Abstract: A partition pattern template generation method for alignment receives a learning image and performs partition template generation using the learning image to generate a plurality of partition template result output. A partition template acceptance test is performed using the plurality of partition template results to generate partition templates or failure result. A partition template search method for alignment receives an alignment image and partition templates and performs a plurality of template search steps to generate a plurality of matching scores output. A partition integration method is performed using the plurality of matching scores to generate a partition template search result. A partition integration error self checking method receives a preliminary template search result position and a plurality of the matching scores. A matching score profile comparison is performed using the plurality of the matching scores and the expected matching score profile to generate the template search result.

Abstract: Described is an image centric advertisement platform and technology in which input images are matched to advertisements based on actual visible content (e.g., corresponding to features) within the image. Advertisers upload and bid on advertiser-provided images that correspond to advertisements. When an input image is received, such as a result of user interaction with web content or transmission of the image by a user, (e.g., via MMS), the image is matched to an advertiser images, such as via feature-based image matching. An index based upon the features may be used for efficiently locating the advertisement or advertisements. Also described is a tool for advertisers to use in creating a new scene based upon an uploaded image, or for adding the uploaded image to an existing scene.

Abstract: The apparatus greatly reduces the registered data amount and the verification computation amount required for user verification, in comparison with the verification using image information itself, and also decreases the false verification rate. The apparatus divides a biometric information image into cells, and extracts minutia information as well as cell basic information from the individual cells. After comparison of direction information of the individual cells of the registered data with direction information of the individual cells of the to-be-verified data, thereby aligning the registered fingerprint image and the to-be-verified fingerprint image, the apparatus compares the minutia information of corresponding cells between the registered data and the to-be-verified data to make a match/non-match decision.

Abstract: A system for anonymous communication between a user and a software application is provided, via interaction of an optical imaging device with an interactive surface to generate interaction data. The device has a unique identity which is associated with the user's identity. The interaction data includes data on the application and device identities. The system has a computer system which receives the interaction data generated by the optical imaging device, identifies the application and the device from the identity data included in the received interaction data, translates the identified application and device identities into an alias identity, sends the alias identity and interaction data to the identified application, receives information from the identified application addressed to the alias identity, and forwards the information from the application to the user via the alias identity.

Abstract: A gesture recognition system includes an image pick-up device, a processor, an operation engine, an optimal template selection means, and a display terminal. The image pick-up device is for capturing an image containing a natural gesture. The processor is for finding out a skin edge of a skin part from the image, and then classifying the skin edge into multiple edge parts at different angles. The operation engine has multiple parallel operation units and multiple gesture template libraries of different angle classes. These parallel operation units respectively find out gesture templates most resembling the edge parts in the gesture template libraries of different angle classes. The optimal template selection means selects an optimal gesture template from the resembling gesture templates found out by the parallel operation units. The display terminal is for displaying an image of the optimal gesture template. Thereby, marker-less and real-time gesture recognition is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of character and text recognition of a bit-mapped graphic file received from an optical scanning device. The method comprises a trainable template cache, a preliminarily trained feature analysis means, and a context analysis means. The present invention discloses the way to use said means for achieving the best results in recognition. The method supposes that the template cache along with the context analysis means are used as the main shape characteristic analyzing means. The feature analysis means along with the context analysis means are used as subsidiary shape characteristic analyzing means and as a training means for the template cache. The method comprises applying the main shape characteristic analyzing means and optionally applying the subsidiary shape characteristic analyzing means if no or not enough reliability of recognition is achieved after the template cache analyzing.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for identifying regions of interest in an image and identifying a barcode in a degraded image are provided. A region of interest is identified by pre-processing an image, generating a binary image based on a metric calculated on the pre-processed image, and analyzing regions of the image identified using connected components and other analysis. A barcode is identified by searching a population of barcodes, degrading ideal image intensity profiles of candidate barcodes, and comparing the degraded ideal image intensity profiles to an image intensity profile of the degraded image.

Abstract: A combined image and text document is described. In embodiment(s), a scanned image of a document can be generated utilizing a scanning application, and text representations of text that is included in the document can be generated utilizing a character recognition application. Position data of the text representations can be correlated with locations of corresponding text in the scanned image of the document. The scanned image can then be rendered for display overlaid with the text representations as a transparent overlay, where the scanned image and the text representations are independently user-selectable for display. A user-selectable input can be received to display the text representations without the scanned image, the scanned image without the text representations, or to display the text representations adjacent the scanned image.

Abstract: Annotations are robustly anchored to content. The robust anchoring allows annotations to be associated with the content independently of the format used to store the content. The annotations can be re-anchored to the content after the content has been modified, including modifications to the format used to store the content.

Abstract: A system for screening cargo containers is provided including an image generation device, an apparatus for screening cargo containers and an output module. The image generation device generates an image signal conveying information related to the contents of the cargo container. The apparatus receives the image signal and a list of objects conveying objects expected to be present in the cargo container. A processing unit processes the image signal in combination with the list of objects and a group of target images associated with objects to derive mismatch information data. The mismatch information data conveys at least one distinction between the list of objects and the information related to the contents of the cargo container conveyed by the image signal. Information conveying the mismatch information data is released and conveyed to a user of the system by an output module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a defect detection or observation method that detects fine defects in the course of defect inspection and observation, does not detect locations not constituting defects, or classifies a defect candidate as a grain phenomenon or other phenomenon that does not affect a product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for allowing quality of an image to be tested. For example, the present invention may be utilized to test the quality of an image produced by a helmet-mounted display such as an Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (IHADSS). In at least one embodiment, after the image is captured by a camera, for example, at least one measurable aspect of the image is analyzed in an objective manner to determine at least one possible difference in the measurable aspect of the image and a corresponding measurable aspect of a recalled representation of the image and presenting the difference via a visual display device.

Abstract: A user provides to an image recognition system an image that is intended to be used to identify one or more appliances that are to be controlled by a universal controlling device. The image recognition system has access to a database of images that have been cross-referenced to appliances and configuration information for those appliances. The image recognition system uses the provided image to identify one or more appliances to be controlled using the universal controlling device and, accordingly, the configuration information for those one or more appliances so identified. The configuration information may then be provided to a user for manual provision to the universal controlling device or be provided in a form for downloading into the universal controlling device, whether directly or via an intermediate device. The configuration information may also be provided to an intermediate device which has programming for use in connection with a process of configuring the universal controlling device.

Abstract: For objects with non-Lambertian surfaces, an object surface is mapped by effectively modifying the reflective properties of the object surface being sensed. By effectively making the surface Lambertian with high albedo, a calibration imaging task is achieved using a typical camera from a single or small number of camera positions. The calibration method temporarily modifies the surface properties of the imaged object by applying a thin and opaque layer, such as a coating, covering, or veneer, to the object for the duration of the calibration imaging task. The surface of this layer is a Lambertian reflector, with medium to high albedo. The layer is snugly applied, so a shape of the layer is as close as possible to that of the surface. Once the layer is applied, imaging of the layer surface essentially yields the same shape as the underlying object.

Abstract: The present invention generates a color template design. According to one aspect, a source image is selected. Colors of a selected template design are adjusted automatically based on placement of a cursor on a source image that is separate from the template design. The adjusted color on the template design may match the color of the source image. Alternatively, a color template design system may be configured to adjust the color to a contrast or any predetermined variation of the color of the source image. The system may display the selected template design after automatically adjusting colors and store the selected template design for use as a template. The template design may include a framing portion, a mat portion, a foreground portion, and a background portion and at least one of those portions may be adjusted based on the placement of the cursor on the source image.

Abstract: A computer arrangement is disclosed, including a processor and a memory that stores a computer program, object data originating from a first source and including object location data, and laser samples originating from a second source, including a sub-set of laser samples relating to the object and including laser sample location data as to each laser sample. In at least one embodiment, the processor compares the object location data and the laser sample location data of the sub-set of laser samples, and matches the object location data to the laser sample location data of the sub-set of laser samples based on this comparison, and thereby corrects for relative positional errors between the first and second sources of location data. The object may be a building façade, for example.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting copies of documents are described. In one example, a system and method for detecting copies of documents utilizes multiple authentication tests performed using original and scanned copy detection patterns. The system captures a CDP that may be skewed or improperly sized. The system also retrieves or reconstitutes the expected CDP. Then the system performs a first correlation to determine if the captured CDP indicates the correct document identification and then if necessary, one or more authentication tests are applied wherein the authentication test may be grouped into distinct orthogonal test groups. The authentication tests applied may be selected according to usefulness, system throughput or target document valuation parameters.

Abstract: A split image generation portion generates split images. A split projected waveform generation portion generates split projected waveforms from the split images respectively. A projected waveform synthesizer portion generates projected waveforms by combining the split projected waveforms. A feature volume extraction portion extracts feature volumes from the generated projected waveforms. A feature volume correlation portion correlates feature volume data of a target image with feature volume data of a reference image. A correction value calculation portion calculates correction values in accordance with geometrical distortion between the reference image and the target image on the basis of a result of the correlation and generates an n-dimensional lookup table. An image collation portion collates the target image with the reference image in consideration of the geometrical distortion by using the lookup table.

Abstract: The inventive data processing system and method enable recognition, matching, and/or identification of images and/or of objects, utilizing at least one novel pleographic data processing technique.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending information to a data processing apparatus for identifying a document to share with a recipient. A handheld device is capable of communicating with the data processing apparatus. Information is captured from the document and stored in the handheld device as document data. A communications path is established between the handheld device and the data processing apparatus. The document data is sent to the data processing apparatus through the communications path. Reference documents are provided. Each reference document has reference data stored in a memory. At least a portion of the received document data is extracted as scanning data. The reference data is retrieved from the memory. The scanning data is compared with the reference data. When the scanning data matches at least a portion of the reference data of one of the reference documents, the one reference document is selected as the identified document for forwarding to the recipient.

Abstract: Search terms are derived automatically from images captured by a camera equipped cell phone, PDA, or other image capturing device, submitted to a search engine to obtain information of interest, and at least a portion of the resulting information is transmitted back locally to, or nearby, the device that captured the image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to diagnostic imaging of small pulmonary nodules. There are two main stages in the evaluation of pulmonary nodules from Computed Tomography (CT) scans: detection, in which the locations of possible nodules are identified, and characterization, in which a nodule is represented by measured features that may be used to evaluate the probability that the nodule is cancer. Currently, the most useful prediction feature is growth rate, which requires the comparison of size estimates from two CT scans recorded at different times. The present invention includes methods for detection and feature extraction for size characterization. The invention focuses the analysis of small pulmonary nodules that are less than 1 centimeter in size, but is also suitable for larger nodules as well.

Abstract: An automated laboratory slide management and interpretation system and method in which slides are stained and then digitally imaged and the images are interpreted prior to referral to a diagnostician or placement in storage. The interpretation of the images involves the application of pattern recognition principles to compare the digitized images to known sample patterns from a variety of sources. Additionally, based on the results of the interpretation, the slide may undergo additional testing or staining, and additional samples may be prepared and tested. The specimens may be delivered to the diagnostician along with a tentative diagnosis.

Abstract: A system and method for feature evaluation that include an evaluation system configured to consider extracted features and reference features and an evaluation system configured to quantify accuracy, quality, and correspondence between the reference features and the extracted features.

Abstract: A computer model of a physical structure (or object) can be generated using context-based hypothesis testing. For a set of point data, a user selects a context specifying a geometric category corresponding to the structure shape. The user specifies at least one seed point from the set that lies on a surface of the structure of interest. Using the context and point data, the system loads points in a region near the seed point(s), and determines the dimensions and orientation of an initial surface component in the context that corresponds to those points. If the selected component is supported by the points, that component can be added to a computer model of the surface. The system can repeatedly find points near a possible extension of the surface model, using the context and current surface component(s) to generate hypotheses for extending the surface model to these points.

Abstract: An image management method and system provides for storing, indexing, searching, and/or retrieving image data. Keypoints are identified in images, including keypoints in a query image of a query document, and keypoints in potential target document images of a collection of potential target documents. Fingerprint information from the keypoints are generated, and the fingerprint information of a query image is compared with fingerprint information of potential target document images, found in the collection of potential target documents. A best match is determined between the fingerprint information of the query image and the potential target document images. At least one target document image is retrieved based on the determined best match. The retrieved at least one target image may then be displayed, printed or transmitted.

Abstract: A method is provided that increases throughput and decreases the memory requirements for matching multiple templates in image. The method includes determining a set of inter-template early elimination values that characterize the degree of matching between various templates and the image, at various locations in the image. A later-analyzed template may be rejected as a potential match at a location in the image based on comparing a value characterizing its degree of match at that location to an inter-template early elimination value corresponding to the degree of match of an earlier-analyzed template at that location. The compared values may be determined by different sets of operations, and may be normalized such that they are properly comparable. The inter-template early elimination conditions may be stored in a shared correlation map. The shared correlation map may be analyzed to determine the matching locations for multiple templates in the image.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method of identifying an item depicted in an image is provided. In this method, the image depicting the item is accessed; in addition, other images and their item identifiers are also accessed. A match of the image with one of the other images is identified. With a match, the image is then associated with an item identifier of the matched image.

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: The similarity between a search form and a registered form is calculated on a page-by-page basis in a predetermined order. Every time the page similarity is calculated, it is determined whether or not a value representing the similarity is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined that the similarity value is smaller than the threshold value, the registered form is removed, at this point, from candidates for a recognition target. A form having a possibility of page repetition can also be recognized.

Abstract: A method and/or system for tracking objects, such as humans, over a wide area (that is, over an area that is delineated by a large spatial domain and/or a long-duration temporal domain) is provided. Such tracking is facilitated by processing, in real-time, near real-time or otherwise contemporaneous with receiving, images captured by each of a plurality or network of slightly overlapping stereo sensors, such as stereo cameras. The method includes and the apparatus is adapted for obtaining a plurality of local-track segments, wherein the plurality of local-track segments correspond to an object captured in images taken by a respective plurality of stereo sensors; and combining the local-track segments to form a global track.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to allow high-precision and high-speed retrieval in consideration of position information of image feature amounts upon retrieving similar images based on image feature amounts, even when the position information includes some differences. To achieve such object, an image processing apparatus according to this invention has the following arrangement.

Abstract: A mapping engine receives map data from a map server and displays electronic maps. The mapping engine also receives one or more templates that specify metrics to show with the map. The templates specify metrics to accomplish specific tasks, such as house hunting. Metrics describe attributes of the areas shown in the map and are received from a metrics server or another source. Metrics are static or dynamic. Some metrics are explicitly specified, while other metrics are computed in response to the map data and/or other metrics. One or more of the templates are designated as “active,” and the mapping engine displays the metrics of the active templates. The mapping engine displays some metrics on the map and other metrics in a metrics panel.

Abstract: A security feature is produced on a flat substrate, e.g. on paper or board. Particles—forming a cryptographic random pattern—are applied, preferably scattered on, to the substrate or incorporated into the substrate. Flexible pieces of wire or fiber, in particular thin pieces of copper wire, are applied to or incorporated into the substrate in a feature area corresponding to the security feature. The security feature can be provided with a protective layer, e.g. a laminate. A security feature produced in accordance with the invention can be detected simply and faultlessly and evaluated cryptographically. Furthermore, it cannot be imitated, or can be imitated only uneconomically, with known printing processes.

Abstract: An image capture system comprises an image input and processing unit. The image input obtains image information which is then passed to the processing unit. The processing unit is coupled to the image input for determining image metrics on the image information. The processing unit initiates a capture sequence when the image metrics meet a predetermined condition. The capture sequence may store one or more images, or it may indicate that one or more images have been detected. In one embodiment, the image input is a CMOS or CCD sensor.

Abstract: An image processing method is provided for detecting the position of a specific subject from a moving image and combining a display of detection result indicating the detected position with the moving image. The image processing method includes a step of determining, depending on a display time of the detection result, whether the detection result should be continuously displayed, when the subject cannot be detected during the display of the detection result combined with the moving image.

Abstract: A scanning machine (10) includes a scan surface (12) for receiving a page or pages to be scanned. A motion detector (20) monitors the copy surface to detect movement of the pages. In response to detecting a cessation of motion on the scan surface, the motion detector generates a trigger signal which causes a capture circuit (30) to capture an image of a page on the scan surface. If, during the capture of the page image, the motion detector detects motion of the page, the motion detector generates an abort signal which terminates capture of the image and empties a buffer memory (32). Once cessation of motion of the page is again detected, another trigger signal is issued and another attempt is made to capture an image. In this manner, scanning is started and stopped by natural, simple gestures without the operator pushing buttons.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for identifying slides is disclosed, where samples such as tissue sample mounted to slides are labeled with information, and an image of the information is captured by a processing instrument. The image is analyzed, for example using optical character recognition, and information extracted from the image is used to determine the test to be applied to the slide by the processing instrument. Where information about the slide cannot be extracted from the image, the image is presented to a user to that the slide information, such as its identity or the test to be applied, may be selected by the user to allow the slide to be processed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique to generate an accurate connected image even in a monotonous pattern using design data as constrained conditions. A reference position is roughly determined through matching between the design data and image data, matching between neighboring images is performed using the amount of mismatch from the design data as a searching range and a connected image is generated at high speed and accurately.

Abstract: The scene change determination device of the present invention comprises a first extraction unit for extracting a plurality of pixels used for determination from the first image data, a second extraction unit for extracting pixels corresponding to the pixels extracted from the first image data, an accumulation unit for accumulating differences in value between the corresponding pixels extracted by the first and second extraction units and a determination unit for determining whether an accumulated value per image data exceeds a threshold value. The first and second extraction units slides and extracts the plurality of pixels used for determination for each field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing a communication network by means of a terminal, which is provided with a screen and is used for exchanging information via a telecommunication network. The inventive method comprises the following steps: a step for periodically totally or partly retrieving values of the terminal screen pixels, a step for computing on the base of said pixel values one or several parameters representative for the screen content and a step for transmitting said one or several parameters to storing and/or analyzing means.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging an object, and using reference templates to recognize and enhance object image, including the identification of a template for a specific area of a target object to which images of the object may be compared, the use of the camera on a wireless device to image the target object, comparison of the images of the object within the specific area of the object to the template for that area of the object, identification of the image of the object from the comparison of the image to the template for the specific area of the object, and the storage of the template and the identified image on a data server.

Abstract: Methods, functional data, and systems are provided for image feature translation. An image is decomposed into sub images, each sub image having its features identified by feature attributes. The feature attributes are used to identify a particular feature within each sub image. The orientation of the particular feature within the sub image is then mapped or calculated to a value. One or more of the mapped or calculated values are translated into a reading associated with an instrument. The reading is then optionally recorded or transmitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comparing data is described. In one embodiment, an exemplary method includes receiving a first set of data pertaining a first object and a second set of data pertaining to a second object, and comparing the first object with the second object using an earth mover's distance method that is based on computation of a series of Hausdorff distances.

Abstract: The present invention generates a color template design. According to one aspect, a source image is selected. Colors of a selected template design are adjusted automatically using color data collected from the selected source image. A histogram may be generated for the selected source image. The histogram may be analyzed to automatically adjust the colors of the selected template design.

Abstract: An album creating apparatus for crating an album by automatically selecting an appropriate image to be laid out in an image layout frame arranged in a template and laying out the selected image in the image layout frame is provided.

Abstract: Various technologies and techniques are described that enhance ease of selection of chart styles using dynamically generated icons to represent style and templates. As one non-limiting example, a gallery view of available chart styles for a currently selected theme is generated using the same rendering engine that processes data to create graphs. A sample chart is generated of the same type as a graph in an active document. Sample data is retrieved for the selected chart type. The currently selected theme is applied to the sample chart, and the sample chart is formatted for a small form factor. Each available style in the currently selected theme can be applied to the sample chart, which is now formatted for an iconic sized graphical representation, to generate mini-graph representations of each style. The styles can be presented to the user as a gallery view for user selection of a chart style.

Abstract: A front-going vehicle is recognized by using a camera image from a camera for monitoring the front of one's own vehicle and detection data from a radar for detecting position of an object in front of one's own vehicle and distance to this object. A front-going vehicle is recognized among photographed objects with object images contained in the camera image by extracting images in a specified area inside the camera image centered around positions of objects in detection data from the radar, binarizing the extracted images, matching patterns between an image figure contained in the binarized image and reference images and judging an image figure as a figure of a front-going vehicle if it is concluded that this image figure matches one of the reference images over a specified percentage. The reference figures are of a specified pattern, having a horizontally elongated part with downward protrusions from both its end parts so as to resemble a back view of a vehicle.

Abstract: The biometric system disclosed herein comprises device for providing a pattern; the device having a source of light and a source for providing a pattern. The source of light is operative to illuminate an object with light. An imaging device is disposed at a different location from the source of light to capture an image from the object. The system further comprises a pattern comparison device; the pattern comparison device being operative to compare details of the pattern disposed upon the object and details of a reference pattern; the pattern comparison device rejecting the object if the pattern disposed upon the object does not match the reference pattern.

Abstract: This invention consists in an image processing method in which the similarity between a first pixel and a second pixel constituting an image is numerically given by statistical testing, and the values of the first and second pixels are averaged when the similarity numerically given is high, whereas the first and second pixel values are not averaged when the determined similarity is low, whereby an image with noises suppressed is obtained without spoiling a spatial resolution as well as a temporal resolution.