Abstract: An accurate, flexible and scalable technique for multi-modal image registration is described, a technique that does not need to rely on direct feature matching and does not need to rely on precise geometric models. The methods and/or systems described in this disclosure enable the registration (fusion) of multi-modal images of a scene with a three dimensional (3D) representation of the same scene using, among other information, viewpoint data from a sensor that generated a target image, as well as 3D-GeoArcs. The registration techniques of the present disclosure may be comprised of three main steps, as shown in FIG. 1. The first main step includes forming a 3D reference model of a scene. The second main step includes estimating the 3D geospatial viewpoint of a sensor that generated a target image using 3D-GeoArcs. The third main step includes projecting the target image's data into a composite 3D scene representation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing method that emphasizes neighboring information around a disparity surface included in a source disparity space image by means of processing that emphasizes similarity at true matching points using inherent geometric information, that is, coherence and symmetry.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit and an image processing unit. The obtaining unit is configured to obtain depth information for each position in an image. The image processing unit is configured to switch between a first sharpening process and a second sharpening process in accordance with whether the image contains a predetermined area. The first sharpening process performs non-uniform sharpening on the image on the basis of the depth information; and the second sharpening process performs uniform sharpening on the image.

Abstract: Active lighting is provided for stereo reconstruction (30) of edges (11) of a Delta-8 bundle. Stereo images of a device with edges (11) are captured (24). The image capture (24) is repeated under different lighting conditions, such as illuminating (22) the edges (11) from different directions. The images from each viewing or capture direction are combined (28). The combined images are used to stereographically reconstruct (30) the edges (11).

Abstract: A method for generating a personalized 3D model using a plurality of 2D images and a generic 3D model is provided. The method includes the following steps: extracting a plurality of feature points from the plurality of 2D images; extracting a plurality of landmark points from the generic 3D model; mapping the plurality of features extracted from the plurality of 2D images to the plurality of landmark points extracted from the generic 3D model so as to generate relationship parameters for a mapping algorithm; morphing the generic 3D model into a personalized 3D model with the plurality of landmark points, the relationship parameters and the mapping algorithm; iteratively refining the personalized 3D model with the plurality of feature points extracted from the plurality of 2D images; and when a convergent condition is met, the step of iteratively refining the personalized 3D model is complete and the personalized 3D model is saved to the 3D model database.

Abstract: In an image-encoding scheme, an input image is decomposed into several image blocks comprising multiple image elements. The image blocks are encoded into encoded block representations. In this encoding, color weights are assigned to the image elements in the block based on their relative positions in the block. At least two color codeword are determined, at least partly based on the color weights. These codewords are representations of at least two color values. The original colors of the image elements are represented by color representations derivable from combinations of the at least two color values weighted by the assigned color weights.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method for processing a first image based on a second image, wherein each pixel in the first image has a plurality of color components and has a corresponding pixel in the second image, and wherein each value of a color component in the first image corresponds to a value of a color component in the second image. The method may include deciding, for each color component of a pixel in the first image, whether to modify the value of the color component dependent on a predetermined criterion. The method may further include determining a similarity index between the pixel in the first image and the corresponding pixel in the second image based on, for each color component of the pixel, the value of the color component of the pixel, or if it is decided that the value of the color component of the pixel is to be modified, the corresponding value of the color component in the second image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of performing chromatic aberration of magnification and noise reduction without decrease in processing performance and increase in the cost is provided. A format conversion circuit in the image processing apparatus converts first image data including an array of color components of red (R), green (G1 and G2), and blue (B) into second image data including the color components of R and B and a luminance component by performing false color suppression processing on the first image data separately using the color components of G1 and G2, and stores the data in an image buffer region. A circuit for correcting chromatic aberration of magnification reads the second data stored in the image buffer region and performs the correction of chromatic aberration of magnification.

Abstract: One dimensional (1D) histograms, one for each row of an image, are determined simultaneously and in parallel with each other to achieve an O(1) time complexity, and are then added to determine a two dimensional (2D) histogram from which desired characteristic values such as median, minimum, and maximum can be determined exactly as opposed to merely being estimated. The characteristic value can be applied to the image to reduce noise or to achieve artistic effects in the image.

Abstract: The invention discloses an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes an image statistic computation circuitry, a reconfigurable circuitry and a luminance transformation circuitry. The image statistic computation circuitry computes a probability density function corresponding to an inputted image; generates a first luminance histogram by subsampling a luminance histogram related to the probability density function in a first period. The reconfigurable circuitry computes a weighting distribution function according to the first luminance histogram in a second period after the first period; computes a smoothed cumulative density function according to the weighting distribution function in a third period after the second period; computes a gamma transform function in a fourth period after the third period.

Abstract: A method is described for creating a scheme for dividing a text line of Chinese, Japanese or Korean (CJK) characters into character cells prior to applying classifiers and recognizing individual characters. Gaps between characters are found as a window is moved down the length of a text line. A histogram is built based on distances from the start of the window to a respective gap as the window is moved. The window is moved to the end of each gap after each gap is found and distances measured. This is repeated until the window reaches the end of the text line. A linear division graph (LDG) is constructed according to the detected gaps. Penalties for certain distances are applied. An optimum path is one with a minimal penalty sum and can be used as a scheme for dividing a text line into character cells.

Abstract: A feature analysis unit acquires feature data representing the features of each scene in image information. A group classification unit classifies a group composed of plural scenes to any one of a plurality of group types based on the feature data. A cut determination unit determines cuts from the scenes based on the importance calculated from the feature data using a formula corresponding to the group type of the group. A digest reproduction unit reproduces the cuts.

Abstract: Implementations for identifying duplicate images in an image space are described. An image space is partitioned into a plurality of coarse clusters based on signatures of the images within the image space. The signatures are determined from compact descriptors of the images. Refined clusters that include one or more images of an individual coarse cluster are created based on pair-wise comparisons of the compact descriptors of images in the coarse cluster, and the refined clusters are identified as sets of duplicate images. The refined clusters are grown by searching in similar coarse clusters for images to add to the refined clusters.

Abstract: A method of operation of a display system includes: receiving an input image having input pixels; identifying input edge pixels from the input pixels; calculating an edge pixel sum for one of the input edge pixels based on the number of the input edge pixels surrounding one of the input edge pixels; identifying pruned edge pixels from the input edge pixels having the edge pixel sum between a high edge density threshold and a low edge density threshold; and selecting a dominant image line from candidate lines calculated between the pruned edge pixels to generate a processed image for displaying on a device.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing device, including a seam reference determination processing unit that determines a seam reference to serve as a reference line for determining a seam between adjacent two pieces of frame image data of a series of n pieces (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2) of frame image data to be used for panoramic image generation using object information of the adjacent two pieces of frame image data, and a seam determination processing unit that determines a seam between the adjacent two pieces of frame image data only within a determining region that is set based on the seam reference determined by the seam reference determination processing unit using the object information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for testing content rendering are described. A method includes receiving input specifying a change to a parameter relating to display of content in a webpage, in response to receiving the input, generating a test image of the webpage including the content, comparing a target image of the content with the generated test image to determine whether the generated test image includes the target image of the content, and selectively providing a failure notification based upon a result of the comparison.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for assessing object relevance. One or more user usage patterns are retrieved. Object properties of one or more objects are retrieved. The one or more user usage patterns are compared against the object properties of the one or more objects to compute one or more interaction scores that represent a value of how an object interacts with a user based on a current context of the user. Object importance is assigned to each of the one or more objects based on the one or more interaction scores.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed. Previously stored images of one or more geographic areas may be viewed by online users. A new low-resolution image may be acquired and aspects of the new low-resolution image may be compared with a corresponding one of the previously stored images to determine an amount of change. A determination may be made regarding whether to acquire a new high-resolution image based on the determined amount of change and a freshness score associated with the one of the previously stored images. In another embodiment, a new image may be captured and corresponding location data may be obtained. A corresponding previously stored image may be obtained and compared with the new image to determine an amount of change. The new image may be uploaded to a remote computing device based on the determined amount of change and a freshness score of the previously stored image.

Abstract: A method of processing image data includes generating image data including luminance and chrominance data representing a selected object, separating the luminance and chrominance data, storing the separated luminance and chrominance data in corresponding separate spaces in memory, and separately compressing the stored luminance and chrominance data.

Abstract: The present technology includes a setting unit that sets the position of a boundary of image data in an upper hierarchy unit to be in a lower hierarchy unit that is lower than the upper hierarchy unit when the image data is encoded in a unit of encoding with a hierarchical structure; an encoding unit that generates encoded data by encoding the image data according to the position of the boundary set by the setting unit; and an addition unit that adds information on the image data in the upper hierarchy unit before encoded data in an intermediate hierarchy unit that includes the boundary set by the setting unit, is lower than the upper hierarchy unit, and is higher than the lower hierarchy unit. The present technology can be applied to, for example, an image processing device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, articles, and methods are described including operations for concurrent image decoding and rotation.

Abstract: An encoder includes an encoding unit that performs encoding according to a predetermined encoding method, a production unit that produces a special code which is not stipulated in the predetermined encoding method and which exhibits a higher bit change rate than that produced according to the predetermined encoding method does, and an encoding output unit that, if input data items which have not been encoded by the encoding unit are identical to each other, outputs encoded data into which a preceding one of the input data items is encoded by the encoding unit, and outputs a special code as encoded data, into which the succeeding one of the input data items is encoded, successively to the encoded data.

Abstract: When carrying out an intra-frame prediction process to generate an intra prediction image by using an already-encoded image signal in a frame, an intra prediction part 4 refers to a table for filter selection to select a filter from one or more filters which are prepared in advance according to the states of various parameters associated with the encoding of a target block to be filtered, and carries out a filtering process on the prediction image by using the filter. As a result, prediction errors locally occurring can be reduced, and the image quality can be improved.

Abstract: A system and method provide enhanced perceived contrast within a region of interest (102) of an image being displayed in order to enable viewers to more easily perceive subtle features in images, such as during medical diagnostics. The enhanced perceived contrast may be implemented using software only, hardware only, or a combination of hardware and software. If the backlight of a display includes only one or few light sources, the enhanced perceived contrast can be achieved through a software only solution in which the area (104) outside of the ROI (102) is darkened. If the backlight of the display comprises, for example, an LED matrix, enhanced perceived contrast may be implemented through a hardware only solution in which the luminance of the display is increased in the ROI (102). In addition, enhanced perceived contrast may also be achieved through a solution utilizing both hardware and software.

Abstract: Depth of field may be rasterized by culling half-space regions on a lens from which a triangle to be rendered is not visible. Then, inside tests are only performed on the remaining unculled half-space regions. Separating planes between the triangle to be rendered and the tile being processed can be used to define the half-space regions.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, a method for deinterlacing an image having a plurality of pixels, the method comprising: calculating a difference between a first pixel of the image and each pixel of at least one pixel pair, each pixel pair comprising one pixel being positioned above the first pixel and another pixel being positioned below the first pixel; and deinterlacing the first pixel only if at least one difference corresponding to a pixel pair exceeds a predefined threshold. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided.

Abstract: An image synthesis apparatus includes an image obtainer obtaining a plurality of images taken by a plurality of cameras; a pixel value corrector which, with respect to each of the images, calculates a correction factor of an average pixel value in overlap regions located at the both ends of an image and, in the adjacent direction of the images, calculates the correction factor of a pixel value in a region other than the overlap regions by a predetermined continuous function connecting the correction factors in the overlap regions and corrects the entire image based on the calculated correction factor; a synthetic image generator synthesizing the images corrected by the pixel value corrector to generate one synthetic image; and an image output outputting the synthetic image to an external apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for collecting data and generating synthesized data from the collected data. For example, a request for an image may be received from a requestor and at least one data capture device may be identified as capable of providing at least a portion of the requested image. A request may be sent to identified data capture devices to obtain an image corresponding to the requested image. Multiple images may be received from the data capture devices and may further be connected or stitched together to provide a panoramic, 3-dimensional image of requested subject matter.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for automatic upright adjustment of digital images. An automatic upright adjustment technique is described that may provide an automated approach for straightening up slanted features in an input image to improve its perceptual quality. This correction may be referred to as upright adjustment. A set of criteria based on human perception may be used in the upright adjustment. A reprojection technique that implements an optimization framework is described that yields an optimal homography for adjustment based on the criteria and adjusts the image according to new camera parameters generated by the optimization. An optimization-based camera calibration technique is described that simultaneously estimates vanishing lines and points as well as camera parameters for an image; the calibration technique may, for example, be used to generate estimates of camera parameters and vanishing points and lines that are input to the reprojection technique.

Abstract: A semiconductor device 1 includes an image input unit 11 and an image output unit 12. The image input unit 11 receives first image data from a camera 91 and outputs second image data to a memory unit 93 through a shared bus 130. The image output unit 12 receives the second image data stored in the memory unit 93 through the shared bus 130 and outputs third image data to a monitor 92. The third image data is generated by performing an affine-conversion on the first image data. Magnification processing in the affine-conversion is not performed in the image input unit 11. In this way, it is possible to provide an excellent semiconductor device suitable for image processing or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a service information platform with searching function, which comprises at least a photographic device, at least a user terminal, and a server device. The photographic device takes a picture of an object or a product label of the object and produces an image file. The user terminal connects to the server device and transmits the image file to the server device. After the server device receives the image file, a processor is used for producing an analysis result, which is used for searching at least a piece of service information related to the image file from the Internet or the classified service information database in the server device. Then the service information is returned back to the user terminal. Thereby, the user can acquire the service information from the Internet or the service information uploaded to the classified service information database by information suppliers.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a container with flexible wails. The container includes an opening provided with means for keeping it open, said means having two flexible elongate elements connected at their ends by a first articulation and a second articulation. The first and second articulations are configured to bring the two flexible elongate elements one against the other in a first configuration and to separate the two flexible elongate elements in a second configuration. In the second configuration, the two flexible elongate elements are turned over on themselves with respect to the first configuration. The two flexible elongate elements are at least partially formed from a flexible band, and the first articulation includes a cut in a pail of the thickness of the band, said cut being oriented towards the outside of the container in the first configuration.

Abstract: A leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure that includes a first closure profile and a second closure profile that interlock to form a leak-proof barrier. The slider assembly may be opened and closed manually without a slider or may be opened and closed with a slider. The leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure may include a parking area that the slider may be positioned in when the first and second closure profiles are interlocked forming a leak-proof barrier. In some embodiments, the parking area is only on either the first closure profile or the second closure profile. In other embodiments, the parking area is on both the first and second closure profiles.

Abstract: A package for large volumes of flowable solids may comprise 2 or more distinct packages of smaller volume. The 2 or more distinct packages may be bound together to minimize changes in center of gravity during handling. The packages may be bound together by an overwrap. The overwrap may have discontinuities. A method of packaging large volumes of flowable solids by temporarily reducing effective headspace to minimize changes in center of gravity during handling.

Abstract: A pressure release slide latch mechanism for a drawer slide assembly comprises an outer slide, an intermediate slide mounted in the outer slide, and an inner slide mounted in the intermediate slide, a channel plate having a track portion and a guide block attached to the outer slide and a carriage slidingly engaged and biased along the track portion. A pin of a follower pivotally attached to the inner slide engages the guide block to releasably maintain the drawer slide assembly in a closed position and releases upon an inward force applied to the drawer slide assembly.

Abstract: A crankshaft bearing of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine has a plain bearing formed of bearing shells, wherein a bearing shell (10) adjoins a cylinder crankcase (11) of the internal combustion engine by a bearing shell back (13) and adjoins the crankshaft to be bearing-supported by a bearing shell running surface (12), wherein either the bearing shell running surface (12) or the bearing shell back (13) or a surface (14) of the cylinder crankcase (11) adjoining the bearing shell back (13) has a concave profile.

Abstract: A spherical plain bearing includes an inner ring defining a convex outer surface and an outer ring defining a concave inner surface. The outer ring encircles the inner ring and one or more of the outer surface and the inner surface have a plurality of pockets formed therein. A solid graphite plug is disposed in one or more of the plurality of pockets and slidingly engages the outer surface and/or the inner surface.

Abstract: A bearing sump includes an annular housing having a first axial length that is substantially equivalent to an axial length of the bearing sump; an annular bearing support disposed concentrically within the annular housing and having a second axial length that is less than about 50% of the first axial length; an annular space between the housing and the bearing support; and first and second axial ribs in the form of annular segments having a central angle of less than about 60 degrees and connecting with both the housing and the bearing support.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement comprising mutually rotatable components, and devices for integrated heating and cooling of rolling-element raceways, or of mutually rotatable components, and a method for integrated heating or cooling applicable to the mutually rotatable components, and devices for integrated heating or cooling of the components and rolling-element raceways wherein the respective heating and/or cooling is effected by direct heat input into the components, or direct heat removal from the components, and is controllable, and is produced by the interaction of cold- or heat-producing elements, or functions or devices, and is adapted to switch between a heating effect and a cooling effect.

Abstract: This rolling bearing comprises an outer ring (4), an inner ring (6), rolling bodies (10) arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring, one a sealing gasket (20) mounted on a first ring (4) and extending towards the second ring (6), to the extent that a sealing edge (26) of said sealing gasket is in sliding contact with the second ring. An annular shield (50) is mounted on the second ring (62) and extends radially towards the first ring (4). This shield (50) is provided with at least one annular lip (58) in sliding contact with a lateral face (28) of the sealing gasket (20).

Abstract: The invention provides a center bearing support (1) which prevents a vibration absorbing function from being lowered on the basis of an increase of a dynamic spring constant by a resonance of an elastic body (13), at the time of an input of a vibration of a propeller shaft and a vibration. An inner periphery of an outer ring (11) fixed to a vehicle body side is provided with an inner ring (12) retaining a center bearing (2) via the elastic body (13) formed as a bent shape which is convex to one side in an axial direction and made of a rubber-like elastic material, the elastic body (13) has flexible portions (132, 133) in an inner diameter side and an outer diameter side than the bent portion (131) as a spring, and a resonance frequency thereof is equal to or more than 1500 Hz.

Abstract: Between an inner race and an outer race, a plurality of thrust rollers supporting the inner race and the outer race capable of relative rotation are provided. A thrust cage for retaining each thrust roller capable of rolling is composed of a plurality of cage separate bodies separated and arranged in a roller accommodating space. The cage separate body has two projecting portions having a semicircular cross-sectional shape provided on an outer wall surface of an outside connecting portion spaced apart from each other in a peripheral direction of the outer race. With relative rotation between the inner race and the outer race, when each cage separate body is displaced toward an inner peripheral surface side of the outer race, a top portion of each projecting portion is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer race.

Abstract: An electro-optic modulator includes a substrate comprising a first surface, a pair of transmission lines formed in the first surface and extending substantially in parallel with each other, and a pair of electrodes formed on the first surface and covering the respective transmission lines.

Abstract: A metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) device couples light from an optical mode in a waveguide to a surface plasmon polarition (SPP) mode on an electrode surface of the MSM device. Once in an SPP mode, the absorption of light in the semiconductor can take place in a very small area. This may allow for a shrinking of the active detector area and allow for low capacitance, very short transit distance for the electrical carriers and allow for very low voltage devices and/or very high frequency.

Abstract: An optical-electrical converting device includes a first substrate, a planar waveguide, a bearing member, a reflective member, a second substrate, a laser beam emitting member, and a driving chip. The first substrate includes a supporting surface. The planar waveguide is supported on the supporting surface, and includes a laser beam incident surface. The bearing member is supported on the supporting surface, and includes a sloped surface aligned with the laser beam incident surface. The reflective member is positioned on the sloped surface. The second substrate is supported on both the bearing member and the planar waveguide. The second substrate comprising a lower surface and an upper surface. The laser beam emitting member is positioned on the lower surface, and includes a laser beam emitting surface aligned with the reflective member. The driving chip is positioned on the upper surface, and is electrically connected to the laser beam emitting member.

Abstract: An optical-electrical composite flexible circuit substrate having sufficiently high bending resistance is provided. An optical-electrical composite flexible circuit substrate includes: an optical circuit that includes a core portion and a cladding layer that covers the core portion; and an electrical circuit, with the optical circuit and the electrical circuit being disposed at a position that includes a neutral surface when the optical-electrical composite flexible circuit substrate is bent, or at a position near the neutral surface. Alternatively, the optical-electrical composite flexible circuit substrate may include an optical circuit that includes a core portion and a cladding layer that covers the core portion; and a substrate that includes an electrical circuit, with the substrate and the optical circuit being laminated so that the electrical circuit is disposed on a side closer to the optical circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a given multimode optical waveguide extending in a given direction. The apparatus also comprises another multimode optical waveguide extending in another direction and intersecting with the given multimode waveguide. The apparatus further comprises a bi-stable optical switch positioned at the intersection of the given multimode optical waveguide and the another multimode optical waveguide to redirect a multimode optical signal transmitted on the given multimode optical waveguide to the another optical waveguide in a redirection state and pass the multimode optical signal transmitted on the given multimode optical waveguide across the intersection of the given multimode optical waveguide and the another optical waveguide in a pass-through state. The bi-stable optical switch can comprise a gap extending diagonally from a given corner of the intersection of the given and the another optical multimode waveguides to an opposing corner of the intersection.

Abstract: Beam couplers and splitters are disclosed herein. An example of a beam coupler and splitter includes a first waveguide having a first waveguide bevel and a bend, the first waveguide bevel to totally internally reflect at least some light incident thereon. A second waveguide includes a second waveguide bevel complementarily shaped to the first waveguide bevel, the second waveguide being coupled to the first waveguide such that i) the first waveguide bevel is offset from the second waveguide bevel so that a first portion of the first waveguide bevel is in direct contact with a first portion of the second waveguide bevel, a second portion of the first waveguide bevel is exposed, and a second portion of the second waveguide bevel is exposed, and ii) a predetermined coupling ratio is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to optical waveguides for the transmission of electromagnetic energy. The present invention relates more particularly to optical couplers for coupling optical fibers, and methods for making them. One aspect of the present invention is an optical coupler for use with a polarization-maintaining input optical fiber and a polarization-maintaining output optical fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a planar waveguide element including a first cylindrical lens disposed based on an z-axis and configured to collimate beams emitted from a plurality of emitters of a laser diode bar; a lens array configured to gather the beam emitted from each emitter via the first cylindrical lens; a plurality of first waveguides existing on an x-y plane by a number of the plurality of emitters and configured to gather at one place via a bending section; a taper configured to connect the lens array and each first waveguide, a width of the taper being narrower from the lens array to the plurality of first waveguide; and a combined waveguide configured to combine the plurality of first waveguides into one.