Abstract: A system and methods through which pictorial views of an object's configuration, arranged in a hierarchical fashion, are navigated by a person to establish a visual context within the configuration. The visual context is automatically translated by the system into a set of search parameters driving retrieval of structured data and content (images, documents, multimedia, etc.) associated with the specific context. The system places “hot spots”, or actionable regions, on various portions of the pictorials representing the object. When a user interacts with an actionable region, a more detailed pictorial from the hierarchy is presented representing that portion of the object, along with real-time feedback in the form of a popup pane containing information about that region, and counts-by-type reflecting the number of items that are available within the system associated with the specific context and search filters established at that point in time.

Abstract: A raw image data creating unit that creates a raw image data; an image file creating unit capable of creating an image file conforming to a predetermined format based on the created raw image data; and a control unit for determining based on a predetermined criterion whether an external apparatus is caused to execute at least part of a process for creating the image file based on the raw image data, outputting the raw image data or halfway processed data obtained when the image file creating unit is caused to execute the process halfway to the external apparatus, instructing the external apparatus to create the image file based on the raw image data or the halfway processed data if the control unit determines that the external apparatus is caused to execute it, and causing the image file creating unit to execute creating the image file if the control unit determines that the external apparatus is not caused to execute it.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (400) comprises a SIMD processor (401) which scans an image frame for regions of interest (step 301), for example corresponding to regions having objects or lines of interest. Each region of interest is rescanned to an orthogonal grid. The orthogonal grids are then floorplanned so that they are rearranged into a smaller subset of image lines. The floorplanning consists of mapping a set of rectangles into a compressed frame portion. Optionally, the rectangles can be rotated in order to allow the rectangles to be packed more densely. The SIMD processor (401) then processes the floorplanned image data (step 307). Once the image data has been processed by the SIMD processor, the DSP (405) re-associates the processed data (step 309), using information stored during floorplanning. The image processing apparatus results in a more efficient use of the SIMD processor (401).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing of a three-dimensional image data set, wherein the three-dimensional image data set is converted to a data set suitable for a two-dimensional image reproduction. The invention further relates to apparatuses for performing the required calculations and/or for reproduction of the data representations. The invention is particularly appropriate for medical applications of endoscopy, in particular, coloscopy.

Abstract: An image retrieving device for classifying and retrieving an image by detecting an object in the image and adding a keyword comprises an image storing section for storing the image which is supposed to be classified and retrieved together with the keyword in a database, an object acknowledging section for acknowledging a predetermined object in the image which is inputted, a keyword proposing section for proposing the keyword which relates to the object which is acknowledged by the object acknowledging section, and an object information inputting section for confirming, adding, and correcting the keyword which is proposed by the keyword proposing section. By doing this, the object in the image is detected for classifying the image; thus, it is possible to provide an image retrieving device in which the keywords are added to the image efficiently.

Abstract: An image processing method and device for processing multiple rows of pixels of an image simultaneously with a single instruction. The processing includes selecting a pixel window having a plurality of pixels of an image spanning across multiple rows and columns, building vertical and horizontal load registers to include the plurality of pixels of the selected pixel window, and simultaneously processing selected pixels of the plurality of pixels included in the vertical and horizontal load registers using a single instruction, wherein the vertical and horizontal load registers are shifted when the selected pixels are processed. Accordingly, a method and device for efficient processing of an image is provided.

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

Abstract: A method of displaying digital images is described in which a display length indicator is received and digital images are accessed. A set of digital images are selected from the accessed digital images in accordance with the display length indicator and displayed in a predetermined order. The method may be performed by a computer program, which may be embodied on a computer readable medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for performing image conversion operations. The system starts by receiving a request from a client for one or more pixel buffers containing a pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of an image representation. The system then determines if a provider can provide the one or more pixel buffers. If so, the system calls the provider to generate the one or more pixel buffers containing the pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of the image representation. Otherwise, the system calls the provider to generate one or more intermediate pixel buffers, generates a sequence of converters for converting the one or more intermediate pixel buffers, and calls the sequence of converters to generate the one or more pixel buffers containing the pixel-formatted, cropped, geometrically transformed, and/or color matched version of the image representation.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for determining and assigning descriptive filenames to digital images based on auxiliary input such as user provided input or input from some reference database of images.

Abstract: A scan data transmission apparatus and a scan data transmission system are configured for enabling the user to give execution commands of processing of saving a file of image data of an original in a shared folder and processing of transmitting e-mail to which the file of the image data of the original is attached at a time (specify the mail address as the mail destination and the folder to save the file at the same time).

Abstract: The present invention relates to machine vision computing environments, and more specifically relates to a system and method for selectively accelerating the execution of image processing applications using a multi-core processor system. To this extent, a multi-core processor system is generally defined as one that is multi-platform, and potentially distributed via a network or other connection. The invention provides a machine vision system and method for executing image processing applications referred to herein as an image co-processor that comprises (among other things) a plurality of multi-core processors (MCPs) that work to process multiple images in an accelerated fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to machine vision computing environments, and more specifically relates to a system and method for selectively accelerating the execution of image processing applications using a hybrid computing system. To this extent, a hybrid system is generally defined as one that is multi-platform, and potentially distributed via a network or other connection. The invention provides a machine vision system and method for executing image processing applications on a hybrid image processing system referred to herein as an image co-processor that comprises (among other things) a plurality of special purpose engines (SPEs) that work to process multiple images in an accelerated fashion.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided for setting a value of a performance controlling parameter during processing of a data stream comprising a plurality of data blocks. The performance controlling parameter is set by deriving a complexity measure for at least one data block by performing an initial processing stage on the at least one data block. The performance controlling parameter is set to a predicted value in dependence upon the complexity measure and at least one further processing stage is performed on the at least one data block at the predicted value of the performance controlling parameter.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus controls to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data. The image processing apparatus provides a window which has a start point button, end point button, seek bar, and the like. The user designates a desired still image extraction range from the moving image data by operating the start and end point buttons. This window also provides a preview button. When the user clicks the preview button, a predetermined number of sequential still images are generated from the designated still image extraction range in the moving image. These sequential still images are displayed while being sequentially switched in the order they appear in the moving image data.

Abstract: This invention relates to a data processing method for pixels (7) of a field of view (5), wherein the field of view comprises a portion of a digital map (1) that is to be displayed and includes a plurality of pixels (7), the digital map (1) comprises a plurality of data patches (3) which each include at least one data point, and the field of view (5) includes a plurality of said data patches (3), the method being characterised by: (i) identifying (504), for a said pixel (7), a data patch (3) in which said pixel (7) lies; (ii) locating (506-512) a border (9) of said data patch (3) that lies within said field of view (5); (iii) processing (522) all pixels (7) of said field of view (5) that lie within said border (9) to provide a processed data patch; (iv) locating (504-512), for each of any unprocessed data patches (3) within the field of view (5) that are adjacent a border (9) of a processed data patch, a border (9) of the unprocessed data patch (3) that lies within said field of view (5); (v) processing (522)

Abstract: A configurable graphics pipeline has more than one possible process flow of pixel packets through elements of the graphics pipeline. In one embodiment, a data packet triggers an element of the graphics pipeline to discover an identifier.

Abstract: A method and system for utilizing embedded icons into an original digital picture employing an image file, such as a JPEG file, to store the icons as well as metadata associated with the icons. The marker section of the JPEG file would include the original digital picture as well as the metadata relating to the icon itself as well as the embedded data associated with each of the icons. The JPEG file would be sent to various receivers using any appropriate protocol. The receivers would display thumbnails of the icons to allow presentation of the embedded metadata associated with each of the icons.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, a limit check procedure compares a capacity necessary for storing designated image files to be transferred and the residual memory capacity of a destination to which the image files should be transferred. The procedure determines whether or not the transfer of the image files is allowable on the basis of the result of comparison. This procedure is executed before and during the transfer of image files. The procedure executed before transfer obviates transfer failure when the image files are transferred to an external storage implemented by a CD-R or similar write limiting type of storing medium; in this case, the procedure is not necessary during transfer. In the event of transfer to a work memory built in the apparatus, even if transfer is allowed before transfer, the procedure is executed during transfer in order to produce an alarm when transfer becomes unallowable.

Abstract: An inspection system having a sensor array that provides image data. A process node includes a memory to receive the image data, a commercially available central processing unit to receive and coprocess at least a first portion of the image data within the memory, and a field programmable gate array to receive and coprocess at least a second portion of the image data within the memory. In this manner, there are two elements in the process node that are used to simultaneously process the image data, and the image data analysis thereby proceeds at a much faster rate than it would with just a single processor in a commercially available computer. However, the system as described has very little custom hardware, and thus is relatively inexpensive, and highly versatile.

Abstract: Disclosed are a wavelet transformation-based image encoder, decoder and method for generating a thumbnail image. In the present invention, an original image is tiled according to a preset tiling scheme, and wavelet transformation is performed for each tiled image. An LL image is extracted from the tiled image and range mapping is performed for the color values of each pixel of the extracted LL images. After the range mapping of the color values according to the pixels, a thumbnail image is generated by reconstructing the LL images according to the predetermined tiling scheme. According to the present invention as described above, when an encoder using a wavelet transformation method encodes the original image into a wavelet image or a decoder using wavelet transformation method decodes the wavelet encoded image into the original image, the thumbnail image can be easily generated.

Abstract: Image data is transmitted from an image input apparatus to an information processing apparatus. Specific information (e.g., photographing information) that specifies the image data, and identification information (e.g., a disk name) that identifies an optical disk on which the image data is recorded, are added to the image data. Further, the specific information and the identification information are stored in a storage device. Subsequently, specific information that matches with an input keyword is searched from the specific information stored in the storage device. Then, the searched specific information and the identification information corresponding to the searched specific information are displayed in a list on a display. By performing a keyword adding process and an image searching process, the optical disk containing desired image data can be easily specified. Therefore, desired image data recorded on the optical disk can be easily searched.

Abstract: An image storage portion 31 stores image data that is input. An outline detecting portion 32 detects an outline of tooth that is the object of color measurement in the image based on the image data. A specular reflection region detecting portion 33 detects the position of a specular reflection region in the tooth that is the object of color measurement based on the data of each pixel that constitutes the image. A rectangular region setting portion 34 sets an analysis region to become the object of analysis processing in the image based on the position of the specular reflection region that is detected by the specular reflection region detecting portion 33. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to avoid setting an analysis region in a specular reflection region when setting an analysis region, that is the object of analysis processing of an image, in the image.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus able to generate a motion vector using projection image data in a short time, wherein an access circuit stores vertical projection image data and horizontal projection image data of each macro block of frame data and reference image data at continuous addresses in a frame memory, whereby they are read at a high speed and output to a projection index data generation circuit.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for organizing images. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to analyzing images, detecting attributes of the images, comparing the detected attributes to identify images having a similar attribute, and associating images having the similar attribute to automatically generate an attribute-based album.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an image processor includes a plurality of processing pipelines, each configured to receive data associated with a portion of an image and to output pulse data associated with the portion of the image. A buffer is configured to store the pulse data. Logic is configured to route the pulse data to an appropriate laser drive unit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for remotely enhancing digital images by communication of the digital images over a network to a remote processing facility. More particularly, the digital image routing method includes steps of receiving a digital image packet that includes a digital image and a customer preference parameter and transmitting the digital image packet to a remote digital image editing system selected according to the customer preference parameter. In addition, the digital image routing method may include the steps of enhancing the digital image based on the customer preference parameter, and transmitting an enhanced digital image packet that includes an enhanced digital image and an enhancement description packet that describes the enhancements made for each of the digital images.

Abstract: A multi-chip system is disclosed for distributing the convolution process. Rather than having multiple convolution chips working in parallel with each chip working on a different portion of the screen, a new design utilizes chips working in series. Each chip is responsible for a different interleaved region of screen space. Each chip performs part of the convolution process for a pixel and sends a partial result on to the next chip. The final chip completes the convolution and stores the filtered pixel. An alternate design interconnects chips in groups. The chips within a group operate in series, whereas the groups may operate in parallel.

Abstract: Signal-adaptive noise reduction in digital radiographic images is described herein. Embodiments comprise methods for signal-adaptive noise reduction in digital radiographic images, comprising the steps of: obtaining raw x-ray image data of an imaged object; processing the raw x-ray image data to create processed x-ray image data; inputting at least one of the raw x-ray image data and the processed x-ray image data to an image processor; developing at least one of a first intensity modulation image from the raw x-ray image data and a second intensity modulation image from the processed x-ray image data; deriving a structure-dependent noise filtered image using the processed x-ray image data; performing signal attenuation-dependent blending; and creating a noise-reduced digital x-ray image therefrom.

Abstract: In a pipeline process operation including a branching process unit 25 as one of process modules, this branching process unit 25 is provided with an input management unit 251 for managing an input condition, a branching information management unit 252 for managing information as to branching destinations, a buffer unit 253 whose upper storage limit can be designated, and a branching control unit 254 for controlling an entire branching process unit. The branching process unit 25 may execute an arbitrary number of branching process operations without having such a buffer for an entire image.

Abstract: A device driver for an image capturing device. The device driver detects and monitors characteristics of the image capturing device as well as that of a host machine processing image data coming from the device. Based on the detected and monitored characteristics, the device driver coordinates image processing on the host machine by configuring on-the-fly a plurality of functional modules supported by the host machine for performing various image processing tasks. When monitored characteristics warrants a different configuration of functional modules, the device driver on-the-fly reconfigures the functional modules.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus is provided with a plural memory controllers, each of which controls a RAM. The memory controllers are connected to an SIMD type arithmetic processing section. A control register is connected to the memory controllers. The control register controls transfer of image data between the RAMs and the SIMD type arithmetic processing section.

Abstract: An apparatus for variably scaling video picture signals comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate one or more data signals vertically scaled to a first value in response to (i) the video picture signals and (ii) one or more control signals. The second circuit may be configured to generate one or more output signals horizontally scaled to a second value in response to (i) the one or more data signals and (ii) the one or more control signals. The first value and the second value are independently selectable.

Abstract: A visual simulation technique is provided to facilitate visual activities, such as reading and movement of a subject through surroundings, for sight-impaired persons. The technique obtains digital images of the surroundings via an image retrieval and sending device, and then provides a real-time audio interpretation of the images via an automated image identification and narration system. The automated system may have communication and computing circuitry, remote human interaction circuitry, and other components for either computer-based or human-based identification and narration of the acquired images.

Abstract: A method of applying a frame to an image is provided, with the method operating on an image processor. The framing method uses a compact and flexible frame description for building a frame in a particular style. The frame description includes one or more graphical frame assets that are indicative of a portion of the frame. A frame rule provides instruction to the image processor on how to process and place the frame asset(s) into the frame, and how to apply the frame to the image. The framed image may then be published for local viewing, remote viewing, printing, or storing.

Abstract: An image processing system whose circuit size is small, and whose dissipation power is small is provided. The image processing system executes digital image processing of an interval of active pixel in the condition that a first internal logic description is written in a field programmable gate array. Subsequently, in interval of non-active pixel with the exception of the interval of active pixel, the image processing system executes digital control processing in the condition that the first internal logic description of the field programmable gate array is rewritten to a second internal logic description. The image processing system executes again the digital image processing in the condition that the second internal logic description of the field programmable gate array is rewritten to the first internal logic description.

Abstract: Embodiments of an architecture for processing gray-level images is disclosed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method for analyzing a digital image and automatically generating a visually attractive frame for the image. A data set for the image is analyzed, preferably in color space, to determine one or more image components representing dominant colors in the image. The components are characterized individually, and then these individual component characterizations are used to characterize the image overall. Based on the overall image characteristics, the framing scheme parameters are determined and used in turn to generate the attributes of a visually attractive frame for the image. A data set for the framed image is then generated, which may be sent to an imaging device for display or printing, or simply stored as a new data set for later use. The user has the ability to modify the rules that determine the framing scheme parameters so as to adjust the framed image if desired.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus having an image selecting function, includes: an evaluation device that takes in a plurality of sets of image data of a subject obtained through image-capturing and performs acceptability evaluation on each of the plurality of sets of image data; and an acceptability selection device that selects image data ranked high in the acceptability evaluation among the plurality of sets of image data having undergone the acceptability evaluation performed at the evaluation device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus collectively manages a variety of image processings. Among the image processings, there are specially designated image processings. If a combination of specially designated image processings which are not mutually compatible is designated, one of the mutually incompatible image processings is rendered invalid. Therefore, the image processing apparatus is able to carry out image processings under appropriate conditions.

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

Abstract: The image-processing apparatus includes n image processing sections which receive n consecutive pixel data items that are respectively input with the same timing and which respectively process the respective input pixel data items with the same timing, and a control section that controls the n image processing sections. Each of the image processing sections are capable of being set to one of a first operation mode allowing data communication with the controlling section and a second operation mode allowing only reception from the aforementioned controlling section, one of the image processing sections is set to the first operation mode, and n?1 of the image processing sections are set to the second operation mode.

Abstract: An imaging system that can adaptively clock the component subsystems based upon the processing schedules of these subsystems is disclosed. Additionally, disclosed is an adaptively enabled multi-processor system based upon these processing schedules.

Abstract: To cut out a character and the like which are relatively darker than a background and are written with a pen and so on at a high speed, to use the cutting-out of a character and the like as pre-processing for character recognition, and to emphasize an object so as to hardly damage determinability of a character, a figure and the like to binarize the same. Attention is paid to that a character written with a pen and so on is relatively darker than a background, and a relative density of the character to a periphery thereof is obtained to binarize the same, thus emphasizing an object such as a character.

Abstract: A number of items of data from a data source (12) can be processed and supplied to a data destination (16, 17). The data can include image data, text data, numeric data or other types of data, or a combination of types of data. The processing of the data is controlled by a project definition (14, 71, 101) which includes a plurality of modules selected from a variety of available modules (Tables 1–4). The modules include input and output ports which are interrelated by binding information. One of the existing modules provides the capability for execution of a specified command in an independent and separate application program. Further, custom modules can be readily prepared, in order to supplement the default set of available modules.

Abstract: A method kit is provided for demonstrating the effects of a cosmetic product on a consumer's body, especially effects over a period of time. The method includes applying a cosmetic product to the body, capturing an image of the consumer, displaying the image on a monitor and digitally transforming the image to reflect the effect of using the selected cosmetic over the period of time. Among transformed attributes of the body are those of glow/color, sags/wrinkles, pores and combinations thereof. The original and transformed images are juxtaposed on a screen. Consumers are required to select between transformed and displayed images, preferably repetitively, until the consumer has chosen their most appealing transformation.

Abstract: An adaptive filter is adjustable for performing scaling operations. During a scaling operation, the adaptive filter stores scaled data in a memory such that more data samples may be retrieved during a subsequent scaling operation. The size of a finite impulse response filter used during the subsequent scaling operation may be adjusted to access the additional data samples.

Abstract: A system and method for speed the video system optimization using genetic algorithms and memory storage, whereby previously evaluated chromosomes, and their associated image quality, are stored in a memory unit for fast retrieval, such as a hash table, to create a large savings of processing time for previously evaluated chromosomes (variations of video systems) that do not have to be re-tested.

Abstract: A print server connected to medical diagnostic imaging equipment via a network or dedicated channels, wherein the print server executes a process to identify the device that is the source of image data received via the network or dedicated channels and outputs the image data to a specific sorter bin in a printer based on this source. The image output processor can also selectively choose a sorter bin as an output destination for the image data, based on either attribute data or the device that transmitted the image data, depending on the communication protocol.