Abstract: A system and method for prioritized transmission of scalable compressed data are provided, the system including a database server for receiving an interactive prioritization request from a client and prioritizing transmission of the compressed data relative to a bin optimization in response to the interactive prioritization request; and the method including receiving an interactive prioritization request from a client, prioritizing transmission of the compressed data relative to the bin optimization in response to the interactive prioritization request and transmitting the prioritized compressed data to the client.

Abstract: A method of improving edge rendering of objects containing run length encoded image pixel data collects two run-length encoded scanlines (upper and lower). Each run transition is inspected for the presence of interesting runs (object tag planes to be grown or shrunk). Depending on the position of the interesting runs relative to the run transition (e.g., in upper or lower scanline, to right or left of boundary), the tag planes of the surrounding runs will be modified. If a tag plane needs to be modified in the fast scan direction, a new run (one or more pixels in length, with the original color) is inserted at the run transition and assigned to the tag plane of the interesting run. If a tag plane needs to be modified in the slow scan direction, the run is subdivided and subsequently assigned to the tag plane of the interesting run.

Abstract: A data embedding device includes a dynamic image storage unit storing inter-frame prediction coded dynamic image data, an embedding data storage unit storing embedding data that is embedded into the inter-frame prediction coded dynamic image data, and an embedding unit embedding the embedding data into a rounding direction flag contained per frame data in the inter-frame prediction coded dynamic image data.

Abstract: A method encodes an inter-frame of a compressed video, the inter-frame including multiple macroblocks in a predetermined order. Each macroblock has an associated motion vector. For each current macroblock in the predetermined order, a set of near macroblocks are identified. An index is assigned to each near macroblock. A difference between the motion vector of the current macroblock and the motion vector of each near macroblocks is determined. The indices of the near macroblocks are then sorted in order of the differences and appended to the inter-frame.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to decode a bitstream that includes codewords formed by a method of encoding series of quantized coefficients of a transform of a block of image data. The encoding method includes forming events from the series of quantized transform coefficients, each event being a run of none or more zero-valued coefficients followed by a run of one of a predefined set of sequences, each sequence in the set being either a single coefficient of amplitude greater than one, or a sequence of 1's and 0's starting with a coefficient of amplitude 1. The encoding method includes forming a codeword for each formed event. The decoding includes decoding recognized events until all the coefficients in a series of quantized transform coefficients is formed.

Abstract: When an image inputted is displayed on the display, determined is an enhancing degree as a parameter for enhancing the sharpness of the input image by using at least one of information about a subject included in the input image and information about the display for displaying the input image. By using the enhancing degree determined, color distribution is controlled on a first principal component analysis axis obtained by analysis based on a principal component analysis in a color space. Furthermore, the texture of the subject is magnified in size and again mapped onto the subject. Due to this, the input image can be enhancement-processed to a well texture feeling easy to view.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus determines whether or not a target pixel TP which is the object of the smoothing process is an edge-forming pixel based on the edge level (gradient g). If the pixel is determined to be an edge-forming pixel, the smoothing process employs an elliptical median filter instead of a moving average filter. The median filter MF has an elliptical reference area RA that is tilted (angled) to match the orientation of the edge Eg (edge angle), allowing the smoothing process to be carried out without compromising the edge components. The angle of the edge Eg is thus determined in the smoothing process, a median filter MF with an angle matching the determined edge angle is selected, and the selected median filter MF is used to carry out the smoothing process on target pixels TP which are edge-forming pixels.

Abstract: An image processing method for subjecting captured-image data outputting from an image-capturing device to an optimization processing for appreciation to produce viewing image referred image data. The image processing method has the step of conducting a pre-processing before the optimization processing is carried out, wherein the pre-processing includes the transformation of the frequency characteristic of the captured-image data into the scene-referred frequency characteristic by removing the effect of a frequency characteristic specific to the image-capturing device from the frequency characteristic of the captured-image data.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for correcting the effect of non-uniform illumination on a reproduced image of a 2-D object. An image of a reference card in an illuminated setting is captured by an image capturing device. A 2-D object is placed in the same illuminated setting and the image of the object is captured. Next, a smoothing function for the reference card image is generated. The smoothing function is used to generate a smoothed reference card image. The smoothed reference card image is processed to compute inverse correction values, which are mathematical inverse of the pixel values in the smoothed reference card image. A pixel-by-pixel correction is then applied to the captured image of the 2-D object using the inverse correction values.

Abstract: A method of repairing scratches in a digital image includes counting the number of abnormal pixels among neighboring pixels of a selected pixel. The selected pixels that are surrounded by abnormal pixels in a number greater than a predetermined value are designed as particular pixels. An area surrounding each particular pixel is divided into a plurality of blocks. Furthermore, brightness difference between two of the blocks are calculated. Scratch pixels are found from the particular pixels based on brightness difference between blocks. Then, an area surrounded by scratch pixels are subdivided and filled up. Thereby, the scratch pixels can be precisely found and repaired without the need of hardware.

Abstract: A method and system of distorting an image, particularly but not solely designed for magnifying parts of an image more than the remainder of the image. The method comprises the steps of maintaining in computer memory a set of base data values representing an image to be subjected to a transformation function; calculating a non identity approximation of the transformation function; retrieving from computer memory one or more of the base data values; calculating an intended magnification value (Mc) for one or more of the retrieved base data values; calculating an estimated magnification value (Ms) for one or more of the retrieved base data values; storing in computer memory the estimated magnification values as a set of transformed data values representing the transformed image; calculating the difference (ME) between the intended magnification value(s) and the estimated magnification value(s); and repeating steps (c) to (g) until ME is less than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for representing a two-dimensional spatial transformation that describes the transformation by an inverse mapped grid data set. The grid data for each coordinate is surface fitted on an array of rectangular patches defined in the output space using numerical techniques. Error analysis determines whether a finer mesh resolution is required for surface fitting. The spatial transformation is then defined by the array of rectangular surface patches and the set of surface coefficients such that the spatial transformation can be executed through evaluation of the surface polynomials. The two-dimensional surface polynomial representation allows the transformation to be easily adjusted for scale changes and zooming and panning effects.

Abstract: An interpolation method for generating pixel color is used for color generating of an array composed of red, green, and blue pixels so that each pixel has red, green, and blue components. After signals of the pixel array are received, the signal trends in the horizontal and vertical directions around pixels are first determined. Next, two pixels adjacent to each pixel are calculated along the direction of minimum variation to complement data of the pixel location using this calculated value. Subsequently, the lost blue or/and red component of each pixel is generated for pixels in the horizontal and vertical directions so that each pixel has red, green, and blue components. Accurate color interpolation can thus be provided to accomplish the effect of high and stable resolution.

Abstract: An interpolation method for processing digital pictures divides blank regions among the pixels equally into several squares. The interpolation parameter of each square corresponding to the sampling point is determined. These interpolation parameters are compressed and stored. When zooming a picture, the interpolating point is made sure to fall within a target square. The interpolation parameter is extracted according to the position of the target square. The brightness of the interpolating point is computed according to the interpolation parameter and the brightness of the sampling point.

Abstract: An output pixel datum is produced from input pixel data by a method wherein the brightness levels of several input pixels closely associated coordinate-wise with the output pixel, are examined to determine whether a relatively less complex graphics-optimized scaling procedure, or a relatively more sophisticated video-optimized scaling procedure, should be carried out. In the second case, directional interpolation is performed with a plurality of directions, e.g., being considered to determine the direction of minimum brightness level gradient. A plurality of intermediate pixels, e.g., four, are produced, which are aligned perpendicularly to the minimum brightness level gradient direction, their brightness levels being determined from relevant input pixels using linear interpolation. The output pixel brightness level is determined from the intermediate pixels through the use of an appropriate filtering technique, e.g., polyphase FIR filtering.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding device for determining nominal mechanical data for an electronic device by automatic image processing of a digital image of a specimen of said electronic device. In the method, an object in said digital image, which object corresponds to said specimen, is identified and appearance data for the appearance of the identified object are determined. Then, at least some of the determined appearance data are compared with a stored set of nominal appearance data, which nominal appearance data are based on a prior knowledge of appearances of electronic devices, and at least some nominal appearance data of the set of nominal appearance data are selected. Finally, the nominal mechanical data of the electronic device is determined in accordance with the selected nominal appearance data and at least some of the determined appearance data.

Abstract: A method of indexing images contained in scanned documents, wherein said scanned documents are stored in a repository, includes: for each document to be stored in the repository, dividing the document into a plurality of sections; scanning the plurality of sections; segmenting each scanned segment according to a predetermined coding model into image segment and non-image segments; associating each of the image segments with the document; and generating an index correlating the image segments with the document. The method may further include, at the time of image recall, displaying the index of image segments in a user interface; and responsive to selection of an image segment from the index, displaying the document information associated with the image segment in the user interface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the discrimination of good measurement results measured by a computer vision system from bad results. By the method of the invention, values calculated from the observation vectors of several measuring devices can be discriminated into good and bad values by using a quality factor. The quality factor is calculated from the parameters of an error ellipsoid. The error ellipsoid is formed using the calculated value and the observation vectors. If the value calculated from the error ellipsoid parameters exceeds a threshold value that has been input, then the measurement result is rejected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an optical interferometer are provided. The method includes setting a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) temperature of the optical interferometer to a room temperature, obtaining an optimal temperature using a difference between two output powers of the optical interferometer based on eye opening of the two output powers and applying an optimal heat voltage generating the optimal temperature to a delay adjuster of the optical interferometer, and performing dithering at the optimal temperature to stabilize the optimal heat voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a multicore fiber including three cores. The three cores include two pairs of cores, each pair of cores lying in a plane. The planes of the two pairs of cores are non-coplanar. The multicore fiber includes a rosette, the rosette including three coplanar interferometers. Each interferometer of the three interferometers are located in a respective core of the three cores. Each interferometer includes a first reflector and a second reflector. The first reflectors of the rosette are coplanar. The second reflectors of the rosette are coplanar.

Abstract: An optical information processing circuit assembly includes an optically transmissive substrate and a resiliently compressible circuit member affixed to the substrate and defining an opening therethrough with a number of leads disposed about the opening. An integrated imaging circuit defines a corresponding number of pads wherein the pads align with and electrically contact the leads. An optically transmissive medium may be disposed between and in contact with the substrate and the integrated imaging circuit to allow light transmission therethrough from the substrate to the imaging circuit. In one embodiment, resilient bumps are provided between the integrated imaging circuit and the resiliently compressible circuit member to form the electrical connection therebetween. Alternatively, solder bumps may replace the resilient bumps. Additional circuit components may be similarly mounted to the resiliently compressible circuit member to complete the assembly.

Abstract: An opto-electronic apparatus comprising a base layer, one or more photonic elements positioned on the base layer, and an optical layer suspended over the base layer, the optical layer including a moveable optical element positioned over at least one of the photonic elements. A process comprising forming a base layer, placing one or more photonic elements on the base layer, and suspending an optical layer over the photonic elements on the base layer, the optical layer including a moveable optical element.

Abstract: A microlens structure is mounted directly onto the upper surface of a packaged VCSEL device and positioned to locate microlenses directly over corresponding VCSEL elements. The microlens structure includes a block-like pedestal having a lower surface that faces the upper surface of the VSCEL device. The microlenses are formed in a central region of the lower surface, and several legs (stand-offs) extend from peripheral edges of the lower surface. During assembly, the VCSEL device is positioned under the microlens structure such that each microlens is aligned over its corresponding VCSEL element, and then raised until the legs contact the upper surface of the VCSEL device. The legs serve to self-align the microlenses to the VCSEL device, and are sized to maintain an optimal distance between the microlenses and the VCSEL elements. The pedestal is attached to a carrier plate that is secured to an IC package housing the VCSEL device.

Abstract: A PD array is used in an optical module for monitoring signal light. In the optical module, when monitoring is conducted, signal light that passes through an optical fiber array is branched by a branching section disposed in the optical fiber array, wherein branched light from the branching section is detected by a photodetector region. The PD array is mounted on the optical fiber array. On the back of the base of the PD array, a coating film for preventing degradation in characteristics is formed, wherein the coating film includes an anti-reflective multilayer film.

Abstract: A method of tuning optical components integrated on a monolithic semiconductor chip having a plurality of first optical components integrated on the chip with each fabricated to approximate an emission wavelength along a given wavelength grid and together forming a first optical component wavelength grid. A second optical component is integrated on the chip with and optically coupled to the group of first optical components. The second optical component has a second optical component wavelength grid approximating the given wavelength grid where at least one emission peak along the second optical component wavelength grid is within an acceptable wavelength tolerance range of a particular first optical component of the first optical component wavelength grid but not the same as a corresponding emission wavelength of a particular first optical component.

Abstract: In an exemplary aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for protecting optical coupling between optical ports on opposing electronic components. The method comprises the following. First and second electronic components are oriented, where each of the first and second components has a side comprising an optical port, so that the sides are opposite each other. The first and second electronic components are positioned so as to enable optical coupling between the optical ports. A ring is formed, using at least one material, to surround the optical ports and fill a gap between the sides of the first and second components. The first and second components are mechanically coupled together. In other exemplary aspects, apparatus are disclosed having a ring formed around optical ports (e.g., one or more sets of optical ports) and between sides of electronic components.

Abstract: An optical communication line of a communication system has a first processing station and an amplifying station. The line has a first optical connection having at least partially compensated accumulated dispersion and is placed between the first processing station and the amplifying station. A second optical connection having at least partially compensated accumulated dispersion is connected to the output of the amplifying station. Portions of optical fiber leaving the processing station and the amplifying station are associated to respective first order chromatic dispersions which are of opposite signs and have absolute values lower than or equal to 13 ps2/Km.

Abstract: A hollow core multi-mode interference (MMI) device is described that comprises a multi-mode waveguide (10, 14) optically coupled to at least two fundamental mode waveguides (8, 12, 16). The device is characterised in that it comprises a means for varying the internal cross-sectional dimensions of a portion of one or more of said at least two fundamental mode waveguides. In particular, the side wall of a fundamental mode waveguide having a substantially square cross-section can be moved using micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS). Various optical routing devices incorporating such MMI devices are described.

Abstract: An optical waveguide having means for performing optical coupling with high efficiency at a predetermined position in an optical circuit substrate and which optionally includes an optical-electrical circuit board. Also provided are an optical waveguide, an optical path thereof being changed in an optical circuit at a steep angle and the optical waveguide for performing coupling and splitting of light being decreased in size in the optical circuit. The optical waveguide has a core and a cladding layer, and a wall surface, which is formed by cutting out at least a part of the core in a thickness direction of the core through irradiation of a laser beam and crosses at least a part of the core, which is a specular surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber device that takes advantage of the fiber structure to construct mechanically stable devices with components inserted in the optical path. An optical component is inserted in a cavity transversally machined across an optical fiber. The component is secured in the cavity and functionally interrelates with light propagated in the optical fiber. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing an optical fiber device with a component insertion into an optical fiber by machining a cavity in an optical fiber, providing a solid component to be inserted in the optical fiber, positioning the component inside the cavity, and securing the component in the cavity. The component is preferably provided as a glass ribbon and the component is preferably secured in the cavity using laser fusion.

Abstract: A tunable optical add-drop multiplexer (OADM) based on an SOI (silicon-on-insulator) wafer is disclosed. The tunable OADM includes a multimode interference region, at least a grating formed on the multimode interference region, and at least two electrodes formed on two sides of the multimode interference region and having carriers induced thereinto, thereby a variation of an optical waveguide in the grating is controlled through controlling the carriers induced into the electrodes so as to further control different propagation of wavelength signals.

Abstract: A dispersion compensation apparatus providing both coarse and fine dispersion compensation employing a pair of slab waveguides, a grating interconnecting the two waveguides, a mirror disposed within the second slab waveguide and one or more thermooptic lense(s), positioned between the mirror and the grating.

Abstract: A planar lightwave circuit having an optical filter, which comprises: a first waveguide; a second waveguide separated from the first waveguide, in which the width of a first cross-section opposite to the first waveguide is wider than that of a second cross-section of the other side; and a trench located between the first and second waveguides, in which the optical filter is positioned.

Abstract: An optical connector (10) comprises at least one optical guide (12) for carrying optical radiations; a total internal reflection surface (11) upon which, in use, said radiations impinge, so that the radiation in the optical guide is reflected by said surface towards an optical element (14) of the connector and means enabling the connector (10) to interlock with any other optical connector which is appropriately matingly configured.

Abstract: An optical device is made up of a glass substrate, an optical fiber array fixed to an upper portion of the glass substrate, a slit that extends from an upper surface of the optical fiber array into the glass substrate, a filter member inserted into the slit, and a resin filled in an interval between the slit and the filter member. An upper end of a light-incident surface of the filter member is positioned substantially in alignment with upper surfaces of the optical fibers, and an upper end of a light-exiting surface of the filter member is disposed at a position below the upper surfaces of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A cable which includes conductor bundles prepared from at least one optical fiber positioned either centrally or helically about the center axis of the bundle, metallic conductors helically positioned around the bundles center axis, and a polymeric insulation material. A method of making a cable including forming a conductor bundle by placing helically positioned conductors and optical fibers about the periphery of a central optical fiber or metallic conductor, encasing the conductors, optical fibers, in a polymeric insulation material, and grouping the conductor bundles together.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing signals communicated on fiber optic transmission lines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic communications system includes a transmitter operable to transmit an optical signal, and at least one receiver operable to receive an optical signal. A fiber optic splitter assembly includes a first optic fiber coupled to the transmitter and one or more second optic fibers adjacent to the first optic fiber and coupled to the one or more receivers. The respective terminal ends of the first optic fiber and the one or more second optic fibers are spaced apart from a concave optical reflector that is operable to receive optical signals from the first optical fiber and to reflect the optical signals towards the one or more second optic fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensor having a central core, a cladding layer disposed about the central core, and a thin film of lithium niobate positioned between the core and the cladding layer. Each of the cladding layer and the central core are made from glass materials having different indices of refraction. The refractive index of the lithium niobate film changes when stress is applied to the optical fiber sensor. Accordingly, stress may be detected and measured by detecting and measuring the modulation of light passing through the optical fiber sensor while the stress is occurring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical components for reversing and inverting images, and to methods of manufacturing them accurately, robustly and cost-effectively. The method includes optical contact bonding a first optical element and a second optical element and adhesively bonding the first optical element and the second optical element. Adhesively bonding might include forming a notch into the second optical element and depositing a bead of adhesive into the notch, such that the adhesive adheres to both the notch and the first optical element.

Abstract: An arbitrary surface optical element, such as a mirror for use in a rear projection television, includes a non-optical portion and an optical portion. The non-optical portion circumscribes the optical portion and has a thickness greater than the optical portion. Accordingly, the two portions cool at approximately the same rate, thereby minimizing warpage from differential cooling.

Abstract: An image data processing system is configured to store image data with redundant protection in the form of a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID). An input card is configured to receive an input stream of real-time digital video data, possibly provided by a video tape recorder. The video image data is stored and a processor is arranged to perform processing operations upon the stored video data. The input card receives an input stream of real-time video data and the processor performs a first writing operation to write the video data to storage (106) in real-time without parity. The processor then performs a reading operation to read the data from storage and performs a data manipulation (307) upon the data to generate parity information to create protected video data. The processor then performs a second writing operation to write the protected video data back to storage.

Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing recording of data transferred from a video source device to a recording device is disclosed. The method and system include analyzing an input signal from the source device based on a set of rules. In response to detecting a source device state change, the behavior of the recording device is automatically synchronized to the detected source device state without real-time user-interactive control. More particularly, when normal play mode is detected, the recording device automatically begins recording the input signal without user control or an extra control channel.

Abstract: Briefly, there is provided a method for manipulating content stored on a disk recorder/playback device using conventional transport commands, such as those used on a conventional videotape recorder (VTR). The method commences by detecting whether the content is in one of a prescribed set of modes, and by determining whether one of a stop, normal motion, a first rapid motion or second rapid motion buttons has been actuated. Depending on which of the stop, normal motion, a first rapid mode or second rapid motion buttons, the content is advanced in one of a first and second directions. The motion of the content is controlled in accordance with the detected content mode and to the degree to which one of the first rapid motion mode and second motion mode buttons has been actuated.

Abstract: An image-quality control information adding section 13 reads image-quality control information corresponding to a type of an input video stream 101 from an image-quality control information storage section 12, and then adds the read image-quality control information to the video stream 101. A recording section 43 records a video stream 104 with the image-quality control information added thereto. An image-quality control information extracting section 22 extracts a video profile 202 from the video stream 201 read from the recording section 43. Based on the video stream after the video profile 202 is extracted, a decoding section 23 obtains a video signal 205. An image quality adjusting section 24 adjusts the characteristic of the video signal 205 based on the video profile 202, and then outputs the adjustment results as a video signal 206 after image quality adjustment.

Abstract: In a data reproduction method and a data reproduction apparatus in the present invention, video data having a frame frequency of 23.97 Hz is recorded on a tape, and in correspondence with this video data, audio data having a sampling frequency of 48 kHz is also recorded on the tape. In a normal reproduction, video data having a frame frequency of 23.97 Hz is reproduced from the tape. In this case, the rate converter outputs audio data of each field without making any conversion. Contrarily, in a compatibility reproduction, video data having a frame frequency of 25 Hz is reproduced from the tape. In this case, the rate converter outputs the audio data of each field after converting the number of items of sampled data into the number corresponding to the reproduction frame frequency.

Abstract: An AV data recording apparatus and an AV data recording method are provided, in which even in the case of using the UDF file system, seeking can be minimized. The AV data recording method has file management information for managing continuous blocks on a disk as an extent, and dividing the extent into groups so as to manage the extent as a file, wherein a new directory is created on a disk, and a not recorded but allocated extent is kept as a reservation region for recording file management information.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recoding digital data to a record medium that is removable and assigned unique medium identification information is disclosed, that comprises a converting means for converting data to be recorded into a file structure that allows a first file format and a second file format to be used, the first file format being handled by computer software and composed of a reference information storing portion and a real data storing portion, the second file format being composed of only a reference information storing portion, and a recording means for recording data having the file structure to the record medium, wherein reference file information and medium identification information of the record medium or information of which the medium identification information has been converted are recorded to at least the reference information storing portion of a file having the second file format.

Abstract: Apparatus to suppress image deterioration in a data, broadcast thereby providing a display with quality, wherein a video signal separated from a reception signal by a demultiplexer is outputted to a converter section through an MPEG decoder section. When the video signal is a data broadcast and in a 480I signal format, a CPU controls a converter section to perform size-scaling on the video signal and to convert it into a 480p signal format. A data processing section generates a video signal having a 480p signal format of a corresponding character or figure, under control of the CPU, on the basis of a data signal. A synthesizer section synthesizes together the two video signals processed by the converter section and data processing section and inputs the synthesized signal to a D/A converter. The D/A converter converts an input video signal into an analog signal and outputs it to a display unit.

Abstract: When converting a predetermined time code into another time code in a different format while increasing or decreasing a count value for one second corresponding to the format of the time code thus converted, first of all, a time code 210 which has not been converted is read in a frame pulse 207 corresponding to a time code 213 obtained after the conversion so that intermediate data 213? are generated. Next, an overlapping count value generated in the intermediate data 213? is corrected to add a continuity, thereby generating the time code 213 after the conversion.

Abstract: The invention provides means within an improved vapor dispensing device to accommodate or compensate for multiple orientations of an outlet into which the device is to be inserted. Orientation compensation is accomplished by inverted and/or rotatable electrical adapters, universal contacts on a base member, enlarged passive dispersion channels, enlarged emanators, multiple emanators, baffles cooperating with an emanator, and/or sleeves encasing multiple wicks to allow for operation of the device in multiple orientations.