Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically recognizing building numbers in street level images. In one aspect, a processor selects a street level image that is likely to be near an address of interest. The processor identifies those portions of the image that are visually similar to street numbers, and then extracts the numeric values of the characters displayed in such portions. If an extracted value corresponds with the building number of the address of interest such as being substantially equal to the address of interest, the extracted value and the image portion are displayed to a human operator. The human operator confirms, by looking at the image portion, whether the image portion appears to be a building number that matches the extracted value. If so, the processor stores a value that associates that building number with the street level image.

Abstract: A computer is caused to execute: acquisition of a captured image captured by an imaging device; display of an image including the captured image on a display device; and detection from the captured image, of a feature in a real space captured in the captured image, using an image for detection of the feature.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments disclose an image processing method which includes obtaining a binary value by quantizing a value obtained by summing at least one pixel value of an input image and a quantization error value of a neighboring pixel; determining a pixel in which a detail intensity is to be inserted according to the binary value of each pixel; determining the detail intensity to be inserted in the determined pixel; and inserting the determined detail intensity in the determined pixel, wherein the quantization error value of the neighboring pixel is a difference value between an original pixel value of the neighboring pixel and a pixel value quantized with respect to a predetermined constant value.

Abstract: An image feature extraction device according to an embodiment includes a gradient image calculator generates intensity gradient data with respect to two different directions based on intensity data of image data; and a gradient count unit calculates a covariance matrix for each partial area obtained by dividing the image data based on the intensity gradient data. The image feature extraction device according to the embodiment further includes a feature data output unit calculates two parameters related to a major axis and a minor axis of an ellipse expressed by the covariance matrix, quantizes a range of the logarithms of the parameters for each of the partial area using a predetermined division number, and outputs a feature vector which contains a value only at a dimension corresponding to the quantized range different from the other dimensions.

Abstract: Provided is an image registration device including a first feature vector magnitude calculating unit calculating magnitudes of feature vectors corresponding to any one first feature point among feature points of a reference image to create a first magnitude value, a second feature vector magnitude calculating unit calculating magnitudes of feature vectors corresponding to any one second feature point among feature points of a target image to create a second magnitude value, a magnitude difference calculating unit receiving the first and second magnitude values and calculating a difference between the received first and second magnitude values to create a third magnitude value, a first threshold value creating unit creating a first threshold value on the basis of the first magnitude value and a magnitude ratio, and a magnitude difference determining unit receiving the third magnitude value and the first threshold value, and determining a magnitude difference.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method can comprise accessing a plurality of pixels representing an image and identifying at least two scanlines in the plurality of pixels. By analyzing the scanlines, a computing device carrying out the method can determine if the image is suited for slicing and, if the image is suited for slicing, the device can determine a slicing strategy by analyzing pixel values of the at least two scanlines. Data indicating the slicing strategy can be used to carry out a resizing operation and/or to generate structured code based on the slicing strategy, such as HTML and CSS code to generate a resizable element corresponding to the image. The slicing strategy can be determined independent of input defining or adjusting boundaries between slices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention includes a method of determining MSER on a processing system that includes a parallel processor such as a GPU, the method including method steps carried out in parallel. Embodiments of the present invention also include an apparatus that includes a parallel processor and that is operative to carry out the method, and also logic, e.g., executable instructions configured on a non-transitory computer-readable media operative to carry out the method, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with such instructions. The method includes assigning to the pixels in an image metapixels of all connected pixels at a level, carrying out watershed in parallel on metapixels to determine catchment basins, and carrying out further steps, including steps executed in parallel to determine the MSER of the image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to read an analog dial utility meter including a plurality of analog dials, where each dial includes a rotating dial indicator is provided. The apparatus is configured to analyze a digital image of the analog dial utility meter to determine a value of each dial of the utility meter. The method comprises receiving a digital image of the analog dial utility meter, and performing one or more processing and analysis steps to determine a meter reading of the utility meter.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product classifies a plurality of objects displayed on a display device and displays the classified plurality of objects. The method comprises: selecting one object from a plurality of objects as a selected object; and classifying the plurality of objects, where classification of each of the plurality of objects is based on a degree of association with the selected object. Classifying the plurality of objects comprises: reading a feature setting for computation of the degree of association; specifying a plurality of features that are subject to the computation of the degree of association; computing, for each of the plurality of objects, the degree of association based on a difference in feature value from the selected object with regard to the plurality of features; and dividing the plurality of objects into a plurality of groups, where each group is based on the degree of association.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an m-dimensional signature vector in a computing device is provided. The signature vector may be generated from a plurality of key-value pairs, each comprising a unique identifier and an associated non-zero value. Each element of the m-dimensional signature vector is calculated based on a summation of a plurality of terms. Each of the terms is calculated from a respective key-value pair by generating a seed based on the key of the respective key-value pair and an element identifier associated with the vector element being calculated; generating a pseudo-random number from the generated seed; and multiplying the pseudo-random number by the value of the respective key-value pair, wherein m<<n.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image encoder includes a sorter, a PCM (pulse code modulation) pixel inserter, an encoding unit and an output stream generator. The sorter accepts an input stream comprising a plurality of original pixels included in original image data in a raster scan order and changes arrangement of the original pixels to generate sorted data. The PCM pixel inserter outputs a PCM pixel in accordance with a predetermined PCM pixel insertion interval. The encoding unit conducts difference encoding processing by using the PCM pixel and the sorted data to generate encoded data. The output stream generator inserts the PCM pixel at a PCM insertion position in the encoded data corresponding to a coordinate of the original pixel to generate an output stream.

Abstract: An embodiment for encoding digital images includes: partitioning the images into image blocks, subjecting the image blocks to transform into the frequency domain, and, possibly after thresholding resulting in lossy encoding, subjecting the image blocks transformed into the frequency domain to variable length coding to produce compressed encoded image blocks. Transform into the frequency domain may be, e.g., via wavelet transform, such as Haar wavelet transform, and variable length coding may be via Exponential-Golomb codes. An embodiment may also be adapted for transferring picture data over a bus in a system such as, e.g., a System-on-Chip (SoC) by generating compressed encoded image blocks for transfer over the bus and decoding compressed encoded image blocks transferred over the bus.

Abstract: An image decoding method including determining coding units having a hierarchical structure for decoding an image using split information of a coding unit, determining at least one prediction unit for predicting a coding unit among the coding units using information about a partition type, determining at least one transformation unit for inversely transforming the coding unit using split information of the at least one transformation unit, wherein the split information of a coding unit, the information about a partition type and the information about a depth of the at least one transformation unit are parsed from a bitstream, parsing from the bitstream transformation coefficients generated by transformation according to the at least one transformation unit generated by dividing the coding unit, reconstructing residual of the at least one transformation unit by performing inverse quantization and inverse transformation on the parsed transformation coefficients, and performing intra prediction or inter predicti

Abstract: A method of decoding an image includes performing entropy-decoding to obtain quantized transformation coefficients of at least one transformation unit in a coding unit of the image, determining a prediction mode of at least one prediction unit in the coding unit from information indicating a prediction mode for the at least one prediction unit, when the prediction mode is determined to be an inter prediction mode, not in an intra prediction mode, determining a size of the at least one transformation unit in the coding unit regardless of a size of the at least one prediction unit in the coding unit, performing inverse-quantization and inverse-transformation on the quantized transformation coefficients of the at least one transformation unit to obtain residuals, and performing inter prediction for at least one prediction unit in the coding unit to generate a predictor and restoring the image by using the residuals and the predictor.

Abstract: A request to decode media data is received from an application running on a computing device. A decoder decision module in media processing software also running on the computing device receives the request and intelligently determines which of a plurality of media decoders to route the media data to for decompression. The plurality of media decoders may include a hardware media decoder and a software media decoder. The decoder decision module may consider a number of factors that may affect the efficiency of the decompression. These factors include the file format of the media data, limitations of the hardware decoder(s), the size of the media data, a state of the requesting application, load balancing considerations, and other factors.

Abstract: A relatively higher resolution digitized image organized as a plurality of first kernel arrays, each with a plurality of pixels, is transformed into a corresponding relatively-smaller second kernel array of a relatively-lower-resolution image and an associated set of remaining pixels. Down-sampled pixels of the second kernel array are generated from linear interpolation of original pixels of the first kernel array. Associated interpolation coefficients incorporate perturbations to locations of the down-sampled pixels that are symmetric with respect to centers of the first and second kernel arrays.

Abstract: A method codes a sequence of digital images, each image having the same image format and including a number of pixels with assigned pixel values. Motion parameters between first and second images are determined, where based on said motion parameters a motion compensation is performed for coding the sequence of images, where said motion parameters are included in the coded sequence of images. The motion parameters between a first image and a second image include a scalar field having scalar values for a plurality of image positions in the image format. The scalar field is determined such that gradient vectors derived from the scalar field correspond to motion vectors for the motion compensation.

Abstract: An apparatus for decoding an image includes an entropy decoder that performs entropy-decoding to obtain quantized transformation coefficients of at least one transformation unit in a coding unit of the image, an inverse transformer that performs inverse-quantization and inverse-transformation on the quantized transformation coefficients of the at least one transformation unit to obtain residuals, and a restorer that performs inter prediction for at least one prediction unit in the coding unit to generate a predictor and restores the image by using the residuals and the predictor.

Abstract: A method of decoding an image including performing entropy-decoding to obtain quantized transformation coefficients of at least one transformation unit in a coding unit of the image, performing inverse-quantization and inverse-transformation on the quantized transformation coefficients of the at least one transformation unit to obtain residuals, and performing inter prediction for at least one prediction unit in the coding unit to generate a predictor and restoring the image by using the residuals and the predictor.

Abstract: An image processing circuit and a ringing artefact removing method thereof are provided. The image processing circuit includes a deRing detection unit and a deRing filtering unit. The deRing detection unit receives a plurality of display data of an input frame and calculates a regulating reference value corresponding to each display data according to the display data and the display data at adjacent display positions. The deRing filtering unit is coupled to the deRing detection unit. The deRing filtering unit receives the display data and regulates the display data according the regulating reference values respectively corresponding to the display data to output a plurality of regulated display data.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing device including an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a first image obtained using a motion vector indicating motion between frames and a second image used as a reference image to obtain the motion vector; and an image generator configured to generate a third image by blending the first image with the second image by a predetermined blending ratio.

Abstract: An air gill bag of a debris collection and disposal system (or lawn care leaf and debris collection system) for receiving a leaves, yard debris and other types of suitable debris for containment for subsequent disposal. The air gill bag comprises an elongated bag body which includes an open top, a closed bottom, a plurality of air gill cut strips, and a plurality of strength strips. In the preferred embodiment, the air gill cut strips and the strength strips form columns of perforated and non-perforated surface material. Such a configuration allows the propelled air directed into the bag to be ventilated through the bag and debris directed into the bag to be trapped, with the bag still retaining much of its durability and tear resistance despite presence of extensive perforations. The air gill bag is typically attached to the vacuum bag outlet of a machine blower using a dual attachment strap.

Abstract: This invention, “Safe and Easy” bagging tool, is a very simple tool, made of flexible metal or plastic, about seven inches long, shaped somewhat like a flat funnel, that will hold a baggie open, (a self sealing envelope shaped paper and plastic bag used to hold and store surgical instruments to be sterilized.) so it will be easier to put the instruments into the baggie, and at the same time, it is acting as barrier between the baggie and the operators hand that is holding said baggie, preventing the chance of an exposure, from an accidental puncture or cut to the operators hand, from a sharp or pointed, instrument, being loaded into the bag.

Abstract: The present invention provides packaging material for making packages, comprising a breakable film; and a substrate on which the breakable film is positioned, wherein the substrate comprises a chemically resistant and non-heat sealable (NHS) layer having a first surface and a second surface, and a heat sealable (HS) layer bonded to the first surface of the NHS layer, and the breakable film is laminated onto the second surface of the NHS layer, and wherein at least one die cut line to define a preformed hole is formed through the NHS and HS layers. The invention also provides a package produced therefrom and a method for constructing the package.

Abstract: An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete laminate including a tape including a base strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a panel section having a die cut defining a die cut segment, the panel section adhered by the PSA to the base strip; the panel section anchored to a first side panel; the second surface of the base strip anchored to the inner surface of a second side panel; and a product in the pouch. The die cut segment is so arranged with respect to the pressure sensitive adhesive that when the package is opened, the package can be reclosed by adhering the pressure sensitive adhesive to the first side panel.

Abstract: A sliding member is integrally formed of fluororesin as a whole, and a sliding surface to be slid with a slid member is made hydrophilic. A manufacturing method includes a step of exposing the sliding surface 2 of the sliding member 1 to water plasma 7 generated by Ar gas and vaporized water as raw materials and making the sliding surface 2 hydrophilic.

Abstract: In order to effect a seal a porous material which comprises one side of two opposing surfaces is used to restrict and evenly distribute externally pressurized gas, liquid, steam, etc. between the two surfaces, exerting a force which is opposite the forces from pressure differences or springs trying to close the two faces together and so may create a non-contact seal that is more stable and reliable than hydrodynamic seals currently in use. A non-contact bearing is also disclosed having opposing surfaces with relative motion and one surface issuing higher than ambient pressure through a porous restriction, wherein the porous restriction is part of a monolithic porous body, or a porous layer, attached to lands containing a labyrinth, the porous restriction and lands configured to not distort more than 10% of a gap created from differential pressure between each side of the porous restriction.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus including a stationary portion having a thrust cup; a rotating portion having a sleeve configured to be rotatable with respect to the stationary portion; a first axially extending space defined by the thrust cup and the sleeve, wherein the first axially extending space includes a second portion positioned above a first portion of the first axially extending space; a capillary seal in the first portion of the first axially extending space; and a labyrinth seal, in the second portion of the first axially extending space.

Abstract: Provided herein, in some embodiments, is an apparatus including a plastic component; a stationary component including a thrustplate; a rotatable component including the plastic component affixed to a sleeve; and at least a first fluid dynamic bearing formed between the thrustplate and an opposing surface of the rotatable component.

Abstract: A rolling bearing unit includes: a rolling bearing; a grease reservoir in which grease is reserved; an outer ring spacer disposed adjacent to an outer ring of the rolling bearing; and a bellows-shaped grease medium that connects a second side wall that defines the grease reservoir on the outer ring spacer side, to a step portion of the outer ring. The grease medium is disposed so as to be impregnated with a base oil contained in the grease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for controlling a physical parameter of an optical signal. According to the invention, a portion of the initial optical signal (SE) having passed through an optical waveguide from the input (24.1) to the output (24.2) thereof, is returned into said optical waveguide (24) using a sequential circulator (25) and an optical amplifier (28), in order to at least partially form the optical control signal (SE2), which counter-propagates relative to said initial optical signal (SE), so as to stabilize, or at the very least control, the physical parameter of said initial optical signal when the latter exits said optical waveguide (24) via the output (24.2) thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endo-microscopic probe based on a non-resonant scanning method using an optical fiber which includes a housing configured to have a specific size, an optical fiber placed within the housing and configured to transfer a light source, a tubular piezoelectric element configured to surround the optical fiber within the housing, include a guide unit for guiding a movement of the optical fiber at the end of the tubular piezoelectric element, and provide a deformation value according to a deformation amount to the optical fiber through the guide unit using an external power source, and a lens unit placed within the tubular piezoelectric element, fixed to an end of the housing, and configured to transfer light output from an end of the optical fiber to a sample.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a chip carrier, suitable for being inserted into a corresponding substrate. The light emitting/receiving chip mounted on the chip carrier is disposed within the corresponding substrate and aligned to the waveguide embedded in the corresponding substrate with an appropriate distance.

Abstract: A high-order mode filter includes a slab region, a band-shaped projection elongated in an optical waveguide direction, a first optical waveguide including a disturbance element and a second optical waveguide. The disturbance element is formed by doping impurities into the slab region, thus indicating a lower refractive index than the slab region. Both the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide are alternately arranged. The first optical waveguide may include a disturbance element positioned close to the projection, while the second optical waveguide may include a disturbance element distanced from the projection in the slab region. The high-order mode filter causes a large high-order mode loss due to interference between a removable high-order mode and an intentional high-order mode at the connecting face between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide, thus reducing reflected light and stray light.

Abstract: A connecting structure includes an optical waveguide part, a holding part of holding an optical input member, and an adhering part adhering the optical waveguide part and holding part. The optical waveguide part includes an optical waveguide substrate including an optical waveguide. At least one of the holding part and optical waveguide part includes a recess and an adhesive face adjacent to the recess. The adhering part is provided on the adhesive face and in a single region distant from the optical waveguide substrate in a direction of thickness of the optical waveguide substrate. The recess is provided between the adhering part and optical waveguide substrate. A space is provided between an end face of the optical input member and an end face of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: Device for the coaxial connection of fiber-optic cables, comprising a single-piece coupling housing (10) and a single-piece sleeve mount (20), the sleeve mount (20) being designed with at least one latching nose (21) and the coupling housing (10) being designed with at least one latching mount which complements the at least one latching nose (21), wherein the latching mount is designed with at least one latching hook (14) and at least one stop (15).

Abstract: An optical fiber assembly includes a housing with a mating face, a ferrule having a plurality of optical fibers, and a beam expanding element generally aligned with each optical fiber. A cover is slidably mounted on the housing adjacent the mating face. One of the housing and the cover includes a retention member. Another of the housing and the cover includes a guide and retention member. The guide and retention member interacts with the retention member to retain the cover to the housing and permit sliding movement of the housing relative to the cover. An assembly of connectors, a method of mating and a tool for mating are also provided.

Abstract: A communications connection system includes an adapter module defining at least first and second ports and at least one media reading interface mounted at one of the ports. The first adapter module is configured to receive a fiber optic connector at each port. Some type of connectors may be formed as duplex connector arrangements. Some types of adapters may include ports without media reading interfaces. Some types of media reading interfaces include contact members having three contact sections.

Abstract: An optical connector for terminating a jacketed optical fiber cable comprises a housing configured to mate with a receptacle. The connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing, the collar body securing, at a first end, a ferrule. The collar body includes a gripping mechanism disposed in a second portion of the collar body. The collar body further includes a buffer clamp configured within a third portion of the collar body, the buffer clamp configured to clamp at least a portion of a buffer cladding of the optical fiber upon actuation. The optical connector also includes a backbone to retain the collar body within the housing. The backbone includes a mounting structure surrounding a central bore at one end of the backbone, the mounting structure having at least one pocket region configured to receive a slit portion of the cable jacket. A fiber connector termination and assembly tool is also provided.

Abstract: A coupling device couples a light guiding unit and a base board together. The coupling device includes a base and a lens unit. The base has a hole for receiving the light guiding unit. After an end of the light guiding unit has been inserted into an end of the hole, the end of the light guiding unit is guided through the hole toward the base board. The lens unit is positioned proximate to another end of the hole and adapted to focus a first light exiting the light guiding unit onto the base board, and/or focus a second light exiting the base board onto the light guiding unit. Therefore, the coupling device is easy to manufacture, precludes attenuation the propagating first and second lights, and enhances the quality of signal transmission.

Abstract: In a receptacle cage, a front EMI finger in a tubular shape serving as a first shield member is provided on the entire periphery of a substantially rectangular module slot. In addition, a gap between the peripheral edge of a slot of a cover, into which a plug connector for the optical module connected to a receptacle connector in a receptacle connector accommodating portion is inserted, and a peripheral surface of a plug connector and a gap between a lower surface of the cover and a surface, on which a printed wiring board is mounted, are shielded by an EMI gasket serving as a second shield member and an EMI gasket serving as a third shield member, respectively.

Abstract: An optical module includes: a flexible board having a first surface on which a component is mounted and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a bottom electrode part having a bottom surface on which a heat release electrode is provided, the bottom electrode part mounted on the first surface of the flexible board; and a heat release member configured to absorb heat from the bottom electrode part and release the heat to outside. The heat release member is arranged close to said second surface of the flexible board at a position where the bottom electrode part is mounted.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes first and second fiber optic ribbons and a splice protector. The ribbons are spliced together such that the corresponding spliced fibers at the splice have a common lengthwise axis, widthwise axis orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and thickness axis orthogonal to the lengthwise and widthwise axes. The splice protector supports the ribbons that are spliced to one another at the splice. The splice protector may include or even consist essentially of an adhesive that provides a flexible support for the splice. The splice protector may be at least half as flexible when cured over the splice as the first and second ribbons in bending about the widthwise axis.

Abstract: A method for forming a non-linear thickness-profile in a first layer of a first material is disclosed. The method comprises forming an accelerator layer of a second material on the first layer and forming a mask layer disposed on the accelerator layer, wherein the mask layer enables the accelerator layer to expose the first layer to a first etchant in a first region, where the exposure time for each point along a first axis varies non-linearly as a function of distance from a first point on the first axis. Since the time for which the first layer is exposed to the first etch in the first region is non-linear, the thickness of the first layer in the first region changes non-linearly along the first axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a distal end configured to emit a beam of energy. The apparatus also includes a tube including a tube channel. The distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in the tube channel. The apparatus further includes a shock absorber disposed on the tube and a cap disposed on the shock absorber.

Abstract: A multi-port or multi-outlet cassette that may be configured as a low profile, high-density cassette. Selected embodiments include a bezel member having a projection positioned between each adjacent pair of outlets to help reduce crosstalk. A releasable latch mechanism may be included that is configured to selectively latch and unlatch the cassette to a patch panel. Embodiments configured for use with fiber optic cables may include a movable connector member. A cable connector may be mounted to the movable connector member to move therewith as a unit. Moving the movable connector member determines an angle of the cable connector relative to the panel. Angles may be selected to reduce stress on a cable connected to the cable connector. In particular, it may be desirable to position the cable connector such that it is orthogonal to the panel.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus 1 is equipped with: a CPU 11 that acquires a plurality of images; a normalization unit 54 that performs normalization such that an area of at least one of a plurality of acquired images satisfies a predetermined criterion; and a display control unit 56 that performs control such that a plurality of images including the images normalized by the normalization unit 54 are displayed in an output unit 19.

Abstract: A video recording apparatus preferentially transmits important video data, while reducing user's operational burdens. An operating section receives operation instructions of a first recording video image. A video recording section records a second recording video image, and records the first recording video image in accordance with the operation instructions input to the operating section. An overlapping period detection section generates overlap information indicating temporal overlap between the recording video images, from an output of the operating section. The video recording section divides the second recording video image into blocks at timing based on recording operation of the first recording video image, and determines priority of the divided blocks based on the overlap information.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing that acquires captured image data of a subject; and associates a plurality of time points of the image data and a plurality of time points of event information based on sensor time information, the event information acquired based on sensor information acquired in time series by a sensor apparatus and indicating occurrence of an operation of the sensor apparatus.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus for displaying a content file list, a content file list displaying method and a recording medium storing a program performing the method, which are capable of easily identifying a paused content file and memorizing a point of the content file which reproducing is paused and content of the content file at the paused point, are provided. The method includes: determining whether or not a paused content file exists; creating a content file list capable of identifying the paused content file with reference to the result of the determination; and displaying the created content file list.