHT applicable to the originally received codeword.

Abstract: An image distribution system has a source that encodes digital images and transmits them over an error-prone channel to a destination. The source has an image coder that processes the digital images using vector transformation followed by vector quantization. This produces groups of vectors and quantized values that are representative of the images. The image coder orders the vectors in the codebooks and assigns vector indexes to the vectors such that a bit error occurring at a less significant bit in a vector index results in less distortion than a bit error occurring at a more significant bit. Depending upon the format and the capabilities of the source and destination, the image coder may allocate different numbers of bits to different groups of vectors according to a bit allocation map for this allocation process. The source also has a UEP (Unequal Error Protection) coder that layers the vector indexes according to their significance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image in a physical form, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. For example, when the rendered composite image is subjected to illumination by one of the narrow band illuminants for which a source image was encoded, the source image becomes visually detectable by an observer.

Abstract: A method of deriving from an existing selective image smoothing filter either a corresponding filter for selective image sharpening, or a corresponding filter for both selective image smoothing and selective image sharpening. The selective sharpening filter can be implemented quickly by using implementations of the existing selective smoothing filter and a derived matching non-selective smoothing filter as black boxes and combining their outputs in a simple manner. Alternatively, the derived selective sharpening filter can be implemented by inlining the combination of the implementations of the existing selective smoothing.

Abstract: An input signal is accurately separated into a component in which a change in signal level is sharp and having a large edge, and the other components.

Abstract: A Statistics Module (STS) is disclosed for collecting essential statistics about an image content for the purpose of applying various image enhancement operations such as page background removal and automatic neutral detection to determine if the page is gray or colored. The Statistics Module uses the blurred signal BLR from a De-Screen Module in order to eliminate some of the scanner noise. The output is a special 3D color histogram array.

Abstract: A method for padding, filtering, denoising, image enhancing and increased time-frequency acquisition is described for digitized data of a data set is described where unknown data is estimated using real data by adding unknown data points in a manner that the padding routine can estimate the interior data set including known and unknown data to a given accuracy on the known data points. The method also provides filtering using non-interpolating, well-tempered distributed approximating functional (NIDAF)-low-band-pass filters. The method also provides for symmetric and/or anti-symmetric extension of the data set so that the data set may be better refined and can be filtered by Fourier and other type of low frequency or harmonic filters.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for embedding an electronic watermark into an original image including a background process device and a watermark embedding device. The background process device processes the background of the original image. The watermark embedding device embeds electronic watermark information into the original image after processing by the background process device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing, the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image in a physical form, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. A noise component is introduced in the encoding of the plurality of source images so as to mask at least one of the source images during spectral demultiplexing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image in a physical form, or for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image such that the recovered source image is made distinguishable. The composite image is generated using an image-dependent dynamic range determination so as to provide a maximum usable contrast in a recovered source image.

Abstract: A method and system for computing at least one of spatial and temporal relationships between at least first and second sequences of representations having respective first and second temporal progressions and including employing the first and second temporal progressions to obtain at least one of the spatial and temporal relationships.

Abstract: A visual query system, and associated method and computer program product enhance and accelerate content-based querying, and present a new image similarity measure using known or available software applications and hardware components of video compression systems. The present system encodes images as consecutive frames in a video sequence and uses the ratio between the file length of the compressed sequence and the original file length as a distance measure. The system considers the compression ratio to be an estimate of the entropy of the combined images, which can be used to estimate the amount of new information introduced from one image to the other.

Abstract: An image management apparatus capable of receiving a medical image from a medical image generating apparatus according to a radiographing order issued by an outer information management apparatus, image-processing the medical image received, displaying the medical image image-processed along with accompanying information thereof and outputting the medical image and the accompanying information to at least one of an image forming apparatus and an image storage apparatus. The image management apparatus has: a request section for requesting at least one of the medical image generating apparatus and the outer information management apparatus to have the medical image generating apparatus at least one of re-generate and re-send the medical image, in a case of being impossible to apply image processing suitable for at least one of image-forming in the image forming apparatus and image-storing in the image storage apparatus on the medical image received.

Abstract: An image reading device is provided which can read an image at a wide dynamic range and which can be constructed at low cost. Film images which are recorded on a photographic film undergo a preliminary reading by an area CCD. On the basis of the image data obtained from the reading, the density of each LCD cell of an LCD when performing the main scanning of the image can be calculated so that the amount of incident light on the area CCD is as great as possible without saturation of the accumulated charge in each photoelectric conversion cell occurring. The film image then undergoes the main reading with the density of each LCD cell of the LCD controlled so as to be the above calculated density.

Abstract: An adjustable sliding divider partitions the interior of a bag such that various contents in the bag may be separated and protected. The divider slides along the bottom of the bag to change the size of the partitions as desired by the user. The divider may also be folded down on the bottom of the bag when not in use.

Abstract: A rocking hinge bearing system is provided. The rocking hinge bearing system comprises a first base plate, a second base plate, and a compressible member. A pintle mechanism aligns the first base plate, the second base plate and the compressible member and prevents relative horizontal movement between the first base plate, the second base plate and the compressible member. A tensioning mechanism inhibits axial separation of the first base plate relative to the second base plate and promotes returning the first base plate into its original position relative to the second base plate after rocking.

Abstract: A linear guide device has a guide rail extending in a guiding direction, a guide carriage guided on the guide rail by means of at least one roll body revolving means in the guiding direction, the at least one roll body revolving means including a revolving passage and a plurality of roll bodies which revolve in the revolving passage, the revolving passage including a running passage which is limited by a roll body running path formed on the guide rail and by a load-receiving wall portion of the guide car a return passage, and two deviating passages which connect the running passage with the return passage and in which the roll bodies are substantially load free, the guide carriage having a base unit and at least one revolving component group, the revolving component group having at least one lower wall portion of a wall which limits the return passage and at least one lower wall portion of a wall which limits the deviating passages, the revolving component group also having a load-receiving wall portion of th

Abstract: A bearing material includes: a backing metal made of stainless steel; and a porous sintered metal layer integrated with at least one surface of the backing metal by means of a bonding layer, particles of an inorganic substance being contained in a dispersed manner at grain boundaries of the porous sintered metal layer, wherein the porous sintered metal layer containing the particles of the inorganic substance are composed of 4 to 10% by weight of tin, 10 to 40% by weight of nickel, not less than 0.1 and less than 0.5% by weight of phosphorus, and the balance consisting of copper.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of an improved bearing and to apparatus incorporating the same. The bearing is particularly for use in environments where the bearing is submerged in a fluid and is used in conjunction with a component which allows the flow of fluid therethrough. The bearing has an inner and outer race and a cage within which a series of ball bearings are provided. In accordance with the invention a channel is formed between the cage, inner and outer races through which fluid can pass. The provision of the flow, prevents clogging with debris and minimises damage due to corrosion or other chemical attack on the bearing.

Abstract: A rotary bearing has a first lubricant passage having one end which opens in an inner peripheral surface of a radially outer bearing part and another end which is connectable with a lubricant supply, at least one second lubricant passage which leads from an outer peripheral surface of a radially inner bearing part to an inner peripheral surface of the radially inner bearing part, and a ring chamber between the outer bearing part and the inner bearing part, in which the first lubricant passage and the second lubricant passage open the ring chamber, and a lubricant distributing element formed as a separate part arranged on the ring chamber, and is in a lubricant supplying connection with at least one lubricant passage, and outflow paths including a first outflow path for supplying lubricant to the engaging surfaces of the bearing parts, and a second outflow path for supplying lubricant through the second lubricant passage to a further lubricating point.

Abstract: Sealing device for a rolling contact bearing (2provide with a first shield (5) and a second shield (7) which are made of metal material and which are respectively coupled to an outer race (4) and an inner race (3) of the rolling contact bearing (2) itself, and a seal (10) which is made of synthetic material and which is integral to the first shield (5) and which presents a sealing lip (11) which is arranged substantially in contact with the second shield (7); the first shield (5) is defined by a cylindrical portion (15) which is assembled on the outer race (4), and the seal (10) is anchored to the cylindrical portion (15) in order to freely extend from and overhand the cylindrical portion (15) itself and it presents in axial section, a tapering shape towards a cylindrical sliding surface (13) of the second shield (7).

Abstract: Rolling bearing comprising an inner ring, rolling elements and an outer ring. According to one aspect of the invention the inner ring is produced by M62 steel powder metallurgical technique whilst the outer ring is a conventional stool ring. According to another aspect a rolling bearing having at least one component produced by powder metallurgy technique is in a actively lubricated condition.