Abstract: A color balance correction device includes a histogram generating unit that generates histograms of a gradation level of pixels for R, G, and B; a decreasing-tendency-area identifying unit that identifies a range that the frequency tends to decrease first from a highlight side of each of histograms generated by the histogram generating unit as the catch light area; and a correction-amount calculating unit that calculates a correction amount of the color balance using data of pixels except for those in the catch light area specified by the decreasing-tendency-area identifying unit.

Abstract: A method of scoring Oestrogen and Progesterone Receptors expression (ER and PR) from histological images determines the percentage of brown image blob area in total blob area and derives percentage thresholds to quantify scoring. Brown blob area proportion is then compared with the thresholds to provide a first contribution to scoring of ER or PR. The number of relatively dark pixels is then counted, pixel number thresholds are determined to quantify scoring, and the number of relatively dark pixels is compared with the thresholds to provide a second contribution scoring of ER or PR. The two contributions are then added to provide an overall scoring in the range 0 to 8 which may be taken as a final score or it may be scaled to a conventional range 0 to 3.

Abstract: A workpiece inspection apparatus includes a search unit for finding from an input reference image a first pixel group which contains a certain pixel and a second pixel group having grayscale values within a threshold, and a probability acquisition unit responsive to receipt of an optical image of a workpiece being tested and the reference image, for obtaining a probability value based on a grayscale value of the certain pixel, a grayscale value of its corresponding pixel in the second pixel group, a grayscale value of an optical image pixel corresponding to the certain pixel, and a grayscale value of an optical image pixel corresponding to a pixel in the second pixel group corresponding to the certain pixel. The probability value is used to determine whether a defect exists at the optical image pixel corresponding to the certain pixel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately auto focusing a lens of an imaging device. In an exemplary embodiment, an imaged scene is split into an array of zones. The minimum and maximum sharpness score for each zone is determined over a plurality of lens positions. A histogram of the lens positions of the corresponding maximum sharpness score for each zone is created. The peak of the histogram is determined to be the best focus position for a given scene.

Abstract: A system and method for determining high frequency content in an analog image source. A method comprises creating a histogram of the image, and selecting a portion of the image based on the histogram. The histogram comprises a first number of horizontal bins and a second number of vertical bins, with each bin having an associated counter for maintaining a count of pixel differences of pixels in a portion of the image corresponding to the bin that exceed a threshold. The portion of the image selected corresponds to a portion of the histogram having a high pixel difference count relative to other portions of the histogram.

Abstract: For binarizing an image, which is composed of pixels, the image is split into two semi-images. Local parameters are initialized based on values of pixels that lie in an area adjacent to a boundary separating the semi-images. A binarization is then performed separately for each of the semi-images using an adaptive threshold, wherein the adaptive threshold is calculated for each of the semi-images proceeding from the initialized local parameters.

Abstract: In a digital camera, a CPU divides a multi-valued image into blocks and selects object blocks, which are to be the object of processing. A CCD outputs luminance values of the multi-valued image. A low luminance threshold value setter sets low luminance threshold values on the basis of mean luminance values of blocks adjacent to the object block. A mean luminance value calculator calculates mean luminance values using luminance values from which luminance values that do not reach the low luminance threshold value in a block have been removed. A binarization threshold value setting circuit sets a binarization threshold value of the block based on the mean luminance values. A binarizer then binarizes the multi-valued image in the block on the basis of the binarization threshold values.

Abstract: A display device includes: a brightness histogram information producing unit that produces brightness histogram information on the basis of an image signal; an APL calculating unit that calculates an APL on the basis of the brightness histogram information; a highest class determining unit that determines a highest class, which is a class with a highest brightness, on the basis of the brightness histogram information; an APL difference value calculating unit that calculates an APL difference value which is a difference value between an APL of a previous frame and an APL of a current frame; and a white peak value determining unit that determines a white peak value of a current frame by adding a predetermined value to a white peak value of a previous frame when a highest class difference absolute value, which is an absolute value of a difference value between a highest class of the previous frame and a highest class of the current frame, is less than a threshold value and that determines a white peak value of t

Abstract: A method for setting a control variable of a filter for noise reduction in medical images is provided. Image data of the medical images is classified into at least one noise region and at least one structure region. A variance measurement is performed either for all the image pixels or a subset of them to determine the edge thicknesses. A histogram is generated from the edge thicknesses. The maximum of the histogram is determined and a Gaussian curve is fitted to the histogram. A threshold value for noise and structure is determined as a function of the standard deviation of the Gaussian curve. The noise and structure are measured in the regions. The standard noise and structure deviations are determined and compared. The control variable is setup as a function of the comparison of noise and structure. The invention can be used for reduction of temporal noise in bandpass images.

Abstract: An image display method for a display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus has a light source module for providing a light source. An original image including a plurality of original pixels is provided, wherein each original pixel is represented by a plurality of first gray levels. A histogram is established according to the first gray levels. An adjustment factor is established according to the histogram, and the brightness of the light source is adjusted according to the adjustment factor. A brightness factor is established, and the original pixels are transformed into a plurality of output pixels according to the brightness factor such that the display apparatus displays an output image according to the output pixels. Each of the output pixels is represented by a plurality of second gray levels, and each of the second gray levels is the product of the first gray level and the corresponding brightness factor.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imaging device and an image processor operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. The driver assistance system may display information including the speed limit for the road along which the equipped vehicle is traveling and at least one of the speed of the equipped vehicle and a difference between the speed of the equipped vehicle and the speed limit, An adaptive speed control system may adjust the speed of the equipped vehicle responsive to at least one of (a) a speed limit for the road along which the equipped vehicle is traveling, (b) recognition of a warning sign at least in part by processing image data by the image processor and (c) detection of a curve in the road ahead of the equipped vehicle at least in part by processing image data by the image processor.

Abstract: Images are offloaded from a portable camera automatically to a network server at the time the images are taken, transparently to a user of the camera. The server executes processing functions on the images and returns the output of the processing over the network to the camera and/or other user-defined destination device to thereby relieve the camera processor of potentially complex processing chores.

Abstract: An image capture system comprises an image input and processing unit. The image input obtains image information which is then passed to the processing unit. The processing unit is coupled to the image input for determining image metrics on the image information. The processing unit initiates a capture sequence when the image metrics meet a predetermined condition. The capture sequence may store one or more images, or it may indicate that one or more images have been detected. In one embodiment, the image input is a CMOS or CCD sensor.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates detecting white space tables within a document, wherein a white space table is comprised of text arranged in rows and columns, wherein at least some of the rows and columns are separated by bands of white space rather than by lines. The system operates by identifying an area that includes consecutive lines of text objects with an amount of white space between text objects greater than a specified value. Note that a text object is a string of text without an amount of white space greater than the specified value. The system then determines if the text objects on consecutive lines have widths that are within a specified tolerance of each other. If so, the system checks the spaces between the consecutive lines of text objects to determine if they belong to a single white space table or multiple white space tables.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for brightness adjustment of electronic images. Image data including a plurality of pixels is first received, with each pixel having an associated image value. Histogram data corresponding to a histogram of at least one component value corresponding to each of the pixels is then calculated. An image correction value is then calculated according to at least one characteristic of the calculated histogram data. A determination is then made regarding the application of the calculated image correction value from the calculated histogram data. Corrected image data is thereafter generated based upon the application of the calculated image correction value to each pixel.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for color image information inputs a combination of component values of reference colors that constitute a processing color, and converts the combination of component values into a lightness value, saturation value, and hue value. The first correction factor, the second correction factor, and the third correction factor each has a value of 1.0 for a lightness value, saturation value and hue value converted from a specified color respectively, and monotonically decreases toward 0.0. The modulation amount storage means stores a modulation amount of the lightness value, saturation value, and hue value respectively.

Abstract: A method of enhancing contrast in a digital image comprises isolating pixels of the image having intensities falling within a low intensity range, determining at least one feature of the pixel distribution with the range and adjusting intensities of pixels in the image to make the pixels within the range more visually distinct. An apparatus for enhancing contrast in a digital image is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying an acquired signal on an oscilloscope. The method comprises the steps of acquiring an analog signal, digitizing the analog signal and determining a plurality of samples generated by the digitizing that are to be represented by a same vertical pixel column on a display. Thereafter, a histogram of the values of the determined plurality of samples is generated, and a display characteristic of information displayed in the vertical pixel column is modified based upon the generated values of the histogram.

Abstract: A method for enhancing an image includes generating a luminance histogram for the image; generating a derivative histogram by taking a first derivative of the luminance histogram; searching for a plurality of black peaks and searching for a plurality of white peaks using the derivative histogram; and performing luminance scaling of the image between one black peak of the plurality of black peaks and one white peak of the plurality of white peaks.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a frequency decomposition unit adapted to decompose an image signal into a high frequency component and a low frequency component, a high frequency separation unit adapted to separate the high frequency component into an invalid component caused by noise and other valid component, a conversion characteristic calculation unit adapted to calculate a conversion characteristic on the basis of the low frequency component, a gradation processing unit adapted to perform a gradation processing on the low frequency component and the valid component on the basis of the calculated conversion characteristic, and a frequency synthesis unit adapted to generate an image signal on which a gradation conversion has been performed by synthesizing the low frequency component on which the gradation conversion has been performed, the valid component on which a gradation conversion has been performed and the invalid component.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire image data, a generation unit configured to generate a histogram based on a signal value of each pixel in the image data acquired by the acquisition unit, a derivation unit configured to derive the number of pixels matching a first condition in the histogram generated by the generation unit, and a selection unit configured to select, according to the number of pixels derived by the derivation unit, one of a fixing processing adjustment mode for increasing a degree of gloss of a print product by adjusting fixing processing and a transparent toner mode for increasing a degree of gloss of a print product by using a transparent toner.

Abstract: To accurately extract embedded information from a document image using line spacing watermark, an image processing apparatus for extracting watermark information includes an input unit which inputs a document image as image data, an image reduction unit which generates, from the image data, reduced image data reduced in the first direction, a detection unit which scans the reduced image data in the second direction and detects the length of a blank region as line spacing information, and an extraction unit which extracts watermark information embedded in the document image based on the line spacing information.

Abstract: Regions within a scanned document are labeled according to content. These labeled regions allow for particular enhancement and sharpening methods to be applied. The labeled regions may be further leveraged in subsequent rendering of the scanned document on a printer or other output device and/or in storing the scanned document.

Abstract: A method for high dynamic range compression uses a modified cumulative histogram as a compression curve. This curve is computed from the cumulative histogram of the image with constraints that the local derivative on the curve does not exceed a certain limit. The limit is fixed along the curve or the limit is variable, taking into account noise characteristics at various pixel values. To provide appropriate detail preservation, a smoothing filter is used to separate the image into an illumination image, referred to as a base image, and a detail image, and the compression curve is applied to the base image only. The compression method provides high dynamic range compression of the image while preserving the global contrast perception. Conventional global algorithms for high dynamic range compression are not capable of achieving this result. The proposed high dynamic range compression method also minimizes noise amplification while lightening the dark areas during image compression.

Abstract: The invention provides image display panels. The image display panel comprises a histogram generator, a tone slope generator, and an image transformer. The histogram generator receives an original image, counts the pixels of different gray levels to generate a histogram distribution of the original image, and compares the pixel counts at every gray level with a first threshold count to identify the peaks of the histogram distribution. The tone slope generator generates a tone slope based on the histogram distribution and peaks of the histogram distribution. The image transformer transforms the original image into a modified image based on the tone slope.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are configured to provide data to render (medical) images using direct volume rendering by electronically analyzing a medical volume data set associated with a patient that is automatically electronically divided into a plurality of local histograms having intensity value ranges associated therewith and programmatically generating data used for at least one of tissue detection or tissue classification of tissue having overlapping intensity values.

Abstract: Provided is a low-power image display device including a brightness determining unit that determines the brightness of image data applied from outside; a histogram analyzing unit that is connected to the brightness determining unit, calculates a cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the determined image data, and selects the brightness of the image data, corresponding to the number of pixels preset in the calculated CDF, as reference brightness; a brightness control unit that is connected to the brightness determining unit and the histogram analyzing unit and converts the image data such that the contrast of the image data is converted into contrast corresponding to the reference brightness; a data drive that is connected to the brightness control unit, receives the image data of which the contrast is changed, and converts the image data into an image output signal for displaying an image to the outside; a backlight control unit that is connected to the histogram analyzing unit and the data drive and gene

Abstract: A gray scale image cleaning algorithm for improved check code line OCR. An image processing system for processing a gray scale image is provided that includes: a system for generating a first thresholded black white image from the gray scale image; a system for generating a second thresholded black white image from the gray scale image, wherein the second thresholded black white image is generated with a higher threshold value than the first thresholded black white image; and a system for logically combining the first and second thresholded black white images to generate a composite image.

Abstract: A method for processing document image data wherein the quality of the document image is determined by examination of a vital document area includes determining a confidence level for the document by calculating two or more confidence factors for each vital document area. These confidence levels include calculations based on number, mass, and quality of identified characters within the vital area, the distribution of pixels horizontally across the document, and empirically determined norms for image density and distribution. The confidence levels are combined to give a confidence level for the document image quality.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for image fog scene detection. Electronic image data is first received and divided into image regions, with each region consisting of a plurality of pixels. Next, a comparison matrix is generated corresponding to each image region based upon a comparison of minimum intensity values associated with corresponding pixels to a threshold value. An entry of at least one of the comparison matrices is then tested for a preselected value. The received electronic image data is then identified as inclusive of a fog scene based upon the output of the test on the entry of the comparison matrix. Based upon the identification, fog scene detection data representing an identified fog scene is then generated.

Abstract: An electronic visual aid is provided that includes an evaluating unit, which is supplied with a recording of an information carrier on which information standing out visibly from the background is displayed. The evaluating unit determines a brightness distribution of the recording and derives from the brightness distribution a brightness threshold value lying in the transition zone between a zone of the brightness distribution associated with the background and a zone of the brightness distribution associated with the information. The visual aid also includes an image processing unit which generates from the recording a binary image having only two different, predetermined brightness values, by respectively assigning to the pixels of the binary image the first of the two brightness values when the brightness of the corresponding pixel of the recording is below the brightness threshold value, and otherwise assigning the second brightness value.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation apparatus is provided which can reliably guide a vehicle along a guidance route when the vehicle approaches an intersection of interest at which it is to make a turn even if another intersection exists between a vehicle position and the intersection of interest. A controller determines whether or not another intersection exists between the vehicle position and the next guidance intersection (an intersection at which the vehicle is to make a turn) when the vehicle reaches a predetermined distance from the guidance intersection. If another intersection is determined to exist, an intersection guidance map with an arrow indicative of the guidance route colored in a predetermined color is displayed on a display device. In one embodiment, if another intersection does not exist between the vehicle and the guidance intersection, the color of the arrow displayed is changed to a different color.

Abstract: In an image defect inspection method and apparatus, which detects a gray level difference between the corresponding portions of two images, automatically sets a threshold value based on the distribution of the detected gray level difference, compares the detected gray level difference with the threshold value, and judges one or the other of the portions to be defective if the gray level difference is larger than the threshold value, provisions are made to reduce the occurrence of false defects when there is a brightness difference between the two images undergoing the comparison. In the image defect inspection method, the brightness difference between the two images is computed (S106), and the threshold value is determined in such a manner that the threshold value increases with the computed brightness difference (S107).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately auto focusing a lens of an imaging device. An imaged scene is split into an array of zones. The minimum and maximum sharpness score for each zone is determined over a plurality of lens positions. A histogram of the lens positions of the corresponding maximum weighted sharpness score for each zone is created. The peak of the histogram is determined to be the best focus position for a given scene.

Abstract: An image processing system and method are provided for judging whether a pixelised image or a part thereof is a monochrome or a color image. To increase the reliability of the judgement, instead of making the judgement on the level of an individual pixel, the judgement is made for substantially all the pixels of the image or image part at the same time by analyzing the cumulative histogram, wherein the distance of each pixel to the gray axis versus the logarithm of the cumulative pixel count is plotted. An advantage of the present system and the method of operating this system is their high sensitivity for detecting small color objects in monochrome images.

Abstract: Radiometric calibration of an image capture device (e.g., a digital camera) using a single image is described. The single image may be a color image or a grayscale image. The calibration identifies and analyzes edge pixels of the image that correspond to an edge between two colors or grayscale levels of a scene. Intensity distributions of intensities measured from the single image are then analyzed. An inverse response function for the image capture device is determined based on the intensity distributions. For a color image, the radiometric calibration involves calculating an inverse response function that maps measured blended colors of edge pixels and the associated measured component colors into linear distributions. For a grayscale image, the radiometric calibration involves deriving an inverse response function that maps non-uniform histograms of measured intensities into uniform distributions of calibrated intensities.

Abstract: Provided is a video signal processing method of measuring a noise level of an input video signal, the method including the steps of: setting a plurality of areas in the input video signal and extracting a characteristic amount which is an index of the noise level of the input video signal for each area; detecting characteristic amounts suitable to a measurement of the noise level from among the characteristic amounts of the plurality of areas; and creating a histogram by using the detected characteristic amounts suitable to the measurement of the noise level and detecting the noise level by analyzing the histogram.

Abstract: A method and system for automatic detection of the end of a video stream, wherein the energy level of the audio content is computed, a window at a time. The computed audio energy level is then compared against one or more audio energy level thresholds. Various features of the color content of the video content are then computed, a frame at a time. The computed color content is then compared against one or more video thresholds. Based on the results of the audio and video threshold comparisons, the end of the video stream can be automatically detected.

Abstract: Distribution data is generated by a distribution data generation portion, a second range is specified by a specifying portion, the second range is mapped to a first range by a mapping portion, and third image data is generated by performing binarization based on a threshold value regulated in the first range by components, binarization can be suitably performed even in the case where distribution data of pixel values differs for each subject.

Abstract: Using correlated stochastic screens, time stamps, text messages, logos and other variable data can be incorporated into printed halftone images in real-time as invisible watermarks. A reference stochastic screen, which is suitable for halftoning the input image, is applied to the grayscale input in locations that lie outside of the watermark. A multi-partitioned watermark halftone screen, which has at least one partition with threshold values that are positively correlated (e.g., identical to) those of the reference stochastic screen and one partition with threshold values that are negatively correlated (e.g., conjugated with) those of the reference stochastic screen, is applied to the grayscale input in locations that are to incorporate the watermark.

Abstract: Automatic detection and tracking of multiple individuals includes receiving a frame of video and/or audio content and identifying a candidate area for a new face region in the frame. One or more hierarchical verification levels are used to verify whether a human face is in the candidate area, and an indication made that the candidate area includes a face if the one or more hierarchical verification levels verify that a human face is in the candidate area. A plurality of audio and/or video cues are used to track each verified face in the video content from frame to frame.

Abstract: An inspection method and apparatus irradiates a sample on which a pattern is formed with an electron beam, so that an inspection image and a reference image can be generated on the basis of a secondary electron or a reflected electron emitted by the sample. An abnormal pattern is determined based on a difference in halftone values of each pixel between the inspection image and the reference image. A plurality of feature quantities of the abnormal pattern are obtained from an image of the abnormal pattern, and, based on the distribution of the plurality of feature quantities of the abnormal pattern, a range for classifying the type of the abnormal pattern is designated. Thus, a desired defect can be extracted from many defects extracted by inspection.

Abstract: Systems and methods thereof for image correction are provided in an exemplary method, an image is received and pixels therein are read. A frequency value is calculated for each of the color scale values, representing how many pixels correspond to each of the color scale values. A color-scale threshold is acquired by limiting summation of frequency values from the brightest end to the color-scale threshold being a minimum value exceeding or equaling a ratio of pixels. Lower/upper limits are acquired by respectively adding/subtracting a range value to/from the color-scale threshold. A weighted value is acquired for the pixels with pixel values between the lower color-scale limit and the upper color-scale limit. The updated image is generated by replacing pixel values between the lower limit and upper limit with the weighted value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of malignant melanoma. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for the early detection of cancerous lesions.

Abstract: Given an image converted into a chromatic space (101), a method is used for identifying a color cast (i.e. a dominant color), through statistical analysis (105) of the distribution on an color plane of the chromatic space of the color histogram of a region of the image's near neutral objects, said region being defined in such a way as to include a significant percentage of the starting image.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for characterization of background regions of substantially-uniform color in a digital image.

Abstract: A device and a method of estimating noise of an image signal, and an apparatus and a method of converting an image signal using the same are provided. The apparatus for converting the image signal includes a noise estimation device determining a noise level by using the minimum frame sum of absolute difference (SAD) detected from a plurality of input image fields; an interpolation filter interpolating the input image fields; and an interpolation filter control unit generating a filter coefficient control signal of the interpolation filter by using the noise level obtained by the noise estimation device. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively and accurately estimate noise of a frame based image field by providing the method of estimating the noise using the minimum frame SAD.

Abstract: A method for efficiently calculating signal thresholds for use in signal processing is described. The method computes and stores a cumulative histogram and a weighted cumulative histogram. The method then provides a first estimate for a threshold based on a single ratio. The method next performs an iterative computation to get to the ultimate threshold result. Method iterations only require multiplication and addition operations on the stored values making the method well suited for implementation in fixed-point digital signal processors.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for processing digital multi-colour images for the reproduction thereof on a colour printing and/or copying system. Particularly, the printing and/or copying system is capable of complementary forming registered composite multi-colour images of coloured marking particles. This means that the separation images of coloured marking particles are formed contiguous to each other rather than in a superimposed relationship. The digital multi-colour images are processed such that during reproduction thereof any adverse effects on image quality caused by register errors in a predetermined direction are eliminated or at least limited. To accomplish this, a particular halftoning technique is used wherein with gradually increasing input density value of the image pixels, a linear growth pattern is generated in the predetermined direction by alternately adding image dots to both sides.

Abstract: A position of a three-dimensional (3D) object relative to a display surface of an interactive display system is detected based upon the intensity of infrared (IR) light reflected from the object and received by an IR video camera disposed under the display surface. As the object approaches the display surface, a “hover” connected component is defined by pixels in the image produced by the IR video camera that have an intensity greater than a predefined hover threshold and are immediately adjacent to another pixel also having an intensity greater than the hover threshold. When the object contacts the display surface, a “touch” connected component is defined by pixels in the image having an intensity greater than a touch threshold, which is greater than the hover threshold. Connected components determined for an object at different heights above the surface are associated with a common label if their bounding areas overlap.