Abstract: Designed to determine a number of frames of data for acquisition from video data on the basis of image quality setting data that allows image quality to be set for an image output by an image output device; and to acquire from the video data the determined number of frames of data, and synthesize the acquired number of frames of data to generate image data representing tones of an image by means of a multitude of pixels. Since image data can be generated by synthesizing frames of data in a number appropriate to the image quality of the output image, the process of generating image data representing a still image can be performed efficiently, and a still image derived efficiently.

Abstract: An examined image is segmented, where a segment thereof may correspond to an area scan image or a line scan image of which the size is defined by considering the performance of the servo mechanism. In the segment, vectors between feature points of the examined image and a standard image are compared, and based on the required tolerance, a Fibonacci search having a predetermined number of iterations is used for matching an optimal corresponding relationship between the examined image and the standard image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that desynchronize a video to be protected, thereby creating one or more digitally fingerprinted videos. In one implementation, a video to be protected is temporally desynchronized and spatially desynchronized. A fingerprinted copy of the video, as modified by the temporal and spatial desynchronizations, is created.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus processes data described in a predetermined descriptive language. A module interprets a storage location of image data of an image described according to the predetermined descriptive language and a module obtains the image data based on the interpreted storage location. A reading module reads and obtains image forming information that includes image trimming information. Another module interprets the image forming information obtained by the reading module, including interpreting the image trimming information. A processing module renders an image forming processing, including a trimming processing, on the image data based on the interpreted image forming information, and the trimming processing is executed prior to execution of any of a flipping processing, a rotation processing, and an image aspect ratio maintaining processing.

Abstract: A single high resolution frame is obtained from a plurality of frames sampled from moving image data, regardless of movement of a subject included in the frames. Patches are provided in a plurality of frames including a reference frame and other frames. The patches are moved and/or deformed, and correspondent relationships are estimated for each frame. The other frames are coordinate converted based on the estimated correspondent relationships. Correlative values, which represent the degrees of correlation between the other frames and the reference frame, are calculated. The number of regions within the patches is changed, and the correlative values are calculated in the same manner. A synthesized frame is generated from the plurality of frames based on the correspondent relationship, which was estimated for the number of regions that yields the maximal correlation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rotating YUV4:2:0 image in a digital display device, such as TV image system. A YUV4:2:0 image is separated to a Y division matrix and a U and V division matrix. Then the Y division is performed a rotation matrix calculation. And the U and V division matrix is performed a reverse rotation matrix calculation. A rotated YUV4:2:0 image is obtained by combining the processed Y division matrix and the processed U and V division matrix.

Abstract: Methods and systems for quantization and data embedding are described. In at least some embodiments, a transform is applied on an image that is to be watermarked and statistics associated with the image are computed. The computed statistics are quantized using a symmetric lattice, and a watermark is computed using the lattice quantized statistics. The watermark is then inserted into the image.

Abstract: Using an image region detection method according to the present invention, the detection of sides in the four directions (vertical and horizontal directions) is performed on the basis of results of edge detection performed on lines having a particular width, starting from an inner point toward the periphery of the quadrangular region in an input image, and the shape and the four corners of the quadrangle formed by the detected four sides are verified. Thereby, when there is a side that has been falsely detected, redetection on sides that are closer to the periphery than the side that has been detected falsely is performed, such that the quadrangular region can be formed at high speed.

Abstract: A phase contrast image is generated on the basis of a plurality of radiation images of an object taken in imaging positions which are different from each other in the distance from the object. An enlargement/reduction processing is carried out on the radiation images as taken in the imaging positions according to the distances between the imaging positions so that the radiation images become substantially the same in their sizes, and a phase contrast image is generated on the basis of the radiation images thus processed.

Abstract: A system and process for determining the similarity in the shape of objects is presented that generates a novel shape representation called a directional histogram model. This shape representative captures the shape variations of an object with viewing direction, using thickness histograms. The resulting directional histogram model is substantially invariant to scaling and translation. A matrix descriptor can also be derived by applying the spherical harmonic transform to the directional histogram model. The resulting matrix descriptor is substantially invariant to not only scaling and translation, but rotation as well. The matrix descriptor is also robust with respect to local modification or noise, and able to readily distinguish objects with different global shapes. The typical applications of the directional histogram model and matrix descriptor include recognizing 3D solid shapes, measuring the similarity between different objects and shape similarity based object retrieval.

Abstract: An image read controller for extracting an original portion from an image read by an image reader. The image read controller includes means for extracting a rectangular area containing the area in which the original exists from the read image, inclination detection means for detecting the inclination of the rectangular area, inclination correction means for correcting the inclination of the rectangle in response to the detected inclination, cut width setting means for setting the cut width of each side of the rectangle in response to the detected inclination, and cutting means for cutting the margins of the rectangular area based on the setup cut width of each side to extract the original image.

Abstract: A center position designated for an image is inputted and print data which is printed is formed so that the image is printed lest a blank occurs on a sheet and the center position designated for the inputted image is located at the center of the sheet, so that a borderless printing subjected to a trimming process can be performed by simple designation.

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: In a method for controlling an orienting/positioning system, the orienting system comprises at least one sensor means, an external motion detection device for detecting an externally-caused motion in the environment of the sensor means and actuator means for controlling an orienting and/or positioning action of the sensor means.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for estimating face direction using a single gray-level image (110, 150) of a face are described. Given the single image (110, 150), a face direction can be determined by computing a nose axis (140, 180) maximising a correlation measure between left and right sides (120, 130; 160, 170) of the face. The correlation measure is computed by comparing one of the two sides (A) with another synthetic side (C) derived from the other side (B) using symmetry and perspective transforms. Optionally, this process can be accelerated using a contrast enhancement algorithm taking advantage of the circumstances that the nose is the part of a face reflecting the most light and that this reflected light is represented as a line-like region close to the real nose axis. The computation result is a word describing the spatial position of the face and combining height (“up”, “normal”, “down”) and neck-rotation (“left”, “frontal”, “right”).

Abstract: Motion correction for optical tomographic imaging in three dimensions. An object of interest is illuminated to produce an image. A lateral offset correction value is determined for the image. An axial offset correction value is determined for the image. The lateral offset correction value and the axial offset correction value are applied to the image to produce a corrected file image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for describing image content establish image description records which include an object set (24), an object hierarchy (26) and entity relation graphs (28). For image content, image objects can include global objects (O0 8) and local objects (O1 2 and O2 6). The image objects are further defined by a number of features of different classes (36, 38 and 40), which in turn are further defined by a number of feature descriptors. The relationships between and among the objects in the object set are defined by the object hierarchy (26) and entity relation graphs (28). The image description records provide a standard vehicle for describing the content and context of image information for subsequent access and processing by computer applications such as search engines, filters, and archive systems.

Abstract: An image created by a first projector is recreated using a second projector by relating the two projectors to a common point of view, preferably as viewed from a camera. A first transport matrix T1 is captured to relate the first projector to the camera. A second transport matrix T2 is then capture to relate the second projector to the camera. To have a first image p1, as projected by the first projector, reproduced by the second projector, the second projector projects a distorted image defined as (T2?1)(T1)p1. The inverse of T2, as used in this equation is an estimation defined by first creating an intermediate matrix {hacek over (T)} of equal size as T2. If a column in T2 is denoted as Tr and a corresponding column in {hacek over (T)} is denoted as {hacek over (T)}r, then the construction and population of {hacek over (T)} is defined as {hacek over (T)}r=Tr/(?Tr?)2, and the inverse of T2 is estimated as the transpose of {hacek over (T)}.

Abstract: An original media object, such as an image, is edited without loss of the data comprising the media object. Changes applied to the media object are defined by metadata associated with the media object. For example, metadata define the cropping of an original JPEG image without loss of the original image. The metadata from a previous editing session can be used to further revising a change to the media object. Preferably, the metadata are stored as a stream in a substorage of an object linking and embedding (OLE) file. For display purposes, and for ease of modification, an edited version of the media object is stored as another stream of data in the substorage of the OLE file. The edited version of the media object is preferably compressed and serves as an intermediate object for faster display during editing and as a surrogate if the original media object is unavailable.

Abstract: Subdividing rotation between two poses in three dimensions may be accomplished in three parts. First, data defining the two poses is obtained from the animation or modeling interface. Second, a path associated with the two poses is determined. Third, using quaternion interpolation, the roll between the two poses is interpolated at intermediate positions along the path. The amount of roll at each of these intermediate positions then may be applied to three dimensional structures used for character rigging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for transforming an object image, e.g., using a rotation and/or scaling, for showing it on a display unit having a matrix-shaped array of target image points. In order to achieve a rapid and exact representation of the rotated object at relatively low expenditure, the present invention provides, for at least a portion of the target image points, determining source image points by an inverse transformation, and comparing the source image points to pre-stored object image points. From this comparison, the target image point data of the target image points are ascertained. Furthermore, a suitable image of such a transformation is created.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus for processing an image sensed by an image sensing unit which includes an optical system and an image sensing element for converting a subject image formed by the optical system into an electric signal, a group of correction data, which is calculated on the basis of relative positional information of an optical axis of the optical system and a center of an effective range of the image sensing element, for correcting an image sensed by the image sensing unit is read out from a storage unit, and the image is corrected based upon the group of correction data read out from the storage unit. A minimum value of the group of correction data is associated with a position substantially coinciding with the optical axis position on the image sensing element or a position between the optical axis of the optical system and the center and closer to the optical axis.

Abstract: The method is based on symmetrical encryption algorithms of variable length blocks, supported by a Pseudo-noise Sequence Generator based in its turn in one (or two) linear sequence generators (LFSR with a primitive polynomial). The basic versions of these algorithms include the plotting of a set of lines which is defined by a pole and a contour, but ensuring that the points inside the contour became inverted when plotted each time the pixel is found in one of the set of lines. Usually, two contours will be used, one of them shall act as the boundary for the data area and in a modification of the same the set of lines is created by means of unregularised contours.

Abstract: In a novel method of 3D modeling of an object from a video sequence using an SfM algorithm and a generic object model, the generic model is incorporated after the SfM algorithm generates a 3D estimate of the object model purely and directly from the input video sequence. An optimization framework provides for comparison of the local trends of the 3D estimate and the generic model so that the errors in the 3D estimate are corrected. The 3D estimate is obtained by fusing intermediate 3D reconstructions of pairs of frames of the video sequence after computing the uncertainty of the two frame solutions. The quality of the fusion algorithm is tracked using a rate-distortion function. In order to combine the generic model with the 3D estimate, an energy function minimization procedure is applied to the 3D estimate. The optimization is performed using a Metropolis-Hasting sampling strategy.

Abstract: Subdividing rotation between two poses in three dimensions may be accomplished in three parts. First, data defining the two poses is obtained from the animation or modeling interface. Second, a path associated with the two poses is determined. Third, using quaternion interpolation, the roll between the two poses is interpolated at intermediate positions along the path. The amount of roll at each of these intermediate positions then may be applied to three dimensional structures used for character rigging.

Abstract: An original media object, such as an image, is edited without loss of the data comprising the media object. Changes applied to the media object are defined by metadata associated with the media object. For example, metadata define the cropping of an original JPEG image without loss of the original image. The metadata from a previous editing session can be used to further revising a change to the media object. Preferably, the metadata are stored as a stream in a substorage of an object linking and embedding (OLE) file. For display purposes, and for ease of modification, an edited version of the media object is stored as another stream of data in the substorage of the OLE file. The edited version of the media object is preferably compressed and serves as an intermediate object for faster display during editing and as a surrogate if the original media object is unavailable.

Abstract: For an optical sensor, a simple approach to obtain a mapping function that transforms sensor coordinates of a generic imaging system to coordinates of a virtual, projective camera. The sensor plane of this virtual camera is established using a planar calibration object and does not require known features on the object. Two in-plane motions are sufficient to establish the distortion-free virtual camera. The sensor plane of the virtual projective camera is used to calibrate all subsequent images obtained by the optical sensor. For a generic sensor, the present method is a simple approach to obtain a mapping function that transforms sensor measurements into a virtual sensor system. The virtual sensor system is established using a uniform bias. The virtual sensor system is used to calibrate all subsequent measurements obtained by the sensor.

Abstract: Merging of overlapping two-dimensional (2D) images that are formed by an image pick-up device as projections of a three-dimensional (3D) scene includes image registration by projective transformation of one of the 2D images. The transformation is derived from corresponding feature points found in both images. In order to achieve improved accuracy and stability, the coordinates of the corresponding feature points are translated so that, on average, the numerical ranges of coordinate values are minimized. An apparatus for performing the merging of overlapping 2D images includes an appropriately configured image processor or computer with an attached image acquisition device. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a diagnostic x-ray apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhancing the accuracy of height above ground measurements in which the registration error between successive images taken of the terrain over which an aircraft is flying is minimized, the earlier image having first been transformed according to measurements of the aircraft linear and angular velocities, the focal length and attitude of the image sensor, and an initial, coarse height estimate. By an iterative process, a more accurate height estimate is obtained.

Abstract: The positional offset of an image is corrected without performing any processing for the setting of a reference position with respect to a document image, e.g., the setting of markings. Pieces of information about a reference image, including a reference position, are stored in a predetermined storage unit. Information about the input image is extracted from the input image, and a target position on the input image is calculated on the basis of the extracted information. In addition, a reference image with respect to the input image is specified on the basis of the information about the input image from the predetermined storage unit. The positional offset of the target position with respect to the reference position of the specified reference image is calculated. The positional offset of the input image with respect to the reference image is corrected on the basis of the calculated positional offset amount.

Abstract: In a machine-fed scanner, orientation angles of edges of an image bearing substrate are obtained and used to calculate image shear and/or skew. A running weighted average of the image skew may be kept in a memory. When a skew value is obtained for a given image, it may be determined whether the skew value is within a predetermined range. If the skew value is within the predetermined range, the skew value is used to determine an image revision to compensate for the skew, and the skew value is incorporated into the running weighted average skew. If the skew value is not within the predetermined range, it is discarded and the running weighted average skew is used to determine an appropriate image skew revision. The running weighted average of the shear may also be kept in a memory. A shear value is obtained for each image, and incorporated into the running weighted average shear. Shear revision is performed based on the running weighted average shear.

Abstract: Computer-based methods and systems for automatically determining convergence when registering image sets are provided. Example embodiments provide an Enhanced Image Registration System (EIRS), which includes an Image Comparison Module, a Transformation Optimizer, and a Convergence Calculator. When the EIRS receives two image sets to align, the Image Comparison Module compares two image sets to determine or measure how closely the image sets are aligned. The Transformation Optimizer determines an appropriate transformation to apply to one of the image sets to align it with the reference image set. The Transformation Optimizer then applies the determined transformation. The Convergence Calculator examines one or more points within the transformed image set to determine when convergence is attained.

Abstract: The invention provides a data transfer device for multidimensional memory capable of performing an efficient SIMD operation and suitable for transferring data between a multidimensional memory and a one-dimensional memory. A DMAC reads data of a rectangular area in a logical two-dimensional space of a two-dimensional data access memory, and writes the read data on a one-dimensional data access memory. Further, it reads data from the one-dimensional data access memory, and writes the read data on the two-dimensional data access memory, such that the data are arranged in the rectangular area in the logical two-dimensional space of the two-dimensional data access memory.

Abstract: An image input unit acquires a first image and a second image. A matching processor computes a pixel matching between the images so that corresponding points are obtained on the second image with respect to lattice points of a mesh defined on the first image. A result thereof is recorded as a corresponding point file. An intermediate image generator generates an intermediate image of the first image and the second image based on the corresponding point file. Since the corresponding point file is composed of corresponding lattice points alone rather than corresponding pixels or the like, the amount of data is relatively small, and thereby allows efficient implementation of and application to various image effects, motion picture compression, on-line commodity presentation, and mobile applications.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of greatly reducing generation of a black streak image caused by dust, dirt, or the like at a flow scanning position on a document glass table in flow scanning of reading a document image while moving the document sheet at a predetermined speed. To achieve this object, the CPU of the image reading apparatus performs dust detection processing of detecting dust on the document glass table by a dust detection circuit during a document nonreading period. The CPU executes dust correction processing based on the dust detection result during continuous document reading. During an interval between the end of a series of image reading JOBs and the next image reading JOB, the CPU performs dust avoidance processing of changing the flow scanning position to a position free from any dust on the document glass table.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes a central control section, an image analysis section, a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external memory section and a user operation input section. The central control section is connected to the image analysis section, the RAM and the external memory section via a bus. Based on image data prepared by an image input section, the image analysis section performs a process of specifying where on the display screen of a display section a portion specified by the image input section lies.

Abstract: Correction of coordinates input by a user through an input device is effected using coordinate correction parameters. To calculate the coordinate correction parameters, a plurality of reference points are displayed on the input device. Coordinate input is designated by a user, and if the coordinate is determined to correspond to a reference point, then the coordinate input is retained. The process is repeated until a coordinate is kept for each reference point, wherein only remaining reference point(s) for which a corresponding coordinate has not yet been retained are displayed. Once coordinates have been input for the reference points, a correspondence between coordinate input and a reference point is determined, and corresponding coordinates are kept for each reference point. Using correction parameters calculated based on the kept coordinates, it is possible to correct device characteristics of the input device such as position aberration, even if such characteristics are non-linear.

Abstract: A game device models images of moving images such as motor-bikes or cars moving through a virtual space. The track along which a first such moving object moving through the virtual space is sampled at a prescribed interval in time in order to generate track data P1–P6, while transit points P1?–P6? are set at prescribed intervals of distance along the track indicated by the track data. A second moving object is moved in such a manner as to pass through these transit points. Accordingly, a course is set that is commensurate with the player's skill level so that the degree of difficulty of the game is not diminished by the degree of experience of the player.

Abstract: Techniques for storing and translating digital images of different native formats in a way that makes it unnecessary for independent manufactures of imaging devices such as digital cameras to agree on factors related to production/capture and processing of the images. Image data in a native format and an associated method are combined as part of an image object, within the meaning of classical object-oriented technology, and transferred to the host system. An abstract machine, such as a virtual machine, in the host system acts as a virtual image processor and executes the method to obtain image data in a common format. The method in each image object operates on its corresponding image data to yield an image in a common format.

Abstract: The image input part (3) in an authoring device (1) reads a plurality of pages of a paper publication and creates images of the pages. In the border eliminating part (9) of the authoring device (1), a common area extraction part (15) extracts the area common to all of the images of the pages. The layouts with respect to at least either text or drawings in this common area of the images resemble one another. The non common-area replacement part (19) replaces the color of the portion outside the common area of the images with the background color of the common area, so as to remove the border outside the common area of each of the images. An image output part (5) in the authoring device (1) outputs the data of the post-replacement images of all of the pages of the paper publication as the contents of an electronic publication.

Abstract: A method of fusion of a first digital radiographic image obtained as a result of scanning with a second digital radiographic image obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A CT interval of gray levels is selected first in the scanner image. Each pixel of the scanner image having a gray level lying within the CT interval is then replaced by a pixel obtained by digital processing of the pixel of the same coordinates as the MRI image. The final image corresponds to the scanner image in which the pixels of gray levels lying within the CT interval have undergone the digital processing.

Abstract: A method of segmenting a selected region from a multi-dimensional dataset, which method comprises the steps of setting up a shape model representing the general outline of the selected region and setting up an adaptive mesh. The adaptive mesh represents an approximate contour of the selected region. The adaptive mesh is initialized on the basis of the shape model. Furthermore, the adaptive mesh is deformed in dependence on the shape model and on feature information of the selected region.

Abstract: The instant invention is a system and method for converting improvement images to geographically referenced chart symbols and for combining improvement images with other geographically referenced information to create composite images. The instant invention provides for marking specific reference points on the improvement image with textual strings and using a system configured to recognize textual strings, to understand the information, and to determine the appropriate translation, rotation angle, and scale factor of the improvement image to render a geographically referenced image.

Abstract: The invention method and system provides rotation of an image on a display screen. A graphics library translates on-screen coordinates from a base viewing mode to a desired alternate viewing mode. The translated coordinated are rendered directly to the display screen.

Abstract: A method of generating an image transform for modifying a digital image, that includes the steps of: detecting a vanishing point related to the selected image; determining a preferable vanishing point location, and generating an image transform based on the vanishing point location and the preferable vanishing point location. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for detecting an amount of rotation between the vertical axes of a scene and an image of the scene, that includes the steps of: detecting a set of vanishing points related to the image; selecting a set of vanishing points corresponding to a vertical axis of the scene based on a predetermined criteria; and using the selected vanishing points to detect the rotation of the image.

Abstract: A method of processing image data is described. The method comprises receiving first image data corresponding to a first image and second image data corresponding to a second image, wherein pixels of the first image data and pixels of the second image data are registered to each other. The method also comprises shifting at least a portion of the first image data by a first fractional pixel displacement and at least a portion of the second image data by a second fractional pixel displacement to generate first shifted data and second shifted data, respectively. The method also comprises interpolating the first shifted data and the second shifted data to generate first interpolated data and second interpolated data, respectively. The method further comprises differencing the first interpolated data and the second interpolated data to generate residue data. An image processing system comprising a memory and a processing unit configured to carry out the above-noted steps is also described.

Abstract: Process for video microscopy in which an image of an object (9) on a microscope stage (7) generated by a microscope (1) is recorded with a video camera, digitized, stored temporarily, and displayed on the monitor (13) of a personal computer (12). At one known magnification V1, an image detail (15) is selected. Its image coordinates {right arrow over (r)}1=(x1, y1) relative to the center (18) of the image on the monitor screen (17) are determined at the proper scale. After a change in magnification from magnification V1 to another magnification Vm the position of the image detail (15) on the monitor screen is kept the same by moving the microscope stage (7) in the proper direction by {right arrow over (r)}1(1/Vm?1/V).

Abstract: A metrology instrument and method is offered which is capable of measuring the deviations between elements of an actual pattern at their joint without making any sample pattern for inspection in measuring and inspecting deviations produced at the joint portion when the pattern is drawn or transferred. The deviation ?X parallel to the joint portion is found from an image obtained for inspection. On the other hand, the dose distribution diagrams of both elements of the pattern on the opposite sides of the joint portion are calculated. These dose distribution diagrams are shifted by ?X along the joint portion and by a desired amount ?Y vertical to the joint portion. Then, the diagrams are superimposed together. The resulting image is compared with the image for the inspection and the correlation between them is found. The value of ?Y which minimizes the correlation (i.e., maximizes the degree of similarity) is found.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an image are disclosed. For edge detection, the zero crossing pixel location, n0, within the image is identified. Then, a sub-pixel position offset, a, is determined. The offset is a relationship between interpolated image and an interpolated kernel at the zero crossing pixel location. Finally, the interpolated position for the edge location, t0, is determined from the pixel location, n0, and the sub-pixel position offset, a. For matching the detected edges of an object to edges of a model object, translation [v1, v2] between a detected edge of an object in the image and the corresponding edge of a model object is first determined. Next, cross correlation between the detected edge and the corresponding model edge is calculated. Then, translation error [e1, e2] is determined. Finally, the translation is updated.

Abstract: An image fusion is carried out using a look-up table. The look-up table is addressed by the different kinds of images that will be used to carry out the fusion. Each address in the look-up table contains a precomputed image fusion between the two different kinds of images.