Abstract: A method of displaying a time sequence of 2-dimensional data represents each data set in the time sequence as a normalized figure based upon a reference set of data. The perimeter of the normalized figure is color coded to represent deviations from a data standard that corresponds to the 2-dimensional data. For subsequent data sets in the time sequence each normalized figure is sized to form a series of concentric figures for display representing all the data sets in the time sequence so that patterns of both rotational and magnitude changes are visually apparent.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for analyzing hyperspectral data includes collecting first hyperspectral data of a scene using a hyperspectral imager during a no-gas period and analyzing the first hyperspectral data using one or more gas plume detection logics. The gas plume detection logic is executed using a low detection threshold, and detects each occurrence of an observed hyperspectral signature. The method also includes generating a histogram for all occurrences of each observed hyperspectral signature which is detected using the gas plume detection logic, and determining a probability of false alarm (PFA) for all occurrences of each observed hyperspectral signature based on the histogram. Possibly at some other time, the method includes collecting second hyperspectral data, and analyzing the second hyperspectral data using the one or more gas plume detection logics and the PFA to determine if any gas is present. Other systems and methods are also included.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for image processing is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises accessing header data from a multi-resolution codestream of compressed data of a first document image, deriving one or more retrieval attributes from the header information, and performing image analysis between the first document image and a second document image based on the one or more retrieval attributes.

Abstract: An image processing method includes obtaining a first spectral characteristic value in a sample point on a stained sample based on a value of a pixel of a stained-sample image obtained by imaging the stained sample, the sample point corresponding to the pixel, the stained sample being stained with a predetermined staining dye and to be observed; and obtaining gradual second spectral characteristic values on the staining dye. The method also includes estimating an amount of the staining dye in the sample point on the staining sample by using the second dye spectral characteristic values on the staining dye based on the first spectral characteristic value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technology which precisely restores a distribution of original information by carrying out an iterative calculation based on a distribution of degraded information and a transfer function including a phase characteristic of a transfer system. A method according to the present invention restores the original information using the degraded information and the transfer function in the frequency space. The method according to the present invention considers a distribution of the degraded information and a distribution of the original information as distributions of probability density functions, and considers the transfer function as a probability density function of a conditional probability. The most probable distribution of the original information according to the distribution of the degraded information is acquired by the iterative calculation by means of relational equations based on the Bayes' theorem relating to the probability density functions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for analyzing hyperspectral data includes collecting first hyperspectral data of a scene using a hyperspectral imager during a no-gas period and analyzing the first hyperspectral data using one or more gas plume detection logics. The gas plume detection logic is executed using a low detection threshold, and detects each occurrence of an observed hyperspectral signature. The method also includes generating a histogram for all occurrences of each observed hyperspectral signature which is detected using the gas plume detection logic, and determining a probability of false alarm (PFA) for all occurrences of each observed hyperspectral signature based on the histogram. Possibly at some other time, the method includes collecting second hyperspectral data, and analyzing the second hyperspectral data using the one or more gas plume detection logics and the PFA to determine if any gas is present. Other systems and methods are also included.

Abstract: Systems and methods to detect non-uniform spatial scaling of an image in the horizontal direction (for example in 4:3 to 16:9 aspect ratio conversion).

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, computer program and product, capable of applying edge enhancement to an image based on characteristics of the image.

Abstract: An algorithm for finding regions of interest (ROI) in synthetic images based on an information driven approach in which sub-blocks of a set of synthetic image are analyzed for information content or compressibility based on textural and color features. A DCT may be used to analyze the textural features of a set of images and a color histogram may be used to analyze the color features of the set of images. Sub-blocks of low compressibility are grouped into ROIs using a type of morphological technique. Unlike other algorithms that are geared for highly specific types of ROI (e.g. OCR text detection), the method of the present invention is generally applicable to arbitrary synthetic images. The present invention can be used with several other image applications, including Stained-Glass collages presentations.

Abstract: Two data units are selected from main information, such as MIDI data, into which additional information is to be incorporated, to calculate a difference between respective values of the two data units. A particular data segment to be incorporated into one of the MIDI data units is selected from a group of data of additional information. The size of the data segment to be incorporated into one of the data units may be either one bit or two or more bits. Substitute data to replace the content of one MIDI data unit is generated on the basis of a predetermined function using, as variables, the data-related value and a value of the particular data segment, and the content of the data unit corresponding to a predetermined one of the two MIDI data units is replaced by the generated substitute data. Thus, through such an electronic watermarking technique, any desired additional information can be incorporated into the MIDI data without changing the MIDI data format.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: a first calculation section that calculates a plurality of spectral reflectances at a plurality of wavelengths based on intensities of light irradiating an object and reflected from the object, the light having a certain spectral energy distribution; a second calculation section that calculates color descriptor values of the object based on the spectral reflectances calculated by the first calculation section; a third calculation section that calculates a set of factors when the color descriptor values are expressed using a linear combination of a predetermined plurality of eigenvectors, factors associated with the respective eigenvectors, and either spectral energy of a reference light or theoretical spectral energy of a virtual light; and an output section that outputs the factors calculated by the third calculation section.

Abstract: A wavelet-based band difference-sum ratio method reduces the computation cost of classification and feature extraction (identification) tasks. A Generalized Difference Feature Index (GDFI), computed using wavelets such as Daubechies wavelets, is employed in a method to automatically generate a large sequence of generalized band ratio images. In select embodiments of the present invention, judicious data mining of the large set of GDFI bands produces a small subset of GDFI bands suitable to identify specific Terrain Category/Classification (TERCAT) features. Other wavelets, such as Vaidyanathan, Coiflet, Beylkin, and Symmlet and the like may be employed in select embodiments. The classification and feature extraction (identification) performance of the band ratio method of the present invention is comparable to that obtained with the same or similar data sets using much more sophisticated methods such as discriminants, neural net classification, endmember Gibbs-based partitioning, and genetic algorithms.

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: An illumination beam irradiation apparatus for use in pattern inspection systems is disclosed, which is less in deterioration of optical components and in attenuation of illumination light. The illumination apparatus includes a light source which yields a fundamental wave, a beam-shaper unit which performs beam-shaping of the fundamental wave so that this wave has a prespecified shape, and a pattern generator unit which operates, upon receipt of the beam-shaped fundamental wave, to convert this incoming wave into illumination light with a shorter wavelength to thereby generate illumination light of a prespecified shape. The illuminator also includes an image relay unit for guiding the illumination light that was generated by the pattern generator to fall onto a workpiece under inspection, such as a photomask or else.

Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model database and a processor. More particularly, the processor may cooperate with the geospatial model database for inpainting data into at least one void in geospatial model frequency domain data based upon propagating contour data from outside the at least one void into the at least one void, and for converting the geospatial model frequency domain data after inpainting into geospatial model spatial domain data.

Abstract: A method for use in an object scanning process includes obtaining a reference spectrum that includes a plurality of reference peaks, and comparing the reference spectrum with an input spectrum that has a plurality of input peaks, wherein a number of the reference peaks is less than eight. A method for use in an object scanning process includes obtaining a reference spectrum that includes a plurality of reference peaks, comparing one of the reference peaks with a plurality of input peaks from an input spectrum, comparing another one of the reference peaks with the plurality of input peaks from the input spectrum, and determining a degree of similarity between the reference spectrum and the input spectrum using a result from the acts of comparing.

Abstract: A method and a system for pattern recognition utilizes an ensemble of reference patterns to represent the possible instances of the models to be recognized; constructs a hierarchy of estimators to simplify and enhance the recognition of the models of interest; approximates complex reference patterns with linear compositions of simpler patterns; fragments complex patterns into local patterns so that interference between the local patterns is sufficiently small for linearization methods to be applicable; constructs estimators during an offline stage to offload calculations from the online signal processing stage; designs model estimators based on optimization principles to enhance performance and to provide performance metrics for the estimated model instances; generates a hierarchy of reference descriptors during the offline stage, which are used for the design and construction of the model estimators. Specific examples are provided for the recognition of image features such as edges and junctions.

Abstract: In a method and system for detecting digital image compositing, a first artifact is detected in an uncompressed digital image. The first artifact is characteristic of an earlier compression of the digital image with a predetermined compression algorithm. An interpolation marker in the image is evaluated to provide interpolation results. During the evaluating, a second artifact of the compression algorithm is counteracted. The image is classified responsive to the interpolation results. The first artifact can be a blocking artifact and the second artifact and interpolation marker can be different periodicities in the image.

Abstract: A method constructs descriptors for a set of data samples and determines a distance score between pairs of subsets selected from the set of data samples. A d-dimensional feature vector is extracted for each sample in each subset of samples. The feature vector includes indices to the corresponding sample and properties of the sample. The feature vectors of each subset of samples are combined into a d×d dimensional covariance matrix. The covariance matrix is a descriptor of the corresponding subset of samples. Then, a distance score is determined between the two subsets of samples using the descriptors to measure a similarity between the descriptors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of concealed objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus including: an image reading section for reading a document image; a particular image determining section for determining whether or not a particular image is included in image data read by the image reading section; an image processing section for processing the image data; and a resolution converting section for changing a resolution of the image data to be transferred to the particular image determining section, wherein the resolution converting section lowers a pixel frequency of the image data to be transmitted to the particular image determining section so as to perform simple processing. The lowered pixel frequency slows down processing speed of the image data and thereby improves determination accuracy.

Abstract: Novel, computationally efficient schemes for deterministic wavelet thresholding with the objective of optimizing maximum-error metrics are provided. An optimal low polynomial-time algorithm for one-dimensional wavelet thresholding based on a new dynamic-programming (DP) formulation is provided that can be employed to minimize the maximum relative or absolute error in the data reconstruction. Directly extending a one-dimensional DP algorithm to multi-dimensional wavelets results in a super-exponential increase in time complexity with the data dimensionality. Thus, novel, polynomial-time approximation schemes (with tunable approximation guarantees for the target maximum-error metric) for deterministic wavelet thresholding in multiple dimensions are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the work flow or processing of scanned images is disclosed. The system and method identify appropriate image processing techniques, particularly techniques well-suited to enable image compression yet maintain image quality so as to facilitate the storage and transmission of scanned image data.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying one or more materials in a scene by determining a set of spectral vectors, called endmembers, from a data set comprised of spectra from the image data, and matching the set of endmembers to predefined library materials. The image data of the scene is captured with a sensor, and comprises a plurality of spectra. The method applies an iterative mathematical criterion, termed residual minimization, to find the endmembers. The first endmember may be selected based on the largest mean square value or the largest mean magnitude value. Subsequent endmembers are determined by calculating weighting factors, such that the weighting factors are non-negative and the calculated vector differences, or residuals, generate the smallest error metric. The error metric is dependent upon the vector difference between two spectra in the image data set, and may be the mean squared vector difference between two spectra.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for processing a digital image to determine whether the image includes a region of differential gloss (which would yield a differential gloss when that digital image is printed into hardcopy). The method includes identifying whether an input digital image has a periodic characteristic which is indicative of a cluster screen halftoned digital image and, if so, determining a correlation between first and second filters and halftone structures of the identified digital image. The second filter has a different polarization from the first filter. The first and second filters are selected to enable a region of differential gloss in the identified digital image to be identified, based on the determined correlations. Where such a region or regions are detected, a representation of the differential gloss image may be displayed and/or another action automatically initiated, such as restricting printing of the image.

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: Methods, systems, and computer program products for analyzing an imaging system or an image produced by the imaging system are disclosed. The imaging system is configured to sense a target on a background and the target, background, and imaging system are associated with spatial information and spectral information. The imaging system or image is analyzed by, first, determining two of a spatial confidence level associated with the spatial information, a spectral confidence level associated with the spectral information, and a total confidence level associated with sensing the target on the background. A non-determined one of the spatial confidence level, the spectral confidence level, and the total confidence level is then calculated responsive to the determined confidence levels for use in analyzing the imaging system or image.

Abstract: A method is provided for tracking a non-rigid object in a sequence of frames of a video. Features of an object are extracted from the video. The features include locations of pixels and properties of the pixels. The features are used to construct a covariance matrix. The covariance matrix is used as a descriptor of the object for tracking purposes. Object deformations and appearance changes are managed with an update mechanism that is based on Lie algebra averaging.

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 invention relates to methods of assessing one or more geometric properties of a particle of a substance using an infrared spectroscopic property of the substance. The method is useful, for example, for assessing particle sizes and size distributions in mixtures containing both particles of the substance and other materials.

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: A method of identifying endmember spectral values from multispectral image data, where each multispectral data value is equal to a sum of mixing proportions of each endmember spectrum. The method comprises the steps of processing the data to obtain a multidimensional simplex having a number of vertices equal to the number of endmembers. The position of each vertex represents a spectrum of one of the endmembers. Processing the data is conducted by providing starting estimates of each endmember spectrum for each image data value. The mixing proportions for each data value is estimated from estimates of the spectra of all the endmembers. The spectrum of each endmember is estimated from estimates of the mixing proportions of the spectra of all the endmembers for each image data value. The estimation steps are repeated until a relative change in the regularised residual sum of squares is sufficiently small. The regularised residual sum of squares includes a term which is a measure of the size of the simplex.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a memory that stores a background image and a character image that is separate from the background image and overlaps the background image; a processing target area determining unit that determines a processing target area in the background image, the processing target area being in a prescribed positional relation with the character image; a background feature parameter extracting unit that extracts from the processing target area a background feature parameter that includes a feature frequency showing a frequency characteristics of the processing target area; a character feature parameter extracting unit that extracts from the character image a character feature parameter that includes a feature frequency showing a frequency characteristics of the character image; a parameter determining unit that determines a parameter for use in image processing performed on the processing target area, according to a combination of the background feature parameter and the character

Abstract: This invention concerns image analysis of video signals or data in order to detect prior, block-based processing, and to quantify block-related picture impairments. Adjacent samples of video data are high pass-filtered, rectified and auto-correlated to form an auto-correlation function. The auto-correlation function may be analysed to provide information regarding block size and other block artefact measures.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software to automatically detect print defects in printed matter. Some embodiments include receiving a reference image and a scanned image, wherein the reference image and the scanned image are of the same subject matter and generating a plurality of detail maps of the reference image and the scanned image at each one or more resolutions to derive one or more detail maps of each image at each resolution. The detail maps, in some embodiments, are generated by identifying differences between pixels in each of one or more directions. The embodiments further include dividing the detail maps of each image into blocks of equal image proportion and calculate an activity measure of each block in each of the detail maps. These embodiments further calculate similarity measures between the blocks of reference image detail maps and the respective blocks of the scanned image detail maps.

Abstract: A method of optical data processing, comprising: providing a first data set to be optically transformed using a transform; combining a reference data set with said first data set to generate coherent light, encoding a combined data set; optically and coherently transforming said light that encodes the combined data set, into coherent light that encodes a transformed combined data set; obtaining a transformed reference data set by determining the effect said optical transform has on light encoding said reference data set; and extracting a second data set that represents a transform of said first data set, from an intensity portion of light encoding said transformed combined data set, using said transformed reference data set to extract a phase of at least one element of said second data set.

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: Provided is a method of hyperspectral image dimension reduction. The method includes receiving a hyperspectral image having a plurality of pixels. A set of basis vectors is established at least in part with respect to the spectral vectors of the initial hyperspectral image. For each pixel of the hyperspectral image, the spectral vector is read and decomposed, i.e. unmixed, with the basis vector set to provide at least a reduced dimension vector for each pixel. Collectively the reduced dimension vectors for each pixel represent the dimensionally reduced image. A system operable to perform the method is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system has a vision-based occupant classification system for control of airbag deployment during a crash scenario. The classification system utilizes two imaging sensors which together create a stream of paired images received and stored by an occupant classification controller. A computer program product of the controller utilizes the paired images to extract disparity/range features and stereo-vision differential edge density features. Moreover, the controller extracts wavelet features from one of the two paired images. All three features or maps are classified amongst preferably seven classifications by algorithms of the computer program product producing class confidence data fed to a sensor fusion engine of the controller for processing and output of an airbag control signal input into a restraint controller of the vehicle restraint system.

Abstract: A human detection method and apparatus are provided. In the method, a person is detected from an image provided by a digital video camera. The method includes (a) initializing parameters used for a user detection; (b) determining a current mode; (c) when it is determined that the current mode is the face detection mode, performing a face detection on each of a plurality of image frames, and when a face is not detected even after a predetermined number of face detection trials, selecting a motion detection mode and going back to step (b); and (d) when it is determined that the current mode is the motion detection mode, performing a motion detection on a predetermined number of image frames at a time, and when at least a predetermined number of motion detections are performed successfully within a predetermined period of time, going back to step (a).

Abstract: An image transfer apparatus for transferring an image on a sheet medium having a frame and a reader connected to the frame for reading the image on the sheet medium. The image moves relative to the reader in a process direction when the reader reads the image. A positioning system is connected to the frame for positioning the sheet medium at a predetermined skew angle relative to the process direction.

Abstract: A system and method for improved image comparison is provided. An adjustable tolerance level may be set for comparing the images, and filtering may be applied to the images, for example, to suppress high frequencies in the images or to enhance low frequencies in the images. Furthermore, a geometrical transform, such as a 2D affine transform, may be applied to one of the images. The pixels of one of the images may be compared with corresponding pixels of another image to detect differences between the pixels compared. Then the outcome of comparing the pixels of the images may be determined by comparing the differences detected with the tolerance level set. The tolerance may be set by selecting one of a set of predefined tolerance levels, each of which may represent a different degree of tolerance to be used in comparison of the images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for performing rapid and programmable analysis of data. The present invention relates to a reconfigurable detector comprising at least one array of a plurality of pixels, where each of the plurality of pixels can be selected to receive and read-out an input. The pixel array is divided into at least one pixel group for conducting a common predefined analysis. Each of the pixels has a programmable circuitry programmed with a dynamically configurable user-defined function to modify the input. The present detector also comprises a summing circuit designed to sum the modified input.

Abstract: A device to produce a color image, the device including a color filtering arrangement to sequentially produce at least four colors by transmission through respective color filters, each color filter having a spectral range of transmission, wherein the spectral range of at least one of the color filters includes substantially the entire spectral range of at least one additional color filter. A method of producing a color image, the method including sequentially transmitting light of at least four colors through at least four color filters respectively, each color filter having a spectral range of transmission, wherein the spectral range of at least one of the color filters includes substantially the entire spectral range of at least one additional color filter.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a digital image, in which a point of interest (PI) in the detected in the image. For each ? of a plurality I of different prescribed orientations in the digital image a family {f?(k)(n)}1?k?K of K one-dimensional lines f?(k)(n) of points is extracted from a region (RPI) of the image along K straight lines of orientation (?), and for each line f?(k)(n) and for each sub-sampling level s, a foveal energy signal E?,s(k)(n) is calculated using foveal wavelets. The signals E?,s(k)(n)) on the K lines and their arguments n are used to calculate a foveal signature SI characterizing the working region.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and methods for use of a hyperspectral surgical laparoscope that includes an illuminated laparoscope; a liquid crystal tunable filter generally center-mounted on the laparoscope and positioned to collect back-reflected light from a target; a relay lens generally center-mounted on the laparoscope to focus light from the liquid crystal tunable filter; and a focal plane array generally center-mounted on the laparoscope, wherein light that is reflected from the target is imaged on the focal plane array and captured as a digital data cube.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for multi-spectral imaging. Light may be received at a multi-spectral optical module, which transmits a plurality of wavelength band portions of the received light, each having a pre-selected bandwidth between about two nanometers and about forty nanometers. The pre-selected bandwidths may be between about ten nanometers and about thirty nanometers. Each of the wavelength band portions may have the same pre-selected bandwidth, or may have different pre-selected bandwidths.

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: A system for the conversion, analysis and display of geographic imaging data is provided which allows for the efficient location of various targets based on user selectable search criteria. The system provides a means to convert large image database information to a more compact and efficient structure employing the use of a shape library and an associated shape index.

Abstract: A specific frequency component extraction unit extracts a specific frequency component signal from an input image signal. A phase controller controls the phase of the specific frequency component signal. A correlator computes the cross-correlation value of the phase-controlled specific frequency component signal and the input image signal. A watermark information estimation unit filters the cross-correlation value to detect watermark information embedded in the input image signal.