Abstract: A method, system, and an apparatus are provided for providing an electrical neurostimulation therapy to a patient. The method comprises generating an electrical biasing signal defined by a plurality of parameters, at least one of which comprises a random value within a defined range, and applying the electrical biasing signal to a neural structure to bias an intrinsic neural signal on the structure. Neurostimulators and neurostimulation systems are provided for generating such a biasing signal and applying the signal to the neural structure, and include a stimulus generator for generating the signal, one or more electrodes for delivering the signal to a neural structure, and a controller for applying the signal to the electrodes.

Abstract: In a method of detecting a defect of the pattern in a semiconductor device, the pattern to be inspected is formed on a substrate, and then a thin film is continuously formed on the pattern, the defect of the pattern and the substrate to accurately detect the defect. The thin film has a reflectivity substantially greater than that of the pattern. The defect of the pattern is detected by inspecting the substrate having the thin film covering the pattern and the defect. A minute defect of the pattern such as residues or a micro bridge may be readily detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspection and review of defects is disclosed wherein data gathering is improved. In one embodiment, multiple or segmented detectors are used in a particle beam system.

Abstract: A classification device includes area extracting unit for extracting a plurality of areas from an image, classifying unit for classifying the extracted areas into predetermined categories, and representative category deciding unit for deciding a representative category of the entire image based on a classification result of the area in the image.

Abstract: There is provided an image input-and-output apparatus comprising an imaging unit that takes an image of an object to be photographed to obtain imaging data, a recognizing unit that recognizes object information from the imaging data obtained by the imaging unit, and a projecting unit that projects related information related to the object information recognized by the recognizing unit.

Abstract: A field sequential display apparatus and an image display method thereof are provided. A field sequential display apparatus includes: a color-coordinate conversion unit which analyses image state information of a plurality of input image signals of primary colors representing one image and converts the input image signals of primary colors into image signals of primary colors and at least one image signal of specific colors by using the image state information; a display panel displaying the converted image signals; and a light source driving unit which sequentially drives light sources corresponding to colors of the converted image signals. Accordingly, color breakup can be prevented, and image quality can be improved.

Abstract: Automatic detection of one or more segment boundaries in a video. An analysis window identifies a selected series of video frames of the video to analyze for segment boundaries. A property value is determined for each of the video frames in the series of video frames. A maximum difference of the differences of property values between adjacent frames is compared to a threshold median value and a ratio of the maximum difference to a determined mean of the differences of property values between adjacent frames is compared to an adaptive threshold value. A segment boundary is defined as a function of the comparisons.

Abstract: A method of estimating a shot boundary in a digital video sequence comprises calculating a measurement of dissimilarity between each frame in the video sequence and its previous frame based on at least one of de-emphasized luminance differences and absolute color differences. Each frame is tested against shot boundary dissimilarity thresholds using the dissimilarity measurement for the frame thereby to detect the shot boundary.

Abstract: Presegmentation or prior, pre-existing segmentation of an object obtained through other means will be presented for interactive editing of a segmented object in an image or volume. Prior segmentation will be seamlessly combined with graph cuts or the random walker methods. Editing of the presegmentation is possible, while maintaining the important property of both methods that an arbitrary segmentation may be achieved with enough interaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus in which vector data from which noise has been removed and amount of data reduced can be generated in ideal fashion with regard to an illustration area selected from a document image. The document image is input to the apparatus and is segmented into a plurality of areas. A clip-art image is selected from these areas and a plurality of clusters are generated with regard to this image area. When a small area included in the plurality of clusters is determined as a noise, the noise is eliminated by combining the small area with a adjacent cluster. After noise is removed, the cluster group eventually obtained is converted to vector data.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning handwriting for redisplay of the handwriting or for improved recognition accuracy is provided. The cleanup system receives handwriting that has been digitized. The cleanup system then analyzes the handwriting to identify strokes that satisfy a cleanup criterion. When a stroke has been identified as satisfying some cleanup criteria, the cleanup system cleans up the handwriting based on the detected criteria. In this way, the cleanup system generates handwriting that may have a more visually pleasing appearance to the reader.

Abstract: An article verification system can comprise a first scanner operable to scan an article to create a signature based upon an intrinsic characteristic of the article and a comparator operable to compare the created signature to a plurality of stored signatures created from previous scans of a plurality of articles. More than one stored signature can be associated with each article, each signature for each article being associated with a respective different portion of each article to the other signatures for that article. Thus the system provides for an article to be checked against multiple records of that article. In some examples, a single match between the later scan and a stored record can be used to positively verify the article.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining at least one contour in at least one image represented by a pixel array, a certain pixel value which represents a color hue or gray level being assigned to each pixel of the pixel array. The method includes stipulation of at least two contour reference points, wherein each contour reference point corresponds to a pixel of the pixel array, and mapping of the pixel array onto a grid, wherein the grid nodes represent the pixels of the pixel array, and the grid lines connect the grid nodes to one another. The method further includes assignment of a certain grid-line section value to each grid-line section between two grid nodes and determination of the respective sum of all the grid-line section values for multiple grid-line paths between the contour reference points.

Abstract: A coding device having a specifying unit for specifying image region data to be processed for refreshing countermeasures in image data being coded based on that image data and a refreshing countermeasure unit for applying processing for refreshing countermeasures to image region data specified by the specifying unit when coding the image data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for encoding and decoding document images are disclosed. Document images are segmented into multiple layers according to a mask. The multiple layers are non-binary. The respective layers can then be processed and compressed separately in order to achieve better compression of the document image overall. A mask is generated from a document image. The mask is generated so as to reduce an estimate of compression for the combined size of the mask and multiple layers of the document image. The mask is then employed to segment the document image into the multiple layers. The mask determines or allocates pixels of the document image into respective layers. The mask and the multiple layers are processed and encoded separately so as to improve compression of the document image overall and to improve the speed of so doing. The multiple layers are non-binary images and can, for example, comprise a foreground image and a background image.

Abstract: An image distribution apparatus divides image data of a single frame into a plurality of blocks, orthogonally transforms the blocks and calculates transformation coefficients, quantizes the calculated transformation coefficients, codes the quantized transformation coefficients, and distributes the coded image data. The image distribution apparatus acquires the quantized transformation coefficients, stores the acquired transformation coefficients in a storage unit, calculates differences between the transformation coefficients of a first frame and the transformation coefficients of a second frame stored in the storage unit in a unit of block, counts blocks whose difference values calculated above are equal to or greater than a predetermined value as changing blocks of the first frame, and determines that the first frame has changed when the counted number of blocks is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is disclosed in which input images are processed to generate texture map data for texture rendering a generated three-dimensional computer model of object(s) appearing in the images. In order to select the portions of the images utilised, confidence data is generated indicative of the extent portions of the surface of a model are visible in each of the images. The images are then combined utilising this confidence data, where image data representative of different spatial frequencies are blended in different ways utilising the confidence data.

Abstract: For binarizing an image, which is composed of pixels, the image is split into two semi-images. Local parameters are initialized based on values of pixels that lie in an area adjacent to a boundary separating the semi-images. A binarization is then performed separately for each of the semi-images using an adaptive threshold, wherein the adaptive threshold is calculated for each of the semi-images proceeding from the initialized local parameters.

Abstract: A method, medium, and system encoding and/or decoding image data by dividing image data into block units, and generating a bitstream by entropy encoding the image data in order of the divided blocks. The decoding method may include receiving an input of a bitstream, and restoring image data by entropy decoding the block units of the bitstream. According to the method, medium, and system, when image data is encoded and/or decoded by using a residue color transform, a bitstream can be generated and encoded in block units of the image, and when the bitstream is decoded, an image can be restored from the bitstream. By doing so, the conventional delay of image processing can be prevented.

Abstract: In an image processing device which compresses image data which is created by electronizing of a document, to generate compressed image data, a document type judgment unit determines a type of document from the image data. An image compression unit performs a compression encoding of the image data based on a result of the determination of the document type judgment unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus improving the coding efficiency by representing encoded data in a compact form by means of a pattern matching technique. A waveform vector similar to a partial signal waveform of an image signal in a predetermined group of waveform vectors is searched for. When a compression encoding is performed for information to identify the waveform vector searched for, similarity information, and a position in an image signal of the partial signal waveform in accordance with a predetermined encoding rule, the position in the image signal of the partial signal waveform is encoded through replacement with position information in a predetermined partial domain of the image signal. As a result; since the position in the image of the partial signal waveform that is the most similar to the waveform vector is encoded through replacement with the position information in the predetermined partial domain of the image signal, it is possible to represent the position more compactly.

Abstract: A processor performs layout analysis, and classifies pieces of bitmap data into a character area and a picture area. The processor divides each of the character area and the picture area into a plurality of tiles having a predetermined shape, thereby creating a table including information representing either character attribute or picture attribute in association with each tile number. The processor performs scalar quantization for data of each tile using a quantization coefficient for characters or pictures, based on the created table. The processor encodes the data of each tile using an SNR progressive technique or a resolution progressive technique, and performs post quantization for the data using a quantization parameter for characters or pictures. Then, the processor stores the encoded data into a storage device.

Abstract: The differential values of adjacent pixels of a group of pixels are calculated and are re-ordered by referring to the magnitude of pixels of a neighboring line. Another time of calculation of differential values of the re-ordered differential values of adjacent pixels is done and the results go through a procedure of a variable length coding. When complex pattern happened, a market code is asserted to break the calculating the differences of adjacent pixels followed by a new raw pixel data as a reference for a new group of pixel. The variable length coding only keeps the “Quotient” and “Remainder” with the “Divider” implicitly done by prediction.

Abstract: A variable block transform system, medium, and a system, medium, and method for video encoding/decoding using the variable block transform. The system includes a transform block size determination unit that determines the transform block size for components of an input video based on a format, defining the components, of the input video or characteristics of the components, and a transform coding unit that performs transform coding on each of the color components of the input video according to the determined transform block sizes and outputs transform coefficients.

Abstract: This invention allows Huffman encoding using a common Huffman table according to basic quantization values Qi,j even when image data expressed by n bits falling within the range from L to K is JPEG-coded, and can suppress the Huffman table size from increasing. To this end, a basic quantization table storage unit stores quantization step values Q0,0 to Q7,7 used in baseline JPEG coding. A minimum quantization step generator outputs a minimum quantization step value Qn—min to a comparator/selector according to the number n of bits of each color component of image data to be coded. The comparator/selector compares the quantization step values Q0,0 to Q7,7 with Qn—min and selects larger ones, and outputs the comparison results to a quantizer as Q?i,j. The quantizer stores Q?i,j in a quantization table storage unit and quantizes orthogonal transformation coefficients output from a DCT transformer.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the quality of a digital image by using a single user-defined parameter. A virtual image is created based on the single user-defined parameter and the original digital image. An adaptive contrast enhancement algorithm operates on a logarithmically compressed version of the virtual image to produce adaptive contrast values for each pixel in the virtual image. A dynamic range adjustment algorithm is used to generate logarithmic enhanced pixels based on the adaptive contrast values and the pixels of the logarithmically compressed version of the virtual image. The logarithmic enhanced pixels are exponentially expanded and scaled to produce a compensated digital image.

Abstract: Demosaicing of graphical content is provided. In an illustrative implementation a demosaicing engine executing one or more demosaicing algorithms is employed to operate on graphical content to provide better quality and higher resolution images. In operation, the demosaicing engine operates in two modes, a training/learning mode, and a run time mode. During training, training-images are analyzed to generate a codebook of mosaic filter table entries, such that each table entry has an associated list of similar training pixel blocks and their associated filters. During run time, a run-time image is broken into pixel blocks. Each pixel block is then compared with the entries of the codebook to find the closest match filter. The list associated with the entry is then processed using a least-squares algorithm to locate the optimal mosaic filter. As a result, higher resolution is achieved without requiring more pixels.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, histogram data on each of luminance levels is acquired from an input luminance signal for one frame portion, and degree conversion processing is performed to the acquired histogram data on the basis of a conversion parameter which enables designating a histogram on each luminance level. Then, on the basis of the histogram data subjected to the degree conversion, a table for performing a non-linear correction processing to the input luminance signal is created, and a non-linear correction processing is performed to the input luminance signal on the basis of the created table.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus applied to a digital camera, includes: a frame memory that inputs and stores, via a bus, image data obtained by capturing an optical image through an optical system by a CCD; a first data-order converting unit that reads and inputs the image data from the frame memory in units of a block in the row direction, and converts and outputs the image data in the column direction; an image processing unit that is connected to the first data-order converting unit for pipeline processing and performs image processing; a distortion correction processing unit that is connected to the image processing unit for pipeline processing and performs the distortion correction processing; and a second data-order converting unit that is connected to the distortion correction processing unit for pipeline processing, returns block data in the column direction into that in the row direction, and outputs the converted data to the frame memory.

Abstract: A method retargets an image to a different size. An input image is segmented into regions. Selected regions are cut from the input image to construct a background image. The background image is scaled to a predetermined size, and the selected regions are pasted back into the scaled background image to produce an output image.

Abstract: A method processes an optical image. The method includes providing a measured magnitude of the Fourier transform of a two-dimensional complex transmission function. The method further includes providing an estimated phase term of the Fourier transform of the two-dimensional complex transmission function. The method further includes multiplying the measured magnitude and the estimated phase term to generate an estimated Fourier transform of the two-dimensional complex transmission function. The method further includes calculating an inverse Fourier transform of the estimated Fourier transform, wherein the inverse Fourier transform is a spatial function. The method further includes calculating an estimated two-dimensional complex transmission function by applying at least one constraint to the inverse Fourier transform.

Abstract: A method of automatically estimating the layout of a sequentially ordered series of frames to be used to form a panorama comprises examining frames of the series to determine an initial flow direction and identifying a first interruption in the series of frames. The frames are then ranked in an evenly ranked matrix according to matrix dimensions based at least partly upon the initial flow direction and characteristics of the first interruption. An apparatus and computer readable media embodying a computer program for automatically estimating the layout of a sequentially ordered series of frames to be used to form a panorama are also provided.

Abstract: A system constructs a composite image by moving a photo-detector array.

Abstract: A system and process for determining the location of a captured image from a larger image is described. A non-repeating sequence may be folded into a non-repeating array in which the array is unique for every sub window of a given size. The image of the sub window may be captured and its location determined within the non-repeating array.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing three dimensional data sets obtained from a sample over time are provided. A first three dimensional data set is obtained from the sample at a first time. A first volume intensity projection (VIP) image is created from the first three dimensional data set. One or more first landmarks are identified and registered in the first VIP image. A second three dimensional data set is obtained from the sample at a second time, different from the first time. A second VIP image is created from the second three dimensional data set. The one ore more first landmarks are identified and registered in the second VIP image. The first and second VIP images are aligned based on the registered one or more first landmarks in the first and second VIP images. Related systems and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating from a sequence of at least one source image, called source sequence, a sequence of at least one reduced image, called reduced sequence, the at least one reduced image having a size smaller or equal to the size of the at least one source image. The at least one reduced image is generated by extracting from the at least one source image at least one image part whose size and position depend on the perceptual interest of the pixels comprised in the at least one image part.

Abstract: A graphics display adapter has a row interpolator circuit connected to receive the source pixel data synchronized at a first clock rate and to interpolate groups of pixels of row at a second clock rate. A row interpolated storage device receives and retains interpolated source pixel data of each row at the second clock rate. A column interpolator circuit extracts the interpolated source pixel data at a third clock rate. The column interpolator circuit then interpolates groupings of the interpolated source pixel data at the third clock rate and transmits the destination graphic pixel data for display. The second clock rate maybe equal to the first clock rate or the faster of the first and third clock rates.

Abstract: A digital pen and paper system comprising a digital pen adapted to acquire disposition data representing a position and orientation of the pen relative to a portion of a carrier using a position-determining pattern on the carrier, the pen comprising a display operable to present to a user of the system display data representing at least one character for transcription by the user, the or each character transformed to appear to the user as if it is printed on the carrier, and a method for effecting transcription of information using such a system.

Abstract: A BigFoot™ Bag material containment system which provides a material container (2) having a flexible layer (26) which can be established in a substantially planar configuration (3) on a support surface (4) for loading material (5) and which operably conforms by closure (15) to provide an enclosed space (20) to contain the loaded material (5).

Abstract: A tool storage bag is provided for storing tools and accessories at a work site. The tool storage bag has slidable fabric handles which move between extended and retracted positions. In even the extended position, the handles present a full-width opening for the bag to allow even relatively large tools and accessory items to be received within the bag. The bag can be easily collapsed for storage or shipping.

Abstract: A collapsible bag for dispensing liquids, including viscous liquids such as syrup and the like, comprising a first wall, a second wall, a spout, a surface variation associated with the first and second walls. The first wall and second wall are connected together to define a fluid chamber therebetween. The first wall and the second wall each have an inner surface facing the fluid chamber and an opposed outer surface. The spout is attached to one of the first and second walls, and has an opening therethrough having an axis substantially perpendicular to the one of the first and second walls to which it is attached. The surface variation is molded into at least a portion of the first wall and at least a corresponding portion of the second wall.

Abstract: A self-supporting bladder for use in transporting or storing foods and liquids is manufactured by folding the ends of a cylindrical section and sealing the open portions of the folded cylinder, resulting in a bladder which supports itself when filled.

Abstract: A rolling element retainer for a linear guideway, wherein the rolling groove of the connective part of the rolling elements retaining chain is composed of a loaded area and a direction changing area. At either end of the loaded-area retainer is arranged an outward extension for mating with the direction-changing-area retainer. The outward extension extends in the direction of the rolling groove of the loaded-area retainer and abuts against a projection part of the end caps of the rolling element retainer. Therefore, not only the motion stability of the linear guideway is effectively improved, but also the rolling elements can move more smoothly.

Abstract: A linear motion guide unit permitted to operate for long service life with substantial maintenance-free for lubrication. The linear motion guide unit has heavy load capacity even with shrinking in construction. The linear motion guide unit is allowed to work with high-speed sliding operation and high tact. To this end, return passages are made inside a carriage of a slider in a geometry lying obliquely upwards of load-carrying races. The return passages are apart away from their associated load-carrying races by a distance less or equal to twice a diametral dimension of a rolling element. End caps are integrally made with spigots each of which is raised above a surface of the associated end cap facing on the carriage, thereby providing any one of forward and aft ends of the return passage. The spigots communicate with lubricant paths extending from lubricating ports made in the end caps.

Abstract: A fluid bearing device which enables cost reductions and prevents static electricity charging. A bearing sleeve is secured inside a housing, and a shaft member is inserted inside an inner peripheral surface of the bearing sleeve. A lubricating oil dynamic pressure effect is used to generate pressure within a bearing gap between the inner peripheral surface of the bearing sleeve and an outer peripheral surface of the shaft member, thereby supporting the shaft member in a non-contact manner in the radial direction. An axial end portion of the shaft member contacts a housing bottom portion, enabling conductivity between the two members, and the housing is made of a conductive resin composition containing added carbon nanofiber with a volume resistivity of 106 ?·cm or less.

Abstract: A bearing unit and a rotating apparatus which prevent leakage of lubricating oil to the utmost and are superior in reliability are disclosed. A radial bearing and a thrust bearing support a shaft for rotation, and a path forming member and a path forming member lid form a communicating path having a function of short-circuiting pressure generated when the shaft and the radial bearing rotate relative to each other. A housing has a function of covering and holding the members mentioned while the housing is open at one end of the shaft with a small void left therebetween. Lubricating oil is filled in the void. The path forming member and the path forming member lid fully cover the members mentioned except a shaft opening side portion of the radial bearing. The housing is made of a molded resin material.

Abstract: A tapered roller bearing assembly includes: an outer race that includes first and second outer race side raceway surfaces; an inner shaft that is inserted into the outer race, and includes a small diameter portion at an axial end thereof, a first inner race side raceway surface which has a diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion, and an intermediate cylindrical surface which is formed between the small diameter portion and the first inner race side raceway surface and has substantially the same diameter as that of the first inner race side raceway surface; an inner race fitted to the small diameter portion and including a second inner race side raceway surface; a plurality of tapered rollers interposed between the first outer race side raceway surface and the first inner race side raceway surface and between the second outer race side raceway surface and the second inner race side raceway surface; and a pulser ring fitted to the intermediate cylindrical surface.

Abstract: Belt roller device, comprising a pulley, a rolling bearing, a protective end-plate, a screw immobilized axially relative to the rolling bearing, and a retaining element mounted on a stem of the screw and forming an axial stop for the protective end-plate, the said protective end-plate being designed to come to bear against a radial face of the inner race of the rolling bearing.

Abstract: Application of a communication signal, RF (radio frequency) or microwave signal to a modified optical fiber for modulating or switching-off the optical signal propagating within the optical fiber. The passive cladding material of an ordinary optical fiber is removed from a small region and replaced with active multilayer materials including at least three layers of cladding surrounding the core. These layers are the inner metallic electrode coated on the surface of the optical fiber core, the electrooptic active material layer placed on the top of the inner electrode, and the outer metallic electrode coated on the top of the electrooptic material. A communication signal applied to the electrodes will result in optical modulation so that the modulated intensity and phase of the optical signal at the receiving end of the fiber can be detected, and demodulation of the signal can be achieved.

Abstract: An optical path conversion element includes a photonic crystal exhibiting periodicity of refractive index in one direction and using as an incident end face one of end faces substantially parallel with the periodicity direction of refractive index and an exit end face opposite the incident end face, an incident part for passing an incident light through the incident end face such that a propagation light is generated in the photonic crystal by a band on a Brillouin zone boundary, and a device for changing a photonic band structure of the photonic crystal and/or a device for changing a propagation optical path length that is a distance from the incident end face to the exit end face.