Abstract: A storage process section stores, into an exceptional reference image list, discrimination information for discriminating a reference image which permits image processing and a reference image which forbids or restricts image processing. In case where a maximum value of a similarity calculated by a voting process section is not less than a threshold value, a control section determines whether a reference image having a maximum similarity is the reference image which permits image processing or a reference image which forbids or restricts image processing and determines whether or not it is necessary to forbid or restrict image processing with respect to input image data in accordance with a result of the determination. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous determination from forbidding execution of image processing based on input image data or to prevent erroneous determination from allowing execution of image processing based on input image data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided that can quickly provide an image in which a main portion has a high image quality.

Abstract: An arbitrary cross-sectional image (MPR image) is used as an image for searching a case DB which has registered case images for a case image similar to an image to be diagnosed. A user terminal produces an axial image with reference to a diseased site in the MPR image, the axial image containing the diseased site, calculates a feature value (first feature value) of the diseased site contained in the axial image, and sends the feature value to the case DB. A case image server compares the received first feature value with a feature value (second feature value) for each case registered in a feature value DB, searches the case DB for a case image having a second feature value similar to the first feature value based on the comparison result, and sends the searched case image to the user terminal.

Abstract: An image processing device including an area generation unit configured to generate a supplemental data-embedded area in image data having content data separate from an area occupied by the content data, and a data embedding unit configured to embed supplemental data in the supplemental data-embedded area.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a solution for resolving an occlusion in a video image. Specifically, an embodiment of the present invention provides an environment in which portions of a video image in which occlusions have occurred may be determined and analyzed to determine the type of occlusion. Furthermore, regions of the video image may be analyzed to determine which object in the occlusion the region belongs to. The determinations and analysis may use such factors as pre-determined attributes of an object, such as color or texture of the object and/or a temporal association of the object, among others.

Abstract: A method tracks an object in a sequence of frames of a video. The method is provided with a set of tracking modules. Frames of a video are buffered in a memory buffer. First, an object is tracked in the buffered frames forward in time using a selected one of the plurality of tracking module. Second, the object is tracked in the buffered frames backward in time using the selected tracking module. Then, a tracking error is determined from the first tracking and the second tracking. If the tracking error is less than a predetermined threshold, then additional frames are buffered in the memory buffer and the first tracking, the second tracking and the determining steps are repeated. Otherwise, if the error is greater than the predetermined threshold, then a different tracking module is selected and the first tracking, the second tracking and the determining steps are repeated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for locating a runway by detecting an object (or blob) within data representing a region of interest provided by a vision sensor. The vertices of the object are determined by finding points on the contour of the object nearest for the four corners of the region of interest. The runway can then be identified to the pilot of the aircraft by extending lines between the vertices to identify the location of the runway.

Abstract: A method tracks a moving object by registering a current image in a sequence of images with a previous image. The sequence of images is acquired of a scene by a moving camera. The registering produces a registration result. The moving object is tracked in the registered image to produce a tracking result. The registered current image is registered with the previous image using tracking result for all the images in the sequence.

Abstract: A method of image processing, the method comprising receiving an image frame including a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels including an image information, conducting a first extraction based on the image information to identify foreground pixels related to a foreground object in the image frame and background pixels related to a background of the image frame, scanning the image frame in regions, identifying whether each of the regions includes a sufficient number of foreground pixels, identifying whether each of regions including a sufficient number of foreground pixels includes a foreground object, clustering regions including a foreground object into at least one group, each of the at least one group corresponding to a different foreground object in the image frame, and conducting a second extraction for each of at least one group to identify whether a foreground pixel in the each of the at least one group is to be converted to a background pixel.

Abstract: An encoder-type measurement system is configured to measure a position dependent signal of a movable object, the measurement system including at least one sensor mountable on the movable object a sensor target object mountable on a substantially stationary frame, and a mounting device configured to mount the sensor target object on the substantially stationary frame. The measurement system further includes a compensation device configured to compensate movements and/or deformations of the sensor target object with respect to the substantially stationary frame. The compensation device may include a passive or an active damping device and/or a feedback position control system. In an alternative embodiment, the compensation device includes a gripping device which fixes the position of the sensor target object during a high accuracy movement of the movable object.

Abstract: Apparatus for mapping an object includes an illumination assembly, which includes a single transparency containing a fixed pattern of spots. A light source transilluminates the single transparency with optical radiation so as to project the pattern onto the object. An image capture assembly captures an image of the pattern that is projected onto the object using the single transparency. A processor processes the image captured by the image capture assembly so as to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) map of the object.

Abstract: A coding unit codes a moving image. An object detector detects an object from within a picture contained in the moving image, and generates, for each picture, object detection information containing at least the number of objects detected within an identical picture. When a codestream is generated from coded data generated by the coding unit, a stream generator describes the object detection information in a prescribed region of the codestream.

Abstract: An N-object detector comprises an N-object decision structure incorporating decision sub-structures of N object detectors. Some decision sub-structures have multiple different versions composed of the same classifiers with the classifiers rearranged. Said multiple versions associated with an object detector are arranged in the N-object decision structure so that the order in which the classifiers are evaluated is dependent upon the results of the evaluation of a classifier of another object detector. Each version of the same decision sub-structure produces the same logical behaviour as the other versions. Such an N-object decision structure is generated by generating multiple candidate N-object decision structures and analysing the expected computational cost of these candidates to select one of them.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and programs acquire vehicle position information that represents a current position of a vehicle, acquire image information of a vicinity of the vehicle, and carry out image recognition processing of a target feature that is included in the image information to determine a position of the target feature. The apparatuses, methods, and programs store recognition position information that is based on the acquired vehicle position information and that represents the determined recognition position of the target feature. The apparatuses, methods, and programs determine an estimated position of the target feature based on a set of a plurality of stored recognition position information for the target feature, the plurality of stored recognition position information for the target feature being stored due to the target feature being subject to image recognition processing a plurality of times.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and programs store a plurality of target types, each target type having recognition attribute information indicating the likelihood that the target type will be recognized based on a type of road or a type of area. The apparatuses, methods and programs acquire vehicle position information indicating a current position of a vehicle, acquire image information in the vicinity of the vehicle, and acquire road attribute information about a road on which the vehicle is traveling, the road attribute information acquired based on the vehicle position information. The apparatuses, methods and programs determine a target type defining a target for image recognition within the image information, the target type being determined based on the acquired road attribute information and the stored recognition attribute information, and perform image recognition of a target feature included in the image information, the target feature being of the determined target type.

Abstract: An information device operation apparatus includes an image capturing device, an illumination device, a controller, image storage device, operation object extracting device, detection device, and signal output device. The image storage device stores a plurality of images that are acquired by the image capturing device under a plurality of illumination intensity conditions. The operation object extracting device extracts the operation object by comparing the plurality of images. The detection device detects at least one of a predetermined shape and a movement of the operation object that is extracted by the operation object extracting device. The signal output device outputs a signal to the target device, the signal corresponding to the at least one of the predetermined shape and the movement of the operation object detected by the detection device.

Abstract: A motion detection imaging device comprises: plural optical lenses for collecting light from an object so as to form plural single-eye images seen from different viewpoints; a solid-state imaging element for capturing the plural single-eye images formed through the plural optical lenses; a rolling shutter for reading out the plural single-eye images from the solid-state imaging element along a read-out direction; and a microprocessor for detecting movement of the object by comparing the plural single-eye images read out from the solid-state imaging element. The plural optical lenses are arranged so that the positions of the plural single-eye images formed on the solid-state imaging element are displaced from each other by a predetermined distance in the read-out direction, and so that the respective single-eye images formed on the solid-state imaging element partially overlap each other in the read-out direction.

Abstract: An image display device includes a storage unit storing a plurality of conversion tables respectively expressing relationship of a position on a display area and an enlargement ratio of an image, a judging unit judging entire motion of an image, a selection unit selecting any of the plurality of conversion tables based on a result of the judgment, and a conversion unit converting the image based on the conversion table selected by the selecting unit.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and a method of determining the regularity of a surface of an object under examination. The method includes receiving a three-dimensional phase image of the surface including a plurality of pixels, wherein the phase image can result from a multiple wavelength interferometric analysis of the surface. The method can further include the steps of determining a relative height of the pixels in response to the phase image of the surface, creating a statistical map of the surface in response to the relative height of the pixels, and determining the regularity of the surface of the object under examination in response to the statistical map of the surface. The system includes an interferometric apparatus connected to a controller, wherein the controller is adapted to perform one or more functions similar to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up objects including a robot for picking up an object, at least one part of the object having a curved shape, having a storing means for storing a gray gradient distribution model of the object, a recognizing means for recognizing a gray image of the object, a gradient extracting means for extracting a gray gradient distribution from the gray image recognized by the recognizing means, an object detecting means for detecting a position or position posture of the object in the gray image in accordance with the gray gradient distribution extracted by the gradient extracting means and the gray gradient distribution model stored by the storing means, a detection information converting means for converting information of the position or position posture detected by the object detecting means into information of position or position posture in a coordinate system regarding the robot; and a robot moving means for moving the robot to the position or position posture converted by the detection

Abstract: A card identifying apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention has a light-receiving portion that reads a card on a pixel basis of a predetermined area as a unit including color information having brightness, RAM that stores image data comprised of a plurality of pixels read by the light-receiving portion, an image data thinning processing section that makes the number of read pixels lower in another direction than in one direction to vary the number of pixels of the image data when the reading means reads the card, and an judgment processing section that identifies authentication of the card based on the image data varied by the image data thinning processing section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for updating map data, wherein each site on the map being associated with geographic data and at least one scene image captured at the site, the method comprising: at each site, collecting video data and geographic data representing the position of the site; extracting a distinctive region from the scene image which represents the site on the basis of a predetermined criterion, and associating the distinctive region with the site; extracting from the video data at least one image which is captured at the site on the basis of the position of the site; matching the distinctive region and the extracted image to generate matching results; and updating the scene image using the image matched with the distinctive region as a updated image, in the case of the matching results indicating that the map data need to be updated. With the present invention, map data can be updated quickly so as to provide users with the latest geographic information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for a multimodal biometric system utilizing a single image to generate hand shape and palmprint features. The invention utilizes a digital camera, and incorporates feature subset selection algorithms to eliminate redundant data. The inventions, through the use of feature algorithm, successfully fuses the hand shape features and palmprint features at the features level.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method of adjusting reference information for biometric authentication, comprises storing the reference information including reference biometric data and threshold values corresponding to a plurality of users, respectively, obtaining biometric data of a user by inputting biometric information of the user, calculating a matching ratio of the biometric data with the reference biometric data of each of the users, respectively, comparing the matching ratio of each of the users with the threshold value of each of the users, respectively, determining which of the matching ratios exceed the corresponding threshold values and adjusting the threshold values which are exceeded by the corresponding matching ratios so that all the matching ratios but the highest matching ratio become lower than the adjusted threshold values, respectively.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, includes: a transforming area setter, operable to set at least a part of an area of a target image as a transforming area; a transforming area divider, operable to arrange a plurality of dividing points in the transforming area and to divide the transforming area into a plurality of small areas by using a line connecting the dividing points; and a transforming processor, operable to move a position of at least one of the dividing points to transform at least one of the small areas, thereby transforming an image in the transforming area.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an imaging device, and image data representing an object scene captured by the imaging device is retained in an SDRAM. A CPU recognizes a facial image of a person from the retained image data. The CPU further specifies a partial background image being a background of a head of the person out of a background image of the person from the same image data on the basis of a recognition result of the facial image. Blurring processing is executed on the specified partial background image.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus comprises a first imaging device operable to capture an image feedback image, generator for generating a feedback image from a captured image for output to a display, a facial recognition unit operable to determine the position of a face within the feedback image, an image corruptor operable to corrupt the feedback image with respect to the position of a face within the feedback image as determined by the facial recognition unit, and an image capture initiator operable to initiate the capture of an output image subsequent to corruption of the feedback image.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a user in performing a work with a proper advice and support the user's work. An advice database stores advice data for supporting a user in performing a work. An advice selector selects advice data in accordance with the user's work from the advice database. An advice presenter presents the user with the advice data selected by the advice selector. A user status recognizer recognizes a reaction of the user to the advice data presented by the advice presenter. A user dependence estimator estimates a dependence degree of the user indicating how much the user relies on the presented advice data, based on the user's reaction recognized by the user status recognizer. The advice selector selects advice data in accordance with the user's dependence degree estimated by the user dependence estimator from the advice database.

Abstract: In a digital camera 1, when a shutter key is operated, a CPU 13 executes the shooting process (Step S103), extracts a face image from this shot image (Step S104), and judges whether the extracted face image is a face image registered in a face image registration table (Step S106). When judged that the registered face image is contained in the image which has just been shot, the CPU 13 turns ON an already-shot flag for the registered face image judged to be contained in the face image registration table (Step S107). Also, the CPU 13 detects a face image that has not been shot yet which is a registered face image for which the already-shot flag F is in the OFF state in the face image registration table (Step S108), and displays the detected face image that has not been shot yet in the display section 14 (Step S109).

Abstract: A collating system includes a storage section configured to store a reference fingers and palm print data of a reference fingerprint data and a reference palm print data, and a collating unit configured to collate the target fingers and palm print data and the reference fingers and palm print data. The reference fingers and palm print data have a same data configuration as that of a target fingers and palm print data.

Abstract: A fingerprint system (80) implements a fingerprint authentication method (20) for a user fingerprint image (UFI) based on a plurality of control fingerprint images (CFI). The method involves (S24) a detection of at least one control point within a user fingerprint image (UFI) and at least one control point within each control fingerprint image (CFI), (S26) a superimposing of the user fingerprint image (UFI) with each control fingerprint image (CFI) as a function of a movement of one or more control points within at least one the user fingerprint image and one or more control fingerprint images, and (S28) an authentication of the control fingerprint image (CFI) having the shortest superimposition distance with the user fingerprint image (UFI) as an identified fingerprint image (IFI).

Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to control electronic devices. When several of these finger motion and position sensors are aligned in different directions, finger motion over a two dimensional surface may be detected. This creates a finger controlled “mouse” computer input device. Motion of a finger along the surface of such sensors may allow a user to control the movement of an indicator on a display screen, and control a microprocessor device. Such techniques are particularly useful for small space constrained devices, such as cell phones, smart cards, music players, portable computers, personal digital accessories, and the like.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for displaying a volume image set. The method includes selecting an image hanging protocol and displaying one or more volume images based at least in part on the image hanging protocol. The image hanging protocol includes a rule set for displaying the one or more volume images based at least in part on a body part component. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for displaying a volume image set. The system includes a display device adapted to display one or more volume images based at least in part on an image hanging protocol. The image hanging protocol includes a rule set for displaying the one or more volume images based at least in part on a body part component.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing a medical image of an object in a reconstruction process, where image data is achieved by a medical imaging system by collecting a real measured projection image data of said object, in which method an antipriori component is deter-mined for modelling artifacts caused by the imaging system and/or reconstruction method. The antipriori component is used for attenuating said artifacts from the medical image of said object to be reconstructed in said reconstruction process.

Abstract: An improved system and method (i.e. utility) for segmentation of medical images is provided. The utility fits an estimated boundary on a structure of interest in an automated selection and lifting process. The estimated boundary may be a model boundary that is generated actual boundaries of like structures. In one arrangement, the boundaries may be selected based on the age and/or ethnicity of a patient. In further arrangements, narrow band processing is performed to estimate the actual boundary of the structure of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and systems for the analysis of imaging data, in particular, whole-animal imaging data acquired using microCT. Included in the invention are methods for registering and comparing test images to one or more reference images to identify and analyze anatomical features of interest. Also provided by the invention are methods and systems for efficient, semi-automatic and fully automatic methods for generating morphological statistics for anatomical features contained in imaging data. Libraries of images, including raw data acquired from imaging apparatuses as well as processed images, are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for optically scanning a sample (1). The device comprises an adjusting unit (2, 3) and a scanning device (4, 5) which comprises an optical unit (4) and a scanning unit (5). The inventive device also comprises a control arrangement (6) which controls the optical unit (4), the scanning unit (5) and the adjusting unit (2, 3). The sample (1) is displaced in relation to the scanning device (4, 5), or vice-versa, by means of the adjusting unit (2, 3) which is impinged upon by the control arrangement (6). As a result, individual images (7), which are obtained by means of the scanning device (4, 5) are assembled to make at least one global image in the control arrangement (6). According to the invention, the respectively detected individual image (7) is evaluated either partially or totally in relation to the contrast thereof, and the obtained contrast values (K) influence the functionality of the entire arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing adjustments of various parameters associated with the operation of charge-coupled devices adapted for use in biological analysis devices. Gate voltage signal applied to the CCDs can be adjusted to advantageously affect the manner in which charge is transferred from pixels. The manner in which transferred charges from the pixels are processed in a readout process can also be adjusted to advantageously change the speed of the CCD based detector. Various methods of performing such adjustments are disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method includes generating first and second spin populations within each of a plurality of pixels of a slice of an object. These spin populations have different phase histories. For each pixel, MRI signals from those spin populations are acquired at different times These MRI signals can then be used to determine a field strength difference between different pixels of the slice.

Abstract: In an X-ray CT image reconstruction method, position and size of a high X-ray absorber are determined by photographing a to-be-measured-target using high-energy X-rays, and performing the image reconstruction. Moreover, photographed data is computed which corresponds to a case where the high X-ray absorber is photographed using low-energy X-rays. Next, the to-be-measured-target is photographed using the low-energy X-rays. Furthermore, positions and sizes of low X-ray absorbers are determined by subtracting influence of the high X-ray absorber computed above from projection data which results from the photography using the low-energy X-rays. Finally, the positions and sizes of the high and low X-ray absorbers are synthesized on the reconstructed image.

Abstract: A method for detecting fetal anatomic features in ultrasound images includes providing an ultrasound image of a fetus, specifying an anatomic feature to be detected in a region S determined by parameter vector ?, providing a sequence of probabilistic boosting tree classifiers, each with a pre-specified height and number of nodes. Each classifier computes a posterior probability P(y|S) where y?{?1,+1}, with P(y=+1|S) representing a probability that region S contains the feature, and P(y=?1|S) representing a probability that region S contains background information. The feature is detected by uniformly sampling a parameter space of parameter vector ? using a first classifier with a sampling interval vector used for training said first classifier, and having each subsequent classifier classify positive samples identified by a preceding classifier using a smaller sampling interval vector used for training said preceding classifier.

Abstract: An improved method for reconstruction of medical images includes the acquisition of k-space data through MRI imaging. Subsequently, subsets of the k-space data are transformed into intermediate images by performing an inverse Fourier transform on selected sets. These intermediate images are saved to a PACS or other memory storage, and can be recalled later to reconstruct an image. By selecting various intermediate images, a user can vary both the spatial and temporal resolution of the reconstructed image after acquisition, thereby providing adaptive reconstruction of images without the need to acquire new data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for navigating on a vision plane (1) in a multidimensional image data set (8), wherein the intersection angle and degree of freedom (3, 6, 7) of the vision plane (1) displacement correspond to the degree of freedom of a sample (2) displacement, in particular an ultrasound transducer (2) during an interactive image producing examination.

Abstract: The invention relates to imaging systems that include a coded aperture detection system and an optical detection system. The coded aperture detection system is configured to detect radiation emitted by a radionuclide present within an object and to provide a first detector signal from the detected radiation. The optical detection system is configured to detect optical radiation from the object and to provide a second detector signal from the detected optical radiation. The system also includes a processor configured to prepare first image data from the first detector signal, second image data from the second detector signal, and registered data indicative of a spatial relationship in at least one dimension between the first and second image data. The invention also includes methods of using the new systems, e.g., for sentinel lymph node mapping and tissue resection.

Abstract: A method of detection and compensation for respiratory motion improves the registration between a 3D pre-operation image and X-ray images acquired during a cardiac intervention. By synchronizing the X-ray images with the electrocardiogram, the disclosed method thus eliminates the motion related to the heart cycle from these images, thus isolating the contribution of the respiratory motion. From this point, an algorithm is proposed capable of attributing the motion remaining in the radiography images to respiration. The algorithm also enables this motion to be detected and compensated for in order to obtain a registration between 3D cardiac images and radiography images.

Abstract: A radiographic film reading device is used in clinic dental diagnosis and treatment. The radiographic film reading device includes a film holder, a main body, a substrate and a backlight module. The film holder supports a radiographic film thereon. The main body has a receptacle for accommodating the film holder therein. The substrate is disposed inside the main body and has an optical sensor. The backlight module is disposed inside the main body for emitting a light beam from bottom to top. The light beam penetrates through the radiographic film and is then imaged onto the optical sensor of the substrate, so that the image of the radiographic film is processed into a digital form.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing system for an x-ray installation or such like having at least one image source, a plurality of computing units for processing different algorithms, at least one non-volatile storage and a data sink, with the image source, the plurality of computing units, the non-volatile storage and the data sink each being physically connected to at least one control unit operating as a circuit module in a physical network, as a result of which a star-shaped logical topology can be configured by the control unit.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphogenic features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: A method for modeling a time-variant appearance of a material is described. A sample analysis of a material sample is performed, wherein the sample analysis orders surface points of the material sample with respect to weathering from data captured at a single instant in time. An appearance synthesis using the sample analysis is performed, wherein the appearance synthesis generates a time-variant sequence of frames for weathering an object.

Abstract: An automatic optical inspection system includes a rotary device for driving an object to rotate. At least one line-scan camera is implemented for generating two-dimensional planar images of cylindrical surfaces of the object. A device for detecting defects is operable to generate the two-dimensional planar images of the cylindrical surfaces of the object according to a normalized grayscale absolute difference inspection method.