Abstract: A decoder receives for decoding and post-processing for display an HDR (high dynamic range) image comprising a first coded image (e.g., a JPEG-HDR baseline image) and a second coded image (e.g., a JPEG-HDR ratio image). The first coded image is partially decoded and post-processed according to a post-processing command (e.g., scaling) to output a first decoded and post-processed image. The second coded image is also partially decoded and post-processed according to the post-processing command to output a second decoded and post-processed image. The first and the second decoded and post-processed images are combined to output a decoded HDR image according to the post-processing command.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring an image by copying a memory may include determining whether to perform an interpolation operation based on block information, and restoring a current image using a reference image depending on whether to perform the interpolation operation.

Abstract: A coding method including dividing pixels of a chrominance component of an input image into blocks having a predetermined size; selecting one among a direct current prediction method, a vertical prediction method, a horizontal prediction method, and a hybrid prediction method according to a user's input; generating a prediction value of each pixel in a current block to be predictively coded, using at least one pixel value among pixel values in an upper reference block adjacent to the current block and in a side reference block adjacent to the current block, according to the selected prediction method; generating a differential value between the prediction value and a corresponding real pixel value in the current block; and coding the differential value and information on the selected prediction method using a predetermined coding method.

Abstract: Encoding image data and mask information to be used for matte images and for image and video matting. Image data and mask information for pixels of the image data in a first representation domain are accessed. The mask information defines background pixels and foreground pixels. The image data in the first representation domain is transformed to a second representation domain. Mask information in the second representation domain is determined by using the mask information in the first representation domain. The image data in the second representation domain is masked by setting image data to zero for background pixels as defined by the determined mask information in the second representation domain. The masked image data in the second representation domain is encoded.

Abstract: A computerized method for independent disjoint block-level recompression of a first image generated by independent coding of disjoint blocks in a precursor image, the first image having at least one first quantization matrix associated there-with, the method comprising performing at least one independent disjoint block-level compression operation, using a processor on the first image, thereby to generate a re-compressed second image including generating a new quantization matrix and using the new quantization matrix for the independent disjoint block-level compression, including computing a rounding error created by the quantization process utilizing the new quantization matrix and, if needed, adjusting at least one value of the new quantization matrix to reduce a rounding error created by the quantization process utilizing the new quantization matrix.

Abstract: There are provided a method for computerized generation of an enhanced image based on a plurality of acquired images (e.g. SAR images) and system thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for image analysis and modification using a fast sliding parabola erosion. The methods include selecting a scan line in an image and performing a unidirectional left-hand pass followed by a unidirectional right-hand pass. The unidirectional passes are performed as loops with increasing distance. By utilizing simple unidirectional left-hand and right-hand passes along a scan line in an image, the erosion procedure is greatly simplified and computation times are significantly reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing apparatus (1) comprising an image providing unit (2) for providing a first image of an object and a second image of the same object and a filtering unit (3) which filters the first image depending on a first degree of similarity between image values of the first image and on a second degree of similarity between image values of the second image. This allows filtering the first image depending on the likeliness that image values belong to the same part of the object, for example, to tissue or to bone material of the object, if the object is a human being or an animal, even if due to noise the image values of one of the first image and the second image are disturbed, thereby improving, for example, an edge preserving property of the filtering procedure.

Abstract: When a noise of an image is reduced by using a plurality of sheets of images, a noise of a portion which cannot be aligned cannot be reduced. Aligning processing of the plural images is performed to generate an average image formed by pixels subjected to the aligning processing. Further, a difference between average image data representing the average image and input image data representing an input image is calculated, and the noise of the input image is reduced by using the calculated difference.

Abstract: A method, including calculating a first distance matrix for a first binary image and a second distance matrix for a second binary image, and calculating a first gradient matrix for the first distance matrix and a second gradient matrix for the second distance matrix. Using the calculated distance and gradient matrices, a displacement matrix is calculated that defines a change in position between elements in the first distance matrix and corresponding elements in the second distance matrix. Outlier elements are identified including elements in the displacement matrix satisfying at least one predetermined criterion, and the identified outlier are replaced with calculated interpolated values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstructing a high-resolution image based on multiple low-resolution images are disclosed. The method and apparatus incorporating an embodiment according to the present invention reconstructs the high-resolution image based on a kernel regression method using a modified kernel function. The kernel function takes into consideration of registration reliability of regression residue and rotational motion within the multiple low-resolution images. The registration reliability adjusts weighting on the regression residues according to local gradient estimated between neighboring values. Furthermore, multi-scale regression residue is used to alleviate impact of noise.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus, including an enlargement ratio setting section which sets a region of data in an original image, including a designated position designated as an object to be enlarged within the original image, as a region to be enlarged, and sets an enlargement ratio to the region to be enlarged, based on an image feature amount showing complexity of an image of the region to be enlarged, and an enlarged image generation section which generates enlarged image data for the data of the original image, by applying an enlargement process by the enlargement ratio set by the enlargement ratio setting section.

Abstract: Super-resolution images may be produced by dividing a higher resolution image into a set of non-overlapping rectangular tiles of substantially the same size. Then, each pixel in each lower resolution image is mapped to the higher resolution image and it is determined which tiles are mapped to which lower resolution image pixels. A continuous buffer may be allocated for each tile and the relevant lower resolution pixels may be stored, together with optical flow vectors, in that continuous buffer. Then, the determination of gradients may use the information now stored in the buffer to facilitate symmetric multiprocessing using multi-core processors.

Abstract: A system and method retrieve an image using a first computer processor, and transmit the image from the first computer processor to a second remote computer processor. The first computer processor and the second remote computer processor are coupled via a network connection. The image is received at the network connection, and the image is a lightweight operating system that is configured to be stored in and execute in a virtual memory coupled to the second remote computer processor. The second remote computer processor is not equipped with additional hardware or an agent to receive or execute the image.

Abstract: System and method are disclosed for creating a photo calendar. A computer storage medium stores images taken in a time period spanning a plurality of capture months. A computer processor automatically divides the images into groups based the capture months, distributes the images in one of the capture month to one or more calendar months according to an adjacency distribution function, and creates a design of a photo calendar comprising a plurality of calendar months and images distributed in the calendar months.

Abstract: A resealable closure for packages is provided which has a package integrity feature. The closure includes a two-ply material having an inner film layer and an outer film layer, forming a top of container. The outer film layer has a sealing panel completely covering a first panel and a second panel of the inner film layer. The sealing panel is permanently attached to the first panel and is releasably affixed a portion of the inner film layer around the perimeter of the first panel to form an opening in the top when the sealing panel with affixed first panel is peeled back from the top. The sealing panel is resealable against the top to seal the opening when the sealing panel is moved back against the top. The package integrity feature comprises the second panel of the inner layer which separates from the sealing panel to indicate that the container has been previously opened.

Abstract: A device for operating a non sterilized tool within a sterilized room without tampering with the sterilization of the room has a first bag and a second bag. The second bag is located within the first bag and its opening edges are overlapping the opening edges of the first bag. The overlapping edges are adhered to each other to define a hermetic space between the first and the second bags and to maintain opened the opening of the second bag, and that space is treated by means of one of sanitized, sterilized, disinfected or cleaned.

Abstract: A feeding bag system, comprising at least one reusable feeding bag suitable for holding liquids and solid foods, each bag defining a mouth at an upper end of the bag, and a plurality of attachments for regulating the passage of material into or out of the bag, each attachment having a connecting assembly for detachably connecting the attachment to the mouth of the at least one bag to form a liquid-proof seal therewith.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an instant closure mechanism comprising first and second flat, strip like sealing structures having a first orientation, first and opposing second ends; first and opposing second edges; a first pivot member dividing the sealing structures into an first and second portions, and a contour including at least one curved portion having a large gradual radius intersecting at least one of the first end and the second end. At least two second pivot members having an orientation perpendicular to the first orientation; a tab member enabled to pivot from a first flat position to a second bent position, and a sealing member coupled to the tab member via the horizontal pivot member. The sealing members are joined, providing a sealing interface, and whereby pivoting the tab member imparts a deformation of at least one of the two sealing structures resembling the contour of the first pivot members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas-permeable film that has increased gas permeability and can be used as a packaging film suitable for a wide range of applications, in particular for packaging a wide variety of articles. Said gas-permeable film 1 has gas-permeable sections provided on a base plastic film of a prescribed thickness. Each gas-permeable section 3L is a recession 3 that is recessed and distended a prescribed amount from one surface of the base plastic film 2 towards the other surface such that the bottom of said recession protrudes outwards from said other surface. Each recession 3 is formed such that the thickness thereof decreases gradually from the top opening towards the aforementioned bottom, with the bottom being the thinnest part.

Abstract: A damping system for fittings, in particular for domestic appliances and furniture, comprises a first fitting part (2) which can be moved relative to a second fitting part (3), wherein a damping element (4, 4?) with a housing (5) and a piston (7, 14), which is mounted such that it can move in the housing (5), is provided in order to brake the relative movement of the first fitting part (2) to the second fitting part (3) before an end position is reached, wherein a knitted fabric (6) comprising threads is arranged in the housing (5), it being possible for said knitted fabric to be compressed by the piston (7, 14) for the purpose of damping the movement of the fitting parts (2, 3).

Abstract: This bush is made out of a composite material that has a modulus of elasticity of between 500 and 6000 N/mm2, said bush having at least one lip formed directly at the time of manufacture as an overrun edge of its bore to act as a leak-tight or protective barrier after mounting on the shaft by creating a tightening effect between the inside diameter of said lip or said lips, and the outside diameter of said shaft.

Abstract: A rotating hub and fixed spindle assembly with first and second fluid dynamic journal bearings and first and second fluid dynamic thrust bearings for a disc drive memory system has a pump seal and a radial ring seal at a first axial terminus for lubricant containment, and a capillary seal and a labyrinth seal at a second axial terminus for lubricant containment and storage. Lubricant fluid pressure differences between first and second seals are minimized through one or more lubricant fluid communicating channels in the hub assembly, in order to minimize lubricant fluid loss through a seal. Lubricant fluid can also be purged of any air bubbles by lubricant fluid circulation through the channel.

Abstract: A system, method and means is provided for withstanding mechanical shock for use with fluid dynamic bearings. A sealing system is provided that withstands 1000 G shock events. In an aspect, a grooved pumping seal employed between a thrust plate and a shield, a thrust plate having spiral grooves, a fluid recirculation passageway, and a reservoir creates an asymmetric pressure gradient. In an aspect, fluid is retained and air is purged utilizing an enlarged fluid reservoir, axial channels and an angled fill hole. In an aspect, a shaft is attached to a top cover supplying radial stiffness, and an enlarged single-sided thrust plate improves dynamic parallelism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connecting rod bearing for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, the connecting rod bearing comprising a pair of semi-cylindrical bearings. In at least one of the semi-cylindrical bearings, a front side circumferential groove is formed from the front side circumferential end surface, and in the opposed semi-cylindrical bearing, a rear side circumferential groove is formed from the rear side circumferential end surface. In a communicating portion where the front side circumferential groove, the rear side circumferential groove, and the axial groove communicate with one another, a depth of the front side circumferential groove is larger than a depth of the rear side circumferential groove, whereby a step portion in a depth direction of the circumferential grooves is formed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connecting rod bearing for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, the connecting rod bearing comprising a pair of semi-cylindrical bearings. In at least one of the semi-cylindrical bearings, a front side circumferential groove is formed from the front side circumferential end surface, and in the opposed semi-cylindrical bearing, a rear side circumferential groove is formed from the rear side circumferential end surface. A circumferential length of the front side circumferential groove is larger than a circumferential length of the front side crush relief, and a circumferential length of the rear side circumferential groove is smaller than a circumferential length of the rear side crush relief.

Abstract: A bicycle bottom bracket assembly is provided with a support member, a bearing unit and a seal member. The support member includes a hanger mounting structure and a bearing mounting structure. The bearing unit includes an outer race, an inner race and at least one roller element disposed between the outer and inner races. The outer race is fixed to the bearing mounting structure of the support member. The seal member has a proximal end fixed to the support member and a distal end slidably contacting the inner race of the bearing unit.

Abstract: The axial thrust bearing device, in particular for the suspension strut of a motor vehicle, comprises a bottom support cover 18, a top bearing cover 16, a rolling bearing 20 axially disposed between said covers, and at least a sealing ring 22 freely movable in axial direction relative to the bottom support cover and to the support bearing cover. Said sealing ring is adapted to reduce any ingress of foreign matter between said covers. The sealing ring comprises at least one friction lip 22b, 22c bearing against the bottom support cover 18 and delimits with the top bearing cover 16 at least a labyrinth sealing zone.

Abstract: A sliding bearing surface may have at least one thermal spray coating applied to the bearing surface to form a sliding bearing lining layer. A method of forming the sliding bearing lining, the method comprising applying the thermal spray coating to the bearing surface uses a thermal spray technique.

Abstract: To provide an optical modulator having a reduced size and reduced power consumption and capable of being easily connected to a waveguide and a method of manufacturing the optical modulator. The optical modulator has at least semiconductor layer (8) having a rib-shaped portion and doped so as to be of a first conduction type, dielectric layer (11) laid on first-conduction-type semiconductor layer (8), and semiconductor layer (9) laid on dielectric layer (11), having the width at the side opposite from dielectric layer (11) increased relative to the width of the rib-shaped portion, and doped so as to be of a second conduction type.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device having a Mach-Zehnder type waveguide formed on a substrate is provided in which a slope of two waveguides input to an optical coupler on an output side of the Mach-Zehnder type waveguide is 0 degrees, a waveguide of the optical coupler after being coupled by the optical coupler is a multi-mode waveguide, and the waveguide which is output from the optical coupler is a three-branched waveguide including an output main waveguide and two output sub waveguides interposing the output main waveguide therebetween.

Abstract: A system and method for applying polarization scrambling through a device to a plurality of fiber optic cables by applying a compressive load simultaneously to each of the plurality of fiber optic cables in order to scramble polarization to each of the plurality of fiber optic cables simultaneously.

Abstract: An optical circuit package comprising a substrate having a planar surface and an interferometric planar lightwave circuit located on the planar surface of the substrate. A refractive-index-compensation material is incorporated into a portion of the planar lightwave circuit such that an optical path through the planar lightwave circuit passes through the refractive-index-compensation material. The package also comprises a moisture or organic vapor sensitive electro-optic device located on the substrate. An inner hermetic can is located on the substrate, wherein the inner hermetic can encapsulates the portion of the planar lightwave circuit incorporating the refractive-index-compensation material. An outer hermetic can is located on or around the substrate, wherein the outer hermetic can encloses the planar lightwave circuit, the moisture or organic vapor sensitive electro-optic device and the inner hermetic can.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bend limiting structure for preventing a flexible optical circuit from being bent too sharply. More particularly, the invention involves adding a bend limiting layer or layers to the flexible optical circuit and/or any housing or other structure within which it is enclosed or to which it is attached. The bend-limiting layer may comprise a plurality of blocks arranged in a line or plane and joined by a flexible film that is thinner than the blocks with the blocks positioned close enough to each other so that, if that plane of blocks is bent a predetermined amount, the edges of the blocks will interfere with each other and prevent the plane from being bent any further. The blocks may be resilient also to provide a less abrupt bend-limiting stop.

Abstract: An optical link may include a main optical waveguide; N sub-optical waveguides, where N is a natural number; N mode couplers, each configured to perform a mode coupling operation between the main optical waveguide and a respective one of the N sub-optical waveguide; and an optical wavelength filter connected to an output terminal of the main optical waveguide and an output terminal of each of the N sub-optical waveguides. A memory system may include a memory device, a memory controller, and the optical link. A data processing system may include the memory system and a central processing unit connected to the memory system through a bus.

Abstract: Provided is an optical integrated device comprising a first waveguide that is formed on a substrate and includes a first optical path; an electrode formed on the first waveguide; a second waveguide that is formed on the substrate and includes a second optical path; and a transparent waveguide that is formed on the substrate between the first waveguide and the second waveguide, and includes a transparent core that serves as an optical path and is formed of a material having higher bandgap energy than the first optical path. The electrode is formed above the first waveguide and is not formed above the transparent waveguide, and elements including the first waveguide are optically active elements that operate according to current injected thereto.

Abstract: An optical sub-assembly module comprises a fiber for delivering optical signals; a transmitter; a receiver; and an intermediate optical mechanism optically coupled to the fiber, the transmitter and the receiver. The intermediate optical mechanism includes a fiber-end interface for receiving the optical signals from the fiber or outputting the optical signals generated by the transmitter to the fiber; a transmission-end interface for receiving the optical signals from the transmitter; a reception-end interface or outputting the optical signals from the fiber to the receiver; and a filtering interface in the inside of the intermediate optical mechanism for realizing the optical signal delivery from the transmitter to the fiber and from the fiber to the receiver. The fiber-end interface, the transmission-end interface and the reception-end interface are parts of an integral whole while the filtering interface is a part of the same integral whole or an independent filter.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module includes a substrate, a photoelectric conversion element optically coupled to an optical fiber, and a conductor pattern that is provided on a surface of the substrate and includes an electrode pattern mounting the photoelectric conversion element and a restriction pattern for restricting a position of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A laser diode includes a junction surface configured to interface with an integrated optics slider. Cathode and anode electrical junctions are disposed on the junction surface. The cathode and anode electrical junctions are configured for electrical and mechanical coupling to the integrated optics slider. At least one test pad is disposed on the junction surface that is physically separate from and electrically coupled to one of the cathode and anode electrical junctions. The test pad is configured to be contacted by a test probe and is not configured for electrical or mechanical coupling to the integrated optics slider.

Abstract: A broadly tunable optomechanical apparatus includes a resonator component consisting of two coupled optical microring resonators disposed in a stacked relationship, an input waveguide disposed adjacent a periphery of the resonator component, and a control signal waveguide coupled to the resonator component or the input signal waveguide. A broadband optical switch includes a plurality of resonator components each of which corresponds to a selected signal wavelength, predetermined by the geometry and design of the resonator component, and a respective plurality of output signal waveguides, and a respective plurality of a control signal waveguides each coupled to a respective resonator component. Associated tuning and switching methods and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: A plasmonic transducer includes at least two metal elements with a gap therebetween. The metal elements are elongated along a plasmon-enhanced, near-field radiation delivery axis. Cross sections of the metal elements in a plane normal to the delivery axis vary in shape along the delivery axis. A waveguide is disposed along an elongated side of the plasmonic transducer. The waveguide is optically coupled to the plasmonic transducer along the elongated side.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupling assembly includes a first and a second optical fiber connectors. The first optical fiber connector includes a first light guide, a first light source, a first photoelectric conversion element, a plug holding a first optical lens, and a first optical fiber. The first optical fiber is optically aligned with the first light guide and the first optical lens. The second optical fiber connector includes a second light guide, a second light source, a second photoelectric conversion element, a second optical lens, and a second optical fiber. The second optical fiber connector defines a passage receiving the second optical lens. The second optical fiber is optically aligned with the second light guide and the second optical lens. The first and second optical lenses are aligned with each other when the plug is received in the passage.

Abstract: A pigtail light guide structure for transmitting optical signals includes an optical transmission line and a fiber stub structure. The optical transmission line has an optical fiber, a coating enclosing the optical fiber and a buffer layer enclosing the coating. A part of the optical fiber is exposed to outer side of a free end of the optical transmission line. The fiber stub structure includes a sleeve and a capillary. The sleeve has a first internal receiving hole for accommodating the optical transmission line, and a second internal receiving hole in communication with the first internal receiving hole for accommodating the capillary. The second internal receiving hole has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first internal receiving hole. The capillary has an internal passage for accommodating a part of the optical fiber of the optical transmission line.

Abstract: A method for constructing an area array waveguide power splitter includes preparing a reflective layer on a substrate and forming a core of an area array waveguide layer and alignment features for an optical fiber input and a plurality of optical fiber outputs atop the reflective layer, wherein the core of the area array waveguide layer and the alignment features are formed concurrently. The method also includes applying a reflective layer to the top and side surfaces of the core of the area array waveguide layer and exposing an input and exposing a plurality of outputs in the reflective layer.

Abstract: A method and device for interconnecting optical components, such as optical fibers and optical circuits, in a flexible, repeatable, and cost-effective manner. Two or more optical components are interconnected by a flexible optical circuit substrate bearing one or more embedded optical fibers with a lens at each end of each fiber. The flexible optical circuit may be incorporated into a housing bearing apertures for receiving optical connectors of the optical components that are to be interconnected with the device. The lensed ends of the fibers embedded in the flexible optical circuit are positioned adjacent to the apertures for optically connecting to the fibers within the connectors installed in the apertures without conventional mating connectors disposed inside the housing.

Abstract: A technology for wavelength division multiplexing light of a plurality of different wavelengths into one or more optical fibers is disclosed. In a first main embodiment, the light is multiplexed and turned by a designated angle using two lens arrays and a flat surface that functions as a mirror. In a second embodiment, a waveguide-based combiner structure multiplexes and turns a plurality of light beams of different wavelengths.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for incorporating physical barriers to unauthorized network access through an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). The output terminals of an ONT are equipped with connectors having physical features unique to the networks to which they correspond so that only persons having a cable with a matching complementary connector can connect a computer or other electronic device to the ONT output terminal corresponding to that network and not to the output terminal corresponding to any other network. The input terminal of an ONT may be equipped with similar technology.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector apparatus may include a ferrule having a hollow through its center. The hollow is sized and shaped to receive an optical fiber such that an end of each of the optical fiber is located at an endface of the ferrule. The endface of the ferrule is partitioned into a first section and a second section. The first section is perpendicular to an axis of the ferrule and the second section is angled with respect to the first section. When the connector is assembled, the ferrule can butt couple to a similarly configured second ferrule such that the perpendicular second portions of the endfaces of the ferrules are physically touching. The angle of the angled portions sets a distance between portions of the endfaces corresponding to endfaces of optical fibers received in the ferrules thereby setting a gap between the fiber endfaces.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector holder is sized to fit within an opening for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to permit a fiber optic connector with a dust cap positioned about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule to be inserted within and releasably held by the connector holder. A system for holding fiber optic connectors includes a fiber optic connector holder mounted within an opening in a bulkhead for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to receive a fiber optic connector with a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule. A optical fiber connector may be held to a bulkhead when the fiber optic connector includes a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical module includes an optical fiber, a ferrule which has a guide hole, a planar photonic device which is mounted on the ferrule, and a sleeve which includes a holding part for holding the optical fiber and a bumping part for making contact with one end of the ferrule and to which the optical fiber and the ferrule are fixed. The optical fiber is fixed to the sleeve in such a manner that the optical fiber protrudes from one end of the sleeve and has an end face formed using one end of the sleeve as a reference. The optical fiber with the formed end face is inserted in the guide hole in the ferrule and the ferrule is fixed to the sleeve with one end of the ferrule in contact with the bumping part of the sleeve.