Showing papers on "Image conversion published in 1997"

Superresolution video reconstruction with arbitrary sampling lattices and nonzero aperture time

Abstract: Printing from an NTSC source and conversion of NTSC source material to high-definition television (HDTV) format are some of the applications that motivate superresolution (SR) image and video reconstruction from low-resolution (LR) and possibly blurred sources. Existing methods for SR image reconstruction are limited by the assumptions that the input LR images are sampled progressively, and that the aperture time of the camera is zero, thus ignoring the motion blur occurring during the aperture time. Because of the observed adverse effects of these assumptions for many common video sources, this paper proposes (i) a complete model of video acquisition with an arbitrary input sampling lattice and a nonzero aperture time, and (ii) an algorithm based on this model using the theory of projections onto convex sets to reconstruct SR still images or video from an LR time sequence of images. Experimental results with real video are provided, which clearly demonstrate that a significant increase in the image resolution can be achieved by taking the motion blurring into account especially when there exists large interframe motion.

A study of efficiency and accuracy in the transformation from RGB to CIELAB color space

Abstract: The perceptually uniform color space CIELAB (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) is useful for image analysis, particularly in applications involving color acceptability decision making; however, the transformation of an entire red-green-blue (RGB) color image is very time consuming. Various techniques are investigated for approximating the nonlinear function, and their performance in terms of speed and accuracy is assessed. This article arises from a project that aims to use video cameras to monitor the color of manufactured products.

De-interlacing of video data

Abstract: A new de-interlacing algorithm is proposed, suitable for high-quality flicker-free display of television images, for matrix type of displays, and as a basis for scan-rate conversions. The algorithm applies motion estimation and compensation techniques to achieve a high performance for moving and stationary image parts. This paper provides details of the new algorithm and an evaluation showing the relative performance of the proposal and a set of newly proposed and/or commercially available methods.

Stereo image forming apparatus

Abstract: Rendering is executed under conditions corresponding to the distance of a target object to obtain stereo display data, by preliminarily controlling its conditions such as the position or orientation of two-dimensional image projection planes (A mode). Alternatively, the rendering is executed independently of the distance of the target object, and data thus obtained is subjected to an image conversion process to obtain the stereo display data (B mode).

Method and system for storing error values for an image conversion process utilizing dynamic error diffusion

Abstract: A method and system implements a dynamic error diffusion process. A grey level value representing a pixel is received. An image segmentation circuit determines an image characteristic of the pixel being processed. A threshold circuit thresholds the grey level value (pixel) and generates an error value as a result of the threshold process. A portion of the error value is diffused to adjacent pixels on a next scanline. The distribution of this error value is dynamic in that different sets of weighting coefficients are used based the image characteristic of the processed pixel. One set of coefficients are utilized in processing a pixel having a first image characteristic, and a second set of coefficients are utilized in processing a pixel having a second image characteristic.

Transcoding GIF images to JPEG-LS

Abstract: We investigate transcoding of GIF images to JPEG-LS, the new lossless image compression standard. A straight forward conversion can lead to file sizes that are significantly larger than the size of the corresponding GIF file. We show that suitable reordering of the color table leads to file sizes significantly smaller than those required by the GIF format.

Color image processor

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep high image conversion accuracy without considerably increasing required memories by newly setting lattice points only to a range, where much higher accuracy is required or characteristics are changed by degradation with the passage of time, so as to improve accuracy within the range SOLUTION: A color corrector 12 stores the relation between the image data of source image and the image data of copy image at the respective lattice points of three-dimensional lattice composed of plural solids dividing a color converting signal space as a look-up table and determines a color correct signal CMY by performing three-dimensional interpolation A selector 14 judges whether or not the number of lattices is to be increased corresponding to the change of γ characteristics at an input device 11 and when that number is changed because of any change with the passage of time, the number of lattices is increased by setting the new lattice point at the center of changed range and outputted to the color corrector 12 Thus, color conversion accuracy can be improved in the range where the γ characteristics are rapidly changed COPYRIGHT: (C)1998,JPO

Image processor and image forming device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent characters from being difficult to read and from being thin, even if substrate density is adjusted and is made thin, for copying them with a high image quality, even at the time of copying an original that has a substrate and also to obtain the same effect with respect to an original that has a rear surface copy. SOLUTION: A density distribution calculating part 201 calculates an original density distribution, based on inputted color image data and sends it to a substrate density level calculating part 202. The part 202 calculates a substrate density level of an original, on the basis of the density distribution calculated by the part 201 and sends it to a density conversion table creating part 203. The part 203 produces a density conversion table based on the substrate density level calculated by the part 202. An image conversion part 204 converts the image density of color image data to be inputted, based on the density conversion table produced by the part 203.

Two-dimentional-to-three-dimensional image conversion device and method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inexpensively convert a two-dimensional still image into a three- dimensional image by dividing a full area included in a single field into groups for each object included in the image and generating the information on the distance of the image of every group. SOLUTION: A field is divided into 60 areas, for example, and the integration value is calculated by the circuits 8, 9, 31 and 32 for the high frequency component, the luminance contrast and the color differences R-Y and B-Y of a luminance signal Y respectively and inputted to a CPU 3. The CPU 3 divides a full area of a single field into groups so as to include the areas whose image feature values are approximate to each other in the same group and generates the distance information on the image of each group based on the image feature value concerning the distance of image of every parallax calculation area. Furthermore, the image vertical position information is added for generation of the information on the distance of image of every parallax calculation area. Then the pixel delay FIFO 11 to 23 are controlled for every parallax calculation area via a parallax control circuit 4, and the distance information is converted into the right-left parallax information in every area.

Color-monochromatic image conversion method and edge position detection method for object to be inspected

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable flexible inspection by converting RGB value at each point into a coordinate at each corresponding point in a uniform color space and calculating contrast of each point of a color image of an object to be inspected through the use of the coordinate at each corresponding point in the uniform color space. SOLUTION: A color image 2 is converted from a value in an RGB color space being a camera output into a value in an L*a*b* uniform color space in matching with a human sense. A clustering of a reference image is conducted in the L*a*b* uniform color space by the K-average method designating in advance a cluster number and the gravity center of each cluster is obtained. Then the L*a*b* value corresponding to the coordinate of each point in the RGB system color space is calculated and the contrast with respect to the L*a*b* value is calculated, based on the L*a*b* value and the cluster gravity center position. Then the contrast with respect to each coordinate of the RGB system is stored in a lookup table LUT 8. In this inspection processing, the LUT 8 is referenced to the photographed color image of the object to be inspected to obtain the contrast image.

Video composing method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To convert an actually photographed person's video into another person's video by operating the conversion of a person on a picture based on the information of a target person obtained by a target analysis processing. SOLUTION: This method is constituted of a means 100 which photographs and analyzes a model picture, means 200 which operates the body form designation and facial model generation of a target person, and means 300 which operates the conversion of a person's image. A model person 1001 and a background 1002 are photographed by the model picture photographing and analyzing part 100. A processing for obtaining information related with a person 1100 displayed as the result of synthesis is operated by the target analyzing part 200. A processing for generating a video obtained by converting the person's image is operated by the person's image conversion processing part 300. That is, a camera parameter at the time of photographing is designated, the characteristics of the model person are designated, and the input video is divided into the model person's video and the background video. The model person's image is deformed by using the characteristics of the model and the characteristics of the target so that a target person's picture can be generated, and this target person's picture is synthesized with the background image.

Video signal processing device and its method

Abstract: Since the corner detection means (7, 9) to detect each position of the blue board area from video signal, the conversion address generation means (11) to generate the conversion address based on the position information detected and the position information showing each corner position of the image area of video signal to be inserted and the image conversion means (16) to form conversion source video signal based on the conversion address are provided and the source video signal is to be inserted to the video signal, the operator's operation adjustment as the conventional device becomes unnecessary when inserting the source video signal into the prescribed frame of the video signal, and the operation of the operator can be further decreased. Thus, a video signal processing device capable of further decreasing the operator's operation can be realized.

Image system with virtual visual point

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate a virtual image at an arbitrary visual point and to generate an image full of presence in real time by allowing a system to have a means that compares a camera image with a background image photographed in advance for extracting an object, magnifying and modifying an image of the object, and compositing the image on a still background. SOLUTION: An image of a camera 1 through a zoom lens 2 is written in a frame memory 8. An image only of a background photographed at the position of the camera is read from a storage device, in which an image database 5, is constructed and written in a frame memory 6. The contents of the two frame memories are compared by a compactor circuit 9, matching consents are discriminated as a background and other parts are discriminated as an object, and only the object contents are transferee to a frame memory 10. An image signal in the frame memory is given to an image conversion circuit 11, where processing such as modification or magnification is conducted, based on the position and angle of a virtual camera and the result is written in a frame memory 7 in which only the background is overwritten.

Device and method for image processing

Abstract: PURPOSE: To increase the precision of a parameter group and improve the quality of an obtained image by determining parameters of image conversion according to colors that the processor can handle. CONSTITUTION: As a color patch original 312, (n) reference colors are prepared. A data group obtained by measuring the respective colors of the color patch 312 by a Lab color specification system is denoted as Pi (i=1-n). A color patch generation processing part 314 excludes colors having calculated color differences ΔE exceeding a threshold value T given by an expression from the measured data group Pi (i=1-n) and generates a color patch based upon the new measured data group Pi'. The data are read in through a scanner and converted to a Lab system to generate a new input data group Qi and data groups P'315 and Q'317 are used to find a parameter group X minimizing the specific expression. Thus, the parameters of color conversion are determined according to the colors that the scanner can handle.

Digital copying machine

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the time of data transfer to a printer by providing a host computer which is connected to a scanner and a printer by a general interface and forms an image by supplying a printer description language generated by the scanner to the printer. SOLUTION: Several kinds of conversion map for image data/printer description language conversion are stored in the conversion memory 108 of the scanner 100 corresponding to several kinds of conversion map for printer description/ language/image data conversion and a CPU 102 determines the image data/ printer description language conversion in the memory 108 corresponding to a conversion map for printer description language/image conversion in the conversion memory 307 of the printer 300 that the host computer specifies. The CPU 102 uses this conversion map to convert image data after image processing in a memory 103 into a printer description language and write it in the memory 103. Consequently, the data having just been converted into the printer description language becomes small in size.

Image processing unit, its control method, image processing system, output device and storage medium

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing unit, its control method, an image processing system and an output device where a total throughput is improved without increasing the cost. SOLUTION: In a image processing system composed by connecting a digital camera and a printer, the digital camera communicates mutually with the printer by using an interface part 27 at the side of the digital camera and picture elements capable of recording by one scanning of a recording head of the printer are received via the interface section 27. Based on the number of the received picture elements, image data inputted to the digital camera are divided and compressed by an image conversion part 25. COPYRIGHT: (C)1998,JPO

Infrared to visible light image conversion device

Abstract: An image conversion device (14) comprising a detector (38) for detecting an infrared image and an image converter (40) for converting the infrared image to a visible image. The detector (38) and the image converter (40) are disposed on a single substrate. The detector (38) includes an array of multiple quantum well detectors (38) formed of GaAs or GaAlAs. The image converter (40) includes an array of light emitting diodes formed of GaAsP deposited on the array of multiple quantum well detectors (38). A photoemissive surface (28) is formed on the array of light emitting diodes (40) and a phosphor screen (30) displays the visible image.

Optical imaging method and device

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical imaging method and device enabling display and 3D measurement of tridimensional objects (1), whereby at least two individual images are captured one after the other and the effective amount of radiation energy for the image conversion is controlled or regulated differently for these individual images. By employing adustable optical means (10-14) for the illumination of the object or in the optical path for the imaging of the object on the image converter (15) it is possible to acquire a larger amount of visual information on the object observed than that which is available in an individual image due to the limitations imposed by the design of the converter used (15). The invention relates to processes and design forms of the device enabling recording units to be designed, using simply and generally commercial components, which are able to display and measure larger objects (1) despite a reduced field of vision imposed by the design. This is especially useful for diagnosis in invasive applications in the bodies of humans or animals.

Image retrieval method and device therefor

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically and effectively acquire the information on an unknown object based on its image by retrieving an image data base based on the retrieval object image and also the environmental information defined when the object image is acquired. SOLUTION: A user photographs an object via a camera part 1 to retrieve an unknown object. If the composition of the photographed image is inappropriate, the user corrects the composition via a composition change part 3 to acquire an image of optimum composition. Then the user cuts out the contour of the optimum image shown at a display part 14 via a pen input part 4 and extracts the image at an image extraction part 5. The extracted image is converted into an object binary image at an object image conversion part 6. Meanwhile, the object size is calculated from the photographed image, and the data image acquired by retrieving an image data base 11 is converted into a binary image at a data image conversion part 12 as long as the data image has a size equal to the object. Then the binary image is compared with the object binary image at an image comparison part 10. When the highest similarity is decided between both binary images, the data are extracted from the acquired image. Then the retrieval result is outputted as an image via a result display control part 13.

Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding images

Abstract: An image signal expressing pel values and a significance signal, declaring for each pel whether the pel value is significant, are supplied as input signals. By referring to the input significance signal values for the pels proximal to the pel being processed, the significant pels are identified and a resolution conversion characteristics selector selects one of two or more frequency conversion characteristics to be used for resolution conversion of the image signal using only significant pels. A resolution converter then converts the resolution of the input image signal using the selected resolution conversion characteristic, and outputs the result as the image conversion apparatus output signal. Resolution conversion of the input image signal can therefore be accomplished by means of pel subsampling or interpolation without being affected by nonsignificant pels, and resolution conversion with minimal image quality loss caused by the conversion process is achieved.

Style change apparatus and a karaoke apparatus

Abstract: On an initial screen, a conversion ratio indicated by a style conversion ratio data is displayed in a display area 32. Various kinds of styles are displayed in display areas 33 to 38. In this case, a style which is currently selected is "Samba" which blinks, and the conversion ratio is 50%. When a style number corresponding to samba is "2," a style change is conducted for the original performance data based on a style conversion data corresponding to the style number 2. At this time, the conversion ratio of 50% is referred, and changes of a sound-producing timing, a tone color, an additional instrument, and the like are conducted. An image displayed on a monitor is changed based on an image conversion data.

Image converter, image conversion method, arithmetic unit, arithmetic method and transmission medium

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the conversion precision of the image converter using vector quantization. SOLUTION: Two each of SD image data fed to a vector processing circuit 1 are combined, and a vector is generated and fed to an error discrimination circuit 2. The error discrimination circuit 2 selects an SD quantization representative vector with a least error from an SD quantization representative vector table 20 among the SD quantization representative vectors, that are generated through area division corresponding to an HD quantization representative vector and outputs its index value to an HD quantization representative vector 5. The HD quantization representative vector 5 reads the HD quantization representative vector which corresponds to the index value outputted from the error discrimination circuit 2 to provide as an output of HD image data.

Artificial vision workbench.

Abstract: Machine vision is an important component of medical systems engineering. Inexpensive miniature solid state cameras are now available. This paper describes how these devices can be used as artificial retinas, to take snapshots and moving pictures in monochrome or color. Used in pairs, they produce a stereoscopic field of vision and enable depth perception. Macular and peripheral vision can be simulated electronically. This paper also presents the author's design of an artificial orbit for this synthetic eye. The orbit supports the eye, protects it, and provides attachment points for the ocular motion control system. Convergence and image fusion can be produced, and saccades simulated, along with the other ocular motions. The use of lenses, filters, irises and focusing mechanisms are also discussed. Typical camera-computer interfaces are described, including the use of "frame grabbers" and analog-to-digital image conversion. Software programs for eye positioning, image manipulation, feature extraction and object recognition are discussed, including the application of artificial neural networks.

Digital-to-analog image conversion with an optically addressed spatial light modulator.

Abstract: The possibility of using ferroelectric liquid-crystal optically addressed spatial light modulators to transfer images from silicon backplane devices is investigated. We propose a drive scheme for optically addressed spatial light modulators to perform digital-to-analog image conversion based on the speed performances of current and future silicon backplane devices and on temporal averaging. The validity of the drive scheme is experimentally demonstrated with a LED used to encode the gray levels, and we discuss the performance of the display system.

Image transmission method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the image transmission efficiency by dividing an original image so as to have these divided images similar to each other, transmitting the divided images after encoding them and giving interpolation to the wrong group via the corresponding part of another similar divided image if an error is detected in a received image. SOLUTION: An image conversion part 10 rearranges an original image to be inputted into plural images of high correlation on every pixel line. Then an encoding part 2 compresses and encodes the converted image data by an H. 261 encoding system or an MPEG1 system and builds the encoded image data into a transmission packet in every encoding unit GOB(group of block) to sends them to a transmission line 4 with addition of an error detection code. When an error is detected at the receiving side via an error detection part 12, an error interpolation part 13 performs the interpolation of the error by copying a normally received corresponding part from a divided image other than that having a wrong part. Then an image inverse conversion part 11 reconfigurates the divided images and outputs them. Thus a transmission error is easily interpolated with high precision and the accuracy of the reconfigurated images can be improved.

Logically Efficient Spatial Resolution Conversion Using Paired Increasing Operators

Abstract: In a typical office setting, digital documents may be handled by a variety of devices and software packages that perform scanning, printing, display, transmission, and various forms of image processing. The devices that comprise the system may each operate at a different sampling resolution and spatial resampling must often be performed to allow porting of a digital image among the various devices. The primary purpose here is to design optimal integer resolution-conversion filters based onincreasingoperators rather than the more typically employednon-increasingoperators. Design and implementation of optimal increasing filters possess certain statistical advantages and, more importantly from the perspective of real-time imaging, there is often a great logic-cost savings in implementing an increasing as opposed to a non-increasing filter.

Image signal processor

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To maintain high image quality even when an image conversion processing is repeatedly performed by decoding only a timewise or spatial local part subjected to the image conversion processing among encoded image signals and processing the other parts as source encoded image signals as they are without decoding them. SOLUTION: The encoded image signals 1 and 2 are inputted to local decoding circuits 3 and 4. In the local decoding circuits 3 and 4, a block defined as an editing object in one image is specified based on block specifying signals from a block circuit 5 and the encoded image signals of the part are locally decoded. Then, image signals from the local decoding circuits 3 and 4 are inputted to a processing circuit 7, the image conversion processing is performed and then, they are encoded again in a local encoding circuit 8. Finally, the encoded image signals from the local encoding circuit 8 which are locally decoded, edited and then encoded again in such a manner and the source encoded image signals 1 and 2 are selectively synthesized in a synthesis circuit 9.

Image formation system and color misregistration correction system

Abstract: An image processing system which makes deterioration in image quality, which derives from a color mismatch occurring during formation of a color image, indiscernible. The image processing system includes a generator which generates a first line image composed of a plurality of lines which are to be formed on a given medium, and a detector which detects a magnitude of a deviation of a scan position at which the first line image is formed on the given medium from a predetermined scan position at which the first line image is supposed to be formed on the given medium. Also included is a producing unit which produces a second line image composed of a plurality of lines by performing image conversion on the first line image, which substitutes for the first line image according to the magnitude of the deviation, and an image formation unit which forms the second line image on the given medium instead of the first line image.

Keystone distortion correction device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correct keystone distortion without deteriorating resolution and aborting an image by providing an image conversion means converting an image so as to change an expansion rate of the image in a horizontal direction in response to a vertical position on a screen and a projection means projecting an image at maximum expansion by the image conversion means SOLUTION: A data expansion rate control circuit 6 adds a picture element to each line to expand data based on a picture element counter circuit 2 and a scanning line counter circuit 3 A blank data control circuit 7 adds blank data to both ends of picture element data for each line so as to control the number of picture elements of each line to be 720 picture elements Thus, the 720 picture element data for each line obtained in this way are given to a liquid crystal display panel whose one line has 720 picture elements and the image given to the liquid crystal display panel is projected onto a screen

Thumbnail image signal output apparatus

Abstract: The thumbnail image signal output apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image input device which inputs an image; a storage device which stores a plurality of images each of which has been input via the image input device; an image processing device which processes the image which has been input; an update device which updates one of a plurality of images stored in the storage device which corresponds to the image processed by the image processing device to the image after such processing; an image conversion device which converts a plurality of images stored in the storage device into thumbnail images; and an output device which outputs an image signal for displaying converted thumbnail images upon a display device.