Abstract: A bit plane generating system, a method of generating a bit plane and an integrated circuit incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the bit plane generating system includes: (1) a memory configured to store pixel data pertaining to an image to be displayed and (2) bit plane decoding circuitry coupled to the memory and configured to transform the pixel data into at least a portion of a bit plane in accordance with a signal received from a sequence controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image encoding device which does not necessitate reference of a quantization parameter between consecutive macroblocks across a parallel processing area boundary without forming slices. The image encoding device encodes a macroblock of an encoding target image by parallel processing sequentially from the top of a parallel processing area, and possesses an encoding element for every parallel processing area. When all the quantized orthogonally-transformed coefficients of a top macroblock of the parallel processing area are zero, the encoding element adds a non-zero coefficient to a part of the coefficients, making the coefficients non-zero. Accordingly, generation of a skip macroblock in the top macroblock of each parallel processing area is suppressed. Since slice formation is not necessary, the prediction over a parallel processing area boundary is applied, and encoding efficiency improves.

Abstract: Provided is an image coding method for performing intra prediction achieving higher coding efficiency. The method for coding image data on a block-by-block basis includes: generating a predicted block by predicting a current block; computing a difference between the current block and the predicted block; coding the difference computed in the computing; decoding the difference coded in the coding; and adding the difference decoded in the decoding to the predicted block to generate a decoded block, wherein the generating includes: detecting an edge in a previously decoded block corresponding to a block adjacent to the current block; and extrapolating or interpolating previously decoded image data corresponding to a pixel included in the block adjacent to the current block, along a direction of the edge detected in the detecting to generate the predicted block.

Abstract: A method for modifying a reference block of a reference image, the method includes transforming the reference block into a first set of coefficients, modifying the first set of coefficients by help of one or more weights and inverse transforming the modified first set of coefficients wherein the weights are determined by help of one or more further pixels of the current image and by help of one or more further reference pixels of the reference image.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus comprising an image compression conversion unit to quantize an image having attribute data for each pixel, wherein when a region has the attribute data of a photographic image, the image compression conversion unit quantizes the region by a BTC method, wherein when a region has the attribute data of other than the photographic image, and the region is a halftone region, the image compression conversion unit quantizes the region by the BTC method, and wherein when a region has the attribute data of other than the photographic image, and the region is a high resolution region, the image compression conversion unit generates a density pattern for the region to quantize the region according to the generated density pattern.

Abstract: Techniques and tools are described for encoding animation video. In some embodiments, a video encoder designates animation video for encoding as animation content, which typically involves changing one or more encoder settings or rules to improve encoding performance for the animation content. When the encoder encodes the animation video, the encoder detects edges in the animation video using texture and changes settings for areas that include detected edges so as to improve encoding quality for the areas. In some embodiments, a video encoder adjusts differential quantization rules and quantizes animation video according to the adjusted differential quantization rules.

Abstract: Visually optimized quantization is described herein. Specifically, the visually optimized quantization is for arbitrary block-based transforms such as Mode-Dependent Directional Transform (MDDT). The compression method involves the process of taking a discrete cosine transform of an MDDT basis function, obtaining the frequency weights, and computing the contrast sensitivity function for each of the frequency components. The overall effect of the distortion is calculated by error pooling and the quantization matrix is the inverse proportional of the overall effect.

Abstract: A method for selecting images from a set of images (according to sharpness and contrast criteria), comprising pre-selecting images by a simplified sharpness and/or contrast analysis of each image in the set of images, and of selecting images by a finer analysis of the sharpness and/or contrast of each pre-selected image. This method is particularly useful to perform an identification by recognition of the iris.

Abstract: At least one approximation image is created of the image at one or multiple scales. Translation difference images are created by pixel-wise subtracting the values of an approximation image at scale s and the values of a translated version of the approximation image. A non-linear modification is applied to the values of the translation difference image (s) and at least one enhanced center difference image at a specific scale is computed by combining the modified translation difference images at that scale or a smaller scale with weights Wi,j. An enhanced image is computed by applying a reconstruction algorithm to the enhanced center difference images. The non-linear modification of the values of the translation difference images is steered by the values of an orientation map which comprises for each pixel a local direction of interest.

Abstract: A method corrects unfocus and misfocus in original image data using an origin-centered two-dimensional discrete fractional Fourier transform. The origin-centered two-dimensional discrete fractional Fourier transform numerically corrects a modeled evolution of an image propagating through a medium, aligning a propagation model centerline with the center of image data and the center an index-shifted numerical fractional Fourier transform operation. A zero transform-image domain origin is accordingly aligned to the center of modified image data. The corrective fractional Fourier transform power may be determined automatically or by human operator. The image correction can be applied to lens-systems or other systems obeying Fourier optics including electron microscopes, particle beams, radiation accelerators.

Abstract: Fractional Fourier transform properties inherent in lens systems and other light and particle-beam environments are used to correct optical misfocus utilizing numerical operations. The invention produces a focused image from a partially-focused operation computed by at least one processor and a misfocused lens or other imaging system. Image data is operated on by a two-dimensional discrete fractional Fourier transform operation and a two-dimensional discrete fractional Fourier transform phase operation to create misfocused phase-adjusted image data comprising some amount of misfocus, the misfocus resulting from the application of the two-dimensional discrete fractional Fourier transform operation. The misfocused phase-adjusted image is presented to a misfocused exogenous optical system to create a resulting image. The power parameter of the fractional Fourier transform is adjusted to maximize sharp edge content of the resulting image.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are described for providing one or more optimized functions for image processing and/or signal processing. Some exemplary methods described include receiving a media input and performing a first function of a staged computation on the media input to generate a result, the result comprising a constant value. Using the result, a second function of the staged computation may be compiled. The second function may correspond to inputs between a first value and a second value inclusive of the constant value. The second function may be performed to generate a media output.

Abstract: The disclosure describes adaptive filtering techniques to improve the quality of captured image information, such as video or still images. An image sensor captures image information and determines a plurality of parameter values based on a current exposure index and a current scaling factor of the image information. The adaptive spatial image filter includes both horizontal and vertical sharpening filters and configures, i.e., adapts, the horizontal sharpening filter and the vertical sharpening filter based on the plurality of parameter values determined by the image sensor. The adaptive spatial image filter applies the horizontal and vertical sharpening filters to at one channel of the image information to generate filtered image information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing imager pixel signals to reduce noise. The processing includes receiving a target pixel signal, receiving at least one neighboring pixel signal, formulating a dynamic noise signal based at least in part on a value of the target pixel signal, and controlling a noise reduction operation using the dynamic noise signal.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an associated method capable of effectively reducing image artifact at an edge of an image without excessively compromising overall system performance. The method includes calculating an intersection point of an edge of the image and a pixel scan line, estimating a relative ratio of the image within a pixel block corresponding to the intersection point to generate an adjustment parameter, and adjusting a pixel value of the pixel block according to adjustment parameter.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition section and a correction section. The acquisition section acquires information of lightness distribution of a first image captured by an imaging section capable of capturing an image of an observed area provided on an optical path of an optical system of an optical microscope, the image of the observed area being obtained by the optical microscope, the first image being an image of the observed area in a state where no sample is placed therein, the lightness distribution resulting from the optical system of the optical microscope. The correction section corrects, based on the information of lightness distribution acquired by the acquisition section, lightness unevenness of a second image captured by the imaging section, the second image being an image of the observed area in a state where the sample is placed therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices, and computer program products for image noise reduction. In one example embodiment, a method for reducing noise in a digital image includes several acts. First, one or more objects are identified in an input image. Next, the input image or a portion thereof is processed to produce another image, which may be a blurred version of the input image. Finally, one or more objects in the processed image that correspond to the one or more objects identified in the input image are evaluated to determine whether to discard the one or more objects identified in the input image. For example, if an amount of energy preserved in an object after blurring is less than a threshold, the object may be discarded as noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a computer-readable medium, a computer program and apparatuses for removal of artifacts in flash images. Image data of a reference image captured using a first level of flash energy and image data of a main image captured using a second level of flash energy that is higher than said first level of flash energy is received. Image data of a third image is then determined based on said image data of said reference image and said image data of said main image, wherein said third image is a representation of said main image with removed artifacts.

Abstract: An edge parameter computing method for an image, wherein the image includes a plurality of pixels forming a Bayer pattern. The edge parameter computing method comprises: (a) computing an average grey level of at least one specific type pixels in a specific region of the image; (b) computing each grey level difference value between the average grey level and the specific type pixels in the specific region to generate a plurality of grey level difference values; (c) finding a specific pixel with a maximum grey level difference value according to the grey level difference values; and (d) computing a ratio value between the average grey level and the maximum grey level difference value as the edge parameter.

Abstract: When positive image similarity (degree of training image similarity between input image features and those of positive training image) is higher than a predetermined first threshold, image orientation determination decision section determines input image orientation. When negative image similarity (degree of training image similarity between input image features and those of a negative training image) is not lower than a predetermined second threshold value, the image orientation determination decision section does not determine input image orientation. When the image orientation determination decision section determines the orientation of the input image, image orientation determination section calculates orientation similarity reflecting similarity between input image features and those stored in orientation-specific features storage section.

Abstract: A method (100), an apparatus (1100), and a computer program product are disclosed for generating alignment marks. A basis pattern (120) and a high frequency component (130) are combined (140). The basis pattern is defined such that a scaled and rotated version of the basis pattern correlated with the basis pattern is substantially equal to the auto-correlation of the basis pattern within a complex multiplicative constant. The high frequency component is of sufficient energy for cross correlation without detriment to the basis pattern. The basis pattern may be generated from a basis function, which may be a logarithmic radial harmonic function (LRHF). The combination is output as at least one alignment mark having an increased maximum frequency. The method (100) may further comprise printing the at least one alignment mark on a print medium.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a three dimensional cross sectional image of an object by the reconstruction of its projections that have been iteratively refined through mathematical transformations and modifications in object space and Fourier space is disclosed. A primary benefit of the method is radiation dose reduction since the invention can produce an image of a desired quality with a fewer number projections than seen with conventional methods.

Abstract: In recording an image file that is shot by panoramic image shooting, a plurality of pieces of image data are recorded in the image file, and therefore there is a problem that the file size increases. Although it is possible to reduce the file size by applying higher compression processing using JPEG or the like, there is a problem that the image degradation appears noticeably. With respect to an input image file, it is determined whether or not it is the one obtained by panoramic image shooting, and then at the time of recording, one of two overlap areas is deleted and the positional information on the other overlap area is attached. Thereafter, at the time of transmission or printing, the overlap area is restored based on the attached positional information. In this manner, the file size at the time of recording is reduced without degrading the image.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a multi-dimensional image of an object in a scene is disclosed. One inventive aspect includes a spectral estimation module configured to convert a two-dimensional (2D) high-resolution light intensity image of the scene to a spectral-augmented image of a selected channel. The system further includes a high-resolution depth image generation module configured to generate a high-resolution depth image of the object based on a three-dimensional (3D) low-resolution depth image of the scene and the spectral-augmented image.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing three dimensional data sets obtained from a sample over time are provided. The methods include aligning first and second volume intensity projection (VIP) images based on at least one landmark in the first and second VIP images. The first and second VIP images are obtained from a first three dimensional data set obtained from the sample at a first time and a second three dimensional data set obtained from the sample at a second time, respectively.

Abstract: Two-dimensional chemical maps of a layered nanostructure are reconstructed from selected spectroscopy line scans in a scanning electron microscope. Embodiments include fast two-dimensional scanning a layered nanostructure to form a structure image having multiple layers, slow-rate spectroscopy scanning the nanostructure along selected scanning lines to form chemical profiles, warping the structure image into a warped structure image by flattening each of the layers in the structure image, aligning chemical profiles to the warped structure image, forming warped chemical maps, and inversely transforming the warped chemical maps into two-dimensional chemical maps.

Abstract: High depth grayscale images, (e.g. <8 bits per pixel) are losslessly cross channel encoded to multi-channel image formats for transformation and display by display devices not capable of displaying high depth grayscale. DICOM and other images may be encoded and provided to web browser based client image viewers that leverage native code for handling multi-channel images. Transformations are applied to reconstitute the high depth grayscale images.

Abstract: Provided is an image interpolation method and apparatus using a reference block depending on a direction. The image interpolation method may generate a horizontal reference block and a vertical reference block each with respect to an inputted image, and determine interpolation directivity with respect to the inputted image using the generated horizontal reference block and vertical reference block, thereby performing an interpolation on an image based on accurate interpolation directivity. In particular, the image interpolation method may determine whether to verify interpolation directivity depending on an edge intensity of an inputted image, thereby performing a color filter array (CFA) interpolation on an image based on an edge direction without determining the interpolation directivity, when the edge intensity is strong.

Abstract: A low resistivity hybrid organic-inorganic material may include a proportion of charge traps including a trap element indirectly covalently bonded to a donor or acceptor element. The trap element may include tin. The donor or acceptor element may include indium and/or antimony. Bonding includes cross-linking via oxygen bonds and via organic cross-linkers. The material may be formed as a hybrid sol-gel. The material may have optical transmission and refractive index characteristics. The material may be formed as optical cladding proximal to a non-linear optical layer, and may form a portion of a second order nonlinear optical device. The second order nonlinear optical device may include and electro-optic device including an organic chromophore-loaded modulation layer.

Abstract: An optical modulator apparatus and linearization method are disclosed. The optical modulator may include a buffer layer disposed proximate the electro-optical material substrate. The optical modulator may also include physically asymmetric waveguide elements, which may have physically asymmetric waveguide arms or physically asymmetric hot electrodes. The waveguide arms may include first and second waveguide arms having different dimensions, and the hot electrodes may include first and second hot electrodes having different dimensions. Modulator linearization may be achieved by the above-described modulator structure. Modulator linearization may also be achieved by asymmetric external driving of electric fields applied to the waveguide elements, where the waveguide or electrode dimensions may or may not be symmetric.

Abstract: An optical coupling structure that interfaces between optical devices mounted on a substrate and optical waveguides formed in the substrate. A manufacturing method includes preparing a wafer formed on an inorganic solid material on a dicing tape and cutting the back surface of the wafer to form substantially angled portions using a dicing blade having a point angle. The dicing tape is stripped from the wafer and the wafer is separated at the valleys between the substantially angled portions to obtain an optical coupling element. The obtained optical coupling element is a three-dimensional polyhedral light-reflecting member having a mirror surface corresponding to a surface of the wafer. The obtained optical coupling element is inserted into a trench that opens, substantially perpendicular to an optical waveguide of an optical transmission substrate, in the main surface of the optical transmission substrate to provide a structure for optical coupling with the outside.

Abstract: An apparatus consisting of stacked slab waveguides whose outputs are vertically staggered is disclosed. At the input to the stacked waveguides, the entrances to each slab lie in approximately the same vertical plane. A spot which is imaged onto the input will be transformed approximately to a set of staggered rectangles at the output, without substantial loss in brightness, which staggered rectangles can serve as a convenient input to a spectroscopic apparatus. A slit mask can be added to spatially filter the outputs so as to present the desired transverse width in the plane of the spectroscopic apparatus parallel to its dispersion.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device includes an optical branch device for branching a first input light and outputting the branched first input light to a first and a second optical waveguides, another optical branch device, arranged between the first and the second optical waveguides, for branching a second input light and outputting the branched second input light to a third and a fourth optical waveguides, an optical coupler which couples the lights traveling along the first and the third optical waveguides, then branches the coupled lights, and outputs them; and another optical coupler which couples the lights traveling along the second and the fourth optical waveguides, then branches the coupled lights, and outputs them, wherein optical path lengths of either a pair of the first and the second optical waveguides or a pair of the third and the fourth optical waveguides are set to be equal.

Abstract: An optical subassembly for low-feedback coupling of light from a light source into an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber is described. The optical subassembly has an aspherical lens with surface sag having a rotationally symmetrical sag component without having a cone sag component, and a rotationally asymmetrical helical component for reducing coupling of light reflected from the optical fiber tip back into the laser aperture by causing a significant portion of the reflected light to encircle the laser aperture. The lens shape and the height of the helix are selected so that tight focusing onto the fiber tip is preserved, while the optical feedback is reduced.

Abstract: Provided are an optical waveguide for a touch panel which has high light-gathering power on a light-emitting side and which may materialize a touch panel having excellent position detection performance, and a touch panel using the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide for a touch panel includes: cores; and an over cladding layer covers the cores, the cores including light-emitting cores each formed as a lens portion having a shape in plan view including a tapered portion whose width gradually increases toward an end surface on the light-emitting side and an elliptical arc portion which bulges outwardly a tip side of the tapered portion having the gradually-increasing width so as to be in a shape of an elliptical arc, the elliptical arc portion having a major axis direction aligned in a longitudinal direction of the tapered portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a waveguide including a core layer having curved edges shaped to reflect light to a focal point, and a grating positioned adjacent to or imbedded in the core layer, wherein at least a portion of the grating is positioned between the curved edges and adjacent to or imbedded in a portion of the core layer that is not traversed by light reflected from the curved edges. A data storage device that includes the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Development of Integrated Optical Circuits depends greatly on progress in coupling light to and between chip devices. Exemplary disclosed embodiments provide a system and method of fabricating couplers for optical chips that may allow for access to devices on the entire chip surface. Cantilever couplers comprising optical waveguides are deflected out-of-plane creating access to remote portions of devices. An exemplary system and method may provide waveguides with tunable angles of deflection creating greater flexibility in optical coupling options.

Abstract: Methods of using an optical device capable of distributing the optical power presented at an input to specified ratios in two output ports. The devices and methods described herein have the ability to broaden the range of wavelengths over which the splitting ratio is even, or substantially even. Methods involve achieving a desired splitting ratio over a broad or ultra-broad wavelength range.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable is comprised of: a slotted core elongated along an axis of the optical fiber cable, the slotted core including a slot running in parallel with the axis and a groove accessible through the slot; one or more optical fibers placed in the groove; a sheath enclosing the slotted core and the optical fibers; a bonding portion where the slotted core is bonded with the sheath; a first strength member embedded in the slotted core and running in parallel with the axis; and a second strength member embedded in the sheath and running in parallel with the axis, wherein the first and second strength members are aligned on a plane including the axis.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable and a tight-buffered optical fiber which suppress an increase in transmission loss in a humid and hot environment and have good manufacturability are disclosed. The tight-buffered optical fiber of the present invention comprises a glass fiber surrounded by a first coating layer and a second coating layer, the second coating layer comprising two or more layers; wherein a pull-out force is 15 N/20 mm or less in at least one pair of layers between the first coating layer and the second coating layer, or between any two layers of the second coating layer.

Abstract: The microstructured optical fibre comprises a core (4) surrounded by a sheath (1) comprising a base material having a refraction index (ni) and a plurality of at least two different types of inclusion: a first type of inclusion (2) having a refraction index n2 (n2>n1), and a second type of inclusion (3) having a refraction index n3 (n3<n1). The inclusions (2, 3) are arranged and dimensioned in such a way as to ensure guidance, by total internal reflection (RTI), of a fundamental mode of the light, centred on a wavelength ?RTI, and of a fundamental mode of the light in the first photonic forbidden band (BG1), centred on a wavelength ?BG1, which is different to that ?RTI of the fundamental mode guided by total internal reflection (RTI).

Abstract: Frequency standards based on mode-locked fiber lasers, fiber amplifiers and fiber-based ultra-broad bandwidth light sources, and applications of the same.

Abstract: Optical waveguides using segmented periodically-spaced high contrast gratings bounding a hollow core propagation region on at least two sides. Incident light is received in a hollow waveguide (HW) region (core) between opposing HCG faces which provide lateral confinement in response to glancing reflections of the incident light beam from high refractive index segments of the HCG as it traverses the core. Embodiments are described for planar waveguides (1D) having a planar core between two planar HCGs, as well as 2D waveguides, such as having rectangular segments of the HCG through which light is propagated. Additionally, other configurations of HCG-HW, including those having arbitrary incidence and azimuth, angled HCG segments, propagation in a direction which is transverse, or alternatively parallel, to the segments of the HCG.

Abstract: An assembly tool for installing an optical fiber in an optical connector includes a base and a protrusion setting station. The base includes a connector mount disposed in the base. The connector mount can be configured to receive and secure the optical connector on the base where the connector has a housing and a connector ferrule. The protrusion setting station enables the craftsperson to set distance (or protrusion) that a terminal end of the optical fiber extends from an end face of the connector ferrule. The protrusion station includes a light source to illuminate the terminal end of the optical fiber, at least one black body absorber to eliminate unwanted reflected light and a window to visualize the terminal end of the optical fiber protruding from the end face of the connector ferrule.

Abstract: An image data recording/playback device, including a decoder that decodes image data encoded in a first format; and a transcoder capable of encoding image data, supplied from the decoder and encoded in the first format, into a second format whose compression rate is higher than the compression rate of the first format and outputting the image data encoded into a second format to the decoder and, of decoding image data supplied from the decoder and encoded in the second format, outputting it to the decoder, and alternately carrying out the encoding processing and the decoding processing, wherein: the decoder inputs/outputs image data encoded in the first and second format; and the decoder simultaneously inputs or outputs image data encoded in the first format when inputting or outputting image data encoded in the second format.

Abstract: An audio/video recording method and system is provided. The method includes receiving by a processor of an audio/video recording device, a request for recording broadcast audio/video data. The processor analyzes audio/video presentation capabilities for audio/video presentation devices and formats of a first group of broadcast audio/video files associated with the broadcast audio/video data. Results of the analysis are compared and in response a first audio/video file is selected from the first group of broadcast audio/video files. The first audio/video file includes a first format requiring a first amount of storage space within a storage device of the audio/video recording device. The first format is associated with the audio/video presentation capabilities of a first audio/video presentation device and the first audio/video file is recorded.

Abstract: A video recording device includes: a first identification block that reads video information from a first recording medium in which video information on an analog television broadcast is stored, and identifies the broadcasting format of the read video information; a recording execution block that records the video information, which is read from the first recording medium, in a second recording medium other than the first recording medium; a second identification block that when the video information is recorded in the second recording medium by the recording execution block, identifies the broadcasting format of the video information to be recorded in the second recording medium; and a format decision block that decides whether the broadcasting format identified by the second identification block agrees with the broadcasting format identified by the first identification block.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a broadcast reception apparatus includes a first receiver, second receivers, a first controller, and a second controller. A first receiver is configured to switch to a channel as a target and receive a broadcast signal. Second receivers are configured to receive broadcast signals from channels which are set for the second receivers, respectively. A first controller is configured to perform display control to display a video on the basis of the broadcast signal received by the first receiver. A second controller is configured to switch between a first mode performing drive control of operation of the second receivers and performing record control based on the broadcast signals received by the second receivers, and a second mode performing control to stop operation of at least one of the second receivers and performing record control based on any remaining one or ones of the second receivers.

Abstract: With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface.

Abstract: With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface.