In Image Databases (epo) Patents (Class 707/E17.019)
  • Publication number: 20110270849
    Abstract: A method for providing search results in response to a search query is provided. The method includes receiving the search query from a user and generating a plurality of results in response to the search query. The plurality of results may be ranked according to an original relevancy score. The method further includes generating a click relevancy score for each of the plurality of results and re-ranking the plurality of results according to the click relevancy score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Manik Varma, Vidit Jain
  • Publication number: 20110258172
    Abstract: This invention relates to problems arising from searching a large, online image data set. The invention improves the ability of customers to search across large catalogues using keywords when those keywords have not been specified in advance. This invention achieves this by taking diverse metadata, both structured and unstructured, from diverse sources and translating them into a highly structured system for presenting to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: James Lee West, Kaldip Chohan
  • Publication number: 20110252062
    Abstract: An electronic dictionary searches for an entry word in dictionary data, and further conducts a search based on a keyword associated with image data. The electronic dictionary first searches for a keyword as described above, then extracts an image ID associated with the keyword found by the search, extracts an entry word associated in the dictionary data with the extracted image ID, and thereafter provides the entry word.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Naoto Hanatani, Akira Yasuta
  • Publication number: 20110246495
    Abstract: Audio fingerprinting and other media matching technologies can be used to identify media, such as movies, television shows, and radio broadcasts. A user device can record image, audio, and/or video information and upload information to a matching service that is able to use matching technology to identify the media and provide supplemental content or information to the user. The user then can share this information with other users, such as by uploading to a social networking site or passing the information to peers on a peer network as part of a container. Users can have the ability to add tagged content, provide comments and ratings, and otherwise interact based at least in part upon the tagged media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Dominic S. MALLINSON
  • Publication number: 20110246466
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a system (101) and a computer program product to identify a particular data object of a data type in a database (104) that comprises data objects of the data type. The system (101) comprises a query composition unit (102) to compose a search query to identify a candidate data object being a candidate for the particular data object. A search unit (103) identifies the candidate data object in the database (104) based on the search query. A presentation unit (105) presents the candidate data object to the user. A feedback receiving unit (106) receives user feedback on the relevance or irrelevance of a segment of the candidate data object. The search unit (103) further identifies an improved candidate data object in response to the received user feedback. The improved candidate data object is an improved candidate for the particular data object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Ahmet Ekin, Devrim Unay
  • Publication number: 20110246294
    Abstract: A system for management of multimedia content having a processor and memory configured to execute software instructions for implementing a content management component operative to upload the multimedia content and to create at least one compilation from the multimedia content, a market management component operative to assign market-specific data to the compilation, and a store builder resource component operative to generate one or more online stores for promotion of the compilation having the assigned market-specific data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Beet, Inc.
    Inventors: David Robb, Richard Robb, SR., Quinton Harris, Benjamin Cook, Joseph Rodriguez, Cameron Patterson, Vasili Zolotov
  • Publication number: 20110238618
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of medical collaboration. Some embodiments include a server application receiving and storing an image via an uploading application. In some embodiments, the image can be stored in a database, and upon receiving a request to view the image from a plurality of client applications, the image can be transmitted to the plurality of client applications so that each of the client applications can display the image. Some embodiments can include displaying an application interface on each of the plurality of client applications substantially simultaneously with the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Valdiserri, Warren Goble
  • Publication number: 20110238659
    Abstract: Using a processor, receiving, a query including a query image. A database is searched for a set of images similar to the query image, using a two-pass search. The results of the searching are then provided, the results including image members of the set of images similar to the query image. The first pass may be performed using a TF-IDF algorithm and the second pass ranks a predetermined number of results from the first pass by a best match algorithm or other type of algorithm. The type of second pass algorithm may be selectable by a user. If an end signal is not detected, a further two-pass search may be made based on a subsequent query having a subsequent query image. The subsequent query image may one of the results of the previous two pass search. A subsequent query image may change from an image of a product of a first product category to an image of a product of a second product category.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Naren Chittar, Sanjay Pundlkrao Ghatare, Richard D. Henderson, Ryan McDonald, John Roper
  • Publication number: 20110225153
    Abstract: A content search device 1 comprises: feature quantity computing means 10 for, for each piece of content data of multiple types, computing a feature quantity of at least any one of an image feature, an acoustic feature and a semantic feature included in the piece of content data, and storing feature quantity data 34a; unknown feature quantity computing means 14 for computing an unknown feature quantity of each feature type not associated with a content identifier in the feature quantity data 34a by use of the feature quantity of the feature type associated with the content identifier, and storing the unknown feature quantity as a feature estimated value in the feature quantity data 34a; distance computing means 15 for computing a distance indicating a similarity between each two pieces of content data based on the feature quantities and the feature estimated values stored in the feature quantity data 34a; and display means 16 for determining a display position of a thumbnail corresponding to each piece of cont
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventor: Miki Haseyama
  • Publication number: 20110225156
    Abstract: Presented is a method for obtaining a single set of media search results from a search of media sources. The method includes providing a search query, executing a search of each of the media sources for media based on the provided search query, generating results of the searches, and consolidating the results of the searches into the single set of search results that include a list of media items with associated metadata. The method further includes organizing the media items into groups. Each of the groups includes media items that have similar content. The similarity of the content is defined by the media items' associated metadata meeting a metadata matching threshold. The method further includes filtering the groups, sorting the groups of media items with respect to each other, sorting the media items within the groups, and displaying the groups of media items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Crestron Electronics
    Inventor: John Pavlik
  • Publication number: 20110213774
    Abstract: A system having a first data storage element storing a first set of data including patient images and a second data storage element storing a second set of data that is derived from the first set of data, the second set of data including searchable data that is descriptive of the first set of data and excludes the patient images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Buurman, Rutger Nijlunsing
  • Patent number: 8010500
    Abstract: A website image capturing method includes the steps of: receiving at least one network address from a predetermined website information management system; accessing a website corresponding to the received at least one network address and determining whether a predetermined webpage error occurs in the website; generating image information through a capturing operation with respect to the website, when the webpage error does not occur in the website; generating predetermined access result information in association with the generation of the image information; and transmitting the access result information to the website information management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: NHN Corporation
    Inventors: Se-Jin Chun, Hee-Won Lee, Ji-Hun Yoon
  • Publication number: 20110208702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for verifying geographical descriptiveness of a media file, such as a picture. The system comprises storage means adapted to store a media file, communication means adapted to send said media file to a plurality of user terminals, and to receive, from the user terminals, data indicating a guessed geographical position with which the user of each user terminal associates the media file. The system also comprises calculation means adapted to determine whether the media file is indicative of a geographical position based on the guessed geographical positions received from the plurality of user terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
    Inventors: Tor Bjorn Minde, Richard Carlsson, Xin Feng, Visa Fristrom, David Hertz, Rita Ziyi Xu
  • Publication number: 20110202523
    Abstract: An image searching apparatus has a search target decision unit which decides a search target image out of images stored in an image storing unit; a search content selection unit which obtains a search condition to indicate search content specified by a user operation; a search execution unit which executes content search processing for the search target image using the search condition; and a search result display control unit which displays the search result. If a bracketed image group is included in the image storing unit, the search target decision unit sets a representative image selected from the image group to a search target image, and excludes images other than the representative image in the image group from search targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuya Ota
  • Publication number: 20110202538
    Abstract: A set of sensors can capture raw data that geospatially corresponds to a real world volumetric space. The raw data can include point cloud data encoded in a light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) information format, imagery and video data, and elevation data encoded in a digital elevation model (DEM) or digital surface model (DSM) format. The real-world volumetric space can be segmented into a set of volumetric units, wherein datum of the raw data is indexed against the volumetric units. Each of the volumetric units of the real-world volumetric space can be mapped to a voxel in a storage volumetric space of a voxel database. The raw data can then be stored and fused in the voxel database such that each voxel in the voxel database represents a combination of volumetrically stored data for all source products that includes providing point cloud data, imagery data, and elevation data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: LEO SALEMANN
  • Publication number: 20110199374
    Abstract: The method discloses a searching method by visual image, the method includes connecting to a searching engine, and then the user terminal transmits a key word to the searching engine. The searching outputs searching results which includes the virtual image and the web linking information to the user terminal. The user may use the cursor or finger to indicate a certain image to show the summary of the web site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Kuo-Ching Chiang
  • Publication number: 20110196888
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for correlating digital media with complementary content. Multiple digital images, that are associated with image information including either a time of capture or a geographic location of capture, and additional information describing events that occurred either during these times or geographic locations of capture are received. The image information and the additional information are compared to identify related events and images, which are associated with each other. Upon detecting input to provide the multiple digital images for presenting, the additional information describing the identified events are provided with the identified digital images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Eric Hanson, Joshua David Fagans
  • Publication number: 20110191356
    Abstract: Method and system for real-time capturing of real-time images from the real-time interaction between the medical professionals and patient by using a common interaction platform for e.g. web browser, where in the system and method are used to capture the image in a real-time, where the medical professional or the patient can capture the image any point of time based on the view selected by the user, this capturing of the image is captured from the real-time video camera display. The interaction session combines the captured image with patient demographic information into a single patient data file that is archived within a searchable database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Krishna GAZULA
  • Publication number: 20110188763
    Abstract: A computer system is disclosed. The computer system includes a database to store image files and a compression unit to compress the image files. The compression unit includes a cache controller to control caching of header components of an image file common to two or more image files stored in the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Nenad Rijavec, Natalie D. Ross, Arianne T. Hinds
  • Publication number: 20110184934
    Abstract: A method for compressing an initial dataset may be implemented on a data processing system. The method may include generating a group of bootstrap samples of wavelet coefficients from the initial dataset using a wavelet basis function. An average quantile of the group of bootstrap samples of wavelet coefficients may be determined. The group of wavelet coefficients may be compressed by deleting initial wavelet coefficients having magnitudes less than the coefficient cutoff value equal to the average quantile. The compressed group of wavelet coefficients and the wavelet basis function may be used to approximate the initial dataset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Choudur LAKSHMINARAYAN, Joe HILL, Ram SWAMINATHAN
  • Publication number: 20110184950
    Abstract: A system and method for assisting a user in navigation of an image dataset are disclosed. The method includes receiving a user's text query, retrieving images responsive to the query from an image dataset, providing for receiving the user's selection of a first feature selected from a set of available first features via a graphical user interface, providing for receiving the user's selection of a second feature selected from a set of available second features different from the first features via the graphical user interface, and displaying at least some of the retrieved images on the graphical user interface. The displayed images are arranged, e.g., grouped, according to levels and/or combinations of levels of the user-selected first and second features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Sandra SKAFF, Luca Marchesotti, Tommaso Colombino, Ana Fucs, Gabriela Csurka, Yanal Wazaefi, Marco Bressan
  • Publication number: 20110179631
    Abstract: A virtual image (VI) device displays an image that appears to lie above or below the plane of the device. A method of manufacturing a VI display device includes calculating an initial VI flux pattern based on an object and then fabricating a substrate having a VI array pattern based on the initial VI flux pattern. A plurality of lenses may then be applied over the VI array pattern. The VI substrate may be static or dynamic, and may show grey scale information. A photomask may be used as an intermediate element in the manufacture of the VI substrate, or may act as the VI substrate itself. A method of producing the initial VI flux pattern includes virtually tracing rays generated by different points of the object to an image plane and ii) summing the rays from the different points. The rays may be traced through a lens array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian J. Gates, Charles A. Marttila, Travis L. Potts, Serge Wetzels
  • Publication number: 20110179021
    Abstract: A content-based re-ranking (CBR) process may be performed on query results based on a selected keyword that is extracted from previous query results, and thereby increase a relevancy of search results. A search engine may perform the CBR process using a target image that is selected from a plurality of image search results, the CBR to identify re-ranked image search results. Keywords may be extracted from the re-ranked image search results. A portion of the keywords may be outputted as suggested keywords and made selectable by a user. Finally, a refined CBR process may be performed based on the target image and a received selection a suggested keyword, the refined CBR to output the refined image search results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fang Wen, Jian Sun
  • Publication number: 20110179094
    Abstract: A method for providing documentation and/or annotation capabilities for volumetric data may include receiving an indication of user insertion of an annotation with respect to a particular presentation state of a planar view of volumetric data and generating a medical image such as a DICOM image corresponding to the particular presentation state and including the annotation in response to receipt of the indication. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Allan Noordvyk, Leonard Yan, Cristian Stegaru, Radu Catalin Bocirnea, Monica Paul, Gillian Lo
  • Publication number: 20110153602
    Abstract: A method for browsing a collection of multimedia assets on a soft-copy display comprising: receiving a collection of multimedia assets, each multimedia asset having a set of associated metadata; defining an interest criterion; using a processor to analyze the metadata associated with the multimedia assets and rank the multimedia assets according to the interest criterion; displaying a portion of the multimedia assets on the soft-copy display according to the ranking; interactively user selecting a displayed multimedia asset using a user interface; updating the interest criterion based on the selected multimedia asset; using a processor to determine an updated ranking of the multimedia assets according to the updated interest criterion; and displaying a portion of the multimedia assets on the soft-copy display according to the updated ranking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Graham R. Kiddle, Joseph A. Manico
  • Publication number: 20110148924
    Abstract: Method, apparatus, and system for providing an item image to a client for display in a contextual environment are described. In some embodiments, the user may select an item for display in the contextual environment, and the user may position a camera coupled to a processing system to capture the contextual environment. A marker may be generated and associated with an item selected by a user. In an embodiment, the generated marker may be placed in a location within the contextual environment, and the user's processing system may send a visual data stream of the camera-captured environment to a server. In an embodiment, the user's processing device may receive a modified data stream including an image of the item, and the user's processing device may display the item image in the same location as the marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: John Tapley, Eric J. Farraro
  • Publication number: 20110137964
    Abstract: A data processing system includes a file system manager that organizes content into albums using a tagging technique. The file system manager comprises a filename utility that sets a unique filename for each file of uploaded files across a plurality of albums and an album manager utility that manages an album according to a list of tags. The tags include unique content file references and content metadata, whereby a file instance in a cross-section of the tags is included in multiple albums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Jason D. Goldman, Philip M. Walker, James L. Long, Eric Peterson
  • Publication number: 20110131254
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a tag is provided and includes a property that associates a strongly typed variable with the tag. Strongly typed variables can include any suitable types. For example, in at least some embodiments, the strongly typed variable is a people type that allows the tag to be associated with an individual person or group of people by virtue of a unique identification that is associated with the person or group. Strongly typed tags can then serve as a foundation upon which various other types of information and services can be provided to enhance the user experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jason S. Flaks, John M. Thornton, Ryan Kabir
  • Publication number: 20110125711
    Abstract: A method for generating device specific thumbnails may includes receiving one or more databases on a computing device from a mobile electronic device where the one or more databases include a key file and a data file. The data file may include picture data and the key file may include an index to the picture data. Also, the method may include generating a synchronization set on the computing device wherein the synchronization set includes one or more picture files to be stored on the mobile electronic device. The one or more databases may be transformed to one or more updated databases, wherein the transforming includes updating the key file to index pictures included in the synchronization set and updating the data file to include thumbnails of the pictures included in the synchronization set. The one or more updated databases may be transmitted to the mobile electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: David Norman Richard Meisenheimer, Michael Gordon Washburn, Jordan Douglas Barnes, Edward Eric Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110125526
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and retrieving images of breast tissue abnormalities obtained from multiple sources. Providing a tool for a radiologist that includes a convenient region-of-interest association of mammogram, or other anatomical images, of an individual patient. One embodiment provides an efficient collection of all of the mammogram abnormalities for a patient. In yet another embodiment, the region-of-interest abnormalities in a single location in a patient's tissue are correlated across a variety of imaging modalities including X-rays, mammogram, CT, ultrasound, MRI, or other imaging technologies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Greg Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20110119294
    Abstract: A query is run against a database with information related to images. Images of interest are selected for inclusion in an output file, for example, a presentation application file. Configuration and other choices are made regarding the output file, and any other information needed to generate the output file is gathered. When all the necessary information is available, an output file is automatically generated and delivered to a user. The output file includes the selected images and identifying information about the images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: ADVERTISING PROCESSING, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel G. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 7945556
    Abstract: Computer implemented methods and systems are provided for web log filtering. A uniform resource locator (URL) is identified for a resource requested by an identified device. The URL is stored unless the URL has at a reference to an advertisement or an extension that matches any of a list of extensions specified for storage exclusion. The stored URL is categorized based on either the stored URL or an included domain name, depending on whether the included domain name matches any of the list of domain names that are associated with multiple categories. A count is incremented in a web log category associated with the identified device based on the categorized stored URL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: James D. Barnes, Dan O'Connor, Dora Potluri
  • Publication number: 20110099094
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses and/or computer program products are directed to outgoing returns processing. The outgoing returns processing includes receiving outgoing returns data files, where the outgoing returns data files may be of a plurality of different file formats and received from a plurality of different channels. The outgoing returns processing further includes converting the outgoing returns data files to a platform file format and retrieving image files based on the outgoing returns data files. The outgoing returns are then settled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: L. Edward Shaw, Patricia Anne Sullivan Fleming, Martin T. Mulligan, Marcus Eugene McGinnis, Karl R. Johnson, Thomas D. Thibault
  • Patent number: 7933927
    Abstract: An online index building operation is disclosed for building an index from source data with minimal loss of availability to the source data. The source data can be maintained in a relational database system, such as in a tablespace of a DB2® environment. The disclosed operation creates a consistent image of the source data as of a point-in-time and creates an index from the consistent image. Then, the disclosed operation repeats the acts of making the image consistent as of a subsequent point-in-time and updating the index to reflect the subsequent consistent image until substantially caught up with the current changes to the source data. If not caught up, the disclosed operation continues unless it is falling behind at which point the operation terminates. If it is caught up, the disclosed operation locks access to the source data, updates the image to reflect any final changes, updates the index, and allows access to the index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: BMC Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley J Dee, Michael S Murley, William J Pothoff
  • Publication number: 20110082777
    Abstract: The method and system keeps track of employee time with a timekeeping computer and a camera. The camera captures an image of an employee upon clock-in by the employee. The computer maintains, in its memory, an earlier image of the employee. The employer enters an authenticate employee command, and the system visually displays the time-in image of the employee the clock in time and the earlier stored image of the employee. The system captures an exit image of the employee at clock-out. The employee's exit image and the time and date data is available for viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Steven M. Chess
  • Publication number: 20110072048
    Abstract: The concept-structured image search technique described herein pertains to a technique for enabling a user to indicate their semantic intention and then retrieve and rank images from a database or other image set according to this intention. The concept-structured image search technique described herein includes a new interface for image search. With this interface, a user can freely type several key textual words in arbitrary positions on a blank image, and also describe a region for each keyword that indicates its influence scope, which is called concept structure herein. The concept-structured image search technique will return and rank images that are in accordance with the concept structure indicated by the user. One embodiment of the technique can be used to create a synthesized image without actually using the synthesized image to perform a search of an image set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xian-Sheng Hua, Jingdong Wang, Hao Xu
  • Publication number: 20110060766
    Abstract: A digital pathology system has a central workflow server hosting digital pathology application services and supporting one or more pathology workstations. The digital pathology system may include one or more image servers, providing digital images of sample specimen slides that are associated with medical cases. Residing at and executing on each pathology workstation is a digital pathology application client, which is the counterpart of digital pathology application services at the central workflow server. The combination of digital pathology application services at the central workflow server and digital pathology application client at each pathology workstation support a pathology workflow software module and a slide viewer software module. The present disclosure also describes a method of operation and/or use of the digital pathology system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Omnyx LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Todd Ehlke, Narasimha Rao Khandavilli, Timothy Mark McVaugh, Anthony J. Melanson, Steve Selzer, Curtis Stratman, Marina Virnik, Joshua Micah Weihnacht, Zhen Zeng
  • Publication number: 20110055203
    Abstract: Methods, systems, graphical user interfaces, and computer-readable media for visually searching and exploring a set of objects are provided. A computer system executes a method that generates three-dimensional representations or two-dimensional representations for a set of objects in response to a user interaction with an interface that displays the three-dimensional representations or the two-dimensional representations. The interface includes filter controls, sorting controls, and classification controls, which are dynamically altered based on the content of a user query or the attributes of the objects in the three-dimensional representations or two-dimensional representations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: ZACHARY MARK GUTT, PAUL RONALD RAY, RODNEY COLEMAN EDWARDS, DARWIN KENGO YAMAMOTO, HADY MOUSTAFA ABOU EL KHEIR, BRIAN WHALEN MACDONALD, JERRY DANIEL BAIN
  • Publication number: 20110051174
    Abstract: A method of querying image output devices on a network, including receiving a search term indicating device-related information to be searched. The method includes first determining whether the search term includes a target device type, and if the first determining step determines that the search term includes the target device type, determining which devices in a list of all devices on the network are of the target device type to generate a device list. Otherwise the device list is set to be the list of all devices on the network. The method further includes second determining if the search term includes a conditional expression, and if the second determining step determines that the search term includes a conditional expression, determining which devices in the device list satisfy the conditional expression, so as to generate a final list of devices. The final list of devices is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Tomoki HATTORI
  • Publication number: 20110055737
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that may provide a graphical user interface (GUI) within a web page on a display device forming part of a computer system, that may include defining attributes of user interface fields for use within the graphical user interface for display on the display device with program code; searching at least one image file for image data fields corresponding to one or more of the user interface fields; recording layout data of selected ones of the image data fields within the image file; and generating the GUI using information from the user interface field attributes and the recorded data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Vinod Kumar Raman, Prashanth DS, Chandrasekaran Venkatasubbiah
  • Publication number: 20110040749
    Abstract: A method and a computer program product for identifying the domains, selecting for each domain one domain-specific search engine and data source to be involved, generating the domain-specific subqueries for each selected search engine, defining a strategy for sending requests to each search engine and data source, and receiving, merging and ranking results. The result of the multi-domain query is a list of combinations, where every combination consists of a tuple of data, each relative to one of the domains of the query; such data is present in the results returned either by search engines or by data sources. The method provides the combinations having the highest combination score, as computed by a monotone aggregation function over the combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: POLITECNICO DI MILANO
    Inventors: Stefano Ceri, Daniele Braga, Marco Brambilla, Alessandro Campi, Emanuele Della Valle, Piero Fraternali, Davide Martinenghi, Marco Tagliasacchi
  • Publication number: 20110033121
    Abstract: This invention provides an instantaneous method for a user or traveler to obtain a meaning of a symbol that is unfamiliar to said user. The symbol is captured in a format that is easily transmitted to a remote database server. Together with the symbol, the GPS coordinates of the location of the symbol must be sent to the server. The server performs an image matching search, and then uses the location information (GPS) to resolve multiple matches and to determine the meaning of the symbol and instantaneously transmits in the language of their choice the meaning to the user requesting the search.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventor: EUGENE S. EVANITSKY
  • Publication number: 20110029561
    Abstract: A search engine determines a set of other images that are similar to a user-selected image, and presents those other images to the user. In determining whether two images are sufficiently similar to each other to merit presentation of one, the search engine determines a Euclidean distance between separate feature vectors that are associated with each of the images. Each such vector indicates diverse types of information that is known about the associated image. The types of information included within such a vector may include attributes that reflect visual characteristics that are visible in an image, verbal tags that have been associated with the image users in a community of users, concepts derived from those tags, coordinates that reflect a geographic location at which a camera that produced the image was when the camera produced the image, and concepts related to groups with which the image is associated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Malcolm Slaney, Kilian Quirin Weinberger, Kaushal Kurapati, Sriram J. Sathish, Polly Ng
  • Publication number: 20110029553
    Abstract: A computer system coupled to a digital image database with images having image attributes. The image attributes are automatically evaluated in order to find a compatible digital template from a digital template database. The templates each include a plurality of windows for displaying the digital images and each of the template include template attributes to automatically select a template whose attributes are compatible with at least one of the image attribute. The data base of digital images is also automatically searched for additional images having an attribute compatible with the template attributes and with the first one of the image attributes. A display screen coupled to the computer system displays the selected template and at least one other image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: William Bogart, Laura R. Whitby, Raymond W. Ptucha
  • Publication number: 20110010022
    Abstract: Methods and architecture systems for controlling vehicle systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of remotely controlling a vehicle includes estimating a position of the vehicle. A position estimation algorithm may estimate the position of the vehicle. A position data packet received from the vehicle may be used to update the estimated position of the vehicle. A display device may display a virtual representation of the vehicle based on the updated estimated position of the vehicle. Command signals may be transmitted to the vehicle based on the displayed virtual representation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: William C. Beavin
  • Publication number: 20110010776
    Abstract: A method of managing product images comprising the steps of establishing an inventory of products, obtaining a plurality of digital images of the inventory of products, storing the plurality of digital images of the inventory of products, providing a set of rules for controlling access to the plurality of digital images of the inventory of products, providing a management system for implementing the set of rules to control access to the plurality of digital images of the inventory of products based on the set of permissions granted to an authorized user, receiving an access request from a remote user via a network, determining whether the user is an authorized user who is authorized to access the plurality of digital images of the inventory of products, determining the set of permissions granted to the authorized user, and allowing the authorized user to access the plurality of digital images of the inventory of products via a network according to the set of permissions granted to the authorized user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Ceraolo
  • Publication number: 20100324724
    Abstract: Methods, software and apparatus (FIG. 5) disclosed to maintain and update an association database (650) that enables relating updated address information to affected mailpieces (FIG. 7), and providing the benefits of that information to mailers, especially business or corporate mailers (600, 630, 632), and in the case of co-mingled mail, enabling a pre-sort house (610) to provide the updated information to their customers, or to update mailing lists maintained by or for their customers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: RAF Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Elmenhurst
  • Publication number: 20100318550
    Abstract: An image searching system is characterized by including a display unit capable of displaying a plurality of images arranged two-dimensionally, a range determining unit performing a determination of a search target range from an arrangement area of the plurality of images displayed on the display unit using a selected range set in advance, an image refining unit refining search target images by performing the determination of the search target range by the range determining unit a plurality of times until the selected range becomes a minimum selected range while gradually reducing the selected range, an image selecting unit selecting any of images included in the selected range when the selected range becomes the minimum selected range by performing the refining of the search target images by the image refining unit, and a display control unit causing the display unit to display, while maintaining a state of arrangement, images included in the search target range being determined each time the search target ra
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi YAMAMOTO, Taketoshi KUMAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20100318510
    Abstract: A method for attaching tag information to an image of a person, includes the steps of: acquiring an image of a certain person; retrieving from a database a plurality of candidates having top N probabilities of being determined as the certain person and displaying the retrieved candidates on a screen of a terminal; providing a user with a pointing service capable of selecting a specific candidate among the displayed candidates; and attaching one or more tags to the image of the certain person by using tag information having been attached about the specific candidate who is selected by the user by the pointing service. As a result, the GUI may be provided to a mobile phone, capable of assisting the user to tag the image of the certain person easily. Therefore, the image of the certain person can be easily classified and searched by using the tag attached thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: OLAWORKS, INC.
    Inventor: Jung-hee Ryu
  • Publication number: 20100318522
    Abstract: A method of searching multimedia data is disclosed in which a search for an image can re-performed by automatically updating weights of features and/or weights of feature elements in the respective feature in an image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jin Soo LEE, Hyeon Jun Kim