Abstract: A flat panel speaker system is provided. The system includes, a modified panel having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the modified panel acts as a diaphragm for the flat panel speaker system; a supporting member coupled to the rear surface of the modified panel; and a detachable driver operationally coupled to the supporting member.

Abstract: A method of processing image data from a multi-chip array with a plurality of photosensitive chips aligned substantially in a transverse direction, including: generating, using a processor for at least one specially programmed computer, a ?y or ?x optical error value equal to a difference in process and transverse directions, respectively, between actual and apparent locations for a first photosensor, the apparent location due to optical error; and storing, in a memory element for the specially programmed computer, respective outputs from the photosensors in the array for first and second scan lines. The actual location is included in the first scan line. The processor retrieves, for use as at least part of useful image data for the first photosensor, the stored output of: the first photosensor for the second scan line for a ?y optical error, or a second photosensor for the first line for a ?x optical error . . . .

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to identification documents. One claim recites an apparatus to authentic an identification document. The identification document comprising first machine-readable information including a first plural-bit message, and semantic information carried on or in the identification document. The apparatus includes: a first reader to read the first machine-readable information to obtain the first plural-bit message; a second reader to obtain information from the semantic information carried on or in the identification document; an electronic processor programmed as a decryption unit to decrypt the first plural-bit message or the information obtained from the semantic information; and an electronic processor programmed as a decision unit to determine whether the identification document is authentic based at least in part on the first plural-bit message and the semantic information. Other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to techniques for detecting tampering of digital image data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical damage assessment using an existing imaging focal plane array and a fixed or moving set of optics and filters. Advantages include cost reductions and improved reliability due to fewer components arid therefore fewer points of failure.

Abstract: Sub-regions within a face image are identified to be enhanced by applying a localized smoothing kernel to luminance data corresponding to the sub-regions of the face image. An enhanced face image is generated including an enhanced version of the face that includes certain original pixels in combination with pixels corresponding to the one or more enhanced sub-regions of the face.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an obstacle detection procedure within the area surrounding a motor vehicle. It features the fact that the procedure involves the following stages: Carrying out a first obstacle detection by image processing resulting in a definition of at least one region of interest; Classifying the detected obstacle with an index of confidence applied to the region of interest in relation to given characteristics; Carrying out a second obstacle detection by sensor/s with detection range below a first threshold resulting in a determined position; Projecting the determined position into a reference marker; Projecting the region of interest into this reference marker; Aligning the two projections obtained and attributing a determined position to the obstacle classified in accordance with the alignment.

Abstract: A method of improving the lighting conditions of a real scene or video sequence. Digitally generated light is added to a scene for video conferencing over telecommunication networks. A virtual illumination equation takes into account light attenuation, lambertian and specular reflection. An image of an object is captured, a virtual light source illuminates the object within the image. In addition, the object can be the head of the user. The position of the head of the user is dynamically tracked so that an three-dimensional model is generated which is representative of the head of the user. Synthetic light is applied to a position on the model to form an illuminated model.

Abstract: A moving object detection method with which a region of a moving object is accurately extracted without being affected by a change in shape or size or occlusion of the moving object and in which a distance indicating a similarity between trajectories of an image in each of the blocks included in video is calculated (S203) and a group of similar trajectories is identified as one region based on the distance (S209).

Abstract: A primarily hand-held or adjustable-mount iris recognition device wherein feedback to the operator is provided by visible illumination or imagery projected onto the face of the subject, as well as an audio signal, while infra-red illumination is projected onto the face of the subject as an illumination source for an iris recognition process. When the device is pointed in the direction of the subject, the infra-red illumination is directed to illuminate primarily the eye region whereas the visible illumination is directed to illuminate primarily other regions including the cheeks. The visible illumination is configured such that the position of the visible illumination on the face indicates to the operator whether the iris recognition device is pointed in the correct direction and at the correct distance for optimal iris recognition.

Abstract: A mole identifying method having the following steps: inputting a multispectral image photographed using an imaging device and composed of a plurality of spectra; detecting mole candidates from said multispectral image; and identifying said mole candidates as a true mole or false mole based on the absorption spectra of said detected mole candidates.

Abstract: Provided is an information processor which detects factors, in a video, influencing health, and which includes: an image input unit which receives a series of image data to process a plurality of consecutive still images constituting the video; a feature-quantity calculation unit which calculates a feature quantity of each still images on the basis of the image data; a conditional-expression storing unit which stores a conditional expression, for each factor, to determine whether each of the still images produces the factor on the basis of the corresponding feature quantity; a factor determination unit which determines, for each factor, whether each of the still images produces the factors on the basis of the corresponding feature quantity and the corresponding conditional expression; and an image-list display unit which displays, for each factor, a list of information indicating the still images determined to produce the factor.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying and recording medical images and producing by sketching or drawing line segments creating an electronic virtual road map of a patient's anatomy for use by a physician during an intra-body medical procedure. The apparatus includes among its essential elements, an interventional device providing real time images of body structure of the patient; a medical image acquisition system computer adapted for acquisition of a plurality of medical imaging video signals wherein signals are acquired from a transmitting medical device in the medical device's native resolution having a central processing unit, a display, at least one input device, a storage device, an output device wherein the medical image is displayed on the display; and an image generating device, wherein physician uses the input device to sketch or draw line segments creating virtual road map of patient's anatomy over the medical image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the energy of a laser. In particular, the invention relates to an initial determination of a laser energy and the monitoring of the laser energy preferably of an excimer laser for use in a refractive laser system for treatment of any eye. An apparatus for determining an energy of an excimer laser comprises a tool comprising an area being ablated with a plurality of laser pulses of said excimer laser using at least one predetermined multi spot ablation pattern, said ablation area comprising a specific ablation area being as large as the ablation area or smaller, an image capturing means for capturing at least one image comprising at least said specific ablation area of the tool; an analyzing means for analyzing said at least one image, wherein the size of the specific ablation area provides a measure of the energy of the excimer laser.

Abstract: In embodiments, a medical image interpretation system has at least a medical image storing part, a medical image referring part, a medical record storing part, a process controlling part, an information extraction processing part, an image region specifying part, and an image processing part. The process controlling part specifies a medical image and extracts a medical record of a patient of the medical image. The information extraction processing part classifies terms on a sentence written in the medical record into predetermined types to structure the sentence, and extracts a region term from the structured sentence. The image region specifying part specifies the range of images showing a region corresponding to the region term from the medical image and specifies the position and range of the region. The image processing part displays at least the region position and range in a visually recognizable manner.

Abstract: An objective is to provide a method and an apparatus for accurately extracting a region of an object particle from a urine particle image obtained by taking an image of urine particles in a urine specimen having varying properties. First, a first object region is extracted using one or more of an R image, a G image, and a B image of a urine particle image taken by an image input optical system configured to input particle images. Then, a density distribution and a size of the first object region of one or more of the R image, the G image, and the B image are calculated. Based on these feature parameters, the first object region is classified into a predetermined number of groups. A second object region is extracted from a local region including the first object region, by using one or more of the R image, the G image, and the B image, depending on each of the groups.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a tube system in particular by image processing of images of the tube system is provided by the present invention. In order to achieve a simulation of a medium flow through a calculated tube model, the present invention gathers a tube model from a specific tube data set. By defining the necessary parameters of a virtual injection of the medium by the user, the medium flows through the model. Using this displayed simulation for generating at least two images leads to an artificial image sequence that might support a person, which wants to examine a real structure, that corresponds to the calculated model. This might be seen in.

Abstract: A method and system for processing ultrasound data is provided. The method includes acquiring ultrasound data and generating an image based on the ultrasound data. The method includes identifying an anatomical region of the image and automatically modifying the anatomical region for the purpose of reducing a clutter artifact. The method includes generating a modified image including at least a portion of the modified anatomical region and displaying the modified image.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus has a determination unit, a setting unit, a generating unit and a display unit. The determination unit determines whether a radiographic image of a breast contains an implant part based on a pixel value distribution in a predetermined region concerning data of the radiographic image. The setting unit changes a setting of a parameter for a tone conversion process based on a determination made by the determination unit. The generating unit generates a display image based on the radiographic image by application of the parameter. The display unit displays the display image.

Abstract: A method and system for classifying a contrast phase of a 3D medical image, such as a computed tomography (CT) image or a magnetic resonance (MR) image, is disclosed. A plurality of anatomic landmarks are detected in a 3D medical image. A local volume of interest is estimated at each of the plurality of anatomic landmarks, and features are extracted from each local volume of interest. The contrast phase of the 3D volume is determined based on the extracted features using a trained classifier.

Abstract: A cerebral blood flow rate quantification device includes: a nuclear medicine image acquisition unit for acquiring a nuclear medicine image of the head of a subject administered with a radiopharmaceutical; a count calculation unit for calculating the number of counts obtained from a unit region; a cerebral blood flow rate calculation unit for calculating the value of a cerebral blood flow rate that makes the value of a function, which expresses the concentration of the radiopharmaceutical in brain tissue; and a cerebral blood flow map generation unit for generating a map showing cerebral blood flow based on the cerebral blood flow rate in each unit region. Consequently, the cerebral blood flow rate can be accurately quantified even at a relatively early stage after administration of a radiopharmaceutical.

Abstract: Provided is a medical image processing device including: medical image information acquisition means which acquires medical image information indicating a tomographic image of an object to be examined; evaluation region extraction means which extracts an evaluation region for each of the tissues contained in the acquired medical image information according to a pixel value, a concentration value, or a luminance value for each of the tissues; and evaluation region display means which displays the evaluation region on a display device.

Abstract: A method of segmenting CT scan data comprises transforming intensity data into transformed data values. In a first option, the method includes convolving the CT scan data with a mask to obtain energy data wherein the mask has band pass filter characteristics, generating a histogram of the energy data and segmenting the CT scan data based on energy values in the generated histogram. In a second option, the method includes transforming the intensity data into Hounsfield scale data, and segmenting the image based on predefined Hounsfield scale values.

Abstract: A method and device for generating an adaptive image tone scale curve and an image processing system including the device are provided. The method may include determining an abscissa and an ordinate of a reference control point and a reference slope of a curve passing the reference control point according to an image of different tissue sites and/or different orientations depending upon one or more practical requirements; calculating an average value of pixels in an area of interest in the image and using the average value as a current image feature value; constructing an S-shaped reference tone scale curve equation by using the coordinates of the reference control point and the reference slope; and substituting coordinates of a new control point and a slope of a curve passing the new control point into the S-shaped reference tone scale curve equation to calculate parameters therein, so as to obtain the adaptive image tone scale curve.

Abstract: An image processing program for cell observation in which living cells can be distinguished from foreign matter other than living cells during cell observation under wide observation conditions. The image processing program includes a step for capturing first and second images of an object positioned in the observation field of view at a predetermined time interval, a step for extracting a representation of the object shown in the obtained images, steps for aligning the rotational angular orientation of the object in the image plane and computing a correlation value, a step for determining whether the object is a living cell on the basis of the computed correlation value, and steps for outputting the result of the decision made with regard to the object.

Abstract: A method of counting thrombocytes contained in a sample of blood, the method having the steps: mixing said sample with: fluorescent markers suitable for bonding specifically with the thrombocytes; and an agent for inhibiting activation of said thrombocytes; introducing the sample (E) into a fluidic chamber (CF) having at least one transparent face; acquiring at least one digital image (IN) of said sample by fluorescence microscopy under stationary illumination; and counting the thrombocytes (T) present in said or each image by image processing computer means (O). Apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: An inspection method includes photographing a measurement target to acquire image data for each pixel of the measurement target, acquiring height data for each pixel of the measurement target, acquiring visibility data for each pixel of the measurement target, multiplying the acquired image data by at least one of the height data and the visibility data for each pixel to produce a result value, and setting a terminal area by using the produced result value. Thus, the terminal area may be accurately determined.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying the integrity of integrated circuits (ICs) by detecting the presence of unauthorized circuit insertions or modifications using non-destructive x-ray microscopy is disclosed. A reference image based on a trusted IC or a trusted design file may be generated. An un-trusted IC may be received from an un-trusted foundry, which IC is manufactured in response to the trusted design file provided to the foundry. An x-ray microscope may record a plurality of sets of base images of the un-trusted IC, each set corresponding to a different viewing angle. One or more un-trusted images may be produced from the base images. The reference images may be compared with the un-trusted images to illuminate any additions or modifications in circuit elements or other parameters.

Abstract: An inspection method for inspecting a device mounted on a substrate, includes generating a shape template of the device, acquiring height information of each pixel by projecting grating pattern light onto the substrate through a projecting section, generating a contrast map corresponding to the height information of each pixel, and comparing the contrast map with the shape template. Thus, a measurement object may be exactly extracted.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g.

Abstract: An “active learning” method trains a compact classifier for view-based object recognition. The method actively generates its own training data. Specifically, the generation of synthetic training images is controlled within an iterative training process. Valuable and/or informative object views are found in a low-dimensional rendering space and then added iteratively to the training set. In each iteration, new views are generated. A sparse training set is iteratively generated by searching for local minima of a classifier's output in a low-dimensional space of rendering parameters. An initial training set is generated. The classifier is trained using the training set. Local minima are found of the classifier's output in the low-dimensional rendering space. Images are rendered at the local minima. The newly-rendered images are added to the training set. The procedure is repeated so that the classifier is retrained using the modified training set.

Abstract: Approaches to three-dimensional (3D) data reconstruction are presented. The 3D data comprises 2D images. In some embodiments, the 2D images are directionally interpolated to generate directionally-interpolated 3D data. The directionally-interpolated 3D data are then segmented to generate segmented directionally-interpolated 3D data. The segmented directionally-interpolated 3D data is then meshed. In other embodiments, a 3D data set, which includes 2D flow images, is accessed. The accessed 2D flow images are then directionally interpolated to generate 2D intermediate flow images.

Abstract: An image processing method and an image processing device which can improve sharpness by producing a binocular rivalry intentionally are provided. An image processing device 100 includes a right eye image acquiring unit 101 which generates a right eye image by performing a correction processing on an input image, a left eye image acquiring unit 102 which generates a left eye image which produces a binocular rivalry with the right eye image by performing a correction processing which is different from the correction processing, and a multi-eye display unit which displays the right eye image and the left eye images to different viewpoints.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a division unit configured to divide image data into a plurality of blocks each being composed of a plurality of pixels; a detection unit configured to detect a most frequent color for each of the blocks; a calculation unit configured to calculate an occupancy rate of the most frequent color for each of the blocks; and a generation unit configured to generate data by changing between a block composed of at least a low-resolution pixel and a block composed of low- and high-resolution pixels superimposed with each other, based on the most frequent color occupancy rate.

Abstract: An image recognition technique includes obtaining color characteristic values of pixels in a source image; determining a main color of the source image based at least in part on the color characteristic values; and determining whether the source image is a non-product image based at least in part on the main color of the source image.

Abstract: A computerized method and sensor for real-time in-situ measurement of a quality of fibers within a sample containing extraneous material is described herein. The fibers can be cotton, jute, flax, ramie, sisal, hemp, silk, wool, catgut, angora, mohair, alpaca or other natural fiber. The fibers are differentiated from the extraneous material within the sample. One or more positions of the fibers are determined. A multi-spectral reflectance of the fibers at the one or more positions at two or more near infrared wavebands is measured wherein each waveband has a central wavelength and a bandwidth. The two or more central wavelengths are within a range of approximately 1100 nm to 2400 nm, and the bandwidth is within a range of approximately 10 nm to 100 nm. A micronaire level for the fibers is determined based on the measured multi-spectral reflectance.

Abstract: A method implemented in a graphics engine for decoding image blocks to derive an original image is provided. The method comprises receiving at least one encoded image data block at a block decoder, the at least one encoded image data block comprising a plurality of codewords and a bitmap. The method further comprises determining a block type based on the plurality of codewords and selecting a decoder unit among a plurality of decoder units in accordance with the block type.

Abstract: A system comprising a first computer and a second computer remotely located from the first computer and in communication with the first computer via a network. The second computer comprises an encoder module which encodes and transmits a pixel color datum to the first computer. The encoder module encodes the pixel color datum by generating a bit indicative of the number of different pixel color data encoded since a datum having a same color as the pixel color datum was last encoded.

Abstract: A gradation conversion processor performs gradation conversion processing on image data on the basis of a predetermined gradation conversion characteristic, and a noise reduction processor performs noise reduction processing on the image data. Subsequently, a combining-ratio calculator calculates a combining ratio between the image data before the noise reduction processing performed by the noise reduction processor and the image data after the noise reduction processing on the basis of the gradation conversion characteristic, and a combiner combines the image data before the noise reduction processing performed by the noise reduction processor and the image data after the noise reduction processing on the basis of the combining ratio.

Abstract: A color image is enhanced in the following fashion. A saturation detector (SDT) detects a degree of color saturation (LC, CC) that occurs in an image area (SP). A filter arrangement (DE1, DE2, DE3) filters at least one spatial detail in the image area to a degree that depends on the degree of color saturation. This allows an improvement of perceptual quality of color images.

Abstract: A method of processing image data comprises receiving image data, segmenting the image data using a first criteria and a first threshold to create a first segmented view of the image data, segmenting the image data using the first criteria and a second threshold to create a second segmented view of the image data, displaying the first segmented view of the image data, receiving one or more selection user inputs selecting one or more segments of the image data, as displayed in the first segmented view, receiving a defined user input, displaying the second segmented view of the image data, and receiving one or more further selection user inputs selecting one or more segments of the image data, as displayed in the second segmented view. This method can be used in the creation of a depth map. In this case, the process further comprises receiving one or more depth user inputs, the or each depth user input relating to a respective selection user input, and creating a depth map for the image data accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating unwanted objects in a streaming image. The method includes recognizing unwanted objects in a streaming image and eliminating the recognized unwanted objects from the streaming image.

Abstract: Method for recommending photographs chosen from a set of digital photographs, comprising: a tagging step for tagging the digital photographs according to determined objective parameters obtained from their own features and determined subjective parameters obtained from users' behaviour toward said photographs; a tuning step for obtaining a tuning score scoret for each photograph by weighing their objective and subjective parameters according to a relevant function; starting from the tuning score of each photograph, obtaining a total score scoreTOTAL for each photograph; provide the at least one user with the photographs recommendation according to the total score scoreTOTAL of each photograph.

Abstract: Two camera assemblies in a multiple camera system output first and second images. In an image synthesizing method of stitching, an overlap area where the images are overlapped on one another is determined. Feature points are extracted from the overlap area in the first image. Relevant feature points are retrieved from the overlap area in the second image in correspondence with the feature points of the first image. Numbers of the feature points and the relevant feature points are reduced according to distribution or the number of the feature points. A geometric transformation parameter is determined according to coordinates of the feature points and the relevant feature points for mapping the relevant feature points with the feature points, to transform the second image according to the geometric transformation parameter. The second image after transformation is combined with the first image to locate the relevant feature points at the feature points.

Abstract: A method of processing a digital image using face detection within the image achieves one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image. Default values are determined of one or more parameters of at least some portion of the digital image. Values are adjusted of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of the digital image including the image of the face and the default values.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for analyzing hyperspectral data includes collecting first hyperspectral data of a scene using a hyperspectral imager during a no-gas period and analyzing the first hyperspectral data using one or more gas plume detection logics. The gas plume detection logic is executed using a low detection threshold, and detects each occurrence of an observed hyperspectral signature. The method also includes generating a histogram for all occurrences of each observed hyperspectral signature which is detected using the gas plume detection logic, and determining a probability of false alarm (PFA) for all occurrences of each observed hyperspectral signature based on the histogram. Possibly at some other time, the method includes collecting second hyperspectral data, and analyzing the second hyperspectral data using the one or more gas plume detection logics and the PFA to determine if any gas is present. Other systems and methods are also included.

Abstract: There are provided an image processing device, an image processing method and a program that generate an electronic document in a format specification that is optimal for many purposes of electronic documents. A table region is discriminated from an input image, and a table structure in the table region is analyzed. A table line determination is made on the analyzed table structure as to whether or not each ruled line is representable in the format, and ruled line information and a vector line object are created according to the determination result. The created ruled line information and vector line object are used to generate the electronic document.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking an object as it navigates through a monitored region is provided. The method includes displaying at least a first video data stream associated with at least a first data collection device monitoring a first region, selecting a linked area of the first video data stream, and displaying at least a second video data stream associated with a second data collection device. The linked area is associated with at least a second data collection device monitoring the second region, and the data collection devices can include PTZ cameras. In some embodiments, the method includes comparing the selected linked area with a stored predefined area using an image recognition algorithm.

Abstract: A template matching apparatus includes a template input unit configured to input the template image; a signal input unit configured to input an image to be matched; a template scaling unit configured to scale the template image; a matching unit configured to match a scaled template image and an input image; a scaling factor determining unit configured to determine a scaling factor of the template image on the basis of a similarity obtained by matching; and a result output unit configured to output a result of matching when matching within a range of a predetermined scaling factor is completed.

Abstract: To provide an update region detection device capable of accurately detecting an update region from plot data on a computer screen. In an update region detection unit (125), a pixel comparison unit (601) compares a difference between values of pixels at the same position in each of a reference frame and a current frame, with a first threshold and a second threshold, the second threshold being a value greater than the first threshold. An update region extraction unit (602) extracts, an update region, a group including a pixel where a difference greater than the second threshold has been detected, from among a group of pixels where a difference greater than the first threshold has been detected.