Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system and a method for determining whether a person is carrying concealed contraband, such as an improvised explosives device or other weapon. The system includes a people tracking video subsystem, a people tracking decisioning subsystem, a concealed contraband detection aiming subsystem, and a concealed contraband detection decisioning subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automotive environment monitoring device to detect the existence of an object, a pedestrian or the like, with high accuracy even if one part of the object is overlapped with the background of an image obtained from an imaging unit mounted on the vehicle. An area where the object exists in the image obtained from an infrared camera (102) is set as a first area (A1i) and a lower portion of the first area (A1i) is set as a second area (A2i). A feature of the object is extracted with respect to the second area (A2i) and the object is identified based on the extracted feature. Thereby, even in the case where the first area (A1i) has been set but the feature of an upper part of the object can not be extracted due to the upper part of the object being overlapped with the background of the image, the object can still be identified with high accuracy by extracting the feature of a lower part of the object in the second area (A2i).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling an operation of an information processing device using movement data of the information processing device or a peripheral device are provided. An operation configuration variable set value for performing a predetermined function of the information processing device is changed according to movement data of the information processing device or the peripheral device detected by a movement detecting unit. After that, a predetermined function provided by the information processing device is automatically enabled or disabled, so that power consumption of a battery is minimized and user convenience in using the information processing device is enhanced.

Abstract: A biometric information measuring apparatus has a biometric signal detecting portion that detects a biometric signal. A control section calculates biometric information based on the detected biometric signal by nullifying an amplitude of the detected biometric signal corresponding to a noise portion of the detected biometric signal when the nullified amplitude does not satisfy a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A biometrics authentication system detect body characteristics, verify the characteristics against registered biometrics data to perform individual authentication. In 1:n authentication, a plurality of different type biometrics database sets of a user are registered in a database, and at the time of verification of one type biometrics data set with one type registered biometrics data set, the control unit judges whether similar biometrics data sets of other person are registered, and if other person's similar biometrics data sets are registered, performs verification of each of the another type biometrics data sets of the plurality of similar biometrics data sets with the detected another type biometrics data set, and identifies the individual in question.

Abstract: At least one wrong template for storing features of pattern information imaged on condition unsuitable for biometric authentication is provided and the wrong template information is collated with collation template information produced by extracting features from biometric information when authentication information is registered. When similarity is low, the collation template information is stored in an authentication template. The collation template is collated with the wrong template upon authentication and when similarity is high, authentication processing is not made. Further, when similarity of the collation template information and the wrong template information is high, a guidance message for solving a problem is displayed to the user. Thus, reduction of authentication performance is prevented.

Abstract: The invention provides a internet hosted system to find, compare, contrast and identify similar characteristics among two or more individuals or objects using a digital camera, cellular telephone camera, wireless device for the purpose of returning information regarding similar objects or faces to the user The system features classification of images from a variety of Internet accessible sources, including mobile phones, wireless camera-enabled devices, images obtained from digital cameras or scanners that are uploaded from PCs, third-party applications and databases. Once classified, the matching person's name, or the matching object, image and associated meta-data is sent back to the user. The image may be manipulated to emphasize similar characteristics between the received facial image and the matching facial image. The meta-data sent down with the image may include sponsored links and advertisements.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the present invention is used to organize minutiae and other identifying characteristics of a patterned object to verify a user. In one embodiment, the method includes matching minutiae points of the patterned object in one more sets with minutiae points of the patterned object in a candidate set. The method also includes adjusting a confidence value of each minutia point in the one or more sets based on results of the matching. The method also includes organizing the one or more sets based on the confidence values, such as by ordering the minutiae in the one or more sets based on the confidence values, or by deleting from the one or more sets any identifying characteristics with a confidence value below a threshold.

Abstract: To enable extraction of a specific area (pattern area) that includes a characteristic part of the inherent pattern of individual fingerprint from an inputted fingerprint image of a human being or other creature. The pattern area is extracted as the minimum area that is surrounded by a right pattern area slope, a left pattern area slope, and pattern area bases. The right (left) pattern area slope is a fingerprint ridge which runs towards the outside on the right (left) side from the start point that is located on the upper side of the center point of the fingerprint image, and satisfies a prescribed condition. The pattern area base is a fingerprint ridge which runs on the lower side of the center and satisfies a prescribed condition.

Abstract: A method for automated analysis of textural differences present on an image volume. The image volume includes a plurality of volume elements, and each volume element has a gray level. The method includes defining a volume of interest (VOI); performing texture measures within the VOI; and classifying the VOI as belonging to a tissue pathology class based upon the texture measures. Computer readable media encoded with computer readable instructions for carrying out these functions. An apparatus that includes an image input adapted to receive a diagnostic medical image. The image includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel has a particular gray level. The apparatus also includes a display for displaying a graphical user interface and the received image; and a processor adapted to perform texture measures on one or more groups of pixels within the image and classify each group of pixels to a tissue pathology class based upon the textures measures.

Abstract: An identification information creation apparatus and method capable of improving reliability in an identification process. A prescribed number or fewer isolated pixels are eliminated as condition noises from a binarized image created from images obtained by imaging blood vessels unique to a body, and identification information is created based on the blood vessels of the resultant noise-free binarized image. This can reduce a possibility of creating the identification information with the condition noises as a part of the blood vessels, thus making it possible to prevent the identification information from deteriorating due to different imaging conditions and physiologic change of imaging target and thus improving reliability in the identification process.

Abstract: After selecting two or more image series for comparison, images of the image series are interleaved so that they are alternatively displayed in a comparison pane on a display device. In one embodiment, after one or more image series are selected for comparison, an interleaved image series is created containing each of the images of the one or more selected image series, or, alternatively, the interleaved image series comprises links to the images arranged in the interleaved pattern. If differences exist in the images of the multiple image series, these differences may be more easily detectable as the display device cycles between the images. Comparison of images in an interleaved image series may be more advantageous if the images of each selected image series are of a common anatomical area, common image size, and the images are in the same order.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for virtual implant review. Certain embodiments provide a method for virtual implant review. The method includes registering a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image. The method includes detecting an implant or instrument in the two-dimensional image. The method also includes performing an initial implant registration of the implant or instrument with respect to the three dimensional image based on navigation information and refining the initial implant registration based on image data analysis to generate a refined implant registration. Additionally, the method includes displaying a representation of the implant or instrument with respect to the three-dimensional image based on the refined image registration and the refined implant registration.

Abstract: A method for perfusion weighted imaging in which a plurality of local arterial input functions is estimated at each of a plurality of voxels. At least in part of the basis of the local arterial input functions, a cerebral blood flow at a voxel associated with one of the local arterial input functions is estimated.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for facilitating temporal comparison of medical images is provided, with one exemplary application being for breast mammograms. In one embodiment, prior and subsequent mammographic images of a breast acquired using at least partially different mammogram acquisition systems are displayed for simultaneous viewing on a same mammogram display at an identical tissue distance per unit display distance without requiring a scale-adjusting viewer input. Also described are other embodiments for optimally scaling, windowing and/or otherwise advantageously processing and/or displaying prior and subsequent mammographic image sets in manners that facilitate temporal comparison therebetween.

Abstract: A method for determining a response of each probe zone on a test strip is provided. The present invention selects an average pixel value of each section of reference white respectively adjacent to the image of a target line to serve as a reference for determining a color response of the target line. When the color response is not less than a predetermined value, representing the target line has a positive response in response to a specific component of a tested solution tested by the test strip, and the specific component is present in the tested solution. The content of the specific component is proportional to the color response. When the color response is less than a predetermined value, representing the target line has a negative response in response to the specific component of the tested solution, and the specific component is absent in the tested solution.

Abstract: A computerized method for associating one or more portions of a diagnostic image with one or more electronic records is provided. The method includes receiving a diagnostic image having data particular to at least two persons and associating a first portion of the diagnostic image with an electronic record. The method may further include storing the first portion of the diagnostic image with the electronic record and/or associating and storing a common portion of the diagnostic image with the electronic record, the common portion consisting of data common to each person whose data is shown on the image. In one embodiment, the method may further include modifying the received diagnostic image and associating and storing the modified image with an electronic record. A computer system for associating at least a portion of a diagnostic image with an electronic record is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method may detect a transition in an image stream captured within a body lumen. One or more parameters may be computed at points corresponding to a time scale of the image stream. Transition in the values of the parameters may be identified and may indicate a location along the body lumen. The image stream may be segmented at the transition points identified.

Abstract: An image acquiring apparatus for acquiring images of a sample includes a macro image acquiring unit 20 for acquiring a macro image of the sample, a dark field light source 26 to be used for acquiring a dark field macro image of the sample as a macro image, a macro image processing unit 66 which generates a reference macro image by processing image data of the macro image, and an image pickup condition setting unit 65 which sets an image acquiring range corresponding to a range including an object of image acquisition as an image pickup condition of a micro image of the sample by referring to the reference macro image. This realizes an image acquiring apparatus, an image acquiring method, and an image acquiring program by which a macro image of a sample as an object of image acquisition is preferably acquired.

Abstract: A microscope array with staggered rows of magnifying imaging systems is used to scan a biological tissue sample in a single linear pass to produce an image and corresponding optical-density data. A conventional computerized algorithm is used to identify, isolate and produce segmented images of nuclei contained in the image. The OD values corresponding to nuclear chromatin are used to identify numerical patterns known to have statistical significance in relation to the health condition of the biological tissue. These patterns are analyzed to detect pre-neoplastic changes in histologically normal-appearing tissue that suggest a risk for the development of a pre-malignant and a potentially malignant lesion. This information is then converted to a visually perceptible form incorporated into the image of the tissue sample and is displayed for qualitative analysis by a pathologist.

Abstract: A method for recognizing an object in an image is disclosed wherein a fractal map of the image is generated by estimating the fractal dimension of each pixel in the image. The fractal map may be segmented by thresholding and locations of candidate objects are determined. The pixel value of the image pixel corresponding to the same location where the candidate object is found in the fractal map may be compared to a threshold value. If the pixel value is greater than the threshold value, the candidate object is recognized as a valid object.

Abstract: A method for characterizing texture of areas within an image corresponding to monetary banknotes includes dividing the image into a plurality of sections; calculating a gray level for each section; selecting potential sections from the sections, the potential sections having gray levels within a predetermined range; selecting bill sections from the potential sections, the bill sections having pixels within a predefined color range and a predefined continuous color gradient range; generating a binary edge map according to gray levels of pixels within the bill sections; and calculating a texture value for each bill section according to the binary edge map.

Abstract: Various systems, methods and computer-readable media with computer-executable instructions are disclosed that display negotiable instruments derived from various sources. For example, a bank member can draft a check and have that check displayed at his banking institution. Additionally, this bank member can also display any other checks that the member has received. In fact, any check that is either credited or debited from the member's account can appear as a digital image for inspection by the member. Furthermore, any images of checks residing at other banking institutions can be synchronized with the member's institution to amount to a one-stop warehouse for digital images of negotiable instruments for inspection by the member, no matter from where these negotiable instruments may originate.

Abstract: A utility is presented that may be used to extract check images and/or other information directly from a Common Import Format File (CIFF) file for presentation to a user. The utility may be used in addition to, and indeed in spite of, an existing check management database system that stores information from an original CIFF file in an alternate form.

Abstract: Digital image processing methods are applied to an image of a semiconductor interconnection pad to preprocess the image prior to an inspection or registration. An image of a semiconductor pads exhibiting spatial patterns from structure, texture or features are filtered without affecting features in the image not associated with structure or texture. The filtered image is inspected in a probe mark inspection operation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating depth-of-field effects includes receiving information specifying an input image rendered using a pinhole camera. A first set of circles of confusion associated with portions of the input image are determined based a set of parameters associated with the pinhole camera. The first set of circles of confusion are then associated with heat conductivity of a medium. The portions of the input image are blurred according to heat diffusion in the medium to generate a first output image having a first depth-of-field effect.

Abstract: A method of producing an enhanced Active Appearance Model (AAM) by combining images of multiple resolutions is described herein. The method generally includes processing a plurality of images each having image landmarks and each image having an original resolution level. The images are down-sampled into multiple scales of reduced resolution levels. The AAM is trained for each image at each reduced resolution level, thereby creating a multi-resolution AAM. An enhancement technique is then used to refine the image landmarks for training the AAM at the original resolution level. The landmarks for training the AAM at each level of reduced resolution is obtained by scaling the landmarks used at the original resolution level by a ratio in accordance with the multiple scales.

Abstract: A forward pass through a sequence of strokes representing a handwritten equation is performed from the first stroke to the last stroke in the sequence. At each stroke, a path score is determined for a plurality of symbol-relation pairs that each represents a symbol and its spatial relation to a predecessor symbol. A symbol graph having nodes and links is constructed by backtracking through the strokes from the last stroke to the first stroke and assigning scores to the links based on the path scores for the symbol-relation pairs. The symbol graph is used to recognize a mathematical expression based in part on the scores for the links and the mathematical expression is stored.

Abstract: An image processing device is provided for processing image data in order to display an image at an image display medium which is capable of displaying white, black, and colors at individual pixels, which are structured by pluralities of sub-pixels. The judgment component acquires the image data and judges whether there is a chromatic color or a non-chromatic color at each pixel. When a pixel is judged to be non-chromatic, the selection component selects a pre-specified black-and-white sub-pixel set in accordance with a gray level of the non-chromatic color. When a pixel is judged to be chromatic, the conversion component converts color data to a sub-pixel set of black and the color in accordance with a pre-specified condition. Of results of conversion, the replacement component replaces a pre-specified sub-pixel set of colors, in an individual pixel or in a pre-specified sub-pixel group, with a pre-specified black-and-white sub-pixel set.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing image data are described. A scene classifier determines the probabilities that various scene classes are associated with the image data. A gamut mapper determines the probabilities that various combinations of illuminant color and scene class are associated with the image data. The probabilities from the scene classifier are used to weight the probabilities from the gamut mapper. The weighted results can be used to select an illuminant color. The image data can be adjusted to compensate for the selected illuminant color.

Abstract: An image processing method includes sampling image data of an original image, analyzing an image that includes the image data sampled in the sampling step, based on luminance and color components of the image data, determining a rotation matrix for a color balance correction based on an analysis result obtained in the analyzing step, and executing the color balance correction on the image data of the original image, based on the determined rotation matrix.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for performing color correction and methods for implementing the color correction are disclosed. The graphical user interface allows a user to adjust the colorspace of the pixels in the image. In one embodiment, a color adjustment pad allows the user to push the pixels from a particular luminance level a desired magnitude towards a desired hue. Pixels from other luminance levels are affected proportionally. The graphical user interface further allows a user to adjust the luminance of the pixels in the image. A luminance adjustment slider allows the user to adjust the luminance of pixels from a selected luminance level by a relative amount. Pixels from other luminance levels have their luminance are affected in a manner proportional to a difference between the selected luminance level value and the luminance value of the other pixel.

Abstract: Signals are provided which allow colors in a wider color range than predetermined standards, which can be handled by apparatus according to such predetermined standards. A primary color converter converts first color signals having primary color points in a wider color range than the primary color points according to BT.709 into second color signals based on the primary colors according to BT.709. A photoelectric transducer converts the second color signals into third color signals according to photoelectric transducer characteristics defined in a numerical range wider than a range from 0 to 1.0 of color signals corresponding to a luminance signal and color difference signals according to BT.709. A color signal converter converts the third color signals into a luminance signal and color difference signals. A corrector incorporated in the color signal converter corrects the color difference signals into color difference signals.

Abstract: An image processing method and system using gain-controllable clipped histogram equalization, in which the image processing method includes the steps of as obtaining a brightness histogram, computing a mean brightness of an image signal, determining a clipping rate based on the mean brightness, determining a clipping threshold based on the clipping rate, obtaining a clipped brightness histogram by clipping frequencies exceeding the clipping threshold in the brightness histogram, obtaining a corrected brightness histogram by correcting the clipped brightness as histogram using the clipping rate as a total gain, obtaining a cumulative histogram from the corrected brightness histogram, and correcting an input image using the cumulative histogram as a transformation function. Accordingly, the clipping rate is adaptively controlled so that image contrast is enhanced.

Abstract: A spatial-color Gaussian mixture model (SCGMM) image segmentation technique for segmenting images. The SCGMM image segmentation technique specifies foreground objects in the first frame of an image sequence, either manually or automatically. From the initial segmentation, the SCGMM segmentation system learns two spatial-color Gaussian mixture models (SCGMM) for the foreground and background objects. These models are built into a first-order Markov random field (MRF) energy function. The minimization of the energy function leads to a binary segmentation of the images in the image sequence, which can be solved efficiently using a conventional graph cut procedure.

Abstract: A handwriting recognition apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises an input device having a handwriting input area and configured to input a plurality of strokes constructing a plurality of characters written successively on the handwriting input area, and a recognition device configured to recognize the characters based on the strokes input by the input device, shapes of the strokes constructing two characters which are written successively and positional relations between or among the strokes constructing the two characters, whenever one stroke is input by the input device.

Abstract: An efficient technique is provided for determining a portion of a document corresponding to a captured image. Areas of a document in which the pattern is at least partially obscured are identified. A reference pixel in the image is selected, and an offset between the pixel and the pattern is determined. A pixel-by-pixel comparison is then made of the image with the document such that the reference pixel is only compared with locations in the document that are both within the identified areas and have the determined offset from the pattern. The comparison with the highest correspondence between the image pixels and the electronic document then identifies the position of the reference pixel relative to the electronic document.

Abstract: Category context models (64) and a universal context model (62) are generated including sums of soft co-occurrences of pairs of visual words in geometric proximity to each other in training images (50) assigned to each category and assigned to all categories, respectively. Context information (76) about an image to be classified (70) are generated including sums of soft co-occurrences of pairs of visual words in geometric proximity to each other in the image to be classified. For each category (82), a comparison is made of (i) closeness of the context information about the image to be classified with the corresponding category context model and (ii) closeness of the context information about the image to be classified with the universal context model. An image category (92) is assigned to the image to be classified being based on the comparisons.

Abstract: An image of high-aspect-ratio objects is analyzed to locate linear features within the image. The gradient direction for each pixel is determined, and connected pixels having similar gradient directions are grouped into line support regions. A linear feature is determined for each line support region. The linear features are analyzed to identify those that are co-linear. The linear features are then analyzed to find groups that are parallel and that sufficiently overlap. Additional sets of linear features that intersect the identified group are combined into that group. The line support regions of the grouped linear features are analyzed to determine representative orientation and/or dimensional information, which is analyzed to determine statistical information about a plurality of the objects. This information is used to monitor or control one or more processes associated with the objects, to reject the objects or a structure or device comprising the objects, or the like.

Abstract: A system and method for grouping cluster spines into a two-dimensional visual display space is provided. Clusters of concepts, each extracted from documents, are obtained. Spines are formed by placing the clusters sharing at least one of the concepts along a spine. The spines are ordered based on a length of each spine. One or more of the spines are selected as unique spines and placed into a visual display space. A similarity is determined between one of the spines not placed and each of the placed unique spines. The placed unique spine most similar is identified. An anchor cluster on the most similar unique spine that satisfies a threshold similarity with the unplaced spine is selected. A cluster on the unplaced spine that is most similar to the selected anchor cluster is identified and grafted to the selected anchor cluster as a group of cluster spines.

Abstract: Encoded HDR textures are described. In one aspect, a HDR image comprised is preprocessed such that HDR information is represented in a single color channel. The preprocessed image is quantized in view of two luminance ranges to retain HDR in the single color channel. Each block of quantized channel information is then encoded across two textures (encoded HDR textures). Specifically, when encoding a block of the quantized information, pixels in a first range of the two luminance ranges are put into a color channel associated with a first texture. Additionally, pixels in a second range of the two luminance ranges are stored into a color channel associated with a second texture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward methods for steganalysis that improve the detection of steganography in texture images. The methods combine features extracted from the image spatial representation and from a block discrete cosine transform (BDCT) representation with multiple different block sizes (i.e., N×N) to improve detection of data hidden in texture images. Image data that is to undergo steganalysis can be provided to embodiments of the invention in at least one of spatial (pixel) and JPEG format. When JPEG format is provided, the image is first decompressed to spatial representation, from which the features are extracted when the block size is at least one 2×2, 4×4, and 16×16. When the block size is 8×8, the JPEG coefficients (JPEG quantized 8×8 BDCT coefficients) derived directly from the JPEG image are used to extract features. In addition, the method is also effective as a universal steganalyzer for both texture and smooth/non-texture images.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods for managing and combining layers in a multi-layer bitstream comprising encoded image coefficients and encoded block pattern (Cbp) information wherein the Cbp information identifies regions in said bitstream that comprise transform coefficients.

Abstract: A method of processing information, includes: creating threads for respective input data streams, and switching them for processing, the threads each being for applying predetermined processing to an input data stream and storing the resulting intermediate data into a buffer; and reading multiple pieces of the intermediate data from the respective corresponding buffers to output multiple pieces of output data in parallel. The switching for processing includes: detecting the amount of intermediate data that is stored and yet to be read in the buffers when starting processing the threads; and stopping processing of the thread when the amount of the intermediate data thereof exceeds a set value, and switching processing to other threads.

Abstract: This invention decodes coefficient magnitudes in compressed video data using a selected context and speculatively decodes a coefficient sign. The next context selection depends upon a number of iterations. This invention confirms the speculatively decoded coefficient sign upon completion of the magnitude decode. This invention operates in a loop until reaching the number of significant coefficients within the block. The method exits the loop and decodes an escape code if an iteration count is greater than a predetermined number. An embodiment of this invention collects both a count up and a count down in an escape code decode in one loop. An embodiment of this invention estimates the number of significant coefficients in a block and selects the inventive or a prior art decode.

Abstract: A solution for detecting a streak in a JPEG image is disclosed that includes an extraction system for extracting a DC value from each cell block in the compressed image; an identification system for identifying a peak DC value in each rank of cell blocks within the compressed image; and an analysis system for analyzing the peak DC values to determine if a streak exists in the compressed image.

Abstract: A motion adaptive image processing apparatus includes a classifier to classify a current field of a sequence of in put fields into one or more class regions, a calculator to calculate a variance based on pixel values of pixels located in a predetermined region around a certain pixel of the current field, a threshold calculator to calculate a maximum variance and a minimum variance which are pre-set according to the one or more class regions, the threshold calculator calculating a threshold based on the calculated maximum variance and the minimum variance, a motion calculator to calculate a motion change of an image using a previous field and a next field of the current field in the sequence of the input fields, and a weight calculator to calculate the weight to be applied to the certain pixel based on the calculated threshold and the calculated motion change of the image.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively performing an adaptive encoding procedure includes a texture analyzer that initially determines texture characteristics for blocks of input image data. An image transformer converts the blocks of image data into sets of coefficients that represent the various blocks. A block categorizer utilizes the texture characteristics to associate texture categories with the sets of coefficients from the various blocks. Deadzone tables are provided for storing deadzone values that define deadzone regions for performing appropriate quantization procedures. A quantizer may then access the deadzone values from the deadzone tables to adaptively convert the coefficients into quantized coefficients according to their corresponding texture characteristics.

Abstract: A face portion of an input image, an example of a predetermined structure, is applied to a mathematical model by the image recovery/addition section to recover a missing element of the face portion in the input image. The mathematical model is generated by a predetermined statistical method, such as the AAM scheme or the like, based on a plurality of sample images representing the face portion including the recovery target element. Thereafter, the face portion is reconstructed to include the missing element based on the parameter corresponding to the face portion obtained by applying the face portion to the model, and the face portion of the input image is replaced by the reconstructed face portion to produce a restored image by the image reconstruction section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a noise reduction method for use in reducing noise of a digital image, the method comprising steps of: providing a plurality of luminance threshold values; determining a plurality of luminance feature values according to the luminance value of a target pixel and the luminance values of neighboring pixels of the target pixel; determining whether the target pixel is a noise point based on the comparison between each of the luminance feature values and each of the luminance threshold values corresponding thereto, respectively; and adjusting the luminance value, a first chrominance value and a second chrominance value of the target pixel if the target pixel is determined as a noise point. Using the noise reduction method of the present invention, not only noise of a digital image can be identified, but also the degradation caused by the noise can be reduced and thus the overall picture quality can be improved.