Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reconstructing a high-resolution 3D image (G) of an examination zone of a patient from a 3D image data set (D) of the examination zone, the examination zone being subject to a periodic motion which is measured, in parallel with the acquisition of the 3D image data set (D), as a motion signal (E) which represents the periodic motion.

Abstract: A microscope system comprises: a control means (18) capable of generating electric control signals (18a); a spatial modulator means (7) having an illuminated surface (7a) to be illuminated by light emitted by a light source (1), and capable of receiving the electric control signal and of spatially modulating reflection characteristic or transmission characteristic of the illuminated surface by a spatial frequency specified by the electric control signal; an illuminating optical means (8, 11) for illuminating a specimen (12) with light spatially modulated by the spatial modulator means; an image detecting means (15) for detecting a signal image formed by signal light emitted by the specimen illuminated by the illuminating optical means; and an arithmetic means (16) for processing signal images formed by using the spatial frequency of at least three different phases set by the control means and detected by the image detecting means to obtain an optical sectioned image.

Abstract: According to a distribution of image data values corresponding to individual spatial coordinate points on a three-dimensional space obtained when a region to be observed is tomographically taken by a radiographic medical diagnosis system, an interpolation area is provided within a segment set within a range of the image data values. In the interpolation area, degrees of chromaticity and opaqueness of each spatial coordinate point are made variable in response to the magnitude of image data value. The degrees of chromaticity and opaqueness of all the spatial coordinate points located on each line of sight connecting each plane coordinate point on a two-dimensional projection plane and a point of view are respectively integrated, and thus integrated values are reflected on the plane coordinate points on the line of sight.

Abstract: A method for suppressing ghost image artifacts in x-ray images is provided. In chronological order, a plurality of x-ray images of one or more objects is generated with the interposition of at least one solid-state detector for generating a visible image by incident x-radiation. From each currently generated x-ray image, a previously ascertained correction image is electronically subtracted. The last correction image ascertained is generated by a blank image, and before its use, it is examined for the presence of residual-image effects. If a predetermined limit value of a proportion of residual-image effects (proportion of residual images) is exceeded, the last correction image is discarded at least partially, and an earlier correction image ascertained by a blank image with a lesser proportion of residual images is used at least partially for correcting the current x-ray image.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing witness card statistical analysis using image processing techniques to quickly and efficiently generate as-sprayed performance statistics for a spray device, or spray, based upon a comprehensive analysis of as-sprayed witness card stains. Calibration and as-sprayed witness cards are scanned to produce images that are processed using image processing techniques to identify stain areas/dimensions. Calibration stain data is associated with known calibration droplet volumes and used to generate a set of calibration equations that model an observed relationship between the area of calibration stains upon a witness card and the volume of the respective fluid droplets that produced the stains. As-sprayed stain area/dimension information is processed using the developed calibration equations to approximate the volume of as-sprayed droplets.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to apply an effect, which does not cause deficiency in any direction of 360 degrees within a virtual three-dimensional space, around an object.

Abstract: A system and method in a client-server computing environment is provided for generating and rendering a photorealistic three-dimensional (3D) perspective view of a 3D object selectively positioned within a 3D scene. A client is configured for communicably accessing a server, and includes a client application configured for scene editing and rendering, using a graphical user interface (GUI). The 3D scene may be selectively displayed in a plurality of views, and a 3D object may be retrieved from the server and imported into the 3D scene to generate a composite. The 3D object may also be manipulated within the composite for placement and orientation. A 3D image of the composite may then be rendered at the client and selectively reconfigured in real time. Luminosity characteristics may be applied to the 3D image; followed by rendering a photorealistic 3D view of the composite image.

Abstract: A multi-stage method is provided for automatically characterizing data sets containing data points which are each defined by measurements of three variables as either random or non-random. A three-dimensional Cartesian volume which is sized to contain all of a total number N of data points in the data set which is to be characterized. The Cartesian volume is partitioned into equal sized cubes, wherein each cube may or may not contain a data point. A predetermined route is defined that goes through every cube one time and scores each cube as a one or a zero thereby producing a stream of ones and zeros. The number of runs is counted and utilized to provide a Runs Test which predicts if the N data points in any data set are random or nonrandom. Additional tests are used in conjunction with the Runs Test to increase the accuracy of characterization of each data set as random or nonrandom.

Abstract: Methods and systems for feature selection are described. In particular, methods and systems for feature selection for data classification, retrieval, and segmentation are described. Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and systems for complement sort-merge tree (CSMT), fast-converging sort-merge tree (FSMT), and multi-level (ML) feature selection. Accurate and fast results may be obtained by the feature selection methods and systems described herein.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively performing an image data transformation procedure may include an electronic camera device that is implemented to capture primary image data corresponding to a photographic target. A transformation manager in the electronic camera device may be configured to convert the primary image data into secondary image data by utilizing selectable transformation parameters that are optimized by utilizing an optimization metric to thereby minimize noise characteristics in the secondary image data. The transformation parameters may be stored in parameter lookup tables in the electronic camera device for use by the transformation manager in performing the image data transformation procedure.

Abstract: A system includes a video display device and an image capture device, such as a miniature camera. The system corrects a real-time video image of an object within a near field region of the video display device, if that display device is displaying a primary image that alters the appearance of the near-field object. Displaying primary images having high red, blue, or green content may alter the appearance of the object to the capturing device. The system accesses the primary image to be displayed on the display device and derives an image characteristic for that image. The image characteristic may be compared to threshold values to derive a color correction score. The color correction score may be used to derive a correction color for the pixels in the real-time image of the object. These correction color pixels are used to reconstruct that image of the object, thereby removing the color alteration that resulted from the display of the primary image on the display device.

Abstract: A method of and system for detecting threat objects represented in 3D CT data uses knowledge of one or more predefined shapes of the threat objects. An object represented by CT data for a region is identified. A two-dimensional projection of the object along a principal axis of the object is generated. A contour of the object boundary in the projection image is computed. A shape histogram is computed from the extracted contour. A difference measure between the extracted shape histogram and a set of pre-computed threat shape histograms is computed. A declaration of a threat object is made if the difference measure is less than a pre-defined threshold.

Abstract: In an image data output apparatus for outputting image data representative of a single image through a conversion into image data representative of partial images each to be recorded, when the single image is outputted on a divisional basis into a plurality of sheets, on the associated sheet, a partial image is designated in accordance with an operation, so that only the designated partial image is outputted.

Abstract: A method for determining a border of an image includes (a) receiving a composite image including a background image and a foreground image, (b) following one geometric feature (e.g., a line) of the background image, and (c) detecting two or more breakpoints in the first geometric feature where the foreground image superimposes the geometric feature. Actions (b) and (c) are repeated to detect breakpoints for a number of the geometric features. The border of the foreground image is determined by constructing linear edges that each connects three or more breakpoints and extending the linear edges until each intersect with two other linear edges to form the border of the foreground image. An apparatus for determining a border of an image includes a scanner and a document cover. The document cover includes a blue backdrop and geometric features. The geometric features include green vertical and horizontal lines.

Abstract: Intensity of each pixel in a source video frame is compared with intensities of one or more corresponding pixels in a reference video frame to calculate one or more intensity differences for each pixel in the source video frame. Further, a determination is made for each pixel in the source video frame, based on the intensity differences and multiple threshold sets, as to whether each pixel in the source video frame is a foreground pixel or a background pixel.

Abstract: The invention provide methods and code for better detecting 3:2 pulldown or other video formats. In one respect, embodiments of the invention improve the way in which fields of video data are compared. In another respect, embodiments of the invention provide pattern matching techniques and code for processing the field difference data.

Abstract: A method for boundary based image segmentation comprises segmenting an image, providing a level set representation of the segmentation for interaction, and providing an interactive edit of the level set representation. The method further comprises converting the interactive edit into a propagation constraint, and determining a segment according to the interactive edit and the level set representation.

Abstract: A first image producing program perspectively transforms each polygon in a virtual space onto a plane on the basis of a view position in order to produce a first image, and a second image producing program deteriorates a quality of the first image to produce the second image having the same size as the first image. A synthetic image producing program produces a display image with combination of the first and second images by applying semi-transparentizing processing to at least one of both first and second images so that each polygon of the first image can be displayed around a depth position of a gaze position and each polygon of the second image can be displayed as the polygon approaches at least one side of both front and rear sides concerning the gaze point.

Abstract: A plurality of binary images are obtained from one form image by binarizing the form image by using a plurality of binarizing threshold values for improving a recognition rate of the search form irrespective of a state of the inputted form image, and format data are generated respectively from the plurality of binary images. If the inputted form image is a binary image, after the binary image has been converted into a multi-valued image by a vignetting filter, a plurality of binary images are obtained from one form image by executing the binarizing processing by use of the plurality of binarizing threshold values respectively, thereby generating the format data respectively from the plurality of binary images.

Abstract: An image encoding method forms units respectively made up of a plurality of pixels belonging to within one period of a digital image data having a periodic property, and carries out an encoding using the units as units of encoding, so that two units which are consecutively encoded are separated by an integer multiple of the period.

Abstract: An images combination processing system has a CCD or an imaging element including CCDs for picking up an image, compression processing portions for applying JPEG compression, etc. to image data in respective areas into which a picked-up image is divided, a buffer for storing temporarily compressed data that were processed by the compression processing portions, a compressed data combining portion for reading the compressed data being processed by respective compression processing portions from the buffer and combining them into one image file, and a storage media. Each compression processing portion has a restart marker inserting portion for inserting restart markers into the compressed data while circulating eight types of restart markers and also inserting a special restart marker into a rearmost portion of the compressed data, and a data length counter for counting a data length of the compressed data to which the restart markers are inserted.

Abstract: A lossless video coding method is provided. The method comprises: accepting a current input macroblock (MB) of pixel information; subtracting a current prediction MB from the current input MB, creating a current difference MB; entropy encoding the current difference MB with current predictive information; summing the current difference MB with the current prediction MB, creating a current summed MB; buffering the current summed MB, creating a current buffered MB; and, using buffered MBs to generate a subsequent prediction MB and subsequent predictive information, for subsequently accepted input MBs. Generating a subsequent prediction MB and subsequent predictive information includes using either inter-mode or intra-mode coding. The method may further comprise: transmitting the entropy encoded MB; sending a predetermined quantization parameter (QP), signaling that the entropy encoded MB is losslessly encoded; and, losslessly decoding.

Abstract: A technique wherein the number and position of a quantization parameter node is determined in response to the quantization parameters and a preselected error. The size of scene graph and the corresponding amount of memory required to store the scene graph can be reduced by selective placement of quantization parameter nodes in a scene graph. The scene graph is traversed depth first to establish an order and then traversed in reverse. At each node, a calculation relating to (1) the relative cost of inserting a quantization parameter node and (2) the relative savings that result from insertion of a quantization node is performed. Quantization parameter nodes are selectively placed in response to a result of these calculations. The maximum degree of acceptable error value is chosen for each quantization type. This error value limits the number of quantization parameter nodes that can be placed in a scene graph.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image retouching method including the steps of: detecting a local defect in an original image and distinguishing the type of the defect on the basis of image data representing the original image; displaying the defect detected at the detecting step with a mark corresponding to the type of the defect and receiving a correction to an inaccuracy in the detection of the defect displayed; and retouching the image data representing the original image according to the type of the defect of which any detection inaccuracy is corrected.

Abstract: An image processing method for conducting anisotropic diffusion filtering on a pixel value Ii,j in a two-dimensional image, comprises: finding conduction coefficients Cn, Cs, Cw, Ce, Cnw, Csw, Cne and Cse in eight surrounding directions for each pixel based on a pixel value gradient ?I to produce a two-dimensional distribution image of the conduction coefficients; and finding pixel value first partial differentials ?nI, ?sI, ?wI, ?eI, ?nwI, ?swI, ?neI and ?seI in the eight surrounding directions for each pixel to calculate a pixel value in an output image according to: ? I i , j n + 1 = ? I i , j m + ? ? [ [ C n · ? n ? I + C s · ? s ? I + C w · ? w ? I + C e · ? e ? I ] + ? 1 2 ? [ C nw · ? nw ? I + C sw · ? sw ? I + C ne · ? ne ? I + C nw · ? nw ? I ] ] i , j n , (n: the number of times of repetition, ?: a constant).

Abstract: A method of edge-smoothing in raster images includes: selecting an object in a raster image, the object including an edge having a plurality of edge pixels; finding all of the edge pixels of the object and generating a polygon having a plurality of vertices, each of which is located at the center of a corresponding one of the edge pixels; smoothing the polygon of the object to generate a smoothed polygon; and smoothing the object according to the smoothed polygon.

Abstract: A de-blocking method smoothes pixels along a row or column that crosses a block boundary. Smoothing is performed to remove quantization or compression artifacts that appear on block edges when pixels in adjacent blocks are separately compressed. A maximum-allowed edge-pixel difference is generated from the quantization parameter QP. For each edge-crossing row or column, an edge difference is generated as half the difference between adjacent edge pixels in two blocks. This edge difference is compared to the maximum-allowed edge-pixel difference. When the edge difference is larger than the maximum-allowed edge-pixel difference, then the difference is limited to the maximum-allowed edge-pixel difference, since the pixel difference may be a real edge in the image. The limited or edge difference is then added or subtracted in decreasing amounts for several pixels in the row or column near the edge, smoothing the edge difference across several pixels, such as seven pixels.

Abstract: A method of coding a moving picture is provided that reduces blocking artifacts. The method can include defining a plurality of defining pixels S0, S1, and S2, which are centered around a block boundary. If a default mode is selected then frequency information of the surroundings of the block boundary is obtained. A magnitude of a discontinuous component in a frequency domain belonging to the block boundary is adjusted based on a magnitude of a corresponding discontinuous component selected from a pixel contained entirely within a block adjacent the block boundary. The frequency domain adjustment is then applied to a spatial domain. Or, a DC offset mode can be selected to reduce blocking artifacts in smooth regions where there is little motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging system for obtaining an image correctable for the presence of a gravity induced image error. The imaging system includes an imager to obtain an image of an object and a position measurement device to obtain position data indicative of a gravity-induced deformation of the imager. The position data may include gravity vector data indicative of an orientation of a gravity vector.

Abstract: To better realize the great potential of amateur digital photography, the present invention introduces an intuitive system for digital manipulation. The system of the present invention allows a user to simply fix small blemishes in digital images. In one embodiment, the user merely places a cursor on the image blemish and activates a cursor control device such as a mouse button. In one embodiment, the blemish repair system is implemented using one of Dirichlet's theorems. The theorem provides a method of creating a smooth surface within a circle by using the values of points around the circle. To prevent the result from appearing too smooth, some pixelization may be added.

Abstract: An image input apparatus includes a show-through elimination part performing show-through elimination on image data read from a front face of an original and image data read from a back face of the original. An image compression part compresses and converts, into codes, the image data of the front face and the back face from which image data show-through is eliminated. The show-through elimination part uses the image data of the back face when performing the show-through elimination on the image data of the front face and uses the image data of the front face when performing the show-through elimination of the image data of the back face.

Abstract: A modified projection on convex sets (POCS) algorithm and method for partial k-space reconstruction using low resolution phase maps for scaling full sets of reconstructed k-space data. The algorithm can be used with partial k-space trajectories in which the trajectories share a common point such as the origin of k-space, including variable-density spiral trajectories, projection reconstruction trajectories with a semicircle region acquisition, and projection reconstruction trajectories with every other spike acquired.

Abstract: A certification photograph creation system includes a certification photograph taking apparatus, an image input apparatus to input a photographed image, an image processing apparatus and a printer to output an image that has been subjected to the image processing as a certification photograph. The certification photograph taking apparatus includes an input device to input an identification code that indicates a use of a print and optionally a print size. The image taking apparatus, the image processing apparatus and the certification photograph creation system are capable of simplifying the processes of taking and/or creating the certification photograph.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for recovering the three-dimensional (3D) point geometry of an object from images acquired with a single camera. The present subject matter uses single-camera images, models generalized camera lines-of-sight outside the camera, and uses linkage distances between markers on an object and the modeled lines-of-sight to recover the 3D positions of markers on the object. The linkage distances are used to recover information about the third dimension that would otherwise be lost in single-camera two-dimensional images. Benefits include low-cost, simplicity, and ease of calibration and implementation, and further include the ability to estimate 3D distances and positions as accurately as with a commercially available multi-camera 3D system. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: Skew angle in a document image is estimated using operators known from mathematical morphology. Skew angle in a document image (A) is estimated by run-length smoothing the image and then producing a plurality of eroded run-length-smoothed images. The run-length-smoothed image (RLSA(A)) is eroded using a linear structuring element (k2L?) oriented at each of a plurality of different angles (?). The angle of the linear structuring element which produces an eroded image having the greatest surface area is designated as the skew angle. A plurality of run-length-smoothed images (RLSA?(A)) may be produced, each generated by smoothing the document image using a linear structuring element (k1L?) oriented at a respective different angle (?i). Then each run-length smoothed image (RLSA?(A)) is eroded using a linear structuring element oriented at the corresponding angle (?i).

Abstract: An authentication and/or tracking system for identifying, tracking, authenticating and/or otherwise checking the legitimacy of one or more items which include a coded identity tag or mark, the system comprising identification means for reading said coded identity tag or mark and identifying said one or more items, storage means for storing information relating to the location, whether actual or intended, origin and/or ownership of said one or more items, and means for displaying or otherwise providing or verifying said information relating to an item when its identity tag or mark has been read.

Abstract: A method and system for inter-processor communication in a pixel array in a CMOS sensor is provided. The system includes a bus for transmitting information between a first processor and a second processor, wherein such information is used for performing image processing operations in the pixel array in an analog domain. The bus may be a pixel read-out bus and/or an access bus. The information is used to perform outlier detection, bad pixel detection, and/or bad pixel correction in the analog domain, or any other image processing operation. The method includes sharing information between a first and a second processor; and using the information to perform image processing operations in an analog domain.

Abstract: A method of modulating an optical carrier. A target carrier modulation is computed based on an input data signal. An effective length of an optical modulator is then controlled based on the target carrier modulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing a modification of the index of refraction of a substrate sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus is capable of generating a first beam of electromagnetic radiation and a second beam of electromagnetic radiation that is different from the first beam. The first and the second beams converge toward a treatment area on the substrate, which is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation. The first beam and the second beam interact to create an interference pattern over a limited portion of the treatment area.

Abstract: A Fabry-Perot cavity is formed by a partially or wholly reflective surface on the free end of an integrated elongate channel or an integrated bounding wall of a chip of a wafer and a partially reflective surface on the end of the optical fiber. Such a constructed device can be utilized to detect one or more physical parameters, such as, for example, strain, through the optical fiber using an optical detection system to provide measuring accuracies of less than aboutb0.1%.

Abstract: An optical switch device is disclosed that includes an optical system deflecting and outputting input light signals using deflector parts; resistor parts provided in corresponding routes for feeding driving signals output from drivers to the corresponding deflector parts; a signal generator part generating a DC signal and an AC signal and feeding the DC and AC signals to the deflector parts through the corresponding drivers and the corresponding resistors; a threshold generator part generating a first threshold and a second threshold corresponding to the DC and AC signals, respectively; a voltage detector part detecting a voltage across each of the resistor parts; and a failure detector part determining whether the deflector parts are normal or out of order based on the corresponding results of comparing the voltages detected by the voltage detector part with at least one of the first threshold and the second threshold.

Abstract: An optical system 111 collimates wavelength components of wavelengths ?1-?3 emerging from an end face of optical fiber 11, a diffraction grating 121 separates them by wavelength, and an optical system 112 condenses them. The component of the wavelength ?1 is focused at a focus position by the optical system 112 and diverges after the focus position. Then the component of the wavelength ?1 is collimated by an optical system 113, travels via a diffraction grating 122, and is condensed by an optical system 114 to enter an end face of optical fiber 22. The component of the wavelengths ?2, ?3 condensed by the optical system 112 are reflected by reflecting portions 132, 133 set at their respective focus positions, are collimated by the optical system 112, travel via the diffraction grating 121, and are condensed by the optical system 111 to enter an end face of optical fiber.

Abstract: A wavelength-division multiplexing transmitter that is capable of enhancing its ability to compensate for a difference in light intensity between wavelengths. The wavelength-division multiplexing transmitter includes an optical branching part for branching a wavelength-division multiplexed input optical signal into a plurality of optical signals, a plurality of wavelength-selective devices for selecting as output wavelengths the wavelengths of each of the optical signals branched by the optical branching part, and an optical coupling part for coupling the output wavelengths respectively output from the plurality of wavelength-selective devices. At least either the branching in the optical branching part or the coupling in the optical coupling part is performed at a power ratio M:N where M and N differ from each other.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of defining an array of extractor elements configured to extract light from a light guide, and thereby produce a desired spatial light pattern ET quantifying optical output at a plurality of locations across the light guide is provided. The method comprises calculating a first spatial light pattern produced by a first array of extractor elements. The first spatial light pattern quantifies optical output at the plurality of locations across the light guide. The method further comprises determining a ratio R of the optical output of the desired spatial light pattern to an optical output of the first spatial light pattern. The method further comprises determining a modified ratio R?, wherein R?=R? and |?|<1. The method further comprises determining a characteristic of a second array of extractor elements by scaling a characteristic of the first array of extractor elements by the modified ratio R?.

Abstract: Optical fibers (e.g., fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers), and systems containing optical fibers (e.g., fiber amplifier systems and fiber laser systems) are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical interconnection platform, comprising a substrate, a plurality of integrated circuits attached to a surface of the substrate wherein each integrated circuit having an array of transmitters and an array of receivers, an optical integrated circuit module attached to an opposing surface of the substrate wherein the optical integrated circuit module comprising a highly transparent photosensitive material having an input microlens that collimate the light beams before entering the optical integrated circuit module and an output microlens that focuses the light beams into the array of receivers, and input and output Bragg diffractive gratings that are formed inside of the optical integrated circuit module.

Abstract: Optical apparatus comprising a pump guiding fiber comprising a fiber cladding, a fiber core and an attachment section, the attachment section comprising a straight core section and a tapered core section, and a receiving fiber comprising an inner clad to which the attachment section is attached.

Abstract: An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer is provided with a first member, a second member and an optical filter. The first member is a planar waveguide and is formed with an optical waveguide and another optical waveguide. The second member is a planar waveguide and is formed with an optical waveguide and another optical waveguide. The optical filter is a dielectric multi-layered filter and is sandwiched between the end face of the first member and the end face of the second member.

Abstract: A tether assembly includes a tether cable containing optical fibers and adapted to be attached to a fiber optic distribution cable at a mid-span access location. A furcation at the end of the tether cable separates and transitions the optical fibers into furcation legs terminating in individual connector ports. Each connector port may be a receptacle for receiving a connector mounted upon one of the optical fibers and a mating connector of a drop cable, a plug mounted upon one of the optical fibers that is received within a plug alignment member operable to align the plug with a mating plug of a drop cable, or a connector that is routed to a receptacle disposed within an external wall of a network connection terminal from within the enclosure. The tether assembly provides a distribution cable assembly and method for mitigating a span length measurement difference in a pre-engineered communications network.