Abstract: Systems for segmenting an image based on perceptual information and methods for making and using same. According to one embodiment, input channels from an image are derived and analyzed by heuristic metrics to create categorical estimates. Examples of categorical estimates include a foreground channel estimate and a background channel estimate. Once created, the categorical estimates are merged to create a final channel estimate. The final channel estimate may represent the foreground or background of an image. Optionally, noise removal will also be conducted to improve the segmentation.

Abstract: A system for improved display of tuned multi-scaled regions of an image with local and global control and methods for making and using same. To assist the novice user of image processing tool, less input parameters should be required. Further, it will assist the user if results are diplayed in a shorter period of time. Utilizing a hierarchical bottom-up approach provides for the advantage of being able to utilize intermediate results to gather more details. The systems and methods disclosed provide for the grouping of contiguous pixels which have similar properties. Further, the disclosed embodiments provide for the user the ability to see all levels of detail of segmentation either globally or locally. The scale-space is tuned to the information in the image.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the silhouette of an object in an image against a fairly plain background. The method performs initial processing to create small regions of pixels in the image that have the same grey level value. Modifying the grey level values in these regions by setting the grey level value equal to the number of pixels in the region and then performing a threshold operation aids in defining a coarse boundary of the object. Analyzing grey level values of pixels in the image external to the object defines the coarse boundary. Analyzing grey level values of pixels in the image internal to the object defines the silhouette. Additional processing steps in the method help to further define the silhouette. Steps of the method can be repeated to further refine the shape of the silhouette. The invention does not require the detection of edges, in fact it is considered to be independent of the original grey level values of pixels in the image being processed.

Abstract: A computer program product includes machine readable instructions for providing enhanced video output by: receiving footage including likeness information in a plurality of modalities; demultiplexing the plurality of modalities to provide information for each modality; comparing information from at least two of the modalities for determining a correlation in the likeness information; using the correlation, obtaining semantic information for association with the likeness; and combining the semantic information with the likeness information for providing the enhanced video output. A system for implementing the computer program product includes resources for receiving the footage.

Abstract: An object recognition apparatus sets each of keypoints extracted from a typical image and one of keypoints extracted from an input image, having scale invariant features similar to each other, as a typical corresponding point and an object corresponding point matching with each other, and produces a position vector directed from a typical reference point of the typical image to each typical keypoint. The apparatus determines a position of an object reference point in the input image from a position of each object corresponding point and the vector of the typical corresponding point matching with the object corresponding point. When the positions of the object reference point are concentrated, the apparatus judges that an object picture having the object corresponding points in the input image matches with the typical image, and the apparatus recognizes the picture as an object indicated by the typical image.

Abstract: A Support Vector Machine (110) with a Q-Metric kernel function computer (112) is provided. The Support Vector Machine (110) exhibits improved performance for classification and regression. Pattern recognition systems (100,900) that use the Support Vector Machine (110) are also provided. A Differential Evolution method of training a Support Vector Machine is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing image data include a plurality of core encoders for receiving a respective plurality of streams of data in parallel and for compressing the received data, a plurality of output buffers for respectively receiving the compressed data from each of the plurality of core encoders, and a recombination circuit for recombining the compressed data.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus determines an image frame to extract as a reference image frame from a plurality of image frames constituting a moving image, using a histogram, for example, and generates a reference image data file. An encoder unit encodes the plurality of image frames after reducing the resolution thereof, and generates an encoded moving image data file. A list associating the reference image frame with information specifying the corresponding reference image data file is generated with a content information list generating unit. The reference image data file, the encoded moving image data file and the list are then recorded.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an encoder, a decoder, and a display unit. The encoder performs scalable encoding to encode input image data to obtain code data to be stored in a storage unit. The decoder decodes the code data stored in the storage unit to obtain decoded image data. The display unit displays an image based on the decoded image data, and receives an instruction to output the image. The image is output in response to the instruction. The decoder decodes only subcode data which is part of the code data.

Abstract: A method and encoder for compressing a video signal inserts at least one non-referenced frame to coincide with a duration of a flash on detecting the flash in the video signal. On detecting a fade in the video signal, an order in which frames are coded is changed such that referenced frames are positioned immediately before and after the fade and a pyramidal structure of bidirectionally coded frames are used for the duration of the fade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for encoding a digital image, in which method the digital image is divided into blocks (C, L, U, UL, UR). In the method a spatial prediction for a block (C) is performed to reduce the amount of information to be transmitted, wherein at least one prediction method (P1-P13) is defined. In the method a classification is determined for at least one neighbouring block (L, U) of said block (C) to be predicted according to the contents of the neighbouring block (L, U), and a prediction method (P1-P13) is selected for the current block (C) on the basis of at least one classification.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for encoding and decoding an image. In the encoding method, a residual block of a current block is transformed using a predicted block of the current block so as to increase the spatial correlation among residual values, and DCT is performed on the transformed residual block, thus improving the efficiency of transforming a block having a region that is difficult to precisely predict.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the present invention, a context-based denoiser is applied to each noisy-image symbol embedded within a context to determine a replacement symbol for the noisy-signal symbol. The context-based denoiser includes a context-modeling component that efficiently generates context classes and symbol-prediction classes, assigns individual contexts to context classes and symbol-prediction classes, collects symbol-occurrence statistics related to the generated context classes and symbol-prediction classes, and, optionally, generates noisy-symbol predictions.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for determining one or more symmetries in an image comprising a plurality of pixels. A symmetry value may be automatically determined for each of the plurality of pixels. The symmetry value may indicate the strength of one or more symmetries in the image for the respective pixel. The symmetry value may be stored for each of the pixels.

Abstract: A method of performing non-linear transformation of a digital image for contrast modification. The original video input is compared to a linear transformation with gain and offset; and, the differential ? multiplied by a factor m obtained from a look-up table and the product m? added to the original input to obtain the output video.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: a first smoothing unit calculating, regarding multiple positions along a first direction in a neighbor region of a predetermined pixel of interest in an input image, a first-stage smoothing value wherein pixel values have been smoothed along a second direction differing from the first, for a first channel; a second smoothing unit calculating, regarding multiple positions along the first direction in the neighbor region, a first-stage smoothing value wherein pixel values have been smoothed along the second direction, for a second channel; an intensity estimating unit estimating the intensity of the first-stage smoothing value of the second channel, based on the first-stage smoothing values of the first and second channels; and a third smoothing unit calculating a second-stage smoothing value for the second channel, the first-stage smoothing value of the second channel intensity-estimated by the intensity estimating unit having been smoothed along the first direction.

Abstract: Techniques for managing video stream data and portions of video stream data are disclosed. In particular, the present invention enables the user to match portions of video streams against stored, previously characterized video streams using Canny edge detection filtering coupled with Hu invariant third moments of those edges. According to one aspect of the present invention, the video stream data is encoded with the following technique, which selects specific frames from the video stream, finds the edges of objects within these selected frames using Canny edge detection, separates each edge into a distinct object, calculates Hu invariant third moments for each edge, and stores each edge together with the video stream and frame identification and it's Hu invariant third moments in a database for later comparison. Similar encoding can then be performed for a query video stream to compare against the previously identified video streams stored in the database to identify a unique video stream.

Abstract: A system and method that adjusts the strength of a de-blocking filter to remove block artifacts in compressed video is disclosed. Block artifacts are associated with the block-based image/video compression techniques. The block artifacts deteriorate the quality of compressed image and video, especially at low bit rates. A de-blocking method estimates the strength of the block artifacts at each block boundary either directly from the MPEG decoder or from a measurement process or both, and adjusts the de-blocking parameters accordingly. An additional block content analysis improves the performance of the overall de-blocking process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic contrast enhancement is provided. The apparatus at least comprises a histogram calculator, a low-pass filter, a blending unit and a luma remapper. By means of blending a content-based histogram with a user-defined histogram, the invention solves a problem that the mean luma value is shifted too much due to a drastic adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for processing image data to accomplish tuning or adjustment of images, so as to modify at least the darkness thereof, using compact, efficient methods and designs.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses, including computer program products, are provided for re-layout of composite images. In some implementations, a method includes identifying geometric transformations corresponding to multiple images from a collection of images, where a geometric transformation reorients a corresponding image in relation to a common reference frame when applied and identifying a reference image for the multiple images in the collection of images. The method also includes determining overlapping image regions for the multiple images starting from the reference image, the determining based on the identified geometric transformations, determining additional transformations of a specified type for the multiple images based on the overlapping image regions, where an additional transformation lays out a corresponding image in relation to the reference image when applied, and making the additional transformations available for further processing and output with respect to the collection of images.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing three-dimensional, plural views of images from two dimensional image data. The method includes: obtaining two-dimensional, stereo digital data from images of an object; processing the digital data to generate an initial three-dimensional candidate of the object, such process using projective geometric constraints imposed on edge points of the object; refining the initial candidate comprising examining spatial coherency of neighboring edge points along a surface of the candidate.

Abstract: A high-resolution remote sensing image is processed through a true ortho-rectification. A totally new idea of H-buffer is provided to store heights of objects on the ground. The ortho-rectification includes a hidden analysis, a hidden detection and a hidden compensation. The process uses polygon patch of a building or a roadway as process unit. In the end, seam lines after hidden compensation are smoothed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating a depth map from a digital monoscopic color image. The method includes the following general steps: a) obtaining a first color component of the MCI, said first color component corresponding to partial color information of the MCI; and, b) assigning depth values to pixels of the MCI based on values of the first color component of respective pixels for forming the depth map for the MCI. In one embodiment, the depth values are generated by adjusting and/or scaling of pixel values of the Cr chroma component of the monoscopic source color image in the Y?CbCr color system.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: an interpolation unit configured to perform interpolation along each of a plurality of directions in a neighbor region of a predetermined pixel of interest in an input image, and generate interpolation values for each; a chroma signal alias intensity calculating unit configured to calculate alias intensities of chroma signals from interpolation values of each of the plurality of directions from the interpolation unit; and a direction evaluation unit configured to generate evaluation values corresponding to each of the plurality of directions, based on the alias intensity of each of the chroma signals of the plurality of directions from the chroma signal alias intensity calculating unit.

Abstract: An image processing method and system for a multi-sensor network camera. The method and system including generating a plurality of full resolution images in Bayer array format (Bayer images) produced by a plurality of image sensors; interpolating a plurality of low resolution Bayer images from the full resolution Bayer images during the readout of the full resolution images from the sensors, storing the full resolution Bayer images and the interpolated low resolution images in a plurality of buffer memories, respectively and without demosaicing the full resolution Bayer images, during the readout of the full resolution Bayer images from the image sensors, by respective plurality of pre-processors; demosaicing the plurality of low resolution Bayer images to generate a corresponding plurality of low resolution demosaiced images, by an image post processor; and transmitting the plurality of low resolution demosaiced images over a computer network to a user for viewing.

Abstract: In a first image processing apparatus, a first image processing unit 104 applies image processing to video content stored in a first storage unit. At this time, the first image processing unit stores information relating to detail and progress of the applied image processing in an image processing information storage unit as image processing information. In a case in which the first image processing unit interrupts the image processing being applied and the interrupted image processing is taken over and executed by a second image processing apparatus, the partially processed video content and the corresponding image processing information are transferred to the second image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A data capture and mining method which enables identification of characters and words through their visible patterns. Specifically, a data capture and mining method involves searching a scanned image using isomorphic, graphical pattern matching techniques that eliminate both the need to convert imaged writing to electronic format through, e.g., OCR and the subsequent need to convert the electronic text into English.

Abstract: When retrieving an image from an archive of stored images that is similar to an inputted image, an image-processing apparatus (200) extracts more than one characteristic point from the inputted image (S504), computes a characteristic amount for the characteristic points thus extracted (S505), and evaluates the fluctuation in the characteristic amount when a prescribed alteration is applied to the inputted image (S506). The image-processing apparatus selects a characteristic point from among the characteristic points thus extracted from the inputted image, and retrieves (S508) a stored image that is similar to the inputted image, in accordance with the characteristic amount of the characteristic point thus selected.

Abstract: Enhanced image data is stored, and medical image data contained in the enhanced image data and a screen for creating an interpretation report are displayed on a monitor. In response to a linking operation, link data containing image specification information specifying medical image data to link in the enhanced image data is generated and included into data of the interpretation report. In response to an operation of requesting linked medical image, based on the link data, medical image data indicated by the image specification information within the enhanced image data is specified from the enhanced image data, and the specified medical image data is outputted to a requesting destination of the linked medical image. Thus, a link can be set to medical image data that is one data element within enhanced image data, and only a linked data row can be extracted and read from the enhanced image data.

Abstract: A reference image and features of the reference image are stored in a hash table in such a manner that the reference image and the features are related to each other. A storage region of the hash table is divided into a plurality of divided regions, and each divided region is related to a storage condition under which a reference image is stored in the divided region. When a reference image is stored in the hash table, a storage region where the reference image is to be stored is selected out of the plurality of divided regions in accordance with the storage condition. This allows shortening a time for updating a reference image, and reducing a workload on means for updating the reference image.

Abstract: An image scanning section 2 scans an information medium and inputs an image. An identification section 64 calculates a size of the information medium from the inputted image and identifies a type of the information medium. Alternatively, a reading section 8 reads identification information from an IC tag of the information medium. The identification section 64 identifies the type of the information medium based on the identification information. A position of a unique image representing personal information has been determined depending on the information medium. An area determination section 63 determines the unique image with respect to the information medium, and determines a position of a specific area in which the unique image exists in the inputted image. When a control section 7 confirms that a copy instruction has been given from an administrator, the control section 7 sets the specific area to be masked depending on a security level of the unique image.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for waste disposal. A disposal bag may be configured to receive waste, wherein the bag is wearable. The disposal bag may include a frame associated with the bag at an opening, the frame being configured to enable a user to close the bag in a single-handed operation when opposing sides of the frame are brought into contact with one another and a sealing facility disposed on the frame for providing a resealable closure of the bag when opposing sides of the frame are brought into contact with one another.

Abstract: A trash bag supporting apparatus comprises a support ring having a circular cylindrical interior surface extending at a predetermined angle for receiving the openable end of a trash bag therethrough with the trash bag draped around the surface. A pressure ring has a circular cylindrical exterior surface extending at the same angle as the surface of the support ring for securing the trash bag in an open configuration and for preventing the trash bag from falling through the support ring upon the receipt of trash therein.

Abstract: A reclosable container with a slider arranged to open and close interlockable profiles on the mouth of the container. The profiles are fixed together at one end but are separable at the other end to allow a gusset to fold outwardly to form a pour spout.

Abstract: A stand-up flexible pouch for packaging a product and a method of forming and filling the pouch is provided. The pouch includes a panel forming a body of the pouch using a flexible material having an inner surface and an outer surface. A rib is integrally formed in the pouch body, and the rib is spaced a predetermined distance from an edge of the pouch body. The pouch also includes opening means integral with the panel for accessing a product contained within the pouch. The method of forming the pouch thermoforms a rib in each panel of material across multiple lanes of a high speed machine.

Abstract: An improved oven bag for use in food cooking applications and a method of making an improved oven bag. The oven bag includes a bag-like body having a closed bottom end, one or more side walls extending upwardly from the closed bottom end, and an open top end. The closed bottom end may include a gusset which allows the bag to stand-up on its own thereby making it easier for the consumer to place food in the bag. The oven bag may include an easy to use closure system to close and seal the top opening. The closure system may include a flap portion on one side of the top opening and a high temperature adhesive disposed proximate the top opening on an opposite side of the top opening. The oven bag may also include a venting system in an upper portion of the bag. The oven bag may also include an easy opening tear-off system in an upper portion of the oven bag. For example, the venting system may include a series of perforation holes located beneath the closure system.

Abstract: A beverage container includes a pair of flexible sidewalls defining therebetween a pouch area for containing a beverage. The flexible sidewalls are comprised of a material having at least two material layers coupled to, or integrated with, one another. The layers include at least an outer layer comprised of an outer barrier material and an inner layer including an inner barrier material. The inner barrier material is operable to be exposed to the beverage contained in the pouch area while resisting migration of contaminants through the sidewalls and into the beverage.

Abstract: A construction element for making retaining walls and erosion control structures comprises a plurality of sandbags connected together by means of a cord. The bags have flexible walls and holes through which the cord extends. The holes can be in various positions on the bags, and various spacings of the bags on the cord can be used. The construction elements can be used to form retaining walls, structures for protecting underwater shoreline areas from erosion, and other structures in the civil engineering field.

Abstract: A packaging with improved reclosable opening is disclosed having a packaging body. The packaging body has an upper front main packaging sheet; a lower front main packaging sheet and a back main packaging sheet which are sealed together to form an edge-to-edge sealing. A reclosable opening is provided for inserting objects into the packaging. A diverting is means predisposed in such a manner and has a dimension sufficient to cover the reclosable opening to direct airflow away from the reclosable opening when there is an increase in internal air pressure. A weakened sealing is formed at a part of the edge-to-edge sealing wherein the weakened sealing ruptures when the increase in internal air pressure has build up to a critical point. When increased internal air pressure has build up to a critical point, the weakened sealing ruptures to allow air to vent through. The critical point is reached when the internal pressure is greater than external pressure to a sufficient extent to rupture the weakened sealing.

Abstract: An object has bearing location where the object comes into contact with a counter-piece. The bearing location includes a coating to reduce wear and friction. The coating comprises about 90-100 weight percent thermoplastic polymer and about 0-10 weight percent finely divided solid fillers and finely divided dry lubricants. The coating has a thickness of between about 5-50 ?m.

Abstract: A linear motion guide device includes a slider slidably attached onto a guide rail, an end cap and a wiper device attached to each side of the slider, the wiper device includes two wiping members to be easily and detachably attached to each of the end cap without tools and fasteners. The wiping members each include one or more projections or one or more latches for engaging with the end cap and for anchoring and positioning the wiping members to the end cap without tools and fasteners. The end cap includes a space separated into two chambers and for receiving the wiping members respectively. The wiping members each include a soft wiping portion for resiliently engaging with the guide rail.

Abstract: A motor includes a rotor unit, a stator unit, and a bearing mechanism. The bearing mechanism is constituted with a bushing having a hollow substantially cylindrical shape and formed by pressing a metal plate, a first bearing and a second bearing retained radially inside of the bushing, and a spacer arranged axially between the first bearing and the second bearing to determine an axial distance therebetween.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary wing aircraft helicopter vehicle rod end and method of making a rod end. The rotary wing aircraft rod end includes a nonelastomeric inner member having an outer bonding surface segment and an axial bore with a center bore axis, a nonelastomeric outer member having an inner bonding surface segment and an axial bore center bore axis, and molded in place alternating elastomeric shims and nonelastomeric shims connecting the nonelastomeric inner member to the nonelastomeric outer member. The rod end includes a first inner elastomeric shim bonded to the nonelastomeric inner member outer bonding surface segment and to a first inner nonelastomeric shim and a second outer elastomeric shim bonded to the nonelastomeric outer member inner bonding surface segment and to a second outer nonelastomeric shim. The nonelastomeric inner member has a molded misalignment rotary wing aircraft rod end orientation with the outer nonelastomeric outer member.

Abstract: A bearing assembly comprises a bearing (200) having a central hole (250) and a shaft (280) received in the central hole. The bearing has at least one sloping inner surface (2522) facing to the shaft and around the central hole. A gap is formed between the sloping inner surface and shaft. A width of the gap is gradually reduced along an axial direction of the central hole. The central hole has two side holes (254, 255) each of which has a diameter smaller than that of a middle hole (252) of the central hole (250), wherein the sloping inner surface is located corresponding to the middle hole.

Abstract: A bearing insert, apparatus, and method use a bearing insert of polymer material, defining a longitudinal axis along which the bearing insert may be net-shape-formed by extrusion. Arrangements and methods are also provided for retaining the extrudable bearing insert within either open or closed bearing housings.

Abstract: An improved sliding bearing apparatus and method utilize a snap-in polymer bearing insert having one or more identically shaped locking lugs, each of which are configured for locking engagement with a corresponding depression in a bearing housing, to thereby lock the bearing insert in place against relative movement either radially or axially with respect to the bearing housing. In a free-standing state, the insert may have a variety of shapes including cylindrical, non-cylindrical, or be flat and planar. An insert for a closed bearing is configured such that it may be trimmed to form an insert for an open bearing.

Abstract: A metallic member 22 is integrated with a molded rotor 12, and a bearing 16 is held to the rotor 12 through this metallic member 22. At that time, a washer 24 is secured to the metallic member, and the rotating portion of the bearing is held by this washer, thereby improving holding property and durability of the bearing. A stopper plate 21 for limiting the displacement of the output shaft of a motor is used as the metallic member, thereby enabling holding property and durability of the bearing to increase without increasing the number of components. The base-end side of the metallic member 22 is integrally in-mold molded with the rotor 12, which enables the metallic member 22 to be firmly held.

Abstract: A bicycle axle assembly is provided with an axle including a rotational axis, a bearing, a bearing adapter and a conical element. The bearing includes a cone disposed on the axle, a cup and a plurality of roller elements disposed between the cone and the cup such that the cup rotates relative to the cone about the rotational axis. The bearing adapter includes a tubular mounting section for mounting to a tubular member and a bearing housing section housing the bearing therein. The bearing housing section has a tapered abutment angled relative to the rotational axis at a first abutment angle and contacting a tapered contact surface of the cup. The conical element is disposed on the axle. The conical element has a tapered abutment angled relative to the rotational axis at a second abutment angle and contacting a tapered contact surface of the first cone. The second abutment angle of the tapered abutment of the conical element is smaller than the first abutment angle of the bearing housing section.

Abstract: A sealed, single row angular contact ball bearing is distinguished by the fact that the seal (25, 40, 47, 48, 49, 50) is arranged at both axial ends in the region of the rims (21, 22, 23, 24), one bearing ring (16) having on both sides in each case one receiving opening (37, 44) for the sealing lip carrier (26) and the associated other bearing ring (15) having on both sides in each case one sealing face (30) for the sealing lip (29, 55, 56, 57, 58), and the rims (21, 22, 23, 24) being coordinated with one another in such a way that receiving openings (37, 44) and sealing faces (30) lie in in each case one plane (38, 39) at the same radial spacing from a bearing axis. It is ensured in this way that the same seal can be used for sealing the angular contact ball bearing of generic configuration on both sides.