Abstract: A method and apparatus transcode an image. An encoded input bitstream of the image is analyzed to obtain a structure of the encoded input bitstream, in which the image includes a region-of-interest and a background region, and in which the encoded input bitstream is a stream of packets. A first quality value for the region-of-interest and a second quality value for the background region are determined. An encoded output bitstream is composed from a subset of the packets selected from the encoded input bitstream according to the structure, in which the subset of packets includes a first set of packets corresponding to the region-of-interest having the first quality value, a second set of packets corresponding to the background region and having second quality value, and empty packets.

Abstract: A pixel data compression/decompression system, medium, and method, including determining the similarity between a first pixel data and a second pixel data adjacent to the first pixel data, selecting one of a first compression mode, where a difference between a compression ratio of the first pixel data and a compression ratio of the second pixel data is high, and a second compression mode, where a difference between a compression ratio of the first pixel data and a compression ratio of the second pixel data is low, based on the similarity, and compressing the first pixel data and the second pixel data based on the selected compression mode.

Abstract: An object extraction method comprising the steps of comparing each portion of first image data obtained by capturing an extraction object with another portion of the first image data or second image data, thereby generating shape data as an image representing a provisional region of the extraction object in the first image data, and matching a contour of the shape data to a contour of the extraction object by using the first image data and the provisionally generated shape data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus generates a sub-self-similar set F, which is a subset of a self-similar set A with respect to contraction maps f1, . . . , fn and forms an image expressing the sub-self-similar set F. The apparatus includes a base-address-set designating section, a generation-rule acquiring section and a sub-self-similar set generating section. The base-address-set designating section selects m addresses each of which formed of infinite sequence of {1, . . . , n} and generates a base address set M including the selected addresses. The generation-rule acquiring section acquires a rule of generating a hypothetical sub-self-similar set G, which is a subset of a hypothetical self-similar set B with respect to n hypothetical contraction maps g1, . . . , gn, by using the generated base address set M. The sub-self-similar set generating section generates a sub-self-similar set F, which is a subset of the self-similar set A.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a captured image and, more particularly, for processing a captured image comprising a document. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a camera to capture documents is described. In another embodiment, a method for processing a captured image that includes a document comprises the steps of distinguishing an imaged document from its background, adjusting the captured image to reduce distortions created from use of a camera and properly orienting the document is described.

Abstract: A real-time approximately 360 degree image correction system and a method for alleviating distortion and perception problems in images captured by omni-directional cameras. In general, the real-time panoramic image correction method generates a warp table from pixel coordinates of a panoramic image and applies the warp table to the panoramic image to create a corrected panoramic image. The corrections are performed using a parametric class of warping functions that include Spatially Varying Uniform (SVU) scaling functions. The SVU scaling functions and scaling factors are used to perform vertical scaling and horizontal scaling on the panoramic image pixel coordinates. A horizontal distortion correction is performed using the SVU scaling functions at at least two different scaling factors. This processing generates a warp table that can be applied to the panoramic image to yield the corrected panoramic image.

Abstract: An image synthesizer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of computing units synthesizing first and second image information based on first and second factors corresponding to the first and second image information to output a third factor as a composition factor of the first and second factors and intermediate output information obtained by multiplying the third factor by third image information as composite image information of the first and second image information; a divider dividing the intermediate output information output from one of the plurality of computing units by the third factor to output the third image information, at least one of the plurality of computing units serving as a first computing unit receiving intermediate input information obtained by multiplying the first image information by the first factor as input information corresponding to the first image information.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for joint image registration and reconstruction of a plurality of images includes providing the plurality of images, modeling the plurality of images, including reconstructing bone and soft-tissue in respective images of the plurality of images, performing a hierarchical free-form registration of models of the plurality of images to determine a jointly registered and reconstructed image with successive accuracy adjustment according to a registration error, and outputting the registered and reconstructed image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a feature region extracting section, a feature amount calculating section, a position calculating section, first and second selecting sections and a correction factor calculating section. The feature region extracting section extracts feature regions. The feature amount calculating section calculates feature amounts of the extracted feature regions. The position calculating section calculates positions of the extracted feature regions. The first selecting section selects pairs of feature regions, which are estimated to be common in the first and second images, based on the feature amounts and the positions. The second selecting section narrows down the selected pairs of feature regions based on similarity in relative positional relation between the feature regions of the first and second images.

Abstract: A method for reducing the size of an image suitable for an image data having a plurality of pixels is provided. The method of the present invention comprises the following steps. First, an image data is divided into a plurality of sampling areas, and each sampling area has a predetermined number of pixels. When the image data is an odd field, a right weighting for each pixel in every sampling area is configured according to a first predetermined ratio, such that each sampling area is able to generate a first sampling pixel. When the image data is an even field, a right weighting for each pixel in every sampling area is configured according to a second predetermined ratio, such that each sampling area is able to generate a second sampling pixel. Then, a new image data is generated according to the first and second sampling pixels.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a document input unit that inputs document data of a document, a first identifying unit that identifies a position of a string included in the document, a second identifying unit that identifies a range of a mark given in the document based on an orientation of the string, and a string extracting unit that extracts a string subject to the mark, based on the position of the string identified by the first identifying unit and the range of the mark identified by the second identifying unit.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus including a character recognition section that executes character recognition on an input document image and outputs a character recognition result, an item name extraction section that extracts a character string relevant to an item name of an information item from the character recognition result, an item value extraction section that extracts a character string of an item value corresponding to the item name from the vicinity of the character string relevant to the item name in the document image, and an extraction information creation section that creates extraction information by associating the character string of the item value extracted by the item value extraction section to the item name.

Abstract: Acquired video signals are forwarded to pre-processing block (103) for sampling, gain amplification and A/D conversion, and then forwarded to image buffer (104). Video signals in image buffer (104) are forwarded to noise estimation block (106). On the basis of taking conditions, video signals and a reference noise model, noise estimation block (106) works out the quantity of noise per ISO sensitivity, and per color signal. The calculated noise quantity is forwarded to noise reduction block (105). On the basis of the noise quantity estimated at the noise estimation block (106), the noise reduction block (105) applies noise reduction processing to video signals in image buffer (104), and video signals after noise reduction processing are forwarded to signal processing block (108).

Abstract: A large capacity waste disposal bag includes loops attached to it. One set of loops may be used to raise and lower the bag during transportation. Another set of loops may be connected to adjacent loops to support and maintain the bag in an upright, open position. In another embodiment, a large capacity waste disposal bag includes pockets attached to it. When support members are inserted into the pockets the bag is supported and maintained in an upright, open position.

Abstract: A soft shell, flexible storage tank is provided, including corners of an improved configuration adapted to resist leaks. The walls of the tank and the corners are relatively more rounded and larger in radius than those of conventional flexible tanks. The walls and the improved corners act together to resist leaks. The rounded corners tend to reduce the effective pressure in the tank walls by loading the seams predominantly in shearing stress when the tank is filled with a liquid. The rounded corners are developed as panels, which are thermally bonded to produce secure and reliable liquid-tight seams. Each of the panels is bonded by lapped seams to others of the panels. Each of the rounded corners includes a generally triangular corner that is bonded to at least three other panels. In effect, the flexible storage tank functions as a pressure vessel, which tends to resist leakage.

Abstract: A quick tear open specimen bag for use such as by gloved medical personnel including first and second panels connected along side and bottom edges to define an interior accessible through an open top. A pair of sealable portions extend proximate the open top and are engageable to close the interior after depositing a specimen therein. A third panel secures in overlaying fashion to a selected one of the primary panels to define a second interior for receiving an indicia insert. Gripping lines are configured into each of the first and second panels, between the sealable portions and the interior, and upon being engaged create an even and smooth edged tear to reveal the primary and secondary interiors.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic pressure bearing is constituted in which a shaft member, including thrust plates 5 engaged with small-diameter portions at both ends of a shaft 1, is relatively rotatably combined with a bearing member via radial and axial dynamic pressure bearings. The bearing member includes a casing 3, a sleeve assembly body engaged to the casing 3, and seal rings 6 engaged to end portions of the casing 3. The sleeve assembly body is constituted by two or more sleeve elements 2 and a spacer sleeve element 4 coaxial with and sandwiched between the sleeve elements 2. Capillary seal portions 9 are formed between the thrust plates 5 and the seal rings 6. Highly accurate finishing of the dynamic pressure bearing portions, capillary seal portions, etc. can easily be accomplished by an easy, highly accurate processing, even if the shaft member or bearing member of a spindle motor becomes longer as a memory capacity of a memory device is increased.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spindle motor having a plurality of sealing portions. The spindle motor includes a rotor hub for rotating a recording medium mounted thereon, a rotating shaft secured to the rotor hub and supporting the rotor hub, a sleeve for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft, and a sealing member. The sealing member is secured to the sleeve and coupled to a bearing portion between the rotating shaft and the sleeve, and provides a rotary side sealing portion and a stationary side sealing portion between the rotor hub and the sleeve. The rotor hub has a ring-shaped inner wall facing the sealing member. The sealing member has a shape of a hollow cylinder, at least part of an outer circumferential surface of the sealing member facing the ring-shaped inner wall and at least part of an inner circumferential surface of the sealing member facing the sleeve being inclined and thus gradually tapered.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic bearings providing reduced friction are provided. The bearings include a load-transferring element and a porous bearing pad spaced from the load-transferring element. The load-transferring element is provided with a high-viscosity lubricant. The porous bearing pad is saturated with a low-viscosity lubricant. The high-viscosity lubricant and the low-viscosity lubricant are drawn into the clearance space by hydrodynamic action to form a bi-component lubricant film. The bi-component lubricant film includes a high-viscosity film layer and a low-viscosity film layer, which provide reduced viscous dissipation as well as proper cooling and lubrication.

Abstract: A grease composition having an apparent viscosity at ?30° C. of 5 to 200 Pa·s is sealed in a rolling bearing which retains a plurality of rolling elements between an inner ring and an outer ring in such a way that the rolling elements can freely roll. Thereby, there is provided a rolling bearing which has a satisfactory lubricating performance and generates less abnormal noise even under a low temperature of around ?40° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cage for inclined ball bearings with adjacent ball pockets separated from each other by means of lands, whereby elastically-deformable retainer lugs extend from the lands with flanks facing opposing directions and facing each other.

Abstract: A cage of a thrust roller bearing includes: a pair of crank-shaped bent portions arranged in a circumferential direction of the cage; a pair of inner wall surfaces arranged in a radial direction of the cage; and a pocket for housing a roller defined by the pair of bent portions and the pair of inner wall surfaces and formed by punching the cage. Radially inner one of the inner wall surfaces is formed as a guiding surface for guiding a substantial roller PCD position of an end surface of the roller. Each of the pair of bent portions includes a first extended portion extending in one of cage thickness directions and a second extended portion extending in the other cage thickness direction. A roller retaining pawl for retaining the roller is provided at each of the first and second extended portions so as to protrude into the pockets.

Abstract: Super-resolution optical components and left-handed materials thereof are provided. A left-handed material includes a substrate, a plurality of deformed split ring resonators (DSRR), and a plurality of metallic bars, wherein the DSRR and the metallic bars are disposed on the substrate with each DSRR and metal bar alternately arranged.

Abstract: A colorless tunable optical dispersion compensator (TODC) comprising a silica arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) directly coupled to a polymer thermo-optic lens. As a result of its inventive construction, the device exhibits low loss, large tuning range, low electrical consumption and is readily manufactured using standard processes. Additionally, the TODC is fully solid-state and scales to a large figure-of-merit (dispersion range times bandwidth squared).

Abstract: An N-nary photonic transistor (PT) based on a heterojunction optical semiconductor microstructure is presented. The PT has one control signal input, one data signal input, and one output. The lights for each input can be one of the wavelengths within the N number (N-nary) of predetermined lightwaves. The output light of the PT is determined by the inputs in accordance with the switching function of the PT. The PT can be used to construct either N-nary digital logic gates or binary Boolean logic gates. For the N-nary system, both the wavelength domain and intensity domain of the lights are used which forms a two dimensional logic system. An optical AND gate, which can be used as either N-nary or binary, is constructed using the current photonic transistor, which is also presented herein.

Abstract: An optical equalization filter and method for simultaneously suppressing inter-symbol interference within a number of dense wavelength division multiplexed channels contained within a DWDM signal wherein the filter may be positioned in any of a number of locations within a DWDM system such that an entire channel therein exhibits a raised cosine function.

Abstract: An integrated optical device is disclosed comprising a substrate, optical waveguide, and compound optical resonator having a temperature sensor, at least two coupled optical resonators, and a heater localized to each optical resonator. An optical input signal is coupled to one of the resonators making up the compound resonator to form an optical output signal. The center wavelength and shape of the output signal is optimized with a feedback loop using the temperature sensor to control the power dissipated in at least one of the localized heaters.

Abstract: An optical waveguide can include a first region (12), a core (14) and a cladding (16). The core (14) surrounds the first region (12), and the cladding (16) surrounds the core (14). Typically, the core (14) includes an active material. In a further aspect, the invention features a system that includes two fibers (10, 48). One of the fibers has a first region, a first core (e.g., a multimode core) surrounding the first region, and a cladding surrounding the core. The other fiber has a core (e.g., a single mode core). The fibers can optically communicate so that energy can propagate from one of the cores to the other of the cores of the two fibers. Typically, at least one of the cores includes an active material.

Abstract: Sunlight simulators that have optical homogenizer units that provide adjustably positionable beams of radiation, each within a selected portion of the spectrum of wave lengths of radiation emitted from a light source, that have uniform output intensity profiles measured across the ends of the optical homogenizer units. These sunlight simulators include either liquid light guides or fiber optic light guides that conduct the beams of radiation, developed from the light source, to the optical homogenizer units. Dosage regulating means control the doses of radiation provided by the optical homogenizer units.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises: an optical fiber, an optical device on a substrate, a circuit board, and an electrical connection therebetween. The substrate has a groove for positioning the fiber for optical coupling with the optical device. A proximal segment of the fiber is secured to the substrate in the groove. The substrate is mounted on the circuit board, and a second segment of the fiber is secured to the circuit board. A method comprises: mounting on the circuit board the substrate with the optical device; establishing the electrical connection; securing the proximal fiber segment to the substrate in the groove; and securing the second fiber segment to the circuit board. Multiple substrates can be secured to a single piece of circuit board material, which can be divided into individual circuit boards after establishing electrical connections and securing optical fibers to the corresponding substrates and to the circuit board material.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) reduction in optical media that generate SBS are provided. SBS is reduced by providing a plurality of segments of optical medium and providing an optical isolator between adjacent pairs of segments so as to reduce the SBS and thereby improve power throughput. The isolators prevent backward propagation of an SBS signal between the adjacent segments. A wavelength multiplier, a wavelength converter and a multi-wavelength laser source, which include the arrangement, are also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable focus connector with spring action is especially adapted for use with common FC or SMA fiber optic receptacles. The connector includes a ferrule holder which mounts a fiber-carrying ferrule at a distal end thereof. At its proximal end the ferrule holder is threadedly connected to a lead screw member. A thrust collar surrounds the ferrule holder and traps a compression spring in the cavity between the thrust collar and the ferrule holder. Because of appropriate interengagement between the components the ferrule holder cannot rotate relative to the trust collar. A traveler is threadedly connected to the lead screw and abuts against the thrust collar. A connection nut is provided at the distal end of the connector to connect it to the fiber optic receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optics module for mounting to the faceplate of a plug-in card. The plug-in card for permitting optical communication with an electronic device comprises a rigid printed circuit board with an edge connector for making electrical connection with said electronic device; a faceplate attached to said printed circuit board for mounting to a bulkhead of the electronic device; a fiber optics module mounted on said faceplate for converting signals between electrical and optical formats, said fiber optics module having an optical connector for connection to a fiber optics cable; and a flexible film extending between said fiber optics module and a flexible film connector mounted on said printed circuit board, said flexible film having conductive tracks for carrying electrical signals between said fiber optics module and said printed circuit board.

Abstract: An optical harness assembly and method are provided. The optical harness assembly includes at least one optical harness cable having a termination end; at least one electrical connector having connector pins; and at least one active connector conversion unit coupled between the termination end of the optical harness cable and the electrical connector. A method for retrofitting an optical harness assembly into an existing platform is disclosed. The method includes removing a legacy wiring harness; installing an optical harness assembly having electrical connectors and an active connector conversion unit; and testing the compatibility of connector pins of the electrical connector to the active connector conversion unit. In another embodiment the method includes: identifying electrical signals present on each pin of each electrical connector presentation; programmatically adjusting an interface based on the identified electrical signals present; and mapping the electrical connector signals to digital signals.

Abstract: The portable telephone has an optical signal transmission section 100 for performing signal transmission between a first casing 101 and a second casing 102 by optical signals. A need for any complex electromagnetic shield structure can be eliminated. There is no occurrence of electromagnetic-wave noise from an optical signal transmission section 100. Thus, electromagnetic-wave noise of the whole portable telephone can be extremely reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for packaging optical communication devices include optical bench structures, such as silicon-optical benches (SiOB). An optical communications apparatus includes an optical bench comprising a substrate having an electrical turning via formed therein. An optoelectronic (OE) chip and integrated circuit (IC) chip are mounted on the optical bench and electrically connected using the electrical turning via. The electrical turning via extends in directions both perpendicular and transverse to a surface of the substrate such that the OE chip and IC chip can be mounted on perpendicular surfaces of the optical bench in close proximity and electrically connected using the electrical turning via.

Abstract: A package for an optical fiber device is disclosed. It has a high thermal conductivity packaging substrate surrounding the optical fiber device and has adhesive bonds at each end anchoring the optical fiber device to the substrate. The adhesive bonds are made of a material that has high transparency in damp heat as well as a high glass transition temperature and is capable of withstanding temperatures of over 100° C. The packaging substrate has a high absorption capacity and a CTE in relation to the CTE of the adhesive bond, such as to compensate for any variation in the adhesive bond due to temperature variations. This allows to limit mechanical stress in the optical fiber device within the package.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical fiber devices incorporating optical fibers with total dispersion greater than material dispersion, and with preferred dispersion values less than +50 ps/nm-km. The desired dispersion values are obtained when light resides substantially in a single higher order mode (HOM) of the fiber, typically the LP02 mode. The optical fibers also preferably have substantial separation between the effective indices of the HOM and any other mode.

Abstract: An optical fiber having a thin layer of gold positioned between the core and cladding. The gold layer is vacuum deposited on a rotating clean glass rod which will become the fiber core. The rod is inserted into a tube that will form the cladding of the fiber. The tube is sealed and placed in a hot tin bath inside a stainless steel pressure chamber that is pressurized and heated to collapse the cladding around the gold-coated core, thereby forming a fiber perform that may be pulled to form the gold metal cylinder fiber of the present invention. The fiber may be cleaved at one end and etched to expose a gold cylinder, thereby forming a highly responsive sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described that use an index-of-refraction profile having a significant central dip in refractive index (or another tailored index profile) within the core of a gain fiber or a gain waveguide on a substrate. The benefits of this central dip (more power with a given mode structure) are apparent when an input beam is akin to that of a Gaussian mode. In some embodiments, the invention provides a fiber or a substrate waveguide having an index profile with a central dip, but wherein the device has no doping. Some embodiments use a central dip surrounded by a higher-index ring in the index of refraction of the core of the fiber, while other embodiments use a trench between an intermediate-index central core portion and the ring, or use a plurality of rings and/or trenches. Some embodiments use an absorber in at least one core ring.

Abstract: An optical film includes a supporting layer and a structured-surface layer having a plurality of prims juxtapositionally formed on the supporting layer, each prim including a lower prism element bonded with the supporting layer and at least one upper prism element integrally superimposed on the lower prism element to increase the prism height in order to pick up sideward refracted light to reduce light loss in order to enhance brightness of the optical film.

Abstract: A core (110, 150) for supporting a covering (200, 510, 620) of a cable entry device (100, 500, 600). The core comprises at least one intermediate portion (111, 151a, 151b) connected to locking means (112, 113a, 113b, 152, 153a, 153b). The locking means are connected to the intermediate portion for instantly locking the core to a surrounding material when it is inserted into a hole thereof.

Abstract: Super-resolution optical components and left-handed materials thereof are provided. A left-handed material includes a substrate, a plurality of deformed split ring resonators (DSRR), and a plurality of metallic bars, wherein the DSRR and the metallic bars are disposed on the substrate with each DSRR and metal bar alternately arranged.

Abstract: A display device configured to display a list of programs stored in a storage device includes: a cutout image acquiring section which acquires a cutout image obtained by cutting out a scene in a program; a distribution date-time acquiring section which acquires distribution date and time when the program is distributed; and a three-dimensional display section which displays a three-dimensional space applying axes respectively of a time, a day of the week, and a week, and which arranges the cutout image acquired by the cutout image acquiring section in a position corresponding to the distribution date and time acquired by the distribution time-date acquiring section in the three-dimensional space.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus that processes image data of a moving image includes: an acquiring unit acquiring variations representing degrees of change in the image data, in a unit of picture; a display-type determining unit determining, on the basis of the variations in pictures, display types, which represent display methods in displaying the pictures, in a unit of picture; a display-type acquiring unit acquiring a display type for a picture designated by a picture-designation operating unit operated in designating a picture to be displayed; and a display control unit causing a display to display a picture with a display method represented by a display type for the picture.

Abstract: Disclosed are a selecting device, a selecting method, and a selecting program storage medium, which are configured to surely and easily select programs such as a drama series, even when a large number of programs are recorded. The selecting device includes: a designating section which designates a program from programs stored in a storage device in response to an operation; a searching section which searches the programs stored in the storage device for a program satisfying a predetermined correlation between itself and the program designated by the designating section; and a selecting section which collectively selects the program designated by the designating section and the program searched out by the searching section collectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a recording function of a mobile communication terminal are disclosed. The terminal determines an amount of available storage capacity for storing a received multimedia broadcast, and selectively records and stores frames of the broadcast according to a recording speed signal. Another embodiment is disclosed wherein the terminal determines whether the screen size of the received broadcast must be adjusted to store in the terminal.

Abstract: To improve the convenience of a record medium and allow a record process and reproduction process to be more easily performed than before. When a clip edit list update process 121 that updates video data and audio data recorded on a disc 32 is executed, an index file management section 72 manages and updates an index file held in an index file hold section 51 as the video data and audio data are updated. At this point, a search section 92 searches disc internal IDs assigned to clips or edit lists contained in the index file for the maximum value. A disc internal ID generation section 91 generates a disc internal ID according to the maximum value. An index file management section 72 updates the index file with the disc internal ID generated by the disc internal ID generation section 91.

Abstract: A recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder for supporting titling an image shot by a DV camera or the like, sparing a user the trouble of inputting the title with a remote controller. The DVD recorder prestores information on the schedule of persons who may be objects of shooting, and information concerning general yearly events such as New Year's Day. The DVD recorder retrieves, from the schedule and event information, candidates for the title of the image, based on the shooting time of the image and information concerning a person shot in the image. The DVD recorder then displays the title candidates so that the user can select a desired title from the displayed candidates.

Abstract: An information presentation system for supporting interactions based on presentation of various pieces of information in a scene where persons face each other, the information presentation system includes: a plurality of display record media, each having a unique identifier, where display information can be rewritten; an information selection section that selects information to be displayed on the display record medium; an information rewrite section that is detachably attached to the display record medium, and that rewritably writes the information selected by the information selection section to the display record medium in a state where the display record medium is attached to the information rewrite section; a history storage section that records a history of the information in association with the unique identifier of the display record medium; and a manipulation detection section that detects a selective manipulation of a user on the display record medium.