Abstract: Techniques are provided for tracking objects in an encoded video stream based on data directly extracted from the video stream, thus eliminating any need for the stream to be fully or partially decoded. Extracted motion vector and DC coefficient data can be used to provide a rough estimation of which macro-blocks are be associated with a background motion model and which macro-blocks correspond to a foreground object which is moving with respect to the background motion model. Macro-blocks which are associated with a moving foreground object can be grouped based on connectivity and a similarity measure derived from the extracted DC coefficient data. The grouped macro-blocks can be tracked from frame to frame to identify and eliminate groups having only negligible motion. The resulting validated macro-block groups will correspond to a rough object mask associated with a moving region in the analyzed frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same. An occluded region generated in a 2D image may be removed by performing frame interpolation on a surface region of an object by extracting the surface region of the object from 3D ultrasonic volume data and calculating a motion vector in the extracted surface region, and an amount of calculation may be reduced by calculating a motion vector of the surface region in 3D volume data. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a volume data generator configured to acquire volume data which relates to the object, a surface region extractor configured to extract the surface region of the object based on the acquired volume data, and a frame interpolator configured to perform frame interpolation on the extracted surface region of the object.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for expressing a motion object are disclosed. The method includes obtaining a stereo image in which the motion object has been captured, the stereo image including a depth image; extracting a key point from the motion object in the stereo image; determining, based on statistical information relating to three-dimensional motion of pixels within a first predetermined region surrounding the key point, a dominant direction of the key point; determining, based on the dominant direction of the key point, motion vectors of pixels within a second predetermined region surrounding the key point to obtain rotation invariant motion vectors; and extracting, based on the determined motion vectors of the pixels within the second predetermined region surrounding the key point, a feature describing the key point. The present invention can extract features of motion object that are irrelevant to a viewing angle of a camera.

Abstract: Graphics processing is performed in which a decision is made in individual tiles whether or not to sample at a reduced sampling rate. A sampling pattern is selected from a set of sampling patterns having the same reduced sampling rate. The sampling pattern is dithered over a set of frames to reduce the visual appearance of visual artifacts via temporal color averaging.

Abstract: A graphics system includes a reconstruction unit that utilizes higher order polynomials, such as cubic splines, to reconstruct missing pixel data. The computational work to perform interpolation with higher order polynomials, such as cubic splines, is reduced by pre-calculating weights for each sparse sample pattern. The pre-calculated weights may be stored as stencils and used during runtime to perform interpolation.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking, identifying, and labeling objects or features of interest, such as follicular units is provided. In some embodiments, tracking is accomplished using unique signature of the follicular unit and image stabilization techniques. According to some aspects pixel data of a region of interest in a first image is compared to pixel data of the regions of interest in a second image, and based on a result of the comparison of pixel data in the region of interest in the first and second images and the signature of the follicular unit, locating the follicular unit in the second image. In some embodiments the follicular unit is searched for in the direction of a motion vector.

Abstract: A method and device for determining at least one set of matching attributes between a plurality of images is disclosed. Two dimensional images are projected to a three dimensional space then searched for matching attributes. Searching for corresponding attributes is much easier and computationally less intensive in the 3D space compared to a search in the 2D space. The method includes steps of projecting at least part of the images of said plurality to a 3-dimensional space resulting in a plurality of 3-D projected images (image1_3D, image2_3D), searching for at least one corresponding set of elements within the 3D projected images of the plurality of 3-D projected images, and calculating back said corresponding elements within the original images of the plurality and providing said corresponding elements within said original images as said at least one set of matched attributes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assisting with the search for an element (E) having a predefined hue in an environment, the method comprising the provision of at least one image in color, said or each image comprising pixels, the method being characterized in that the method comprises the selection in said or each image of the pixels having a hue for which value of the parameter associated through the bijection is comprised between first and second values, the first and second values being chosen so that the set of hues, for which value of the parameter associated through the bijection is comprised between both chosen values, comprises the predefined hue.

Abstract: A detection device for a condenser reflecting surface of a solar heat power generation system comprises: a horizontal rotary beam disposed above the condenser reflecting surface and capable of rotating in a horizontal surface, a plurality of laser heads being disposed at the bottom end of the horizontal rotary beam, a receiving disk perpendicular to the central axis of the horizontal rotary beam and capable of vertical movement connected at the theoretical focus of the condenser reflecting surface below the horizontal rotary beam, a camera being disposed below the receiving disk. A solar heat power generation system comprises the condenser reflecting surface and the detection device, and the detection device is disposed right above the condenser reflecting surface.

Abstract: A method for managing a content overlay. The method included a processor identifying a first image and a second image from an augmented reality (AR) device. The method further includes identifying a first element of interest within the first image. The method further includes associating a corresponding first AR content overlay for the first element of interest. The method further includes determining one or more differences between the first image and the second image, wherein the second image includes at least the first element of interest. The method further includes modifying a position of at least the first AR content overlay based, at least in part, on the one or more differences between the first image and the second image.

Abstract: Methods and/or apparatus for iteratively reconstructing a 3-dimensional volume for an object captured with radiographic imaging that includes an electronic sensor, exemplary methods can be performed at least in part on a computer, can include receiving a 3-dimensional volume data set generated from imaging an object; identifying a set of intra system components corresponding to system components used to capture images of the object, where the intra system components include at least an x-ray source within system components configured to be placed before the object; representing x-ray emission characteristics of the x-ray source as a function of angle and energy; using the 3D emission characteristics to simulate the forward projection of x-ray photons to generate a primary image and/or a scattered image; and using the primary image and/or the scattered image to reconstruct an improved 3-dimensional volume data set.

Abstract: Described are systems, media, and methods for applying deep convolutional neural networks to medical images to generate a real-time or near real-time diagnosis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rendering a smooth circular point using polygons on a computer graphics display. The circular point is approximated by a polygon and the selection of the polygon depends on the diameter of the point. The polygon is enclosed in a bounding area that is divided into a plurality of tiles. The tiles are classified into different sections depending on their location relative to the center of the point. The tiles in each section are processed according to an algorithm to generate a mask that is used to render the circular point.

Abstract: A summary spline curve can be constructed from multiple animation spline curves. Control points for each of the animation spline curves can be included to form a combined set of control points for the summary spline curve. Each of the animation spline curves can then be divided into spline curve segments between each neighboring pair of control points in the combined set of control points. For each neighboring pair, the spline curve segments can be normalized and averaged to determine a summary spline curve segment. These summary spline curve segments are combined to determine a summary spline curve. The summary spline curve can then be displayed and/or modified. Modifications to the summary spline curve can result in modifications to the animation spline curves.

Abstract: A real-time spectrum analyzer for measuring time domain data of an input signal includes an ADC, a resampler and a density histogram memory unit. The ADC has a first sample rate and is configured to acquire and digitize the input signal at the first sample rate to provide first samples. The resampler has a second sample rate and is configured to acquire the first samples at the second sample rate to provide second samples grouped in sample sets, where the second sample rate is selected so that each sample set includes an integer number of second samples per an integer number of periods at a frequency of interest of the input signal. The density histogram memory unit is configured to store at least a portion of the second samples output by the resampler for generating a continuous real-time gap-free density histogram corresponding to the time domain data.

Abstract: Multivariate data that includes data records may be obtained, each of the data records represented as data values of data attribute variables. A cardinality of the data records is substantially large. A display layout template representing a collectivized visualization of dataset points is obtained, the collectivized visualization logically associated with a set of the data attribute variables, from a perspective of a user viewer. An individualized particulate display representation for each of the data records is determined, based on a portion of the data values associated with each respective data record. The individualized particulate display representation includes a discrete, individually selectable particulate shape and a display location relative to geometric bounds logically associated with the template. Display of the individualized particulate display representations is initiated in accordance with the template.

Abstract: A system and method for visualization of cardiac changes under various pacing conditions for intervention planning and guidance is disclosed. A patient-specific anatomical heart model is generated based on medical image data of a patient. A patient-specific computational model of heart function is generated based on patient-specific anatomical heart model. A virtual intervention is performed at each of a plurality of positions on the patient-specific anatomical heart model using the patient-specific computational model of heart function to calculate one or more cardiac parameters resulting from the virtual intervention performed at each of the plurality of positions. One or more outcome maps are generated visualizing, at each of the plurality of positions on the patient-specific anatomical heart model, optimal values for the one or more cardiac parameters resulting from the virtual intervention performed at the that position on the patient-specific anatomical heart model.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for providing a virtual universe in which unsolicited advertisements are embodied in automated avatars. A system is provided that includes: a registration system for introducing an advertisement avatar into the virtual universe; a targeting system for targeting a user avatar for delivery of advertising content by the advertisement avatar; a movement system for defining how the advertisement avatar is to move within the virtual universe; and an advertisement delivery system for defining how the advertisement avatar is to deliver the advertising content to the user avatar.

Abstract: A method and a processing device may be provided for copying animation effects of a source object to one or more target objects of a presentation. The source object and the target objects may be included in presentation templates, or presentation slides of presentation files. The one or more target objects may be included in a same presentation slide as the source object, a different presentation slide as the source object, a same presentation file as the source object, a different presentation file as a source object, a same presentation template as a source object, or a different presentation template as the source object. Animation effects that are supported by a target object may be copied from the source object to the target object. When copying one or more animation effects from the source object to multiple target objects, timing of the animation effects may be serial or concurrent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering an image using a render setup graph are provided. The render setup graph may be used to configure and manage lighting configuration data as well as external processes used to render the computer-generated image. The render setup graph may include a dependency graph having nodes interconnected by edges along which objects and object configuration data may be passed between nodes. The nodes may be used to provide a source of objects and object configuration data, configure visual effects of an object, partition a set of objects, call external processes, perform data routing functions within the graph, and the like. In this way, the render setup graph may advantageously be used to organize configuration data and execution of processes for rendering an image.

Abstract: A method for simulating visual effects is disclosed. The method comprises modeling each visual effect within a simulation as a set of associated particles with associated constraints applicable thereto. It also comprises predicting first velocities and first positions of a plurality of particles being used to simulate a visual effect based on an external force applied to the plurality of particles. Next, it comprises identifying a set of neighboring particles for each of the plurality of particles. The method also comprises solving a plurality of constraints related to the visual effect, wherein each of the plurality of constraints is solved for the plurality of particles in parallel. Lastly, responsive to the solving, the method comprises determining second velocities and second positions for the plurality of particles.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are provided for providing linear entertainment content for perspective-shiftable displays. Some of the provided techniques and systems allow for pre-existing three-dimensional assets, such as models, scene definitions, virtual lights and cameras, motion paths, etc., that were used to create an original animated piece of linear entertainment content may be re-used and mapped, if necessary, into a format that is compatible with a perspective-shiftable display in order to re-create that same entertainment content in a perspective-shiftable format. In some instances where such pre-existing content is used, the technique may also include inserting additional content in locations that are only visible to the viewer when viewed from a perspective other than the perspectives used in creating the original animated piece of linear entertainment content.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system and computer-readable storage device provide functionality for managing location information for planar regions in two-dimensional views of a three-dimensional environment. A request is received for a first two-dimensional view of a three-dimensional environment that identifies a first planar region associated with content within the three-dimensional environment. The first two-dimensional view is rendered and displayed. A request is received for a second two-dimensional view from a second location. A distance and direction between the location of the first planar region and the location for the second view are determined and used to establish a second location of the planar region in the second two-dimensional view, and then use this information to help render and display the second two-dimensional view.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for generating textured graphics includes identifying border colors of pixels around two texture images and generating arrangements of border texels from the border colors that are positioned next to the two images in a texture atlas. The method includes generating mip-maps of the texture atlas with texels in the jump level assigned with the border color of the corresponding textures in the full-resolution texture atlas instead of the averaged color of the textures that would be assigned using a traditional mip-map process. The method includes storing the texture atlas including the two texture images and the border texels in a memory for use in generating repeated textures on an object in a virtual environment using at least one of the texture images with a mip-map without seam artifacts between the repeated textures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for realistically expressing an object. The image processing apparatus includes a volume data generator configured to generate volume data using received signals of an object, and a volume rendering unit configured to perform volume rendering using the volume data to acquire a projection image, and apply a subsurface scattering effect according to virtual lighting information, to the projection image with respect to a user's viewpoint to produce a final image.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a mechanism in a system and method for significantly reducing power consumption by reducing computation and bandwidth. This mechanism is particularly applicable for modern 3D synthetic images which contain high pixel overdraw and dynamically generated intermediates images. Only blocks of computation which contribute to the final image are performed. This is accomplished by rendering in reverse order and by performing multiple visibility sort in a streaming fashion through the pipeline. Rendering of dynamically generated intermediate images is performed sparsely by projecting texture coordinates from a current image back into one or more dependent images in a recursive manner. The newly computed pixel values are then filtered and control is returned to the sampling shader of the current image. When only visible pixels are projected optimal computation is performed. Several implementations are presented with increasing efficiency.

Abstract: The invention notably relates to a computer-implemented method for designing a three-dimensional modeled object comprising providing sample points of 3D curves sketched by a user; determining a volumetric function, within a predetermined class of volumetric functions, as the optimum of an optimization program that explores orientation vectors defined at the sample points under the constraint that the explored orientation vectors be normal to the 3D curves and respect a minimal rotation propagation condition over each 3D curve, wherein the optimization program penalizes a distance from the explored orientation vectors; and fitting the sample points with an isovalue surface of the volumetric function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an augmented reality vision system. A first input selecting a branch is received. Task information associated with a wire harness containing the branch is retrieved based on the first input. A second input requesting information related to inserting a wire is received. A plug map of a plug of the branch of the wire harness is generated based on the second input and using the task information associated with the wire harness. The plug map is displayed on a display system. A location of a selected wire is indicated in the plug map.

Abstract: A projection image of a three dimensional image is generated and displayed and a three dimensional target point corresponding to a designated two-dimensional target point is set to the three dimensional image. A reference cross-section is set to the three dimensional image by using the three dimensional target point. A cross-sectional two-dimensional image of the reference cross-section in which an object close to a point of view that faces the reference cross-section is not displayed is generated. An instruction to change the position of the point of view, using the three dimensional target point based on the cross-sectional two-dimensional image as a reference point, in order to align an observation direction of a structure to which the three dimensional target point is set with a target three dimensional direction is received. A new reference cross-section is set. A new cross-sectional two-dimensional image of the new reference cross-section is generated.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a user interface in a vehicle, wherein a wireless data link is formed between the vehicle and a mobile playback device which is releasably connected in the vehicle or is held freely by a user. Operating parameters relevant for the operation of the vehicle are detected on the vehicle and information relating to detected operating parameters is displayed by a display and control unit installed in the vehicle and which can be read from the driver's seat position. A wireless data link is formed between the vehicle and a mobile playback device which is releasably connected in the vehicle or is held freely by a user. Data for generating display content are transmitted via the wireless data link from the vehicle to the playback device, and on the basis of the transmitted data display content is generated on the playback device.

Abstract: A system for determining a driver log entry comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to determine a log start time. The processor is configured to determine a driver identity after the log start time. The processor is configured to determine whether a change to the driver identity has occurred based at least in part on a sensor data. In the event that the driver identity has changed, the processor is configured to determine a log stop time and determine a driver log entry using the log start time, the driver identity, and the log stop time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and a related computer-executed method of locating a source of a ground offset in a network of electronic devices interconnected by a communication bus. An exemplary method detects signal voltages on the communication bus that are indicative of a ground offset condition, and saves voltage timestamps for the detected signal voltages such that each detected signal voltage has a respective voltage timestamp. Message timestamps are added to messages on the communication bus, such that each message has a respective message timestamp. The message timestamps are compared against the voltage timestamps to identify at least one of the electronic devices as a ground offset source.

Abstract: A vehicular diagnostic tool interface device that may be connected to a vehicular diagnostic tool, typically through an available port thereof, that enhances the functionality of the overall tool. The interface device is configured in such a manner as to provide physical protection to more sensitive components such as, for example, wireless transceivers. The interface device is also configured to minimize the distance that it protrudes from the diagnostic tool. Also, a method of operating such a vehicular diagnostic tool.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling admission to a special admission zone of a live performance event for a plurality of patrons. The special admission zone is separate and distinct from a general admission area of the event and has a fixed maximum capacity. The duration of the event is divided into a plurality of predefined time periods. The system includes a set of patron-issued wristbands containing electronically writeable and readable RFID chips. The RFID chips of each wristband are electronically encoded with a respective unique serial number that is electronically associated with one of the plurality of predefined time periods. A processor is programmed to verify when each patron in possession of a wristband requests entry to the special admission zone and to initiate transmission of event video or event still images to a social media site or event video to a web channel upon successful verification.

Abstract: Certain aspects direct to systems and methods for securing an internet of things (IoT) based entrance for a designated area with multi-factor authentication. The system includes an IoT based entrance having an IoT device, which stores a secret key for generating a time-based password. An authenticated identification device may also have the same secret key. When the IoT device receives a request from an identification device to establish a secured connection, the IoT device first verifies the wireless address of the identification device. Once the wireless address is verified, the IoT device establishes the secured connection with the identification device through the wireless network. Then the IoT device uses the secret key and a current access time to generate the time-based password, and receive a second time-based password from the identification device through the secured connection. If both time-based passwords match each other, the identification device is authenticated.

Abstract: Premises access information can be distributed using a system having a ticket server coupled to a remotely located premises server. The ticket server receives a ticket request from a host device. After interacting with the premises server, the ticket server sends access-related information to a visitor device. The visitor device can later use the access-related information to gain access to a premises.

Abstract: An authentication risk management system and method are disclose which may comprise a biometric identification unit configured to sense biometric data from a user and produce an image of the sensed biometric data with a stored template associated with the user; and a biometric identification unit natural identification evaluation engine configured to provide a natural identification authentication score. The system and method may further comprise a credentials quality assessment engine (“CQAE”) configured to receive the natural identification authentication score and to provide a CQAE authentication score based one of the natural ID score and a combination of the natural ID score and a received computed authentication score. The CQAE may comprise at least a part of a user authentication profile engine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for controlling access to a controlled area. The method may comprise receiving a card identification signal in an access card controller through an access card reader associated with an entrance to the enclosed area, and then authenticating the card identification signal. The method may then comprise sending an unlock signal through a solid state relay to unlock a door at the entrance to the enclosed area associated with the access card reader when the card identification signal has been successfully authenticated.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for providing localized secure navigation in conjunction with near field communication access control systems. In one potential embodiment, a mobile device such as a cell phone may communicate with a door access control point using near field communication to receive location access system information. The mobile device may then authorize download and execution of a local secure navigation module from a location access system using the location access system information for use in receiving location assistance data, based on an authentication level associated with the mobile device. Such location assistance data may be used by the local secure navigation module to provide location assistance when the mobile device is in a secure location. The location of the mobile device may then be tracked using at least the location assistance data and the communication with the door access control point.

Abstract: An access control system controls access to a restricted area. A mobile device exchanges messages with a backend server to validate a user and to control an actuator for a physical barrier responsive to validation. Beacon-based unique identifiers are calculated at validation time for the current location to facilitate the validation.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for access control via a mobile device are described herein. One device includes instructions stored thereon executable by a processor to receive location information associated with a mobile device in a facility, determine that the mobile device is within a particular distance of an area of the facility based on the location information, receive an indication of a user input by the mobile device, determine whether a user of the mobile device is allowed access to the area, and allow access to the area via a relay associated with the area responsive to a determination that the user is allowed access and the user input.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to determine that a number of invalid attempts to input a code into a vehicle door keypad has passed a predetermined threshold. The processor is also configured to notify a registered user through a vehicle telematics system of the invalid attempts and selectively ignore future attempts to input the code.

Abstract: This application provides an electronic wallet or passport case for controlling the opening, unlocking and locking of enclosures such as luggage, briefcases, lockers, cases, cabinets, vehicles, buildings, homes and with indirect operational control by the means of a smartphone, tablet or any personal computing device. More particularly, a Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System is provided. The Smartphone Controlled Biometric and Bluetooth Enabled Locking Smart Wallet System includes a biometric based finger print authentication module, and a Bluetooth communications enabled module, to prevent a non-owner or unauthorized user from accessing the device, along with mobile applications to control the Smart Wallet System using a smartphone. The smart wallet equipped unit may be replaced by any locking case such as a briefcase or luggage.

Abstract: It is presented a key device comprising: a mechanical interface for mechanically maneuvering a lock device upon successful access control. The mechanical interface comprises a connector for powering the lock device and for communication with the lock device such that the lock device is able to perform electronic access control using the key device. The key device further comprises a clock; a memory; a radio communication module; and a controller arranged to, using the radio communication module communicate online with an access control device and use the memory as temporary storage for offline communication between the access control device and one or more lock devices. A corresponding method, computer program and computer program product are also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and sorting disks includes a wheel having at least one well for receiving a disk, a motor coupled to the wheel, a collecting device positioned relative to the wheel, a disk sensor, an ejector, and a controller. The collecting device has at least a first collector and a second collector configured for receiving disks. The disk sensor is configured to detect a value of a parameter of a disk received in the well and generate a parameter value signal. The ejector is coupled to the wheel proximate the well and configured to eject a disk from the well in a plane parallel to a bottom surface of the wheel in response to an eject signal. The controller is operably coupled with the disk sensor and the ejector.

Abstract: A device for identifying thickness of a sheet-like medium and method thereof are provided. The device includes: a frame, a thickness shaft, a floating shaft and a sensor; where: both ends of the thickness shaft are arranged on the two lateral plates of the frame via bearings; both ends of the floating shaft are arranged on the two lateral plates of the frame via bearings and an outer surface of the floating shaft is tangently contacted with an outer surface of the thickness shaft; and the sensor is arranged on the facade of the frame, and configured to detect an amplitude of a point of tangency where the floating shaft is tangent to the thickness shaft.

Abstract: A banknote handling apparatus that performs a depositing handling or a depositing/dispensing handling by transporting banknotes along a transport path includes a recognizing unit that recognizes an inserted banknotes; a deposit acceptability judging unit that determines, based on a recognition result obtained by the recognizing unit, whether the banknotes is acceptable for deposit; a reject reason identifying unit that identifies a reject reason of rejected banknotes that is determined to be unacceptable for deposit by the deposit acceptability judging unit; and a dispensing handling unit that sorts and dispenses the rejected banknotes based on the reject cause identified by the reject cause identifying unit.

Abstract: Provided is a paper money handling apparatus of which the security of a paper money process unit is improved, the jam is easily removed, and the layout is easily changed while the operability thereof is ensured. The paper money handling apparatus includes a repository, a temporary storage container, and a money deposit/withdrawal slot. The repository is provided inside a safe so as to store paper money therein. The temporary storage container is provided inside the safe so as to temporarily store deposited paper money therein during a transaction. The money deposit/withdrawal slot serves as an entry/exit opening of a paper money passageway provided at the upper part of the safe so as to communicate with the repository and the temporary storage container.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for modular vending systems utilizing reloadable product dispensing modules, including, but not limited to, vertical product dispensing modules comprising a vertical conveyor and a mounting structure for releasably engaging with module holder structures of modular vending machines, and a central controller device for communicating with a plurality of modular vending machines.

Abstract: Modular vending machine systems provide for reloadable product dispensing modules, including, but not limited to, vertical product dispensing modules. In some embodiments, the modular vending machine systems comprise one or more modular vending machines and product dispensing modules that may be releasably mounted using module holder structures of the modular vending machines. In some embodiments, a central controller device may be used for communicating with a plurality of modular vending machines, product dispensing modules, and/or docking stations.