Abstract: Face detection apparatus generating an output indicative of the likelihood of test regions of a test image containing a face comprises: means for deriving a plurality of sets of image attribute data from the test region, each set relating to the test region scaled by a respective different scaling factor from a geometric progression of scaling factors, the progression being such that each scaling factor is related to a next scaling factor by a predetermined multiplicative factor, the factor being the same across the whole progression of scaling factors; means for comparing the derived attributes for each scaling factor with a first respective set of attributes indicative of the presence of a face to generate a first respective likelihood value; means for comparing the derived attributes for each scaling factor with a second respective set of attributes indicative of the presence of a face to generate a second respective likelihood value; means for generating a combined likelihood value in respect of at least

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.

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.

Abstract: A light compression method that error diffuses image data provided with luminance and chrominance channels. During error diffusion, a higher number of bits are allocated to the luminance channel. A decompression method for the image data based on sigma filtering is also provided. By manipulating the bits in the luminance and chrominance color spaces, the image output quality may be increased in reconstructed images.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing material properties of an object using hyperspectral imaging. An exemplary method includes obtaining a hyperspectral image of an object; analyzing the hyperspectral image according to an algorithm; and correlating data obtained from the analysis with material properties of the object.

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: A system for automatically extracting geospatial features from multi-spectral imagery, suitable for fast and robust extraction of landmarks, is presented. The system comprises a computer system including a processor, a memory coupled with the processor, an input coupled with the processor for receiving imagery and user-provided geospatial features, and an output coupled with the processor for outputting the extracted landmarks. The computer system includes a region-growing system, an appending disjointed regions system, and an automatic reseeding system, which are configured to accurately and efficiently extract all regions within the input image that closely resemble the desired geospatial feature. The region-growing system is based on a level set technique, which allows for the fast and accurate extraction of a region evolved from a single user-provided seed point.

Abstract: Traditional techniques of 3D data retrieval using names and subjective attributes are not robust and are difficult to automate over large 3D repositories. Certain techniques developed for search and classification of 2D engineering designs, are in general, difficult to extend to 3D models. These issues are addressed by a system for automated search and classification for 3D CAx models based on their geometric “shape,” which is often an indication of design, analysis and manufacturing process similarity. A new method and system are provided for representing 3D shape as a composition of multiple 2D image projections, which are transformed using the Discrete Fourier and Harr Wavelet transforms. Key coefficients of the transforms are then stored in the 3D model repository and are used to efficiently search and classify such repositories.

Abstract: A method and apparatus programmatically define structure within a physical modeling environment. The system and corresponding method of modeling, provides a computationally based modeling environment in which a physical entity can be modeled parametrically and hierarchically, if desired. A physical component of the physical entity is identified. The physical component is defined by a structural physical parameter and a behavior. The definitions combine to form a model element with the structural physical parameter using structural variables, and behaviors, that can be defined functionally.

Abstract: This invention is intended to reduce a line rate of a monitoring line necessary for transmission of a picture feature without complicating a system. A video signal xi (n0, n1) of each block is subjected to spread spectrum by multiplying the video signal xi(n0, n1) by a PN sequences SPN1 (n0, n1) (in a step S1). The resultant video signal is orthogonally transformed by DFT, DCT, WHT, or the like (in a step S2). An amplitude component Ai=|Xi(SE0, SE1)| of an arbitrary component (SE0, SE1) in a coefficient Xi(S0, S1) obtained by the steps S1 and S2 is extracted (in a step S3), and the extracted amplitude component is quantized with a step size M (in a step S4). The picture feature F[i] is given as a residue obtained under a modulus Nm of a quantized typical value obtained by the quantization (in the step S4) (in a step S5).

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.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a point source target using multiple matched filters are disclosed. A sensor, which is preferably an infrared focal plane array, includes a plurality of pixels for providing image data. A processor processes the image data from a selected pixel corresponding to a potential point source target and from a plurality of neighboring pixels. The system includes multiple filters having a plurality of different phases, including at least a center phase and four corner phases. The multiple filters filter the image data to obtain different filtered spatial images. A detector, which is preferably a CFAR detector, detects a target based upon the spatially filtered images from the multiple matched filters.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for combining total-internal-reflectance and tissue imaging to perform biometric functions. The system may include an illumination source, a platen, a light detector, an optical train, and a computational unit. The platen is disposed to make contact with a skin site of an individual. The optical train is disposed to provide optical paths between the illumination source and the platen, and between the platen and the light detector. The combination of the illumination source and optical train provides illumination to the platen under multispectral conditions. The computational unit is interfaced with the light detector and has instructions to generate a total-internal-reflectance image of the skin site from a first portion of light received from the skin site, and to generate a tissue image of the skin site from a second portion of light received from the skin site.

Abstract: A fishing pole strike indicator comprising a housing for a power source, illuminable member and exterior switch for engaging and disengaging illumination along with a pair of clamps each with a stationary and articulated jaw member so that the strike indicator can be selectively attached to the pole as desired. Each clamp has a jaw that when closed has an aperture passing through diametrically sized to encompass a fishing pole shaft. The articulated jaw members of the clamps have a thumb screw for optionally securing the articulated jaw in the closed position and releasing the strike indicator from the fishing pole in the open position.

Abstract: A method of fusing a low resolution multispectral image with a high resolution panchromatic image comprising the step of generating a new synthetic pan image using multispectral bands from the multispectral image.

Abstract: Image data representative of features of a respective plurality images are transformed using a two dimension discrete cosine transform (DCT), and the DCT sign coefficients of the respective DCT transforms for the images are selectively used to generate a highly compressed and secure one-dimension binary data representation of a subject image whose image data has undergone a DCT transform. The binary data representation can be, for example, of a face image and is readily applicable to a passport, a credit card, a driver's license, an ID card, and the like, for use in rapid, secure face authentication.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved integrated system for biological marker identification. The system uses Microvolume Laser Scanning Microscopy (MLSC) in order to measure patterns of expression of biological markers in biological fluids. The system includes improved instrumentation for performing MLSC, and also includes improved particle detection and analysis methods. The system further comprises an informatics architecture for the analysis of data obtained from the MLSC in tandem with other medical information.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for objectively and automatically determining spectral endmembers and transforming Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA) from a widely used research technique into a user-friendly tool that can support the needs of all types of remote sensing. The process extracts endmembers from a spectral dataset using a knowledge-based approach. The process identifies a series of starting spectra that are consistent with a scene and its environment. The process then finds endmembers iteratively, selecting each new endmember based on a combination of physically and statistically-based tests. The tests combine spectral and spatial criteria and decision trees to ensure that the resulting endmembers are physically representative of the scene.

Abstract: A device and method for determining whether or not an image is blurred. The device and method comprises an input part for receiving an image; a block classification part for dividing the received image into blocks and classifying the divided blocks into character blocks and background blocks; a character block energy calculation part for calculating an average energy ratio of the character blocks; and a blurring detection part for calculating an average energy ratio of the character blocks and determining whether or not the image is blurred based on a comparison of the average energy ratio with a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for sharpening bands of sensor data in the visual spectrum. Blue, green, red, near-infrared, and panchromatic bands of data are received. Data of the panchromatic band is corrected based on the blue, green, red, and near-infrared bands of data, and the data of one or more of the green, red, and near-infrared bands is sharpened based on the corrected data of the panchromatic band. The sharpened data of the green, red, and near-infrared bands is combined with the received panchromatic band of data and then displayed.

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.

Abstract: Automatic target recognition system and/or method which employs an elliptical Laplacian pyramid based pre-screen image data filter. The filter is a resolution sequence matched filter, where the elliptical Laplacian operator reflects the size, spatial characteristics and image intensity level of prospective, candidate targets embedded in the image data. Targets which exhibit a rectangular or elliptical shape at various aspect angles are more therefore more effectively and efficiently identified and located.

Abstract: Described herein is audio watermarking technology for inserting and detecting watermarks in audio signals, such as a music clip. The watermark identifies the content producer, providing a signature that is embedded in the audio signal and cannot be removed. The watermark is designed to survive all typical kinds of processing and malicious attacks. In one described implementation, a watermarking system employs chess spread-spectrum sequences (i.e., “chess watermarks”) to improve the balance of positive and negative chips in the watermarking sequences. The balance is not imposed in an orderly fashion, which might make the watermark sequence more easily detectable to an attacker, but in a pseudo-random fashion. In that way, better sequence balance is achieved while preserving its randomness for an attacker without knowledge of the keys.

Abstract: A computer program product for detecting anomalies from multidimensional data comprises: a) receiving multidimensional data; b) estimating background parameters of a normal compositional model from the multidimensional data; c) estimating abundance values of the normal compositional model from the background parameters and the multidimensional data; d) determining an anomaly detection statistic from the multidimensional data, the background parameters, and abundance values; and e) classifying an observation from the multidimensional data as either a background reference or an anomaly from the anomaly detection statistic.

Abstract: When determining whether or not an image of an original input from an image reading device is a copy-prohibition image, a mounting position, a mounting angle or the like of the original is detected, and it is determined whether or not exact determination can be performed. If an exact determination cannot be performed, a signal instructing to again read an image of the original is output, and the operator is provided with a warning.

Abstract: A counterfeit determination is made with respect to currency bills by illuminating the currency bill with multiple wavelengths of light. Genuine currency bills include indicia printed with an ink that responds similarly to infra-red illumination at two different wavelengths. To identify a test currency as a suspect counterfeit, the bill is first illuminated with infra-red light at a first wavelength. A measurement is then made of a first reflected light response from the first illumination. The test currency bill is then second illuminated with infra-red light at a second wavelength. A measurement is then made of a second reflected light response from the second illumination. The first and second reflected light responses are then compared, and the test currency bill is identified as a suspect counterfeit if the first and second reflected light responses are not substantially the same.

Abstract: A video sequence is processed to extract one or more objects. The extracted objects are used to create a new video sequence. In particular, a user is able to select a background and/or an audio recording. Alternatively, the object extraction system automatically selects a background and/or audio recording. The extracted objects are integrated into the selected background and/or the audio recording is added to form a new video sequence.

Abstract: An image processing method for detecting an object from an input image using a template image, including inputting a specified image with respect to both a template image and an input image, calculating an edge normal direction vector of said specified image, generating an evaluation vector from said edge normal direction vector, subjecting the evaluation vector to orthogonal transformation, a step of performing a product sum calculation of corresponding spectral data with respect to each evaluation vector that has been subjected to orthogonal transformation and has been obtained for each of said template image and said input image, and a step of subjecting it to inverse orthogonal transformation and generating a similarity value map. The formula of the similarity value, the orthogonal transformation, and the inverse orthogonal transformation each have linearity.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for objectively and automatically determining spectral endmembers and transforming Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA) from a widely used research technique into a user-friendly tool that can support the needs of all types of remote sensing. The process extracts endmembers from a spectral dataset using a knowledge-based approach. The process identifies a series of starting spectra that are consistent with a scene and its environment. The process then finds endmembers iteratively, selecting each new endmember based on a combination of physically and statistically-based tests. The tests combine spectral and spatial criteria and decision trees to ensure that the resulting endmembers are physically representative of the scene.

Abstract: A method detects objects in a scene over time. Sets of time-aligned features are extracted from multiple signals representing a scene over time; each signal is acquired using a different modality. Each set of time-aligned features is arranged as a vector in a matrix to which a first transform is applied to produce a compressed matrix. A second transform is applied to the compressed matrix to extract spatio-temporal profiles of objects occurring in the scene.

Abstract: A method that facilitates identification of features in a scene enables enhanced detail to be displayed. One embodiment incorporates a multi-grid Gibbs-based algorithm to partition sets of endmembers of an image into smaller sets upon which spatial consistency is imposed. At each site within an imaged scene, not necessarily a site entirely within one of the small sets, the parameters of a linear mixture model are estimated based on the small set of endmembers in the partition associated with that site. An, enhanced spectral mixing process (SMP) is then computed. One embodiment employs a simulated annealing method of partitioning hyperspectral imagery, initialized by a supervised classification method to provide spatially smooth class labeling for terrain mapping applications. One estimate of the model is a Gibbs distribution defined over a symmetric spatial neighborhood system that is based on an energy function characterizing spectral disparities in both Euclidean distance and spectral angle.

Abstract: A method for detecting anomalies from multidimensional data comprises: a) receiving multidimensional data; b) estimating background parameters of a normal compositional model from the multidimensional data; c) estimating abundance values of the normal compositional model from the background parameters and the multidimensional data; d) determining an anomaly detection statistic from the multidimensional data, the background parameters, and abundance values; and e) classifying an observation from the multidimensional data as either a background reference or an anomaly from the anomaly detection statistic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a target or targets in a surrounding background locale based on target signatures obtained by a hyperspectral imaging sensor used the hyperspectral imaging sensor to collect raw target signature data and background locale data during a first data collection mission. The data is processed to generate a database including a plurality of target signatures and background data relating to the background locale. The hyperspectral imaging sensor is later used to collect further background data during a further, current data collecting mission so as to provide continuously updated background data, in real time. A covariance equalization algorithm is implemented with respect to the background data contained in the database and the updated background data collected during the current mission to effect transformation of each target signature of the database into a transformed target signature.

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: An apparatus and method for performing first and second imaging processes contemporaneously, in particular where one of the processes is detecting fires based on images of the flames. The apparatus includes an image sensor for producing a video image, a frame grabber for capturing first frames and second frames, a processor for processing the data within the frames, and an output device. The apparatus may also include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the image settings of the image sensor between settings suitable for flame imaging and non-flame imaging, and a control mechanism for controlling the image settings of the image sensor. In the method at least two first frames are obtained, and a plurality of second frames are obtained. The first and second frames are used for first and second processes. The first and second processes are contemporaneous, so that they are carried out within the same time period without interfering with one another.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for biometric sensing. An illumination subsystem provides light at discrete wavelengths to a skin site of an individual. A detection subsystem receives light scattered from the skin site. A computational unit is interfaced with the detection system. The computational unit has instructions for deriving a spatially distributed multispectral image from the received light at the discrete wavelengths. The computational unit also has instructions for comparing the derived multispectral image with a database of multispectral images to identify the individual.

Abstract: Methods and systems for spectrally-encoding plural source images and for providing the spectrally-encoded plural source images in a composite image, for rendering the composite image on a substrate, and for recovering at least one of the encoded source images from the rendered composite image. A desired source image is recovered when the rendered composite image is subjected to illumination by one or more illuminants and the desired source image is detected by one or more sensors in an image capture device. The spectral characteristics of the colorants, illuminants, and sensors are employed to spectrally encode the source image in the composite image.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system for detecting radiation and producing a detected image signal. A signal processor compares the detected image signal with predefined data representing objects expected to be imaged, and produces an output signal based on the predefined data when sufficient similarity is found between the detected image signal and the predefined data. In some embodiments, the signal processor replaces the detected image signal with the predefined image data. In other embodiments, the signal processor combines some or all of the detected image signal data with the predefined image data. In still other embodiments, the signal processor first modifies the detected image signal data, e.g., by replacing portions of it representing electric lights with discrete dots located at the centers and/for locally maximum intensity values of the lights, and then combines the modified image signal data with the predefined image data.

Abstract: A filter that includes an analyzer, thresholding circuit, and synthesizer. The analyzer generates a low-frequency component signal and a high-frequency component signal from an input signal. The thresholding circuit generates a processed high-frequency signal from the high-frequency component signal, the processed high-frequency signal having an amplitude of zero in those regions in which the high-frequency component signal has an amplitude that is less than a threshold value. The synthesizer generates a filtered signal from input signals that include the low-frequency component signal and the processed high-frequency signal. The filtered signal is identical to the input signal if the threshold value is zero. The analyzer is preferably constructed from a plurality of finite impulse response filters that operate on a small fraction of the input signal at a time.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for objectively and automatically determining spectral endmembers and transforming Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA) from a widely used research technique into a user-friendly tool that can support the needs of all types of remote sensing. The process extracts endmembers from a spectral dataset using a knowledge-based approach. The process identifies a series of starting spectra that are consistent with a scene and its environment. The process then finds endmembers iteratively, selecting each new endmember based on a combination of physically and statistically-based tests. The tests combine spectral and spatial criteria and decision trees to ensure that the resulting endmembers are physically representative of the scene.

Abstract: An initial similarity candidate calculator calculates a similarity between first and second images, which are expressed by quantized DCT coefficients, on the basis of at least first and second image feature amounts of the first and second images. A coefficient conversion processor executes a coefficient conversion process for at least one of the first and second image feature amounts. Based on an image feature amount obtained by that process, a similarity calculator calculates a similarity between the first and second images. Then, a final similarity between the first and second images is determined from the calculated similarities.

Abstract: Signature information, representing important content of the data, is extracted from a first data block and then embedded in a different block. Data hiding techniques are used to minimize perception of the hidden data. Thereafter, if the first data block is lost or damaged during communication, the hidden data is extracted from the other data block and used to reconstruct the lost or damaged block. If desired, the signature information can be used along with information obtained from neighboring blocks adjacent or proximate to the lost or damaged block.

Abstract: An image search system for determining a similarity of an image whose feature are represented by either one of image features amounts, a color distribution features or a frequency distribution features, to search for a similar image, including a to-be-searched image features storage unit for referring to data of an image features amount of each image to be searched, an inquiry image features input unit for receiving input of data of an image features amount of an inquiry image, a data processing unit for converting a kind of an image features amount of an image set to be an object whose kind of image features amount is to be changed to make a kind of image features amount of each image to be searched and a kind of image features amount of the inquiry image be coincident with each other, and a similarity calculation unit for comparing the image features amount of the inquiry image and the image features amount of each image to be searched based on the converted image features amount and determining a similarit

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to quickly and easily recognize the position, quantity, and kind of the object, which takes unspecified forms according to the angle in which the object is positioned. Points are arranged at regular intervals on an image. For each respective point, a fundamental wave Fourier transformation is calculated on the respective pixel values on the circumference of a circle whose center is at the point. The phase obtained by the fundamental wave Fourier transformation is a normal vector of the point. From the normal vector groups of every point arranged at regular intervals the object is recognized.

Abstract: A watermarking method converts a watermark message into a Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) signal and embeds the FSK signal in a host signal. The spectral properties of the FSK watermark signal facilitate its detection, even in applications where the watermarked signal is corrupted. Because of these properties, the FSK watermark signal can perform the dual function of identifying the watermark's presence and orientation in potentially corrupted media, and also conveying a hidden message in the host signal. Such a watermark may be referred to as a self-orienting watermark.

Abstract: We disclose quantitative geometrical analysis enabling the measurement of several features of images of tissues including perimeter, area, and other metrics. Automation of feature extraction creates a high throughput capability that enables analysis of serial sections for more accurate measurement of tissue dimensions. Measurement results are input into a relational database where they can be statistically analyzed and compared across studies. As part of the integrated process, results are also imprinted on the images themselves to facilitate auditing of the results. The analysis is fast, repeatable and accurate while allowing the pathologist to control the measurement process.

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: Method for automatically detecting fires, based on flame and/or smoke recognition by analyzing a sequence of images. The analysis is based on several image processing algorithms. One algorithm consists in comparing the frequency content of at least an image of said sequence with the frequency content of a reference image so as to detect an attenuation of high frequencies independently of variations on other portions of the spectrum.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for finding an orientation of an object from the image of the object through the generation of, and subsequent evaluation of, at least a portion of a frequency response of the image. The orientation of the object can be used in subsequent image processing.

Abstract: A map of site-specific amounts of a soil nutrient, to be applied in fertilizer to an agricultural field is created using a map of site-specific amounts of the soil nutrient needed to produce the maximum possible yield at the particular site. Subtracted from the site-specific amounts of nutrient needed are site-specific amounts of the nutrient currently existing in the field, thus producing the map of site-specific nutrient amounts to be added. The nutrient amounts may be added to the soil using the map and conventional variable-rate fertilizer application methods. In one embodiment, the amounts of the soil nutrient needed to produce the maximum possible yield at each site is created using a map of site-specific measures of biomass produced by the field in a past growing season or seasons, which in turn is created from a remotely sensed biomass image.