Abstract: A portable reader module includes a housing, a first receptacle configured to removably receive a portable device having an imager, and a second receptacle configured to removably receive a cartridge. The first receptacle includes a first optical entrance for the imager to the internal space of the housing. The second receptacle includes a second optical entrance to the internal space of the housing. A light-deflecting optical element is arranged within the internal space of the housing to define an optical path between the first optical entrance and the second optical entrance. An illuminating path for illuminating the cartridge is defined in the housing. The housing is configured to allow the internal space to be light-shielded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for recognizing characters in a portable terminal with a scan module. Scanned image data is generated by the scan module by scanning a scan target through a scanning-light input/output panel provided on an external surface of the portable terminal as the portable terminal moves across the scan target. Part of the scanned image data is deleted when a current moving speed of the portable terminal is less than a lower limit of an optimal scan speed range, and character recognition is performed on remaining scanned image data. Image data most similar to the scanned image data is detected from a previously stored correction image database when the current moving speed is greater than an upper limit of the optimal scan speed range, and characters corresponding to the detected image data are output as character recognition results.

Abstract: A color determination unit determines color information of a light-emitting body of an input device. A transmitter unit communicates the determined color information to the input device. A recording unit records a history of the color information determined by the color determination unit. A color candidate determination unit determines one or more candidates of emitted color of the light-emitting body, using the color information recorded in the recording unit. An acknowledging unit acknowledges from the user a command to determine a candidate of emitted light, and the color determination unit determines the color information of the light-emitting body accordingly.

Abstract: A hand carried medical imaging device includes a probe configured to acquire raw medical image data, an integrated display, a data memory configured to store the acquired raw medical image data, a back end processor, and a user interface operably coupled to the back end processor configured to receive commands from a user and to instruct the back end processor to display the produced medical image on the integrated display at a first resolution, and to either produce and send either the medical image at the second, higher resolution, to send the acquired raw image data, or both, to the external device, in accordance with the commands from the user.

Abstract: A chip with a built-in self-test (BIST) component capable of testing the linearity of an ADC is described herein. The BIST component uses hardware registers to facilitate a sliding histogram technique to save space on the chip. A subset of detected digital codes are analyzed, and DNL and INL calculations are performed by a controller to determine whether any of the digital codes in the subset exceed maximum or minimum DNL and INL thresholds. New digital codes being detected by the ADC are added to the subset as lower-value digital codes are pushed out of the subset, maintaining the same number of digital codes being analyzed as the subset moves from lower codes detected during lower voltages to higher codes detected at higher voltages. A synchronizer and pointer ensure that the subset moves through the digital codes at the same rate as the analog input ramp source.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow users to capture an image and transmit data to a remote system. An embodiment includes a method comprising capturing, at a mobile device, an image; generating, at the mobile device, text from the image using a recognition algorithm; and transmitting, from the mobile device, the text to a remote system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for storing image data in a mobile device. In some embodiments, the method includes generating an image on the mobile device, identifying automatically at least one person in the image, creating a cropped image of the at least one person and storing the cropped image to memory upon request of a user of the mobile device.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus, device, system, and method. In an embodiment, a human wearable apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an annotation environment capture device operable to generate information indicative of a recognizable aspect of an item and an annotating device operable to generate information indicative of a user expression associated with the recognizable aspect of the item.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of false touch filtering are described. One device includes a controller and a capacitance sensing array including multiple sense elements (e.g., intersections of TX and RX electrodes). The controller includes a capacitance sensing circuit coupled to the capacitance sensing array, and a filter circuit coupled to the output of the capacitance sensing circuit. The controller is configured to receive, from the capacitance sensing circuit, data representing capacitances of the sense elements, process the data to identify activated sense elements, and filter the data to remove false touch events based on a spatial relationship of activated sense elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and corresponding method to capture individual representational motions made by a person while performing a neuropsychological test. A user of the apparatus and method may be allowed to view, edit, classify, and retrieve any captured and recorded motions made by the person. In one embodiment, a capture unit, such as a digitizer, captures the motions made by a person while performing a Clock Drawing Test, and the captured data may then be reported in a myriad of ways. The apparatus and method also provide a means to standardize administration and scoring of writing utensil and paper based neuropsychological testing administered to a person or control and test groups for domestic or international applications. By analyzing individual representational motions made by a person while performing a neuropsychological test, unexpectedly more information may be gleaned from the test than was available to physicians from only a completed drawing.

Abstract: A medical image display device provided with storage means for storing a sliced image of an object to be examined obtained by a medical image diagnostic apparatus, extraction means for extracting a center line passing through the region of a hollow organ of the object and the center thereof from the sliced image stored by the storage means, and 3-dimensional image generation means for generating a virtual 3-dimensional image of the inner wall of the hollow organ seen from a viewpoint while sequentially moving the viewpoint from one end to the other end of the center line is provided, with means for changing the direction in which the virtual 3-dimensional image seen from the viewpoint is generated to the direction of bending curvature of the hollow organ according to the bending curvature thereof.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus includes a housing. A first image sensor (linear scan imager) is attached at a first position along the housing. The first image sensor is configured and adapted to scan an image. A second image sensor (area scan imager) is attached at a second position along the housing. The second image sensor is configured and adapted to scan an image to detect movement of the apparatus in the X and Y axis. Movement in the Y axis of the apparatus as detected by the second image sensor is utilized to trigger the first image sensor. Movement in the X axis of the apparatus as detected by the second image sensor is utilized to correct image defects (e.g. skew) of the image captured by the first image sensor thereby allowing the second image sensor to capture a 2D inspection area.

Abstract: A communication terminal includes a transceiver and a controller. The transceiver receives electronic messages from another communication terminal. The controller responds to receipt of each of the messages by examining content of the message according to at least one defined rule and to control sound characteristics of an alert tune that is played through a speaker responsive to the examined message content. The controller may attempt to match text from the message to a stored list of words and/or phrases, and to control the sound characteristics of the alert tune in response to an outcome of the matching.

Abstract: The computational resources needed to perform processes such as image recognition can be reduced by determining appropriate frames of image information to use for the processing. In some embodiments, infrared imaging can be used to determine when a person is looking substantially towards a device, such that an image frame captured at that time will likely be adequate for facial recognition. In other embodiments, sound triangulation or motion sensing can be used to assist in determining which captured image frames to discard and which to select for processing based on any of a number of factors indicative of a proper frame for processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods resume capture of a base image from an object by a mobile scanner operated by a user. An indication of an overlap area on a base image displayed within a computer display is received. A scan image is received from the mobile scanner positioned on the object at a location corresponding to the overlap area. A match between a segment of the scan image and a corresponding segment of the base image is determined, where the match defines a location and orientation of the mobile scanner relative to the base image. An indication that the scan has resumed is made to the user when the match is found, and images that are subsequently received from the mobile scanner are stitched to the base image based upon the determined location and orientation. The partially formed base image and the scanner image are concurrently displayed to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may include a scanning device to scan three dimensional objects. The scanning device may generate a three dimensional model. The scanning device may also generate a texture map for the three dimensional model. Techniques utilized to generate the model or texture map may include tracking scanner position, generating depth maps of the object and generation composite image of the surface of the object.

Abstract: A portable scanner includes a housing including a hollow upper housing and a hollow lower housing of which two ends are connected together to define a transmitting passage therebetween, a switching device rotatably mounted inside the upper housing, a first scanning device mounted on the switching device, and a document feeder for transmitting the document automatically through the transmitting passage. A first and a second scanning window are opened in and penetrating through two different sides of the upper housing respectively, wherein the second scanning window is communicated with the transmitting passage. The switching device together with the first scanning device are switched between a first scanning state that is the first scanning device faces the first scanning window for scanning the document manually, and a second scanning state that is the first scanning device faces the second scanning window for scanning the document automatically.

Abstract: An interactive display recognition tool uses imaging devices to determine the location of a display and position an icon on the display via a computer. The tool comprises various input devices, which can be used to control the icon and interact with a computer driven multimedia platform.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes a connection unit for selectively connecting a plurality of machine types of electronic endoscopes which use different color information obtainment methods and a plurality of replacement tables which are provided for the plurality of machine types of electronic endoscopes respectively, and each of which stores a correspondence between values representing colors which can be obtained by each of the electronic endoscopes by photographing an observation object and values representing the true colors of the observation object. The electronic endoscope apparatus distinguishes the machine type of the electronic endoscope and replaces the values of obtained colors by using the replacement table for the distinguished machine type. Further, the electronic endoscope apparatus stores setting information for each purpose of examination, and further performs image processing, based on selected setting information, on the image of which the values of the colors have been replaced.

Abstract: A system and method for recording emergency data during a 911 call. The emergency data recorded may be in the form of a digital image. The digital image may be of the event prompting the 911 call. The digital image may be a single image, a series of images, or streaming video. The emergency data may be received on a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, through a digital imaging device, such as a digital camera. The emergency data may then be transmitted to a server, wherein the emergency data is stored. The emergency data may be accessed by a 911 dispatcher during a 911 call to review the image data to aid in assessing the emergency recorded in the emergency data.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, electro-optically reading forms, each form having a plurality of form fields arranged at locations relative to one another, by image capture, includes storing form templates, each template having a plurality of template fields arranged at locations relative to one another, and capturing images over a field of view. A form and a correct orientation of the form, whose image is being captured, are automatically identified by matching the locations of the form fields in the captured image of the form with the locations of the stored template fields. The form fields on the identified form in the correct orientation are thereupon processed.

Abstract: A handheld scanner incorporates vision software to allow the handheld scanner to be trained for OCR. The handheld scanner can include a user interface to allow a user to associate an image of a mark with electronic data for the mark. The user interface, along with a range finder, can also be used to influence variables that affect the quality of an image scan, thereby improving the quality of results for the image scan and/or decode process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus perform pressure detection in a mobile terminal. method determines a squeezing pressure of the mobile terminal. The method determines whether a user squeezes the mobile terminal using the squeezing pressure determined and a value of a proximity sensor. The method transitions the mobile terminal to a wakeup state in response to determining that the user squeezed the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A method of operating an image reader includes the steps of: searching a digital image for nominally straight edges; characterizing the nominally straight edges in terms of length and/or direction; determining a predominant orientation of the nominally straight edges; establishing a group of edges as a function of their proximity to the center of the image; establishing a group of edges as a function of their proximity to other remaining edge positions; and, transmuting a rectangle bounding those edges into a rectified image; wherein a rectified image is an image that is cropped or rotated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying sheets on which is added one identifier or more comprising a combination of juxtaposed screen cells. The method comprises two parts. The first part describes a means for making the differentiating identifiers and the addresses associated with the content areas forming the sheets. The second part describes a means for processing the information of the digital pen transmitted to the computer processing unit by one or more automatic or semiautomatic post-processing operations. The two non-separable parts of this method thus compensate for the potential handling errors of a user who must write or transcribe information onto screen sheets using a digital pen.

Abstract: A hand-held optical scanner is described. The hand-held optical scanner has an image sensor, as well as a scan window through which image light is directed toward the image sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for capturing text found in a variety of sources and transforming it into a different user-accessible formats or medium. For example, the device can capture text from a magazine and provide it to the user as spoken words through headphones or speakers. Such devices are useful for individuals such as those having reading difficulties (such as dyslexia), blindness, and other visual impairments arising from diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma.

Abstract: A hand-held scanning system and method thereof are described. A look-up table is created to generate a mapping relation between a plurality of reference amplitudes and a plurality of corresponding sampled positions. An analog-to-digital converter samples an analog signal and converts it into a digital signal. The digital signal represents a mapping relation between the sampled positions of the movement distance and the corresponding scanning amplitudes of the signal intensity. The hand-held scanning system ascertains the sampled positions corresponding to a former scanning amplitudes and a present scanning amplitudes according to the look-up table during the scanning stage for detecting the position variation status to determine whether the trigger signal is activated for image scanning or not.

Abstract: A gesture-based user interface comprises a wearable portable device storing a gesture profile for each of a plurality of different applications on the wearable portable device to define different gestures for the different applications, wherein each of the gesture profiles includes at least one gesture and a predetermined function associated with the at least one gesture; and a profile web service, wherein the portable device is in communication with the profile web service and is configured to download from the profile web service to the wearable portable device a customizable gesture profile for a particular one of the applications, wherein the customized gesture profile modifies at least one of the different gestures, the customized gesture profile comprising personal preferences of the user regarding the modified gesture, including physical attributes of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of resolving multiple centroids from data received from a multi-touch sensor device are described.

Abstract: There is described an imaging apparatus having an imaging assembly that includes an image sensor. The imaging apparatus can capture a frame of image data having image data corresponding to a first set of pixels of the image sensor. The imaging apparatus can capture a frame or image data having image data corresponding to a second set of pixels of the image sensor.

Abstract: A camera that provides for a panorama mode of operation that employs internal software and internal acceleration hardware to stitch together two or more captured images to create a single panorama image with a wide format. Captured images are projected from rectilinear coordinates into cylindrical coordinates with the aid of image interpolation acceleration hardware. Matches are quickly determined between each pair of images with a block based search that employs motion estimation acceleration hardware. Transformation are found, utilizing regression and robust statistics techniques, to align the captured images with each other, which are applied to the images using the interpolation acceleration hardware. A determination is made for an optimal seam to stitch images together in the overlap region by finding a path which cuts through relatively non-noticeable regions so that the images can be stitched together into a single image with a wide panoramic effect.

Abstract: A pointing method, medium, and system detecting a synchronization signal from a plurality of light sources sequentially blinking at predetermined periods, detecting position information of the light sources by driving a video camera in synchronization with the synchronization signal, removing noise from among observed light sources by using the position information, and calculating a pointed to position by using the position information of the non-noise light sources. Provided is also a pointing reception method, medium, and system using a plurality of light sources blinking sequentially at predetermined periods, receiving the position information corresponding to light sources presenting the signals received by a pointing device and the position information pointed by the pointing device, and changing output data with respect to the pointed position information.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.

Abstract: The invention deals with an aid device for reading a printed text, comprising a data acquisition peripheral with a camera and a communication interface, said peripheral being movable by a user on a printed text to frame a portion of text, a processing unit, communication means between the peripheral and the processing unit, and a vocal reproduction device. The processing unit is programmed to acquire a sequence of images framed by the camera, to detect when the user has stopped on the text, to recognize at least one word which the user intends reading, and to reproduce the sound of said at least one word by means of vocal synthesis by means of the vocal reproduction device.

Abstract: A display control unit performs a control of displaying first image information on a display unit. An electric-power supply unit converts thermal energy generated from a body temperature of a user into electric power upon the user contacting the electric-power supply unit, and supplies the electric power to the display control unit. A determination unit determines whether the user is in contact with the electric-power supply unit. When it is determined that the user is not in contact with the electric-power supply unit, the display control unit performs a control of rewriting the first image information displayed on the display unit with second image information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing biometric digit data variously include scanning a digit in a transverse direction relative to an array of sensor elements, detecting the scanned digit and/or a predetermined characteristic of the scanned digit, outputting from individual sensor elements of the array of sensor elements respective continuous streams of biometric data associated with the scanned digit, discrete sampling the respective continuous streams of data, and reconstructing the discrete sampled data. The discrete sampled data may be directly reconstructed, e.g., in accordance with a reconstruction characteristic associated with detecting and/or discrete sampling the scanned digit, to form a biometric characteristic image associated with the digit. Optionally, the respective continuous streams of data may be stored for later discrete sampling, or discrete sampled data may be stored for later reconstruction to form a biometric characteristic image associated with the digit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for storing image data in a mobile device. In some embodiments, the method includes generating an image on the mobile device, identifying automatically at least one person in the image, creating a cropped image of the at least one person and storing the cropped image to memory upon request of a user of the mobile device.

Abstract: Techniques for capturing images of business cards, uploading the images to a designated computing device for processing and recognition are disclosed. A mechanism is provided to update extracted data from the images when there are any changes. Depending on implementation, there are a number of ways to capture images of business cards (e.g., via a phone camera, a PC camera, or a scanning device). A transmission means is provided to transport the images to the designated computing device for centralized management of integrated contact information for individual users. As a result, a user may access his/her updatable integrated contact information database anywhere anytime from a chosen device.

Abstract: A method and system utilizing both (x, y) coordinate (“spatial”) stroke data and associated pressure information for improved handwriting recognition. The method and system can also be applied to all types of handwriting-based data entry applications and also to user authentication. The digitizer pad used in the computer system gives both spatial information and associated pressure data when a stroke is being drawn thereon, e.g., by a stylus. Pressure information can be used to differentiate between different character sets, e.g., upper case and lower case characters for certain alphabetic characters. The spatial stroke data then identifies the particular character. The pressure information can also be used to adjust any display attribute, such as character font size, font selection, color, italic, bold, underline, shadow, language, etc. The associated pressure information can also be used for recognizing a signature. In this case, a user is allowed to sign a name on the digitizer pad.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a practical method and apparatus for providing accurate, economic drinking water testing using materials available worldwide: a mirror 10, cell-phone 20, and a plastic bag 30. Cell-phone 20 contains a C# computer application which captures color digital images of water whose water quality is desired, processes said color digital images, and displays information suitable for determining water quality on said cell-phone. The present invention is susceptible to use by the majority of persons capable of cell-phone operation.

Abstract: A system and method for processing an image of a document is disclosed. The method includes receiving at least one predetermined document parameter of the document. An image of the document is previewed on a display using a camera. The display provides a visual indication of a defect in the image based on the preview. A processor proposes a procedure to minimize the defect in the image. A user adjusts the camera in response to the proposal. The processor processes the image of the document.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to generating travel-logs or geographical representation of encountered media. One claim recites a method including obtaining a plurality of imagery, wherein each item of imagery from the plurality of imagery comprises steganographic encoding, the steganographic encoding altering data representing the imagery, the steganographic encoding comprising multi-bit data, and wherein the presence of the multi-bit data is imperceptible to a human observer of the imagery absent machine-detection; detecting the multi-bit data from the plurality of imagery, wherein the multi-bit data is associated with geolocation metadata; and providing a geographic path associated with the plurality of imagery based at least in part on the geolocation metadata. The geographic path is provided for display to a user relative to a graphical map. Of course, other different claims are provided as well.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit which processes and displays an image; a recognizing unit which recognizes a pointing operation input from a pointing device; and a control unit which executes during an execution a predetermined function when a first pointing operation which selects the predetermined function and a second pointing operation which confirms whether to execute the selected predetermined function are input from the pointing device, and controls the image processing unit to process the image in response to the execution of the predetermined function. With this configuration, it is possible to more precisely detect a pointing operation input from a pointing device according to user's intention and allow a user to serve the user's intention using the pointing device.

Abstract: A portable device having scanning, imaging or other data-capture capability is described. In some cases, the portable device can indicate to the user when enough information has been captured to uniquely identify a source document. In some cases, the portable device calculates timestamps and location-stamps indicating when and where a data capture occurred. In some cases, the portable device is controlled by gestures. In some cases, the portable scanning device has associated billing and content/service subscription information.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a light source, an imaging unit that captures an image of an original using light from the light source, a conveying unit that conveys the original to the imaging unit, a casing that accommodates at least the imaging unit and the conveying unit, the casing having an insertion slot for feeding the original to the conveying unit, a determination unit that determines whether or not the image reading device is in a conveyable state in which the conveying unit is enabled to convey the original toward the imaging unit, and a notification unit that visually indicates whether or not the image reading device is in an insertion-enabled state enabling the original to be inserted through the insertion slot to the conveying unit based on determination made by the determination unit.

Abstract: A system for processing a text capture operation is described. The system receives text captured from a rendered document in the text capture operation. The system also receives supplemental information distinct from the captured text. The system determines an action to perform in response to the text capture operation based upon both the captured text and the supplemental information.

Abstract: A hand-held portable microarray reader for biodetection includes a microarray reader engineered to be small enough for portable applications. The invention includes a high-powered light-emitting diode that emits excitation light, an excitation filter positioned to receive the excitation light, a slide, a slide holder assembly for positioning the slide to receive the excitation light from the excitation filter, an emission filter positioned to receive the excitation light from the slide, a lens positioned to receive the excitation light from the emission filter, and a CCD camera positioned to receive the excitation light from the lens.

Abstract: In an image projection apparatus capable of detecting user operations on a projected image, detecting a moving direction to/from the projected image of an object (for example, a hand) that a user uses to operate a GUI from, for example, an image taken of a region of a projection surface that includes the projected image. Then, depending on the detected direction, the display position or the display direction of the GUI is decided and images projected, thus improving usability.

Abstract: Methods, algorithms, software, apparatuses and systems for processing image data for imaging devices having irregular scan paths (e.g., scan paths that deviate from a conventional horizontal and/or straight line). The irregular scan paths generally correspond to actual locations of a line of output from an image output device (e.g., a printer). The method generally includes steps of selecting one or more of the input pixels, correlating a location of the selected pixel with a location on an irregular scan path, and producing an adjusted pixel based on a value of the selected pixel, the location on the irregular scan path, and/or values of one or more pixels near the selected pixel.