Abstract: A device includes: a reception unit that receives video image; an extraction unit that extracts the watermark patterns from the video image; a storage unit that stores an accumulated information pieces and a number of accumulation times; a calculation unit that calculates degrees of correlation between the accumulated information pieces and the watermark patterns; an accumulation unit that accumulates the watermark patterns in one of the accumulated information pieces having the degree of correlation that is larger than a threshold value and is the largest among the calculated degrees of correlation; a selection unit that selects a top N-pieces of the accumulated information pieces stored in the storage unit having largest number of the accumulation times, where N is a positive integer; and a watermark value calculation unit that obtains a digital watermark value from the accumulated information pieces selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: A facial expression recognition system that uses a face detection apparatus realizing efficient learning and high-speed detection processing based on ensemble learning when detecting an area representing a detection target and that is robust against shifts of face position included in images and capable of highly accurate expression recognition, and a learning method for the system, are provided. When learning data to be used by the face detection apparatus by Adaboost, processing to select high-performance weak hypotheses from all weak hypotheses, then generate new weak hypotheses from these high-performance weak hypotheses on the basis of statistical characteristics, and select one weak hypothesis having the highest discrimination performance from these weak hypotheses, is repeated to sequentially generate a weak hypothesis, and a final hypothesis is thus acquired.

Abstract: A method detects an object left-behind in a scene by updating a set of background models using a sequence of images acquired of the scene by a camera. Each background model is updated at a different temporal scales ranging from short term to long term. A foreground mask is determined from each background model after the updating for a particular image of the sequence. A motion image is updated from the set of foreground masks. In the motion, image, each pixel has an associated evidence value. The evidence values are compared with a evidence threshold to detect and signal an object left behind in the scene.

Abstract: An imaging device detects a face of a subject from an image in response to inputting of the image containing the subject, and generates face data related to the face. The imaging device generates face data management information managing the face data and controls recording of the input image, the generated face data and the face data management information on a recording unit with the input image mapped to the face data and the face data management information. The face data contains a plurality information components recorded in a predetermined recording order. The face data management information, in a data structure responsive to the recording order of the information components of the face data, contains a train of consecutively assigned bits. The information components are assigned predetermined flags in the recording order. Each flag represents the presence or absence of the information component corresponding to the flag in the face data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus such as a monitor system for executing image processing to present a suspicious object effectively. An object detecting unit detects an object contained in an image, an associating unit associates a plurality of objects detected with the object detecting unit, with each other, and an evaluating unit evaluates (e.g., evaluation as being suspicious) an object detected by the object detecting unit, and an association evaluating unit evaluates another object associated by the associating unit with the object evaluated by the evaluating unit, in accordance with the evaluation made by the evaluating unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for estimating range of the objects in the images from various distances. The method comprises receiving a set of images of the scene having multiple objects from at least one camera in motion. Due to the motion of the camera, each of the images are obtained at different camera locations Then an object visible in multiple images is selected. Data related to approximate camera positions and orientations and the images of the visible object are used to estimate the location of the object relative to a reference coordinate system. Based on the computed data, a projected location of the visible object is computed and the orientation angle of the camera for each image is refined. Additionally, pairs of cameras with various locations can then be chosen to obtain dense stereo for regions of the image at various ranges.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for grading of meat such as bovine, porcine, sheep, horse or poultry meat among others. The device of this invention corresponds to a portable tool, which is approached to meat specimens to be analyzed, and captures an image. The tool then objectively relates the image to meat quality parameters by means of an image analyzing method. The present invention solves in a practical, fast and satisfactory way the problem of determining meat quality parameters such as texture, color, and contained intramuscular fat percentage.

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, a pixel data increasing/decreasing processing section that increases/decreases the number of pixels of the image data, and card identifying means for identifying authentication of the card based on the image data increased/decreased by the pixel data increasing/decreasing processing section.

Abstract: A document processing system and method for using image quality to sort documents. The document processing system comprises: a document sorting system that designates a destination pocket for each document based on data gathered from each document; a document imaging system that captures an image of each document; and an image quality analysis system that analyzes each image and causes any document having an unacceptable image to be redirected to an unacceptable destination pocket.

Abstract: An agile illumination apparatus for use in biometric authentication is disclosed. A controlled spot flash strobe forms and focuses a narrow illuminating beam so as to cover an area of interest for a biometric authentication of a target with a spot of light of constant size regardless of a distance of the target from the controlled spot flash strobe. A positioner can then be utilized to steer the narrow illuminating beam to a target in a monitored space. The spot size is kept constant and its irradiance distribution is kept uniform in order to deliver a constant amount of energy to the target irrespective of the distance, wherein the controlled spot flash strobe automatically reduces its power as the target moves closer to the controlled spot flash strobe in order to maintain a constant exposure value and provide for enhanced biometric authentication of the target.

Abstract: A biometric authentication system includes: an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of a living body; a light source with a predetermined wavelength band; an authentication information storage unit for, if light is emitted by the light source, setting a predetermined distance for a first distance to a first image acquired by the image acquisition unit in a depth direction so that quality of the first image is improved, extracting a first feature to be used to perform biometric authentication from the first image whose quality has been improved, and storing authentication information regarding the first feature; a feature extraction unit for, if light is emitted by the light source when performing authentication, setting the predetermined distance for a second distance to a second image acquired by the image acquisition unit in the depth direction so that quality of the second image is improved, and extracting a second feature for biometric authentication from the second image whose quality has been i

Abstract: A method, system, computer-readable medium and data structure are provided for processing image data in connection with image recognition. A response of an image (FIG. 6 element 210) to a basis tensor can be determined after the image is applied thereto. The image response can be flattened (FIG. 6 element 220). A coefficient vector may be extracted from the image response (FIG. 6 element 230). The extracted coefficient vector may be compared to a plurality of different parameters stored in coefficient rows of a matrix (FIG. 6 element 240).

Abstract: An occlusion detection system and method include a decomposer configured to decompose an image into a set of hierarchical parts. A hierarchy of classifiers is employed to detect features in the image and the hierarchical parts. A logical operation is configured to logically combine a classification result from at least two of the classifiers to detect an occlusion state of the image.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for generating a database indicating mapping between characters and the characters' face images, includes a list generating unit for generating a list of characters, appearing in a video content, based on metadata of the video content, a detecting unit for detecting a character's face image from the video content, a model generating unit for generating a feature quantity model indicating a feature of the detected character's face image and a mapping unit for mapping the feature quantity model generated based on the video content to a character contained in the character list.

Abstract: Disclosed is a face recognition apparatus for previously registering a face image of a person, receiving a moving image in which face identification is intended to be performed, and performing face recognition in the received moving image. The apparatus includes the following elements. A face registration unit registers the face of a person as an image. A face detection unit detects a face in a frame of an input moving image. A face tracking unit tracks the detected face in frames of the input moving image. A face identification unit compares the detected face, which is being tracked by the face tracking unit, with the registered face registered in the face registration unit to identify the face. A stabilization unit stabilizes the result of face identification by the face identification unit.

Abstract: An image of at least one object (14) is captured. An object class selection is received from a menu (70) of a plurality of object classes. At least one task menu, specific to the object class selection is provided. A task selection is received from the at least one task menu. A task associated with the at least one object (14) is facilitated based on the image and the task selection.

Abstract: A fingerprint identification apparatus includes at least three light sources, a light guide, a camera module and a processor. The light guide has a top and a bottom surfaces and at least three side surfaces. The top surface serves as a fingerprint contacting surface, each of the side surfaces has a first curved portion, the bottom surface has a second curved portion. Each of the first curved portions is opposite to the respective light sources and configured for converging the light beams emitted from thereof onto the top surface for illuminating a fingerprint thereon. The camera module aligns and cooperates with the second curved portion for capturing and converting an optical image of the fingerprint into electronic image associated with the fingerprint. The processor is configured for receiving and comparing the electronic image associated with the fingerprint with pre-stored electronic images of fingerprints to verify the fingerprint.

Abstract: The apparatus enables a user to recognize the way he is moving his finger with respect to, for example, a sweep-type fingerprint sensor so that the user can easily and surely learn an appropriate way the finger (body part) should be moved. A velocity detecting means detects a velocity at which the body part moves with respect to a sensor, and an image generating means generates an arbitrary pattern, of which a portion corresponding to a position where the body part is located when the movement velocity is detected is altered according to the detected movement velocity, and the generated pattern is shown on a display.

Abstract: The invention relates to the recognition of fingerprints, and more particularly to the recognition on the basis of an elongate strip-shaped sensor of detectors capable of detecting the ridges and valleys of fingerprints during the relative scrolling of a finger with respect to the sensor substantially perpendicularly to the direction of elongation of the strip. To improve the security of recognition, provision is made for a scrolling of the finger in two opposite directions and for a verification that the image deformation between the two directions corresponds to a normal deformation having regard to the natural plasticity of the skin.

Abstract: A system to navigate an image-guided object traveling in an area of interest of an imaged subject in relation to an acquired image of the imaged subject as created by an imaging system is provided. The system includes a navigation system to track movement of the object in the imaged subject in spatial relation to a navigation coordinate system, and a controller. The controller is operable in detecting an image of the object in the at least one image of the imaged subject, calculating a spatial relation between the location of the image of the object and a tracked location of the object, and modifying the spatial relation of the image coordinate system relative to the navigation coordinate system so as to reduce the difference between the location of the image of the object and the tracked location of the object by the navigation system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for radiological imaging including: receiving a set of image data, the image data further including information corresponding to at least one functional portion of a patient; identifying the information corresponding to the at least one functional portion of the patient; and grouping the information corresponding to the at least one functional portion of the patient into a group. In an embodiment, the method is performable substantially automatically. In an embodiment, the method further includes enhancing at least a portion of the group. In an embodiment, the enhancing at least a portion of the group is performable automatically. In an embodiment, the enhancing at least a portion of the group is performable manually. In an embodiment, the enhancing at least a portion of the group includes at least one of: applying a look up table; applying a window level; applying an algorithm; and applying a filter.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an interactive diagnostic display system comprises a database, a digital data processing device, and a display. The database includes: (1) diagnostic data based on measurements of one or more characteristics of a patient's body; (2) denoising algorithms, each corresponding to a value of a denoising parameter; and (3) enhancement algorithms, each corresponding to a value of an enhancement parameter.

Abstract: An object region extracting process for extracting an object region of interest from an image is automated to the maximum possible extent to improve user-friendliness. In this process, an arbitrary point is set in the object region of interest, and a presence area, which is likely to contain the entire object region of interest, is determined in the image using the set arbitrary point and a possible size of the object region of interest. Then, the object region of interest is extracted from the image based on the set arbitrary point and at least one point outside the determined presence area.

Abstract: A method of augmenting sight in an individual. The method comprises obtaining an image of a scene using a camera carried by the individual; transmitting the obtained image to a processor carried by the individual; selecting an image modification to be applied to the image by the processor; operating upon the image to create a modified image using either analog or digital imaging techniques, and displaying the modified image on a display device worn by the individual. The invention also relates to an apparatus augmenting sight in an individual. The apparatus comprises a camera, carried by the individual, for obtaining an image of a scene viewed by the individual; a display carried by the individual; an image modification input device carried by the individual; and a processor, carried by the individual. The processor modifies the image and displays the modified image on the display carried by the individual.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting, tracking and registering a device within a tubular organ of a subject. The devices include guide wire tip or therapeutic devices, and the detection and tracking uses fluoroscopic images taken prior to or during a catheterization operation. The devices are fused with images or projections of models depicting the tubular organs.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for hierarchical registration (102) between a blood vessel and tissue surface model (100) for a subject and a blood vessel and tissue surface image for the subject are disclosed. According to one method, hierarchical registration of a vascular model to a vascular image is provided. According to the method, a cascular model is mapped to a target image using a global rigid transformation to produce a global-rigid-transformed model. Piecewise rigid transformations are applied in a hierarchical manner to each vessel tree in the global-rigid-transformed model to perform a piecewise-rigid-transformed model. Piecewise deformable transformations are applied to branches in the vascular tree in the piecewise-transformed-model to produce a piecewise-deformable-transformed model.

Abstract: Generating at least one view (420) of a portion of a computed tomography image includes selecting (310) a seed point (410) for a structure of interest within the image, pre-processing (320) a region of interest surrounding the seed point, estimating (325) at least one inertia axis for the region of interest, and generating (345) the at least one view from one or more of three planes that include the seed point and are orthogonal to each axis of inertia.

Abstract: A provisional three-dimensional reconstruction of an examination object is determined based on two-dimensional original projection images. Provisional metal volumes are determined on the reconstruction by segmentation and mapped into the original projection images to define provisional metal areas. Edge points on edge zones of the provisional metal areas are selected. Data values of the original projection images within the provisional metal areas are modified as a function of data values of the selected edge points to determine modified projection images. Differential images are determined based on the original projection images and the corresponding modified projection images. Definitive metal areas are determined in the differential images by segmentation. The differential images are added to the modified projection images with the definitive metal areas deducted.

Abstract: A method and system for leading macromolecule substances into target cells includes an image picking unit, an image merging unit, an injection unit, and an energy conversion module. The image picking unit is used for picking up the three-dimensional (3D) and the 3D blood vessel photographic images of the tissue or organ where the target cells locate. The image merging unit is used for merging the 3D structure images into the 3D blood vessel photographic images, therefore choosing a blood vessel passage fully covering the target cells for transmitting the macromolecule substances. The injection unit is used for injecting liquid and transmitting the macromolecule substances to the target cells. The energy conversion module is used for exerting energy to activate the liquid to perform biological effects, thereby forming non-permanent holes in the cell membranes of the target cells. The macromolecule substances enter into the target cells through the non-permanent holes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for resolving misregistration errors resulting from dual energy double-shot projection radiographic image acquisition. The method involves an iterative multi-scale, multi-resolution registration process that corrects misregistration errors progressively at scales ranging from bulk anatomical drift down to smaller scale motion such as that of fine pulmonary vasculature. The method may be incorporated as part of a dual energy image processing chain to create dual energy images with improved image quality and diagnostic performance.

Abstract: A protein crystal detecting method for detecting a protein crystal in protein solution held in a crystallizing container, wherein layer images are obtained by imaging cross sections of a protein solution, a crystal feature image for each layer is created by extracting a feature portion of a protein crystal from the layer images, judgment parameters such as a representative number of pixels representing the number of pixels of the layer image showing the largest feature portions, a representative average number of pixels for each label, and a layer-to-layer rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for determination of a change in a cell population, as well as a method for using said method and system for estimating a quality measure of embryos and for selecting embryos for in vitro fertilisation, said method comprising the steps of sequentially acquiring at least two images of the cell population, comparing at least a part of the at least two images obtaining at least one difference image, computing a parameter from the at least one difference image, based on said computed parameter determining whether a change has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention provides enhanced processing of Check 21 items using an electronic payment system (EPS) to capture metadata instructions. The metadata includes instructions regarding an intended payment to a payee, and can be generated through a truncation process and optical character recognition, directly from a digitally originated check, and the like. The metadata is stored in a database or the like for further processing instead of printing a paper check. In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a capability to print Image Replacement Documents (IRDs) compliant to Check 21 regulations from the metadata. Further, these IRDs can include enhanced features as described herein.

Abstract: An image pickup section 3 picks up an inspection object and produces captured image information. An image acquisition section 4 produces an image of the inspection object based on the picked-up image information. A defect-extracting section 5 using the produced image extracts defects on the inspection object. A defects inspection section 6 upon inspecting the extracted defects produces inspection outcomes based on inspection conditions. A substrate inspection-result-producing section 10 upon weighing the inspection result obtained based on the defect-related information and each inspection condition integrates the inspection results obtained based on the inspection conditions. This provides a defect inspection apparatus and defect inspection method that can facilitate a quality check of the substrate and improve throughput of a manufacturing procedure.

Abstract: A method and implementing computer system are provided for enabling a user to paint a surface a desired final color while using a paint, the color of which appears in raw form different from the desired final color for the painted surface. In an exemplary embodiment, a tile painting application is illustrated and includes a camera arranged to take an image of a bisque tile. When a user applies a glaze to the tile, the camera-computer system analyzes the glaze color among other factors affecting the painting process and an image showing a final color of the tile after firing is presented on the display of the computer system such that by looking at the computer screen, the user is able to see the actual final color of the tile after firing while applying the initial glaze to the bisque tile before firing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mask inspection method that can be used for the design and production of masks, in order to detect relevant weak points early on and to correct the same. According to said method for mask inspection, an aerial image simulation, preferably an all-over aerial image simulation, is carried out on the basis of the mask design converted into a mask layout, in order to determine a list of hot spots. The mask/test mask is analysed by means of an AIMS tool, whereby real aerial images are produced and compared with the simulated aerial images. The determined differences between the aerial images are used to improve the mask design. The inventive arrangement enables a method to be carried out for mask inspection for mask design and mask production. The use of the AIMS tool directly in the mask production process essentially accelerates the mask production, while reducing the error rate and cost.

Abstract: A system of synthesizing layout patterns to test an optical proximity correction algorithm. The method comprises the steps of: embodying Walsh patterns in a set of Walsh pattern matrices; processing groups of matrices from the set of Walsh pattern matrices to form a set of test matrices; mapping the set of test matrices to a test pattern set.

Abstract: A method for detecting defects in camera modules is provided. The method includes the following: an image is acquired from the camera module; a comparison formula and a standard value of defect luminance are set; the image is divided into many test regions; the corresponding reference regions are then plotted out; a test region is selected, and a reference region is confirmed correspondingly; averages of gray scale values of the selected test region and the confirmed reference region are calculated; a defect luminance of the selected test region is calculated; the calculated defect luminance is compared with the standard value for confirming whether the camera module is of satisfactory quality. A related system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of coalescing information about inspected objects. The method includes acquiring an image set of an object to be inspected, the image set having a three-dimensional model of the object and a plurality of two-dimensional images of the object. A location of interest is identified on a surface of the modeled object and global coordinate points of the three-dimensional model are designated that characterize the location of interest of the modeled object. A markup tag annotating the location of interest is associate with the designated global coordinate points of the three-dimensional model, and the markup tag is conveyed when viewing any one of the plurality of two-dimensional images of the image set that have at least one image point that correlates to a corresponding designated global coordinate point of the three-dimensional model that characterize the location of interest.

Abstract: A method of using a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for interactive virtual inspection of modeled objects. The method includes acquiring a three-dimensional model of a modeled object and displaying a first view of the modeled object for a user to identify locations of interest on a surface of the modeled object visible within the first view. The user enters information to create a markup tag that annotates the location of interest, and the markup tag is automatically associated with the location of interest on the modeled object. A second view of the modeled object is displayed including the user identified location of interest and the markup tag.

Abstract: A robotic tattoo application and tattoo removal methods and systems are described. This technology involves the use of a robotic system guided by control of a graphics capable computer in order to perform various types, including artistic, recreational, cosmetic, or therapeutic tattooing, or tattoo removal.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object imaging device comprises a compound-eye imaging unit and an image reconstructing unit for reconstructing an image of a three-dimensional object based on multiple unit images captured by the imaging unit. Based on the unit images obtained by the imaging unit, the image reconstructing unit calculates a distance (hereafter “pixel distance”) between the object and the imaging unit for each pixel forming the unit images, and rearranges the unit images pixel-by-pixel on a plane at the pixel distance to create a reconstructed image. Preferably, the image reconstructing unit sums a high-frequency component reconstructed image created from the multiple unit images with a lower noise low-frequency component unit image selected from low-frequency component unit images created from the multiple unit images so as to form a reconstructed image of the three-dimensional object. This makes it possible to obtain a reconstructed image with high definition easily by a simple process.

Abstract: The purpose is to execute the matching of a data after state change from a data before state change, or the matching of a data before state change from a data after state change. The component analyzing unit realized by software analyzes an input data by using a configuration component of a selected state-specific database and sends the configuration component coefficient to the component coefficient conversion unit. The component coefficient conversion unit converts the sent configuration component coefficient into the configuration component coefficient corresponding to the state-specific database which is not selected and sends it to the state change data generation unit. The state change data generation unit generates the state change data by using the sent configuration component coefficient and the configuration component of the corresponding state-specific database. The matching unit matches the state change data and the registration data accumulated in the matching data accumulating unit.

Abstract: An image processing device, an image processing method, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded, which can accurately identify a plurality of regions included in an image by integrating the background difference method and the color detection method, are provided. First, background image data including only background region 1 imaged by a camera 3 is obtained. Then, the coordinates of the pixels of the background image data and the color gradation values of the pixels are structured and stored in a structured data storage section 13 to form a background color region. Next, input image data including the background region 1 and object regions 2 imaged by the camera 3 is obtained. Then, distances between the color gradation values of the pixels and the background color region in a identification space are calculated in a class identification section 14.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the processing of frame buffer data, such as color buffer data, in graphics processing applications. Although more generally applicable, these methods and apparatus are particularly useful in real-time, polygon-based, 3D rendering applications. An exemplary method for processing graphics data according to one or more embodiments of the invention begins with the retrieval, from a buffer, of pixel values corresponding to a tile of two or more pixels, and with the updating of one or more of those updated pixel values. The updated pixel values are selectively compressed using a lossy compression operation or a lossless compression operation, based on an accumulated error metric value for the tile. If lossy compression is used, then the accumulated error metric value for the tile is updated; in either event, the compressed pixel values are stored in the frame buffer for further processing.

Abstract: In conventional technology, it is likely that good image quality cannot be obtained because various image processing such as color processing or halftone processing (dithering processing and error diffusion processing, for example) which differs from desired processing is executed in the trapping processing or black overprint processing. The present invention has an object of obtaining desire good image quality in the trapping processing or black overprint processing, and is characterized by having a means for or a step of generating attribute information for each color plate before or during the image transforming processing.

Abstract: An image processing method for converting a first image, which is expressed in a calorimetric system made up of a plurality of color components and is constituted of a plurality of pixels each holding color information corresponding to a single color component, to a second image constituted with a plurality of pixels all holding color information corresponding to at least one common color component, includes: a color difference information generation step in which color difference information is generated by using color information in the first image; a color gradient analysis step in which a color gradient indicating an extent of color change is determined based upon the color difference information having been generated; and an image conversion step in which the first image is converted to the second image based upon the color gradient having been determined.

Abstract: A method and system for determining histograms and histogram appearances from small data samples. The method and system determine relevant histogram appearances (i.e., bin frequency lists) for uniform bin width sample histograms, exactly determine error minimizing histogram density estimators and determine histogram appearance reversals and mode inversions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for subdividing the road pattern in digital road maps into segments, in which, starting from the digital road maps in which the road pattern is subdivided into successive segments, new segment borders are established via new segment starting points and segment end points, by selecting the segment starting points and the segment end points in such a way that the shape of the segments between the segment starting points and the segment end points does not change. The invention also relates to the computation of the road pattern with the aid of digital road maps, in which the road is subdivided into successive segments, to each of which one segment starting point and one segment end point is assigned.

Abstract: A method for segmenting at least a pair of regions of an image, such method comprising: obtaining data of the image; computing watersheds of the image from intensity gradients of such image data; extracting a watershed region adjacency graph from the computed watersheds, such graph comprising a plurality of nodes corresponding to the watersheds and node interconnecting edges; assigning weights to the interconnecting edges; identifying each of the pair of regions in the image; identifying the nodes corresponding to the pair of identified regions in the adjacency graph; applying constrained graph-partitioning in the adjacency graph using the edge-weights to label unmarked nodes corresponding to each one of the pair of regions; and extrapolating the obtained label nodes on the graph to the image to segment each one of the pair of regions of the image.