Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to creating an audit trail of data incorporation in user profiles. In particular, it relates to linking trust objects to fields of the user profiles. The technology disclosed also relates to maintaining an opt trail that captures user opt-ins by recording the circumstances surrounding opt-in actions. In particular, it relates to linking trust objects to user profiles that connect users to an advertising campaign. The technology disclosed further relates to tracking and measuring reputation of product models in consumer markets. In particular, it relates to assembling consumer feedback on the product models from online social networks and service records of the product models and applying sentiment analysis on the consumer feedback.

Abstract: Techniques for managing network identities include generating, with a local computing system, a tree structure representing a network comprising a plurality of entities, the tree structure comprising a plurality of nodes, each node of the plurality of nodes representing an entity of the plurality of entities, at least one entity of the plurality of entities is represented by more than one node of the plurality of nodes; assigning a unique identifier to each node; identifying each node of the plurality of nodes as being a protected node or an unprotected node; and transmitting, to a remote computing system, the tree structure, the unique identifiers for the protected nodes, and identity information of the entities for the unprotected nodes.

Abstract: Some aspects of the disclosure generally relate to providing single sign on features in mobile applications in a secure environment using a shared vault. An application may prompt a user to provide user entropy such as a passcode (e.g. a password and/or PIN). The application may use the user entropy to decrypt a user-entropy-encrypted vault key. Once the vault key is decrypted, the application may decrypt a vault database of the shared vault. The shared vault may store shared secrets, such as server credentials, and an unlock key. The application may store the unlock key, generate an unlock-key-encrypted vault key, and cause the shared vault to store the unlock-key-encrypted vault key, thereby “unlocking” the vault. The application may then use the unlock key to decrypt the vault database without prompting the user to provide user entropy again.

Abstract: Systems and methods of implementing a secured cloud environment allow for design and instantiation of a security policy at the infrastructure level. An example system may comprise a first module to facilitate selecting at least two cloud computing component templates from a cloud computing component catalog. The system may comprise a second module to facilitate defining a connection between the at least two selected cloud computing component templates. The system may comprise a third module to facilitate assigning a security level and a policy to at least one of the at least two selected cloud computing component templates. The system may comprise a fourth module to facilitate building a cloud computing component blueprint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a web server having a web application using published API of one or more cloud storage providers, said web application being dedicated to secure and economical sharing of encrypted files residing at the cloud storage providers, said files being managed under a virtual folder which is shared by a group of different entities.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of automatically learning and automatically adapting to perform classification of protected data. In various examples, learning and adapting to perform classification of protected data may be implemented in the form of systems, methods and/or algorithms.

Abstract: A secure data storage device for preventing tampering with data stored thereon includes a two-dimensional memory array for storing data, the array includes a predetermined number of data words. Each data word includes a set of bits, and is associated with a single physical address in the memory array. A key storage area for storing a key of the data storage device is included in the device. The secure data storage device includes an address conversion unit configured to convert a logical address to a corresponding physical address which points to a location in the memory array. The device includes a bit mixing unit for mixing bit values of an input data word to obtain a mixed word value, such that the mixed word value is a rearrangement of the bit values of the input data word. The device is electrically connectable to a host.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for protecting application programs of an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus is provided with a touch screen, and stores a screen sharing program, other application programs, a prohibited list, a first touch track and a second touch track. The electronic apparatus runs the screen sharing program to share the screen, and senses a touch track of a user on the touch screen, when the first touch track is sensed, adds an application program corresponding to it into the list; when the second touch track is sensed, deletes an application program corresponding to it from the list; and when a point touch is sensed, searches for whether an application program corresponding to it is in the list, if yes, the screen sharing program stops screen sharing and then runs the application program; otherwise, the application program is run, and the screen sharing program performs normal screen sharing.

Abstract: Generally, this disclosure provides systems, devices, methods and computer readable media for secure control of access control enablement and activation on self-encrypting storage devices. In some embodiments, the device may include a non-volatile memory (NVM) and a secure access control module. The secure access control module may include a command processor module configured to receive a request to enable access controls of the NVM from a user, and to enable the access controls. The secure access control module may also include a verification module configured to verify a physical presence of the user. The secure access control module may further include an encryption module to encrypt at least a portion of the NVM in response to an indication of success from the verification module.

Abstract: In a method for unlocking a touch screen of an electronic device, a cube is generated for unlocking the touch screen, and an unlocking mode of each surface of the cube is set. The cube is displayed on the touch screen for receiving touch signals. After the touch signals are received from each surface of the cube, a touch mode of each surface of the cube are obtained based on the touch signals. The touch screen of the electronic device is unlocked when the touch mode of each surface of the cube is in accordance with the unlocking mode of each surface of the cube.

Abstract: There is provided a programmable multiplier circuit for multiplying an input voltage signal by a binary coefficient, the multiplier circuit including a transconductor including a first amplifying transistor configured to convert the input voltage signal to a current signal, the first amplifying transistor having a gate configured to receive the input voltage signal, and a coefficient multiplier coupled to the transconductor and configured to multiply the current signal by the binary coefficient to generate an amplified current signal.

Abstract: An electronic device and a Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM card) connector mounted in the same are disclosed. The SIM card connector includes a lower surface support having an open area adapted to receive a SIM card and a contact area adapted to be electrically coupled to the SIM card, an elastic support disposed near at least one side surface of the open area, the elastic support having a predetermined width and an elasticity expressed towards an upper surface support of the SIM card connector and having a shape surrounding the contact area, a side surface support having a predetermined height disposed circumferentially at distal edges of the lower surface support except for the open area, and the upper surface support coupled to the side surface support and having a top surface formed parallel to the lower surface support adapted to partially enclose an upper portion of the SIM card.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive system (S) for a device including a control unit (UCd), means for releasing multimedia content (Md), with the control unit (UCd) cooperating with said means for providing the control thereof. To enhance the attractiveness of the device, the system (S) comprises a processing unit (UC), at least one tag (T1, T2, Ti, Tn) to be affixed to said means for releasing (Md). Said at least one tag is directly connected to the processing unit and further enables a wireless communication (CP) with a communicating object (Oc). The processing unit (UC) is so arranged as to communicate with the control unit (UCd) in order to trigger an action relative to the multimedia content released in response to a communication initiated by said at least one tag.

Abstract: In FIG. 9 a female identification tag is formed by overmolding between mold parts (8, 9) a base section (1) which will include inwardly directed projections or fingers (4) to retain in use the head of a male tag and may include an RFID coil (6). As the mold parts (8,9) separate, the core (10) can start to eject, moving through the flexible opening (13) formed at the top of the soft boss (12) of the tag. Subsequently, a hard insert can close off the opening (13) in providing tamperproofing. The core (10) can be caused to rotate as it moves through the flexible opening (13) in order to break any bond between the plastics material and the core (10).

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes a portable RFID reader, and a read infrastructure that includes a distributed read structure, which may be part of a display (such as a shelf) for holding objects. The read structure is used to couple the RFID reader to RFID devices (tabs and/or labels) on or near the structure. The RFID reader and the read structure communicate in a near field or proximity region communication, without any use of a direct ohmic electrical connection. The RFID reader may have an antenna that is configured for near field or proximity communication with a coupler of the read infrastructure. The RFID reader may also have a separate antenna for use in far field communication. The RFID reader may be able to obtain information more efficiently in the near field or proximity mode, allowing information to be received faster and with greater reliability.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the operational safety of mobile machines in mining operations by utilizing RFID technology includes a transmitting unit at the mobile machine, a receiving unit, and a non-machine-related RFID transponder which can be activated by the transmitting unit and in the case of activation is contactlessly detected. A reference transponder and a control unit for actuating the transmitting unit and evaluating transponder signals in measuring cycles is provided. To improve the energy requirement of the method and system, the reference transponder may be mounted on the mobile machine at a defined distance, stored in the control unit, from the transmitting unit. The signal field strength L of the transmitter signal of the transmitting unit may be changed in dependence on the response signal of the reference transponder in a calibration cycle (KCB) for eliminating the environmental influences.

Abstract: A device and method for identification of at least one object in an image registered with an image registration device, wherein each of the at least one object is provided with a wireless tag. The device includes at least one sensor for registering a wireless signal from the wireless tag and for registering at least one direction to the wireless tag, wherein the wireless signal includes identification for the object.

Abstract: Secure wire marking for identification and authentication is disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first strand that is electrically conductive, the first strand being embedded with a first set of particles, wherein the first set of particles have a first optical response when they are illuminated by light having a first wavelength.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus to scan visual codes are described. An image of a first visual code marked on an item is captured and the image of the first visual code is displayed on an electronic screen of the apparatus for a point-of-sale terminal that is enabled to scan the image of the first visual code. A scan signal emitted by the point-of-sale terminal is detected, the scan signal indicating that the image of the first visual code was scanned. A second image of a second visual code is displayed on the electronic screen of the apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-mode ring scanner (MMRS) has a ring unit for wearing on a finger. The MMRS optionally has a wrist unit coupled to the ring unit, such as via a cable. The MMRS optionally communicates wirelessly with a computing device. The ring unit has one or more scanners (such as an optical scanner or an RFID tag reader). The ring unit optionally has two paddle switches for activation by inward pressure from fingers adjacent to the finger. The two switches enable specifying operation of the MMRS in a plurality of modes and/or to communicate a plurality of information codes to the computing device. The computing device is optionally enabled to assign a function to each combination of activation of the two switches. A scanning system including the MMRS optionally provides feedback to a user based on feedback from a host processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for accurately reading barcodes. One embodiment of an apparatus includes: a sensor to detect transitions between bars on a barcode having bars with N different widths; a timer to associate a time value with each of the transitions; a delta calculation module to determine a current delta value for a current bar; a bar identification module to apply a first window value to each of N delta values stored in a memory, each of the N delta values associated with a different one of N different bar widths, the bar identification nodule to compare the current delta value with each of the N delta values having the first window value applied thereto, and identify the current bar as having one of the N widths if the current delta value falls within the first window value applied to one of the N widths.

Abstract: A decodable indicia reading system can comprise a mobile communication terminal and a removable module. The mobile communication terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, and an imaging device comprising a two-dimensional image sensor, all disposed within a housing. The removable module can comprise a housing at least partially containing an encoded information reading (EIR) device, an illumination module, and/or an optical system configured to focus the light reflected by a physical object located within a field of view of the two-dimensional image sensor onto the two-dimensional image sensor. The decodable indicia reading system can further comprise a decoding program executable by the microprocessor, which can be configured to input an encoded information item the imaging device and/or the EIR device. The removable module can be mechanically attached to the mobile communication terminal. The removable module can further comprise a memory configured to store a secret string.

Abstract: A semantic note taking system and method for collecting information, enriching the information, and/or binding the information to services is provided. User-created notes are enriched with labels, context traits, and relevant data to minimize friction in the note-taking process. In other words, the present invention is directed to collecting unscripted data, adding more meaning and use out of the data, and binding the data to services. Mutable and late-binding to services is also provided to allow private thoughts to be published to a myriad of different applications and services in a manner compatible with how thoughts are processed in the brain. User interfaces and semantic skins are also provided to derive meaning out of notes without requiring a great deal of user input. Linking physical objects to notes are also provided, such as through QR codes.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has a child mode and an adult mode. The method includes capturing a touch image of a finger contacting with a touch screen when a touch operation is applied to unlock the touch screen. An area value of a touch image of the finger contacting with the touch screen is calculated based on the captured touch image and compared with one or more predefined area values. The user is determined to be a child or an adult according to the comparison result. The electronic device is controlled to alternatively enter the adult mode or the child mode based on the determination result.

Abstract: A fingerprint recognition device and a touch apparatus comprise a plurality of fingerprint recognition areas (100) with a rectangle shape arranged in a matrix. Each of the fingerprint recognition areas (100) comprises a plurality of mutually independent fingerprint recognition electrodes (110) arranged along a diagonal direction of the fingerprint recognition area (100). Arrangement directions of the fingerprint recognition electrodes (110) in the respective fingerprint recognition areas (100) are same. Because the fingerprint recognition electrodes (110) in the respective fingerprint recognition areas (100) are arranged in a same diagonal direction, the fingerprint recognition electrodes (110) belonging to a same or adjacent fingerprint recognition area(s) (100) can detect full fingerprint information when a finger slides on the fingerprint recognition device in any one of a plurality of directions, so that the fingerprint is recognized.

Abstract: A ridge flow based fingerprint image quality determination can be achieved independent of image resolution, can be processed in real-time and includes segmentation, such as fingertip segmentation, therefore providing image quality assessment for individual fingertips within a four finger flat, dual thumb, or whole hand image. A fingerprint quality module receives from one or more scan devices ridge-flow-containing imagery which can then be assessed for one or more of quality, handedness, historical information analysis and the assignment of bounding boxes.

Abstract: In some implementations, a computer-implemented method may include: identifying one or more neighboring minutiae within a particular octant neighborhood for the octant feature vector for each minutia included in a list of minutiae associated with a search fingerprint; computing, for each minutia included in the list of minutiae, a direction difference between each minutia included in the list of minutiae, and each of the one or more neighboring minutiae identified for the octant feature vector for each minutia included in the list of minutiae; computing, for each minutia included in the list of minutiae, a minutia quality confidence; and computing a fingerprint quality confidence.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for sorting face images of different individuals into different groups includes obtaining face images comprising faces of unknown individuals by a computer processor; calculating similarity functions between pairs of face images by the computer processor; joining face images that have values of the similarity functions above a predetermined threshold into a hypothetical face group, wherein the face images in the hypothetical face group hypothetically belong to a same person; conducting non-negative matrix factorization on values of the similarity functions in the hypothetical face group to test truthfulness of the hypothetical face group; and identifying the hypothetical face group as a true face group if a percentage of the associated similarity functions being true is above a threshold based on the non-negative matrix factorization.

Abstract: A collation apparatus that collates an input image with registered images includes: a feature extracting unit extracting feature quantities from a region of an object in the input image; a calculating unit calculating, per each of the feature quantities, similarity degrees between the feature quantities extracted from the input image and corresponding feature quantities of the registered image, for each of the registered images; an integrating unit integrating, using a parameter, the similarity degrees for the feature quantities; an estimation unit estimating as to whether or not the object in the input image is identical with an object in each of the registered images; and a parameter learning unit learning the parameters to be used by the integrating unit, based on an estimation result of the estimation unit and the similarity degree integrated by the integrating unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, for a first image, a first vector of similarity to a set of reference images is calculated as a first face descriptor, and for a second image, a second vector of similarity to the set of reference images is calculated as a second face descriptor. A similarity measure between the first face descriptor and the second face descriptor is then calculated.

Abstract: An object identification apparatus selects, for each partial area of an object in a registered image, a corresponding sample image from sample images based on feature quantities of the partial area, for objects in the registered image, sets a similarity of feature quantities for each partial area between objects of an identical individual and between objects of different individuals based on a similarity related to the selected sample images for each partial area, makes a discriminator learn based on the set similarity, acquires a similarity for each partial area between objects in an input image and the registered image, and determines whether the object in the input image is identical to the object in the registered image based on the acquired similarity and a result of discrimination by the discriminator.

Abstract: Motion capture system with a motion capture element that uses two or more sensors to measure a single physical quantity, for example to obtain both wide measurement range and high measurement precision. For example, a system may combine a low-range, high precision accelerometer having a range of ?24 g to +24 g with a high-range accelerometer having a range of ?400 g to +400 g. Data from the multiple sensors is transmitted to a computer that combines the individual sensor estimates into a single estimate for the physical quantity. Various methods may be used to combine individual estimates into a combined estimate, including for example weighting individual estimates by the inverse of the measurement variance of each sensor. Data may be extrapolated beyond the measurement range of a low-range sensor, using polynomial curves for example, and combined with data from a high-range sensor to form a combined estimate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for classifying one or more document images based on its content by determining blocks layout of the document image; recognizing the document image to obtain digital content data representing text content or the potential graphical content of the image; calculating feature values of the document image for features based on the digital content data and the blocks layout; and classifying the document image as belonging to one of document classes based on the calculated feature values.

Abstract: The technology of the present disclosure includes computer-implemented methods, computer program products, and systems to filter images before transmitting to a system for optical character recognition (“OCR”). A user computing device obtains a first image of the card from the digital scan of a physical card and analyzes features of the first image, the analysis being sufficient to determine if the first image is likely to be usable by an OCR algorithm. If the user computing device determines that the first image is likely to be usable, then the first image is transmitted to an OCR system associated with the OCR algorithm. Upon a determination that the first image is unlikely to be usable, a second image of the card from the digital scan of the physical card is analyzed. The optical character recognition system performs an optical character recognition algorithm on the filtered card.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting presence or otherwise of an item comprising at least two regions having different optical characteristics, said apparatus comprising: an emitter operative to illuminate a measuring region of said apparatus with electromagnetic radiation; and a detector located and operative to receive electromagnetic radiation reflected from said measuring region of said apparatus and operative to output a signal corresponding to a measured characteristic of said electromagnetic radiation reflected from said measuring region, wherein said apparatus is operative to compare said measured characteristic with a set of pre-defined characteristics, and further wherein if said measured characteristic is consistent with at least one of said pre-defined characteristics, the apparatus is operative to output a signal indicative of presence or otherwise of one of said at least two regions of said item in said measuring region.

Abstract: A environmental reproduction system multiplexes information from a variety of sources to reproduce a target environment having visual and/or auditory impediments. The visual impediments may include one or more environmental conditions, such as rain, sleet, snow, darkness, brightness, or any other type of environmental condition. The auditory impediments may include loud noises, such as construction noises, or sounds that are too low, such as an emergency vehicle sound not being heard. The environmental reproduction system may determine the environmental condition from one or more sources, such as an internal microphone, an external microphone, temperature sensor, a camera, a weather receiver, or other types of sensors. The environmental reproduction may be in communication with an environmental condition database and operative to apply a signal processing action to a recording (video and/or audio recording) of the target environment based on the determined environmental condition.

Abstract: The instant application describes a method for acquiring via a vehicle wheel alignment system an image of a target including a validation logo, the validation logo being used for recognition by the vehicle wheel alignment system and determination of authenticity of the validation logo by the vehicle wheel alignment system; identifying the validation logo within the image of the target; comparing the identified validation logo with a reference validation logo; computing a similarity metric based on a result of a comparison between the identified validation logo and the reference validation logo; and based on the computed similarity metric, enabling or disabling the vehicle wheel alignment system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for compressed sensing yields acceptable quality reconstructions of an object from reduced numbers of measurements. A component x of a signal or image is represented as a vector having m entries. Measurements y, comprising a vector with n entries, where n is less than m, are made. An approximate reconstruction of the m-vector x is made from y. Special measurement matrices allow measurements y=Ax+z, where y is the measured m-vector, x the desired n-vector and z an m-vector representing noise. “A” is an n by m matrix, i.e. an array with fewer rows than columns. “A” enables delivery of an approximate reconstruction, x#, of x. An embodiment discloses approximate reconstruction of x from the reduced-dimensionality measurement y. Given y, and the matrix A, approximate reconstruction x# of x is possible. This embodiment is driven by the goal of promoting the approximate sparsity of x#.

Abstract: A method for connecting an electronic device using an eye-tracking technique and an electronic device that implements the method are provided. The method includes acquiring eye-tracking information, obtaining image information corresponding to the eye-tracking information, comparing the image information with specific information about at least one external device, and based on the comparison, determining a specific external device to be connected from among the at least one external device.

Abstract: A method of determining the identity of a subject while the subject is walking or being transported in an essentially straight direction is disclosed, the two dimensional profile of the subject walking or being transported along forming a three dimensional swept volume, without requiring the subject to change direction to avoid any part of the system, comprising acquiring data related to one or more biometrics of the subject with the camera(s), processing the acquired biometrics data, and determining if the acquired biometric data match corresponding biometric data stored in the system, positioning camera(s) and strobed or scanned infrared illuminator(s) above, next to, or below the swept volume. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a compact, mobile apparatus for iris image acquisition, adapted to address effects of ocular dominance in the subject and to guide positioning of the subject's iris for the image acquisition. The apparatus may include a sensor for acquiring an iris image from a subject. A compact mirror may be oriented relative to a dominant eye of the subject, and sized to present an image of a single iris to the subject when the apparatus is positioned at a suitable distance for image acquisition. The mirror may assist the subject in positioning the iris for iris image acquisition. The mirror may be positioned between the sensor and the iris during iris image acquisition, and transmit a portion of light reflected off the iris to the sensor.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for improving perceived eye-contact in video communications on personal communication devices that have a camera positioned offset slightly away from a display screen, such as found in tablets, mobile phones, laptops, desktops ultrabooks, all-in-ones, and the like. A three-dimensional mesh, such as a point cloud, may be created from an image and depth information that is captured of the user. A viewing direction of is determined by assessing the three-dimensional mesh and the mesh is rotated to minimize the angle between the viewing direction and a line of sight between the user's eyes and the camera.

Abstract: A system for automated conversion of two-dimensional hydrology vector models into valid three-dimensional hydrology vector models, comprising a vector extraction engine that retrieves vectors from, and sends vectors to, a vector storage, a DSM server that retrieves a DSM from a DSM storage and computes a DSM from stereo disparity measurements of a stereo pair retrieved from a raster storage, and a rendering engine that provides visual representations of images for review by a human user, and a method for automated hydrology vector model development utilizing the system of the invention.

Abstract: Sensory processing of visual, auditory, and other sensor information (e.g., visual imagery, LIDAR, RADAR) is conventionally based on “stovepiped,” or isolated processing, with little interactions between modules. Biological systems, on the other hand, fuse multi-sensory information to identify nearby objects of interest more quickly, more efficiently, and with higher signal-to-noise ratios. Similarly, examples of the OpenSense technology disclosed herein use neurally inspired processing to identify and locate objects in a robot's environment. This enables the robot to navigate its environment more quickly and with lower computational and power requirements.

Abstract: A method to automatically classify video content retrieved over the Internet and, in particular, to determine whether a candidate video is an instance of a source video. The method begins by sampling static image frames from each of the candidate video and the source video. Based on the sampled static image frames, a set of static image frames in the candidate video that match a corresponding set of static image frames in the source video are then identified. Metadata associated with the sets of matching static image frames are then compared to determine how closely a temporal order of the set of static image frames in the candidate video matches the temporal order of the set of static image frames in the source video. Based on a measure of temporal order match, a classification is then applied to the candidate video to complete the method.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to marker-less augmented reality methods which are operable in mobile applications and which involve an object-tracking method that uses projection and detection of a structured light pattern to track the location, orientation, and/or movement of an object in a scene.

Abstract: Methods and systems for filtered image data recovery using lookback include storing first, second, and third data captures received from the image sensor in a first memory component and a second memory component. The methods and systems also include identifying a second detection in the second data capture and a third detection in the third data capture by filtering the first, second, and third data captures. The second detection and the third detection each exceed a pixel intensity threshold. The methods and systems also include correlating the second detection and the third detection to identify at least one track. The methods and systems also include detecting a first detection in the first data capture stored in the second memory component, the first detection being a pixel intensity value that is less than the threshold or an initiation event having a pixel intensity value that is less than the threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a light-receiving section which has a plurality of filters having different pass bands, and a plurality of light-receiving elements, each of which receives incident light via any one of the filters; an image data generation section which, when receiving general image data which is an output of the light-receiving section, extracts outputs of the light-receiving elements correlated to the filters to generate discrete image data, which is image data for each of the filters; an image data processing section which detects at least one object, based on the discrete image data generated by the image data generation section or composite image data generated by combining the discrete image data; and a vehicle control section which performs vehicle control, according to the object detected by the image data processing section.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a valid lane marking using a vehicle camera system. A series of pictures are taken of an area in front of the vehicle. At least a first lane marking and a second lane marking different from the first lane marking are detected in corresponding image data. A vehicle driving ahead of the vehicle is detected in at least two successively taken pictures and its position relative to the first lane marking as well as its position relative to the second lane marking is determined. Dependent on the positions of the vehicle driving ahead determined with the aid of the pictures, one of the detected lane markings is selected as the valid lane marking.

Abstract: In vehicle-lane boundary line detection, low-luminance values are acquired from areas corresponding to below a tire and directly below a vehicle center based on a road surface image. A snow rut degree is calculated based on a luminance ration between the areas. A probability is calculated from a map based on the calculated snow rut degree. A parameter indicating the degree of snow rut likeness is calculated by a low-pass filtering process. A snow rut determination is made by the calculation result being compared with a predetermined threshold. A final determination of whether or not a snow rut is present is made, with reference to an outside temperature. When determined that a snow rut is present, a determination is made not to perform the detection. When determined that a snow rut is not present, a determination is made to perform the detection.