Abstract: Techniques for positioning images in an electronic document. The images may encode information that can be decoded by devices configured to read the images. An area within the electronic document for positioning the image and a set of one or more colors to be used for the image are determined. The determined area and set of colors are such that the image when positioned in the electronic document blends in with the contents of the electronic document while still being clearly visible for reading by reader devices that are configured read and decode the information encoded by the image.

Abstract: A method comprises encoding information in a texture map, and enhancing texturing utilizing the information, where the information identifies at least one region in at least one texture. Additionally, a texture data structure is embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium and comprises a texture map with encoded information that identifies at least one region in at least one texture. In addition, an apparatus comprises a processor for encoding information in a texture map to enhance texturing, where the information identifies at least one region in at least one texture.

Abstract: A system and method provide local image enhancement. Internal native images of a patient may be acquired during an interventional procedure. A portion of the native images may show an interventional device or material. Subtracted images may be created by subtracting mask images from the native images, such as via either digital subtraction angiography to display vessel structures, or “roadmapping” during interventional procedures to deploy various medical devices and materials. The local level of absorption associated with the portion of the images showing a vessel structure or in which the interventional object resides may be determined from either the native images or the mask images. Subsequently, the subtracted images may be locally altered to compensate for the local level of absorption such that the visibility of a vessel structure or interventional object is enhanced. The subtracted images may be enhanced by altering the local contrast, brightness, or sharpness, or noise.

Abstract: Contrast and lightness measures are used to first classify the image as being one of non-turbid and turbid. If turbid, the original image is enhanced to generate a first enhanced image. If non-turbid, the original image is classified in terms of a merged contrast/lightness score based on the contrast and lightness measures. The non-turbid image is enhanced to generate a second enhanced image when a poor contrast/lightness score is associated therewith. When the second enhanced image has a poor contrast/lightness score associated therewith, this image is enhanced to generate a third enhanced image. A sharpness measure is computed for one image that is selected from (i) the non-turbid image, (ii) the first enhanced image, (iii) the second enhanced image when a good contrast/lightness score is associated therewith, and (iv) the third enhanced image. If the selected image is not-sharp, it is sharpened to generate a sharpened image. The final image is selected from the selected image and the sharpened image.

Abstract: A system for performing a three dimensional stereo measurement that uses a sensor for obtaining a sensor image of a scene, and a database for providing first and second reference images of the scene that are a stereo pair of images. At least one processing system is responsive to an output of the sensor and in communication with the database. The processing system registers the sensor image with the first reference image, and also selects a point of interest from one of the sensor image and the first reference image. The processing system performs a stereo point measurement from the selected point of interest and the first reference image to determine a point in the second reference image that represents a stereo mate of the selected point in the first reference image.

Abstract: Appearance parameters for each object are set by pressing an appearance parameter setting button (208) for each object ID selected by a body object selection button (207). Upon generation of a two-dimensional image for pseudo three-dimensional presentation, the color values of each object are determined based on the appearance parameters set for that object. A satisfactory three-dimensional presentation image can be generated according to the adaptation state of a human visual perception.

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

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for rendering a mask are disclosed. A method of rendering a mask may comprise: providing an initial mask design for a photolithographic process, the initial mask design including polygons; initially rendering the initial mask design as a coarse mask representation in a pixel based image calculation; identifying an overhang portion; and rendering the overhang portion using a set of subpixels whose artifacts from spatial-localization lie outside a practical resolution of a pseudo lens having a numerical aperture larger than that of a projection lens used in the photolithographic process; and updating the initial rendering based on the overhang portion rendering.

Abstract: To enable obtainment of a composite image including a movement trajectory of a moving body, even from a moving image including a background. A sampler samples frames from moving image data. A first mask frame calculator calculates mask frames including mask regions, which correspond to positions of the moving body on the frames. A second mask frame calculator accumulates and binarizes the mask frames to calculate a reference mask frame. A region masker masks the frames by using the mask frames and the reference mask frame to cut out moving body regions, which correspond to a moving body, from the frames. A composer overwrites moving body regions on one of the frames in chronological order to obtain a composite image, which includes the movement trajectory of the moving body.

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 left-eye color discrimination unit (1101) and right-eye color discrimination unit (1102) generate mask images from virtual space images. If an error part exists at the boundary between a chroma key region and non-chroma key region in the mask image, each of a left-eye mask correction unit (1108) and right-eye mask correction unit (1110) corrects the error part using another mask image generated based on the other virtual space image in addition to the virtual space image.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for editing a digital image with automatic conversion of region modalities. Input comprising an instruction to perform an operation on a first portion of the digital image may be received. The first portion of the digital image may comprise data defined by a first region modality. The operation may be applicable to data defined by a second region modality. In response to receiving the input, the first portion of the digital image may be automatically converted from the first region modality to the second region modality. The operation may be automatically performed on the converted first portion of the digital image (i.e., as defined by the second region modality).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a method, system and computer program product for detecting and recognizing text in the images captured by cameras and scanners. First, a series of image-processing techniques is applied to detect text regions in the image. Subsequently, the detected text regions pass through different processing stages that reduce blurring and the negative effects of variable lighting. This results in the creation of multiple images that are versions of the same text region. Some of these multiple versions are sent to a character-recognition system. The resulting texts from each of the versions of the image sent to the character-recognition system are then combined to a single result, wherein the single result is detected text.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allow for the automatic cropping and file generation of images from an existing image for display on multiple devices. An image, such as a video image, is provided to an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Next a mask or plurality of masks representative of different displays are applied to the image. The mask can be moved such that the content author can display an area of interest in the desired device. Once the mask is in place a crop is generated based on the mask. As frames are advanced the mask may be moved as the area of interest moves. Again a crop is made based on the mask. Once completed a file of the images is generated for each device represented by the mask that is displayable for the device.

Abstract: In an intelligent video surveillance system, video processing software performs a number of operations on video data received from a camera, including foreground extraction, shadow removal and object tracking. The foreground extraction stage classifies each pixel of a received frame as representing either foreground or background. Since shadow regions can be wrongly classified as foreground, a two-branch shadow removal operation is employed, comprising weak shadow removal (32) and strong shadow removal (33). The purpose of weak shadow removal (32) is to remove only the most severe shadows in each frame. Conversely, the purpose of strong shadow removal (33) is to remove substantially every shadow present in each frame. By comparing the overlap of foreground regions in the two resulting images, it is possible to identify foreground regions that have fragmented due to strong shadow removal, and thereafter classify them as representing a common foreground object.

Abstract: A method for controlling a masking block in a monitoring camera. The method adjusts the masking block to precisely hide an image of a subject with its position and size changed when a zoom magnification is changed under a state where the masking block is set. In addition, the method adjusts a masking block to precisely hide a changed image of a subject when the monitoring camera is rotated to change the position of the image of the subject. In addition, the method measures and corrects a distance between a center axis of a CCD and an optical axis of a lens if the two axes are not coincident with each other. In addition, the method corrects an offset occurring due to an incorrect coupling between the monitor camera and a pan/tilter. Furthermore, a method for setting a masking block when a remotely uncontrollable monitoring camera is used is disclosed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for correcting new images using example image sets, automatically or with user interaction, to produce corrected images in a manner that can be adapted to individual preferences, different image object orientations, image illumination conditions, and/or human and non-human features. In one embodiment, example image sets are provided that include information. The information can include a corrected example image, an original example image, and an example image mask. The example image mask includes information regarding the pixels corrected in the corrected example image. A new image is received that includes a defective area that needs to be corrected. The new image can be corrected using the information associated with the example image set.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for masking a privacy area of an image. The method for masking a privacy area of an image includes: detecting a privacy area required to be protected in an image; and performing masking on the image. An important area (a face area of a person, a number plate area of a vehicle, a window area of a house, etc.) detected from an image inputted through a CCTV camera can be effectively and easily encrypted, scrambled, decoded, and descrambled. Also, the position of the important area detected before or after the important area is scrambled can be maintained to be consistent without having to use a metadata file. In addition, a scrambling algorithm of the same key value can be applicable regardless of the size of the important area. As a result, the system efficiency can be enhanced by effectively protecting personal information compared with a CCTV-based video security system.

Abstract: A system for controlling effects performed on an image includes a digital camera having a display that displays the image. A masking tool positions a graphical representation on the display, the graphical representation defining a portion of the image that is altered when the effects are applied to the image. The masking tool is positioned over a masked portion of an image and an effect is applied. The effect is applied on the image inside the masked portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cropping images of book pages are disclosed according to one embodiment of the invention. A method may include identifying reference images and receiving cropping rectangles for the reference images. These cropping rectangles associated with reference images may then be used to generate cropping rectangles for images of book pages between the reference images. The cropping rectangles may be generated based on a linear interpolation of the cropping rectangles associated with the reference images and the number of pages between images. The method may also display one or more images of book pages with the associated one or more cropping rectangles superimposed thereon. A user may then have the opportunity to make adjustments to the position and/or size of the cropping rectangles.

Abstract: An image processing method is described that allows a user to manipulate regions of interest (ROIs) in a mask based image. The user defines a stretch vector for example by ‘clicking and dragging’ a mouse pointer and an algorithm deforms the ROI according to a roll-off function that avoids the non-smooth edge effects seen in prior art techniques such as paintbrushes.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting privacy information of a surveillance image includes a key management unit for generating and managing keys used to unmask a masked input image; an input image processing unit for unmasking the input image using the keys, decoding the unmasked input image to acquire an uncompressed image data, and then applying a second masking on an area containing privacy information of the image data. Further, the apparatus for protecting the privacy information of the surveillance image includes an image recording unit for encoding the image data to which the second masking has been applied to store the encoded image data.

Abstract: A method of determining a photo mask, includes specifying a mask pattern for a photo mask for a first exposure apparatus, specifying a plurality of exposure conditions allowed to be set for a second exposure apparatus, predicting a projection image of the mask pattern to be projected on a substrate by the second exposure apparatus, for each of the exposure conditions, predicting a processed pattern to be formed on a substrate surface on the basis of the projection image, for each of the exposure conditions, determining whether or not the processed pattern meets a predetermined condition for each of the exposure conditions, and determining that the photo mask is applicable to the second exposure apparatus if the processed pattern meets the predetermined condition for at least one of the exposure conditions.

Abstract: Image processing using masked restricted Boltzmann machines is described. In an embodiment restricted Boltzmann machines based on beta distributions are described which are implemented in an image processing system. In an embodiment a plurality of fields of masked RBMs are connected in series. An image is input into a masked appearance RBM and decomposed into superpixel elements. The superpixel elements output from one appearance RBM are used as input to a further appearance RBM. The outputs from each of the series of fields of RBMs are used in an intelligent image processing system. Embodiments describe training a plurality of RBMs. Embodiments describe using the image processing system for applications such as object recognition and image editing.

Abstract: In a line by line image forming apparatus, line switching information which depends on scan line curve and an overlap data length to be read that overlaps across a plurality of lines before and after a switching position instructed by line switching information are set in a register. If switching to the line above or below is instructed by the line switching information, an address generating unit, when reading image data from an image memory, generates the read address and read data length of the image memory in accordance with the line switching information and the overlap data length, and reads image data corresponding to a current line and the line above or below the current line in accordance with the generated data.

Abstract: Increasing color saturation and contrast in images generally leads to more pleasing images; however, doing so uniformly to all colors in the image can make skin tones appear with an overly red tint. One embodiment of an improved method of skin tone aware color boosting identifies areas of the image which look like skin tones and areas that do not look like skin tones. A blurred “skin tone mask” can then be created over the image. One large boost operation and one small boost operation can be applied to the image. A final version of the image may then be created, applying the pixel values resulting from the small boosting operation to the skin tone regions and applying the pixel values resulting from the large boosting operation to the non-skin tone regions, using the blurred mask to provide a smooth transition between the skin tone and non-skin tone regions.

Abstract: A method for computer-aided detection of microcalcification clusters using a digital computer obtains digital mammography data for a single view image and normalizes and filters the image data to reduce noise. A first mask is generated and applied to the image data for defining the breast structure, forming a first cropped image. A second mask is generated and applied to the image data for defining muscle structure, forming a second cropped image. An artifact mask corresponding to vascular calcifications and known imaging artifacts is generated and applied to the first and second cropped images, defining first and second artifact-masked cropped images. In a repeated sequence, portions of each artifact-masked cropped image are processed using an enhancement algorithm and reducing edge effects to obtain a set of microcalcification cluster candidates and suspected microcalcification clusters.

Abstract: An image fusion method for medical applications, comprising: a. acquiring a first image with a planned radiation region; b. acquiring a second image with actual radiation region; c. determining if user defined landmarks have been placed on the first and second images, if user defined landmarks are present go to step (d), if not go to step (e); d. pre-transforming the first image or second image or both images; e. performing a first delineation step on the actual radiation region; f. determining if the delineation is correct, if yes go to step (g), if not go to step (h); g. fusing the first and second image and exit process; and h. selecting multiple contour points around the actual radiation region in the second image; i. performing a second delineation step on the actual radiation region and go to step (f).

Abstract: A method of forming images on a lithographic substrate is disclosed, the method including grouping a plurality of image regions together to form a combined image, determining or receiving a location at which the combined image is to be positioned on the substrate, calculating locations at which the image regions forming the combined image are to be positioned on the substrate, and using a lithographic apparatus to project the image regions at the calculated locations onto the substrate.

Abstract: A background image wherein areas in which still images are to be rendered have been defined is prepared. Product images are obtained by multiplying mask images and positioned still images together. The background image and the product images are added to obtain a sum image that constitutes one frame of a slideshow. A plurality of still-image portions obtained from a plurality of still images in one frame are contained in the sum image. An advanced slideshow is thus obtained.

Abstract: An image processing device detects a candidate area of a background color in a chromaticity plane with respect to an original scanned document. A background color area is determined based on the candidate area of the detected background color. Boundary lines extending from the determined background color area to an achromatic-color area are generated. The background color area and an area surrounded by the background color area and the boundary lines are set as a mask, and the background color of the original document is deleted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamic correction of data for non-uniformity are disclosed. Feature data are extracted from input video data that include a subject shot against a backing area in a solid color. The feature data may describe characteristics of non-uniformity in input video data. A curve is generated based on the extracted feature data, and correction factors are formed based on the generated curve. At least one of the input video data and alpha data associated with the input video data is corrected based on the correction factors.

Abstract: A system for detecting a status of an imaging device for use with a surgical navigation system is provided. The system can comprise a source of at least one image and a mask module that generates a mask array for each received image. The system can also include a background check module that determines a content of the image defined by the mask array and a radiation status module that determines a status of the imaging device based on the content of the image.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for editing a digital image with automatic conversion of region modalities. Input comprising an instruction to perform an operation on a first portion of the digital image may be received. The first portion of the digital image may comprise data defined by a first region modality. The operation may be applicable to data defined by a second region modality. In response to receiving the input, the first portion of the digital image may be automatically converted from the first region modality to the second region modality. The operation may be automatically performed on the converted first portion of the digital image (i.e., as defined by the second region modality).

Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to directional feathering of an image object. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method that includes obtaining an image object and directional information for the image object, the object including a shape having edges. The method also includes creating an opacity mask for the image object based on the shape of the image object. The method further includes processing the opacity mask such that opacity values in the opacity mask are different going from edge to interior of the shape and the opacity mask is processed in accordance with the directional information of the image object. Additionally, the method includes outputting a composite image based on the image object and the opacity mask.

Abstract: An original document is scanned, an arbitrary color area in a chromaticity plane is extracted with respect to the scanned original document, coordinate conversion is performed on the extracted color area in the chromaticity plane, and a mask area is determined to be masked, in accordance with the converted color area on which the coordinate conversion has been performed.

Abstract: Image forming apparatus, which prevents the occurrence of displacement of the positions of pixels between image data items forming a synthetic image, and eliminates distortion of a character and color shift in character regions and non-character regions. An image size adjustment section obtains, when synthesizing a plurality of image data items to create one image, a remainder by dividing the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of input image data by a least common multiple of the ratio of resolutions of a plurality of image data items, for vertical and horizontal directions of the image. The input image data is processed by means of the result of computing the remainder, so that the remainder becomes 0 when obtaining the remainder by dividing the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the input image data by the least common multiple of the ratio of the resolutions of the image data items.

Abstract: To enable obtainment of a composite image including a movement trajectory of a moving body, even from a moving image including a background. A sampler samples frames from moving image data. A first mask frame calculator calculates mask frames including mask regions, which correspond to positions of the moving body on the frames. A second mask frame calculator accumulates and binarizes the mask frames to calculate a reference mask frame. A region masker masks the frames by using the mask frames and the reference mask frame to cut out moving body regions, which correspond to a moving body, from the frames. A composer overwrites moving body regions on one of the frames in chronological order to obtain a composite image, which includes the movement trajectory of the moving body.

Abstract: A half sample and quarter sample pixel value interpolation calculation classifies a set of all possible half sample and quarter sample pixel value interpolation calculations into a plurality of interpolation types. A function kernel for each interpolation type includes a half sample pixel and all quarter sample pixels whose value calculation depend on a value of said half sample pixel value. The correct function kernel is called invoking the corresponding value interpolation calculation. The function kernels operate iteratively over a plurality of macroblocks of at least two macroblock sub-partition sizes. The calculation of dependent quarter sample pixel values preferably employs a packed average instruction.

Abstract: A method for performing automatic stereo measure of a selected point in a scene. A sensor image is initially obtained from a sensor providing an image of a scene. First and second reference images of the scene that are a stereo pair of images are also provided. The sensor image is registered with the first reference image and a point of interest is selected from one of the sensor or first reference images. A stereo point measurement using the selected point and the two reference images is performed to determine a point in the second reference image that represents a stereo mate of the selected point in the first reference image. An analysis of a three dimensional grid volume centered about the selected point in the first reference image is then performed. The analysis uses both reference images, the selected point and its stereo mate to determine the three dimensional coordinates of the point in the grid that best matches the location of the stereo mate point in the second reference image.

Abstract: A color attribute picked up from a pickup surface of a graphics design application document may be used to contaminate a paint data store. An injection color attribute may be re-injected into the paint data store. The resulting contaminated and re-injected paint data store may be used to tint one or more stamps in a stroke drawn on a target surface of the document. Thus, a color attribute of an existing pixel may be sampled and combined with an injection color attribute, such that the color attribute data applied by a graphics data manipulation tool is dynamic over the stroke of the graphics data manipulation tool in response to the picked-up color attributes and the injection color attributes.

Abstract: To enable obtainment of a composite image including a movement trajectory of a moving body, even from a moving image including a background. Sampling means samples frames from moving image data. First mask frame calculating means calculates mask frames including mask regions, which correspond to positions of the moving body on the frames. Second mask frame calculating means accumulates and binarizes the mask frames to calculate a reference mask frame. Region cutout means masks the frames by using the mask frames and the reference mask frame to cut out moving body regions, which correspond to a moving body, from the frames. Composing means overwrites moving body regions on one of the frames in chronological order to obtain a composite image, which includes the movement trajectory of the moving body.

Abstract: An observation system for masking a privacy zone and method thereof are provided. The observation system has a camera part that photographs a certain observation area. An operation part receives a user-set command for selecting a privacy zone among the observation area, where the privacy zone requires no observation. A control part outputs a control signal for setting a mask area that masks the privacy zone according to the user-set command. An area set part generates a plurality of vertexes forming the mask area according to the control signal. An image signal process part uses a mosaic scheme to masks the privacy zone photographed by the camera part according to the mask area formed by the plurality of vertexes set by the area set part. An output part displays the mask area masked by the image signal process part. Therefore, the privacy zone photographed from the camera part is not displayed on a screen.

Abstract: A method for determining a volume of interest in data includes determining fixed-bandwidth estimations of a plurality of analysis bandwidths, wherein the estimation of the fixed-bandwidth comprises, providing an estimate of a mode location of the volume of interest in the data, and determining a covariance of the volume of interest using a local Hessian matrix. The method further includes determining the volume of interest as a most stable fixed-bandwidth estimation across each of the plurality of analysis bandwidths.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for comparing a junk fax image stored in a database to an incoming facsimile image to determine whether the incoming facsimile image is a junk fax. If the facsimile image is a junk fax, the image is either deleted or the communication terminated. The invention also provides a junk fax determinator by which an incoming facsimile image can be designated as a junk fax. In one embodiment, a recipient (user) can make the determination as to whether the incoming facsimile image is a junk fax and generate a personal junk fax database. In another embodiment, the recipient (user) can scan a hard copy document to form an incoming facsimile image, which can be saved as a junk fax in a personal junk fax database.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image pickup device having a two-dimensionally arrayed pixel structure, an A/D converter which converts analog signals from the respective pixels into digital data signals, and a DSP 30 which performs signal processing for the data signals. The DSP 30 includes an image data storage 32 which stores the data signals in units of data signal sequences corresponding to pixel lines, a mask processor 34 which sets an integer n not less than 2 as a dilation coefficient and performs mask processing to dilate image components in the image data to n×n, and a data storing controller 37 which sets n calculation memory regions in which n data signal sequences corresponding to n pixel lines are stored, in the storage 32, according to the dilation coefficient n. Thereby, an imaging apparatus capable of acquiring an image with excellent visibility even under conditions of a low illuminance, etc., is realized.

Abstract: A system that allows a user to spotlight a region of particular interest in a large-scale display, such as a wall panel display. The spotlight can be a circular or other shape area around which the display is de-emphasized, such as by being darkened or blurred outside the circle. The spotlight can be moved by the user moving a cursor positioned in the circle. When the cursor encounters an edge of the circle the spotlight is moved in the direction of cursor movement. As the cursor is moved the outside region has less de-emphasis. When the movement is stopped the outside region is darkened to the maximum. A spotlight beam or other attention directing area of emphasis can be used to help focus a viewer's attention on the spotlight. The spotlight can follow objects in a scene as they move.

Abstract: A system for controlling effects performed on an image includes a digital camera having a display that displays the image. A masking tool positions a graphical representation on the display, the graphical representation defining a portion of the image that is altered when the effects are applied to the image. The masking tool is positioned over a masked portion of an image and an effect is applied. The effect is applied on the image inside the masked portion.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus causes a composite image to be printed, on a recording sheet, as an entry area to be written in by a user. The composite image is formed by superimposing a fixed image on a reference image. The image processing apparatus extracts an image of an area having luminance lower than a predetermined threshold value from an image corresponding to the entry area contained in an image obtained by reading the recording sheet having the entry area that is written in, and the image processing apparatus uses mask data for extracting an image of an area corresponding to the fixed image to perform image extraction.

Abstract: A mechanism for gathering information from one or more detectors to aid in a determination of a current location of one or more entities is provided. Embodiments of the present invention perform these tasks by plotting data provided by the detectors onto a grid corresponding to a geographical area monitored by the detectors and then analyzing the plot for overlapping results using graphical techniques. Where measurements overlap, data associated with those measurements is provided to an analysis module to predict location and velocity of the entities. Aspects of the present invention provide an initial prediction of location and/or velocity of an entity in order to reduce convergence time of the analysis module.