Abstract: The computation of an R06-signal at a G06-pixel position that has only a G-signal on a line of B-pixels and G-pixels is performed by an equation of R06=G06+(R09+G09), based on the assumption that the difference between an R-signal and a G-signal is constant at local regions of an image, i.e., the assumption that a relation of R06−G06=R09−G09 is established. In this case, the G09-signal at the R09-pixel position is computed by performing a one-dimensional interpolation on a G-signal on an RG line including the R09-pixel position, like G09=(G05+G13)/2, etc.

Abstract: A method comprising receiving media content and analyzing one or more attributes of successive shots of the received media. Based, at least in part on the analysis of the one or more attributes, generating a correlation score for each of the successive shots, wherein scene segmentation is performed to group semantically cohesive shots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a white signal component and for controlling the brightness of an image are provided. In the above method and apparatus, the brightness increases of Red, Green and Blue, the saturations of which are not decreased from an input image are calculated using a vector, and the minimum value of such increases is utilized as the input value for the white component. Further, by adding brightness control components of RGB color to the input RGB signals, brightness increases in the direction of the original colors instead of the achromatic one are possible, which is the way the white component is added so as to increase the luminance of color display devices representing a color using a color filter such a flat panel display. Accordingly, a color saturation of the image is not decreased even with addition of the achromatic color a component.

Abstract: By using the memory which stores the first lattice point color coordinates data equivalent to the lattice point address of the color conversion LUT data which is referred to at the time of color conversion processing, the color adjustment parameter composition section which composes the color adjustment parameter in accordance with the instruction information of the input color adjustments, and the color adjustment section which outputs the second lattice point coordinates data by conducting color adjustment on the first lattice point color coordinates stored in the memory by using this color adjustment parameter, and after converting the second lattice point color coordinates data to the second lattice point color coordinates data expressed in the second color space, conduct conversion processing on the input image data expressed in the first/color space in accordance with the color conversion LUT data which is renewed by this.

Abstract: A method for recognizing input characters handwritten onto an input area of an input device, each point of the input area being represented by coordinate values. The method includes the steps of receiving a signal representative of an input character, determining an input position representative of the input character using information about the coordinate values, and recognizing the input character as one of a plurality of reference characters in a reference library. The recognizing step at least uses recognition features and a weighting function of each of the plurality of reference characters in the reference library and the input position. The signal includes at least information about the coordinate values of the input character.

Abstract: A method for identifying one or more image frames (100) from a series (104) of video image frames, in order to print, store or flag the selected frames. The method calculates a gradient value for each image frame in a video shot (102) series, identifies one or more gradient value peaks (324) in a corresponding range of a raw data series (302), and selects the image frames (110) corresponding to the identified gradient value peaks. Two types of frames (202, 206) are identified as being suitable for printing. A first type (202) comprises frames with a high gradient content, where the image is sharply defined. A second type of frame (206) also has good focus, but is representative of periods of relative stillness, or lack of motion between consecutive image frames (100) during the video shot series (104).

Abstract: To detect a boundary line between different objects in contact which appear to be the same object as their structural consistencies are identical or substantially identical, there are provided a motion vector detecting unit which calculates motion vectors in plural parts from plural images obtained at different times, a boundary block extracting unit which extracts a boundary block from the difference of motion vectors, and a boundary line estimating unit which estimates a boundary line based on the extracted boundary block.

Abstract: A decoder includes an indexing and thresholding stage that receives a compressed image matrix and produces therefrom a signal that is based on a comparison of at least one element in the compressed image matrix with a predetermined threshold value. A transform stage is coupled to receive the signal from an output of the indexing and thresholding stage, wherein the transform stage selectively decodes the compressed image matrix based on the signal. A row column index for each coefficient in a DCT matrix is used, together with a threshold value, to access each coefficient, and decide if the entry is greater than the threshold value. This information is used by an IDCT decoder to avoid unnecessary MAC operations for those entries with values below the threshold value. By not performing the IDCT on the DCT matrix values below the threshold value, the computational requirement of the decoder is significantly reduced, thereby reducing the computational speed requirement for the decoder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of encoding a hyper-spectral image datacube using vector quantization. According to the invention, a temporary codebook having a small number, n, of codevectors is generated from the datacube. The datacube is processed using the temporary codebook to form n clusters (subsets) of vectors. A codevector corresponds to a cluster and is the centre of gravity for the cluster. In the compression process, vectors in each cluster are encoded by the corresponding codevector. Then the reconstruction fidelity of the encoded cluster is evaluated. When the fidelity of an encoded cluster is better than a predetermined fidelity, the codevector relating to that cluster is stored in a final codebook and the vectors in the cluster are expressed with the index (address) of the codevector in the final codebook. When the fidelity of an encoded cluster is not suitable, the cluster is reencoded with a new temporary codebook generated from this cluster, and the same process is repeated.

Abstract: An image processing method includes a step for inputting the type of digital camera used for obtaining an original image signal to be processed, a step for preparing a non-sharp mask signal of the original image signal, a step for reading a contrast table and a density dependent table corresponding to the type of digital camera from a hard disk device, a step for carrying out sharpness enhancement processing based on the contrast table, the density dependent table, the non-sharp mask signal and the original image signal so that the maximum value of responses of the spatial frequency characteristics of an image signal on which the sharpness enhancement processing has been effected is a value in the region of 1.5 to 3.0 times the spatial frequency characteristics of the original image signal. Accordingly, spatial frequency enhancement processing can be carried out under preferred processing conditions on the original image signal obtained by the digital still camera.

Abstract: An original image signal made up of a plurality of image signal components each representing a pixel of an original image is processed to suppress the granularity of the original image and enhance the sharpness of the original image, and a final processed image signal is obtained. Processing for suppressing granularity and processing for enhancing sharpness are carried out separately on the original image signal to obtain a granularity-suppressed image signal and a sharpness-enhanced image signal.

Abstract: A device and a method for image processing make it possible to significantly improve the contrast and the sharpness of the whole image, in comparison with the ordinary. By amplifying the portions other than the edges, while conserving the edges with the pixel values which change abruptly out of input image data, it is possible to enhance and display the portions other than the edges, and so it is possible to significantly improve the contrast and the sharpness of the whole image, in comparison with the ordinary.

Abstract: In order to remove blocking artifacts from a frame which has been coded by blocks and then decoded, a certain number of pixels (n) is selected for examination from both sides of the block boundary (30). The number of pixels selected for examination depends on the image content of the frame in the environment of the block boundary, particularly on the difference of the pixel values across the block boundary (30) and the size of the quantization step of the transformation coefficients used in the transformation coding of the blocks.

Abstract: Systems and methods of correcting one or more defect pixels in a source image are described. The source image is formed from a plurality of pixels each having a respective value. In one scheme, a defect pixel is corrected based upon curvature information computed from pixel values located near the defect pixel. In another scheme, a median pixel value is determined from values of pixels located near a defect pixel, and the defect pixel is corrected based upon the median pixel value.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image processing method, apparatus and storage medium for forming a mosaic image by combining a plurality of material images. The method includes dividing an image, which is the basis of the mosaic image, into a plurality of tile areas, obtaining an image characteristic of each tile area obtained by division, calculating distances between the image characteristics of each of the tile areas and image characteristics of respective ones of the plurality of material images, selecting material images corresponding to each of the tile areas in dependence upon result of calculation of the distances, forming a mosaic image by pasting the selected material images to the corresponding tile areas, and subjecting this mosaic image to filtering processing, thereby generating a mosaic image in which the joints between tile areas are no longer noticeable.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method and system for determining a radius of curvature of a two-dimensional curved feature. The system includes an image acquisition device for obtaining images of said curved feature. A processor is coupled to the image acquisition device for receiving the images and converting the images to n sets of coordinates corresponding to points on the perimeter of the curved feature. The processor chooses at least three sets of said coordinates to define at least one group and fits each set of said coordinates from each group to an equation for a circle and determines a radius of curvature by solving each equation simultaneously. A storage device is coupled to the processor for storing processor data. An output device is coupled to the processor for outputting processor data.

Abstract: A graphic image that has pixels arranged in rows and columns is scaled by processing a succession of segments. Each segment comprises contiguous pixels. The row and column dimensions of each segment do not correspond to an intended degree of scaling in both dimensions. The processing of each segment produces an intermediate pixel. The intermediate pixels form a stream. The intermediate stream of pixels is processed to form a final two-dimensional scaled image.

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: The present invention provides configurations for an electro-optically tunable filter. The filter includes an electro-optical crystal, at least one electrically conductive mesh screen, at least one electrode and a voltage source. In one embodiment, an electrical voltage passes from a source to a mesh screen contacting the crystal, through the crystal and an electrode on the crystal's opposite end. The mesh screen creates a narrow bandpass. The optical properties of the mesh screen-crystal combination are determined partially by the refractive index of the crystal when a voltage is applied to the mesh screen. Variable voltages change the refractive index of the crystal, creating varying spectral positions of the filter. Application of a voltage between the mesh screen and the electrode creates a field internal to the crystal that changes its refractive index, allowing it to be tunable in the bandpass location thereby affecting a passing light signal.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a shifting unit that uses optical fibers to shift beams among various outputs. The shifting unit comprises a shifting entrance plane and a shifting exit plane. The shifting entrance plane comprises at least one row of signal input positions. Each signal input position is adapted to receive an optical signal from a source. The shifting exit plane comprises a respective number of rows of signal output positions. Each signal output position is adapted to output an optical beam. Each signal input position of a given row is connected by an optical fiber to a corresponding signal output position. Also, each optical fiber is the same length as every other optical fiber in the shifting unit. The present invention also comprises methods and apparatus comprising the shifting unit.

Abstract: A wavelength-selective cross connect switch is disclosed that can selectively pass a multi-wavelength incoming signal received on a given incoming port to a corresponding output port in a bar state; or cross the received signal to an opposite output port in a cross state, using only two wavelength blockers and a number of optical circulators. Power splitters divide the power of each incoming signal in half and the half-power signals are applied to the two wavelength blockers surrounded by corresponding optical circulators. Each of the wavelength blockers control either the bar state or the cross state. The outputs of the two wavelength blockers are combined to produce an output signal at each of the output ports. Thus, the wavelength-selective cross connect can selectively pass or cross an incoming signal to an appropriate output port, as desired. The disclosed wavelength-selective cross connects can be serviced without interrupting traffic.

Abstract: To provide an optical cross-connect apparatus capable of, even in the case where a light switch becomes large-sized, supervising quality and management information of light signals passing through inside the apparatus with low-cost configuration. For each of the light signals inputted from n pieces of input port, path setting in a branch connection state is performed in order following a control signal from a control section by connecting any one of n pieces of output port with a predetermined supervising port at n×m light SW. Quality and management information are detected from light signals outputted from a supervising output port at a light signal detecting section, and the quality and the management information are supervised at a light signal supervising section.

Abstract: In an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer comprising optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuits connected in multistage, the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuits each have two input ports and two output ports, an optical path, through which input optical signals with predetermined wavelengths are output after multiplexing and demultiplexing, varies depending upon the input port; the optical paths in each of the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuits have mutually opposite wavelength dispersion characteristics, and one of the optical paths in a first optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit is connected to one of the optical paths, in a second optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit, having wavelength dispersion characteristics opposite to the optical path in the first optical multiplexer/demultiplexer circuit.

Abstract: Grating built-in type optical fiber couplers and optical amplifiers form a multiplexer for efficiently effecting multiplex separation of a specific wavelength without using an optical circulator. A function to add a signal of specific wavelength efficiently can be realized. Additionally, the device is inexpensive.

Abstract: A dispersion compensation module (DCM) for compensating dispersion of an optical fiber transmission link is provided. The optical fiber transmission link comprises a transmission fiber and the DCM. The DCM comprises at least first and second dispersion compensating fibers, DCF1 and DCF2, respectively. DCF1 and DCF2 each have a dispersion, D1 and D2, respectively, a dispersion slope, S1 and S2, respectively, and a relative dispersion slope, RDS1 and RDS2, respectively. The transmission fiber also has a dispersion, DTransFiber, a dispersion slope, STransFiber, and a relative dispersion slope, RDSTransFiber. DCF1 and DCF2 are selected based on their respective relative dispersion slopes, RDS1 and RDS2, respectively. DCF1 and DCF2 have particular, lengths, L1 and L2, respectively.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical filter which allows parameters to be easily adjusted, which allows birefringence and temperature dependence to be easily compensated for, and which is essentially free from dispersion. The optical filter includes an optical coupler that splits light into two beams, optical couplers connected to outputs of the optical coupler, a first group of two optical waveguide delay lines connected to the coupler, a second group of two optical waveguide delay lines connected to the coupler, an optical coupler that combines lights from the first group of the lines, an optical coupler that combines lights from the second group of the lines, and a multimode interference optical coupler that combines lights from the couplers together.

Abstract: A laser system for use in medical, industrial, commercial or research applications in which the location and energy and power density of a nonvisible (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet) laser beam is defined by a plurality of visible beams. Collimating optics are used to direct both the nonvisible and visible beams on the target, such that when the visible beam is in focus on the target, the nonvisible beam has the optimum energy and power density. One implementation of the invention is a self-contained hand-held surgical laser that provides surgeons with the optimal laser beam parameters for laser tissue soldering.

Abstract: There is provided an optical fiber to be coupled to a laser diode light source. The optical fiber has a wedge-shaped lens for decreasing the influence of reflection light BR1 and returning reflection light BR2, whereby the laser diode light source can be operated with stability. The wedged and lensed optical fiber according to the present invention is arranged such that the optical fiber is formed to have a wedge-shaped lens at the tip end thereof, a ridge as a rooftop is made to include the center tip end of a core, the ridge is inclined by an inclination angle &bgr; with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical fiber, and the ridge is formed into a semi-cylindrical surface or a conical surface.

Abstract: An optical coupling device for coupling light in between two optical waveguide end faces, in which the geometric position of one optical waveguide end face can be varied with respect to the other optical waveguide end face with the aid of a variable-length element. The element carries one of the two optical waveguides, and is connected to the other optical waveguide via a holding block. The variable-length element is connected to a variable-length compensating element, whose length changes with temperature by the same amount but in the opposite sense as that of the variable-length element. The variable-length compensating element is fixed to the second holding block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for aligning an optical array with a substrate. The method includes the steps of aligning the substrate with a set of alignment structures on an alignment fixture, transmitting a plurality of optical signals from the fixture through the substrate, and automatically aligning the optical array to the substrate using the transmitted plurality of optical signals and a pick and place machine.

Abstract: A wavelength to optical power converter and a method for converter a wavelength into an optical power are provided. The wavelength to optical power converter includes an input fiber pigtail for inputting an optical wavelength signal, a spiral fiber connected to the input fiber pigtail, a cylinder for fixing the spiral fiber, an output fiber pigtail extended from the spiral fiber, and an optical detector connected to the output fiber pigtail for reading a signal from the output fiber pigtail to generate the optical power, wherein the spiral fiber outputs the optical power in response to the optical wavelength signal, thereby performing a conversion from the wavelength into the optical power.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method to manufacture optical fiber in a way that produces controlled and patterned diffusion of optical radiation along its length. The novelty of the described invention is that the patterns of diffusion are produced at the time the optical fiber is manufactured. The “in-line” manufacturing method avoids the need for post-production treatment of the fiber, which makes the process highly efficient and economical. Light diffusing optical fibers of significant length can be produced. Several manufacturing configurations to achieve the desired effects and their inclusion in the fiber production process are described. The processes can be configured to process optical fibers constructed from a wide variety of known glass, polymeric or other materials. The partially diffusing optical fibers of this invention have applications ranging from illuminated fabrics and toys and to lighting systems and medical instruments.

Abstract: An optical waveguide designed to generate positive dispersion when operated in a high order mode. The optical waveguide in one embodiment is designed to generate positive dispersion slope, in another embodiment to generate negative dispersion slope and in yet another embodiment nominally zero dispersion slope. In one embodiment the high order mode is the LP02 mode and in another embodiment the high order mode is the LP03 mode. In another embodiment the optical waveguide is a few mode fiber. In an exemplary embodiment the optical waveguide is used in combination with a mode transformer, such as a transverse mode transformer to achieve the desired high order mode.

Abstract: A multimode optical fiber having a first laser bandwidth greater than 220 MHz.km in the 850 nm window, a second laser bandwidth greater than 500 MHz.km in the 1300 nm window, a first OFL bandwidth of at least 160 MHz.km in the 850 nm window, and a second OFL bandwidth of at least 500 MHz.km in the 1300 nm window is disclosed. The multimode fiber is capable of operating in telecommunication systems employing both LED power sources and high power laser sources. Methods of making and testing the multimode optical fiber are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical transmission line configured to control both a waveform distortion due to non-linearity and a waveform distortion due to dispersion. The optical transmission line is formed by connecting in series a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber has a dispersion value of 6 to 14 ps/nm/km, and the second optical fiber has a dispersion value of −14 to −6 ps/nm/km, both for a given wavelength band within a 1.5 &mgr;m wavelength band. Further, a dispersion slope of the first optical fiber has an opposite sign to a dispersion value of the second optical fiber. In addition, the first optical fiber is arranged to be closer to an optical signal that inputs the optical transmission line than the second optical fiber.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a device having one or more deposited layers and subject to a post deposition high temperature anneal. Opposing films having similar mechanical properties are deposited on the front and back faces of a wafer, which is subsequently subjected a high temperature anneal. The opposing films tend to cancel out stress-induced warping of the wafer during the subsequent anneal.

Abstract: An optical structure is fabricated by forming an active layer including a photodefinable material on a substrate or on another underlying layer, forming an upper layer above the active layer, and then patterning the active layer by selective application of radiation through the upper layer. The upper layer is substantially transparent to radiation of the type required to activate the photodefinable material in the active layer.

Abstract: A planar optical waveguide is disclosed. The waveguide includes a substrate, a first cladding disposed on the substrate, and a first core disposed on a first portion of the first cladding. The first core is constructed from a first material. The optical waveguide also includes a second core disposed on a second portion of the first cladding, with the second core being constructed from a second material and a second cladding disposed on the first core, the second core, and a remaining portion of the first cladding. A method of manufacturing the waveguide is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and structure for managing computer hardware cable media is provided, featuring a support having a frontal face, at least one flange, and at least one curved surface projecting from the support frontal face for receiving and guiding cable media. The curved surface has a radius sufficiently large enough to receive and redirect cable media by bending the cable media without cracking or causing other damage to the cable media. The flange is connected to a computer rack system rail so that support is overlapping at least one hardware component connected to the computer rack system, thereby allowing a portion of the rack space occupied by the flange and the support to be utilized by other hardware components, increasing the effective usable space of the rack system. Cable media are received onto the curved surface, redirected by bending along the curved surface, and ultimately distributed in discrete bundles of cable media to hardware devices.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator includes a base (12), an attenuating means (11), a first collimator (13) retaining an input fiber (18), a second collimator (14) retaining an output fiber (20) and an optical baffle (116). The attenuating means has four anamorphic prisms (111,112,113,114). The optical baffle is driven to move into light path of the first collimator and is expanded by two anamorphic prisms to block a part of the light beam. Thereafter, the retaining part of the light path passes through other two anamorphic prisms and shrinks to form a parallel light beam received by the second collimator.

Abstract: An optical waveguide including a core having silica, Al, a non-fluorescent rare-earth ion, Ge, Er, and Tm. The non-fluorescent rare-earth ion may be La. Exemplary compositions concentrations are Er is from 15 ppm to 3000 ppm, Al is from 0.5 mol % to 12 mol %, La is less than or equal to 2 mol %, Tm is from 15 ppm to 10,000 ppm; and the Ge is less than or equal to 15 mol %. The core may further include F. An exemplary concentration of F is less than or equal to 6 anion mol %.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device comprising an optical waveguide plate 12 for introducing light 10 thereinto; an actuator substrate 18 provided opposingly to one plate surface of the optical waveguide plate 12 and arranged with actuator elements 14 of a number corresponding to a large number of pixels; a pixel structure 102 formed on each of the actuator elements 14 of the actuator substrate 18; and a crosspiece 70 formed at a portion other than the pixel structure 102 between the optical waveguide plate 12 and the actuator substrate 18. Accordingly, it is easy to form a gap between the optical waveguide plate and the pixel structure. Further, the gap can be formed uniformly for all of the pixels.

Abstract: An image data management device, that records image data captured by a digital camera together with information indicating the use period of the image data, searches for image files captured by the digital camera and checks the use period of the image data which has been found. When the use period of the image file has expired, the image data management device deletes the image file.

Abstract: Combos comprising a display and a video recorder, which avoid a very bright image when switching from a standby recording mode to an on mode. In order to reduce cost, some combos include only one video circuit which is used by both the television and the video recorder, and which notably controls the level of its output signals directed to the display. This control is realized using a feedback loop that provides a feedback signal from the display. To avoid displaying a very bright image when switching the combo from a standby recording mode to an on mode, an amplification control circuit progressively revives an amplifier of the display.

Abstract: At the transmitter side, carrier waves are modulated according to an input signal for producing relevant signal points in a signal space diagram. The input signal is divided into, two, first and second, data streams. The signal points are divided into signal point groups to which data of the first data stream are assigned. Also, data of the second data stream are assigned to the signal points of each signal point group. A difference in the transmission error rate between first and second data streams is developed by shifting the signal points to other positions in the space diagram expressed at least in the polar coordinate system. At the receiver side, the first and/or second data streams can be reconstructed from a received signal. In TV broadcast service, a TV signal is divided by a transmitter into, low and high, frequency band components which are designated as a first and a second data streams respectively.

Abstract: A method and system for determining and recording a minimal ending video buffer verifier fullness at each of a plurality of entry points in a compressed variable bit rate video bit stream.

Abstract: During recording of an MPEG information signal on a record carrier, transport packets (Pk) are stored in signal blocks in a track on the record carrier. x transport packets of the MPEG information signal are stored in the second block sections (SB) of y signal blocks, where x and y are integers, x≧1 and y>1, more specifically, y>x. Further, third block sections (TB) are present in one or more of the second block sections in the y signal blocks of a group for storing additional information, this additional information relating to the specific application of recording and reproducing the MPEG information signal on/from the record carrier.

Abstract: In order to use video contents created according to DVD video in DVD audio, audio and video sub-directories are located under a root directory. The video sub-directory includes video contents and their management information. The audio sub-directory includes audio contents and their management information. The video management information can only access the video contents. However, the audio management information can access not only the audio contents but also the video contents.

Abstract: An information storage medium capable of recording and playing back still picture information is provided with a first information unit having one still picture information, and a first group unit which is composed of a set of first information units, and has a plurality of pieces of still picture information having different contents. Information is recorded in the first group unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring digital versatile disc (DVD) information is provided. This apparatus includes a stream format converter for providing a first stream by converting the program stream format of audio and video information read from the DVD into a transport stream format. A re-encoder is included, for providing a second stream by overlaying video information read from the disc with subpicture information read from the DVD and re-encoding the overlaid information using a predetermined compression encoding scheme for image information. A stream selector is included, for selecting either the first or second stream according to the requirements of a user, the bandwidth of a transmission channel, and the information processing capability of an apparatus for receiving information, and transferring a selected stream to the apparatus for receiving information via a transmission channel.