Abstract: A fingerprint input device capable of obtaining a fingerprint image presenting sufficient contrast is provided. The fingerprint input device includes: a two-dimensional image sensor for picking up a fingerprint image from a fingerprint measured portion of a measurement target finger; and a transparent solid film mounted on an image pickup surface of the two-dimensional image sensor, the fingerprint measured portion being mounted on the transparent solid film when the two-dimensional image sensor picks up the fingerprint image, wherein the fingerprint input device picks up an image of a fingerprint ridgeline portion in the fingerprint measured portion as a light portion, and picks up an image of a fingerprint valley portion in the fingerprint measured portion as a dark portion through an air layer, and a refractive index of the transparent solid film satisfies that contrast of the image is more than a given value.

Abstract: A detection element (1A) having a detection electrode (11A) connected to a surface shape detection unit (2) and a detection electrode (12A) connected to a common potential, and a detection element (1B) having a detection electrode (11B) connected to the surface shape detection unit (2) and a detection electrode (12B) connected to a biometric recognition unit (3) are arranged. The surface shape detection unit (2) outputs a signal representing the three-dimensional pattern of the surface shape corresponding to the contact portion to each detection element on the basis of individual capacitances obtained from the detection elements (1A, 1B). The biometric recognition unit (3) determines whether an object (9) is a living body, on the basis of a signal corresponding to the impedance of the object (9) connected between the detection electrode (12B) of the detection element (1B) and the detection electrode (12A) of the detection element (1A).

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for positioning a mammal for optical imaging in which a digital image of the mammal is obtained using a camera and a region of interest is selected using the digital image. The selected region is registered with an optical imaging system and the mammal is positioned in the imaging system to image the selected region of interest.

Abstract: Assuming that there are three continuous frames, i.e, cross sectional images of an organism, a dummy region of interest (ROI) is specified manually in the first frame, a temporary ROI is set in the second frame at the same position as that of the dummy ROI in the first frame. Whether a specific region in the second frame is inside or outside of a true ROI is judged based on the initial judgment criterion and values of pixels in the specific region. Whether a specific region in the third frame is inside or outside of the true ROI is judged based on values of pixels of regions that have been judged to be inside the region of interest in the second frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out tomographic image processing that enables lung areas and a mediastinum in a chest tomographic image to be reproduced in one image with appropriate contrast is provided. Image data representing a chest tomographic image are obtained by using a tomography apparatus. Normalization means in a tomographic image processing apparatus normalizes the image data and obtains normalized image data. Compression processing means carries out dynamic range compression processing on the normalized image data to compress a high density range thereof. The image data after the compression processing are subjected to frequency enhancing processing, and the image data after the frequency enhancing processing are then subjected to tone conversion processing. The processed image data obtained in the above manner are reproduced by a reproduction apparatus.

Abstract: A system includes acquisition of a plurality of images of a first portion of a body undergoing substantially periodic motion, acquisition of a second plurality of images of a second portion of the body, the second portion comprising a portion of the first portion, and determination of a correlation between at least one of the first plurality of images and at least one of the second plurality of images. A system may also include generation of a combined image of the first portion and the second portion based on the at least one of the first plurality of images and the at least one of the second plurality of images, the combined image corresponding to a first phase of the periodic motion.

Abstract: A memory stores built-in images per bill denomination for a plurality of bill denominations. The built-in images may include a corresponding image for each of four corners for each of two sides of the bill denomination. A camera captures an image of a bill. A pattern recognizer matches the image of the bill to one of the built-in images in the memory. An output device reports the denomination of the bill based on the match from the pattern recognizer.

Abstract: A document processing system comprises an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past a full image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the full image scanner and the discrimination unit. The full image scanner includes means for obtaining a full video image of said documents, means for obtaining a image of a selected area of said documents, and means for obtaining information contained in said selected area of said document. The discrimination unit includes means for determining the authenticity of said document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting check fraud includes a check scanning module and a detection module. The check scanning module scans checks and matches the encoded Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) data (i.e. serial number, Customer Account Number and amount) from the scanned digital electronic images with items in an issuance database which contains client provided check particulars. The detection module passes the check images through an optical character recognition (OCR) process to read what is written on the check and to match results against the issuance database. If the written information on the face of a check is unreadable or there is no match with the information in the issuance database, the detection module passes the check through a series of slower more precise OCR processes. Any checks that are not successfully read and matched are highlighted as an “exception” and immediately forwarded to the client for further action.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting a honeycomb structure having a plurality of parallel channels includes aligning the honeycomb structure with an image sensing device such that the channels of the honeycomb structure are tilted with respect to the parallel channels of the honeycomb structure. An image of the honeycomb structure is then acquired. The image is processed in order to determine the perpendicularity of the end surface of the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assessing the quality of a printed circuit board assembly using digitized video image analysis. The apparatus integrates with existing relatively low precision automated surface mount technology (“SMT”) manufacturing systems as an inspection station insertable at various steps in the assembly process or as a separate manually loaded station. The inspection station includes a high resolution video imaging system and a video image analyzer comprising an onboard master computer that generates control signals to reposition the camera mounted within a screen on a movable carriage and/or reposition the circuit board, and adjust the lighting; and generates individual board status data to be archived, graphically displayed on monitors or otherwise utilized by a rework station.

Abstract: Methods, and program storage devices, for performing model-based optical proximity correction by providing a region of interest (ROI) having an interaction distance and locating at least one polygon within the ROI. A cut line of sample points representative of a set of vertices, or plurality of cut lines, are generated within the ROI across at least one lateral edge of the polygon(s). An angular position, and first and second portions of the cut line residing on opposing sides of an intersection between the cut line and the lateral edge of the polygon are determined, followed by generating a new ROI by extending the original ROI beyond its interaction distance based on such angular position, and first and second portions of the cut line. In this manner, a variety of new ROIs may be generated, in a variety of different directions, to ultimately correct for optical proximity.

Abstract: A pattern inspection method and a pattern inspection apparatus, which has an improved precision in detecting and correcting the positional deviation of images for a die comparison, have been disclosed. The quantity of correction of positional deviation of the images for the die comparison is determined based on the positional information of the images at multiple separate places in a die (pattern). For example, the multiple separate places include the vicinities of both ends in the pattern arrangement to be scanned in the die, and the part where the inspection is not completed yet. When the positional information of the part where the inspection is not completed yet is used, the correction of the positional relation of the images to be compared and the comparison of the images are started immediately after the capture of the images of two patterns is completed.

Abstract: An edge inspection method for detecting defects on a wafer edge normal surface includes acquiring a set of digital images which captures a circumference of the wafer. An edge of the wafer about the circumference is determined. Each digital image is segmented into a plurality of horizontal bands. Adjacent edge clusters about the circumference of the wafer are combined into edge pixel bins. The edge pixel bins are analyzed via edge clusters analysis to identify defects. The edge pixel bins are also analyzed via blob analysis to determine defects.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product render a multi-dimensional digital image using raytracing in a multi-dimensional space. Variables of a multi-dimensional digital differential analyzer (DDA) are set up using multiplications only. For each axis of the multi-dimensional space, a numerator holds the progress within a cell along that axis and a denominator describes a size condition causing the DDA to step to a next cell. For a vector, a denominator of the vector for an axis is equal to a delta for a vector component, excluding the component of said axis, for two dimensions; and a product of deltas for all vector components, excluding the component of said axis, for greater than two dimensions.

Abstract: A color descriptor data structure corresponding to a color device, the color descriptor data structure including a reference color data set corresponding to a reference boundary descriptor representing reference colors of the color device based on measured colors from a reference color target, a plausible color data set corresponding to a plausible boundary descriptor representing plausible colors of the color device which are observable, which encompass at least the reference colors of the reference boundary descriptor, and which include a whitest-white color and a blackest-black color, and a neutral color data set corresponding to neutral colors of the color device, the neutral colors extending in range from the whitest-white color to the blackest-black color.

Abstract: There is provided an edge detecting method, which is capable of preventing a noise influence caused by imaging device and a color interpolation. The edge detecting method includes the steps of: setting a first kernel based on a center pixel in pixel data arranged in a mosaic structure; setting a second kernel based on the center pixel within the first kernel; detecting whether a pixel having a green value in the second kernel is a defective pixel, and correcting the pixel; converting all pixels of the second kernel into pixels having green value; calculating a slope value by using a mask for detecting an edge in the second kernel; and detecting an edge by adding the slope value to a luminance value obtained by a color space conversion.

Abstract: A method of determining a unique number of colors for an image is described which uses homotopic transformation (in particular the watershed transformation) within feature space formed by red, green and blue components, or any other set of attributes, of the pixels of the image. Each color is given a label and the image is then segmented into regions of uniform labels. The color or characteristic of each segment can then be altered or used to identify an object. The method can be applied to any scalable, either integer or real, data set.

Abstract: A spectroscope includes a light source providing a first and a second range of wavelengths, a dispersion unit to receive light and to output the first and second range of wavelengths at different angles, a positioning mechanism to position the dispersion unit such that the first range of wavelengths is applied to a first patch of a frame of film, to position the dispersion unit such that the second range of wavelengths is applied to the first patch but not the second patch and the first range of wavelengths is applied to the second patch at a second time, and to position the dispersion unit such that the second range of wavelengths is applied to the second patch, a first detector to detect responses from the frame of film from the first patch, and a second detector to independently detect responses from the frame of film from the second patch.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing image processing on image data including a memory color includes: a characteristic value calculation part calculating a characteristic value from the image data; an area extraction part extracting a specific color area and its background area from the image data, using the characteristic value and the color information of the memory color stored in a storage part; a target value calculation part calculating a target value for correcting the preferable color of the specific color from the characteristic value, the extracted specific color and background areas, and the color information of the preferable color; and an image data correction part calculating a correction for correcting the preferable color based on the calculated target value and the characteristic value, and correcting a color of the specific color area based on the calculated correction and the characteristic value.

Abstract: A camera is provided comprising a Bayer color filter array arranged to capture an input image as a non-linear Bayer image comprising RGB pixels arranged in Bayer format, a processor and a printer. The processor is arranged to receive the input image, convert the input image to a printable image and output the printable image to the printer for printing. The processor is configured to convert an input image to a printable image by up-interpolating the input image by linearizing and planarizing the input image and mapping each color of the linearized, planarized input image from an input space to an output space, sharpening the image in the output space, and converting the sharpened image to a printable image of cyan, magenta and yellow pixels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a closest match of N input patterns relative to R reference patterns using K processing units. Each of a set of input patterns are loaded into the K processing units. One of the Reference patterns is sequentially loaded into each of the processing units and a distance defining the similarity between the reference pattern and each of the input patterns is calculated. A present calculated distance replaces its corresponding stored present minimum distance if it is has a smaller value. After the R reference patterns have been processed the minimum distance and its corresponding identification for all N input patterns is determined without merging outputs. The minimum distances and the identifications may be read either in parallel or serially. The apparatus is easily scalable by adding processors. The number of reference patterns may be easily increased without altering system configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to an imaging device that extends the processing of resources to data having a greater bit-depth. A signal having data at the first bit-depth is received, and at least a portion of the data at the first bit-depth is converted into an estimated value that is at the second bit-depth. A residual that indicates a difference between the data and the estimated value is determined. The estimated value is processed through the resource to form processed data that is at the second bit-depth. The data is then substantially recovered at the first bit-depth from the processed data that is at the second bit-depth and based on the residual.

Abstract: A method of decoding a sequence of coded digital images comprising a set of key images for reconstructing the sequence by interpolation, includes the steps of: associating an obtainment time limit with each key image according to a predetermined criterion, sending a request to a distant terminal in order to receive a key image, according to the time limit associated with the key image in question, receiving the key images in response to the requests sent to the distant terminal, determining an interpolation mode for each image in the sequence according to the key images obtained.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to an image processing device for receiving pixel data provided to the device as follows: it is grouped into frames, each pixel datum has an associated value, and first, second, and third pixel data correspond respectively to first, second, and third frames. The image processing device is adapted for processing the pixel data, and has a low-power motion monitoring mode and a capture mode. Further, the pixel data is preferably provided by a data source external to the device. The image processing device preferably includes a control unit for: (a) receiving the pixel data; (b) summing the values of the first pixel data to produce a first total value for the first frame; (c) summing the values of the second pixel data to produce a second total value for the second frame, and (d) causing the image processing device to process the third pixel data only if the difference between the first and second total values exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: The image data is processed into a background plane and a plurality of foreground planes. Holes are inserted onto the background plane, in regions which are assigned to a foreground plane. The background plane is sub-sampled, and holes remaining in the sub-sampled image are filled with the average color of the non-zero sub-sampled pixels over pre-determined blocks such as JPEG blocks. If a block is entirely made of holes, the block is filled with a constant color that is propagated from the average color of a previous block. The resulting background plane is far smoother than the original image data and thus can be effectively sub-sampled and highly compressed without adverse deterioration in reconstructed image quality.

Abstract: An original image including therein a predetermined periodic pattern is read out by sampling the original image at a frequency higher than a desired sampling frequency, and an initial image signal is thus obtained. The initial image signal is then re-sampled at the desired sampling frequency to generate a final image signal. The final image signal is generated so that the aliasing distortion components due to the predetermined periodic pattern come to be of a frequency not lower than a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for providing privacy regions in a picture or video. In one example embodiment, a camera is provided which has a lens system and detector, image processing circuitry, compression and formatting circuitry, and control circuitry. Images or video taken from the camera are preferably corrected for distortion (such as that introduced by an anamorphic lens system) and sent to an operator's workstation, where a privacy region is defined. The privacy region is merged with the rest of the image, whether constant or dynamic, and displayed. Other processing, such as object tracking and alarms, can also be implemented at varying points in the process.

Abstract: An image synthesization method, whereby a plurality of images, each of which has a partially overlapping image area, are synthesized to create a single synthetic image, comprises a determination step of inputting a plurality of image data sets that correspond to the plurality of images that are input, and of determining whether or not an image in the partially overlapping image area of each of images that are indicated by the plurality of image data sets includes mainly characters an image processing step of performing, for the plurality of image data sets that are input, image processing in consonance with a result of a determination performed at the determination step and an image synthesization step of synthesizing images that are indicated by the resultant plurality of image data, for which the image processing has been performed at the image processing step. With this arrangement, a plurality of images can be easily and effectively synthesized.

Abstract: A processed (e.g., captured) video sequence is temporally, spatially, and/or histogram registered to the corresponding original video sequence by generating, for each set of one or more processed frames, a mapping from a selected set of one or more original frames to the processed set, wherein (1) each selected set depends on the selected set corresponding to a previous processed set, (2) each mapping minimizes a local prediction error between the original set and the corresponding processed set, and (3) the accumulated prediction error for the entire processed video sequence is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light transmitter with a stable IQ amplitude ratio relative to the characteristic change of a modulating system. The QPSK light modulator of the present invention includes a laser light source for outputting light; an optical demultiplexer for inputting light and branching it in two directions; two optical phase modulators for inputting respectively one of the branched lights; a ?/2 phase shifter provided before or after one of the two optical phase modulators; an encoder for inputting I and Q signals into the optical phase modulators through drivers; and an optical multiplexer for synthesizing the outputs of the two optical phase modulators into a multiplexed, modulated light. The QPSK light modulator includes another optical demultiplexer after the optical multiplexer and a correcting section for correcting amplitude unbalance generated when light passes between the optical demultiplexers, by using output from the second optical demultiplexer.

Abstract: An electro-optic modulator is formed from all flexible materials, to form a flexible electro-optic modulator. The formation process uses a photoresist which selectively adheres to one material more than it adheres to another material. This allows selective liftoff, where only parts of the substrate are lifted off. For example, this allows silicon ends on the modulator, thereby facilitating pig tailing and also facilitates handling. Another aspect describes testing the bending radius.

Abstract: An optical multiplexer includes a substrate into which are integrated a polarization rotator and a polarization coupler. The polarization coupler and the polarization rotator are in optical communication with each other.

Abstract: A system for multispectral confocal mapping of a tissue, comprising: a light source; an optical fiber having an aperture providing a confocal pinhole, a scanner being free-space coupled to said aperture and operative to scan the tissue and provide intensity signals for each of a plurality of points therein; a switch or modulator operative to convert input signals to optical pulses; a reflector that receives the optical pulses and provides a temporal sequence of wavelength selective reflections; and, a detector optically coupled to receive the temporal sequence of wavelength selective reflections.

Abstract: To provide a low-cost FBG sensing device having a high reliability, suitable for high-speed measurement such as vibration measurement, able to perform a remote measurement, and simple data processing, the FBG sensing device comprising one or more light sources each outputting a light having fixed output wavelength, one or more fiber-Bragg gratings each having a reflection wavelength band having an attenuation band where the magnitude of reflection attenuates with distance from the center wavelength, the fiber-Bragg gratings reflecting the lights output from said light sources, light receiving units corresponding said fiber-Bragg gratings respectively and receiving the light reflected by the corresponding fiber-Bragg grating, wherein intensities of reflected lights each of which changes corresponding to the attenuation band that changes due to a distortion produced at each of the fiber-Bragg gratings are detected to detect the distortions.

Abstract: An optical data link includes a circuit board and an optical module component. The circuit board includes first and second mounting sections on a principal plane thereof. A step is formed between the first mounting section and the second mounting section. The first mounting section has the optical module component, and the second mounting section has an electron device. The optical module component includes a mounting component, a semiconductor optical device, and an optical transmission medium. The semiconductor optical device of the optical module component is electrically connected to the electron device, and is mounted on a first region of the mounting component. The optical transmission medium is supported by a second region of the mounting component, and is optically coupled with the semiconductor optical device.

Abstract: An optical bus interconnects two or more processors in a multiprocessor system. One or more electrical-to-optical (“E-O”) transmitters are optically coupled to the optical bus using optical couplers. The E-O transmitters receive electrical signals from the processors and convert the electrical signals to optical signals to be guided onto the optical bus. Optical-to-electrical (“O-E”) receivers are also coupled to the optical bus using the optical couplers. The O-E receivers receive optical signals from the optical bus and convert the optical signals to electrical signals for the processors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-voltage supply unit for electofilters. The unit includes high-voltage devices which are arranged close to the electrofilter and by which the electrofilter is supplied with high voltage, measuring heads which are assigned to the high-voltage devices and by which measured values and optional diagnostic data from the high-voltage devices are detected and transmitted, and control units, each of which is assigned to one high-voltage device and by which the high-voltage devices assigned thereto are controlled and regulated according to the requirements and by taking into account measured values and optional diagnostic data that are transmitted by the measuring heads.

Abstract: A technique for photonic switching is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for photonic switching. The method may comprise receiving at least one optical signal at a photonic line card, wherein the at least one optical signal comprises one or more wavelength channels and the photonic line card comprises at least one integrated optical switch. The method may also comprise routing at least one of the one or more wavelength channels through the at least one integrated optical switch to a photonic bus, wherein the photonic bus comprises a plurality of optical paths and each of the plurality of optical paths is capable of carrying multiple wavelength channels.

Abstract: Spatially-efficient optical multiplexers and optical demultiplexers include elements interrelating along orthogonal axes. A transmission block of extreme thinness has highly reflective coatings on opposed parallel surfaces. Lasers of multiplexer are on one side of transmission block with transmission axes perpendicular to transmission block surface. An associated multiplexed signal transmitting port on opposite side of transmission block has receiving axis parallel to transmission block surface on that side. Detectors of demultiplexer are on one side of transmission block with reception axes perpendicular to transmission block surface. An associated multiplexed signal receiving port on opposite side of transmission block has receiving axis parallel to transmission block surface on that side. A unitary structure performs both optical multiplexer functions and optical demultiplexer function with a single thin transmission block. Related optical signal processing methods are included.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device is provided for receiving light that has a guided mode and an unguided mode. The device comprises an optically transmissive substrate having first and second substantially opposite surfaces, an input end, and an output end. An optical waveguide region is disposed within the substrate and extends from the input to the output. A plurality of electrodes is disposed on the first surface at predetermined locations with respect to the waveguide region. The device includes a plurality of optical barriers each disposed proximate one of the first and second surfaces and positioned to block a different optical path of the unguided mode.

Abstract: A variety of structures, methods, systems, and configurations can support plasmons for logic.

Abstract: An optic device, system and method for imaging are described. The optic device includes a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property, the solid phase layers being situated between an output face and a non-flat input face. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. The imaging system includes a source of electrons and a target, with an array of the optic devices coupled thereto to form limited cone beams of X-ray radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical waveguide device including a cladding having first and second surfaces opposite to each other, a core laminated to the first surface of the cladding for guiding light in a longitudinal direction thereof, the core having a pair of light incident and emergent portions at the opposite ends, and a pair of light collimating or focusing members bonded to the second surface of the cladding at the opposite ends corresponding to the light incident and emergent portions of the core.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation is provided. In particular, at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis may be provided. Further, a light transmissive optical arrangement may be provided in optical cooperation with the optical fiber. The optical arrangement may have a first surface having a portion that is perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion. The first axis can be provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the second axis.

Abstract: A method for concentrating particles, including: placing the particles close to and/or on at least one waveguide of a support, and injecting light radiation into the waveguide causing grouping of particles into one or plural clusters on the waveguides.

Abstract: An ultrafast laser machining system and method to form diffractive structures in optical fibers. The fiber is mounted with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the beam path of the laser pulses. A region of the fiber is illuminated and then imaged with two cameras. These cameras are aligned substantially orthogonally. A position of the beam spot is determined. The beam spot is aligned to a starting position within the region. This position is within a portion of the fiber to be machined for which the beam path passes through the greatest length of material. The beam spot is scanned along a path designed to pass the beam spot through all of the portion to be machined such that the beam path does not pass through previously machined material. The laser pulses, which have a duration of less than about 1 ns, are generated as the beam spot is scanned.

Abstract: An optical component may comprise a horizontal member with two side walls and a substantially transparent end wall protruding from the horizontal member. The end wall, side walls and horizontal member may partially enclose an interior volume, and optical functionality is imparted in any suitable manner on at least a portion of the end wall. An optical assembly may comprise such an optical component mounted on a waveguide substrate along with a planar waveguide and a second waveguide, which are end-coupled by either reflection from the optical component end wall or transmission through the optical component end wall. An end portion of a planar waveguide may be received within the interior volume of the mounted component. Proper positioning of the optical component relative to the waveguides may be facilitated by alignment surfaces and/or alignment marks on the component and/or waveguide substrate.

Abstract: Planar lightwave circuit (PLC) connects optical fibers to the top of an optical or optoelectronic device or optical or optoelectronic integrated circuit. Light propagating through optical fibers is directed to optical waveguides disposed on optical devices. The optical fibers can be in the form of individual fibers, a fiber ribbon or a fiber array. Fiber optic cables can be plugged into a ferrule attached to the PLC. The PLC can also include optical components integrated into the optical path between the optical fibers and the optical device.

Abstract: An optical waveguide chip including a core portion as an optical waveguide, a clad portion composed of a lower clad layer and an upper clad layer, and an optical fiber guide portion which is formed integrally with the clad portion for positioning a single-mode optical fiber which is to be connected with the core portion. Each portion of the optical waveguide chip is formed by creating a layer of a radiation-sensitive polysiloxane composition by photolithography. At least two kinds of radiation-sensitive polysiloxane compositions are used so that the core portion has a higher refractive index than the clad portion.