Abstract: This present invention describes an innovative solution in the area of indexing and searching binary files including various binary files such as multimedia files, including image files, mp3 files and other audio/video files from the public Internet. The invention introduces a way to index binary files such as multimedia files according to their content signatures, which uniquely identify themselves, and search for related files by walking through a graph database constructed during the index phase. The present invention can be used in a search engine and a download engine, as well as with text based index and search technologies. As a result, such extended usage will broaden a multimedia file's context and increase relevant accuracy of the keywords describing the context.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic exterior and interior inspection of vehicles. The system comprises imaging means for capturing an image of the undercarriage of the vehicle as it is being driven into a secure area; imaging means for capturing an image of a luggage compartment of the vehicle as it is being driven into the secure area; database means for storing the captured images; and monitoring means operable to facilitate activation of an alarm based on the captured images.

Abstract: Corresponding points corresponding to each other between each of a plurality of images photographed from different positions are searched for. When a plurality of corresponding points is searched out in a second image of the plurality of images for one target pixel in a first image of the plurality of images, at least partial subject shape around the target pixel is calculated based on distance values of a plurality of pixels around the target pixel, then a target distance value, which is a distance value of the target pixel, is calculated with respect to each of the plurality of corresponding points based on the target pixel and each of the plurality of corresponding points, and a valid corresponding point is determined from the plurality of corresponding points having a smallest difference from the subject shape.

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 method and apparatus that augments the traditional Phase Plane Correlation (PPC) approach incorporates image structure into the correlation process. In so doing, the energy in spurious peaks that can occur in the phase plane correlation surface are dramatically reduced.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for modulating sub-channel pixels in a multi grayscale monochrome output apparatus, more particularly, a method and apparatus for modulating sub-channel pixels in a multi grayscale monochrome output apparatus that can represent a high grayscale input image on a low grayscale output apparatus through sub-channel pixel modulation.

Abstract: A similar image having a high correlation is selected through autocorrelation performs a template original image selected from an image photographed for a template, and a difference image between the similar image and template original image is formed. An image extracting a real difference is formed by removing noises and edges in unstable areas from the difference image. This image is added to the template original image to form a modified template. Template matching is performed by using the modified template as a template. The image extracting the real reference and added to the modified template functions to add an evaluation penalty to the similar image during matching evaluation to lower an evaluation value of the similar image so that a probability of erroneously recognizing the similar image as the image to be detected.

Abstract: The image analysis system includes a processor and memory and displays an image to a first user. The image analysis system tracks gaze of the first user and collects initial gaze data for the first user. The initial gaze data includes a plurality of gaze points. The image analysis system identifies one or more ignored regions of the image based on a distribution of the gaze data within the image; and displays at least a first subset of the image. The first subset of the image is selected so as to include a respective ignored region of the one or more ignored regions and the first subset of the image is displayed in a manner that draws attention to the respective ignored region. In some embodiments, the ignored region is visually emphasized within the image. In some embodiments, only the first subset of the image is displayed.

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: Personalized tag ranking of images, including identifying within a reference image collection any images that are similar to an input image, identifying within a source image collection any images that have associated tags that are similar to a set of input tags associated with the input image, identifying among the images identified in the reference image collection any images that are similar to the images identified in the source image collection, and calculating a weight for each of a plurality of tag pairs, where each of the tags in each of the tag pairs is associated with a different subset of the images in the reference image collection identified as being similar to the images identified in the source image collection, and ranking the input tags of the input image in accordance with a predefined ranking function as applied to the tag pair weights.

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: 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: Files can be reassembled from fragments by (a) accepting adjacency scores for each pair of fragments from the set of fragments, (b) identifying header fragments from among the fragments of the set of fragments, and (c) for each of the header fragments identified, reconstructing a corresponding one of the two or more files from the fragments of the set of fragments such that the sum of the adjacency scores are optimized, wherein each of the fragments is permitted to belong to only one of the at least two files, and wherein at least two files are reconstructed such that the results are independent of the order in which the files are reconstructed.

Abstract: This present invention describes an innovative solution in the area of indexing and searching binary files including various binary files such as multimedia files, including image files, mp3 files and other audio/video files from the public Internet. The invention introduces a way to index binary files such as multimedia files according to their content signatures, which uniquely identify themselves, and search for related files by walking through a graph database constructed during the index phase. The present invention can be used in a search engine and a download engine, as well as with text based index and search technologies. As a result, such extended usage will broaden a multimedia file's context and increase relevant accuracy of the keywords describing the context.

Abstract: A method for segmenting an anatomical structure of interest within an image is disclosed. The anatomical structure of interest is compared to a database of images of like anatomical structures. Those database images of like anatomical structures that are similar to the anatomical structure of interest are identified. The identified database images are used to detect the anatomical structure of interest in the image. The identified database images are also used to determine the shape of the anatomical structure of interest. The anatomical structure of interest is segmented from the image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for adapting an exponential probability model. In a first stage, a general-purpose background model is built from background data by determining a set of model parameters for the probability model based on a set of background data. The background model parameters are then used to define a prior model for the parameters of an adapted probability model that is adapted and more specific to an adaptation data set of interest. The adaptation data set is generally of much smaller size than the background data set. A second set of model parameters are then determined for the adapted probability model based on the set of adaptation data and the prior model.

Abstract: A method for processing scanned image data, executed at least in part by a computer system, obtains scanned image data, obtains a predetermined image quality profile that has one or more image quality requirement values, and generates processed image data by applying one or more image processing operations to the image data in accordance with a processing script. The method calculates image quality metrics from the processed image data and compares the calculated image quality metrics to the one or more image quality requirement values from the predetermined quality profile. Results of the image quality comparison are displayed.

Abstract: A color information creating part calculates the average color of captured image data in units of macro blocks, and determines to which color index the average color of each macro block corresponds. Color arrangement information formed by associating color information with the macro blocks is stored in a color index memory. A histogram creating part creates color histograms representative of the distribution of macro blocks added with color information corresponding to aimed color indexes. Based on the color arrangement information and the color histograms, a color application execution part recognizes objects, surroundings, or the situation of a driver's own vehicle without performing area splitting (shape acquisition) of an image.

Abstract: An optical element to be measured is irradiated with the light which has passed through an indicator, thereby to form an indicator image on an image pick-up surface. Maximum peak coordinates are specified and stored as a position of the indicator image relating to the first surface. Whether the second largest peak may be specified or not is determined. In case that this result is NO, the maximum peak indicator image is deleted, and maximum peak coordinates are specified again and stored as a position of the indicator image relating to the second surface.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for comparing a focal product with several comparison products. First, selecting a focal product and several attributes relating to the focal product and the comparison products, standardizing and weighting the attributes, and determining for each weighted attribute an attribute score. Next, based on the attribute score, calculating a total score for each comparison product, and based on the total score, presenting to a user or purchaser the comparison products most relevant to the user's criteria.

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 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: An image processing apparatus includes: an image pyramid forming section configured to form an image pyramid by hierarchically creating layered image data including differently scaled images from inputted image data; a position calculating section configured to determine an in-image-pyramid position as a height position in the image pyramid to which template image data having an image portion of a target object at a fixed scale corresponds; an upper-layer-side likelihood calculating section configured to determine a likelihood for a target object by matching between upper-side layer image data directly above the in-image-pyramid position, and a state prediction; a lower-layer-side likelihood calculating section configured to determine a likelihood for a target object by matching between lower-side layer image data directly below the in-image-pyramid position, and a state prediction; and a true likelihood calculating section configured to determine a true likelihood from the likelihoods determined by the upper

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for detecting change in a geographic area. One embodiment includes receiving a set of remotely sensed imagery that depicts the geographic area, automatically identifying changes in physical features of the geographic area by comparing, without user intervention, the set of remotely sensed imagery to a dataset of previously stored remotely sensed imagery that also depicts the geographic area, and deriving a change-quality measurement associated with the set of remotely sensed imagery, wherein the change-quality measurement quantifies a suitability of comparison of the set of remotely sensed imagery to the previously stored remotely sensed imagery.

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: 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: A method and system for non-rigidly registering a fixed to a moving image utilizing a B-Spline based free form deformation (FFD) model is disclosed. The methodology utilizes sparse feature correspondences to estimate an elastic deformation field in a closed form. In a multi-resolution manner, the method is able to recover small to large non-rigid deformations. The resulting deformation field is globally smooth and guarantees one-to-one mapping between the images being registered.

Abstract: A method for texture synthesis for video coding with side information may be implemented by a decoder device. The method may include receiving seed texture at high fidelity. The method may also include receiving remaining portions of synthesized regions at low fidelity. The method may also include receiving marking of regions to synthesize. The method may further include synthesizing the marked regions based on the high-fidelity seed texture and the low-fidelity portions of the synthesized regions.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are presented for measuring difference between graphics images relating to performing an arithmetic operation involving a first graphics image comprising a plurality of first pixels and a second graphics image comprising a plurality of second pixels to produce a difference image comprising a plurality of difference pixels, generating measures of proximity from a plurality of ranges of observation within the difference image, wherein the measures of proximity represent spatial proximity of difference pixels to other difference pixels within the difference image, and applying non-uniform weighting to the difference pixels to produce a weighted difference image, wherein the non-uniform weighting depends on the measures of proximity generated from the plurality of ranges of observation.

Abstract: A method of identifying an object captured in a video image in a multi-camera video surveillance system is disclosed. Sets of identifying information are stored in profiles, each profile being associated with one object. The disclosed method of identifying an object includes comparing identifying information extracted from images captured by the video surveillance system to one or more stored profiles. A confidence score is calculated for each comparison and used to determine a best match between the extracted set of identifying information and an object. In one embodiment, the method is used as part of a facial recognition system incorporated into a video surveillance system.

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: A form recognizing apparatus, a form recognizing method and a form recognizing program for easily and precisely recognizing whether or not a form including multiple pages corresponds to any of multiple registered forms are disclosed. A form is registered. The registered form includes a feature amount and weight information of each page of the registered form. A page similarity value of each page of each of the registered forms is calculated by comparing a feature amount of each page of an input form image to be recognized and a feature amount of the corresponding page of the registered form. A form similarity value between the input form image to be recognized and each of the registered forms is calculated by weighting the page similarity values of the calculated pages by using weight information of the registered pages. A registered form corresponding to the form image to be recognized is determined.

Abstract: The luminance and chrominance values of pixels encoded according to MPEG or JPEG encoding are extracted using a forward discrete cosine transform (DCT). The forward DCT used in MPEG encoding is analyzed to derive a set of equations which directly relate a pixel value in an encoded image to one or more of the DCT coefficients obtained via the forward DCT transform in the usual image encoding process. These predetermined equations are used to allow for extremely fast and computationally efficient extraction of pixel values directly from the DCT coefficients of an encoded pixel block, without having to undergo an inverse DCT transform. Original images from MPEG and JPEG encoded versions may be extracted in a fast and efficient manner.

Abstract: A method for improving images of an imaging system including a plurality of detector cells includes assigning a quality factor for each detector cell.

Abstract: A method of aligning a pair of images with a first image and a second image, wherein said images comprise a plurality of intensities corresponding to a domain of points in a D-dimensional space includes identifying feature points on both images using the same criteria, computing a feature vector for each feature point, measuring a feature dissimilarity for each pair of feature vectors, wherein a first feature vector of each pair is associated with a first feature point on the first image, and a second feature vector of each pair is associated with a second feature point on the second image. A correspondence mapping for each pair of feature points is determined using the feature dissimilarity associated with each feature point pair, and an image transformation is defined to align the second image with the first image using one or more pairs of feature points that are least dissimilar.

Abstract: In computer aided diagnosis, a high-accuracy image indicating a temporal difference of a diseased part of a patient is produced from a current image and a past image as follows. First, a plurality of matching ROIs (Regions of Interest) are defined on the current image and the past image. A matching processing is performed on corresponding ROIs of the two images to determine points on the past image corresponding to the respective points on the current image. Obtained shift vectors are fitted to a two-dimensional polynomial. In the fitting, when a matching ROI of the current image is included in or overlapped with a previously-defined region of interest, shift vectors are weighted by a small factor. The current image is then modified according to obtained fitting coefficients. Finally, an image indicating the difference between the modified current image and the past image is produced.

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 method for recognizing an object in a target image using model primitives comprising an additive primitive and a subtractive primitive; weights are assigned to the additive and subtractive primitives; a target primitive is derived for the object; associations are determined between the target primitive and the model primitives; a similarity score is computed for the target primitive with respect to the model primitives; the similarity score is increased for each association between the target primitive and the additive primitive and decreased for each association between the target primitive and the subtractive primitive; the weights determine an amount by which the similarity score is increased or decreased for each of the associations.

Abstract: A query is received. The query may be an object containing temporal information. A query model including static and temporal components is then determined for the object. A weighting for static and temporal components is also determined. The query model is then compared with one or more search models. The search models also include static and temporal components. Search results are then determined based on the comparison. In one embodiment, the comparison may compare the static and temporal components of the query model and the search model. A weighting of the differences between the static and temporal components may be used to determine the ranking for the search results.

Abstract: A method of measuring a similarity between images is provided. The method includes the steps of (a) computing a statistical dissimilarity between the images; (b) computing a perceptual dissimilarity between the images; and (c) computing a dissimilarity between the texture features of the images based on the statistical dissimilarity and the perceptual dissimilarity. When images perceptually similar to a query image are searched and retrieved according to the above measuring method, the possibility that the retrieved images are not perceptually similar to the query image is small. Accordingly, the image searching performance can be improved when searching images having texture features similar to that of a query image.

Abstract: A target recognizing device that creates a template concerning a target by itself is provided. The device comprises a robot camera for creating continuous images showing a target and an arithmetic operation unit for controlling the robot camera. A robot camera acquires continuous image information by means of a camera rotatable by a motor. The arithmetic operation unit comprises a template management section for allowing an update part to update a template stored in a template storage part and a target recognition section having an image storage part where the acquired image information is stored, a recognizing part for recognizing a target by using the template, and a motion command part for rotating a camera according to the result of recognition.

Abstract: A method is provided for computing a composite image representing a focused image of an object in an application of machine vision in an optical inspection system. An image tessellated into focus regions is evaluated by region for fine feature sharpness. A sharpness image is computed for each focused region using a fine feature sharpness measurement. A focused composite image is computed by combining as a weighted average, the images at several focus settings, using the sharpness image at each focus setting as the weight. The focused composite image can be further analyzed, inspected, or otherwise processed.

Abstract: A moving image Vd consists of a plurality of frames F1–F12. A scene change SC of the moving image Vd is detected according to change in each frame regarding to brightness information of image, and the plurality of frames are divided into frame groups FG1 (F1–F8) and FG2 (F9–F12) each having substantially the same scene at the scene change as a boundary. Then, with respect to the frame group FG1, every three frames, F1, F4, F7 are sampled to execute scene determination, and a most frequent scene is determined as a common scene of the frame group. Consequently, scene determination results for sufficiently scene-changed frames F4, F7 interposed between frames F1, F12 of both ends of the frame group FG1 can be utilized, so that it is possible to determine the common scene with high accuracy.

Abstract: A method enhances images of a naturally illuminated scene. First, a set of images Ii(x, y) is acquired of a scene. Each image is acquired under a different uncontrolled illumination. For each image Ii(x, y), intensity gradients ?Ii(x, y) are determined, and each image is weighted with weights according to the intensity gradients. The weighted images are then combined to construct an enhanced image I?.

Abstract: An image retrieval method with improved performance in which a data image similar to a query image is retrieved by appropriately combining color and texture features. The method for retrieving a data image similar to a query image in an image database containing a plurality of data images involves: calculating color and texture distances between a query image and each data image in the image database; weighting the calculated color and texture distances with predetermined weighting factors; calculating a feature distance between the query image and each data image by combining the weighted color and texture distances by considering human visual perception attributes; and determining the data image similar to the query image using the feature distance. According to the image retrieval method, data images similar to a query image can be retrieved based on the human visual perception mechanism by combining both color and texture features extracted from image regions.

Abstract: A method for matching digital images, including regularization of image features of a first digital image, composed of pixels, defining a finite set of candidate values, wherein a candidate value represents a candidate for a possible match between image features of the first image and a second image, establishing a matching penalty function for evaluation of the candidate values, evaluating the matching penalty function for every candidate value, selection of a candidate value based on the result of the evaluation of the matching penalty function, regularization of the first image by segmentation of the first image, comprising assigning at least part of the pixels of the first image to respective segments, determining a certainty parameter for at least part of the pixels of a segment, and establishing the matching penalty function to be at least partially based on the certainty parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed are a document retrieval method and system for separately performing a process for correcting erroneously recognized characters existing in characteristic character strings within a seed document or the documents to be registered and a process for tolerating erroneously recognized characters existing in the documents targeted for retrieval. The process for correcting erroneously recognized characters existing in characteristic character strings extracts characteristic character strings from a read document, replaces the extracted characteristic character strings containing erroneously recognized characters with character strings appropriate for document retrieval, and selects characteristic character strings for use in actual document retrieval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a color-texture distance and a method and apparatus for sectioning an image into a plurality of regions using the measured color-texture distance are provided.

Abstract: A method models a graphics object by providing a model of the graphics object and generating a first adaptively sampled distance field for the model. Next, a topological hint is constructed. A second adaptively sampled distance field is generated from the topological hint. First locations of the second adaptively sampled distance field are sampled to determine a corresponding topological feature for each location. Second locations in the first adaptively sampled distance are determined from the corresponding topological features. The first adaptively sampled distance field is then sampled at the second locations to determine a distance value for each of the second locations to model the graphics object according to the topological hint.