Abstract: Methods of mapping the shading dictionary parameters provided by a postscript language interpreter into device space coordinates and performing shading in the device space is disclosed. For radial shading, the shading transformation matrix representing the coordinate conversion from the shading space to device space is embedded within the shading mechanism parameters to directly compute the shading color for a particular device space pixel, avoiding device coordinate transformations to the shading space. For triangle meshes based shading, the vertexes of the defined triangles are converted to device domain prior to performing interpolation for determining device pixel shading color. For patch based shading, comprising of patches bounded by four Bezier curves, the Bezier curves are converted to the device domain to directly compute the corresponding shading parameter variables for a particular device pixel.

Abstract: A technique for detecting large and small non-red eye flash defects in an image is disclosed. The method comprises selecting pixels of the image which have a luminance above a threshold value and labeling neighboring selected pixels as luminous regions. A number of geometrical filters are applied to the luminous regions to remove false candidate luminous regions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for adjusting a plurality of component color signals for expanded color gamut displays. The disclosed system comprises an input for receiving the component color signals, a detection circuit (502) connected to the input and configured to detect at least one characteristics of the received component color signals, and an adjustment circuit (504) connected to the input for receiving the component color signal and for creating adjusted component color signals from the received component color signals according to a certain technique, where the certain technique is changed according to the detected characteristic.

Abstract: A method and a device to provide a full representation of an object having a wide dynamic intensive range and maintain a good sensitivity for signal levels throughout the whole intensive range is disclosed. The wide intensive range is divided into a predetermined number of intensive intervals inside the wide intensive range. The intensive intervals are provided at the side of each other or are partly overlapping. The same number of interval representations of the object are provided as the predetermined number of intervals. Each interval representation is adapted to one individual of the intervals. The sizes, acquisition parameters and/or calibration parameters of the interval representations are adapted to each other. The interval representations are combined such that their respective intervals are provided in the same full representation.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an image processing method are provided. The image processing apparatus can shorten the verification time when using a plurality of verification use image data stored in a memory for verification, identifically a verification apparatus which generates histogram data by a histogram data generation unit based on image captured data of a person being checked, specifies a peak value of the number of the pixel data in the histogram data by a verification unit, and reads out verification use image data stored in the memory linked with the peak value closest to the specified peak value for the verification, and a method of the same. Verification use image data stored in the memory is stored based on the peak values.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for segmenting an image of pixels into a number of fields. First the method finds field separators using the background of the image, in particular white areas between, for instance, text fields. The segmenting includes constructing: a tessellation grid of lines and nodes formed by extending the field separators along at least one separation direction (in practice, horizontal and vertical) to an outer border of the image, and a set of basic rectangles enclosed by the lines of the tesselation grid of field separators and extended field separators. Finally the fields are constructed by consolidating basic rectangles that are adjacent without being separated by a field separator.

Abstract: A method for finding the optimal threshold for image segmentation in image recognition is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) gaining histogram distribution of an image; b) computing entropy values corresponding to gray levels in the histogram; and c) gaining a minimum entropy value corresponding to the gray level as the threshold value by using a fixed point iteration FPI based on the computed entropy values.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for determining a most likely combination of characters. In particular, character data which includes information indicative of at least one handwritten character is obtained. The character data includes at least one set of segmentation points for the handwritten character. Then, a score can be provided for each particular character of a set of previously stored characters based on a comparison between the character data and the previously stored particular character. In addition, it is possible to compare visual aspects of the handwritten character to visual aspects of each of the previously stored characters for determining likely characters. Also, a Fisher Matching procedure can be used on the character data to ascertain the likely characters. A plurality of handwritten characters can include a first character that is connected to a second character of the handwritten characters via a ligature.

Abstract: A system and method for switching between handwriting recognizers is described. A user may select between various recognizers to associate received handwritten ink with the recognizers. Accordingly, a user is able to write in a first language, switch and write in a second language, then switch again and write in the first language using aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: JPEG encoded data are entropy-decoded to quantized DCT coefficients which are sent to a prediction tap extraction circuit (41) and to a class tap extraction circuit (42). The prediction tap extraction circuit (41) and the class tap extraction circuit (42) extract what is needed from the quantized DCT coefficients to form prediction taps and class taps. A classification circuit (43) effects classification based on the class taps. A coefficient table storage unit (44) sends tap coefficients corresponding to the classes resulting from the classification to a sum of products circuit (45), which sum of products circuit (45) then effects linear predictive calculations, using the tap coefficients and the class taps, to generate decoded picture data.

Abstract: Video face detection apparatus in which a test image from a video sequence is compared with an image property model derived from image properties of a region detected to contain a face in a preceding image in the video sequence comprises: selecting a predetermined proportion of pixels in the region detected to contain a face in the preceding image which most closely match the image property model derived in respect of that region, thereby deriving a pixel mask; and comparing pixels in the test image defined by the pixel mask with the image property model, the mask being applied at more than one image position within the test image; a face being detected in the test image at a mask position corresponding to a lowest average difference between the image property model and pixels defined by the mask at that position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pseudo address decoder, a programmable logic array, a corresponding value calculation module, a storage element, a subtracter, and a multiplexer. The pseudo address decoder determines a block corresponding to an index of the compression encoding table. The programmable logic array calculates related data of the block determined by the pseudo address decoder. The corresponding value calculation module calculates the corresponding value in accordance with the related data of the block. Non-repeating or non-increasing data of the compression encoding table are stored in the storage element. The subtracter outputs a difference between the index and the address offset in order to read the storage element. The multiplexer selectively outputs the output values calculated by the corresponding value calculation module or the data read from the storage element.

Abstract: A class sorting section obtains a class code CL indicating a class to which pixel data y of a target position in an image signal Vb belongs using motion compensation vector information mi stored in a buffer memory in pair with pixel data of an image signal Va corresponding to the pixel data y. An estimated prediction calculation circuit obtains the pixel data y based on an estimation equation, using pixel data xi of a prediction tap and coefficient data Wi read from a coefficient memory. The coefficient data Wi has been obtained beforehand by a learning executed by use of a student signal which corresponds to the image signal Va and contains the same encoded noise as of the image signal Va, and a teacher signal which corresponds to the image signal Vb and contains no encoded signal.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for reducing image data using spatially varying reduction are described. Images may be captured from an in-vivo device, while the reduced images may be transmitted via wireless communications. Reduction may be achieved by selecting a spatial area of interest on an image frame, dividing the spatial area of interest into one or more sub-regions, reducing each sub-region by a defined reduction ratio according to the spatial properties of said sub-region, and transmitting image data from spatial area of interest.

Abstract: In an image processing system, an image-input-processing unit divides an original image into portions so as to generate divided original images, and writes the divided original images in an encoder-side memory so that luminance data and chrominance data of each of the divided original images are stored in different storage areas. When predictive coding is performed, the encoding unit divides a reference image into portions so as to generate divided reference images which include information necessary for predictive coding of the divided original images, stores the divided reference images. The decoding unit divides and decodes an inputted encoded image so as to generate divided decoded-data sets, and writes the divided decoded-data sets in a decoder-side memory so that luminance data and chrominance data in each of the divided decoded-data sets are stored in different storage areas.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for decoding cached compressed data. Compressed data is received and decoded. An error is detected while decoding a first location in the compressed data. A reentry data set is accessed having a pointer to a second location in the compressed data following the first location and decoding information that enables decoding to start from the second location. The second location in the compressed data is accessed and the decoding information in the accessed reentry data set is used to continue decoding the compressed data from the second location.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for transmitting and decoding compressed data. Compressed data is received and decoded. An error is detected while decoding a first location in the compressed data. A reentry data set is accessed having a pointer to a second location in the compressed data following the first location and decoding information that enables decoding to start from the second location. The second location in the compressed data is accessed and the decoding information in the accessed reentry data set is used to continue decoding the compressed data from the second location.

Abstract: Methods, computer code products and devices for encoding and/or decoding video data in multiple passes, the video data having a multiple components each component including multiple coefficients. The method can starting the next pass of the encoding or decoding process immediately after the end of the current encoding or decoding pass for a given component without regard to whether other components have finished the current encoding or decoding pass. In addition, stagger delays and dampers can be used to more closely regulate the encoding or decoding process to ensure that one component is not encoded or decoded too quickly with respect to other components.

Abstract: A pixel-data selection device providing motion compensation, and a method thereof. A first and a second storage parts store a current frame/field including first pixel-data and a previous frame/field including second pixel-data, respectively, corresponding to at least one of the inputted candidate motion vectors. A first and a second pixel-data extraction parts extract the first and the second pixel-data corresponding to the candidate motion vector, respectively from the first and the second storage parts. A first and a second compensation pixel calculation parts calculate first and second compensation pixel-data for motion compensation, respectively, by adaptively applying a predetermined first weight according to the abstracted first and second pixel-data. Therefore, the first and the second pixel-data can be calculated based on motion trajectories of a current block to be interpolated and peripheral blocks, and thus, block artifacts can be prevented as the motion compensation is performed adaptively.

Abstract: A video compression system for compressing a stream of digital video data is disclosed. Known run-length encoding is applied whenever possible to the digital video data stream. When a run is not identified, the encoder determines whether a consecutive series of pixels are identified from only two different colors, and if so creates a make-series command to create bytes with bits encoded as a stream of binary values corresponding to the two pixel colors as they occur in the consecutive series. The make series command continues for as many bytes as the consecutive series of bits will fill, except that, when a make series command applies again to a byte of make-series bits, the make series command is preempted by the applicable run length encoding.

Abstract: A dynamic compression method and system for digital binary images encoded using a matrix of pixels, each pixel of the matrix of pixels having one of a first and a second color.

Abstract: Systems and methods generate video fingerprints for video data streams. A collection of sub-fingerprints constitute a fingerprint block. The size and temporal position of the block is chosen to represent the video that is being served. The video server has prior information about the video semantics. Based on this information, the server generates control codes that identify which blocks, based on time/byte offsets, in the sequence best represent the video object. The video receiver is equipped with facilities to generate these fingerprint blocks. The block(s) are sent back to the server. The server is equipped with facilities to verify and record the mismatches with respect to references. The mismatch statistics may be archived for use in a number of applications.

Abstract: Image data representative of features of a respective plurality images are transformed using a two dimension discrete cosine transform (DCT), and the DCT sign coefficients of the respective DCT transforms for the images are selectively used to generate a highly compressed and secure one-dimension binary data representation of a subject image whose image data has undergone a DCT transform. The binary data representation can be, for example, of a face image and is readily applicable to a passport, a credit card, a driver's license, an ID card, and the like, for use in rapid, secure face authentication.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of compressing and transmitting digital data, in particular images, at a constant bit rate, the method comprising the following steps: splitting input data into blocks of data, applying an orthogonal or bi-orthogonal transform (12) to each block, quantizing (14) the coefficients obtained by applying the transform, entropically coding (20) the quantized coefficients, temporarily saving the data resulting from coding in a buffer memory (18), removing a particular number of bits from the memory for each block of digital data, and adjusting the quantizing step by applying a control function (50) to obtain, after coding, a number of bits close to the number of bits removed from the memory for each block of data. The control function (50) takes account of the data bit rate measured for at least the preceding block.

Abstract: A method of deblurring images e.g. from an MRI scan, comprises calculating the distribution of the slope value of the intensities between the pixels in the image, and using a Levy distribution of power factor k of 1 (Cauchy distribution) up to but not including (2) to determine the correction term to be applied.

Abstract: The border of object in an image is blurred and so the modulation transfer function (MTF) of an image is reduced due to the blurred border. This present invention provides a deductive method for determining a border of an object in an image. Then the border of the object therein is amended and so the MTF of image is increased. In regard to an increasingly changeable color image, the present invention provides a deductive method in deciding upon a gray scale of the image to increase the color accuracy in amending an image.

Abstract: An image correction section in an image processing section performs a resolution-enhancing process for an input R signal from a RED photodiode array 9R1, an input G signal from a GREEN photodiode array 9G1 and an input B signal from a BLUE photodiode array 9B1, using an input K signal from a BLACK photodiode array 9K1. The image correction section outputs four signals: an Rc1 signal, a Gc1 signal and a Bc1 signal, which are subjected to the resolution-enhancing process, and the K signal that is used for the resolution-enhancing process.

Abstract: A method of recovering texture information for an error block in a video stream includes applying an edge detection spatial filter on blocks surrounding an error block to detect texture edges, each block containing a plurality of pixels, and identifying first pixels surrounding the error block having texture data above a predetermined threshold value, selecting first pixels and checking the texture data of pixels extending from the selected first pixel in a plurality of predetermined directions for determining a direction of the texture edge, accumulating the edge detection filtering results of pixels that are located on the texture edge in a selected direction, determining the filtering weights corresponding to each direction of the texture edge based on the filtering results of pixels checked in the predetermined directions, and reconstructing the texture of the error block in the spatial domain using weight filtering based on the texture data of surrounding pixels.

Abstract: A method for improving the sharpness of pictures contained in a video signal comprises the steps of: a) processing said pictures on the basis of a step/edge enhancement algorithm to obtain step/edge enhanced pictures, b) processing said pictures on the basis of a texture enhancement algorithm to obtain texture enhanced pictures, and mixing said step/edge enhanced pictures with said texture enhanced pictures to obtain a video signal containing sharpness-improved pictures, wherein steps a) and b) are performed in dependence of motion information being related to said pictures.

Abstract: An exposure correction method for digital images first computes a gray-level histogram of an image. Then determine whether the exposure of the image is normal from the gray-level histogram, thereby determining an exposure threshold. The central region of the image is extracted to find an average brightness Iave. The average brightness Iave and a destination brightness Idest are used to determine an adjusting curve y=f(x). The brightness channel is adjusted according to a constructed correspondence table. Therefore, the image processing effects are enhanced even though the processing time is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for concealing a dark defect in an image sensor. The method includes the steps of: setting a window including five sequential pixels from pixel data sequentially outputted, the third pixel and the fifth pixels being identical in Bayer color with each other and the second and the fourth pixels being identical in Bayer color with each other; calculating an average value ? of the first and the fifth pixels and a plurality of ?/n obtained by dividing the average value ? by n; selecting one of the plurality of ?/n; comparing a threshold value ?+?/n calculated by adding the average value ? to the selected ?/n with a value of the third pixel in size; and omitting a concealment of the dark defect when the threshold value ?+?/n is greater than the value of the third pixel.

Abstract: A method for removing an area from a raster image includes defining a target area in a raster image, where the raster image has a plurality of pixels and an object area made up of a first subset of the pixels. The target area comprises the object area enclosed by a contour. A resizable target feathering area is defined, enclosing the target area, having an inner edge abutting the contour enclosing the target area, and made up of a second subset of pixels not including the first subset of pixels. A movable template area is defined, made up of a third subset of pixels. A template feathering area is defined, made up of a fourth subset of pixels. The template area pixels are copied to the target area and the template feathering area pixels are copied to the target feathering area, replacing the first subset of pixels of the object area. The template area is selected.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, an image reading apparatus, an image forming apparatus and a computer-readable recording-medium for storing an image processing program are disclosed. The image processing apparatus can synthesize coded data encoded in accordance with JPEG 2000 standard from source and target images at a higher speed with less use of a memory. The image processing apparatus includes a search part and an objective block synthesis part. The search part searches coded data of the source image per predetermined independently processable block for an objective block corresponding to a designated synthesis area. The objective block synthesis part synthesizes detected coded data of the objective block of the source image and coded data of the objective block of the target image.

Abstract: A data capturing module combined with a portable data terminal of the hand-held type to record handwritten data. Using a digitized pad, the module can provide for direct input of handwritten data into the system, or a peripheral digital scanner can be employed to provide for data entry. Depending upon the particular application, the module therefore provides for data entry of handwritten text or graphics using the data terminal and other components of a portable data system to enter, display, print or otherwise communicate the handwritten data.

Abstract: An optical switch, an optical modulator, and a wavelength variable filter each have a simple configuration, which requires only a low driving voltage, which is independent of polarization, and which can operate at high speed. An optical switch includes a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, a 3-dB coupler placed on an output, and two optical waveguides connecting the input-side 3-dB coupler and the output-side 3-dB coupler together. The optical switch also includes a phase modulating section that applies electric fields to one or both of the two optical waveguides. At least two optical waveguides are a crystal material including KTaxNb1-xO3 (0<x<1) and KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3 (0<x<1, 0<y<1), or KTaxNb1-xO3 or KxLi1-xTayNb1-yO3.

Abstract: A self-electrooptic effect device (“SEED”) is integrated with waveguide interconnects through the use of vertical directional couplers. Light initially propagating in the interconnect waveguide is vertically coupled to the active waveguide layer of the SEED and, if the SEED is in the transparent state, the light is coupled back to the interconnect waveguide.

Abstract: A method for selecting an optimum delay length in a polarization mode dispersion (PMD) compensator configured with a constant-length delay line and deployed in an optical communication system. The optimum delay length depends on the data modulation format, bit rate, and/or signal bandwidth and is preferably selected such that outage probability in the communication system is at a minimum. System performance of a PMD compensator configured with a constant-length delay line having the optimum length approaches that of a PMD compensator configured with a variable-length delay line. The method extends the application range of constant-length delay line PMD compensators while reducing the cost of implementing high-performance PMD compensation.

Abstract: A retardation film of the present invention comprises a stretched film of a polymer film containing a norbornene-based resin, wherein the stretched film satisfies the following equation (1) and the equation (2); 100 nm?(nx?ny)·d?350 nm . . . (1), 0.1?(nx?nz)/(nx?ny)?0.9 . . . (2), where the refractive indices in the slow axis direction, the fast axis direction and the thickness direction of the film are nx, ny and nz, respectively, d(nm) is thickness of the film, and the slow axis direction is a direction that the refractive index in film plane is maximum. The retardation film is hard to cause a shift or an unevenness of a retardation value due to a stress.

Abstract: An in-fiber optical isolator for high-power operation using two kinds of fiber, not including the active fiber where laser gain occurs. A hi-birefringence passive fiber with a tilted Bragg grating is connected to the active fiber at one end with the connection region stripped and potted to remove pump and s-polarized signals. The other end of the hi-bi fiber is fusion spliced to a low-birefringence fiber and oriented so that the birefringent axes are parallel. The low-bi fiber then passes straight through a gap in a linear magnetic array calculated to cause a 45 degree Faraday rotation. The far end of the low-bi fiber is connected to another hi-birefringence passive fiber with a tilted Bragg grating but with the birefringent axes of the hi-bi rotated by 45 degrees with respect to those of the low-bi fiber. Backward light transmitted by the second Bragg grating will then be removed by the first Bragg grating.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting one or more contaminant particles in an environment with an optical sensor. The sensor includes at least one optical waveguide in a resonant arrangement and a light source positioned in an environment in which the presence of a contaminant particle is sought to be determined. The at least one optical waveguide is of a diameter that an evanescent tail of the lightwave extending there through extends into the environment and is reactive to at least one contaminant particle in the surrounding environment. A detector is positioned to receive light indicative of the sharpness of the optical resonance lineshape of the optical resonator at a pre-selected optical wavelength. The detected information determines the specific contaminant particle in the environment and the concentration of the contaminant particle in the environment.

Abstract: A microfluidic detection device provides reduced dispersion of axial concentration gradients in a flowing sample. The microfluidic detection device includes a cell body and a flow path through the cell body. The flow path has an inlet segment, an outlet segment, and a central segment, which forms a detection cell. The central segment is located between and at an angle with both the inlet segment and the outlet segment. The central segment has a first junction with the inlet segment and a second junction with the outlet segment. The cell body contains two arms that can transmit light to and from the detection cell. At least a portion of a first arm is located in the first junction and at least a portion of a second arm is located in the second junction. The portions of the arms located in the junctions are situated so that fluid entering or exiting the central segment of the flow path flows around the outer surface of one of the portions.

Abstract: The provision of an ionic self-assembled multilayer (ISAM) film on a fiber-optic element including a long period grating (LPG) by a simple, room temperature process provides tuning of the LPG and/or high sensitivity to the refractive index of the ambient environment of the fiber-optic element. Inclusion of a final layer or a probe, receptor or affinity ligand in the multi-layer film provides a highly sensitive sensor for specific chemical and biological materials. Use of a turn around point (TAP) LPG allows detection to be performed by detection of light intensity rather than wavelength of attenuation. Use of a material having an electro-optical response to an electrical field by change of dimension or refractive index allows the combination of a LPG or TAP LPG and ISAM film to function as a light modulator.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor is provided. The fiber optic sensor includes a fiber core having a plurality of Bragg grating elements wherein, the grating elements comprise a periodic or a quasiperiodic modulated microcrystalline and rigid silicon dioxide tetrahedral structure and a cladding disposed about the fiber core.

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: An opto-electronic board including a printed wiring board with an optical waveguide, a metallic area, and a hole, wherein an abutting face of the optical waveguide and an abutting face of the metallic area form a part of the side face of the hole. The opto-electronic board further comprises an opto-electronic circuit with a bonding pad, wherein the opto-electronic circuit is arranged in the hole and soldered with its bonding pad to the abutting face of the metallic area.

Abstract: An optical switch for switching the connection of one or more movable optical fibers to one or more stationary optical fibers, comprising a movable soft magnetic block connected to an end portion of each movable optical fiber, a stationary soft magnetic block connected to each stationary optical fiber and fixed at a position opposing the movable block, an actuator for moving the movable block relative to the stationary block, and a means for positioning the movable block relative to the stationary block; the actuator comprising a yoke having a base portion and a pair of arms extending from both ends of the base portion such that they sandwich the movable block in its moving direction, a permanent magnet attached to the base portion of the yoke, and a coil mounted to at least one arm; and regardless of the position of the movable block, a magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet being more in a first gap between one arm and the movable block than in a second gap between the other arm and the movable blo

Abstract: There is provided an optical fiber device including two optical fibers, rod lenses, and an optical functional element. The two rod lenses have the same refractive index distribution and the front face of each is respectively formed, at the approximate midpoint of a position where the mode field diameter of the propagating light emitted from the optical fiber and propagating through the interior of the rod lens forms a local maximum, and a position where the mode field diameter, in case the same rod lens is assumed to be extended in the axial direction, forms a local minimum subsequent to the aforementioned local maximum, in the propagation direction of the same propagating light, perpendicularly to the axis. Also, both front faces of the two rod lenses are arranged symmetrically with respect to a point where a beam waist is formed.

Abstract: A 1×N2 wavelength selective switch (WSS) configuration in which switch elements are configured in a way that enables the input or output fibers to be arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) array. By employing 2D arrays of input/output channels, the channel count is increased from N to N2 for wavelength selective switches. In one embodiment, in which the components are arranged as a 2- ƒ imaging system, a one-dimensional (1D) array of mirrors is configured such that each mirror has a dual scanning axis (i.e., each mirror can be scanned in X and Y directions). In another embodiment, in which the components are arranged as a 4- ƒ imaging system, two 1D arrays of mirrors are configured with orthogonal scanning directions. In both embodiments, the number of ports is increased from N to N2.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical component comprising at least one input monomode fiber (1-4), at least one output monomode fiber (5) and a diffractive element (7) which is disposed between the input fiber or fibers (1-4) and the output fiber or fibers (5). The inventive component is characterized in that at least one of the input or output fibers (1-5) comprises a fiber (1-5) containing a portion (21-25) which is designed to increase the radius of the mode field it guides. According to the invention, the portion which is designed to increase the mode field radius can comprise a portion with a graded index, a portion having a core or cladding refractive index which varies transversely and/or longitudinally.

Abstract: A method of communicating an optical signal includes generating an optical signal at a bit rate of at least 2.5 Gb/s. The optical signal including at least thirty optical channels. In one particular embodiment, at least some of the thirty optical channels reside within a 1567-1620 nanometer wavelength range. The method also includes receiving the optical signal at a ROPA that includes a rare-earth doped optical fiber. In addition, the method includes introducing a pump signal to a communication span of the unrepeatered optical communication system. The pump signal operable to amplify the optical signal by Raman amplification within the communication span and including at least one pump signal wavelength operable to excite the rare-earth doped fiber. The method further includes receiving the optical signal after the optical signal has traversed at least 200 kilometers of the communication span.