Abstract: A network device and method are directed towards detecting and blocking image spam within a message by employing a weighted min-hash to perform a near duplicate detection (NDD) of determined features within an image as compared to known spam images. The weighting for the min-hash is determined based on employing a machine learning algorithm, such as a perceptron, to identify an importance of each bit in a signature vector of the image. The signature vector is generated by extracting a shape of text in the image using a Discrete Cosine Transform, extracting low-frequency characteristics using a high-pass filter, and then performing various morphological operations to emphasize the shape of the text and reduce noise. Selected feature bits are extracted from the lowest frequency and intensity bits of the resulting signal to generate the signature vector used in the weighted min-hash NDD.

Abstract: In a card serving as an external storage device to be inserted into a digital color multi-function printer, features of a reference image and processing rule information indicating processing content to be applied to input image data judged to be similar to the reference image are prestored. Then, in cases where the input image data is judged to be similar to the reference image, the content of a process to be performed on the input image data is controlled in accordance with the processing rule information corresponding to the reference image. This makes it possible to save users the trouble of setting the content of a process to be performed on input image data, and to prevent a shortage of memory capacity of a memory of the image processing apparatus even in cases where there is an increase in the number of reference images.

Abstract: A frontal view imaging and control device installed on a movable object, includes: an image input unit receiving an image taken by an image device that captures a region of a road surface in a predetermined direction; a projection transformation unit linking each pixel of the image onto a virtual two-dimensional plane of a road surface through coordinate transformation so as to form a virtual projection image on the two-dimensional plane; a projection likelihood calculation unit dividing the virtual projection image into a distant view section and a close view section, and calculating similarity defined between a projection of the distant view section and a projection of the close view section; and an attitude angle calculation unit determining an angle of depression and a panning angle that maximize the similarity as a measured attitude angle that indicates an image capturing direction of the imaging device.

Abstract: A computerized robust cell kinetic recognition method for moving cell detection from temporal image sequence receives an image sequence containing a current image. A dynamic spatial-temporal reference generation is performed to generate dynamic reference image output. A reference based object segmentation is performed to generate initial object segmentation output. An object matching and detection refinement is performed to generate kinetic recognition results output. The dynamic spatial-temporal reference generation step performs frame look ahead and the reference images contain a reference intensity image and at least one reference variation image.

Abstract: A method of identifying motion within a field of view includes capturing at least two sequential images within the field of view. Each of the images includes a respective array of pixel values. An array of difference values between corresponding ones of the pixel values in the sequential images is calculated. A sensitivity region map corresponding to the field of view is provided. The sensitivity region map includes a plurality of regions having different threshold values. A presence of motion is determined by comparing the difference values to corresponding ones of the threshold values.

Abstract: Software failures are processed by categorizing images associated with the failures into groups based on similarities in the images. The categorizing of the images may be performed by a software failure analysis tool. The images may include full or partial screenshots of a computer at the time of the software failure. An image may be part of the output of a test, or may be part of a report of a software failure from an end user of the software. The software failure analysis tool may be part of a larger software test management system.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a block setting unit that sets a block having a fixed size to inputted image data; a determining unit that determines whether or not at least a part of an image region included in the block set by the block setting unit is filled with a single pixel value; a pixel value replacing unit that replaces at least a part of the image region included in the block by a single pixel value according to a result of the determination by the determining unit; and a hierarchical process controller that instructs the block setting unit to set a broader block including plural set blocks.

Abstract: An object recognition apparatus sets each of keypoints extracted from a typical image and one of keypoints extracted from an input image, having scale invariant features similar to each other, as a typical corresponding point and an object corresponding point matching with each other, and produces a position vector directed from a typical reference point of the typical image to each typical keypoint. The apparatus determines a position of an object reference point in the input image from a position of each object corresponding point and the vector of the typical corresponding point matching with the object corresponding point. When the positions of the object reference point are concentrated, the apparatus judges that an object picture having the object corresponding points in the input image matches with the typical image, and the apparatus recognizes the picture as an object indicated by the typical image.

Abstract: A hierarchical motion deblurring method for a single image is provided. In the method, a blur kernel of a target image is calculated and a multi-scale representation for representing the target image and the blur kernel is constructed. Then, a gradient attenuation function and a strong edge suppression function are applied to a residual Richardson-Lucy algorithm, so as to iteratively calculate a residual image between the blur kernel and the target image represented by the representation in each scale and restore the residual image to obtain a first restored image and a second restored image. Finally, the two restored images are compared so as to obtain a motion deblurring image.

Abstract: To render the comparison of image patches more efficient, the data of an image patch can be projected into a smaller-dimensioned subspace, resulting in a descriptor of the image patch. The projection into the descriptor subspace is known as a linear discriminant embedding, and can be performed with reference to a linear discriminant embedding matrix. The linear discriminant embedding matrix can be constructed from projection vectors that maximize those elements that are shared by matching image patches or that are used to distinguish non-matching image patches, while also minimizing those elements that are common to non-matching image patches or that distinguish matching image patches. The determination of such projection vectors can be limited such that only orthogonal vectors comprise the linear discriminant embedding matrix. The determination of the linear discriminant embedding matrix can likewise be constrained to avoid overfitting to training data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-path method of block matching computing for image processing, which comprises: determining a searching pattern with a center pixel point and a plurality of surrounding pixel points to perform a block searching operation; computing a plurality of pixel value differences between the center pixel point and the surrounding points of two continuous frames; and utilizing at least two pixel points with a pixel value difference as the center pixel point to perform the next block searching operation, wherein the pixel difference of the at least two pixel points has a difference less than a predetermined value from a minimum pixel value difference.

Abstract: A system allows greater dynamic range in fixed-width sample representations of waveforms. Known properties of the waveform are used to determine an unlikely, or impossible, data condition to be used as an exception condition. In a preferred embodiment that is directed to processing of audio waveforms, a first large value transitioning to a second large value of different sign is used to indicate an exception condition. Samples following the exception condition are assumed to be shifted by a predetermined amount so that their representation within the allowable dynamic range of the word results in an extended dynamic range. In a preferred embodiment, pre-processing of a waveform is used to create exception conditions and to perform “peak packing” to shift portions of the waveform that would otherwise become clipped, so that the waveform peaks reside in a shifted position within the digital representation.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus, method, and medium for processing an image. In the apparatus, at least one image selected from images to be stitched so as to make colors of overlapped sections of the images as identical with each other as possible and operating again in response to a re-alignment signal, and an image correction unit generating the re-alignment signal after correcting a color of at least a part of the overlapped sections as a result of the shifting of the at least one image in consideration of colors of the overlapped sections Then the shifting of the image is repeated. Therefore, even when the overlapped sections of the images are not identical in color, the overlapped sections of the images can be precisely aligned when the images are stitched for forming a panoramic image, thereby making the panoramic image more accurate.

Abstract: An information presentation system includes an imaging unit, a peripheral information acquisition unit which acquires peripheral information, a storage unit which stores registered information, an analytic basic information construction unit which constructs analytic basic information from the registered information stored in the storage unit, on the basis of the peripheral information acquired in the peripheral information acquisition unit, a pertinent information acquisition unit which acquires information pertinent to the image from the image obtained from the imaging unit and the analytic basic information obtained from the analytic basic information construction unit, and a presentation unit which presents the pertinent information acquired in the pertinent information acquisition unit.

Abstract: A storage process section stores, into an exceptional reference image list, discrimination information for discriminating a reference image which permits image processing and a reference image which forbids or restricts image processing. In case where a maximum value of a similarity calculated by a voting process section is not less than a threshold value, a control section determines whether a reference image having a maximum similarity is the reference image which permits image processing or a reference image which forbids or restricts image processing and determines whether or not it is necessary to forbid or restrict image processing with respect to input image data in accordance with a result of the determination. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous determination from forbidding execution of image processing based on input image data or to prevent erroneous determination from allowing execution of image processing based on input image data.

Abstract: A video redirection system redirects an incoming video stream to a remote console. The video redirection system samples the video stream to generate a currently sampled frame comprising a plurality of tiles, and calculates a current hash value for each of the tiles. The video redirection system compresses the tile if the current hash value is different from a reference hash value locally stored inside the video redirection system. A difference in the hash value indicates that there is a change in the tile of the currently sampled frame from the corresponding tile of the previously sampled frame. Thus, it is no longer necessary to compare the currently sampled frame with a reference frame in the memory. Accordingly, the amount of memory access is reduced.

Abstract: Image data of a response form is processed. The response form has a plurality of response bubbles, including at least one filled and at least one unfilled response bubble. One or more baseline response bubble attributes for unfilled response bubbles are provided in a memory. Image data of a response form is processed to determine one or more response bubbles that are unfilled. One or more actual response bubble attributes of the one or more unfilled response bubbles is then calculated. A difference metric value is then calculated by comparing the one or more baseline response bubble attributes to the one or more actual response bubble attributes. The one or more baseline response bubble attributes are reset to a new set of one or more baseline response bubble attributes if the difference metric value exceeds a predetermined threshold. The one or more baseline response bubble attributes are maintained at their present value if the difference metric value does not exceed the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus detects only an object to be detected by removing a disturbance, such as the shaking of trees by using a very simple process and parameter. The image processing apparatus includes a reference image storing unit for storing a plurality of past image data photographed by a video input unit as reference image data, and an image moving object detecting unit for detecting the difference of pixels or difference in small areas between the image data photographed by the video input unit and each of the plurality of reference image data stored by the reference image storing unit and detecting a moving object in the image data based on the continuity or appearance probability of the difference.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable media are presented for presenting similar images of a selected image in a user interface. One embodiment of the method can include identifying a selected first image and identifying a selected direction from the first image. Additionally, the method can include calculating a best neighbor metric for each of one or more other images to determine a best neighbor image in the selected direction. Furthermore, the method can include presenting the best neighbor image to a user in a user interface.

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.

Abstract: An image synthesizing device for synthesizing a second image of an object in a predetermined illumination condition from a first image of the object includes an illumination condition estimation section for estimating an illumination condition from a luminance value of the first image, and a normal information estimation section estimates normal information containing a normal direction of the object, with regard to a predetermined pixel in the first image. An error component information estimation section estimates information of an error component in the predetermined illumination condition, an image synthesizing section synthesizes the second image of the object in the predetermined illumination condition, and the normal information estimation section estimates normal information of a predetermined pixel from information of a plurality of the pixels in the first image.

Abstract: A document alteration detection method compares a target image with an original image using a two-step process. In the first step, the original and target images are divided into connected image components and their centroids are obtained, and the centroids of the image components in the original and target images are compared. Each centroid in the target image that is not in the original image is deemed to represent an addition, and each centroid in the original image that is not in the target image is deemed to represent a deletion. In the second step, sub-images containing the image components corresponding to each pair of matching centroids in the original and target images are compared to detect any alterations.

Abstract: Improved correlation techniques employ data from forward (template-to-reference) and reverse (reference-to-template) correlation to identify valid correlation peaks, enforce symmetry in correlation peaks, and/or combine forward and reverse correlation data. In embodiments, these techniques eliminate or reduce rms noise in a recovered signal peak location by enforcing correlation peak symmetry. The forward and reverse correlation methods described herein may be used for validation of correlation peaks, detection of outlier data points and improved interpolation, such as for higher accuracy localization of a peak center with sub-pixel resolution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a secure document is provided. The apparatus includes an image input unit which receives the image of a document; an edge image detecting unit which detects an edge image of the document having a predetermined size; a similarity checking unit which checks the similarity between the detected edge image and comparative edge images of secure documents which are previously stored; and a document attribute determining unit which determines whether the document is one of the secure documents according to the result of the similarity checking unit.

Abstract: A method of re-locating an object in a sample is provided for a previously-scanned slide having determined objects each with corresponding stored coordinates and a stored image, the objects being mapped relative to each other. The slide is positioned on a microscope stage, stored images of the objects are visually displayed, and a target object is selected. The slide is moved to an estimated coordinate position, corresponding to the coordinates of the target object, and a field-of-view image of the sample is captured for comparison to the stored image of the target. If the target is in the image, an offset between actual coordinates of the located target and the stored coordinates of the corresponding object is determined. The slide is then moved, via the stage, from the estimated coordinate position, according to the offset, to center the target in the image. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Digital image data including discrete photographic images of a variety of different subjects, times, and so forth, are collected and analyzed to identify specific features in the photographs. In an embodiment of the invention, distinctive markers are distributed to aid in the identification of particular subject matter. Facial recognition may also be employed. The digital image data is maintained in a database and quarried in response to search requests. The search requests include criteria specifying any feature category or other identifying information, such as date, time, and location that each photograph was taken, associated with each photograph. Candidate images are provided for review by requesters, who may select desired images for purchase or downloading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that validates a hologram by scanning the hologram at multiple angles is disclosed. The method may include scanning a document containing the hologram at a first angle to create a first image, scanning the document containing the hologram at a second angle to create a second image, determining whether the hologram is valid, and sending the validity determination to a user interface for display to a user.

Abstract: A diagnosis target image is input, and a template ROI which is set on an image to divide the area on the image into predetermined areas in anatomical terms, physiological terms, or other scientific terms is read out from a storage unit. A matching processing unit warps the template ROI in correspondence with each diagnosis target image on the basis of the feature information of the diagnosis target image extracted by a feature information extraction unit. This warping is executed until an index indicating the degree of matching between the template ROI and the diagnosis image exceeds a predetermined threshold. The warped template ROI is displayed on a display unit upon being superimposed on the diagnosis image.

Abstract: An automatic optical inspection system includes a rotary device for driving an object to rotate. At least one line-scan camera is implemented for generating two-dimensional planar images of cylindrical surfaces of the object. A device for detecting defects is operable to generate the two-dimensional planar images of the cylindrical surfaces of the object according to a normalized grayscale absolute difference inspection method.

Abstract: A method for image linear structure detection in medical imaging. The method includes locating microcalcification (mcc) candidate spots in a mammographic image; forming candidate clusters; assigning ranks to the candidate clusters; identifying linear structures in the neighborhood where the candidate clusters reside; and altering the ranks of the candidate clusters for which linear structures have been identified in the neighborhood.

Abstract: An alignment mark is arranged to be within an image screen and the alignment mark is formed with rectangular patterns having varied dimensions from each other. The signal waveforms from each of the rectangular patterns are measured. The number of the rectangular patterns with normal waveforms is compared to the minimum required number of marks prescribed beforehand. The amount of deviation in alignment is calculated by excluding the abnormal measured result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which thumbnail images are compared to differentiate between a selected image and one or more other images, and a difference image of the portion of the selected image that is different from one or more other images is determined. An enlarged view of a difference image that depicts the difference between the selected image and one or more other images is shown on a display. The apparatus and method may be carried out in various electronic devices, such as, for example, a general or special purpose computer, a mobile phone, or other electronic device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image acquisition section which acquires an original image; a resolution conversion section which converts the resolution of the original image acquired by the image acquisition section and generates a plurality of reduced images having different resolutions; a detection section which processes by template matching the plurality of reduced images generated by the resolution conversion section and detects an area occupied by a picked-up image of a particular object corresponding to the template, from the reduced images; and a detection result processing section which detects the area occupied by the picked-up image of the particular object on the original image, by processing a detection result obtained by the detection section, the detection section detecting the area occupied by the picked-up image of the particular object by processing the plurality of reduced images in an order in which resolution sequentially varies on a step-by-step basis.

Abstract: A system for creating photorealistic 3D models of environments and/or objects from a plurality of stereo images obtained from a mobile stereo camera and optional monocular cameras, for enhancing 3D models of environments or objects by registering information from additional sensors to improve model fidelity or to augment it with supplementary information using a light pattern projector, and for generating photo-realistic 3D models of underground environments such as tunnels, mines, voids and caves, including automatic registration of the 3D models with pre-existing underground maps. The cameras may be handheld, mounted on a mobile platform, manipulator or a positioning device. The system automatically detects and tracks features in image sequences and self-references the stereo camera in 6 degrees of freedom by matching the features to a database to track the camera motion, while building the database simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of recognizing an object in an image is provided, the method comprises the following steps. The image having the object is provided, and principal traits of the object are encoded in order to generate a first trait code. The first trait code is compared with data stored in a database so as to obtain a plurality of differences. A minimum of the plurality of differences is found. This method can be applied to synthesize human faces.

Abstract: Digital image data including discrete photographic images of a variety of different subjects, times, and so forth, are collected and analyzed to identify specific features in the photographs. In an embodiment of the invention, distinctive markers are distributed to aid in the identification of particular subject matter. Facial recognition may also be employed. The digital image data is maintained in a database and quarried in response to search requests. The search requests include criteria specifying any feature category or other identifying information, such as date, time, and location that each photograph was taken, associated with each photograph. Candidate images are provided for review by requesters, who may select desired images for purchase or downloading.

Abstract: A method of detecting spam images in electronic objects such as emails includes compressing images extracted from the electronic object into a common representation using a lossy compression function and determining if the compressed forms of the extracted images are identical to the compressed form of any known spam image from a corpus of known spam images, which compressed forms are the known spam images compressed into the common representation using the lossy compression function. The electronic objects are signalled as embedding a spam image on the basis of a compressed form of an extracted image extracted from an electronic object being determined to be identical to the compressed form of a known spam image.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of determining a location of a component on a workpiece. A before-placement standard image is acquired of an intended placement location on a standard workpiece. Then, a standard component is placed upon the standard workpiece and the placement is verified. An after-placement standard image is acquired and a standard difference image is created from the before and after standard images. Then, a before-placement test image is acquired of an intended placement location on the workpiece. A component is then placed upon the workpiece, and after-placement test image is acquired. A test difference image is created from the before and after test images. A first offset is calculated between the before standard difference image and the before test image. Then, the test difference is transformed based on the first offset to generate a difference test image (DTR) that is registered to the standard difference image.

Abstract: A device for converting digital images taken along a predefined movement pattern into a control signal. The device comprises an image input device having a connection to a image sensor. The image input device is adapted to receive the digital images captured during the displacement of the image sensor and determine whether motion measured therein corresponds to any prestored movement pattern, that is to say to a predefined gesture. The device further comprises a movement pattern converter to convert the recognized pattern into the control signal.

Abstract: Methods disclosed permit the outlining of difference images associated with an image pair. In some embodiments, an outlined difference image may be generated by selecting at least one non-zero pixel in a thresholded difference image and setting the value of the selected pixel to the maximum value permitted for that color space. In some embodiments, each color component of the selected pixel may be set to the maximum value permitted for that color component. The outlined difference image may also be scaled while preserving thresholded difference information. In some embodiments, the outlined difference image may be rendered using a monitor or a printer.

Abstract: An embodiment provides for enabling retrieval of a collection of captured images that form at least a portion of a library of images. For each image in the collection, a captured image may be analyzed to recognize information from image data contained in the captured image, and an index may be generated, where the index data is based on the recognized information. Using the index, functionality such as search and retrieval is enabled. Various recognition techniques, including those that use the face, clothing, apparel, and combinations of characteristics may be utilized. Recognition may be performed on, among other things, persons and text carried on objects.

Abstract: A token type content providing system is provided, in which the system includes a portable user terminal and a linkup server, the portable user terminal includes: a part for obtaining a token from an information notification medium; a part for sending the token to a linkup server; and a part for receiving content information; the linkup server includes: a part for determining one or more content identifier corresponding to the token by using a token table database; a part for obtaining one or more items of content information corresponding to the one or more content identifier; a part for selecting one or more items of content information by referring to the attribute information, and sending a part or the whole of selected content information to the portable user terminal.

Abstract: Provided is an image recognition method in which a first pattern area which is set inside a target to be recognized and a second pattern area which is set outside the target are used as a mask pattern. When a comparison circuit judges that a difference obtained by subtracting, by a differential circuit, the largest luminance value in the target image contained in the first pattern area, which is detected by a largest value detection circuit, from the smallest luminance value in the target image contained in the second pattern area, which is detected by the smallest value detection circuit, is larger than a certain offset amount, the matching judgement that a predetermined pattern is present is made. This recognition judgment is performed with the whole target image being scanned.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing and mosaicking images of one or more surfaces of a collapsed cavity are described. A number of embodiments are capable of performing mosaicking in real time. Many embodiments are configured to perform multiple passes during motion estimation and/or registration to improve the quality of the resulting mosaic(s).

Abstract: Even if a margin area, which did not exist in an original image, is present around a document area in a document acquired by printing the original image, an accurate layout comparison between the scanned image of the printed document and the original image can be performed as follows. An original image serving as a comparison target image is input, and block information about a block included in the original image is extracted. It is determined whether the size of the original image is a predetermined size. When the size is not a predetermined size, block information about the block included in the original image mapped to a predetermined size is created and registered. When a comparison source image is input, block information about a block included in the comparison source image is extracted. Subsequently, two pieces of the block information of the comparison source and target images are compared.

Abstract: A regular expression pattern matching circuit based on a pipeline architecture is proposed, which is designed for integration to a data processing system, such as a computer platform, a firewall, or a network intrusion detention system (NIDS), for checking whether an input code sequence (such as a network data packet) is matched to specific patterns predefined by regular expressions. The proposed circuit architecture includes an incremental improvement on an old combination of a comparator circuit module and an NDFA (non-deterministic finite-state automata) circuit module, where the incremental improvement comprises a data signal delay circuit module installed to the comparator circuit module and an enable signal delay circuit module installed to the NDFA circuit module to thereby constitute a multi-sage pipeline architecture that allows a faster processing speed than the prior art.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus and method for processing an input image by comparing a stored background image with the input image to obtain a difference, collating a change in the difference and time of the change with conditions for the occurrence of a periodic event and information as to the time of occurrence of the periodic event, which are previously stored in a storage unit, to determine whether the change in state of the input image is the periodic or a non-periodic movement of an object, and selecting, according to a result of the determination, any one of operations according to the periodic or the non-periodic movement of an object.

Abstract: A compound eye imaging apparatus can estimate a sub-pixel disparity with a high degree of accuracy without depending on a brightness of a surface of an object.

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 system receives a mask pattern and a first image of at least a portion of a photo-mask corresponding to the mask pattern. The system determines a second image of at least the portion of the photo-mask based on the first image and the mask pattern. This second image is characterized by additional spatial frequencies than the first image.