Abstract: The present invention disclose an iris recognition method, which utilizes a matching pursuit algorithm to simplify the extraction and reconstruction of iris features and reduce the memory space required by each iris feature vector without the penalty of recognition accuracy. The iris recognition method of the present invention comprises an iris-localization component and a pattern matching component. The iris-localization component locates the iris region via the color difference between different portions of the eyeball. The primary iris features are extracted from iris information and transformed into a sequence of iris feature vectors by a matching pursuit algorithm. Thus, the iris image can be represented by a sequence of atoms, and each atom contains base, amplitude and location. Then, the comparison between the feature vectors of two irises is performed to determine whether the two irises match.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a method for liveliness detection and fitness measurement using information optically extracted from a fingertip. For liveliness detection, the present method examines the change in a color index of a finger at its touching portion measured while the finger is being pressed onto an inspection surface and while the finger is released from the same surface. If the change is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the finger is regarded as a live finger. For fitness measurement, an index indicative of the stiffness of the blood vessel of the finger is obtained from the change in the color index of the finger at its touching portion against the change in the contact area of the finger while the finger is being pressed onto the inspection surface.

Abstract: A method of analyzing and recognizing fingerprint images that utilizes vector processing of a vector field that is defined as the tangential vector of the fingerprint ridge curves is disclosed. The raw fingerprint image is divided into blocks, filtered to remove noise, and the orientation direction of each block is found. This allows the ridge curves to be enhanced and approximated by piece-wise linear approximations. The piece-wise linear approximations to the ridge curves allow the minutiae to be extracted and classified and a fingerprint minutiae template to be constructed. An enrollment process gathers multiple fingerprint images, creates fingerprint minutiae templates corresponding to the acquired fingerprint images, and stores the templates and other data associated with the respective individual or the enrolled fingerprint in a fingerprint database.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of motion in functional medical imaging data by comparison with anatomical medical imaging data derived from reconstructed anatomical images. Detected motion in the functional data is then estimated and corrected. In accordance with an example embodiment, CT object templates are produced from reconstructed CT image data and convolved with nuclear medical (SPECT or PET) projection data to detect object motion. Detected motion is estimated to obtain a displacement vector, and the nuclear medical projection data is corrected for objection motion by application of the displacement vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic myocardial tagging and imaging system (30), in which an ultrasonic contrast agent, e.g. microbubbles, is introduced to the myocardial area and allowed to circulate. a high-MI pressure field is applied to selectively destroy regions of the contrast agent in a known geometry so as to create a “tag” (102) comprising a predetermined pattern of non-echogenic regions (102b) and echogenic regions (102a). Movement of the tag (102) relative to the myocardium (100) is tracked so as to monitor movement and/or de formation of the wall tissue and assess myocardial viability.

Abstract: A marker system includes a marker, and a positioner coupled to the marker, the positioner configured to position the marker from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position. A method of providing a marker system includes obtaining a first data representative of a first predetermined position, obtaining a second data representative of a second predetermined position, and moving a set of one or more markers from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, wherein the set of one or more markers is moved using a positioner. A method of using a marker system includes detecting a marker when the marker is located at a first position, moving the marker from the first position to a second position using a positioner, and detecting the marker when the marker is located at the second position.

Abstract: A method for registering images of a sequence of images, particularly ultrasound diagnostic images and especially ultrasound diagnostic images of the heart. The method comprises the steps of: providing at least a first and a second digital or digitalized image or set of cross-sectional images of the same object; defining within one image a certain number of landmarks by selecting a certain number of pixels or voxels to be tracked; tracking the position of each pixel or voxel selected from one to another image of said set of images by determining the relative displacements; and registering the set of images by applying the inverse displacement to the pixels or voxels between the images of said set of images.

Abstract: The number of similar case images to be displayed is changed according to the number of times and progress of imaging diagnosis. First examination judgment means is added to a medical image interpretation support system comprising storage means for storing image data sets obtained by imaging subjects, similar case image search means for extracting similar case image data sets having a characteristic similar to an interpretation target image from the image data sets, and display control means for controlling display of the interpretation target image and the similar case images. The display control means controls the display so as to display a larger number of the similar case images together with the interpretation target image in the case where the interpretation target image has been judged to be a first examination image than in the otherwise case.

Abstract: A method for determining asymmetry in an image such as an MR image of a brain comprises determining a symmetry plane to divide the image into a first part and a second part representative of, for example, the hemispheres of the brain. The probability distributions of voxels against intensities are determined for the first and second parts and histograms of intensities representative of the parts are generated. Compensation is made for any relative shift along a predetermined axis between the histograms. A divergence value based on a distance between the first and second histograms is then calculated and it is determined if the calculated divergence value is greater than a predetermined threshold. A divergence of greater than the predetermined threshold is indicative of asymmetry in the image that may be considered as suspicious for abnormality. There is also disclosed an apparatus for determining asymmetry in an image.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis image is generated by applying preprocessing to each image obtained by capturing a plurality of X-ray images at a plurality of X-ray tube positions and then performing filtering processing and backprojection. At this time, a proper filter coefficient used filtering is determined for each scan track, each image frame, and each pixel position in an image.

Abstract: A fluoroscopy image is registered with data representing a volume, identifying a catheter position relative to a volume represented by preoperative volume data. The catheter position relative to a patient volume represented by data acquired without scanning the catheter is displayed. For example, a 2D fluoroscopy image is registered with respect to coordinates of a 3D preoperative CT or MRI volume by registering the fluoroscopy image and the preoperative volume to 3D ultrasound coordinates.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for registering medical images to reduce movement between the images. In one arrangement, a hierarchical image registration is performed where regions of the largest differences between images are identified and utilized to drive the deformation of one of the images. Such regions are identified in one arrangement by determining intensities and gradient magnitudes for corresponding regions of the images. In another arrangement, a multi-resolution registration strategy is applied.

Abstract: Data of an examination object comprises a volume-data record and a plurality of two-dimensional projection images. The volume-data record includes voxels where each voxel is assigned to a location in three-dimensional space. Each projection image includes pixels where each pixel is assigned to a location in a two-dimensional-projection plane and has a value. Each pixel is assigned a projection volume, this being specified in that it is mapped by the radioscopy onto the pixel to which it is assigned. A sub-volume of the volume-data record is selected. The projection images are registered in relation to the volume-data record. A functional parameter of the examination object is specified for the pixels of the projection images, depending on their values. For each pixel, when specifying the functional parameter, consideration is given to the locations and/or the number of those voxels which are positioned both within the sub-volume and within the projection volume.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a microscope system and an image processing method which are practical and capable of imaging a specimen efficiently in a short period of time and also ensuring reduction of the data amount of a generated image.

Abstract: A modified multi-page TIFF file. A Tagged Image Format File (TIFF) conforms to a published standard. The TIFF file contains an initial header, which contains a pointer to another header, which points both to (1) the first graphical image and (2) a second header. The second header points to both (1) the second image and (2) a third header, and so on. The headers allow a TIFF reader to locate any selected graphic image, and display it. The invention interleaves auxiliary information within the TIFF file, for example, between a header and a graphical image. The auxiliary information does not interfere with the TIFF reader, and the TIFF reader does not detect the auxiliary information.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus providing services for general users, capable of getting rid of trouble to collect use charges.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting the finish of a glass container rotating at an inspection station. A pair of light sources, which are repeatedly turned on and off, have horizontal light axes which are orthogonally related and intersect the container axis. The light sources illuminate the container finish to identify checks. The illuminated checks are imaged by a camera which has a camera axis coincident with the container axis and the intersecting light axes. The camera axis makes an angle of 45 degrees with both light axes and the horizontal. The camera is exposed through multiple images.

Abstract: A Neural Gas network used for pattern recognition, sequence and image processing is extended to a supervised classifier with labeled prototypes by extending a cost function of the Neural Gas network with additive terms, each of which increases with a difference between elements of the class labels of a prototype and a training data point and decreases with their distance. The extended cost function is then iteratively minimized by adapting weight vectors of the prototypes. The trained network can then be used to classify mass spectrometric data, especially mass spectrometric data derived from biological samples.

Abstract: A digital image that includes first and second regions is processed. An intrinsic color of a given pixel located in an area of interest that is adjacent to at least one of the first and second regions is estimated by extrapolating from colors of multiple pixels in one of the first and second regions and multiple pixels in the other of the two regions.

Abstract: Conventional color saturation control CSC in a non-linear signal domain may result in exaggerated and unnatural looking colors. The invention proposes an image signal processing method (30A, 30B) of a color saturation control (17) which applies a gain value (27) to the saturation controlled image signal (Y?, satx(R?-Y?), satx(B?-Y?)) in a color restoration (10) which results in an output signal (Yo?, (R?-Y?)o, (B?-Y?)o). The gain value (27) is determined such that a maximum value of a color in the input signal is maintained in the output signal (Yo?, (R?-Y?)o, (B?-Y?)o). Thereby in particular the symmetry of the 3Dcolor space is maintained, preferably by controlling at least the maximum values of three primary colors (R, G, B) when increasing the saturation. In a preferred configuration the saturation controlled color difference image signals (satx(R?-Y?), satx(B?-Y?)) are transformed to the RGB-domain to obtain an RGB-measure of the increased saturation.

Abstract: An image processing method includes: inputting color image data obtained by capturing an image at a given imaging sensitivity level; and converting the color image data to a specific uniform color space determined in correspondence to the imaging sensitivity level.

Abstract: Methodologies and systems to compare images with different levels of contrast are provided. Contrast is normalized between the images with different contrast levels and brightness is set. When normalizing contrast a derivative of gray level is determined for a first digital image having a first contrast level, and a derivative of gray level is determined for a second digital image having a second contrast level that is greater than the first contrast level. A ratio of the derivative of gray level for the first digital image to the derivative of gray level for the second digital image is determined, and the derivative of gray level for the first digital image is equalized with the derivative of gray level for the second digital image. Brightness of at least one image may be set automatically, such as by calculating an average pixel value excluding background and text, or manually.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating image data is disclosed. Generally, the system and method identifies useful grey-levels within an input image. The image is then scaled based upon the identified useful grey-levels.

Abstract: An imaging unit (1) images an object to be imaged and acquires image data. On the other hand, an imaging information acquisition unit (2) acquires imaging information as information during imaging. A storage unit (3) contains optimal imaging condition information induced from the imaging information. An imaging information analysis unit (4) analyzes the imaging information given from the imaging information acquisition unit (2) and reads out imaging condition information optimal for imaging from the storage unit (3). An imaging condition setting unit (5) sets the imaging condition of the imaging unit (1) according to the imaging condition information obtained by the imaging condition information acquisition unit (4).

Abstract: A method for segmenting video data into foreground and background portions utilizes statistical modeling of the pixels. A statistical model of the background is built for each pixel, and each pixel in an incoming video frame is compared with the background statistical model for that pixel. Pixels are determined to be foreground or background based on the comparisons. The method for segmenting video data may be further incorporated into a method for implementing an intelligent video surveillance system.

Abstract: An image analysis method, medium and apparatus for segmentation of a moving image, and a moving image segmentation system. The image analysis method includes receiving an image signal representing an image, detecting features of the image by calculating a difference between the current frame of the image signal and its previous frame, analyzing the image signal based on the detected features of the image, and performing segmentation on the image signal according to the analysis result, thereby separately performing segmentation on all types of moving images. In other words, by using an appropriate segmentation method according to a feature of an image, effective segmentation can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for demultiplexing time-division multiplexed digital video data which originates from multiple sources in which the time-division multiplexed images are not indexed nor is there identification information provided to differentiate sources. The sources are generally cameras which may be stationary cameras or moving cameras that rotate as are commonly used in the surveillance industry. A first set of digital video data representative of a first image is retrieved from a memory source or from a video tape. The first set of digital video data is stored to a memory location associated with a first source. The first set of video data is also identified as representative video data of the first source. A second set of digital video data representative of a current image is then retrieved. A difference ratio is calculated using the representative digital video data and the current set of digital video data.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for calculating and adjusting photo and text separation performance. The method for calculating photo and text separation performance comprises a step of generating a standard block attribute file and a step of comparing a photo and text separation result with the standard block attribute file so as to display a photo and text separation performance table. The method for adjusting photo and text separation performance comprises a step of comparing a photo and text separation result with the standard block attribute file to generate the photo and text separation performance table, and a step of according to the photo and text separation performance table to decide whether to use another photo and text separation algorithm or parameters to perform another photo and text separation.

Abstract: To give an effect for imparting an air of speed to an image, a dividing unit (202) of an image processing device (201) divides an original image into a plurality of regions based on an aggregate of pixels, an acquiring unit (203) acquires a representative value of each of the plurality of divided regions from pixel values of pixels included in that region, a mixing unit (204) obtains a processed image in which, for each of the pixels included in the original image, the representative value acquired from the region in which that pixel is included and the pixel value of that pixel are mixed at a predetermined mixing ratio, an output unit (205) outputs the processed image, and the dividing unit (202) divides the image in a manner that the shape of each of the plurality of regions is elongate in a direction in which a picture made up of pixels included in that region moves.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition section, a combination detection section and an angle detection section. The image acquisition section acquires a code pattern image from a surface of a recording medium on which the code pattern is formed. In the code pattern, N unit images are selectively placed in M reference positions that are arranged at predetermined intervals in two directions orthogonal to each other where M?4 and 2?N<M. The combination detection section detects pairs of the unit images based on the predetermined intervals and respective positions of the unit images contained in the code pattern image acquired. The angle detection section detects a rotation angle of the code pattern image with respect to a predetermined reference axis based on an inclination of a line, with respect to the predetermined reference axis, connecting the unit images of each pair detected.

Abstract: A service plan product providing a tangible representation of a service plan includes a support backer and a tag removably coupled with the backer. The tag includes service plan account identification means corresponding to a service plan account stored in a database and plan administrator contact indicia. The tag is configured to be removed from the backer and applied to a primary product for which the service plan is provided, and wherein only the service plan account identification means is required for the service plan administrator to access the database to identify details regarding the service plan account. Related systems and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises two steps of adapting an image: identifying a text in the image and modifying a typographical aspect of the text. The electronic device of the invention is operative to perform the method of the invention. The invention also relates to control software for making a programmable device operative to perform the method of the invention and to electronic circuitry for use in the device of the invention.

Abstract: A mechanism for storing authenticity information about a written or printed document. This authenticity information may be stored in a publicly-accessible database. When a document patterned with electronic ink is to be verified, the verifier examines the electronic ink under magnification. The verifier locates start and end pattern markers within the ink, and extracts the pattern from the ink. Once the pattern is obtained, the verifier performs a lookup of the pattern in the database. If the pattern is found, the verifier obtains information associated with the pattern from the database. The verifier may then use this information to verify the authenticity of the document.

Abstract: A character recognition device recognizing characters with low power consumption includes a data input unit for entering handwriting data representing a character to be recognized, a character recognition dictionary storing character recognition information required for character recognition as well as operating frequency information concerning the operating frequency of the character recognition device that is set in connection with the recognition processing, a character recognition processing unit recognizing the character based on the handwriting data and the character recognition information, a recognition result output unit which outputs the character recognized by the character recognition processing unit, and a power management unit changing the operating frequency of the character recognition processing unit based on the operating frequency information stored in the character recognition dictionary.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products used to locate a feature in an image, including identifying one or more candidate features in an image, where each candidate feature is a group of pixels in the image that satisfies a pattern-matching criterion. A best candidate feature is selected from the one or more candidate features, and a parameterized shape is fit to the image in the region of the best candidate feature to compute a feature shape corresponding to the best candidate feature. Particular implantations can include one or more of the following features. The candidate feature is a candidate pupil and the feature shape is an ellipse. Fitting the parameterizes shape to the mage includes applying an iterative process varying shape parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for performing image processing in a computer apparatus. The system has an image driver unit to receive a video stream output by an image capture device and perform a pre-processing on the video stream to thereby obtain a color video stream, and an image processing module to use an application programming interface (API) to notify the image driver unit of outputting the color video stream in order to perform a special effect processing on the color video stream to thereby produce a processed video stream. The image processing module uses another API to notify the image driver unit and send the processed video stream to the image driver unit. The image driver unit performs a post-processing on the processed video stream. Accordingly, the image processing module can use the resources of a user mode to perform the complicated image processing operations.

Abstract: On the basis of image data obtained by image acquisition, a plurality of image data are retrieved from a database (20), which constitutes a total feature value DB, by template matching using an outline template (21). A single or a plurality of images are retrieved from the retrieved plurality of image data by template matching by using a detail template (22) having a narrower region than the outline template (21) and a high resolution.

Abstract: Based on an image input by an image input section (11), a mobile application (13) and a matching process section (21) use templates managed in a hierarchical manner to search a TP data management DB (22) for an image. At this time, the mobile application (13) and matching process section (21) perform template matching using a higher level hierarchical template (e.g., 1st-level hierarchical template 2221) and subsequent template matching using a lower level hierarchical template (e.g., 2nd-level hierarchical template 2222) to narrow down the number of images to be searched for and display images as narrowed down search results.

Abstract: An imaging device comprises a storage section for storing therein keywords and a detecting method of detecting an object corresponding to each keyword, an imaging section for imaging the field repetitively and creating a moving picture composed of images of frames, a detecting section for detecting an object from the images of frames out of the moving picture created by the imaging according to the detecting method for each keyword simultaneously with the imaging by the imaging section, and image information creating section for creating image information including the keyword corresponding to the detected object and information representing the period of time during which the object corresponding to the keyword is present in the field depending on the results of the detection by the detecting section, and an image recording section for recording the moving picture created by the imaging section and the image information created by the image information creating section after associating the moving picture wi

Abstract: The versatile method of spatial and SNR scalable picture compression comprises: high resolution encoding (202a) an input picture (vi) yielding high resolution encoded data (coIIR,LQ), being the base data; deriving a first down-scaled representative picture (p1) on the basis of the high resolution encoded data (coHR,LQ); deriving a second down-scaled representative picture (p2) on the basis of the input picture (vi); and lower resolution encoding (214) lower resolution quality enhancement data (coMR,MQ), usable for improving the visual quality of a picture reconstructable from the high resolution encoded data (coIIR,LQ), on the basis of comparing the first down-scaled representative picture (p1) with the second down-scaled representative picture. This enables good bit-rate distribution for multi-resolution, multi-quality users.

Abstract: A target image of coding is separated into sequences of a plurality of frames, that is, shots, and differences between the shots and shots similar to the shots are coded (reference frames for each frame in the target shot of coding are frames corresponding thereto in a shot similar to the target shot). As shown in the figure, for example, a shot “A3” refers to a similar shot “A0” (prediction) and “A1” or “A2” refers to both shots “A0” and “A3” (bidirectional prediction), respectively for coding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for segmenting an image, for adaptively scaling an image, and for automatically scaling and cropping an image based on codestream headers data. In one embodiment, a file that can provide a header that contains multi-scale entropy distribution information on blocks of an image is received. For each block, the block is assigned to a scale from a set of scales that maximizes a cost function. The cost function is a product of a total likelihood and a prior. The total likelihood is a product of likelihoods of the blocks. The image is segmented by grouping together blocks that have been assigned equivalent scales. In one embodiment, the file represents an image in JPEG 2000 format.

Abstract: A process for improved, lossless data transformation with options for adaptive compression, multidimensional prediction, multi-symbol decoding.

Abstract: The invention provides an image encoding/decoding device and method. An encoding/decoding architecture of the invention includes: encoders for encoding image data into data blocks; a reordering multiplexer for receiving the data blocks and determining an order by which the data blocks are written into a memory according to an order of an achieved percentage of an encoding progress for each encoder; a memory writing unit, a memory dispatcher, a memory controller, and a memory reading unit, for writing the data blocks into the memory and reading the data blocks from the memory; a request demultiplexer for receiving the read data blocks from the memory reading unit and outputting the received data blocks according to data request signals; and decoders for generating the data request signals, receiving the output data blocks from the request demultiplexer, decoding the received data blocks, and then outputting the decoded data blocks.

Abstract: When encoding into block units an image in which halftone images and character/line images are mixed, a substitution value substituting for pixels in which pixels of a character/line image exist is made a value whereby occurrence of quantization errors of direct current components after frequency conversion is substantially zero, and thus block distortion of images when decoding is minimized. Therefore, a blocking unit inputs images in 8×8 pixel blocks. An acquisition unit acquires pixel data of character/line images as acquisition color information and acquires identification information identifying character/line image pixel positions. A substitution unit substitutes pixel data acquired as character/line images in image data of input blocks with a substitution value determined based on pixel data having halftone attributes.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for classifying mixed graphic and video signals. A system is provided comprising: a system for receiving blocks of pixel data; and a classification system for evaluating an inputted block of pixel data to determine if the inputted block is a pure graphic block, a flat area block, a sharp transition block or a normal video block.

Abstract: Image vibration detection methods and systems for use in a digital camera. First, a photographing process is performed to sense images. At least one first window value of a first sensed image corresponding to an absolute region is calculated, and at least one second window value of a second sensed image corresponding to the absolute region is calculated. A first focus offset is determined according to the at least one first window value and the at least one second window value. It is determined whether the first focus offset exceeds a threshold. If so, a prompt message representing an image vibration occurred during the photographing process is displayed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and electronic device for generating outphased signals are disclosed. The method may include determining bitmap representations of two binary circles, storing the bitmap representations of the two binary circles, generating two constant-amplitude signals from an original signal using bitmap overlapping of the stored bitmap representations where the vector sum of the two constant-amplitude signals equals the original signal, and outputting the two constant-amplitude signals for use in an electronic device.

Abstract: A method of correcting a current image taken by a capturing device, the current image captured after a previous image, the method comprising the steps of: determining a noticeable pixel group, such as an edge of an object in the previous image; locating the noticeable pixel groups in the current image, by finding corresponding pixels whose values are most similar to the values of the noticeable pixels, determining the offset between the previous image and the current image, and correcting the current image using the offset. Optionally, multiple offsets are determined for multiple areas in the current image, and other areas in the image are optionally corrected according to interpolations between the determined offsets.

Abstract: In a photograph and image compression system equipped with a camera, a low luminance noise cancellation algorithm is selectively applied to photographs and video images including a low luminance noise, by determining whether the low luminance noise is included in a portion of an input image, and if it is determined that low luminance noise is included, the low luminance noise cancellation algorithm is executed on the input image.