Abstract: An accessory for use with a microscope arranged to carry out ATR measurements has a support (40) which can be mounted on the moveable stage (20) of the microscope. A mounting (100) for an ATR crystal is carried on the support. The mounting (100) is preferably pivotally mounted on the support (40) so that it can be pivoted from a position in which the crystal lines on the axis of the microscope to a position in which a sample carried on the support can be observed visually. The mounting is arranged such that it can be returned reliably and reproducibly to its original position with the crystal on the axis.

Abstract: A security device and system is disclosed. This security device is particularly useful in a security system where there are many security cameras to be monitored. This device automatically highlights to a user a camera feed in which an incident is occurring. This assists a user in identifying incidents and to make an appropriate decision regarding whether or not to intervene. This highlighting is performed by a trigger signal generated in accordance with a comparison between a sequence of representations of sensory data and other corresponding sequences of representations of sensory data.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing an image file depicting an image, in a computer memory, processing the image to generate intrinsic images including a material image and an illumination image, and detecting and removing specularity as a function of the intrinsic images.

Abstract: Provided is a process and system for detection of sparse or otherwise weak targets in a hyperspectral image. The method includes receiving a hyperspectral image having a plurality of pixels, with each pixel having a respective spectrum. Multiple mean spectra are selectively determined for respective sub-regions of the hyperspectral image. The subset mean spectra are selectively removed from respective pixels, thereby improving image fidelity due to sensor artifacts. Additionally, target detection of such an adjusted image can be determined by one or more of matched filter techniques or by partial un-mixing. In some embodiments target detection is enhanced by combining a measure of target match with a measure of un-match. Target detection can be further improved by application of rules, for example, related to target detection threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating atmospheric radiance and transmittance. An atmospheric estimation system is divided into a first phase and a second phase. The first phase inputs an observed multispectral image and an initial estimate of the atmospheric radiance and transmittance for each spectral band and calculates the atmospheric radiance and transmittance for each spectral band, which can be used to generate a “corrected” multispectral image that is an estimate of the surface multispectral image. The second phase inputs the observed multispectral image and the surface multispectral image that was generated by the first phase and removes noise from the surface multispectral image by smoothing out change in average deviations of temperatures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating and sorting seeds based on characteristics of the seeds. One method generally includes collecting image data from different parts of the seeds, and then analyzing the collected image data to determine if the seeds exhibit at least one or more characteristics. The seeds can then be sorted to desired seed repositories based on whether or not the seeds exhibit the at least one or more characteristics.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein address issues of cost and weight that prevent other threat detection systems intended to detect and identify locations of incoming munitions fire such as RPGs, anti-tank missiles, and other such weapons, from being used more broadly. Systems and methods disclosed herein relate, in part, to a portable, optical sensor that has a 360-degree horizontal field of view and a selectable vertical field of view that can cover up to 90 degrees. Variations of systems and methods discussed herein are meant for use and transport by an individual or group of individuals, and do not require significant support electronics or power supplies in excess of a typical car-battery in size and weight. Other embodiments may be vehicle mounted, or may be further enhanced to work with other detection or response systems.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for detecting an object. The method includes selecting a macroscopic scan mode in which there are a small number of divided regions or a microscopic scan mode in which there are a large number of divided regions according to complexity of a background including an object to be detected, dividing an input image into one or more regions according to the selected scan mode, merging adjacent regions having similar characteristics among the divided regions, extracting a search region by excluding a region having a high probability that the object to be detected does not exist from the divided or merged regions, extracting feature data including a feature vector for detecting the object in the search region, and detecting the object in the search region using the extracted feature data.

Abstract: A method and system for image suppression and digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) of a radio frequency (RF) signal is disclosed. In one embodiment, a digital input signal having undesired image spectra is input to two paths. In one path, the digital input signal is phase shifted so that an output of each path are out of phase by substantially 180 degrees at a frequency of the undesired image spectra, so that the undesired image spectra are substantially suppressed.

Abstract: Methods for compressing hyperspectral image data include receiving sets of coefficients associated with each pixel of the hyperspectral image data, a set of basis vectors utilized to generate the dimensionally reduced data from the hyperspectral image, and either a maximum error value or maximum data size. The methods include associating the coefficients with a subset of the basis vectors, and storing the association. Methods of decompressing the compressed hyperspectral image data are also disclosed, utilizing the association.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method for analyzing questioned documents. A sample document is illuminated to thereby generate a first plurality of interacted photons. The first plurality of interacted photons are detected at a first detector to thereby generate a digital image. The digital image is analyzed to thereby identify at least one region of interest of the sample document. This region of interest is illuminated to thereby generate a second plurality of interacted photons. This second plurality of interacted photons are passed through a tunable filter and detected at a second detector to thereby generate a hyperspectral image representative of the region of interest. The hyperspectral image may then be analyzed to evaluate changes to or differentiate different inks present in the sample document. Chemometric techniques such as k-means clustering, PCA, and/Or PLSDA may also be applied.

Abstract: A medical image processing device etc. which supports work for precisely identifying the area of a diagnosis object from a medical image scanned by a medical imaging apparatus is provided. A CPU (11) of the medical image processing device (1) inputs image data and stores the same in a main memory (12) (S101). Next, the CPU (11) subjects the inputted image data to threshold processing (S102). Next, the CPU (11) stores, in the main memory (12), data obtained by separating the area of the high signal values of the binarized image data into a bone region and an angiographically scanned region (S103). Next, the CPU (11) identifies the contact area of the bone region and the angiographically scanned region from the data stored in the main memory (12) (S104). Next, the CPU (11) emphasizes the contact area stored in the main memory (12) at the S104 and displays the contact area on a display device (15) (S105).

Abstract: Methods and systems for image quality assessment are disclosed. A method includes accessing an image, identifying features of the image, assessing the features and generating subjective scores for the features based upon a mapping of the features to the subjective scores and based on the subjective scores, generating an image quality score. Access is provided to the image quality score.

Abstract: This invention concerns a computer-implemented method for determining a number of lanes on a road. The method comprises receiving an image, the image being a photographic image of the road or an image derived from the photographic image of the road, carrying out an analysis of the image to identify lane dividers of the road and determining a number of lanes into which the road is divided from the identification of the lane dividers. The method may comprise determining a confidence level for the determined value for the number of lanes. Map data of a plurality of roads may be generated using the value for the number of lanes determined from the computer-implemented method.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing an image file depicting an image, in a computer memory, generating an illumination image from the image; and factoring the illumination image to generate a diffuse illumination image and a harsh shadow illumination image.

Abstract: Methods for compressing hyperspectral image data include receiving sets of coefficients associated with each pixel of the hyperspectral image data, a set of basis vectors utilized to generate the dimensionally reduced data from the hyperspectral image, and either a maximum error value or maximum data size. The methods include associating the coefficients with a subset of the basis vectors, and storing the association. Methods of decompressing the compressed hyperspectral image data are also disclosed, utilizing the association.

Abstract: The present invention evaluates the quality of an image shot by a terminal device in a state closer to that seen with the eye. A computer evaluates the quality of an image obtained by shooting a photographic subject including a periodic pattern that fluctuates periodically in one direction. A Fourier transform unit accomplishes a two-dimensional Fourier transform on the image to obtain two-dimensional spatial frequency spectrum components. An analysis unit analyzes the resolution of the image on the basis of spectrum components of spatial frequencies included in the periodic pattern, among the two-dimensional spatial frequency spectrum components obtained by the Fourier transform unit, and analyzes the deterioration of the image on the basis of spectrum components other than these.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating an image printed at a predefined print resolution or in accordance with a predetermined print grid. The method includes the steps of scanning the image to produce digital data and segmenting the data into first and second groups corresponding, respectively, to first and second predefined sections of the image. Next, a determination is made concerning the anticipated spatial position of select columns of digital data from each of the first and second groups of data. By examining the data, differences may be identified between the anticipated and actual spatial position of the columns, to determine the authenticity of the image. The identified differences which may include (i) a rotary/linear displacement in the actual spatial position of the select columns. (ii) a change in beat frequency between sections of the image, and/or (iii) a phase shift in a beat frequency.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for characterizing printer streaking using a basis selection algorithm to determine parameters set for a streak template that best approximate a density profile derived from a scanned printed test image, with wavelet decomposition used to expedite the searching for position and width parameters.

Abstract: A plurality of image signals having different exposure levels is acquired; low-frequency components are extracted from each of the image signals to generate a plurality of low-frequency image signals; and the plurality of low-frequency image signals are combined to generate a combined low-frequency image signal. A first image signal is extracted from the plurality of image signals; and high-frequency components are extracted from the first image signal to generate a high-frequency image signal. Then, a combined image signal is generated by combining the combined low-frequency image signal and the high-frequency image signal.

Abstract: Provided are methods, apparatus and systems related to watermark decoding via spectral analysis of an image. According to one exemplary method, spectral analysis is performed to decode a watermark within an image, where the pixel spacing associated with the image was modulated to encode the watermark.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present principles, simulation of a block of film grain for addition to a block of an image occurs by first establishing at least one image parameter in accordance with at least one attribute of the block. Thereafter, a block of film grain is established in accordance with the image parameter. Deblocking filtering can be applied to the film grain block.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to computing devices and systems, software, computer programs, applications, and user interfaces for identifying acoustic patterns, and more particularly, to determining equivalent portions of audio using spectral characteristics to, for example, synchronize audio and/or video captured at multiple cameras or different intervals of time.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically discerning between object and non-object pixels in a hyperspectral image data cube. In particular embodiments, the object of the method is a plant, plant part, plant trait, plant phenotype, plant pot or a plant medium. The method comprises a first step of providing a partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) algorithm and a second step of applying the PLSDA algorithm to a hyperspectral image data cube to automatically determine which pixels contain the spectral properties of the object. The PLSDA algorithm of the method can be generated by establishing a training matrix, performing an eigenvector decomposition of the training matrix, experimentally determining a weighted linear combination of object signal-containing eigenvectors, calculating a regression vector using the weighted linear combination of signal-containing eigenvectors, generating a mask matrix and multiplying the mask matrix by the hyperspectral image data cube along two spatial dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for automatic optoelectronic detection and inspection of objects, based on capturing digital images of a two-dimensional field of view in which an object to be detected or inspected may be located, analyzing the images, and making and reporting decisions on the status of the object. Decisions are based on evidence obtained from a plurality of images for which the object is located in the field of view, generally corresponding to a plurality of viewing perspectives. Evidence that an object is located in the field of view is used for detection, and evidence that the object satisfies appropriate inspection criteria is used for inspection. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and analyzing images at high speed so that multiple viewing perspectives can be obtained for objects in continuous motion.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a conversion unit that converts an input image into a plurality of frequency components; a first quantization threshold calculating unit that calculates a first quantization threshold corresponding to a first frequency component among the plurality of frequency components of the input image converted by the conversion unit, based on a statistic value of the first frequency component; a second quantization threshold calculating unit that calculates a second quantization threshold corresponding to a second frequency component other than the first frequency component among the plurality of frequency components, based on the first quantization threshold calculated by the first quantization threshold calculating unit; and a quantization unit that quantizes the first frequency component and the second frequency component by using the first quantization threshold and the second quantization threshold, respectively.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recognition of high-dimensional data in the presence of occlusion, including: receiving a target data that includes an occlusion and is of an unknown class, wherein the target data includes a known object; sampling a plurality of training data files comprising a plurality of distinct classes of the same object as that of the target data; and identifying the class of the target data through linear superposition of the sampled training data files using l1 minimization, wherein a linear superposition with a sparsest number of coefficients is used to identify the class of the target data.

Abstract: Method for analyzing berries, characterized in that: berries are arranged on an analysis plate, an image of the berries is recorded, the image consisting of pixels of at least one component of an elementary color, the contours of the berries are identified, and geometric and/or colorimetric characteristics of the berries are determined. The number of berries can then be determined, or a volume, a surface area, a surface area to volume ratio, and a characteristic concentration for each berry can be determined, in addition to an average, for all of the pixels inside the contour of a defined berry, of the values of a component of an elementary color of a component of interest. A device for implementing the method is also disclosed. The invention especially relates to viticulture and to the analysis of the maturity of the grape.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for managing frequency domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) image resolution. A spectrum used to acquire an image of a subject is calibrated and default dispersion correction parameters are set. Default dispersion management parameters associated with a region of the image of the subject are also set. The image of the subject is acquires after setting the default dispersion correction parameters and the default dispersion management parameters. A quality of the acquired image is compared to a quality metric for the acquired image. The dispersion correction parameters are adjusted if the quality of the acquired image does not meet or exceed the quality metric for the acquired image. The acquired image is reprocesses based on the adjusted dispersion correction parameters. The steps of comparing, adjusting and reprocessing are repeated until the acquired image meets or exceeds the quality metric for the acquired image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a frequency information extracting unit configured to extract frequency information of an input image, a color information extracting unit configured to extract color information of the input image, a feature amount calculating unit configured to calculate a feature amount of the input image on the basis of the frequency information extracted by the frequency information extracting unit and the color information extracted by the color information extracting unit, and a scene determining unit configured to determine a scene of the input image on the basis of the feature amount calculated by the feature amount calculating unit.

Abstract: An image having m light sources, with m preferably equaling 2 or 3, is sequenced into different regions, each of which is lit by only one of the m light sources, by obtaining paired imaged with different filtering, for example a filtered and an unfiltered image, applying to the image pairs sets of m pre-computed mappings at the pixel or region level, and selecting the most appropriate. The rendering of the information in the image maybe adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: The invention features a method including: (i) providing spectrally resolved information about light coming from different spatial locations in a sample comprising deep tissue in response to an illumination of the sample, wherein the light includes contributions from different components in the sample; (ii) decomposing the spectrally resolved information for each of at least some of the different spatial locations into contributions from spectral estimates associated with at least some of the components in the sample; and (iii) constructing a deep tissue image of the sample based on the decomposition to preferentially show a selected one of the components.

Abstract: An imaging system for detecting targets of interest (TOIs) in multispectral imaging data includes a memory device storing a plurality of instructions embodying the system for detecting TOIs, a processor for receiving the multispectral imaging data and executing the plurality of instructions to perform a method including determining a list of events collocated across images of the multispectral imaging data and labeling each event as one of a TOI or non-TOI.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns processing of electronic images, such as hyperspectral or multispectral images. In particular, but is not limited to methods, software and computer systems for determining underlying spectra of an image of a scene. The image data comprises for each pixel location a sampled image spectrum that is a mixture of plural reflectance spectra. Processor 310 determines or accesses plural hyperplanes that each have plural linearly independent basis vectors. Each hyperplane represents an estimate of one of the plural reflectance spectra. The processor 310 then determines for each pixel location, a contribution of the plural basis vectors of each hyperplane to the image spectrum of that pixel location. The processor 310 determines or accesses plural hyperplanes and not plural endmembers directly. Hyperplanes are two-dimensional while endmembers are only one-dimensional. As a result, hyperplanes carry more information, such as the illumination spectrum and are therefore of greater use.

Abstract: The spectral diversity of the iris can be used as a unique biometric identifier. By careful selection of a number of spectral bands, four or more, the hyper-spectral signature derived from data contained in those bands can distinguish color signatures that are not visually distinguishable in RGB color space to uniquely identify a person. Classification of hyper-spectral signatures requires less spatial resolution than the classification of texture signatures, maybe an order of magnitude or more. This reduces the size of the sensor aperture required at a given range.

Abstract: A method for automatically detecting fires on Earth's surface using a satellite system is provided. The method includes acquiring multi-spectral images of the Earth at different times, using a multi-spectral satellite sensor, each multi-spectral image being a collection of single-spectral images each associated with a respective wavelength (?), and each single-spectral image being made up of pixels each indicative of a spectral radiance (R?) from a respective area of the Earth. The method also includes providing a model relating the spectral radiances (R?) of each pixel in multi-spectral images acquired at different times and physical quantities representing thermodynamic phenomena occurring on the Earth's surface, in the Earth's atmosphere, and related to the Earth and the Sun relative positions. The method further includes computing for each pixel, at a given time, at least the physical quantity in the model representing a possible fire on the Earth's surface.

Abstract: A system and method for restricting the number of layout patterns by pattern identification, matching and classification, includes decomposing the pattern windows into a low frequency component and a high frequency component using a wavelet analysis for an integrated circuit layout having a plurality of pattern windows. Using the low frequency component as an approximation, a plurality of moments is computed for each pattern window. The pattern windows are classified using a distance computation for respective moments of the pattern windows by comparing the distance computation to an error value to determine similarities between the pattern windows.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing an image generates, using a linear embedding operator, a second set of feature points from a first set of feature points of the image, so that a pair-wise nearest neighbor (NN) topological relationship among the first set of feature points is preserved in the second set of feature points. The linear embedding operator is determined by an affinity model comprising a first affinity parameter, a second affinity parameter, and an affinity matrix, wherein a sparsity of the affinity matrix is controlled by the first affinity parameter and the second affinity parameter.

Abstract: A method of spectral-spatial-temporal image detection is disclosed. In one embodiment, a spectrally differenced image is obtained by computing a difference of at least two intensity values in at least two spectral bands of an image. Further, a spatially filtered spectral image is obtained by applying a spatial median filter to the obtained spectrally differenced image. Furthermore, a temporal image is obtained by determining a temporal pixel value difference using a computed predictive frame difference. In addition, a spectral-spatial-temporal filtered image for detection is obtained by using the obtained spatially filtered spectral image and the temporal image.

Abstract: An eye detection system, method, and apparatus are disclosed. The eye detection apparatus includes illuminator, receiver, processor, and memory elements. The illuminator emits radiation at predetermined wavelengths from the eye detection apparatus toward an area of interest. Radiation from the area of interest is detected at the receiver which, in turn, provides sensor data to the processor. The processor is coupled to the illuminator and receiver and controls their respective operations. The processor detects a pattern representative of a human eye in the sensor data and determines coordinates of an object corresponding to the pattern. The memory stores the coordinates of the object. Optionally, the eye detection apparatus communicates the coordinates of the object to a wireless device and directs countermeasures to the object's coordinates in response to commands from the wireless device.

Abstract: A multispectral iris recognition system includes a multispectral camera adapted to acquire spatially registered iris images simultaneously in at least three wavelengths and a database adapted to store the acquired iris images. A texture analysis section identifies an area within each acquired iris image having a maximum texture at each of the wavelengths. The identified areas are combined to generate an enhanced iris image. Additionally, a visible light iris image is acquired and stored along with a set of transformation mappings in a database. The acquired visible light iris image is modeled in a texture model, which clusters textures from the acquired visible light iris image. A mapping is selected from the database for each of the clusters. The selected mappings are applied to the acquired visible light iris image to generate a Near-Infrared equivalent.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for finding a deformed pattern in an image using a plurality of sub-patterns. By advantageously restricting sub-pattern search ranges, search speed is improved, and the incidence of spurious matches is reduced. The method also quickly decides which sub-pattern result, of several potential candidates, is most likely to be the correct match for a deformed sub-pattern. Also, a method is provided for characterizing a deformed pattern in an image by using results from feature-based search tools to create a mapping that models the deformation of the pattern. A transform, selectable by a user, is fit to the results from the search tools to create a global deformation mapping. This transformation is fit only to feature points derived from matches resulting from successful sub-pattern search, without including data from areas of the pattern that were blank, not matched, or otherwise didn't contain information about the pattern's distorted location.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns face recognition systems. The aim is to identify candidate matching images to a probe image. There is provided methods, software and computer system to select (22, 24) a method of matching images from two or more methods of matching images based on an underlying resolution (20) of the probe image (8). Comparing two images of differing resolutions is common in surveillance environments. To alleviate this degradation, the method advantageously dynamically selects the most appropriate matching method for a probe image. The disclosure also provided methods to determine the underlying resolution of a probe (8) or gallery image (14).

Abstract: To provide an update region detection device capable of accurately detecting an update region from plot data on a computer screen. In an update region detection unit (125), a pixel comparison unit (601) compares a difference between values of pixels at the same position in each of a reference frame and a current frame, with a first threshold and a second threshold, the second threshold being a value greater than the first threshold. An update region extraction unit (602) extracts, an update region, a group including a pixel where a difference greater than the second threshold has been detected, from among a group of pixels where a difference greater than the first threshold has been detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting “Object Portraits” (photographs or images with a stand-out object of interest or a set of stand-out objects of interest) is described. A set of tools has been developed for object of interest detection, including “Sunset-like” scene detection, pseudo-color saturation-based detection and object of interest isolation, block intensity based detection and object of interest isolation. By effectively integrating these tools together, the “Object Portrait” images and “Non-Object Portrait” images are successfully identified. Meaningful object of interest areas are thereby successfully isolated in a low complexity manner without human intervention.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing an image file depicting an image, in a computer memory, assembling a feature vector for the image file, the feature vector containing information regarding a likelihood that a selected pair of regions of the image file are of a same intrinsic characteristic, providing a classifier derived from a computer learning technique, computing a classification score for the selected pair of regions of the image file, as a function of the feature vector and the classifier and classifying the regions as being of the same intrinsic characteristic, as a function of the classification score.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus and method, and the program and the recording medium according to the present invention can make the coefficient vector into high precision by noise elimination or correction utilizing the mutual correlation of the divided image areas in the intermediate eigenspace, and allows relaxation of the input condition and robustness. The high correlation in the divided image areas in the intermediate eigenspace can reduce the divided image areas to be processed, and actualize reduction in processing load and enhancement of the processing speed.

Abstract: An accelerator for the speckle atmospheric compensation algorithm may enable real-time speckle processing of video feeds that may enable the speckle algorithm to be applied in numerous real-time applications. The accelerator may be implemented in various forms, including hardware, software, and/or machine-readable media.

Abstract: A method for reducing dimensionality of hyperspectral images includes receiving a hyperspectral image having a plurality of pixels. The method may further include establishing an orthonormal basis vector set comprising a plurality of mutually orthogonal normalized members. Each of the mutually orthogonal normalized members may be associated with one of the plurality of pixels of the hyperspectral image. The method may further include decomposing the hyperspectral image into a reduced dimensionality image, utilizing calculations performed while establishing said orthonormal basis vector set. A system configured to perform the method may also be provided.

Abstract: In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing an image file depicting an image, in a computer memory, processing the image to generate intrinsic images including a material image and an illumination image, and detecting and removing specularity as a function of the intrinsic images.