Abstract: A solution for evaluating an object using infrared data is provided. In particular, infrared data corresponding to the object is processed to enhance a set of signal features. The infrared data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor according to the present invention includes a number of photosensitive cells 2b, 2c that are arranged in between the first surface 30a of a semiconductor layer 30 and its second surface 30b, which is opposite to the first surface 30a and which receives incoming light. As viewed from the photosensitive cells 2b, 2c, a reflecting portion 3a is arranged on the same side as the first surface 30a in order to reflect an infrared ray that has been transmitted through the photosensitive cell 2c and make it incident on one of the photosensitive cells 2b, 2c. As a result, the intensities of infrared rays to be converted photoelectrically by the photosensitive cells 2b, 2c will be different from each other. And by calculating the difference between the photoelectrically converted signals supplied from the photosensitive cells 2b, 2c, the infrared ray component received by each photosensitive cell can be obtained.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (e.g., smart phone or tablet computer) is provided for generating and displaying images (e.g., 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional images) of an imaging target such as a human body. The portable electronic device may include imaging elements configured to receive radiation signals transmitted through and/or reflected by the imaging target, an imaging interface, and one or more processors. The portable electronic device may display what appears to be a window into the imaging target (e.g., a human body), and/or an exploded view (e.g., 3-dimensional, upwardly projected image) of the target. The generated image may be a real-time continuous image of the internal features of the target (e.g., a human body) that is updated to track movements of the target (e.g., breathing patterns) and the relative position of the portable electronic device as the portable electronic device moves relative to a surface of the target.

Abstract: Electro-mechanical transducers are used to actively cloak a targeted object in a way that absorbs incoming waves without reflection, sends them out the opposite side of the target and returns the wave without leaving a shadow behind the target. The present invention pertains to an improvement in the cloaking of an object without requiring the use of special materials for the object itself and allows the use of SONAR and other possible transducer systems that would be covered and rendered ineffective with passive cloaking materials.

Abstract: A video surveillance system includes at least one of a camera or a streamer. A data base server is coupled to the camera and can store metadata for a video clip from the camera or streamer. A media storage server is coupled to both the camera or, the streamer, and to the data base server to store the clip in the absence of any network video recorders.

Abstract: Passive device for broadband acoustic acquisition (3) that can communicate with a digital processing unit (4), the device including a plurality of microphone sensors (7) that can generate an electric signal (8) that is representative of an acoustic pressure (9) received, electronics for processing and digitizing (12) electric signals being able to adapt the electric signals and transform them into digital signals (13) of acoustic pressure, transfer electronics (14) being able to communicate with a digital processing unit (4) and to make possible the transfer of the digital signals of acoustic pressure to the digital processing unit. The microphone sensors and the transfer electronics are mounted on a multifunctional rigid support element (17) that incorporates the processing and digitizing electronics.

Abstract: An ultra-weak light multispectral imaging method and an ultra-weak light multispectral imaging system, which can realize multispectral two-dimensional imaging of an ultra-weak light object by constituting a linear array from single-photon detectors of all response wavelengths and combining it with light-splitting technology. The ultra-weak light multispectral two-dimensional imaging system realizes high-resolution optical modulation by adopting the compressive sensing (CS) theory and the digital light processing (DLP) technology and using a linear array single-photon detector as a detection element; the ultra-weak light multispectral two-dimensional imaging system comprises a light filter, a first lens (1), a DMD control system, a second lens, a spectrophotometer, a linear array single-photon detector consisting of a plurality of single-photon detectors with different response wavelengths, and a central processing unit; and the sensitivity of the system can reach the single-photon level.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle using infrared data is provided. In particular, evaluation data for the vehicle is obtained, which includes infrared data for a plurality of sides of the vehicle as well as vehicle identification data for distinguishing the vehicle from another vehicle. The infrared data is processed to enhance a set of signal features. Additional non-infrared based data also can be obtained for evaluating the vehicle. The evaluation data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present. The anomaly(ies) can be correlated with a possible problem with a component of the vehicle. Data on the anomaly, problem, and/or vehicle identification can be provided for use on another system, such as a remote inspection station, maintenance system, and/or the like.

Abstract: An optoacoustic imaging system includes a handheld probe and first and second pulsed light sources having a common output. The first and second light sources generate pulses of light at first and second predominant wavelengths, respectively. The handheld probe includes an ultrasound transducer array having an active end located at the distal end of the handheld probe for receiving an optoacoustic return signal. A sensor measures a portion of the light transmitted along the light path. A data acquisition samples the ultrasound transducer array during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the first light source and during a predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the second light source. The sampled data is stored.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a unit that analyzes frequencies of an ultrasonic wave at a plurality of points to calculate a frequency spectrum of the points; a unit that approximates a portion included in a frequency band between a first frequency and a second frequency larger than the first frequency, by a polynomial, in the frequency spectrum of the points to extract first spectrum intensity which is a value of the polynomial in a third frequency included in a domain of the polynomial and second spectrum intensity which is a value of the polynomial in a fourth frequency different from the first to third frequencies, as a feature amount; and a unit that associates the first spectrum intensity, the second spectrum intensity, and/or a function of difference or ratio between the first and second spectrum intensity, to generate a feature amount image to indicate a distribution of the feature amount.

Abstract: A method for automatic left ventricular (LV) inner border detection, the method comprising: performing image mapping on an echocardiogram, to produce a multi-level image map; converting the image map into a binary image, by attributing pixels of one or more darker levels of the image map to the LV cavity and pixels of one or more lighter levels of the image map to the myocardium; applying a radial filter to contours of the myocardium in the binary image, to extract an approximate inner border of the LV; and performing shape modeling on the approximate inner border, to determine the LV inner border.

Abstract: An acoustic-wave sensor (10) is constructed by a membrane (11) adapted to be displaced by an acoustic wave, a first waveguide (16a) for transmitting light therein, an optical coupling part (15) to which the light transmitted through the first waveguide (16a) is adapted to be optically coupled, and a second waveguide (16b) through which the light coupled from the optical coupling part (15) transmits. When the membrane (11) is displaced by its reception of the acoustic wave, at least one of an optical coupling coefficient between the first waveguide (16a) and the optical resonator (15) and an optical coupling coefficient between the second waveguide (16b) and the optical resonator (15) is changed to output a corresponding optical signal.

Abstract: A depth detection method includes the following steps. First, first and second video data are shot. Next, the first and second video data are compared to obtain initial similarity data including r×c×d initial similarity elements, wherein r, c and d are natural numbers greater than 1. Then, an accumulation operation is performed, with each similarity element serving as a center, according to a reference mask to obtain an iteration parameter. Next, n times of iteration update operations are performed on the initial similarity data according to the iteration parameter to generate updated similarity data. Then, it is judged whether the updated similarity data satisfy a character verification condition. If yes, the updated similarity data is converted into depth distribution data.

Abstract: An ultrasound data relaying method is performed by an ultrasound data relaying apparatus. According to the method, user information is received from a mobile terminal connected to the ultrasound data relaying apparatus. Ultrasound photographing information is received from an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus. The ultrasound photographing information is transmitted to the mobile terminal based on the received user information.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for ultrasonic imaging, in which two-dimensional images (10, 11) are acquired, one of which is aligned with a longitudinal direction of an interventional object (e.g. a needle) (13) to be moved towards a target area (7) within a subject of examination and the other one is intersecting the longitudinal direction of the interventional object (13) and automatically positioned dependent on the automatically determined position and orientation of the interventional object (13). Further, the invention is directed to an ultrasonic imaging device (1) adapted to conduct such a method.

Abstract: This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises: an operation unit with which a time division of a staining commencement time when a contrast agent enters is specified for each pixel of an ultrasonic image which is constructed chronologically with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; and an image analyzing unit which determines a color assignment according to the time division of the staining commencement time, and applies a color to the pixel of the ultrasonic image with the determined color assignment, generating a contrast progress image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic probe, and an image diagnosis apparatus perform an ultrasonic procedure. The ultrasonic transducer includes: a piezoelectric layer; an acoustic matching layer disposed on an upper surface of the piezoelectric layer; and a plurality of back efficiency layers that are disposed on a lower surface of the piezoelectric layer and have different acoustic impedances. The sensitivity, bandwidth, and pulse length of the ultrasonic transducer may be controlled by appropriately changing acoustic impedances and thicknesses of the back efficiency layers.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle using infrared data is provided. In particular, evaluation data for the vehicle is obtained, which includes infrared data for a plurality of sides of the vehicle as well as vehicle identification data for distinguishing the vehicle from another vehicle. The infrared data is processed to enhance a set of signal features. Additional non-infrared based data also can be obtained for evaluating the vehicle. The evaluation data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present. The anomaly(ies) can be correlated with a possible problem with a component of the vehicle. Data on the anomaly, problem, and/or vehicle identification can be provided for use on another system, such as a remote inspection station, maintenance system, and/or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a unit that analyzes frequencies of an ultrasonic wave at a plurality of points to calculate a frequency spectrum of the points; a unit that approximates a portion included in a frequency band between a first frequency and a second frequency larger than the first frequency, by a polynomial, in the frequency spectrum of the points to extract first spectrum intensity which is a value of the polynomial in a third frequency included in a domain of the polynomial and second spectrum intensity which is a value of the polynomial in a fourth frequency different from the first to third frequencies, as a feature amount; and a unit that associates the first spectrum intensity, the second spectrum intensity, and/or a function of difference or ratio between the first and second spectrum intensity, to generate a feature amount image to indicate a distribution of the feature amount.

Abstract: A method to increase the image formation speed in a digital ultrasound system including annular array of N elements with a plurality of transmit and receive channels. Selectively dropping one or more transmit or receive channels during image formation reduces the amount of data needed to form an image and thus increases the image formation frame rate. The improved frame rate does result in some reduction in resolution, SNR and potentially DOF, but image quality remains at an acceptable level.

Abstract: A motion detector consisting of multiple motion detector elements each having a preset field of view. An alarm signal generated by a motion detector element when movement is detected is sent to a detector controller which converts the alarm signal to a control signal for an associated camera to direct the field of view of the camera to match the preset field of view of the motion detector element that generated the alarm.

Abstract: A method of displaying strain image data for an imaged object, the method comprising: capturing strain image data defining deformation of said object over an imaged region of said object; processing said strain image data to determine local image quality data, said local image quality data comprising a measure of the quality of said strain image data varying over said imaged region; and displaying a representation of said strain image data for said imaged region of said object, using said local image quality data to provide a visual indication of the quality of said displayed representation varying over said imaged region or to improve a quality of said displayed representation of said strain image data.

Abstract: An augmentation device for an imaging system has a bracket structured to be attachable to an imaging component, and a projector attached to the bracket. The projector is arranged and configured to project an image onto a surface in conjunction with imaging by the imaging system. A system for image-guided surgery has an imaging system, and a projector configured to project an image or pattern onto a region of interest during imaging by the imaging system. A capsule imaging device has an imaging system, and a local sensor system. The local sensor system pro-vides information to reconstruct positions of the capsule endoscope free from external monitoring equipment.

Abstract: A multi-sensor method and system for imaging and inspecting a storage tank that holds a liquid. The system includes an infrared sensor including a scanning vertical mount positioned outside the storage tank, an ultrasonic sensor array positioned outside the storage tank, and at least one of an ultrasonic sensor positioned inside the storage tank and a phased array radar positioned inside the storage tank secured to an interior top surface of the storage tank. The system further includes a processor coupled to receive multi-sensor data from the infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor array and at least one of the ultrasonic sensor in the tank and the phased array radar. The processor fuses the multi-sensor data to generate a sludge level image profile for sludge in the storage tank, a liquid level image for liquid in the storage tank, and optionally an integrity profile for a shell of the storage tank.

Abstract: An ultrasonic beamforming method is provided. The ultrasonic beamforming method includes dividing an input ultrasonic signal into a plurality of regions in an observation space, calculating a weight value for each of the plurality of regions, calculating a pixel weight value for each pixel using the weight value for each region, and calculating a beamforming value using the pixel weight value.

Abstract: A video and data capturing system and method includes a mobile unit having an image sensor and motion sensing equipment connected to a microprocessor. The mobile unit is installed in an object for detecting visual images and motion data associated with the object. The mobile unit communicates with a base unit capable of analyzing the image and motion data and correcting the image data so it is level with the horizon. A foot unit may be used in conjunction with the mobile unit for detection of an athlete's foot acceleration for determining when the athlete's foot comes in contact with the ground. A field unit may be used in conjunction with the mobile unit and foot unit to determine the location of the foot unit on a playing surface to assist in determining whether an athlete is in or out of bounds, or their location on the playing surface.

Abstract: An authenticatable object comprises a surface having a latent hidden image embossed therein. The latent image is an encoded version of an authentication image and comprises a plurality of elements applied to the surface with a predetermined frequency. The latent hidden image is configured for optical decoding by a decoder having a decoder frequency corresponding to the predetermined frequency.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide filtering techniques for image processing applications. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a Median-X filtering algorithm is disclosed that may be used for various infrared image processing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an ultrasound image with a variable refractive lens (6) by transmitting a plurality of transmit beams (Tx1-Tx4) from an array of transducers (5) and receiving echo signals with the array of transducers (5) through the variable refractive lens (6) with an associated lens shape. By combining echo signals of receive lines from different transmit beams which are spatially related, the invention enable producing an image using image data. The invention is beneficial for high frequency ultrasonic imaging with the transducers being relatively larger sized than hitherto needed for high frequency applications. The array of transducers does not need to be “well-sampled”; i.e. having the width or size being comparably to the center wavelength of the ultrasonic signals to be received. This is particularly important at very high frequencies where well-sampled arrays would require very small elements that would be very challenging to manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus with an excitation unit for mechanically exciting an object with a periodic excitation signal and a camera for capturing the thermal images of the object are used to capture thermal images of the object. The thermal image has a plurality of pixels, where a pixel is respectively intended to represent a heat signal acquired from the object. The apparatus matches a capture of the thermal images of the object and the periodic excitation signal in such a manner that thermal images captured in a plurality of periods of the periodic excitation signal can be used to determine information relating to the heat signals respectively represented by the pixels during a period.

Abstract: An ultrasonic video display device may comprise a memory; a programmable logic device, which may comprise a VGA signal receiving module for receiving and demodulating digital video signals and a video signal processing module including a memory controller, a gamma correcting unit, a scaling processing unit, a filtering unit, a chrominance space converting unit, a chrominance sampling unit and an interleaved sampling controller. The ultrasonic video display may also include a first digital-to-analog converter having an input coupled to an output of the VGA signal receiving module to convert the digital video signals into VGA analog signals and to output the VGA analog signals. A second digital-to-analog converter may receive video digital signals, convert the video digital signals into video analog signals, and output the video analog signals.

Abstract: A method and system of enhanced integration of millimeter wave imagery is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes performing a first scan of millimeter wave energy of a target and processing the first scan of millimeter wave energy to generate millimeter wave imagery of the target. The method also includes displaying a video image and the millimeter wave imagery of the target on a video monitor and determining whether the target is still or moving. In addition, the method includes processing a second scan of the millimeter wave energy of the target when the target is still and not moving and integrating the first scan and the second scan to increase a resolution of the millimeter wave imagery.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a means by which the privacy zone on a PTZ camera can be maintained so that an object in the camera's sight is always masked or covered. An algorithm which remembers the defined privacy zones as an area in space marked by four rays touching the four corners of the marked zone and having absolute Pan, Tilt angular coordinates is presented. The privacy zone is initially defined by a rectangle on the screen with known pixel co-ordinates which are translated into angular coordinates. Then, when the camera moves and prepares to display a new screen, the privacy zone is superimposed on the object to be masked. Locating the object and displaying its privacy zone is done by translating the absolute angular coordinates of the original privacy zone into pixel coordinates. Additionally, multiple privacy zones can be displayed on one camera screen.

Abstract: An ultrasonic reflex imaging device and a method are described. A device according to the invention may include a platen, a generator, and a receiver positioned between the platen and the generator. A backer may be positioned so that the insonification device is between the receiver array and the backer. The backer may be configured to absorb or delay energy that originated from the generator. The generator produces an energy pulse, which travels through the receiver and the platen to reach a biological object. Part of the energy pulse is reflected from the biological object. The reflected energy pulse travels through the platen to the detector. The detector converts the reflect energy pulse to electric signals, which are then interpreted to create an image of the biological object.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a system and method for real time evaluation of ultrasound video images taken at a first local location and evaluated at a second remote location. The system transmits a continuous live video feed from a veterinary ultrasound at the first location to a viewer at the remote location for real time study, review, and collaboration. In the method, the ultrasound video images are converted from analog ultrasound video to digital ultrasound video, where the digital ultrasound video is processed into multiple streams and transmitted across multiple broadband channels, each channel carrying a different stream. The multiple streams are aggregated into a reconstituted video and displayed for evaluation at the remote location.

Abstract: An information processing unit is provided which positively stabilizes a user's feeling and physical condition by deciding the user's feeling and physical condition based on the user's body temperature change and the like. Depending on the user's hand temperature, a CPU (110) automatically selects an aromatic for stabilizing the user's feeling and physical condition change, and directs an aromatic sprayer (50) to spray the aromatic, or directs a display part (40) to display a countermeasure message for maintaining the physical condition. This positively stabilizes the user's feeling and physical condition.

Abstract: An acoustic-wave sensor (10) is constructed by a membrane (11) adapted to be displaced by an acoustic wave, a first waveguide (16a) for transmitting light therein, an optical coupling part (15) to which the light transmitted through the first waveguide (16a) is adapted to be optically coupled, and a second waveguide (16b) through which the light coupled from the optical coupling part (15) transmits. When the membrane (11) is displaced by its reception of the acoustic wave, at least one of an optical coupling coefficient between the first waveguide (16a) and the optical resonator (15) and an optical coupling coefficient between the second waveguide (16b) and the optical resonator (15) is changed to output a corresponding optical signal.

Abstract: An ultrasound receiving module includes an ultrasonic receiver, an amplifier and a detector. The ultrasonic receiver is used to receive at least one ultrasonic signal. The amplifier is electrically connected to the ultrasonic receiver for changing an amplitude of the ultrasonic signal with a predetermined magnification ratio, wherein the predetermined magnification ratio is increased with time. The detector is electrically connected to the amplifier for capturing a portion of the ultrasonic signal above a threshold level, wherein the threshold level is decreased with time.

Abstract: As an ROI for display and an ROI for valve observation as well as a projecting direction are input, a volume-rendering processing unit creates a first image in the ROI for display through volume rendering processing, and the ray-tracing processing unit creates a second image in the ROI for valve observation through ray tracing processing. An image compositing unit then creates a composite image by compositing the first image and the second image, and the composite image created by the image compositing unit (13) is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: A method of displaying strain image data for an imaged object, the method comprising: capturing strain image data defining deformation of said object over an imaged region of said object; processing said strain image data to determine local image quality data, said local image quality data comprising a measure of the quality of said strain image data varying over said imaged region; and displaying a representation of said strain image data for said imaged region of said object, using said local image quality data to provide a visual indication of the quality of said displayed representation varying over said imaged region or to improve a quality of said displayed representation of said strain image data.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces 3D images of blood flow which depict both the location of blood pools and flow velocity in one image. B mode data is acquired over a volumetric region and inverted to a range of grayscale value which highlights anechoic regions relative to regions of strong echo returns. Flow data is acquired over the same volumetric region and both data sets are volume rendered. The two volume renderings are then merged into a single 3D image in which the B mode pixel values are tinted in accordance with flow at the pixel locations.

Abstract: A video signal selector has a selector switch for selectively outputting one of an endoscopic video signal and an ultrasonic video signal, and a selector control circuit for controlling the selector switch. The selector switch selects the endoscopic video signal by default. The selector control circuit switches the selector switch to the ultrasonic video signal in response to input of an ultrasonic image capture command for commanding to save an ultrasonic image.

Abstract: Surveillance system and surveillance method for detecting intruders. An image-pickup unit takes an image of a predetermined area, a person detection unit detects, on the basis of the taken image, information concerning people pictured in the image, radio terminal units are held and carried by people, radio reception units receive signals transmitted by radio from the radio terminal units present in the predetermined area, a terminal detection unit detects information concerning the radio terminal units on the basis of the received signals and an intruder decision unit detects information concerning an intruder on the basis of the information concerning the detected persons and the information detected in connection with the radio terminal units.

Abstract: A projector has a transmission time information reception unit for calculating the distances between a transmitter and first and second ultrasonic receivers based on reception times of ultrasonic and infrared pulses transmitted from a transmitter-equipped pointer rod for pointing to positions on a projection surface. The projector also has an image correcting information calculation unit, which, when a test pattern made up of a plurality of reference points including a plurality of points near the corners of the upper and lower edges of the projection surface is projected onto the projection surface, generates a coordinate transformation table to bring the coordinates of the reference points near the upper edge into conformity with the coordinates of corresponding desired corrective points, from the distance information acquired by the transmission time information reception unit through the transmitter-equipped pointer rod and positional information of the desired corrective points.

Abstract: A method is disclosed herein for producing color Doppler images of a subject. The method comprises the steps of transmitting (401) first and second transmit beams into the subject, wherein said first and second transmit beams are characterized by first and second frequencies, and wherein each of said first and second transmit beams has first and second sets of receive beams associated therewith, respectively; receiving (403) the first and second sets of receive beams; and producing (405) a composite color Doppler image based on the first and second sets of receive beams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for capturing an image of a persons head, or other object, positioned in front of a camera and accurately scaling the head based on the distance of the head from the camera. A sonar system is used determine the distance of the object to the camera. The sonar system can include a first sonar device which is operated to measure the distance of the object to a predetermined point and a second sonar device which is used to measure the distance of the camera to the predetermined point. A calculation of the distance from the object to the camera is based upon the sonar measurements. The image created by the camera can be scaled according to the distance of the object to the camera as determined with the sonar. An image created by the camera can be displayed on a screen of a computer associated with the imaging system.

Abstract: The invader detector has a fixing portion attached and fixed within a vehicle, a sensor containing portion for enclosing an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an invader into the vehicle, and an angular displacement shaft for angularly displacing the sensor containing portion. The sensor containing portion can be driven to a detection position for detecting the invader into the vehicle or a storage position.

Abstract: A surveillance security system for detecting and monitoring movement upon one's property. The surveillance security system includes a base housing being adapted to be mounted upon a bracket which is attached to a building structure; and also includes a support base being disposed in the base housing and having a plurality of disc members; and further includes a pedestal assembly being mounted upon the support base; and also includes a monitoring assembly being mounted upon the support base and upon the pedestal assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus having a depth range setter 28 for setting a threshold value of detection level for a Doppler signal in an ultrasonic circuit unit 2, a unit for extracting a time at which the Doppler signal exceeds the set detection level and a signal level in excess of the set detection level, and a ROI depth data generator 29 for determining, for an adaptive phase controller 3, a ROI depth range for correction necessary to make echo signals of neighboring channels be in phase by using the extracted time and signal level, whereby the focal point can follow the ROI region in an object to be inspected by correcting echo signals from the region where the intensity of the Doppler signal reaches the detection level or its neighboring region so as to make them be in phase between adjacent transducers.

Abstract: An image processing method for converting the pixel value of a pixel of interest in a displayed image, wherein pixel values of the pixel of interest and pixels surrounding the same are compared with a predetermined threshold value while a conversion characteristic most suitable for the pixel of interest is selected on the basis of the result of comparison indicating the magnitude relationship, and the pixel value of the pixel of interest is changed according to the most suitable conversion characteristic that is selected. The threshold may have different values for different pixels, may have the same value over one scan line, or may be constant for all pixels.