Abstract: A character defect detection method and device are disclosed. The character defect detection method comprises: acquiring an image to be inspected containing a character and a template character image corresponding to the character, and converting the image to be inspected into an image having a format consistent with a format of the template character image; extracting a first valid area containing the character from the image to be inspected, and extracting a second valid area containing a template character from the template character image; obtaining a first image based on the first valid area, and obtaining a second image based on the second valid area; calculating a transformed image indicating an information difference between the first image and the second image based on the first image and the second image; and obtaining a character defect detection result of the image to be inspected based on information of the transformed image.

Abstract: A method for stencil printing during manufacture of a printed circuit board includes forming a circuit diagram on a trepanned circuit board using a first stencil that has the circuit diagram, a scraper and conductive inks, forming a solder mask layer on the circuit board using a second stencil, the scraper, and solder materials, forming words and marks on the circuit board using a third stencil, the scraper, and inks, and forming a solder paste layer on the circuit board using a fourth stencil, the scraper, and solder paste.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: an image obtaining unit configured to obtain an image of an identification card; a printing unit; a utilization purpose entry receiving unit configured to receive an entry of a utilization purpose of a document to be printed by the printing unit; and a control unit configured to overlap a text indicating the utilization purpose received by the utilization purpose entry receiving unit, with the image of the identification card, and to instruct the printing unit to print the overlapped text and the image of the identification card.

Abstract: A method is provided. A first layer is provided over a substrate, the first layer comprising a first material. A patterned second layer is applied over the first layer via stamping. The second layer comprising a second material. The second layer covers a first portion of the first layer, and does not cover a second portion of the first layer. The second portion of the first layer is removed via a subtractive process while the first portion of the first layer is protected from removal by the patterned second layer.

Abstract: A system graphically plots articles. The system executes one or more search queries to search stored articles and receives results of the executed one or more search queries, where the results identify selected articles of the stored articles. The system further designates a graphical marker for each of the selected articles and plots each of the graphical markers on a graphical display.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a line recognition module, a character recognition module and a generator. The line recognition module recognizes lines in a handwritten document. The character recognition module recognizes character codes corresponding to handwritten characters in a first line and a second line which follows the first line. The generator generates, if the first and second lines satisfy a condition, document data using first character codes corresponding to the first line and second character codes corresponding to the second line, the formed document data including either one of the first character codes at a position of the second line or including at least one of the second character codes at a position of the first line.

Abstract: Movies to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D?3D) are broken into backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors/depths are automatically applied with masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects. Areas never exposed by motion or foreground objects may be partially or fully realistically drawn/rendered/applied to the occluded areas and applied throughout the images to generate artifact-free secondary viewpoints during 2D?3D conversion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for the automatic determining of calls to action in a webpage are disclosed. These include, rendering a web page in a browser, capturing the rendered web page as an image, filtering the image using one or more image filters, and identifying the calls to action in the filtered image using at least one call to action selection criteria.

Abstract: A shape may be virtually generated from a formula specifying a scalable property of the shape that determines the appearance of the shape as the size of the shape is changed. Once the shape is generated, a reflection and/or shadow may be generated according to one or more customizable parameters specifying different properties of the reflection and/or shadow. Reflections and shadows may be regenerated with shapes each time the shapes are resized. Each generated shape, reflection, and/or shadow may then be outputted to a display. Systems, methods, and computer readable media are provided.

Abstract: An object determining device includes imaging means for obtaining an image of the object, likelihood value calculating means for calculating a first likelihood value for the object shown in the image by use of the image obtained by the imaging means and a machine learning system and for calculating a second likelihood value for the object shown in the image by use of the image obtained by the imaging means and another machine learning system, the first likelihood value indicating a level of likelihood that the object is wearing the covering and the second likelihood value indicating a level of likelihood that the object is not wearing the covering, and determining means for determining whether or not the object, shown in the image obtained by the imaging means, is wearing a covering, on the basis of a ratio between the first likelihood value and the second likelihood value.

Abstract: An image recognition apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store a dictionary used to recognize a predetermined pattern; a recognition unit configured to detect in image data using the dictionary, as recognition results, a plurality of partial regions having a likelihood of being the predetermined pattern greater than a predetermined threshold; a display unit configured to display the image data, and also display information indicating the partial regions that were detected by the recognition unit; a determination unit configured to determine, based on an instruction by a user, a negative region from among the plurality of partial regions that were detected by the recognition unit; a generation unit configured to generate a learning image based on the determined negative region; and an update unit configured to update the dictionary based on the learning image that was generated by the generation unit.

Abstract: Provided are an image processing method and apparatus for effectively reducing noise in an image, and a recording medium storing a program for executing the method. The image processing apparatus includes a noise reduction unit configured to apply a noise reduction filter to first image data to obtain second image data; a first edge data obtaining unit configured to calculate edge data lost in the second image data compared with the first image data to obtain the first edge data; and a first synthesis unit configured to tune the first edge data and calculate third image data from the second image data and the tuned first edge data.

Abstract: Tour guide contents stored in a tour guide apparatus carried by a user at a tour destination are provided with points of interest information and map data. This information includes latitude and longitude information for the site of each point of interest, and information on the providers of the information and the categories of information. The latitude and longitude information is provided for each site in relation to map data. By matching these pieces of latitude and longitude information to the map data, points of interest information can be laid out on the map and displayed. This makes it possible to select interesting site information to be displayed on the map based on the information provider, for example, points of interest information provided by provider A for restaurants and another set of information provided by provider B for hotels.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for difference measurement of an image, the image is detected by an image sensor array having (N×N) sensor elements, wherein N=2n, n?2, and n being an integer number, each detected sample value is read as a positive or as a negative sample value according to a sign control pattern from a pattern control unit, and measurement values are generated for measurement template blocks of the image sensor array by a computing unit which computes for each measurement template block a weighted sum of the read sample values of the respective measurement template sensor elements depending on a predetermined measurement template. A measurement template block is, provided for at least four adjacent sensor elements of the image sensor array. The method/apparatus can be used in any kind of digital camera and allows for a fast generation of image data with a hardware implementation of low complexity.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image data reading section that reads image data formed on a document, an image processing section that separates regions where effective information is present from the read image data so as to determine, for every separated region, a shape of a see-through preventing pattern and a position at which the see-through preventing pattern is formed, and an image printing section that prints the determined see-through preventing pattern at a part on a back surface of a recording sheet on which the document is printed, on the basis of the information of the determined position at which the see-through preventing pattern is formed, the part corresponding to any of the regions where the effective information of the document is present.

Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D->3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects.

Abstract: A printing system includes a converter for replacing graphic elements of a document (100) that is subject to subsequent processing such as color matching. Conversion involves using multiply transparency in place of overprint and creating transparency groups (21, 23) to replace elements (1-4) that have subsequent elements that meet an overlapping overprint criteria. An element transparency group (21, 23) includes multiple elements based on the original element (1, 3) but with geometry and selected colorant channels modified based on the relationship between the original element (1, 3) and each subsequent original element (1-4) meeting the criteria.

Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D?3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects.

Abstract: A scanning technique for imaging sites in an array includes illuminating or irradiating sites in lines of the array, and collecting returned radiation from the sites for imaging. The sites are sequentially scanned by means of confocally directed radiation lines from source optics. The orientation of the radiation lines with respect to the lines of sites in the array is such that the distance between nearest edges of sites in adjacent lines is greater than lines through those edges in a direction parallel to the radiation lines used for scanning. The resulting system experiences less crosstalk and a greater ability to distinguish between neighboring sites in resulting images.

Abstract: A printing system includes a converter for replacing graphic elements of a color matched document (104). Conversion replaces original elements (2-4) with replacement elements (21-24, 40-42) having modified transparency attributes so that overprinting elements that overlap areas (10-15) appear as intended when subjected to color matching.

Abstract: A system and method for rendering an image file for outputting a copy of an image represented by the image file. In some embodiments, rendering the image includes generating an output file, such as an output bitmap based on a predetermined halftone. In one embodiment, the system comprises an input module, and a processor. The input module obtains a page description of the image to be output. In some instances, the page description includes one or more level masks designed to impart corresponding transparency levels to one or more objects in the page description.

Abstract: A scanning technique for imaging sites in an array includes illuminating or irradiating sites in lines of the array, and collecting returned radiation from the sites for imaging. The sites are sequentially scanned by means of confocally directed radiation lines from source optics. The orientation of the radiation lines with respect to the lines of sites in the array is such that the distance between nearest edges of sites in adjacent lines is greater than lines through those edges in a direction parallel to the radiation lines used for scanning. The resulting system experiences less crosstalk and a greater ability to distinguish between neighboring sites in resulting images.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying a standby screen of a mobile terminal, the apparatus having a display for displaying an image, and a controller for measuring a color-distributed degree of the image when a terminal is converted into a standby mode, and for inverting a certain color of the image when the certain color is distributed by more than a predetermined amount. The power consumed in displaying can effectively be reduced by lowering an grayscale of an image to display it or inverting the color of the image to display it.

Abstract: A method for determining a translation of a three-dimensional pre-operative image data set to obtain a registration of the three-dimensional image data with a patient positioned in a projection imaging system. In one embodiment the user identifies an initial three-dimensional organ center from projections and extreme contour landmark points of the object on a set of projections. A set of contour points for the image object in each of a plurality of three-dimensional cross-section planes; is obtained and the points projecting nearest to the user-identified landmark points are selected. A three-dimensional grid having a predetermined number of intervals at a predetermined interval spacing centered at the user-identified organ center is defined. The three-dimensional image data contour points as centered onto each grid point are projected for evaluation and selection of the grid point leading to contour points projecting nearest to the user-identified landmark points.

Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined separately into single frame representations of multiple frames which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Each pixel address within the database corresponds to a mask/lookup table address within the digital frame and X, Y, Z location of subsequent frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting of all masks or single masks in an entire frame, bezier and polygon tracing of selected regions with edge detected shaping and operator directed detection of subsequent regions. The gray scale actively determines the mask and corresponding color lookup that is applied in a keying fashion within regions of interest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data filling is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving an image and a mask associated with the image and performing a block-based, iterative multi-pass data filling process to fill a layer as part of compound document compression.

Abstract: A plurality of images are read in, two line segments which need be inherently parallel with each other in each of the images are designated, and a planar projective transform matrix is obtained from coordinates of end points of the line segments for parallelizing the line segments, thereby executing height normalization. Subsequently, totally four sets of corresponding points are obtained among three sequential images at regions where adjacent two images are overlapped, and matrix elements of planar projective transform matrix is obtained from the obtained corresponding points to calculate an stitch coefficient. Image stitching is executed by using the stitch coefficient. In stitching a plurality of images for stitching, it is possible to accurately stitch the images after the height is normalized among the images.

Abstract: A method displays an image only to an authorized user by generating a mask image from a data image. The data and mask image are then displayed periodically in an alternating manner on a display device by a select signal. The opening end shutting of an optical shutter device is synchronized to the displaying of the selected images so that only the data image is perceived by the authorized user viewing the display device through the optical shutter device, and a gray image is perceived by an unauthorized user viewing the data and mask images directly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are described for adjusting the gain of a scanner. The scanner includes one or more excitation sources, an emission detector having a first gain, and a variable gain element having a second gain. One described method includes receiving a user-selected gain value, adjusting the first gain based on a first portion of the user-selected gain value, and adjusting the second gain based on a second portion of the user-selected gain value. Another described method includes selecting an auto-gain value, adjusting the first gain based on a first portion of the auto-gain value, adjusting the second gain based on a second portion of the auto-gain value, causing the scanner to collect sample pixel intensity values, determining a comparison measure based on comparing the sample pixel intensity values to desired pixel intensity values, and adjusting the auto-gain value based on the comparison measure.

Abstract: An accumulation method for fast pattern search can accurately locate regular shaped patterns of interest. The method can be used for invariant search to match patterns of interest in images where the searched pattern varies in size or orientation or aspect ratio, when pattern appearance is degraded, and even when the pattern is partially occluded, where the searched image is large, multidimensional, or very high resolution, or where the pattern size is large. The computation requirement is independent of the size of the pattern region.

Abstract: An image collation apparatus includes a collation unit, minimum coincidence ratio extraction unit, and determination unit. The collation unit obtains a coincidence ratio between first and second images within a printing element range for each collation unit by collating the first and second images with each other. The minimum coincidence ratio extraction unit obtains a minimum coincidence ratio from coincidence ratios obtained from the collation unit. The determination unit determines that the first and second images are identical, if the extracted minimum coincidence ratio is smaller than a predetermined threshold. An image collation method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system of masking comprising: positioning a masking tool over a masked portion of an image; applying an effect onto the image outside the masked portion; and dynamically moving the masking tool while applying the effect wherein the masked portion changes as the masking tool is dynamically moved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for relocating objects in images. An object reference is correlated with image values. When the object is partially covered in the image, the image values which are located within the covered area in the image are replaced by grey scale values of the object before the correlation is carried out. A system for relocating objects in images is provided with a camera for filming the image, an imagery storage unit for storing an object reference and an imagery processor for replacing grey scale values which are located within the covered area, whereby said grey scale values are replaced by grey scale values of the object reference. The inventive system is also provided with a correlation unit which correlates the image with the object reference, whereby the image has been changed by the imagery processor.

Abstract: A simulated wafer image of a physical mask and a defect-free reference image are used to generate a severity score for each defect, thereby giving a customer meaningful information to accurately assess the consequences of using a mask or repairing that mask. The defect severity score is calculated based on a number of factors relating to the changes in critical dimensions of the neighbor features to the defect. A common process window can also be used to provide objective information regarding defect printability. Certain other aspects of the mask relating to mask quality, such as line edge roughness and contact corner rounding, can also be quantified by using the simulated wafer image of the physical mask.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium for a computer-automated method for identifying given image data, including obtaining template image data corresponding to said given image data; calculating correlation values between the given image data and said template image data; and identifying said image data based on the correlation values calculated in the calculating step.

Abstract: An automated analysis method and tool for a digitally imaged financial item can digitally recognize a plurality of characters across an area of a digital image containing character indicia at predetermined positions in the area and also possibly containing non-character indicia in the area. This finds exemplification in an automated check processing method and check sorting system in which a check's MICR line that has been read and interpreted as invalid can be digitally analyzed, via a digital image of the check, to identify MICR characters that could not be validly read or interpreted by the conventional MICR processing equipment. This includes digitally applying character recognition processing to an invalidated MICR line in a digital image of the financial item (e.g., a check). Previously invalidated MICR line data can then be corrected.

Abstract: There are provided a print image-forming method and device. Print image data of a dot matrix is formed in which print portions are represented by positive dots and blank portions are represented by negative dots. Basic image data formed in a manner such that when the basic image data is developed into a dot matrix, a group of image pixels formed by one of a set of positive dots and a set of negative dots is capable of representing a basic image, is read from a memory device. Developed image data item representative of the basic image is formed by developing the basic image data read from the memory device into a dot matrix which is smaller in size than the dot matrix of the print image data in at least one predetermined direction of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A system and method for determining offset errors between line and pixel coordinates of landmarks in a digitized image generated by an imaging system disposed on a spacecraft and line and pixel coordinates predicted by a mathematical model of the imaging system using landmark geodetic coordinates on the Earth. The system and method use landmarks in symbolic form, such as perimeters of lakes and islands that are stored in a database. A digitized image generated by the satellite-based imaging system is processed to extract a patch of the image containing a landmark. The image patch is then upsampled (magnified). The landmark boundary is processed using a mathematical model of the imaging system to generate absolute coordinates of the boundary pixels, which are upsampled and rasterized to produce a landmark mask.

Abstract: A printing system for automatically print-filling in an original form includes a scanner, a printer unit, an operator input unit, a display unit, a main processor and unit controllers. The original form is scanned to create a bitmap thereof that is stored in a first memory area as a first document including fill-in areas. A second blank document is created and stored in a second memory area. The first and second documents are displayed with the second document overlaying the first document. Required fill-in information is operator inputted onto the second document in areas thereof overlaying the fill-in areas in the first document. The original form is then loaded into the printer unit and the second document is selectively printed automatically onto the loaded original form.

Abstract: In a picture-information processing apparatus, information of an edge in a picture is generated from information of luminances in the picture. Data of a mask corresponding to the edge is generated from the information of the edge. Information of feature points on an equal-luminance line in the picture is generated from the information of the luminances in the picture. The equal-luminance line is composed of segments extending between the feature points. A decision is made as to whether or not each of the segments of the equal-luminance line agrees with an edge line segment in response to the data of the mask and the information of the feature points. An edge decision signal is generated which represents the result of the decision. The edge decision signal is added to the information of the feature points.

Abstract: A method for identifying the size, shape, and location of objects in a specimen where the image of the specimen is represented by image data and where the image data is processed to provide mask data representing a mask where the mask identifies the size, shape, and location of the object. Generally, the method includes the step of enhancing the image and creating a threshold image where the threshold image includes a threshold intensity value associated with each pixel of the image. The threshold image is combined with the original image to provide a mask image that identifies the size, shape, and location of the objects. The mask image may be further refined to ensure accurate identification of the object. Various other techniques are disclosed within the general method for processing image data.

Abstract: A method displays an image only to an authorized user by generating a mask image from a data image. The data and mask image are then displayed periodically in an alternating manner on a display device by a select signal. The opening end shutting of an optical shutter device is synchronized to the displaying of the selected images so that only the data image is perceived by the authorized user viewing the display device through the optical shutter device, and a gray image is perceived by an unauthorized user viewing the data and mask images directly.