Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for geometrical image representation and/or compression. In one embodiment, the method comprises creating a representation for image data that includes determining a geometric flow for image data and performing an image processing operation on data in the representation using the geometric flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing compressed images is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises characterizing quantization noise in reconstructed low pass coefficients generated in response to application of an inverse wavelet transform and removing the quantization noise from the reconstructed low pass coefficients constructed during decoding.

Abstract: A system and method for bit-exact lossless compression coding of still and moving images. An original image is encoded to produce a lossy compressed image, and is also used to construct a sorted list of bin values to which the lossy image is compared to generate output from which the original image can be losslessly reconstructed. The similarity of corresponding pixel values between the lossy image and the original image permits efficient generation of a lossless residual that allows for bit-exact reproduction of the original image. Pixel values nearly equidistant from two sorted list values are on a “cusp” and either directly coded or flagged as cusp values from which corresponding lossless values can be re-determined. Non-cusp pixel values are coded as the difference between the index of the sorted bin having a value nearest to the floating point value being processed, and the index of the sorted bin containing the exact pixel value of the original image.

Abstract: A graphic data encoding method and apparatus generating a bitstream by encoding a header having at least one piece of first information determined in consideration of a predetermined graphic profile from among multiple pieces of encodable first information; and encoding a payload having at least one piece of second information determined in consideration of the predetermined graphic profile from among multiple pieces of encodable second information. A graphic data decoding method and apparatus decode the generated bitstream. Irrespective of the functions that can be performed by the graphic data encoding apparatus and the functions that can be performed by the graphic data decoding apparatus, the graphic data decoding apparatus, which is in accordance with a graphic profile, can completely restore a 3D mesh model described in the bitstream generated by the graphic data encoding apparatus that is satisfactory to the graphic profile.

Abstract: A method of modifying the viewing parameters of digital images using face detection for achieving a desired spatial parameters based on one or more sub-groups of pixels that correspond to one or more facial features of the face. Such methods may be used for animating still images, automating and streamlining application such as the creation of slide shows and screen savers of images containing faces.

Abstract: A method for filtering pixels is described. Filters including adjacent regions of pixels are defined and operators are associated with the regions. The operators are summation and subtraction operators. The filters have even and odd symmetry about a central axis. A total intensity value according to the application of the filter is determined. The total intensity value is binarized.

Abstract: Methods for filling in of missing or damaged regions of images using information from surrounding areas are disclosed. A model for binary inpainting based on the Cahn-Hilliard equation is used, which allows for fast, efficient inpainting of degraded text, as well as super-resolution of high contrast images.

Abstract: Using image data on a plurality of reduced object images to calculate a shift amount in regard to the gap of relative positions between the reduced object images by a correlation calculation between the reduced object images. A conversion equation is obtained from the shift amount for geometric projection process from the object image to each of the reduced object images. Initial image data on a single object image is generated using image data on the plurality of reduced object images. This and the aforementioned conversion equation, are used to estimate images of each of the reduced object images. A difference between the estimated image of each of the reduced object images and each of the reduced object images is projected in the reverse process of the aforementioned geometric projection process, to update the image data on the single object image. The processes are repeated until the difference satisfies a predetermined condition and a high resolution object image is outputted.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing adjacent images includes an imaging device with a panorama manager that performs various procedures to manipulate one or more image parameters that correspond to adjacent frames of captured image data. An image-stitching software program may then produce a cohesive combined panorama image from the adjacent frames of image data by utilizing the manipulated image parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for registering a first image (A1) with a second stored image (A2) of an object such as the chest (2) of a patient. The images (A1, A2) may, for instance, have been produced by an X-ray CT system (1) and be used in the trend control of lung tumors. The images (A1, A2) are automatically segmented into various object constituents (a, b, c). Following this, only image areas (B1, B2) of object constituents (b) relevant to the task in hand are registered. In the trend control of lung tumors, for instance, a registration of the lung areas (b) is sufficient.

Abstract: A ball chain used in a linear guideway, at either end of the chain is formed a protruded connecting block, the connecting blocks each has an abutting surface that is parallel to a radial direction of a center of the radius of curvature of the ball chain, the abutting surfaces of the connecting blocks of the spacers at both ends of the chain are mated with each other for limiting axial rotation of the ball chain. Due to the two connecting blocks at the end of the ball chain that has entered the return path protrude out of the groove, the end of the chain within the return path will use the abutting surface to limit the end of the chain that has not entered the return path and to guide the end of the chain, which has not entered the return path, into the return path smoothly, thus improving the operating smoothness of the chain.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly including a flexible thrust washer sandwiched between first and second races. The thrust washer includes notches between adjacent support regions. When a thrust load is applied to the bearing assembly, the thrust washer elastically flexes at the notched or unsupported regions and creates undulations in the washer's dynamic surface to create an initial hydrodynamic fluid wedge with respect to the corresponding dynamic surface of the second race. The gradually converging geometry created by these undulations promotes a strong hydrodynamic action that wedges a lubricant film of a predictable magnitude into the dynamic interface between the thrust washer and the second race in response to relative rotation. This lubricant film physically separates the dynamic surfaces of the thrust washer and second race from each other, thus minimizing asperity contact, and reducing friction, wear and bearing-generated heat, while permitting operation at higher load and speed combinations.

Abstract: A plain bearing and method for making the plain bearing are described, the plain bearing having an overlay alloy layer at a sliding surface of the plain bearing, the plain bearing comprising a layer of a strong backing material, a layer of a first bearing alloy bonded to the strong backing material and a layer of a second bearing material comprising said overlay material bonded to said first bearing alloy layer wherein said second bearing material comprises tin having included in the matrix thereof an organic levelling agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel bearing module in a wheel carrier comprising a wheel bearing and a wheel flange. Said wheel flange is mounted by means of the wheel bearing whereby enabling it to rotate relative to the wheel carrier about a rotation axis. The wheel bearing comprises at least one outer ring. The wheel bearing is supported, at least in areas and via an outer ring, at least radial to the rotation axis in the wheel carrier. The outer ring has, at the axial end of the outer ring, a flange radially pointing away from the rotation axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel bearing in a wheel carrier. This wheel bearing has at least one outer race with at least one row of roll bodies, whereby the wheel bearing is supported at least on a cylindrical section of the outer race at least radial to the rotation axis in the wheel carrier, and the outer race has a flange radial pointing away from the rotation axis.

Abstract: An optoelectronic system for sensing an electric field signal includes an optically modulated scattering module configured to convert an electric field signal into a modulated scattering signal based on an optical modulation signal, an optoelectronic sensing module configured to generate an optical signal upon receiving the modulated scattering signal, an optical detector coupled to the optoelectronic sensing module, a synchronous detection circuit configured to detect the modulated scattering signal received by the optoelectronic sensing module based on an electric modulation signal and a signal processing circuit electrically connected to the synchronous detection circuit for calculating the amplitude and phase of the electric field signal under test.

Abstract: A multi-chip build-up package of an optoelectronic chip mainly includes a metal carrier, an IC chip, an optoelectronic chip, a build-up packaging structure including a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of wiring layers, and a transparent conductive substrate. The IC chip is disposed on the metal carrier and is covered by one of the dielectric layers, and a plurality of electrodes of the IC chip is electrically connected to the wiring layers. The optoelectronic chip is partially embedded in one of the dielectric layers such that an optoelectronic working region and a plurality of electrodes of the optoelectronic chip are exposed. The transparent conductive substrate is disposed on the dielectric layers and the optoelectronic chip, and the wiring layers electrically connect the optoelectronic chip and the IC chip. Accordingly, the embedded IC chip and optoelectronic chip can be electrically interconnected together in build-up process.

Abstract: A merchandising system, comprising: a consumer product. The merchandising system comprises at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product. At least one merchandising system elements comprises indicia and/or an image that relates, or is analogous to, an attribute and/or targeted benefit of the consumer product. At least one merchandising system elements comprises a micro-optic structure capable of controlling the scatter of light impinging thereon so that the micro-optic structure reflects and/or transmits light in a field of view over which at least a portion of the indicia and/or image appears brighter relative to that outside the field of view.

Abstract: Wavelength-selective 1×N switches (WSSs) and N×N cross-connects (WSXCs) are described which are fabricated as monolithic or hybrid devices. In a preferred embodiment, the optic ports, dispersion elements, and collimating elements are formed on a single monolithic substrate. A micromirror and actuator are either fabricated within the substrate or a separate micromirror is utilized forming a hybrid WSS or WSXC. The optical elements can be formed in an opaque substrate layer (e.g., silicon, SOI, and so forth) or in an optically transparent layer of a PLC material (e.g., silica-on-silicon). Embodiments describe the use of linear and rotary comb drives for actuating front surface mirrors, or solid-immersion micromirrors (SIMs). The switching devices reduce system footprint while reducing or eliminating the need for alignment of the optical elements.

Abstract: An optical device includes an optical fiber mount with an optical fiber disposed thereon, and an optical demultiplexer having a slit defined in the optical fiber across an optical axis thereof, and an optical demultiplexing member inserted in the slit for demultiplexing a portion of an optical signal beam transmitted through the optical fiber, wherein the optical demultiplexer guides a demultiplexed optical signal beam from the optical demultiplexing member out of the optical fiber, an optical path changer for changing an optical path of the demultiplexed optical signal beam guided out of the optical fiber, a waveguide serving as a medium from which the demultiplexed optical signal beam is emitted to the optical path changer, and a filter disposed on a surface of the waveguide.

Abstract: An optical communication system includes a transmitter that receives an input optical signal from an optical source and performs filtering so that an output signal from the transmitter includes a specific set of fiber modes that are allowed to pass for further processing. A receiver receives the output signal and performs the necessary operations to retrieve a signal indicative of the input signal.

Abstract: The present I/O ports comprise (1) a layered structure comprising (a) an unpatterned superstrate having at least one layer, (b) an unpatterned substrate having at least one layer, and (c) at least one intermediate layer sandwiched between the unpatterned superstrate and the unpatterned substrate, (2) a coupling region that is within the at least one intermediate layer and that comprises an arrangement of at least one optical scattering element and (3) at least one output waveguide. The present I/O ports can be effectively used in balanced photonic circuits and unbalanced photonic circuits.

Abstract: A tunable transmissive grating comprises a transmissive dispersive element, a reflective element, and an angle ? formed between the two elements. A first optical path is formed according to the angle ?, wherein light dispersing from the dispersive element is directed onto the reflective element and reflects therefrom. At least one element is rotatable about a rotational center to cause a second optical path and thereby tune the wavelength of the light reflecting from the reflective element. Both elements can be rotatable together around a common rotational center point according to certain embodiments, and/or each element can be independently rotated around a rotational axis associated only with that element. According to some embodiments, the relative angle ? formed between the elements is held constant; however, in other embodiments ? can vary.

Abstract: An optical waveguide assembly and method of forming the same is described. The optical waveguide assembly includes a waveguide, an amorphous silicon arrayed waveguide grating communicative with the waveguide, and an integrated amorphous silicon waveguide grating laser which communicatively outputs a laser output responsive to the amorphous silicon arrayed waveguide grating. The method includes providing a waveguide, providing an amorphous silicon arrayed waveguide grating communicative with the waveguide, and providing an integrated amorphous silicon waveguide grating laser which communicatively outputs a laser output responsive to the amorphous silicon arrayed waveguide grating.

Abstract: There is provided a fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to provide electrical connectors for electrical conductors. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule. The electrical connectors of the receptacle and plug are preferably provided separate from the biasing member assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an optical connector, an apparatus for producing the same, and a process for forming a polymer coating film on an end face of a fibrous dielectric, which can dispose a refractive index adjuster only onto an end face of an optical transmitting medium with excellent reproducibility. Such a process includes bringing an end surface of the optical transmitting medium close to an end face of a liquid refractive index adjuster, while charging at least one of the optical transmitting medium and the liquid refractive index adjuster, thereby adhering the liquid refractive index adjuster to the end face of the optical transmitting medium, and thereafter solidifying the adhered liquid refractive index adjuster to obtain the refractive index adjuster.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a multi-beam light source where the interval of core portions is reduced and the core portions are arranged on a straight line. The multi-beam light source includes a first substrate where a plurality of optical fibers each having a core portion and a clad portion surrounding the core portion coaxially are fixed at predetermined intervals, and a second substrate where a plurality of similar optical fibers are fixed at predetermined intervals. The first and second substrates are put and bonded on top of each other so that the core portion of each optical fiber on the second substrate is inserted between core portions of adjacent optical fibers on the first substrate, and the core portions of the optical fibers on the first and second substrate are arranged substantially on a straight line.

Abstract: An optical connector mounted on a board comprises an optical connector main body that performs optical transmission and a fixing pin that fixes the optical connector main body to the board. The optical connector main body has a pin insertion hole that the fixing pin is inserted.

Abstract: A pluggable electro-optical module is mounted completely within the housing of a host device, e.g. testing equipment, to protect the module from external forces, such as ESD, dust and impacts. Furthermore, an equipment manufacturer can use any form of electro-optical module with any type of optical connector receptor, and adapt the electro-optic module into their optical equipment by using an adaptor cable and an optical connector adaptor, which optically couples the module to their end customer's network regardless of the optical connector on the module or the network cable.

Abstract: An fiber optic splice having provide substantially enhanced reliability and broadened operating temperature range uses a light-cured index matching fluid to splice the facing ends of the optical fibers in between two metallic tubes forming a leak-tight, thermally insulating, and mechanically robust outer package.

Abstract: A coding method for multichannel optical transmission systems (10) is described, in which coding is carried out both in the time direction and over a plurality of channels, a mapping being selected for the coding such that the simultaneous occurrence of bits with a signal value of ‘1’ in neighbouring channels is excluded. A multichannel optical transmission system for carrying out the method is furthermore described, as well as a coder (12) for use in conjunction with such a multichannel optical transmission system (10).

Abstract: An illuminable indicia for mounting onto a motorized vehicle comprising a fiber optic light bundle having a plurality of end emitting fiber optic strands terminating into terminal ends forming a pre-selected and fixed pattern corresponding to the shape of the indicia. The end emitting fiber optic strands are capable of forming complicated and intricate designs having a high pixel density and brightly illuminated. The pattern can be in the shape of a logo, letter, picture, and may be multicolored or flash colors in a programmed sequence.

Abstract: A limiter device is used as a fiber optic faceplate (FOFP) night vision goggle for limiting light or laser induced damage on a vacuum side of the FOFP. The limiter device includes a plurality of longitudinally extending optical fibers, each bundled to each other to form a light input surface on an external side of the FOFP and a light output surface on the vacuum side of the FOFP. The optical fibers include fiber optic cores and a glass cladding surrounding each of the cores. A portion of the glass cladding is replaced by an optical absorber material extending longitudinally away from the light input surface. The optical absorber material may extend longitudinally about 1-20 microns away from the light input surface.

Abstract: An optical control device includes a photonic crystal and a line-defect waveguide formed in the photonic crystal wherein the optical control device is capable of guiding, through the line-defect waveguide, a light having a wavenumber larger than a wavenumber corresponding to an anti-intersection of an even-mode band and an odd-mode band, the even-mode band and odd-mode band being a waveguide band of the line-defect waveguide, wherein the even-mode band of the line-defect waveguide includes two or more inflection points in a wavenumber region larger than a wavenumber corresponding to an intersection of the even-mode band and said odd-mode band, the optical control device guiding a light having a frequency in the vicinity of the inflection point.

Abstract: A planar light waveguide includes at least two cores, which are transmission media of optical signals, a clad surrounding the cores and guiding the optical signals inside the cores, and a dummy core located between the cores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector box adapted to be at least partly embedded in a fiber-reinforced part of a wind turbine, where said connector box comprises a flexible base part and a sealing part. The sealing part seals off and protects at least one compartment between the sealing part and the base part during manufacture of said fiber-reinforced part, but can be partly removed after manufacture making said compartment accessible. The base part is adapted to fasten the connector box in the fiber-reinforced part by having a larger circumference near its bottom than near its top. Further, the invention relates to such a connector box fixating a part of an element in the compartment of the box and making a second part of the element accessible from the compartment after manufacture.

Abstract: Enclosure and method for sealingly enclosing a space into and/or from which at least one optical fibre is fed to connect to at least one optical component, by providing a flexible protective sheet of substantially moisture resistant material having a pair of sealing strips; and folding and sealing the sheet around the optical component to provide an envelope enclosing the component with the optical fibre(s) sealed between the sealing strips. The invention also concerns an enclosure into and/or from which the optical fibres pass through an aperture, which is sealed by an adherent patch, or flap with the fibres sealed between the exterior surface of the enclosure and an overlying portion of the patch or flap.

Abstract: A light coupling apparatus for use in an optical equipment is provided. The light coupling apparatus is used to couple a plurality of different incident lights from different light sources into a light that emits in a substantial single outward direction.

Abstract: A video signal playback unit includes a record and playback section (3) for recording and playing back image data, a skip operation section (6) for receiving skip playback instruction input resulting from user operation, a calculating section (8) for calculating, based on the skip playback instruction input being input from the skip operation section (6), a first time skipped a predetermined time from a playback time at the time of input, and a second time obtained by adding a predetermined time to the first time, and an output section (5) for outputting a first video signal for image data played back by the record and playback section (3), the first video data being corresponding to the first time calculated by the calculating section (8), and a second video signal for image data played back by the record and playback section (3), the second video data being corresponding to the second time calculated by the calculating section (8).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method includes, receiving at least one text subtitle stream from an external source. Each text subtitle stream includes a style segment and at least one presentation segment associated with the style segment. The style segment includes at least one set of style information, and each set of style information provides region positioning information for positioning a region in an image and a text box including information for positioning a text box in the region. The presentation segment includes at least one region subtitle information, and the region subtitle information includes text subtitle data and a region style identifier. The region style identifier identifies one of the sets of style information in the style segment to apply to the text subtitle data. The text subtitle stream is decoded using style information including region positioning information and text box positioning information.

Abstract: The playback apparatus of the present invention is able to judge whether a region code assigned to a BD-ROM matches a region code assigned to the playback apparatus. When the judgment result is in the affirmative, the playback apparatus plays back the content recorded on the optical disc. When the judgment result is in the negative, the playback apparatus does not play back the content, except when an exceptional playback is authorized. The exceptional playback is authorized when a combination of the content identifier of the content to be played back and the apparatus region code satisfies a predetermined condition defined by a right owner of the content.

Abstract: An AV Clip formed by multiplexing a video stream and a graphics stream and recorded on a BD-ROM as a recording medium. The video stream constitutes a moving picture while the graphics stream enables graphics to be overlaid on the moving picture, and includes pieces of control information called a PCS and an ICS. When the AV Clip is played back immediately following playback of another digital stream, the control information indicates to the reproduction device that the presence of data already in memory of a graphics decoder is to be continuous.

Abstract: A small-size digital device requires preferable operability and user-friendliness of the user interface. In a multimedia reproduction device (10), an operation unit (40) acquires an instruction concerning content reproduction via a user operation. A read-out unit (44) reads out a content from an external recording medium mounted as a content data storage area. A storage unit (80) holds data on a plurality of function icons symbolizing a plurality of content reproduction function types and data on a plurality of media icons symbolizing the external recording medium types. A display processing unit (46) processes menu screen display and content reproduction. A menu control unit (48) generates image data on a menu screen where a plurality of function icons and a plurality of media icons are arranged two-dimensionally according to a user instruction.

Abstract: A reading apparatus for reading data from a digital versatile disc (DVD) generates information indicating a plurality of predetermined portions of content stored on the digital versatile disc, based on navigation information of the DVD on which the content is recorded. A storage reads the predetermined portions from the DVD based on the generated information and stores the predetermined portions on a storage medium. A reading control section controls reading of data from the DVD and the storage medium so that the data of the predetermined portions stored on the storage medium is read and data subsequent to the data read from the storage medium is read from the DVD if reading of the data of the content is requested.

Abstract: A video recording/reproducing apparatus capable of discriminating commercial message portions even when a broadcasting mode is the same. A magnetic head records television broadcasting signals to a magnetic tape and reproduces the television broadcasting signals from this magnetic tape. When the television broadcasting signals are reduced by recording/reproducing apparatus, an audio-free portion detector detects audio-free portions from audio signals in the television broadcasting signals. Commercial message (CM) portion detector detects the commercial message portions in the television broadcasting signals by the time intervals among a plurality of audio-free portions detected by the audio-free portion detector, and a CM information memory circuit stores the information of the recording positions of the commercial message portions detected by this commercial message portion detector to the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A record/play device (200) includes a recording processor (201) that records, on a recording medium (220), a series content data sequentially input, a playback processor 203 that plays back, during a recording process by the recording processor (201), content data recorded on the recording medium (220), and a controller 204 that controls simultaneous record and play. The controller (204) includes a data size changing unit (247) that changes, during the recording process by the recording processor (201), the data size of the content data that is to be recorded on the recording medium (220) to a data size different from a data size at the time of recording the content data that has been recorded on the recording medium (220).

Abstract: An image and audio recording apparatus has a function of recording image data and/or audio data on a recording medium and a function of recording data on a set time band with a timer. When the timer-recording function is caused to set the recording operation, the recording of the image data may be set separately from the recording of the audio data.

Abstract: When playing an AV Clip recorded on a BD-ROM, a judgment is made, for each elementary stream, which of a plurality of predetermined conditions the elementary stream satisfies. The plurality of predetermined conditions include (a) a condition that a playback apparatus has a capability of playing the elementary stream, (b) a language attribute of the elementary stream matches a language setting of the playback apparatus, and (c) a channel attribute of the elementary stream is surround sound and the playback apparatus has a surround output capability. The playback apparatus assigns a priority to each elementary stream based on which conditions the elementary stream satisfies, selects an elementary stream having a highest priority, and plays the selected elementary stream.

Abstract: Moving pictures are reproduced from a stored moving-picture signal and output at a set reproduction speed that is a first reproduction speed matching a rate of motion of the moving pictures or a second reproduction speed different from the first reproduction speed. The stored moving-picture signal is reproduced in accordance with the set reproduction speed to obtain first interlaced pictures. The first interlaced pictures are converted to obtain first progressive pictures. Moving pictures to be displayed are selected from the first progressive pictures per frame in accordance with the set reproduction speed to obtain second progressive pictures. Scanning lines of the second progressive pictures are decimated so that the number of remaining scanning lines of the second progressive pictures after decimation is equal to the number of scanning lines of interlaced pictures to be displayed, thus outputting second interlaced pictures.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method of controlling a motor by compensating for recurring false speed errors generated in a direct current (DC) motor. The apparatus includes a learning control unit adapted to calculate recurring false speed errors related to a mechanical tolerance associated with the motor in each one of a plurality of controlling sections associated with a single rotation of the motor, and generate a corresponding reference speed for each controlling section, and a motor control unit adapted to control the rotational speed of the motor in relation to a speed error defined by a difference between the reference speed for each controlling section and an actual measured speed of the motor for each controlling section.