Raising Or Lowering The Image Resolution (e.g., Subpixel Accuracy) Patents (Class 382/299)
  • Publication number: 20110110608
    Abstract: A technique includes obtaining an operational capacity of an imaging device. The technique can also include estimating one or more operational resources to perform an image transformation that estimates whether the imaging device has adequate operational capacity to transform one or more images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, JR.
  • Patent number: 7941005
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an image quality improvement processing module which applies first image quality improvement processing for image quality enhancement to each of corresponding pixels in the temporary high-resolution image corresponding to a region other than the flat part region, and applies second image quality improvement processing for sharpening to each of corresponding pixels in the temporary high-resolution image corresponding to an edge region which is not located on the texture region. The apparatus further includes a controller which controls at least one of the texture determination reference value applied to the detecting the texture region and the flat part determination reference value applied to the detecting the flat part region based on a predetermined rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Akira Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7941006
    Abstract: The n-tap filtering for generating interpolated pixels is converted into calculation of terms consisting of the difference and sum of the pixel values of adjoining pixels. When the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the calculation related to the terms including the difference is omitted, thereby reducing the calculation amount in generating the interpolated pixels. In loop processing according to a flow chart of the pixel interpolating method, the reference pixels are accessed by one pixel per one loop processing for reading pixel values thereof, and the difference and sum of the pixel values are calculate using the adjoining pixel value already read one loop before, thereby interpolating the pixel values of consecutive pixels to be interpolated. Consequently, redundant reading of pixel values is avoided, with further beneficial effects on speedy generation of the interpolated pixels and reduction of the power consumption therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Ikuo Fuchigami
  • Patent number: 7941003
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining an ensquared energy associated with an imaging system. In one embodiment of the invention, a focal plane array captures an image of a target comprising a plurality of point sources, each point source being associated with a pixel within the focal plane array. An image analysis component estimates an ensquared energy value for the imaging system from respective intensity values of the associated pixels and known relative positions of the plurality of point sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip Richard Minarik, Frederick Ray Seiter, Dawn Lenore Bohlin, Sung-shik Yoo, Jesse James Kramer
  • Patent number: 7941004
    Abstract: A computer implemented technique for producing super resolution images from ordinary images or videos containing a number of images wherein a number of non-smooth low resolution patches comprising an image are found using edge detection methodologies. The low resolution patches are then transformed using selected basis of a Radial Basis Function (RBF) and Gaussian process regression is used to generate high resolution patches using a trained model. The high resolution patches are then combined into a high resolution image or video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: NEC Laboratories America, Inc.
    Inventors: Shenghuo Zhu, Mei Han, Yihong Gong
  • Patent number: 7936949
    Abstract: Method and system for creating a fused image from an image pair. The method includes obtaining (204) image data defining a first image of a panchromatic image type and a second image of a multi-spectral image type. The first image has a first spatial resolution and a first spectral resolution. The second image has a second spatial resolution which is lower than the first spatial resolution and a second spectral resolution higher than the first spectral resolution. The first image and the second image are fused (216) to initialize a fused image having the first spatial resolution and the second spectral resolution. A point spread function and a set of spectral weights are used to determine scaling factors for scaling (218) radiance value of pixels defining the fused image in accordance with radiance value of pixels forming the first image and the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Alan Riley, Tariq Bakir, Adrian M. Peter, Morteza Akbari
  • Publication number: 20110097011
    Abstract: Visual elements of a first image are changed in accordance with an image editing process to produce an edited high-resolution image and visual elements of a second image are modified in accordance with an emulator process to produce a modified low-resolution image. The emulator process produces the modified low-resolution image with visual changes relative to the second image that mimic perceived visual changes made to the visual elements of the first image by the image editing process to produce the edited high-resolution image. The emulator process is built from a set of one or more image enhancement processes in accordance with an optimization process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Suk Hwan Lim, Xuemei Zhang
  • Patent number: 7933473
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects, multiple folders are generated each corresponding to one of multiple levels of an image pyramid, and each of the multiple levels including one or more tiles. In each of the multiple folders, one or more files are stored, each file including image data for a tile of the level corresponding to the folder. In accordance with other aspects, a first version of an image is generated, the first version of the image having a lower resolution than the image. The image is compressed using a first compression process, and the first version of the image is compressed using a second compression process, the second compression process being a higher quality process than the first compression process. Both the compressed image and the compressed first version of the image are stored as an image pyramid for the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lutz Gerhard, Paul D Jones, Olivier Z Garamfalvi, Julian R Walker
  • Patent number: 7929807
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the pixel resolution of a digital image by binning pixels together to form macro pixels. The digital image comprises pixels arranged in a color mask of at least three different colors. The color mask can be a Bayer mask comprising one red pixel, two green pixels and one blue pixel. The pixel binning method comprises selecting a number of pixels of each color. For example, in order to obtain a factor two resolution reduction, four red pixels can be binned for generating a red macro pixel and eight green pixels can be binned for generating two green macro pixels. By selecting for example only one blue pixel and using that pixel for generating a blue macro pixel the optical centers of the macro pixels will be evenly distributed over the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Phase One A/S
    Inventor: Thomas Andersen
  • Patent number: 7929774
    Abstract: Digital image processing of a low resolution source image to produce a high resolution result image may be accomplished by partitioning the low resolution source image into a plurality of low resolution image parts; for each low resolution image part, comparing the low resolution image part to low resolution reference images to determine at least one most similar low resolution reference image; determining if the most similar low resolution reference images are related to one another; and constructing a high resolution result image based at least in part on high resolution images corresponding to related most similar low resolution reference images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Vaughn, Richard P. Maguire, Andrew J. Schiestl
  • Patent number: 7929806
    Abstract: In an image reading apparatus capable of converting the resolution of an image read by a color line sensor by using an image read by a monochrome sensor, a technique that realizes proper use of resolution conversion processing in accordance with the type of the image on the reading target is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoyuki Misaka
  • Patent number: 7929185
    Abstract: The invention is to provide a system and method for switching screens from overview and preview. The method comprises multitudes of overviewed jobs that are selected on an overview zone for the objective image. Multitudes of selected jobs are displayed on a select preview zone for the overview zone. Multitudes of selected jobs are generated for the select job pictures. The corresponding previewed settings are added to the corresponding previewed settings. The system comprises an overview module for displaying a previewed digital picture. Set modules is for selecting and edit settings for several jobs on the previewed digital picture. A preview module is for storing several selected jobs on the set module and displaying several select jobs respectively on the preview module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Transpacific Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Linda Liu
  • Publication number: 20110087998
    Abstract: An input image (7) having a first pixel resolution is acquired from an image capture system (2). A respective characterization of each of at least one visual quality feature of the input image (7) is determined. An output thumbnail image (9) is produced from the input image (7). The output thumbnail image (9) reflects the respective characterization of each visual quality feature. The output thumbnail image (9) has a second pixel resolution lower than the first pixel resolution. The output thumbnail image (9) is output in association with operation of the image capture system (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Ramin Samadani, Daniel R. Tretter, Keith Moore
  • Patent number: 7925119
    Abstract: An image adapter transforms an input image into an output image by successively processing tiles and by changing numbers of columns and of rows of image points. The image adapter includes queue memories connected in series so as to receive values associated with the points of a tile of the input image. A module for calculating a weighted average possesses inputs connected respectively to an output of one of the memories. The module produces values sampled in a direction parallel to the columns and corresponding to the values associated with points of the input image. A sampling rate converter, connected to the output of the module, produces values associated with the points of the output image according to a sampling rate determined for a direction parallel to the rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: Pascal Urard, Laurent Paumier, Yan Meroth
  • Patent number: 7925103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinjun Lee, Mahnjin Han
  • Publication number: 20110080495
    Abstract: A method and camera system are provided in which source images of a high resolution generated by an image sensor are processed by a processor in a way that, following a down-scaling of the resolution of the source image, an image copy is generated which can be transmitted to and processed in an external control unit. Additionally, a cropped image of a higher resolution in comparison to the image copy is created from the source image and also transmitted to the external control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: SILICON MICRO SENSORS GMBH
    Inventors: Erik BUSSE, Wilhelm PRINZ VON HESSEN
  • Patent number: 7920152
    Abstract: A method of automatically tracking the portions of a 3D medical imaging volume, such as the voxels, that have already been displayed according to use-defined display parameters, notating those portions, and providing the user with information indicating what portions of the imaging volume have been displayed at full resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: DR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan K. Fram, Murray A. Reicher
  • Patent number: 7912307
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an image processing technique that is capable to increase spatial resolution of single frame images beyond diffraction limit. If an image is taken by diffraction limited optical system with regularly spaced pixel detectors, and if the spacing of pixels of the detectors is much small than the diffraction pattern, then the spatial resolution of the image can be increased beyond the diffraction limit by using neighboring-pixel-optical-transfer-function (NPOTF) in Fourier Domain with periodical boundary conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 7907760
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus for an object in change includes an MRI system having a computer, a first channel and at least a second channel which produce corresponding images of the object in change. The computer combining the individual images into a composite image of the object. Alternatively, the MRI system has at least a first channel which produce an image of the object in change from data acquired in k-space domain in a density of at least ? that required to satisfy a Nyquist criteria. A method for imaging an object in change includes the steps of producing an individual image of the object in change with a first channel of an MRI system. There is the step of producing an individual image of the object in change with at least a second channel of the MRI system independent of the first channel. There is the step of combining the individual images into a composite image of the object with a computer of the MRI system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Allegheny-Singer Research Institute
    Inventor: Mark Doyle
  • Publication number: 20110057970
    Abstract: An image-signal processing device includes an image-enlargement processing unit that generates image signals representing an image which has been enlarged by repeating pixels; a pattern-data output unit that outputs, for each of repetition areas which are obtained by repeating the pixels, a pattern data item in accordance with signals which are obtained by removing signals corresponding to a predetermined number of upper bits from a corresponding one of the image signals, the pattern data item being used to reproduce, in the pixels included in the repetition area, gradation based on the signals that are obtained by removing the signals corresponding to the predetermined number of upper bits from the image signal; and an addition unit that adds, for the repetition area, the pattern data item to the signals corresponding to the predetermined number of upper bits included in the image signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki INOKAWA
  • Patent number: 7903889
    Abstract: The scaling down of data is provided. At least two blocks of transformed data samples representing at least two blocks of original data samples are received. One of at least two tables of constants is selected wherein each table of constants is capable of reducing the number of transformed data samples by a different factor. The constants taken from the selected table are applied to the at least two blocks of transformed data samples to produce one block of transformed data samples representing one block of final data samples. The data is processed one dimension at a time by multiplying the data in one dimension with selected constants taken from previously developed tables corresponding to the desired scale down factor. Scaling down by different factors in each dimension as well as scaling down in one dimension and scaling up in the other dimension may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joan LaVerne Mitchell, Timothy James Trenary, Nenad Rijavec, Ian Richard Finlay
  • Patent number: 7903871
    Abstract: An image processing method and system for a multi-sensor network camera. The method and system including generating a plurality of full resolution images in Bayer array format (Bayer images) produced by a plurality of image sensors; interpolating a plurality of low resolution Bayer images from the full resolution Bayer images during the readout of the full resolution images from the sensors, storing the full resolution Bayer images and the interpolated low resolution images in a plurality of buffer memories, respectively and without demosaicing the full resolution Bayer images, during the readout of the full resolution Bayer images from the image sensors, by respective plurality of pre-processors; demosaicing the plurality of low resolution Bayer images to generate a corresponding plurality of low resolution demosaiced images, by an image post processor; and transmitting the plurality of low resolution demosaiced images over a computer network to a user for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Arecont Vision, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael Kaplinsky, Mikhail Korkin
  • Patent number: 7899227
    Abstract: In a method for controlling the acquisition and/or evaluation operation of image data in medical examinations, using a statistical model of the target volume based on data about real anatomy, spatial information (in particular position, orientation and shape) of the target volume are automatically determined in a previously-acquired planning image data set wholly or partially showing a target volume, and the acquisition and/or evaluation operation is controlled using the spatial information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Fenchel, Andreas Schilling, Stefan Thesen
  • Publication number: 20110038561
    Abstract: An output apparatus determines pixels that form an area equal to or greater than a predetermined size and whose pixel values are not different from pixel values of neighboring pixels, and pixels that form an area not equal to or greater than the predetermined size. The apparatus reduces the pixel values of the determined pixels and outputs a binary image formed by the determined pixels with the reduced pixel values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Shouichi Kuboyama
  • Patent number: 7889949
    Abstract: A “Joint Bilateral Upsampler” uses a high-resolution input signal to guide the interpolation of a low-resolution solution set (derived from a downsampled version of the input signal) from low-to high-resolution. The resulting high-resolution solution set is then saved or applied to the original input signal to produce a high-resolution output signal. The high-resolution solution set is close to what would be produced directly from the input signal without downsampling. However, since the high-resolution solution set is constructed in part from a downsampled version of the input signal, it is computed using significantly less computational overhead and memory than a solution set computed directly from a high-resolution signal. Consequently, the Joint Bilateral Upsampler is advantageous for use in near real-time operations, in applications where user wait times are important, and in systems where computational costs and available memory are limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Cohen, Matthew T. Uyttendaele, Daniel Lischinski, Johannes Kopf
  • Patent number: 7889392
    Abstract: An image forming system includes: a data conversion unit that converts first image data into second image data; and an image output unit that outputs an image obtained by reproducing the second image data. The data conversion unit includes: a determination unit which divides the first image data into a dot block each includes plural pieces of dot data, and determines whether or not an array of dot data included in each dot block corresponds to a specific array; and a replacement unit which replaces the data out of the second image data, which is located in a portion corresponding to the dot block, with first replacement data including image forming dot data with which an image is formed. The specific array includes a first array in which the dot data to be thinned out is configured as the image forming dot data, and the dot data not to be thinned out is configured as non-image forming dot data with which an image is not formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koki Aonuma
  • Patent number: 7884970
    Abstract: Disclosed are an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium and a program, by which an image can be fetched in a size appropriate to a user. An image of a subject picked up by a camera is displayed in a predetermined first range corresponding to a size designated in advance within a predetermined display region of an LCD unit which corresponds to an image pickup range of the camera, but the image of the subject picked up by the camera is not displayed in a surrounding range of the predetermined display region around the first range. If a shutter button is depressed in this state, then the image displayed in the first range is stored in the designated size into a memory. The present invention can be applied typically to a PDA, a mobile terminal, a portable telephone set, a desk-top personal computer or the like which has a function as a digital camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shoko Hiroyasu, Hideki Hiraoka, Tomotaka Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20110026849
    Abstract: The present invention determines the adopting ratio (weight coefficient) between the high image quality processing using the tensor projection method and the high image quality processing using another method according to the degree of deviation of the input condition of the input image, and combines these processes as appropriate. This allows a satisfactory reconstruction image to be acquired even in a case of deviation from the input condition, and avoids deterioration of the high quality image due to deterioration of the reconstruction image by the projective operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Hirokazu KAMEYAMA
  • Patent number: 7876978
    Abstract: A first representation of a video stream is received that includes video frames, the representation expressing the video frames at a relatively high pixel resolution. At least one of the video frames is detected to include a region of interest. A second representation of the video stream that expresses the video frames at a relatively low pixel resolution is provided to a video playing device. Included with the second representation is additional information that represents at least a portion of the region of interest at a resolution level that is higher than the relatively low pixel resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Penthera Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam L Berger, Gregory C. Schohn, Michael J. Wener
  • Patent number: 7876979
    Abstract: The resolution-converting method comprises steps of applying an edge-directed interpolation to an input image and producing an intermediate image; converting a sampling rate with respect to the intermediate image and producing an output image having a predetermined resolution; and improving sharpness of the produced output image. The present invention prevents image-quality degradation factors that can occur in the conventional resolution-converting method as well as obtains an output image having a resolution of a desired size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho-young Lee, Chang-yeong Kim, Du-sik Park, Seong-deok Lee, Alexey Lukin
  • Patent number: 7868923
    Abstract: An optical system forms an optical image on an imager, and a read control block selects a read rule for the imager depending on a magnification addressed by a magnification address block. The imager transforms an optical image at an addressed area into electrical signals in compliance with the read rule. The read image signals are stored in n image memories, where n is the number of images necessary for ultra-resolution processing. Ultra-resolution processing is built up of a motion estimation block and a high-resolution image estimation block adapted to estimate image data having a high-resolution image sequence. A selector selects a basic image for motion estimation and an image that is estimated in terms of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Watanabe, Tomoyuki Nakamura, Takahiro Yano
  • Patent number: 7869637
    Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic imaging system is disclosed that includes an X-ray source for controlling an X-ray beam radiated towards a patient under examination. The X-ray source includes an X-ray tube and X-ray collimator assembly. The system includes an-ray imaging device arranged for receiving the X-ray beam after is has passed through the patient to acquire latent image frames of a region of interest (ROI) of the patient's anatomy, and a system controller coupled to X-ray source and X-ray imaging device for controlling latent image frame acquisition and post-acquisition processing. The controlling includes controlling the X-ray imaging device and X-ray positioning, and collimator assembly operation. An image processing chain including an image processor coupled to the system controller, receives latent image frames from the X-ray imaging device for processing, including calculating a histogram from which pixels within a collimated area are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John Baumgart, Gerhard Litz
  • Patent number: 7864191
    Abstract: A system comprising a storage including an image file associated with a plurality of pixels and processing logic coupled to the storage. The processing logic is adapted to determine an average of least significant bits associated with a maximum of two of the plurality of pixels, add the average to bits associated with a target pixel, and disassociate from the target pixel least significant bits of the target pixel. No pixels are disposed between the target pixel and each of the two of the plurality of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Karthik Jayaraman Raghuram, Philippe Lafon
  • Patent number: 7865041
    Abstract: To determine if a pixel exhibits artifacts, statistics are generated for the pixel and its neighbors. These statistics are compared with thresholds. If the comparison of the statistics and the thresholds suggests that the pixel exhibits a pixel artifact, then recourse can be taken, either to adjust the pixel value in some way, or to reject the angle of interpolation used in computing the value for the target pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Pixelworks, Inc.
    Inventors: Yue Ma, Hongmin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20100322525
    Abstract: Multi-scale processing may be used to reduce the memory and computational requirements of optimization algorithms for image labeling, for example, for object segmentation, 3D reconstruction, stereo correspondence, optical flow and other applications. For example, in order to label a large image (or 3D volume) a multi-scale process first solves the problem at a low resolution, obtaining a coarse labeling of an original high resolution problem. This labeling is refined by solving another optimization on a subset of the image elements. In examples, an energy function for a coarse level version of an input image is formed directly from an energy function of the input image. In examples, the subset of image elements may be selected using a measure of confidence in the labeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Pushmeet Kohli, Carsten Rother, Victor Lempitsky
  • Patent number: 7856154
    Abstract: A method and system for super-resolving images from low-resolution sequences comprising an image processor having an input for inputting multiple images of a scene with sub-pixel translations and rotations; one of the images of the scene being a reference image; and at least one memory comprising a gross translation estimation algorithm for estimating overall translations of at least one image with respect to the reference image on the image processor and aligning the inputted images according to the gross translation estimates on the image processor; a sub-pixel estimation algorithm for obtaining the sub-pixel shift and rotation of each image with respect to the reference image; and an error reduction algorithm for applying at least one spatial frequency domain constraint and at least one spatial domain constraint to the images to produce a high-resolution image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Shiqiong Susan Young
  • Publication number: 20100315543
    Abstract: A method for converting resolution of images for a preview mode from an image sensor to provide the images through a display apparatus is provided, which includes (a) providing resolution information of the display apparatus to the image sensor side, (b) providing the images having the resolution that coincides with the resolution information from the image sensor to the display apparatus side, and (c) providing the images from the image sensor to the user. A method for converting resolution of images for a preview mode from an image sensor to provide the images through a display apparatus is also provided, which includes (a) providing resolution information of the display apparatus to the image sensor side, and (b) providing the images having the resolution that coincides with the resolution information from the image sensor to the display apparatus side, wherein the step (b) alternately removes pixels constituting the images, and removes pixels in different positions among the neighboring images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hwa-Young KANG, Kang-Hoon Lee, Young-Kwon Yoon
  • Patent number: 7848575
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus has the function of an optical zoom which optically converts the magnification of an image and the function of an electronic zoom which changes the size of an image by electrical signal processing. The function of the electronic zoom at least operates when the optical zoom is not set at the telephoto end. A total magnification is determined by changing magnification by the optical zoom and changing magnification by the electronic zoom. A pixel count s1 of an electronic imaging device, a pixel count s2 of a rectangle including the pixels on an imaging device which are used by the electronic zoom, and a pixel count s3 of an output satisfy s1?s2>s3 or s1>s2?s3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Watanabe, Hiroyuki Minakata, Shinichi Mihara, Fumiyuki Shiratani, Noriyuki Iyama
  • Publication number: 20100303386
    Abstract: Statistical analysis techniques based on auto- and cross-correlations/cumulants, of image stacks of fluctuating objects are used to improve resolution beyond the classical diffraction limit and to reduce the background. The time trajectory of every pixel in the image frame is correlated with itself and/or with the time trajectory of an adjacent pixel. The amplitude of these auto- or cross-correlations/cumulants of each pixel, at a given time lag or averaged or integrated over an interval of time lags, is used as the intensity value of that pixel in the generated superresolved optical fluctuation image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Joerg ENDERLEIN
  • Publication number: 20100303385
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew C. Putman, John B. Putman
  • Patent number: 7844136
    Abstract: A class configuration generation unit generates (n?1) number of class configurations each of which is comprised of i number of the already selected features plus a feature selected from the remaining (n?i) number of the features (both of n and i are integers). A class configuration selection unit selects an optimal class configuration from the (n?i) number of the class configurations using an arbitrary evaluation value. The features used in the class configuration selected by the selection unit are used as the already selected features in the generation unit. The operations by the generation unit and the selection unit are repeated with values of i sequentially varying from 0 to r?1, thereby generating a class configuration comprised of r number of the features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Takeshi Miyai, Daisuke Kikuchi, Shizuo Chikaoka, Takashi Nakanishi, Yoshiaki Nakamura, Tsugihiko Haga
  • Patent number: 7844137
    Abstract: A relatively non-complex signal processor supporting an active pixel sensor imaging system is disclosed. The signal processor only requires the first sample from a group of samples in a multiple sample to be transmitted to the signal processor at full resolution. The subsequent samples in that group can be transmitted using only a subset of least significant bits. The minimum number of required LSBs is based upon the level of noise in the system. In one embodiment, the number of LSBs transmitted is k+2 per sample, where k indicates the number bits corresponding to peak noise. In an alternative embodiment, each subsequent sample is transmitted using only k+1 bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang-Bo Cho
  • Patent number: 7840095
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus converts moving image data including plural first image data of a first resolution into moving image data including plural second image data of a second resolution. The apparatus generates position alignment data between the target first image data and another first image data other than the target first image data; aligns candidate image data having the second resolution corresponding to the target first image data with the other first image data according to the position alignment data generated; updates the candidate image data to minimize a first difference between the other first image data and the candidate image data position-aligned; and executes the aligning and the updating at least one time, and using the candidate image data having the difference equal to or smaller than a reference value, as the second image data corresponding to the target first image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Rui Yamada
  • Patent number: 7839429
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for accomplishing in-camera stitching of a high-resolution panoramic photograph from a set of component photographs while providing a satisfactory user experience. A low-resolution panorama is stitched, and a user of the camera performs a review of the low-resolution panorama using a display comprised in the camera. During the review, a high-resolution panoramic photograph is stitched by the camera in a background process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Karen E Williams, Christopher E. Webb, Angelica A. Quintana
  • Patent number: 7835594
    Abstract: Method and system for creating a fused image from an image pair. The method includes obtaining (204) image data defining a first image of a panchromatic image type and a second image of a multi-spectral image type. The first image has a first spatial resolution and a first spectral resolution. The second image has a second spatial resolution which is lower than the first spatial resolution and a second spectral resolution higher than the first spectral resolution. The first image and the second image are fused (216) to initialize a fused image having the first spatial resolution and the second spectral resolution. A blurring function is used (220) to help form the fused image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Alan Riley, Tariq Bakir, Adrian M. Peter, Morteza Akbari
  • Patent number: 7835595
    Abstract: An image processing method for scaling an image from an original resolution to a target resolution is provided. A pixel value PT of a target pixel point NT in the target resolution is theoretically composed of original pixel values P1-PK of original pixel points N1-NK in the original resolution, wherein K is a positive integer larger than 1. First, theoretical combination ratios R1-RK corresponding to the original pixel points N1-NK are found. Then, the theoretical combination ratios R1-RK are converted to corresponding weights W1-WK, wherein each of the corresponding weights W1-WK is an integer between 1 and 2n, n is an integer, and the sum of the corresponding weights W1-WK is 2n. The original pixel values P1-PK are calculated with the corresponding weights W1-WK using a scaler, to generate the pixel value PT of the target pixel point NT and complete the image processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Princton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hui-Fen Chia, Ying-Yuan Tang
  • Patent number: 7830552
    Abstract: A scaling system and method for scaling a bitonal image that has print density control. A system for scaling a bitonal image is provide that includes: a polarity detection system for detecting a polarity of the bitonal image; a pixel reduction system that generates a scaled image by reducing pixel pairs down to single scaled pixels by selectively applying either a normal or reverse set of pixel reduction rules, wherein an applied set of pixel reduction rules is determined based on a detected polarity; and a line density control system that allows the scaled image to be made lighter or darker by changing the applied set of pixel reduction rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Ravinder Prakash
  • Patent number: 7831109
    Abstract: In the generating of images by means of a two-dimensional field of image sensors, notably by means of a flat dynamic X-ray detector FDXD, adherence to the maximum data rate Gmax of an evaluation unit (1) requires satisfying the relation ?x·?y·f/b?Gmax between the width ?x and the height ?y of a sub-region of the image sensor read out, the imaging rate f and the binning factor b. In conformity with the method, parameters defining the size, position and/or shape of the sub-region can be preset at will, the other variables of the inequality being adapted, if necessary, in such a manner that the inequality remains satisfied. In the context of the method there is also performed a mosaic calibration during which calibration images of the complete image sensor are composed from calibration images of sub-regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Hanns-Ingo Maack
  • Patent number: 7831110
    Abstract: The invention discloses a resolution converting method. Particularly, it discloses a resolution converting method having the steps of: inputting reference pixel data as pixel data which can be used for calculation of the pixel data of an interpolation pixel; and calculating the pixel data of the interpolation pixel by using a plurality of selected reference pixel data, wherein the selected plurality of reference pixel data include the reference pixel data which is selected in accordance with information corresponding to a position of the interpolation pixel in an area formed by mutually connecting positions of a plurality of adjacent pixels serving as a plurality of pixels adjacent to the interpolation pixel where the interpolation pixel is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noriyuki Yoshigahara
  • Patent number: RE42220
    Abstract: A method of telemicroscopy comprises the step of preparing a specimen on a microscopy slide. The slide is placed upon the stage of a microscope equipped with digital imaging apparatus and motorised stage and the specimen imaged to obtain a composite high resolution image of the whole specimen. A relatively low resolution copy of that image is obtained and stored in a datastore. The method further comprises the steps of allowing access to the datastore from a terminal transferring the low resolution image to the terminal and displaying the image upon a monitor selecting by means of the remote terminal, as desired, an area of the low resolution image and transferring corresponding high resolution image data for that area from the datastore to the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Noah Clinch, John R. Maddison