Raising Or Lowering The Image Resolution (e.g., Subpixel Accuracy) Patents (Class 382/299)
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Publication number: 20110234611Abstract: A handheld device including a Central Processing Unit (CPU) for receiving an original image input into the handheld device, and converting the original image into a quadrilateral image corresponding to a display size; and a General Purpose Computing on Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU) for setting fragments for pixels included within vertices of the quadrilateral image, and applying a predetermined algorithm for image processing to the original image.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nitin Singhal, Sung-Dae Cho, Chung-Hoon Kim, Abhinav Arora, Yoon-Choon Hwang
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Patent number: 8026936Abstract: A method for displaying images in a display apparatus is provided herein. In the display apparatus, an image is displayed during each frame period of a plurality of contiguous frames. At first, original images are received, and each of the received original images is composed of M number of contiguous image rows. A predetermined amount of frame periods are grouped as a frame group. During each frame period, one of M number of image rows is selected as an initial image row. From the initial image row, N number of image rows are selected from the M number of image rows according to an image row selection rule to constitute an image for displaying. In each frame group, at least two different initial parameters are used within two frame periods in order to output different images.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.Inventor: Hou-Chun Ting
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Patent number: 8027545Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding and/or decoding depth image-based representation (DIBR) data are provided. The encoding method includes: converting 3-dimensional (3D) volume data into adjustable octree data with predetermined labels given to nodes; by referring to the labels, encoding nodes of the adjustable octree from the root node to leaf nodes by a modified breadth-first search (BFS) method allocating priorities among children nodes; and generating a bitstream with predetermined header information and encoded node data. The decoding method includes: extracting header information containing at least resolution information of an object, from a bitstream and decoding the header information; calculating the number of nodes by using the resolution information of the header, and by a modified BFS method allocating priorities among children nodes, decoding each node of a tree from the root node to leaf nodes; and restoring an adjustable tree by using decoded nodes.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinjun Lee, Mahnjin Han
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Patent number: 8024768Abstract: Frames of broadcast video received at a device are cropped to produce rendered frames on a display of the device, the cropping being based on both (a) a predetermined value indicating a location within each of at least some of the frames with respect to which the cropping is to be done and (b) a characteristic of the display.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Penthera Partners, Inc.Inventors: Adam L. Berger, Gregory C. Schohn
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Publication number: 20110222076Abstract: An image processing device includes an original image data acquiring unit and a reducing unit. The original image data acquiring unit acquires original image data indicative of an original image. The original image data includes a plurality of sets of original pixel data, the original image having a first resolution and a first size. The original image is divided into a plurality of original grids. Each original grid corresponds to a set of original pixel data. The reducing unit creates reduced image data by performing a reduction process on the original image data. The reduced image data includes a plurality of sets of reduced pixel data. The reduced image data indicates of a reduced image having a second resolution lower than the first resolution and a second size same as the first size. The reduced image is divided into a plurality of reduced grids. Each reduced grid corresponds to a set of reduced pixel data. The reducing unit includes an acquiring unit and a reduced pixel data producing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Masashi KUNO
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Publication number: 20110222783Abstract: An image processor generates an output image of a resolution higher than a resolution of an input image, using the input image. The image processor includes: an obtaining unit configured to obtain an edge strength of one of the input image and an image corresponding to the input image; a calculating unit configured to calculate, based on the edge strength, J that is a count of data items to be used for generating a synthesized image to be used in generating the output image, where J is an integer equal to or larger than 2; and a generating unit configured to generate the synthesized image by synthesizing J data items, and generate the output image using the synthesized image.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Toru Matsunobu, Kenji Takita, Satoshi Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 8018999Abstract: A method for simulating an image captured at a long exposure time (“simulated image”), includes (1) capturing each of first, second, and third images at a short exposure time, (2) determining a first relative motion between the first and the second images, (3) transforming the first image to remove the first relative motion, (4) determining a second relative motion between the third and the second images, (5) transforming the third image to remove the second relative motion, and (6) combining the first, the second, and the third images to form the simulated image. Relative motions between images are determined by matching blocks at multiple resolutions to determine corresponding points between the images. Transformation to remove relative motion is determined by fitting corresponding points between the images using a minimum square error (MSE) algorithm in a random sample consensus (RANSAC) framework.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: ArcSoft, Inc.Inventors: Tianxiang Yao, Yiqing Jin, Donghui Wu
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Patent number: 8019182Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and methods relating to digital image modification using pyramid vignettes. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method that includes receiving a request associated with rendering a photorealistic variation of a master digital image at an original resolution, selecting a digital image template from a number of digital image templates comprising image data associated with the master digital image at various resolutions, the selected image data at a different resolution from the original resolution, and rendering the photorealistic variation of the master digital image using the selected template.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventors: Herbert Wolfram, Bob Van Manen
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Patent number: 8014631Abstract: An image processing apparatus that generates a reduced image from input image data, which includes: a reducing process dividing section that divides a reducing process applied to get the reduced image from input image data into a first and second reducing process; and an image reducing section that executes the reducing process in compliance with the first and second reducing process.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Ohkubo
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Patent number: 8014632Abstract: A super-resolution device and method for setting at least one of a plurality of pixels included in image data as target pixels, the image data including pixels arranged in a screen and pixel values representing brightness, an area including the target pixel and peripheral pixels as a target area, and an area for searching pixel value change patterns in the target pixel area; calculating a difference between a first change pattern and second change pattern; comparing a difference between the first and second change patterns; calculating a pixel value of a super-resolution image having a number of pixels larger than a number of pixels included in the image data on the basis of a decimal-accuracy-vector, an extrapolated vector, and pixel values obtained from the image data.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Nobuyuki Matsumoto, Takashi Ida, Hidenori Takeshima, Yasunori Taguchi, Kenzo Isogawa
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Patent number: 8014633Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing ringing artifacts when generating super-resolution pictures and/or videos and for controlling the balance between sharpness and introduction of artifacts. After motion estimation and motion masking for all input frames, the method enters a frame loop within which high frequency information is extracted from the input SR image for each low-resolution input image. Extracted information from each input frame is not directly utilized within the frame loop for changing the SR input as with conventional SR processes, but is used within a means for averaging high frequency information over a desired number of frames (N) and outputting higher resolution versions of low resolution images. Changing (N) alters the tradeoff between ringing suppression and sharpness boosting. Invention can be implemented in a number of imaging apparatus, in particular those having a processor for executing the method steps.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Ming-Chang Liu
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Publication number: 20110211771Abstract: A method resizes input images by first constructing a grid graph. The grid graph includes one node for each pixel in the input image, and adjacent nodes in the grid graph are connected by arcs. Each arc is directed and has an associated cost. A cut is applied to the arcs of the grid graph using a cost function. A seam of pixels is determined from the cut so that coordinates of the pixels in the seam enforce monotonicity and connectivity constraints. Then, the input image is resized according to the seam to produce an output image while minimizing a change of energy in the output image when compared with the input image.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Michael Rubenstein, Arial Shamir, Shmuel Avidan, Matthew E. Brand
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Publication number: 20110211770Abstract: The present invention provides a method for retargeting an image, comprising determining a total block structure energy of an input image content. A compressibility rate of the input image content is determined based on the total block structure energy. An optimal scaling factor of the input image content is obtained. The input image content is warped by using a new coordinate matrices and uniformly scaling the input image content to a target image resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: National Tsing Hua UniversityInventors: Shu-Fan Wang, Shang-Hong Lai
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Patent number: 8009934Abstract: When an output unit is capable of operation at a frame rate F and a resolution of x×y pixels, an imaging unit or an image input unit converts an image into an imaged frame in an internal data format having the frame rate F and a resolution of ix×jy pixels. An image converter converts the resolution of the imaged frame supplied from the imaging unit or the image input unit into a resolution that can be represented by the output unit, generating an output frame having x×y pixels. At this time, the image converter carries out predetermined resolution conversion based on a moving velocity of the image by blocks each having a predetermined size. Thus, such visual effect that an observer of the image of the output frame perceives the image at a resolution exceeding the actual resolution of the output frame is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Seiji Kobayashi, Hideki Oyaizu, Yasutaka Hirasawa
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Patent number: 8009933Abstract: A method is provided for speeding up a super-resolution processing by reducing the number of times for convolution operation that is the number of times for estimation calculation. A fast method of super-resolution processing for speeding up a super-resolution processing that estimates a high-resolution image from multiple low-resolution images with a displacement, which comprising: a first step for performing a registration of said multiple low-resolution images in a high-resolution image space and treating all pixels of said multiple low-resolution images after the registration as pixels sampled at unequal interval within said high-resolution image space; a second step for dividing said high-resolution image space into multiple small areas with a predefined size; and a third step for defining an estimated value at a predefined representative position within said small area as an estimated value of all pixels that exist within said small area for each small area divided in said second step.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Institute of TechnologyInventors: Masayuki Tanaka, Masatoshi Okutomi
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Publication number: 20110206296Abstract: A super-resolution processor according to the present invention includes: an N enlargement unit that generates an N-enlarged image by enlarging the input image by a factor N; an M enlargement unit that generates an M-enlarged image by enlarging the input image by a factor M; a high-pass filter unit that extracts a high-frequency component of the M-enlarged image, as an M-enlarged high-frequency image; a patch extraction unit that extracts an estimated patch of a predetermined size from the M-enlarged high-frequency image, the estimated patch being a part of the M-enlarged high-frequency image; and an addition unit that adds the estimated patch to a processing target block of the predetermined size in the N-enlarged image, to generate the output image, where M is smaller than N.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Satoshi Sakaguchi, Toru Matsunobu, Kenji Takita
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Patent number: 8005319Abstract: A method for digitally magnifying images applied to an electronic device includes the steps of: reading in a preview image inputted into the electronic device; executing a 2-fold image magnifying process to the preview image; executing a fuzziness removing process to the preview image; segmenting the preview image into a background area and a text area, executing a correspondingly text strengthening process to the text area; and determining if the preview image is magnified up to a predetermined amplification factor; if yes, outputting the preview image after being magnified to a display screen for displaying the preview image; and otherwise, going back to re-execute the 2-fold image magnifying process to the magnified preview image, and then executing the fuzziness removing process and the text strengthening process, in order to generate the preview image magnified about 4-fold or more.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: ArcSoft, Inc.Inventors: Jian-Hua Lin, Jin Wang
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Patent number: 8005317Abstract: When an original image in which an object to be concealed is mosaicked is so reduced as to have a low resolution, the mosaic block size at the lowered resolution is computed. It is judged whether or not the concealed object can be perceived by the eye of a human even though the object is mosaicked with the reduced mosaic block size. If so, the concealed object is re-mosaicked with an adequate re-mosaic block size. With this, even for a reduced image reduced by lowering the resolution of the original image in which the object to be concealed is mosaicked, the privacy of the concealed object can be protected.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Keiichi Chono
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Patent number: 8000552Abstract: An apparatus for scaling an input image is disclosed. The apparatus includes a resolution determining circuit and a scaler. The determining circuit determines the resolution of the input image. The scaler includes a scaling filter with an adjustable number of filter taps and scales the input image to output scaled pixels, wherein an amount of taps of scaling filter corresponds to the resolution of the input image.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.Inventor: Po-Wei Chao
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Patent number: 8000562Abstract: A system for preparing documents for printing includes a stored object corresponding to an image having an effective resolution, as well as a computing device. The computing device is configured to receive an electronic file comprising data representing a plurality of embedded images wherein each embedded image has an effective resolution. The computing device determine whether an object associated with a first one of the embedded images is identical to the stored object. If so, it replaces the first one of the embedded images with the image corresponding to the stored object when the effective resolution of the first one of the embedded images and the effective resolution of the image corresponding to the stored object are within a preselected threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Javier A. Morales, Michael E. Farrell
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Publication number: 20110194758Abstract: A high dynamic range image can be recovered from a full-resolution lower-dynamic-range image and a reduced-resolution higher-dynamic-range image. Information regarding higher spatial frequencies may be obtained by extracting high spatial frequencies from the lower-dynamic-range image. In some embodiments an approximate impulse-response function is determined by comparing the higher- and lower-dynamic range images. A scaling image obtained by applying the impulse-response function to a high-frequency band of the lower-dynamic range image is combined with an upsampled higher-dynamic range image to yield a reconstructed image.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATIONInventor: GREGORY JOHN WARD
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Patent number: 7995868Abstract: The present invention relates to an interpolation method and a filtering method which utilize a correlation between pixel signals, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a sharp and high-quality image even if an error occurs in correlation degree judgment. To accomplish the above-mentioned object, an imaging device 10 is of a single-chip type, and includes a RGB Bayer pattern color filter 11, and an image is processed in a manner to be described below. Pixel signals outputted from the imaging device 10 are inputted through a signal processing part 20 to an image processing part 30. A correlation judgment part 31 judges a correlation between the pixel signals, and an interpolation processing part 32 performs a pixel interpolation process based on a correlation result. Thus, each pixel signal becomes a perfect signal having all R, G and B color components.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: MegaChips CorporationInventors: Hiromu Hasegawa, Yusuke Nara
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Publication number: 20110188770Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for improving images. At an image management system for storing a plurality of images from a plurality of users via a computer network, a new image is received and stored. So as to generate a new improved image, each patch of the new image is changed into an improved image patch based on selecting one or more selected mappings for converting one or more low-quality patches into one or more high-quality patches. The one or more selected mappings are determined from the images stored by the image management system. The new improved image is provided to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: YAHOO! INC.Inventors: KILIAN QUIRIN WEINBERGER, MALCOLM G. SLANEY
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Patent number: 7991245Abstract: A method for using an image sensor includes steps that permit the calculation of a resolution of the image that is greater than the designed resolution of the image sensor. A specimen is placed onto a known background within the field of view of an image sensor having multiple pixels. The specimen is focused onto the image sensor in a first position relative thereto such that the known background is also focused on the image sensor. An image is recorded for the specimen and the known background focused on the image sensor in the first position, and a specimen region and background pixels are established from the image recorded. The specimen is moved to a second position relative to the image sensor so as to place a portion of the specimen region within a target background pixel. An image is recorded for the specimen and the known background focused on the image sensor in the second position, and the bit depth is calculated for the portion of the specimen region moved into the background pixel.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Inventors: Matthew C. Putman, John B. Putman
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Patent number: 7991196Abstract: Methods and systems for image processing are provided. A method for processing images of a scene includes receiving image data of a reference and a current frame; generating N motion vectors that describe motion of the image data within the scene by computing a correlation function on the reference and current frames at each of N registration points; registering the current frame based on the N motion vectors to produce a registered current frame; and updating the image data of the scene based on the registered current frame. Optionally, registered frames may be oversampled. Techniques for generating the N motion vectors according to roll, zoom, shift and optical flow calculations, updating image data of the scene according to switched and intermediate integration approaches, re-introducing smoothed motion into image data of the scene, re-initializing the process, and processing images of a scene and moving target within the scene are provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Gene D. Tener, Barry Mattox, Jennifer K. Park, John Cowan, William R. Herzog, Hai-Wen Chen, James P. Kane, III, David J. Huber, Timothy Alderson
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Patent number: 7982740Abstract: Herein described is a method and system of displaying low resolution graphics onto a high resolution display. The low resolution graphics may be displayed using one or more displayable maps or surfaces, each of which is defined by way of one or more parameters. The display may comprise a monitor, television set, or set top box, capable of displaying at a particular resolution. In one or more representative embodiments, the various aspects of the invention permit scaling the low resolution graphics onto the high resolution display by way of using the one or more displayable maps or surfaces such that the graphics data is properly displayed on the higher resolution display.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Chengfuh Jeffrey Tang, Steven (Yao-Hua) Tseng
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Patent number: 7983454Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a detection module configured to detect a specific color area included in image data, an image processing control module configured to generate an image processing control signal for controlling an image process for the specific color area among image processes including a sharpening process for the image data, and an image processing module configured to subject the image data to the image process on the basis of the image processing control signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Kota Mitsuya
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Patent number: 7983512Abstract: An image processing system embeds at least one image inside a second image. The images are displayed together as a composite image. The first and second images are each tiled and have image pyramids comprising representations at different resolutions formed for them. The image processing system allows a user to zoom into and out of the embedded image, to a desired depth, using its image pyramid.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Lutz Gerhard, Radoslav P. Nickolov, David M. Gedye, Blaise H. Aguera, Abraham Dunn
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Patent number: 7978880Abstract: Methods and systems for image processing are provided. A method for processing images of a scene includes receiving image data of a reference and a current frame; generating N motion vectors that describe motion of the image data within the scene by computing a correlation function on the reference and current frames at each of N registration points; registering the current frame based on the N motion vectors to produce a registered current frame; and updating the image data of the scene based on the registered current frame. Optionally, registered frames may be oversampled. Techniques for generating the N motion vectors according to roll, zoom, shift and optical flow calculations, updating image data of the scene according to switched and intermediate integration approaches, re-introducing smoothed motion into image data of the scene, re-initializing the process, and processing images of a scene and moving target within the scene are provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Gene D. Tener, Barry Mattox, Jennifer K. Park, John Cowan, William R. Herzog, Hai-Wen Chen, James P. Kane, III, David J. Huber, Timothy Alderson
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Patent number: 7974497Abstract: A method of modifying the region displayed in a window of predetermined size within a digital image represented by several resolution levels, between a first region (display_zone) of the digital image displayed at a first resolution (R) and a second region (final_zone) of the digital image including the first region (display_zone) and different from it, comprises the steps of: —selecting (S406), from the stored image parts (bitmap[r]) including the first region (display_zone), a stored image part (bitmap[k]) with a second resolution (k) that is the maximum among the resolutions of said parts, and less than the first resolution (R); —obtaining (S84, SE86) from the selected image part (bitmap[k]) at least one region included in the second region (final_zone) and including the first region (display_zone); —displaying (S88) the region obtained in said window. A corresponding method of displaying an image at plural resolutions is also proposed. Corresponding devices are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Fabrice Le Leannec, Patrice Onno
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Patent number: 7974466Abstract: A method for obtaining a target color measurement using an electronic image capturing device comprising the steps of: (1) determining one or more of a field correction array, level correction vectors, a color correction matrix, and a calibration correction and; (2) adjusting a target color measurement based upon one or more of a field correction array, level correction vector, a color correction matrix, and a calibration correction to obtain a corrected color target measurement.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Color Savvy Systems LimitedInventors: Christopher H. Pearson, Gary N. Bodnar, Karl F. Seibert
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Patent number: 7974498Abstract: A super-resolution algorithm that explicitly and exactly models the detector pixel shape, size, location, and gaps for periodic and aperiodic tilings. The algorithm projects the low-resolution input image into high-resolution space to model the actual shapes and/or gaps of the detector pixels. By using an aperiodic pixel layout such as a Penrose tiling significant improvements in super-resolution results can be obtained. An error back-projection super-resolution algorithm makes use of the exact detector model in its back projection operator for better accuracy. Theoretically, the aperiodic detector can be based on CCD (charge-coupled device) technology, and/or more practically, CMOS (complimentary metal oxide semiconductor) technology, for example.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Moshe Ben-Ezra, Zhouchen Lin, Bennett Wilburn
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Patent number: 7970170Abstract: Methods and systems for image processing are provided. A method for processing images of a scene includes receiving image data of a reference and a current frame; generating N motion vectors that describe motion of the image data within the scene by computing a correlation function on the reference and current frames at each of N registration points; registering the current frame based on the N motion vectors to produce a registered current frame; and updating the image data of the scene based on the registered current frame. Optionally, registered frames may be oversampled. Techniques for generating the N motion vectors according to roll, zoom, shift and optical flow calculations, updating image data of the scene according to switched and intermediate integration approaches, re-introducing smoothed motion into image data of the scene, re-initializing the process, and processing images of a scene and moving target within the scene are provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Gene D. Tener, Barry Mattox, Jennifer K. Park, John Cowan, William R. Herzog, Hai-Wen Chen, James P. Kane, III, David J. Huber, Timothy Alderson
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Publication number: 20110149304Abstract: In an image output control system, an image processing device makes image data subjected to a preset series of image processing and supplies processed image data to an image output device to output a resulting image. The image processing device collects a number of pixels among pixels constituting the image to one pixel group, specifies a number of dots to be created in the pixel group, and outputs dot number data representing the specified number of dots to be created in the pixel group to the image output device, which stores multiple priority orders of pixels for dot formation in each pixel group. The image output device receives the output dot number data, selects one priority order among the stored multiple priority orders, determines position of each dot-on pixel in each pixel group, and actually creates a dot at the determined position of each dot-on pixel, so as to output a resulting image.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Toshiaki Kakutani
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Patent number: 7965425Abstract: An image processing apparatus for applying desired effects to a stored image. The apparatus comprises an optical reader; a feed mechanism for feeding a card having an array of dots past the optical reader; an optical reader interface that is connected to the optical reader, the optical reader interface able to control the optical reader to detect a data area on the card, to detect a bit pattern corresponding to the array of dots in the data area, and to produce raw data from the bit pattern while the card is being fed past the optical reader, the raw data used to produce an image processing script; and, a processor that is connected to the optical reader interface to receive and apply the image processing script to the stored image to generate an output image with the desired effects. The array of dots defines a first resolution and the optical reader has a sensor with a second resolution at least twice the first resolution.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LtdInventor: Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 7961985Abstract: An image processing apparatus of the invention generates one still image having a high pixel density from multiple images. The image processing apparatus includes: an image extraction module that extracts the multiple images used for generation of the one still image; a deviation computation module that computes a degree of deviation between each combination of the extracted multiple images; an exclusion module that excludes any image having the computed degree of deviation out of a preset threshold range from the extracted multiple images; and an image composition module that combines remaining images other than the excluded image to generate the one still image. This arrangement of the invention ensures efficient image processing to generate one high-resolution still image from multiple images.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CoporationInventor: Seiji Aiso
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Patent number: 7957610Abstract: An image processing device according to the present invention uses a representative picture having a first resolution and multiple reference pictures having the first resolution to generate a high-resolution picture having a second resolution higher than the first resolution. The image processing device includes a first repetition processing unit operable to repeat positioning processing while switching from one reference picture to another, and a second repetition processing unit operable to repeat update processing for updating an estimated value of a pixel in a target high-resolution picture. At least one of the first and second repetition processing units includes a determination unit operable to determine a pixel that satisfies a completion condition from the result of one of the positioning processing and the update processing, and an exclusion unit operable to exclude a pixel that satisfies the completion condition from one of the positioning processing and the update processing.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tadamasa Toma, Satoshi Kondo
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Patent number: 7956870Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for variable source rate sampling in connection with image rendering, which accumulate and resolve over all samples forward mapped to each pixel bin. In accordance with the invention, the textured surface to be rendered is sampled, or oversampled, at a variable rate that reflects variations in frequency among different regions, taking into account any transformation that will be applied to the surface prior to rendering and the view parameters of the display device, thus ensuring that each bin of the rendering process receives at least a predetermined minimum number of samples. A variety of image processing applications are contemplated wherein variable rate source sampling, and accumulation and resolution of forward mapped point samples can be applied, ranging from 3-D graphics applications to applications wherein images recorded in a recording/storage environment are mapped to the arbitrary requirements of a display environment.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: John Michael Snyder, John Turner Whitted, William Thomas Blank, Kirk Olynyk
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Publication number: 20110129164Abstract: A forward and backward image resizing method is used for resizing a low-resolution image into a high-resolution image. In the method, the low-resolution image is obtained first, and then a forward and backward image resizing process is performed, so as to resize the low-resolution image into the high-resolution image with an integral multiple resolution. The forward and backward image resizing process includes: resizing the low-resolution image by the integral multiple, so as to generate a first-resizing image with the integral multiple resolution; further increasing the resolution of the first-resizing image by 2-fold, so as to generate a second-resizing image; and reducing the resolution of the second-resizing image by 2-fold, thereby obtaining the high-resolution image.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: MICRO-STAR INT'L CO., LTD.Inventors: Shih-Hsiang Lin, Pei-Chi Hsiao
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Publication number: 20110128394Abstract: A method for generating an image is provided. The method includes estimating a high resolution image from a plurality of low resolution images and downsampling the estimated high resolution image to obtain estimates of a plurality of low resolution images. The method also includes generating a desired high resolution image based upon comparison of the downsampled low resolution images and the plurality of low resolution images.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: Indian Institute of Technology MadrasInventors: Rajagopalan Ambasamudram Narayanan, Arnav Vinayak Bhavsar
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Publication number: 20110128413Abstract: An image cropping method adapted to a digital image device with a first shooting parameter set to take a digital image of an object with a predetermined image size is provided. The method comprises performing an object detection to obtain a first object image size of the object. Then, according to the first object image size and the predetermined image size, the first shooting parameter set is changed to a second shooting parameter set so that the first image size is changed to a second image size under the second shooting parameter set, wherein the second image size is substantially equal to the predetermined image size. The digital image device with the second shooting parameter set takes a preliminary image of the object. The preliminary image is cropped into the digital image of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: HTC CORPORATIONInventors: Wei-Sheng Tsai, Yu-Chung Lin
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Patent number: 7953297Abstract: The procedure of the present invention estimates a correction rate for elimination of a positional shift between the multiple first images, executes correction with the estimated correction rate to eliminate the positional shift between the multiple first images, and combines the multiple corrected first images to generate the second image. The procedure selects a target pixel among pixels included in the second image, and detects multiple adjacent pixels respectively in the multiple first images, which adjoin to the selected target pixel. The procedure then selects an image as a composition object or a composition object image with regard to the target pixel among the multiple first images according to the multiple adjacent pixels, and calculates a pixel value of the target pixel based on the composition object image.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Seiji Aiso
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Patent number: 7953295Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus including computer program products for enhancing text in images are provided. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of images each image including a corresponding version of an identified candidate text region and aligning each candidate text region from the plurality of images to a high resolution grid. The method also includes compositing the aligned candidate text regions to create a single superresolution image and performing character recognition on the superresolution image to identify text.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Luc Vincent, Adrian Ulges
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Patent number: 7953296Abstract: This invention detects an area where image quality greatly changes upon resolution conversion. For this purpose, a block segmentation unit extracts a tile having Tw×Th pixels from a buffer, and stores the tile in a tile buffer. A two-colors ratio calculating unit counts the number of times the number of colors included in a surrounding pixel group positioned near a pixel of interest becomes two during raster scanning of the tile buffer, and calculates a two-colors ratio Cr. A continuous pixel ratio calculating unit calculates, as a run ratio Rr, a ratio at which pixels having the same color continue during scanning of the tile buffer. A difference calculating unit calculates a resolution conversion error Dt when an image of the tile is converted to ½ the resolution. A determination unit determines based on Cr, Rr, and Dt whether a tile of interest is suitable for resolution conversion.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuki Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7953298Abstract: A high-definition magnified image is obtained by simple computation. A magnified image is obtained by obtaining a deteriorated image on the basis of an input original image, determining enhancement filters used for individual small areas of the original image using the deteriorated image at least, performing a filtering process by applying the filters thus determined to the individual small areas to achieve enhancement, and interpolating the image for magnification.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Kensuke Kuraki, Taizo Anan
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Patent number: 7949204Abstract: A method for processing original images that are stored in the form of pixels and need to be output at a reduced scale, where all original pixels are weight-added, based upon area pixels. A mutual overlap (gi) of the pixels is determined, and intensity values to be assigned to output pixels are a weighted arithmetic mean of intensity values (Si) of the original pixels with their respective mutual overlaps as weighting factors.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventor: Michael Thoms
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Patent number: 7948543Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element which photoelectrically converts an image formed by an optical system, the imaging element being equipped with a color filter array (CFA) with different spectral transmittances. The apparatus includes a full color data generator which samples photoelectrically converted signals by the imaging element to obtain image signals having luminance information of each color of the CFA and sampling position information, and, when transforming a pattern of the pixel signals into full color data, generates full color data by obtaining weighting coefficients for generation of each color component of the full color data on the basis of a relative relationship between positions of a lattice pattern of the full color data to be generated and position information of the pixel signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Nobuyuki Watanabe
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Patent number: 7945120Abstract: According to one embodiment, an edge detection module detects edges in a frame of a moving picture signal in accordance with an edge determination reference value. A resolution conversion module converts a resolution of the frame from a first resolution to a second resolution, thereby generating a provisional high-resolution image. A corresponding pixel point detection module detects corresponding pixels in the provisional high-resolution image, which correspond to each of the detected edges. An image quality enhancement process module executes an image quality enhancement process for sharpening for each of the detected corresponding pixels in the provisional high-resolution image. A control module varies the edge determination reference value based on the detected edge number and a maximum edge number at which an information processing apparatus is able to complete the resolution-enhancing process for one frame within a target process time.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Akira Tanaka
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Patent number: 7945118Abstract: This invention makes it possible to obtain an enlarged image while suppressing noise and maintaining the sharpness of an original image only by setting a simple enlargement ratio without no special knowledge. Original image data (Ia) is enlarged in accordance with a set enlargement ratio (E) to generate an enlarged image (IA). The enlarged image (IA) is smoothed by using a smoothing filter with a size depending on the enlargement ratio (E) to generate smoothed image data (IB). Difference image data (IC) is generated by calculating the difference between the enlarged image data (IA) and the smoothed image data (IB). The generated difference image data is multiplied by an emphasis coefficient. The product is added to the enlarged image data, thereby obtaining image data (IS) that has undergone enlargement/unsharp masking.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Hanamoto, Kiyoshi Kusama
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Patent number: 7945119Abstract: Optimizing objects output to a user. One method includes accessing a reference object of a character representing an idealized output. A different representation of the reference object is accessed. The reference object is compared to the representation of the reference object to generate an error metric. An optimization is applied to the representation of the reference object. The optimization is directed to causing the representation of the reference object to more closely approximate the reference object. Comparing objects and applying optimizations is repeated until an acceptable representation of the reference object is achieved. The acceptable representation of the reference object is displayed.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Tanya Matskewich, Geraldine Wade, Gregory C. Hitchcock