Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, a method of identifying marked images based at least in part on frequency domain coefficient differences is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing ratiometric data, e.g., ratiometric image data such as fluorescent image data, may generate a correlation matrix for the ratiometric data, generate a plurality of eigenvalues and a plurality of eigenvectors based on the correlation matrix, select a set of eigenvectors from the plurality of eigenvectors, and reconstruct a set of enhanced ratiometric data for use in analysis.

Abstract: A method for processing imagery includes receiving data for a first image associated with a first spectral band and second images associated with second spectral bands. The method also includes obtaining first reflectance functions for pixels in the second images, generating a second reflectance function for pixels in the first image based on the first reflectance functions, and obtaining a third reflectance function for pixels in the first image based on the second reflectance function, the imagery data for the first image, and at least one facet orientation constraint. The method further includes modifying the first reflectance functions to generate fourth reflectance functions for pixels in the second images based on a difference between the second and the third reflectance functions, and computing imagery data defining third images associated with the second spectral bands and having the first spatial resolution based on the fourth reflectance functions.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a test bed for optimizing an image segregation is provided. According to a feature of the present invention, the test bed comprises a memory storing an image file containing an image, a set of operations, a set of constraint software modules and a set of parameters relevant to the image, a transform module for performing a preselected one of the set of operations, defined by a preselected one of the set of constraint software modules, on the image, as a function of preselected ones of the set of parameters, to provide an output image, a test module utilizing the transform module output image, an analysis module for analyzing test module performance, and a feedback loop for varying selected ones of the operations, constraint software modules and parameters, for input to the transform module, to provide a new output image for input to the test module.

Abstract: A method of fluorescence imaging is provided. The method provides for simultaneously acquiring image data at a plurality of phases and a plurality of frequencies from a region of interest, identifying at least one desired signal and at least one background signal in the acquired image data associated with the region of interest, constructing a digital filter based upon the at least one desired signal and the at least one background signal, wherein the digital filter is configured to enhance image contrast and applying the digital filter to the acquired image data associated with the region of interest to enhance image contrast in the acquired image data. Systems and computer programs that afford functionality of the type defined by this method are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for token authentication analyze token data over one or more read operations to compute a characteristic master signature for the token. This can be accomplished, for example by analyzing the token data statistically to compute a characteristic signature for the token. Similar techniques can be used to generate a subsequent signature that can be verified against the original characteristic signature to authenticate the token. For example, a signature can be generated on a per use basis and that signature verified against the characteristic signature to validate the token upon use.

Abstract: Image data of a scene is captured. Spectral profile information is obtained for the scene. A database of plural spectral profiles is accessed, each of which maps a material to a corresponding spectral profile reflected therefrom. The spectral profile information for the scene is matched against the database, and materials for objects in the scene are identified by using matches between the spectral profile information for the scene against the database. Metadata which identifies materials for objects in the scene is constructed, and the metadata is embedded with the image data for the scene.

Abstract: An image processing method is disclosed that is capable of efficient information extraction when embedding information in an image by using plural information embedding methods. The image processing method includes steps of embedding target information in the image by using one or more methods selected from plural information embedding methods; and embedding identification information in the image for identifying the selected one or more methods. The identification information is embedded in a method allowing an amount of the embedded information to be less than an amount of the embedded information in each of the selected one or more methods.

Abstract: A system and method of image content analysis using a pattern generator that emits a regular and pre-calibrated pattern of non-visible electromagnetic radiation from a surface in range of a camera adapted to perceive the pattern. The camera captures images of the perceived pattern and other objects within the camera's range, and outputs image data. The image data is analyzed to determine attributes of the objects and area within the camera's range. The pattern provides a known background, which enables an improved and simplified image analysis.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measuring device includes an irradiation device configured to irradiate and switch among a multiplicity of light patterns having different periods and having a striped light intensity distribution on at least a measurement object, a camera having an imaging element capable of imaging reflected light from the measurement object irradiated by the light pattern, a rack configured to cause relative change in positional relationship between the imaging element and the measurement object, and a control device configured to perform three-dimensional measurements based on image data imaged by the camera. The control device performs the three-dimensional measurements by performing a phase shift method calculation of height data as a first height data for each pixel unit of image data based on a multiply phase-shifted image data obtained by irradiating on a first position a multiply phase-shifted first light pattern having a first period.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for detecting an image enhanced from a low resolution image to a high resolution image. An apparatus detects an image converted from a first resolution to a higher second resolution. A frequency converter converts a received second resolution image signal to a frequency domain. An image determiner calculates energy per frequency from the received second resolution image signal. If an amount of energy in over a pre-set frequency is less than a threshold, the received second resolution image signal corresponds to a second resolution image converted from a first resolution image, and if the amount of energy in over the pre-set frequency is greater than the threshold, determining that the received second resolution image signal corresponds to a real second resolution image.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to automatically analyze Landsat satellite data of forests. The present invention can easily be used to monitor any type of forest disturbance such as from selective logging, agriculture, cattle ranching, natural hazards (fire, wind events, storms), etc. The present invention provides a large-scale, high-resolution, automated remote sensing analysis of such disturbances.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sorting seeds based on identified phenotypes of the seeds. In various embodiments, the system includes an optics and controller station structured and operable to collect image data of a top portion, a bottom portion and a plurality of side portions of each respective seed in a set of seeds, and to analyze the collected image data to determine whether each seed exhibits a desired phenotype. The system further includes a seed loading, transporting and sorting station structured and operable to singulate each seed of the set of seeds from a plurality of seeds in a bulk seed hopper, transport the set of seeds to the optics and controller station, and selectively sort each seed to a respective one of a plurality of seed repositories based on whether each respective seed exhibits the desired phenotype.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of determining a location at which a lane divider marking changes type, comprising determining (350) a first type of lane divider (120) marking based upon a frequency spectrum determined by Fourier analysis of first image data (431) corresponding to a first area, determining (350) a second type of lane divider (130) marking based upon a frequency spectrum determined by Fourier analysis of second image data (432) corresponding to a second area, and determining (360) a geographic location at which the lane divider marking changes type according to a comparison of the first and second types (120, 130) of lane divider marking.

Abstract: Techniques are described to employ image recognition techniques to content. In an implementation, one or more images are identified in content using a signature derived from the one or more images. Metadata associated with the content is then supplemented based on the identified one or more images.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a first and a second eyes-and-mouth detecting units, a first and a second skin model generating units, an inside-of-mouth model generating unit, an eyeball model generating unit, a first and a second deformation parameter generating units, and an output unit. The first and second eyes-and-mouth detecting units detect eye boundaries and a mouth boundary from a first and a second face images, respectively. The first and second skin model generating units generate a first and a second skin models, respectively. The inside-of-mouth model generating unit and the eyeball model generating unit generate an inside-of-mouth model and an eyeball model, respectively. The first and second deformation parameter generating units generate a first and a second deformation parameters, respectively. The output unit output the first and second skin models, the first and second deformation parameters, the inside-of-mouth model, and the eyeball model as animation data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for progressive band selection for hyperspectral images. A system having module configured to control a processor to practice the method calculates a virtual dimensionality of a hyperspectral image having multiple bands to determine a quantity Q of how many bands are needed for a threshold level of information, ranks each band based on a statistical measure, selects Q bands from the multiple bands to generate a subset of bands based on the virtual dimensionality, and generates a reduced image based on the subset of bands. This approach can create reduced datasets of full hyperspectral images tailored for individual applications. The system uses a metric specific to a target application to rank the image bands, and then selects the most useful bands. The number of bands selected can be specified manually or calculated from the hyperspectral image's virtual dimensionality.

Abstract: A video analytics system for characterization of a flare. A video of a flare may be taken for obtaining information so as to appropriately control the flare in an interest of reducing emissions not necessarily favorable to the environment. The system may incorporate a control scenario involving one or more parameters of a flare which are to be controlled in view of a flare characterization from an algorithmic analysis of the video.

Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting a stain on a paper-sheet, a type and a transportation direction of the paper sheet are identified, and the information on whether each extraction target area of a read image corresponds to a white portion or a patterned portion of the paper sheet are stored. When the extraction target area corresponds to the white portion, a pixel having a lowest pixel value is extracted from a plurality of pixels constituting the extraction target area, and the read image is compressed into the pixel values of the extracted pixels as representative values, to generate a compressed image including a characteristic of a fine graffiti line drawn with a pencil or the like.

Abstract: An image evaluation apparatus includes a pixel extraction unit, an intra-pair difference calculation unit, an inter-pair difference calculation unit and an evaluation unit. The pixel extraction unit extracts, from an input image, a pixel region including a pair of block-boundary pixels in a boundary position of coding blocks and a pair of non-block-boundary pixels in a position other than the boundary position. The intra-pair difference calculation unit calculates a difference between the extracted pair of block-boundary pixels as a first difference, and a difference between the extracted pair of non-block-boundary pixels as a second difference. The inter-pair difference calculation unit calculates a difference between the first difference and the second difference as an amount of block distortion of the extracted pixel region. The evaluation unit evaluates an amount of block distortion of the input image based on the calculated amount of block distortion of the extracted pixel region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for backlit scene detection are described. The method includes performing a pre-test on an electronic image to determine that the electronic image does not include a disqualifying characteristic. Next, the method includes performing a type test on the electronic image to determine an image type of the electronic image from a first set of predetermined backlit image types. Next the method includes performing a post test on the electronic image to determine that the image darkness density does not exceed a predetermined density. Finally, the method includes performing a second post test on the electronic image to determine that the electronic image is one of a second set of predetermined backlit image types or that the edge percentage of the electronic image exceeds a predetermined percentage.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of human skin including an illuminator source for providing an IR band at a predetermined frequency known as a blue LED. The IR band frequency ranges from about 400 nanometers (nm) to about 500 nm, and preferably from about 450 nm to about 485 nm. Most preferred is a blue LED with a frequency of about 468 nm. The band is reflected off a target and received by a sensor such as a photo detector. The value for human skin is compared to the signal detected. Other materials that have been used to spoof detectors have different values and thus are distinguished from human skin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for descriptor vector computation are described herein. An embodiment includes (a) identifying a plurality of regions in the digital image; (b) normalizing the regions using at least a similarity or affine transform such that the normalized regions have the same orientation and size as a pre-determined reference region; (c) generating one or more wavelets using dimensions of the reference region; (d) generating one or more dot products between each of the one or more wavelets, respectively, and the normalized regions; (e) concatenating amplitudes of the one or more dot products to generate a descriptor vector; and (f) outputting a signal corresponding to the descriptor vector.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus reduces image data on a first rank to generate image data on a second rank, and acquires an evaluation value of sharpness from the image data on the second rank. When the evaluation value is equal to or more than a threshold value, the image processing apparatus acquires a motion vector from the image data on the second rank. The image processing apparatus, based on the acquired motion vector, sets a detection area of correlation between the image data on the first rank, to detect the motion vector on the first rank. When the evaluation value of the image data on the second rank is less than the threshold value, the image processing apparatus does not need to acquire the motion vector in the image data on the second rank but detects the motion vector in the image data on the first rank.

Abstract: A system (100) for processing remotely acquired imagery is provided. The system (100) includes a storage element for receiving imagery data defining a first image of a panchromatic image type using a sensor characterized by a panchromatic spectral response curve and a second image of a multi-spectral image type using at least one other sensor characterized by a plurality of multi-spectral response curves associated with a plurality of optical bands. The first image has a first spatial resolution and a first spectral resolution. The second image has a second spatial resolution lower than the first spatial resolution and a second spectral resolution higher than that first spectral resolution.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns hyperspectral and multispectral image. The disclosure concerns the computation of a descriptor for such an image. The descriptor can be used in a range of image post-processing applications, such as classification, recognition, tracking and localisation. Aspects of the invention include a computer implemented method and a computer system. To computer the descriptor for a set of wavelength indexed bands, a band representation of the radiance measurements for that band based on a probability distribution function is computed 300. Then a wavelength-dependent cross-correlation between the band representations is computed 302. Finally, a descriptor based on the computed cross-correlation between the band representations is computed 304. It is an advantage that the descriptor captures a discriminative and descriptive representation of scene captured in the hyperspectral or multispectral image.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a normal light image acquisition section that acquires a normal light image including an object image that includes information within a wavelength band of white light, a special light image acquisition section that acquires a special light image including an object image that includes information within a specific wavelength band, an isolated point determination section that performs an isolated point determination process on a normal light processing target pixel based on a pixel value of the normal light processing target pixel, the normal light processing target pixel being a processing target pixel included in the normal light image, and a correction control section that controls a correction process performed on the special light image based on the isolated point determination process performed by the isolated point determination section.

Abstract: A method of controlling a function of a device, includes obtaining a sequence (19;34;48) of digital images taken at consecutive points in time. At least one measurement zone (25) including a plurality of image points is selected. For at least one measurement zone (25), a signal (30;41;55) representative of at least variations in a time-varying value of a combination of pixel values at least a number of the image points is obtained and at least one characteristic of the signal (30;41;55) within at least a range of interest of its spectrum relative to comparison data is determined. The determination comprises at least one of: (i) determining whether the signal (30;41;55) has a spectrum with a local maximum at a frequency matching a comparison frequency to a certain accuracy; and (ii) determining whether at least a certain frequency component of the signal (30;41;55) is in phase with a comparison signal to a certain accuracy. The function is controlled in dependence on whether the determination is positive.

Abstract: Watermarking of audio signals intends to manipulate the audio signal in a way that the changes in the audio content cannot be recognised by the human auditory system. In order to reduce the audibility of the watermark and to improve the robustness of the watermarking the invention uses phase modification of the audio signal. In the frequency domain, the phase of the audio signal is manipulated by the phase of a reference phase sequence, followed by transform into time domain. Because a change of the audio signal phase over the whole frequency range can be audible, the phase manipulation is carried out with a maximum amount only within one or more small frequency ranges which are located in the higher frequencies and/or in noisy audio signal sections, according to psycho-acoustic principles. Preferably, the allowable amplitude of the phase changes in the remaining frequency ranges is controlled according to psycho-acoustic principles.

Abstract: There is provided a method for real-time target detection comprising detecting a preprocessed pixel as a target and/or a background, based on a library, and refining the library by extracting a sample from the target or the background.

Abstract: A wavefront measuring method includes steps of: obtaining a first transmitted-wavefront from a first image formed by transmitting beam through a substance at a first angle; obtaining a second image formed by transmitting the beam through the substance at a second angle; formulating a mask corresponding to an interference degree of the second image; converting the first transmitted-wavefront to match with a temporary second transmitted-wavefront from the second image; and unwrapping from the second image, the mask, and a converted first transmitted-wavefront to obtain a second transmitted-wavefront by transmitting the beam through the substance at the second angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bank note processing machine and a method for recognizing forged bank notes. With the bank note processing machine according to the invention and the method for recognizing forged bank notes according to the invention the starting point is that the bank notes to be checked are compared with comparative data that are derived from authentic bank notes and known forgeries, additional comparative data of new types of forgeries being used and the bank notes to be checked being compared with both the comparative data and the additional comparative data for new types of forgeries, so as to determine whether a forged bank note is present.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a pattern generating unit that generates a plurality of two-dimensional array patterns, a radiating unit that emits light in each of the two-dimensional array patterns generated by the pattern generating unit to irradiate an object with the light, a spectrum measuring unit that measures the spectrum of the light, which is emitted from the radiating unit and is reflected by the object, in a plurality of frequency bands to generate spectral data, a transmission-rate calculating unit that calculates the transmission rate of each frequency band on the basis of the two-dimensional array patterns and spectral data blocks associated with the respective two-dimensional array patterns, and an image generating unit that generates an image in a desired frequency band on the basis of the transmission rates calculated by the transmission-rate calculating unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference value of a feature amount of image data of a predetermined region between a present frame and a past frame; a first counting unit that counts number of times when an absolute value of the difference value exceeds a threshold during a predetermined period of time; a second counting unit that counts number of times when the difference value of the image data have different plus-minus signs between a present frame and a past frame during a predetermined period of time; and an identification unit that identifies a light source frequency by comparing the output of the second counting unit with a predetermined value when the output of the first counting unit exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for generating an infrared mark indicator comprised of security information in a printed image. Image data is rendered to a CMYK image. A black plane of the CMYK image is separated and transformed to a frequency domain wherein the frequency components are alternated to encode the watermarking message. The CMY values are selected based on the encoded black value in order to maintain a same color appearance image for the printed image under a normal visual light illuminant. The image data is printed on the substrate in accordance with the transformed planes wherein upon the resultant printed image being exposed to infrared illuminant, a print pattern is detectable as an infrared mark when scanned with an infrared sensing device.

Abstract: Image data for a digital photograph is segmented into a first portion and a second portion. The image data of the second portion is processed to have a quality lower than the image data of the first portion. An image file for the scene is stored where the image file contains image data corresponding to the first and second portions so that the image file has a high quality portion and a low quality portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the recognition of natural skin (5), wherein the skin surface (4) is illuminated at an irradiation point (1) with light from the visible spectrum or the adjacent spectrum, wherein that part of the light entering through the skin surface (4) at the irradiation point (1), scattered in the skin (5), and exiting from the skin surface (4) again, is detected at a detection point (9), using a detector (20), and wherein the signal determined by the detector (20) is passed to a comparator and compared with stored data. Furthermore, a device for carrying out the method is an object of the invention.

Abstract: Computer graphics may be detected in digital images by extracting a first set of features from an input digital image, extracting a second set of features from a prediction-error image derived from the input digital image, and applying a classification algorithm to the first set of features and the second set of features to determine if the combined sets of features indicate that the input digital image corresponds to computer graphics.

Abstract: A method for rapid processing of large sets of hyperspectral data. A hyperspectral image, with hundreds of thousands to millions of pixels measured at hundreds of wavelengths, can contain over a gigabyte of data. Even modern computers can be quite slow when performing involved calculations on data sets of this size. An algorithm requiring a minimal amount of floating point calculations that still yielded useful results is disclosed.

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: 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: Techniques are described for causing digital image data to be interpreted according to a particular technique of a plurality of techniques. According to an embodiment, digital sensor data is received, and user input is received that specifies which technique of a plurality of techniques to use to generate a display that depicts an unmodified image from the sensor data, wherein each technique of the plurality of techniques generates a display from the sensor data in a different manner than each other technique of the plurality of techniques.

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 card game apparatus 12 includes an image sensor 54. The image sensor photographs a design (31: FIG. 2) printed on a card 30. A photographic signal from the image sensor is sampled by a game processor 64, and is further re-sampled to form a photographic pixel data array. A ROM 66 is provided with a database (67A: FIG. 7) which is assigned a comparison data array and a card ID for each entry. By searching the database based on the photographic pixel data array, the processor 64 obtains one card ID and displays card data of the card identified by the card ID on a television monitor.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for obtaining and/or correcting images, particularly from atmospheric and/or other distortions. These corrections may involve, among others, determining corrective information in a first (e.g., visible) wavelength regime, and then applying the corrective information in a second (e.g., longer) wavelength regime, such as infrared (IR) or millimeter-wave (MMW) wavelengths, in real time or with post-processing. For example, these corrections may include scaling a phase diversity correction from one wavelength to another. These systems may be useful in any suitable imaging context, including navigation, targeting, search and rescue, law enforcement, and/or surveillance, among others.

Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model database configured to store a digital surface model (DSM) of a geographical area, and to store image data of the geographical area. The image data may have a spectral range indicative of a difference between buildings and vegetation. The geospatial modeling system may also include a processor cooperating with the geospatial model database to separate bare earth data from remaining building and vegetation data in the DSM to define a building and vegetation DSM. The processor may also register the image data with the building and vegetation DSM, and classify each point of the building and vegetation DSM as either building or vegetation based upon the spectral range of the image data.

Abstract: A method for detection of fraudulent postage indicia such as a stamp or permit marking includes an initial step of introducing a mail piece for processing on an automated facing and canceling machine and imaging the mail piece as it is being processed on the automated facing and canceling machine, which image includes an image of the postage indicia. The image is analyzed according to predetermined criteria stored in a database to determine if the postage indicia meets the predetermined criteria and therefore has an enhanced probability of being valid. If the analysis is step results in a determination that the postage indicia as an enhanced probability of being invalid, then the method involved determining that the information corresponds to counterfeit postage indicia; and storing the resulting information and decision in the database.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for encoding digital watermarks into content signals. Also disclosed are systems and methods for detecting and/or verifying digital watermarks in content signals. According to one embodiment, a system for encoding of digital watermark information includes: a window identifier for identifying a sample window in the signal; an interval calculator for determining a quantization interval of the sample window; and a sampler for normalizing the sample window to provide normalized samples. According to another embodiment, a system for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding at least one digital watermark using a digital filter is disclosed.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, a method of identifying marked images based at least in part on frequency domain coefficient differences is disclosed.

Abstract: An image processing device includes: processing pixel group determination unit that determines a to-be-processed pixel group from a plurality of frame images of picture signals input based on a first predetermined rule and that determines a processed pixel group from the processed frame image stored based on a second predetermined rule; frequency component processing unit that extracts at least a temporal frequency component from the to-be-processed pixel group and the processed pixel group, that executes predetermined coefficient processing on a temporal high-frequency component of the temporal frequency component and that acquires the executed to-be-processed pixel group; processing completion frame generation unit that generates a processing completion frame image from the executed to-be-processed pixel group; and image output unit that outputs the processing completion frame image and that stores the processing completion frame image in the processed frame storage unit, in which the frequency component pr