Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for obtaining stereoscopic x-ray images. The method includes taking two digital x-ray views of the same object from differing positions. The included angle between the axes of the x-rays for each position generally coincides with that formed by a pair of eyes viewing the object, though larger angles can be used. The x-rays can be taken by two x-ray generators within a single housing or within separate but attached housings. The generators are spaced apart and aimed at the object to form the appropriate angle. Care is taken not to move the object. Preferably, the x-ray generators have dual collimators to take the views. In this case, the time between taking the two x-rays need only be as long as the image capture time of the sensor being used, which lessens the chance of the object moving.

Abstract: A dual source tube XRF system and method wherein a first x-ray source is employed to direct x-rays in a first energy band at a sample and at least a second x-ray source is employed to direct x-rays in a second energy band at the sample. A detector is responsive to x-rays emitted by the sample after irradiation by the first and second x-ray sources. An analyzer is responsive to the detector and is configured to determine the amount of at least a first substance in the sample based on irradiation of the sample by the first x-ray source and to determine the amount of at least a second substance in the sample based on irradiation of the sample by the second x-ray source. A controller is responsive to the analyzer and is configured to energize the first and second x-ray sources either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A method and a measuring arrangement are disclosed for nondestructive analysis of an examination object. In at least one embodiment of the method, x-radiation having a specific energy spectrum is generated by an x-ray source, with the aid of at least one x-ray/optical grating in the beam path of the x-radiation there is generated a standing wave field of this x-radiation that is positioned at least partially in the examination object, and the radiation excited by the x-ray standing wave field in the examination object is measured as a function of at least one relative position between the examination object and the x-ray standing wave field. Further, a material distribution in the examination object is inferred from the measurement result of the radiation excited by the x-ray standing wave field.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring in real time the movement of a plurality of substances in a mixture, such as oil water and air flowing through a pipe (24), comprises an X-ray scanner (8) arranged to make a plurality of scans of the mixture over a monitoring period to produce a plurality of scan data sets, and control means (26) arranged to analyse the data sets to identify volumes of each of the substances and to measure their movement. By identifying volumes of each of the substances in each of a number of layers and for each of a number of scans, real time analysis and imaging of the substance can be achieved.

Abstract: A system and method for baggage screening at security checkpoints. A CT scanner system processes x-ray data to locate and eliminate non-contraband without a full CT reconstruction of the entire bag. The CT scanner system utilizes lineogram data to disqualify objects of insufficient size, density, or mass as potential threats. Objects can be inspected with CT reconstruction. The CT scanner is capable of obtaining CT data and projection images. Multiple CT scanning systems can be multiplexed together, and each CT scanning system is in communication with a review station. Baggage scanning may also be based on security intelligence inputs such as CAPPS to increase throughput.

Abstract: A positioning system for radiation therapy comprises a patient positioner drive unit for moving a patient positioner supporting a patient, a snout drive unit for rotating a snout including a collimator set therein, and a processing unit for controlling the snout drive unit and the patient positioner drive unit such that the positioning of the patient is performed by moving the patient positioner supporting the patient after the positioning of the collimator has been performed by rotating the snout including the collimator set therein. Exposure of the patient to X-rays irradiated for the positioning can be reduced.

Abstract: A zone plate multilayer structure includes a substrate carrying a plurality of alternating layers respectively formed of tungsten silicide (WSi2) and silicon (Si). The alternating layers are sequentially deposited precisely controlling a thickness of each layer from a minimum thickness of a first deposited layer adjacent the substrate to a maximum thickness of a last deposited layer. The first minimum thickness layer has a selected thickness of less than or equal to 5 nm with the thickness of the alternating layers monotonically increasing to provide a zone plate multilayer structure having a thickness of greater than 12 ?m (microns). The x-rays are diffracted in Laue transmission geometry by the specific arrangement of silicon and tungsten silicide.

Abstract: A CT scanner which collects X-ray projection data of a subject and which generates an image in the subject from the projection data, the CT scanner includes tubes which emit X-rays and which include grids to switch emission and stoppage of the X-rays, a unit which generates a high voltage to be supplied to the tubes, a cable which sends the high voltage to each of the tubes, circuits which change potentials of the grids arranged in the tubes, respectively, a control unit which controls the circuits to switch the emission and the stoppage of the X-rays in a pulse manner while the tubes rotate around the subject, detectors arranged to face the tubes, respectively, and a unit which validates an output signal from the detector facing the tube emitting the X-rays and which invalidates an output signal from the detector facing the tube stopping the emission of the X-rays.

Abstract: The invention relates to an x-ray device with an x-ray source fixed to a ceiling stand and a generator connected therewith in order to supply voltage. In order to achieve as compact an arrangement as possible, it is proposed in accordance with the invention to provide the generator with means of suspended fixing on a ceiling.

Abstract: A rotating anode for x-ray generation uses a heat pipe principle with a heat pipe coolant located in a sealed chamber of a rotating portion of the anode. The rotating portion is positioned relative to a second portion so that relative rotation occurs between the two portions and so that a fluid path exists between the two portions through which an external cooling fluid may flow. The relative motion between the two portions provides a turbulent flow to the cooling fluid. The anode may also include cooling fins that extend into the sealed chamber. The sealed chamber may be under vacuum, and may be sealed by o-rings or by brazing. A closable fill port may be provided via which heat pipe coolant may be added. A balancing mass may be used to balance the anode in two dimensions.

Abstract: A collimator is to be provided which permits the reduction of size without using any special material and without sacrificing an aperture. To this end, the collimator comprises: a pair of first plate members each having X-ray absorbability, movable in a direction parallel to a surface thereof, and defining an X-ray passing aperture by a spacing between respective mutually opposed end faces; and a pair of second plate members each having X-ray absorbability, the second block members, in order to block other X-rays than the X-ray passing through the aperture, being connected at respective one ends by hinges to end portions of the pair of first plate members opposite to the mutually opposed end faces of the first plate members and being supported at respective opposite ends so as to be movable obliquely with respect to the moving direction of the first plate members with movement of the first plate members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomograph, in which data from a rotor, which during operation of the computer tomograph rotates about an axis of rotation, is transferred optoelectronically. For that purpose, on the rotor there is located at least one transmitter, which transmits light towards a receiver mounted on the axis of rotation, the light being modulated with the data to be transferred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting faults on a telephone line, the method comprising: comparing measured characteristics of the line with a model, said model modeling expected characteristics of the telephone line; and in response to the comparison, generating a fault alert signal if the comparison between the measured characteristics and the modeled expected characteristics differ by more than a pre-determined threshold, wherein said characteristics comprise characteristics relating to the transmission of data on the line within a plurality of predetermined frequency bands

Abstract: An Intelligent Network (IN) switch for use in a communications network. The Intelligent Network (IN) switch comprises N call application nodes capable of executing a plurality of primary-backup group (PBG) applications. Each of the plurality of primary-backup group applications comprises a primary call process and a backup call process, wherein the each primary call process executes an originating half-call model application and a terminating half-call model application associated with a call connection. Each primary call process comprises a primary call instance data (CID) table for storing call instance data used by the originating half-call model call application and the terminating half-call model application. Each backup call process comprises a backup call instance data (CID) table capable of being updated to mirror the call instance data stored in the primary CID table.

Abstract: A relatively simple redialer device is provided at the customer's home to redirect outgoing alarm calls to a middleware processing center. The redialer first dials “*82” (or other appropriate code) to disable caller-ID blocking. The redialer then redirects the alarm call to a middleware processing center. The middleware processing center receives the alarm call and determines the customer identification by detecting the caller ID. The middleware processing center then dials out to the appropriate alarm company for that customer, and transfers the alarm data along with customer identification information (account number or the like) in a data format compatible with the alarm monitoring company's computers. The alarm is then handled by the alarm monitoring company in the normal manner practiced by the alarm monitoring company.

Abstract: Responsive to an incoming telephone call, a session server consults pre-stored caller preferences to generate a source file of caller-specific audio content, then conducts an interactive playback session audibly presenting the content to the caller. Each call's source file may include an internally stored history record documenting events that occur during playback, such as caller utterances, identity of audio content presented, voice prompts presented to the caller, errors, and time stamps of various playback events. In response to certain caller utterances or completion of the source file's presentation, the session server may reference the history record for guidance in creating an appropriate follow-up source file containing appropriate supplementary audio content. Use may also be made of history records for purposes such as increasing the functionality of interactive user playback, providing billing records, aiding debugging, and preserving data that is useful for marketing purposes.

Abstract: A system and method including telephony controls for handling telephony applications on a personal computer with integrated telephony capabilities is provided. The telephony controls include a hook switch, a talk button, a speakerphone button, a mute button, a flash button, a conference button, a microphone button, and a voice mail button. There may also be other telephony control buttons such as an optional record button in close proximity to the telephony controls for use in responding to voice mail. An indicator light may be located adjacent to or integrated into each telecommunication control button. The system and method allow a number of user interaction scenarios with respect to real-time communications, including handling an incoming telephone call, making a telephone call, and handling voice mail.

Abstract: A computer-assisted system and method for auditing a communications bill wherein billing information is collected, reformatted and stored for use in a set of automated audits. The system and method for auditing a communications bill further collects data from other external systems such as a work order system, a trouble ticket system, an inventory system, an AMA/SMDR data source, an SS7 event record data source, or another source of call records or billing records. The data collected is used in a set of automated audits to determine if the communications bills contain errors. The system and method will further perform historical audits, and generate and manage the billing dispute process. The system and method will further provide audit reports and interface to an accounts payable system.

Abstract: A system and method of telephony resource management and security for monitoring and/or controlling and logging access between an enterprise's end-user stations and their respective circuits into the public switched telephone network (PSTN). One or more rules are defined which specify actions to be taken based upon at least one attribute of a call. Calls are detected and sensed to determine attributes associated with each call. Actions are then performed on selected calls based upon their attributes in accordance with the defined rules.

Abstract: A system for controlling a flow of content includes a terminal and a network entity. The terminal is capable of sending a content status including terminal status information having a listing of one or more pieces of content stored in a memory of the terminal. The network entity includes a content flow manager that is capable of receiving the terminal status information. Then, based upon the terminal status information, the content flow manager can control the flow of content to the terminal. More particuarly, for example, the content flow manager can be capable of controlling the terminal to delete at least one piece of content from a memory of the terminal, and/or download at least one piece of content from a source of content.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically providing access options to a remote user of a data network that utilizes a network-based connection analysis server to determine the “best available” connection arrangement to provide access for the remote user. The connection analysis server contains a database of empirical access/connection data based on the past experience of user's attempting to connection to remotely-located data networks (for example, success of connection, speed of connection, cost, etc.). The server initiates the inventive process by querying the remote user for geographic location information, determining access options available at the responded geographic location by comparing the geographic location to the empirical data, and then selecting a “best available” connection option (or options) to the remote user for approval.

Abstract: A system for (and a method of) selectively establishing communication with one of plural devices associated with a single telephone number is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a wireless connect unit connected between an enterprise private branch exchange (PBX) network and a public switched telephone network. The wireless connect unit preferably serves as a gateway between the PBX and one or more remote communication devices. The remote devices can be used as standard PBX office telephones for both inbound and outbound telephone calls. Thus, features of the PBX network (e.g., voice mail, direct extension dialing, corporate calling plan, etc.) are available to the remote device even though they are not physically connected to the PBX. When the system receives an incoming call, it can route the call to an office telephone and one or more of the remote devices simultaneously or as desired by the user.

Abstract: Controlling use of a telephone line includes receiving a specification from a first entity that defines one or more supervisory controls on use of a controlled telephone line by a second entity. The supervisory controls specify people with whom the second entity may or may not communicate over the controlled telephone line, and times at which the second entity may or may not communicate over the controlled telephone line. An indication of desired communications between the second entity and a third entity at a particular time over the controlled telephone line is received. A determination is made as to whether the desired communications are consistent with the specified supervisory controls. The desired communications are controlled when the desired communications are not consistent with the specified supervisory controls. In addition, the supervisory controls enable the first entity to interrupt existing calls over the controlled telephone line.

Abstract: A telecommunication and advertising business model and method of utilizing same that permits users to make telephone calls for a predetermined amount of time according to the destination of the call. The telecommunication and advertising business model is controlled by an on-line database system and comprises customers, and companies that pay for advertising through a system.

Abstract: A privacy management system is disclosed for when a calling party has a private telephone number. Privacy screening services allow a subscriber to manage and monitor incoming telephone calls, such that unwanted calls are not terminated to the subscriber. When a calling party calls the subscriber to this privacy screening service, the privacy management system manages the call according to whether the calling party number is known and public, known and private, or unknown. If the calling party number is known and public, the call is routed to the subscriber. If, however, the calling party is known and private, an announcement is played to the calling party, asking the calling party for permission to override his or her privacy. If the calling party is unknown, the calling party is asked to record his/her name.

Abstract: A contact number encapsulation system is disclosed that is operable to consolidate a plurality of contact numbers associated with a given user into a single contact number. The system includes a call processing application that uses information contained in a SIP message header to determine a list of contact numbers to call. The SIP message header contains a call destination indication that is used by the call processing application to retrieve the list of contact numbers. The list of contact numbers is user defined and may be updated or modified by an account holder at any given time. Once the list of contact numbers is obtained, a simultaneous call module is used to simultaneously call each number contained in the list. As such, the account holder only needs to provide the primary contact number to individuals desiring to reach him/her instead of various numbers that are associated with various locations the account holder may be located.

Abstract: The IP-PBX includes a multimedia gateway controller in which a call control data master table stores call control data for all terminals falling under the control of the IP-PBX. In the event of failure of a PH accommodating IP phones and the like via the LAN, the multimedia gateway controller transfers the contents of the call control data slave table existing on the PH to the call control data slave table on another PH.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enabling a healthcare virtual private network (VPN) that leverages the assets of a shared, interconnected network of legacy systems. A data connection is established with a rule-based application dataserver of a telecommunications network facility to control access, sharing, notification, security, and/or management of electronic healthcare communications and/or data exchanged between or among a non-participant and a legacy system of a participant. Typically, the rule-based application dataserver is associated with a central office (“CO”), a mobile telephone switching center (“MTSO”), or a combination CO/MTSO. Methods and systems related to healthcare VPN billing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bipolar pulse forming transmission line module for linear induction accelerators having first, second, third, fourth, and fifth planar conductors which form an interleaved stack with dielectric layers between the conductors. Each conductor has a first end, and a second end adjacent an acceleration axis. The first and second planar conductors are connected to each other at the second ends, the fourth and fifth planar conductors are connected to each other at the second ends, and the first and fifth planar conductors are connected to each other at the first ends via a shorting plate adjacent the first ends. The third planar conductor is electrically connectable to a high voltage source, and an internal switch functions to short a high voltage from the first end of the third planar conductor to the first end of the fourth planar conductor to produce a bipolar pulse at the acceleration axis with a zero net time integral.

Abstract: Methods and apparati are provided for determining a “Squared Tate pairing” for hyperelliptic curves and using the results to support at least one cryptographic process. The improved techniques provide increased efficiency and an alternative method to the conventional method of implementing the Tate pairing for Jacobians of hyperelliptic curves. With the Squared Tate pairing for hyperelliptic curves, one may obtain a significant speed-up over a contemporary implementation of the Tate pairing for hyperelliptic curves. The Squared Tate pairing for hyperelliptic curves can be substituted for the Tate pairing for hyperelliptic curves in any applicable cryptographic application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that uses tha dynamics of chaotic system for the remote generation of a digital key, for use in any encryption algorithm. After initialization, the dynamics of a chaotic system are allowed to generate the 0 and 1 bits of a key bistream. An initialization bistream is transmitted, using conventional transmission technologies, to an identical chaotic system. This chaotic system is driven into synchrony and allow to generate a key bitsream, which is identical to the other bitstream because the chaotic systems have been sychronized.

Abstract: This invention proposes a method for securing updating software in a plurality of decoders based on the generation of a signature by means of a private asymmetrical key. The updating of a decoder is carried out by downloading, from a managing center, a data block including a patch and its signature, said block is stored in a RAM. The signature is decrypted with a current public key from a list contained in a first non-volatile memory of the decoder, then verified and in the case of correspondence, a command leads the installation of the patch in a second non-volatile Flash memory and the deactivation of the current key. The aim of this invention is to considerably reduce the impact of the discovery of a private key by mean of a systematic analysis of the working of the decoder software, or to notably increase the time and the means necessary for the process used to determine said private key.

Abstract: A secure wireless LAN device includes a housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the housing, a medium access controller (MAC) carried by the housing, and a cryptography circuit carried by the housing and connected to the MAC and the wireless transceiver. The cryptography circuit may encrypt both address and data information for transmission, and decrypt both address and data information upon reception. Accordingly, a higher level of security may be provided. The cryptography circuit may implement an algorithm and use a key to provide a predetermined security level, such as up to Type 1 security, although lower levels may also be implemented. Of course, the secure wireless LAN device may be used with other LAN devices, such as user stations and/or access points, in any of a number of different LAN configurations. The MAC may implement a predetermined wireless LAN MAC protocol. For example, the LAN MAC protocol may be based upon the IEEE 802.11 standard.

Abstract: A process of controlling a flow of data in a wireless network providing wireless access to the wireless network by wireless devices is disclosed. Data is received from a wireless device by a network device, through one access point of a plurality of access points in communication with the network device, indicating a client identifier for the wireless device. The client identifier is forwarded to an authentication server and the network device mediated authentication of the wireless device with the authentication server. Thereafter, data packets received from portions of the wireless network and from the plurality of access points are evaluated and the received data packets are passed to portions of the wireless network and to the plurality of access points, based on the evaluation of the received data packets. In addition, the network device periodically polls for a status of the wireless device from the access point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a content encryption scheme using programmable hardware. In one embodiment, a content request is transmitted to a content provider. In response to the content request, a session key is received and programmable hardware is configured using the session key to produce a first configuration. An identification key is generated and the first configuration of the programmable hardware is used to encrypt the identification key. The encrypted identification key is transmitted to the content provider. Encrypted content containing the identification key is then received.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, signal processing device and computer program for stereo widening (SW) of stereo format signals to become suitable for headphone listening. The invention also relates to a mobile appliance performing signal processing according to the invention. According to the invention a separate monophonic signal path (ME) is formed in order to equalize the frequency spectrum of the monophonic component of the left and right output signals (Lout,Rout) by at least extracting from the left and right input signals (Lin,Rin) an at least substantially monophonic signal component contained in said signals (Lin,Rin), processing the extracted monophonic signal component to obtain a processed monophonic signal component, and combining said processed monophonic signal component with at least one of the left (Lout) or the right (Rout) output signals.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for reconstructing the high frequency part of audio signal to improve the quality of the audio signal. The apparatus includes a frequency inverter which inverts the frequency of an input signal; a band-pass filter which filters the high frequency part of the inverted signal; a converter which shifts the frequency of the filtered signal so as not to generate aliasing of the input signal and the filtered signal; and an adder which adds the shifted signal to the input signal. Therefore, hearing perception close to the original signal can be achieved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically mixing a plurality of audio channels by adjusting respective gains of the audio channels using a control signal based on an aggregate of input levels of respective audio signals of the audio channels; and reducing the gain of a given one of the audio channels when an input level of the audio signal of that audio channel exceeds a threshold, irrespective of whether the control signal would permit the gain to rise higher.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted three dimensional sound signal reproducing•silencing unit includes at least two speakers disposed for each of seats to be occupied by listeners so as to generate a three dimensional sound field space in a region inclusive of left and right external ears of each of the listeners, and three dimensional signal processing means for converting an output signal from a sound source into a three dimensional sound field signal for supplying it to each of the speakers, thereby reproducing a three dimensional sound field with rich presence for each of the seats. The unit also includes antiphase signal generating means for supplying a silencing signal to the three dimensional signal processing means, thereby silencing sounds for each of the seats without giving an effect on the other seats.

Abstract: A hearing device is provided with an electrical supply unit and an electrical to mechanical converter incorporated in a first module. An acoustical to electrical converter and a signal processing unit are incorporated in a second module. The first and second modules are assembled so that they can be easily disassembled.

Abstract: An acoustical bass absorber which reduces peak and dip frequency response errors caused by interference from naturally occurring axial standing waves in rectangular rooms. The apparatus uses two forms of simple harmonic resonance: pistonic diaphragm resonance and Helmholtz cavity resonance. The pistonic diaphragm resonance is achieved by attaching a rigid planar membrane to metal springs. The Helmholtz cavity resonance is achieved by constructing an enclosed chamber attached to an open cylindrical tube. Coupling these two dissipation devices leads to several-fold improvement in absorption and total room mode attenuation.

Abstract: The personal wearable speaker system includes a backpack having a plurality of substantially hollow tubular ducts formed from a substantially flexible material designed to promote superior sound wave flow and anti-collapse (pinch) functionality, and a plurality of pairs of sound transducers.

Abstract: A trim panel (10) includes an integrally formed attachment member (14) for mounting an acoustic device (16), such as a loudspeaker, an exciter, a piezoelectric transducer, or the like, directly to the trim panel (10) without the need of a separate mounting member. The acoustic device (16) is attached to the trim panel (10) by use a twist and lock fastening feature (18) in the form of a ramp surface (24) that draws the acoustic device (16) toward the trim panel (10) as the acoustic device (16) is rotated about the attachment member (14). Once the acoustic device (16) is rotated into place, one or more detents (26) are provided on the trim panel (10) and one or more corresponding detent grooves or recesses (32) are provided on the acoustic device (16) to lock the acoustic device (16) securely in place. The integrally formed attachment member (14) enables the inner and outer surfaces (11, 12) of the trim panel (10) to be a generally continuous surface.

Abstract: There is provided a watermark information detecting method capable of detecting confidential information accurately from a document including confidential information. In this method, a filtering process is performed on the whole surface of an input image (S310), and a position of signal is obtained by using a signal position searching template in order for the sum of filter output value to be maximum (S320). Then a signal border is determined (S340). Even when the image is expanded or contracted due to displacement of paper, etc., the signal position can be correctly detected and confidential information can be correctly detected from a document including confidential information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided through which marks are generated for combination with a host image, in which source or user information is encoded into the mark either as a visually perceptibly unobtrusive pattern, or encoded by an arrangement of visually perceptible marks. Systems and methods are also provided for decoding or estimating the user information from images that contain the marks and determining the user or source that the mark indicates within a measure of certainty.

Abstract: There are provided an autonomous vehicle, and an apparatus and method for estimating the motion of the autonomous vehicle and detecting three-dimensional (3D) information of an object appearing in front of the moving autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle measures its orientation using an acceleration sensor and a magnetic flux sensor, and extracts epipolar geometry information using the measured orientation information. Since the corresponding points between images required for extracting the epipolar geometry information can be reduced to two, it is possible to more easily and correctly obtain motion information of the autonomous vehicle and 3D information of an object in front of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A method represents a class of objects by first acquiring a set of positive training images of the class of objects. A matrix A is constructed from the set of positive training images. Each row in the matrix A corresponds to a vector of intensities of pixels of one positive training image. Correlated intensities are grouped into a set of segments of a feature mask image. Each segment includes a set of pixels with correlated intensities. From each segment, a subset of representative pixels is selected. A set of features is assigned to each pixel in each subset of representative pixels of each segment of the feature mask image to represent the class of objects.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that detects an object in an image. During operation, the system determines a relationship between sampling parameters and a detection rate for an object detection process. The system also determines a relationship between the sampling parameters and a detection speed for the object detection process. The system uses the determined relationships to generate specific sampling parameters. Next, the system performs the object detection process, wherein the object detection process uses the sampling parameters to sample locations in the image. This sampling process is used to refine the search for the object by identifying locations that respond to an object detector and are hence likely to be proximate to an instance of the object.

Abstract: A region data describing method for describing, over a plurality of frames, region data about the region of an arbitrary object in a video, the method specifying the object region in the video with at least either of an approximate figure approximating the region or characteristic points of the region, approximating a trajectory obtained by arranging position data of the representative points or the characteristic point in a direction in which frames proceed with a predetermined function and describing the parameter of the function as region data. Thus, the region of a predetermined object in the video can be described with a small quantity of data. Moreover, creation and handling of data can easily be performed.

Abstract: Video segmentation methods and systems are described wherein scene images of subjects and background are captured by video and are automatically segmented according to subject content, as by system determination of the nature of subjects. Segmentation transformations of an original background and foreground images in the scenes are provided as a terrain map. Automatic segmentation threshold adaptation is based on measuring the segmentation noise while holding the number count of noise blobs constant, whereby to achieve noise-adaptive segmentation gain. Automatic threshold adaptation within multiple areas of the scene results in different possible thresholds in different areas based on the amount of segmentation noise in each area. Segmentation is improved accordingly.