Abstract: One-dimensional color transforms are automatically calculated by identifying at least one device-independent color space curve, at least one device-dependent color space curve and at least one association amongst the curves. Depending on the motivation for creating the one-dimensional transform, different curves, associations and calculations can be used to generate the transforms without obtaining additional device measurements or iteratively adjusting transform values.

Abstract: A method of segmenting a digital image comprising the steps of performing a preliminary segmentation of the image into sub objects, defining a model object by selecting sub objects that define the model object, providing sub-object and model object features, using a fuzzy logic inference system to calculate segmentation parameters based on at least one of the sub object and model object features, and performing segmentation of the image using the segmentation parameters.

Abstract: Video processing method and means for enhancing a video stream, by computing transform coefficients using a spatio-temporal transform comprising a spatial subband transform and a causal time wavelet transform performing filterings with multiscale causal wavelets, modifying the transform coefficients with a nonlinear processing, and computing a processed video stream from the modified transform coefficients using a spatio-temporal reconstruction transform comprising an inverse subband transform and a short delay inverse time wavelet transform, where the short delay inverse time wavelet transform is implemented with wavelet filters modified with window functions to control the processing delay of the entire video processing method.

Abstract: Multiple images are combined where the images exhibit variations in illumination between one another. The images are of the same portion of an object, and each image is represented by a set of image data. A comparative data transform is applied to each set of image data, such that the transformed comparative image data isolates and preserves first variations in the illumination between the images but suppresses second differences in illumination between the images. At least one normalization transform is determined from the transformed comparative image data sets. When applied to at least one of the image data sets, the at least one normalization transform minimizes the variation in illumination between the image data sets. Each determined normalization transform is applied to the at least one of the image data sets. The normalized sets of image data are transformed to a single image of the portion of the object.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for minimizing dot visibility in color marking devices capable of dot-on-dot printing. The present method achieves minimum dot visibility for a given dispersed-dot screen by performing a CMYK to CMYKRGB conversion which uses less visible dots as much as possible before more visible dots are introduced. The output color dot coverages are calculated sequentially to minimize the coverage of more visible dots in a decreasing order of brightness. Resulting images have noticeably reduced halftone graininess, particularly in the mid to darker tone areas. The present method is also computationally efficient.

Abstract: A system and method use a video transform to produce an intermediate pixel transform file representative of a video effect. The intermediate pixel transform file is applied to a frame of one or more input video streams to generate a frame for a streaming video with the video effect. The intermediate pixel transform file may be stored with stock video in an effect library and used to provide real time streaming video with complex effects in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A phase deviation method determines translation between a reference and suspect signal by analyzing a phase deviation surface created by computing a deviation metric for phase shift estimates and then analyzing a surface formed from the deviation metrics for an array of translation offsets. The phase deviation method analyzes the deviation surface to determine a translation offset that minimizes phase deviation. This method is applied at increasing levels of detail to refine the translation offset.

Abstract: In order to prevent interception of the information through the leakage electromagnetic waves when transmitting the information using an image display unit, an image converter generates plural converted images, stores the generated converted images in an image storage, an image output unit reads out the converted images from the image storage and transmits the converted images to a screen control unit successively. The screen control unit displays a reception image on an image display unit. The image output unit outputs the converted image group at a high speed, thereby performing a switching display on the image display unit, and to show an image visually equivalent to the input image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method are provided in which a reduced image is generated by removing some of a plurality of pixels of an original image. A pixel value of a pixel to be removed is reflected into a pixel value of an adjacent pixel and a reduced image is generated using the reflection result and the removal result.

Abstract: The present system combines image morphing technology, exercise programming, supplement sales, and motivational techniques into one product. Users begin by entering their current measurements, measurement goals and current picture into the system, preferably via a Web site. The picture is segmented into body components, and each affected segment is morphed based upon the measurements, goals, and the segment's responsiveness to weight loss in order to create a modified image representative of the user in a post-regimen condition. This system helps health and fitness businesses obtain new members and retain existing members by showing the members how they will look after following a specific regimen of diet and/or exercise. The system also predicts health risks of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke associated with the user's pre-regimen and post-regimen conditions.

Abstract: A method and system of analyzing signal-vector data from first order sensors including providing a training data set, adjusting the training data set using a background adjustment technique, normalizing and transforming the training data set into wavelet coefficients, using an automated analysis of variance feature selection technique and a pattern recognition technique to classify the training data set. The method and system may also include performing these operations on an unknown sample data set collected under unknown conditions and comparing the unknown sample data set to the classification model to provide an identity of the unknown conditions associated with the unknown sample data set. The present invention is also directed to a computer system for analyzing signal-vector data according to this method and a sensing system that includes a sensor and a microprocessor on which is stored a classification model for real-time sensing of unknown sample data sets.

Abstract: A computer readable recording medium bearing a printer driver program for controlling a print device, which is installed in a print job data processing apparatus constituting a printing system together with the printing device, the printer driver program comprising computer executable instructions of; receiving a print job data from an application program which has a print command; analyzing the received print job data from the application program to identify respective objects included in the page description language data; calculating a position where each object is arranged on a printable area designated depending on output paper size; and modifying the object to allow the object to be accommodated within the printable area, thereby accomplishing a correct print operation such that a print region designated by a user is accommodated to a predetermined output paper size without depending on a function of an application.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to digital watermarking of data, e.g., representing video or audio. One claim recites a method including: obtaining data representing video or audio; using a multi-purpose electronic processor programmed for: transforming the data into a transform domain, analyzing the transformed data to identify a plurality of transform coefficients according to predetermined criteria, and altering the identified plurality of transform coefficients to carry a digital watermark; and analyzing the data to determine a baseline state for the digital watermark. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided too.

Abstract: An image processing system for interpolating image data is comprised of a shift invariant point determining device, an illumination averager, a second order differentiator, and color data calculator. The shift invariant point determining device ascertains shift invariant points within the mosaic color element array pattern. The illumination averager determines average illumination values of clusters of a plurality of pixels. The second order differentiator determines a second order derivative of the average illumination values of the clusters of the plurality of pixels. The color data calculator determines color data for each of the plurality of pixels from the image data and second order derivative. A second order derivative scaler multiplies the second order derivative by a scaling factor for selectively smoothing and sharpening the second order derivative. A color data averager averages color data values of adjacent pixels to a resolution of the image data.

Abstract: A method of detecting the orientation of a radiographic image represented by a digital signal representation wherein mathematical moments of the digital signal representation are calculated relative to different reference entities and wherein a decision on the orientation of the radiographic image, for example the position of the thorax edge in a mammographic image, is obtained on the basis of an extreme value (minimum, maximum) of the calculated moments.

Abstract: This patent application is generally related to watermarking and steganography. One claim recites a method of transmarking a media signal previously embedded with a first digital watermark using a first digital watermark embedding method. The method includes: utilizing a programmed electronic processor, detecting the first digital watermark in the media signal; converting the media signal to a different format; utilizing a programmed electronic processor, embedding detected message information from the first digital watermark into a second digital watermark in the converted media signal such that the second digital watermark is adapted to robustness or perceptibility parameters associated with the new format. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided as well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for context dependent cropping of a source image. The method includes identifying a context for the source image, identifying a visual class corresponding to the identified context from a set of visual classes, applying a class model to the source image to identify a candidate region of the image based on its relevance to the visual class, and identifying a subpart of the source image for cropping, based on the location of the candidate region.

Abstract: A data conversion method and a data conversion device convert a large cubic three-dimensional image data to a plurality of pieces of small cubic one-dimensional image data, or convert a plurality of pieces of small cubic one-dimensional image data to a large cubic three-dimensional image data. The data conversion method includes the following steps, marking a three-dimensional index on three-dimensional image data; converting the three-dimensional index to a writing sequence index; inputting the three-dimensional image data to a buffer memory in sequence according to the writing sequence index; computing a reading sequence index according to the writing sequence index; outputting data blocks from the buffer memory in sequence according to the reading sequence index. Through the method and the device, use of the memory is reduced, and time for conversion is lowered.

Abstract: Examples of image processing methods are described herein. Other embodiments and related systems methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Real-time segmentation of foreground from background layers in binocular video sequences may be provided by a segmentation process which may be based on one or more factors including likelihoods for stereo-matching, color, and optionally contrast, which may be fused to infer foreground and/or background layers accurately and efficiently. In one example, the stereo image may be segmented into foreground, background, and/or occluded regions using stereo disparities. The stereo-match likelihood may be fused with a contrast sensitive color model that is initialized or learned from training data. Segmentation may then be solved by an optimization algorithm such as dynamic programming or graph cut. In a second example, the stereo-match likelihood may be marginalized over foreground and background hypotheses, and fused with a contrast-sensitive color model that is initialized or learned from training data. Segmentation may then be solved by an optimization algorithm such as a binary graph cut.

Abstract: The invention is a method of using Wavelet Transformation and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) systems for automatic detecting and classifying objects. To train the system in object recognition different images, which usually contain desired objects alongside other objects are used. These objects may appear at different angles. Different characteristics regarding the objects are extracted from the images and stored in a data bank. The system then determines the extent to which each inserted characteristic will be useful in future recognition and determines its relative weight. After the initial insertion of data, the operator tests the system with a set of new images, some of which contain the class objects and some of which contain similar and/or dissimilar objects of different classification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for creating an icon (11, 12), representing a group of images comprising a plurality of images (1, 2, . . . , N). The icon is composed of a selection of images from that group of images. The method comprises: —determining a relative importance (I1, . . . IN) of each image (1, 2, . . . N) and —generating an icon composed of a selection of images based on the determined relative importance of each image.

Abstract: A method is provided for degrading 3D information such as a 3D image file from its original form so that that the subject matter of the 3D image is altered in a way which prevents one from reverse engineering or manufacturing the subject matter of the 3D image while the degraded image is still identifiable or recognizable as that of the original 3D image. The degrading method selectively alters dimensions or relationships between portions or parts of the 3D image from their original form while maintaining the integrity and recognizablility of the image as that of which was in the original 3D image. The present method can be applied to both original CAD files as well as reduced or lightweight files produced from an original CAD file.

Abstract: A method for efficiently implementing a multi-dimensional interpolation in a way which is predicated on dynamic interpolation-input makeup, the method comprising: processing, said interpolation's first interpolation-input and said interpolation's second interpolation-input, prior to processing said interpolation's third interpolation-input, processing said interpolation's third interpolation-input as a recursion.

Abstract: A method of detecting the orientation of a radiographic image represented by a digital signal representation wherein mathematical moments of the digital signal representation are calculated relative to different reference entities and wherein a decision on the orientation of the radiographic image, for example the position of the thorax edge in a mammographic image, is obtained on the basis of an extreme value (minimum, maximum) of the calculated moments.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved algorithm for estimating the 3D shape of a 3-dimensional object, such as a human face, based on information retrieved from a single photograph by recovering parameters of a 3-dimensional model and methods and systems using the same. Beside the pixel intensity, the invention uses various image features in a multi-features fitting algorithm (MFF) that has a wider radius of convergence and a higher level of precision and provides thereby better results.

Abstract: A part object which forms a model object is disposed by receiving a disposition direction for the part object and updating slot state data indicating a disposition state of the part object in a part slot provided corresponding to each part object. When another part object has been disposed in the part slot corresponding to the part object for which the disposition direction has been issued, whether or not to update the slot state data of the part slot is determined based on priority information which determines disposition priority of each part object, and the slot state data is updated based on the determination result.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of tracking a plurality of targets can be broadly summarized by the following steps: capturing a plurality of images of a plurality of targets with a plurality of image capture devices; generating a target observation for each target, said target observation including at least a visual signature of the target and a time value; partitioning target observations according to similarities in their visual signatures; and producing primary tracks from the partitioned target observations, wherein each primary track includes ordered sequences of observation events having similarities in their visual signatures. Other methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method having a corresponding apparatus and computer program comprises receiving a mosaic image comprising a plurality of pixels; separating the mosaic image into a plurality of color channels each comprising only the pixels having a corresponding one of a plurality of colors; and processing each color channel of the image data separately, wherein the processing of each of the color channels comprises at least one of compressing the pixels in the color channel, and color processing the pixels in the color channel.

Abstract: Between two apexes of a shape model associated with each other, a virtual spring for applying, to the two apexes, a virtual force which is directed in each of coordinate axis directions in a rectangular coordinate system and which is changed in magnitude in accordance with a distance between the two apexes in the coordinate axis direction is set. When positional relationship between the apexes of the shape model is changed from that of a reference state, the game apparatus calculates a difference between the post-change distance between the two apexes and the distance therebetween in the reference state for each of coordinate components. Then, the game apparatus calculates a magnitude of a virtual force generated by each of virtual springs based on the difference; and calculates a virtual force received by each apex for each coordinate component by adding parallel forces among the virtual forces applied to each apex.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for enhancing the performance of video display devices by improving the utilization of memory resources used to process video data. In the system of the present invention, a display is configured to generate a visual image as a plurality of horizontal rows of pixels. In the present invention, the source data frame for said image is divided into row segments comprising a predetermined number of pixels from the entire horizontal row. A plurality of columns are constructed using individual pixel segments from the horizontal rows. The columns are further divided into a plurality of row segment blocks that are rotated and stored in destination memory to generate a rotated visual image.

Abstract: A system and a method model the motion of a non-rigid object using a thin plate spline (TPS) transform. A first image of a video sequence is received, and a region of interest, referred to as a template, is chosen manually or automatically. A set of arbitrarily-chosen fixed reference points is positioned on the template. A target image of the video sequence is chosen for motion estimation relative to the template. A set of pixels in the target image corresponding to the pixels of the template is determined, and this set of pixels is back-warped to match the template using a thin-plate-spline-based technique. The error between the template and the back-warped image is determined and iteratively minimized using a gradient descent technique. The TPS parameters can then be used to estimate the relative motion between the template and the corresponding region of the target image.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus in which vector data from which noise has been removed and amount of data reduced can be generated in ideal fashion with regard to an illustration area selected from a document image. The document image is input to the apparatus and is segmented into a plurality of areas. A clip-art image is selected from these areas and a plurality of clusters are generated with regard to this image area. When a small area included in the plurality of clusters is determined as a noise, the noise is eliminated by combining the small area with a adjacent cluster. After noise is removed, the cluster group eventually obtained is converted to vector data.

Abstract: A camera interface employing a direct memory access (DMA) unit to digitally perform an image transformation such as “flipping” and “rotating” an image (e.g., to correct for X-axis, Y-axis, or XY-axes mirroring). The image transforming DMA unit includes an address generator and a data selector. The address generator appropriately modifies a frame start address, a burst transfer address, a line start address, of an image frame, based on the X, Y, or XY mirrored image mode. The data selector changes the sequences of words and of pixels in a word based upon the mirrored image mode.

Abstract: An image transformation method to be implemented by a computer carries out an image transformation process, by transforming a picked up image that is picked up by a pickup unit having an optical axis tilted by an arbitrary angle with respect to a reference plane into an image substantially equivalent to a picked up image that is picked up by the pickup unit in a state where the optical axis of the pickup unit is perpendicular to the reference plane, and substituting luminance values of coordinates before the transformation as luminance values corresponding to coordinate values after the transformation.

Abstract: An image transformation method to be implemented by a computer carries out an image transformation process, by transforming a picked up image that is picked up by a pickup unit having an optical axis tilted by an arbitrary angle with respect to a reference plane into an image substantially equivalent to a picked up image that is picked up by the pickup unit in a state where the optical axis of the pickup unit is perpendicular to the reference plane, and substituting luminance values of coordinates before the transformation as luminance values corresponding to coordinate values after the transformation.

Abstract: A data transform method comprises a linear transform step of acquiring 16 linear Hadamard transform coefficients by multiplying the 16 pieces of data by an Hadamard transform matrix, an offset step of classifying the 16 linear Hadamard transform coefficients into four groups, each group containing an odd number of coefficients, and adding a predetermined offset value to linear Hadamard transform coefficients in every group, and an integral step of acquiring the lossless Hadamard transform coefficients by truncating decimal fractions down from a decimal point from the linear Hadamard transform coefficients added said predetermined offset value. With this configuration, a 16-point lossless Hadamard transform is implemented using only one rounding process.

Abstract: A method for processing video data defining a series of images, comprising the steps of: defining a first series of nodes in a first multidimensional space, each of the first series of nodes corresponding to an image of the series of images and its location in the first space being defined in dependence on features of the respective image; defining a transformation function that maps each of the nodes in the first multidimensional space on to a respective node in a second multidimensional space having a lower dimensionality than the first multidimensional space, in such a way that neighbourhood relationships between nodes in the first multidimensional space are preserved between the respective nodes in the second multidimensional space; defining a second series of nodes in the second multidimensional space, each of the second series of nodes corresponding to one of the first set of nodes and its location in being the second multidimensional space being defined in accordance with the transformation function; a

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods, and computer readable media for locating, sorting, and modifying images for future use. A conversion engine submits search requests to an image search engine and accepts the received results. The conversion engine arranges the search results according to selected visual characteristics of the image. Editing tools can then convert the results of the image search into vector based images which can be easily manipulated and enable users to modify the re-ranked images for future use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for segmentation of a three-dimensional structure in a three-dimensional data set, especially a medical data set. The method uses a three-dimensional deformable model, wherein the surface of the model consists of a net of polygonal meshes. The meshes are split into groups, and a feature term is assigned to each group. After the model has been placed over the structure of interest, the deformable model is recalculated in consideration of the feature terms of each group.

Abstract: In an image composer includes a storage for storing a first and a second image, a region classifier compares the first image with the second image to extract as a non-common sub-region a partial region of one of the two images that does not have a similar pixel property to that of the other image. An image composing unit superimposes the extracted non-common sub-region of one of the images onto the other image to produce a resultant composite image.

Abstract: A system and method for authentication of JPEG image data enables the recipient to ascertain whether the received image file originated from a known identified source or whether the contents of the file have been altered in some fashion prior to receipt. A unique hashing function is derived from a first section of image data contained in the JPEG compressed image in such a way that any changes subsequently made to the first section of image data is reflected in a different hashing function being derived from a signature string is embedded into a next section of the image data. Since the embedding of a previous section's integrity checking number is done without modifying the JPEG bit stream, any JPEG decoder can thereafter properly decode the image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an auto-zooming operation of a mobile terminal. The apparatus and method for controlling an auto-zooming operation of a mobile terminal can automatically adjust the size of a target subject captured by an image capture device such as a camcorder to be equal to a predetermined size irrespective of a distance between the image capture device and the target object.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for interpolating a pixel within an image. The image has a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix format. The method includes detecting if there is an edge in a block of the image according to a Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) data of the block, within which the pixel is located. The method further includes if an edge is detected, determining an interpolation direction of the pixel according to the DCT data, and interpolating the pixel according to the interpolation direction. The method further includes if no edge is detected, interpolating the pixel vertically or horizontally. A device for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating mosaic images, wherein photographed content is displayed as a still image by a digital TV display or video monitor for an extended period of time. The apparatus of the present invention includes an animation analyzer for output of a motion vector of an input image, a coefficient calculator for calculating transformation and warping coefficients, a means for offsetting illumination differences, and storage for mosaic images. The present invention can advantageously be used for calculating a more accurate transformation coefficient, thereby generating mosaic images with minimal distortion.

Abstract: The camera includes a sensor for sensing the photographer's iris image and registering the image in advance. The iris image is recorded in the image of a subject by a digital MCU at a timing different from that at which the image of the subject is captured. The recording timing is that at which the camera power supply is turned off, that at which a recording medium is ejected from the camera or that at which the iris image to be recorded is changed to the registered iris image of another photographer. The recording of the iris image is achieved by embedding it as a watermark or by appending it to metadata.

Abstract: A method for spectrally compressing data sets enables the efficient analysis of very large multivariate images. The spectral compression algorithm uses a factored representation of the data that can be obtained from Principal Components Analysis or other factorization technique. Furthermore, a block algorithm can be used for performing common operations more efficiently. An image analysis can be performed on the factored representation of the data, using only the most significant factors. The spectral compression algorithm can be combined with a spatial compression algorithm to provide further computational efficiencies.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for automatically synchronizing multiple images. Multiple image sets of a single object are converted into a one dimensional data stream used to synchronize multiple image sets. A common reference point is located in the image sets. Various landmarks of the object are also located in the image sets. Corresponding landmarks among the image sets are noted. Distances from landmarks to the reference point and distances between landmarks are determined. Locations of the landmarks in relation to each other and in relation to the reference point are used to locate landmarks in another image set that correspond to landmarks in a selected image set. A first location in an image set may be identified using a first indicator. A second indicator corresponding to the location of the first indicator may then be determined in another image set.

Abstract: A plurality of panels are assembled into a single image. Each of the panels may have different intensities throughout the panel, as well as non-uniformities between panels. The panels are modified using flat-field calibration, panel flattening, and panel connecting techniques. These techniques correct for non-uniformities and provide a cleaner, single image.

Abstract: In a process of resolving the two-dimensional orthogonal transformation into the one-dimension orthogonal transformations in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, with respect to each signal vector within the block memory to be orthogonal-transformed in a vertical direction orthogonal transforming unit after having been orthogonal-transformed in a horizontal direction orthogonal transforming unit, a power calculating unit calculates the power of each signal vector, a threshold obtaining unit requires a threshold enabling the quantized coefficient signal to take a value other than zero, and a value comparing unit compares the both powers.