Showing papers on "Image conversion published in 2003"

Image processing method and apparatus

Abstract: In an image conversion method and apparatus, luminance Y3 of each pixel of a converted image is obtained by use of an expression Y3=C1Y1+C2Y2 and from luminance Y1 of a corresponding pixel of a source image, luminance Y2 of a corresponding pixel of a low frequency image, and C1 and C2 which are functions of the luminance Y2 Since C1+C2 is constant when Y2<=T2, contrast of a low frequency component can be prevented from decreasing In a portion in which the luminance Y2 of the low frequency image is low, the low frequency image is enhanced In a portion in which the luminance Y2 of the low frequency image is high, the low frequency image is suppressed In a method and apparatus for detecting noise level of an original signal in real time, a plurality of local regions are set on an input image in such a manner that the local regions are distributed uniformly over the entire area of an image In each local region, determination as to whether or not luminance is saturated is performed Variation in luminance is detected in each of a plurality of unsaturated local regions Noise level is determined on the basis of the detected variation

Subpixel image scaling for color‐matrix displays

Abstract: The perceived resolution of matrix displays increases when the relative position of the color subpixels is taken into account. Subpixel-rendering algorithms are being used to convert an input image to subpixel-corrected display images. This paper deals with the consequences of the subpixel structure and the theoretical background of the resolution gain. We will show that this theory allows a low-cost implementation in an image scaler. This leads to high flexibility, allowing different subpixel arrangements and a simple control over the trade-off between perceived resolution and color errors.

Drive assisting system

Abstract: A drive assisting system capable of displaying an image picked up in the vicinity of a vehicle as a monitor image where distortion is suppressed. The drive assisting system comprises means (2) for picking up the circumferential image of a vehicle (1) on the road surface, means (3) for performing image conversion using a three-dimensional projection model (300) convex to the road surface side and having an invariant height from the road surface within a specified range from the end part of the vehicle (1) in the traveling direction at the time of converting an image picked up by the image pickup means (2) into an image viewed from an imaginary camera (2a), and means (4) for displaying the image converted by the image converting means (3). The three-dimensional projection model (300) comprises a tubular surface model (301) convex to the road surface side, and a spherical surface model (302) continuous to the end part of the tubular surface model (301). Since a line on the road surface parallel with the central axis of the tubular surface model (301) becomes a line in the converted image, a driver can be presented with an easy-to-see screen where distortion is suppressed.

Image transmission apparatus and method using CDMA communication network

Abstract: An image transmission apparatus and method using a CDMA communication network are disclosed. The apparatus for transmitting an image captured by a camera to a wireless terminal of a user by means of a mobile communication network, includes an image input unit for receiving an image signal from outside, an image conversion unit for converting an image outputted from the image input unit into a form receivable by the wireless terminal, and a wireless data transmission/reception unit for receiving an image request signal, restructuring the signal outputted from the image conversion unit into a small packet unit and transmitting the packet to the terminal of the user. By transmitting the image data in small packet units instead of transmitting it at once, the image data can be transmitted even with a CDMA wireless modem of a small capacity.

Image conversion and encoding techniques for displaying stereoscopic 3D images

Abstract: A method of producing a depth map for use in the conversion of 2D images into stereoscopic images including the steps of: identifying at least one object within a 2D image; allocating an identifying tag to each object; allocating a depth tag to each object; and determining and defining an outline of each object.

A unit for and method of image conversion

Abstract: An image conversion unit (100,200,300) for converting a first image (101) with a first resolution into a second image (103) with a second resolution, the second resolution being higher than the first resolution is disclosed. The image conversion unit (100,200,300) comprises a noise generator (106) for generating noise and a combining unit (104) arranged to add the noise to the second image (103). Preferably the noise that is added comprises spectral components which are in a part of a frequency spectrum which is above the Nyquist frequency of the first image. Optionally the image conversion unit comprises a noise measurement unit (302) to control the noise generator (106).

360-degree image conversion processing apparatus

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display a wide-range image showing a wider range than images taken with normal cameras, while transforming the wide-range image into a desired plane image at high speed. SOLUTION: This 360-degree image conversion processing apparatus 1 includes a spherical surface image output device 10, a split-plane transformed image creation device 20, and a display device 30. The spherical surface image output device 10 acquires an image of a wider range than images taken with normal cameras, transforms the acquired image data to stick it to a virtual spherical surface as part of a full spherical surface image, and outputs it as spherical surface image data being stuck to the virtual spherical surface. The split-plane transformed image creation device 20 designates a certain point on the virtual spherical surface and causes the spherical surface image data outputted from the spherical surface image output device to be projected and transformed into a desired plane making contact with the designated certain point on the virtual spherical surface to create not less than one or two plane images. The display device 30 causes the not less than one or two plane images created by the split-plane transformed image creation device 20 to be displayed in not less than one or two display devices. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Image processing system and image processing method

Abstract: This invention provides an image processing system and image processing method, which can acquire a document such as a paper document or the like as data of a format that allows easy re-use and re-edit processes. Image information is acquired by scanning a document, and its features are recognized. The image information is converted into character codes, vector data, or a predetermined image format in accordance with the recognized features. In this case, parameters used upon recognizing the features of the image information are variably set, and the operations of the character process, vectorization, and image conversion are controlled in accordance with the set parameters.

An image conversion algorithm from fish eye image to perspective image for human eyes

Abstract: In this paper, we consider the omni-directional vision using equidistance projection fish eye lens. The partial domain of an original image in fish eye image is selected, and this is converted to a perspective image for human eyes based on a projection rule of fish eye lens so that it may become the same as a standard image which is obtained by central projection of common lens. However, since this conversion enlarges the original image spatially and is based on discrete data, crevice is generated in the converted image (sparse problem). To solve this problem, interpolation based on an intensity of the image is performed for the crevice in the converted image. This paper provides the experimental results of perspective image conversion for human eyes using the proposed conversion and interpolation methods for both gray-scale and color images, and the adequacy and improving point of the proposed techniques are discussed.

Image combination/conversion apparatus

Abstract: It is possible to easily crate a mapping table for converting a picked up image of a real camera into an image viewed from a virtual viewpoint with a small amount of calculations. An image conversion apparatus includes image pickup means (10) for picking up a real image, coordinate recording means (32) for recording 3-dimensional position on the projected model corresponding to a pixel position of the virtual camera calculated in advance, means for calculating the positional relationship between the virtual camera and image pickup means (10), means (20, 31) for creating and recording a mapping table for converting the real image into the image viewed from the virtual camera according to the information on the aforementioned positional relationship and information on the 3-dimensional position recorded in the coordinate recording means (32), and means (40) for mapping the real image by using the mapping table. When the setting position of the image pickup means (10) is determined in advance, the means for calculating the positional relationship predicts the positional relationship from the setting position and inputs it as a camera parameter to the means (20) for creating the mapping table.

Image data generating apparatus and image data reproducing apparatus

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To give versatility to image data for three-dimensional display, and to efficiently select an image of an arbitrary visual point. SOLUTION: Image signals each composed of a continuous frames are inputted for each frame into an image data creating apparatus. A control unit 102 designates the presence or absence of reduction, and the presence or absence of coupling and 2D selection. An image conversion section 101 creates image data of a format designated in the presence or absence of reduction, the presence or absence of coupling. A 3D information creating section 103 makes the presence or absence of reduction, and the presence or absence of coupling and the 2D selection into a format to create 3D information required for displaying an image as 3D information. A multiplexing section 104 converts the image data and the 3D information into a predetermined format and outputs the converted data and information to the outside. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Image conversion device, image conversion method, and image projection device

Abstract: There is provided an image processing device capable of reducing the load for processing of interpolation calculation performed when correcting the keystone distortion of an image. The image processing device includes: interpolation means (11, 12) for receiving original image data and executing several times a first interpolation calculation for a plurality of original pixel data arranged in the vertical or horizontal direction in the original image and a second interpolation calculation in the other direction, thereby generating new image data; and storage means (13) for storing the interpolation data (Va to Vd) obtained by the first interpolation calculation. When a combination of a plurality of original pixel data is the same as the combination used when calculating the interpolation data (Va’ to Vd’) already stored in the storage means (13), the interpolation means (12) reads out the interpolation data from the storage means (13) for use in the second interpolation calculation.

Road and other flat object video plan-view developing image processing method, reverse developing image conversion processing method, plan-view developing image processing device, and reverse developing image conversion processing device

Abstract: A method and a device for converting a perspective image obtained by the perspective of various monitor cameras so as to develop and display it on a plan view as expressed on a map. From the perspective video obtained by an ordinary camera, information required for a plan-view development is read in, developed into a plan view such as a map by a mathematical expression, combined/concatenated into a large road surface development diagram. For example, a plurality of ordinary video cameras are attached around a bus so as to constitute the entire field of view and pick up images of a road outside the bus with a certain angle, i.e., a dip. The images of the road surface are developed as images of a map, which are processed and combined to generate a road image around the bus. This is obtained by calculating a mathematical expression.

Efficient transform-domain size and resolution reduction of images

Abstract: This paper describes techniques for adapting a transform-based image (such as JPEG) so that it conforms to specific compressed size or dimension criteria. For compressed size adaptation, the proposed method operates efficiently in the transform domain, but yields visually improved results when compared to existing approaches. For resolution adaptation, the proposed method results in a speed improvement of 76% over the baseline algorithm and 31% over other previous work, with minimal or no difference in overall visual quality.

Video imaging device, video conversion device, and video edition device

Abstract: When an image signal, which was picked up in a 24p image format and temporarily recorded on a temporary recording device, is read in a 60i image format, the image signal is subjected to a 2:3:2:3 pull-down conversion process so that it becomes possible to omit compressing/expanding processes. At this time, the reading operation is controlled on the basis of the figure of time codes so that the pull-down conversion system at the time of a joining image-pickup process is maintained. In this case, by properly switching controlling methods among a plurality of pull-down controlling methods, it is possible to achieve an image conversion system capable of providing an optimal image conversion process in accordance with desired image-pickup purposes and editing processes.

Picturesque image conversion method and computer readable storage medium

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picturesque image conversion method easily creating a picturesque image imitatingly reproducing characteristics of a picture drawn by a painter without taking a lot of manpower cost and time cost. SOLUTION: The image of the picture drawn by the real painter is input as well as an original image to be the processing object, color information and brush touch information in the image of the painter are analyzed, the color of the original image is imitated based on the information and the brush touch is disposed, so that this picturesque image conversion method can attain the picturesque image. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Image conversion method, image processor, headup display and program

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a headup display or the like whose cost can be reduced and which can provide a target display image SOLUTION: An address conversion parameter storage memory stores the distortion data of a virtual image obtained on a headup display in the case of outputting a rectangular pattern which is not subjected to image processing to an indicator For example, the distortion of an outer frame shape obtained by cutting a part of a sector generated by an optical system including a concave mirror and a combiner is measured as Figure, and approximation is performed vertically with a linear expression and horizontally with a quadratic equation Inverse function expressions of the above function expressions are used to calculate a scaling ratio A calculation is made as to which pixel of the original image each pixel of the display image corresponds to, to prepare display image data offsetting the distortion resulting from the concave mirror, and display is performed based on the prepared display image data on a headup display indicator COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Image providing device, information providing system and method, and information transmitting device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information providing device properly providing a driver with only the necessary image matching a traveling form of a vehicle for efficient safety check and reduction of burden during driving across an intersection. SOLUTION: In an image transmission device 10 arranged in the intersection, an image of the whole of the intersection is photographed by means of a camera 11 to be transmitted from an image transmission part 12 to the vehicle entering the intersection. In an on-vehicle device 20, the transmitted image is received by an image reception part 21, and information about the traveling form of the vehicle is detected based on an operation result and the like of a blinker, for example. In an image conversion part 23, an image showing the condition of an area the driver especially need to ensure safety is extracted from the received image, transformed into an image observed in the actual view direction of the driver, and outputted to be displayed for the driver from a monitor 25. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Image input system, image input method, program described to execute method on information processing device, and storage medium with program stored

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image input technique that can generate a three-dimensional image of high quality by easily imaging the same subject from different viewpoints by means of a digital camera or the like and saving an image group of, for example, a QuickTime(R) VR format. SOLUTION: An image input system for inputting images with imaging means comprises: an imaging part 11 for imaging the same subject from a plurality of viewpoints to input a plurality of pieces of image information; an attitude detection part 12 for detecting attitude information indicating the attitude of the imaging device 1 that images the subject; an image conversion part 21 for rotatively converting the image information input by the imaging part 11 according to the attitude information; and an image recording part 22 for recording the image information converted by the image conversion part 21 as adding the attitude information thereto. If the center position of the subject projected on an imaging plane of the imaging device 1 deviates from the center position of the imaging plane, the center position of the imaged image information is translated to register the center position of the image information and the center position of the subject. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Image conversion apparatus and image recording apparatus using it

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow easily taking out image data by converting a 2D image to a 3D still image or 3D animation or from a 3D image to a 2D still image or 2D animation as a user desires. SOLUTION: A switch 11 selects outputting of an inputted 3D animation data to an image conversion means 12, outputting to an encoder 14, or turning OFF the output, based on an output selection information which is the mode information of an output image. The image conversion means 12 converts a 3D animation data to a 2D animation data based on an input format information and output format information. A still image capturing means 13 captures a still image from the 2D animation having been converted by the image conversion means 12 or from the 3D animation with no conversion based on the output format information, and outputs it to the encoder 14. The encoder 14 encodes the still image which has been captured, and a multiplexing means 16 multiplexes the information such as header information generated by an information generating means 15 with an image data. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Stereo calibration device and stereo image monitoring device using the same

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stereo calibration device which asks for image conversion parameters between more than one imaging apparatus and the stereo calibration is automated, by computing projection matrix through automatic calculation of a set of corresponding straight lines between images so that highly precise image conversion parameters can be gained, without operations on the part of a control person, in a short time. SOLUTION: The stereo calibration device comprises an image input part 11 which inputs an image out of two photographic devices; a straight line detecting part 12 detects at least four straight lines per image on two input images; a straight line correspondence detecting part 13 calculates at least four correspondence straight line which can be paris by using image features of neighboring area of the detected straight lines; and conversion parameter calculating part 14 calculates projection matrix as an image conversion parameter between the two photo devices based on pairs of the calculated correspondence straight lines. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Image processing method, manipulation detection method, image processing device, manipulation detection device, image processing program, manipulation detection program, and image formation medium

Abstract: An image processing method for detecting alteration of data formed on an image formation medium on which a main data image and a copy detection latent image are formed. The method comprises a first image creation step of creating an image in a state identical to a state of an image which is obtained by scanning the image formation medium on which the main data image and the copy detection latent image are formed, a one-way value operation step of effecting a one-way value operation on the image created at the first image creation step to calculate a one-way value, an image conversion step of converting the one-way value into an image representing the one-way value, a second image creation step of creating an image by superimposing the image representing the one-way value, the main data image and the copy detection latent image.

Image conversion system and image conversion method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image conversion system and an image conversion method which can perform an image conversion from a first coordinate into a second coordinate at higher speed than heretofore and can cope with various lens or mirrors. SOLUTION: In a mapping means 12 or a mapping step, pixels on a first coordinate system to be made correspond on a correspondence table T are mapped on a second coordinate system by referring to the correspondence table T in which the first coordinate system is made correspond to the second coordinate system. Since the mapping is performed by referring to the correspondence table T, the conversion processing is performed at higher speed than the conversion processing of calculating mapping positions of the pixels for every coordinate by using a coordinate conversion formula. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Image processing method and image converting equipment

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image having stable image quality without depending on difference in the density of an image to be recorded and difference of conversion characteristics of various kinds of equipment. SOLUTION: This image processing method is characterized by installing a means 110 for performing frequency processing. When image processing is executed, which includes image conversion steps about an original image signal composed of a plurality of pixels, image feature parameters are extracted for each pixel in the original image signal. In the frequency processing, sharpness change, generated in image conversion steps, is corrected on the basis of the image feature parameters. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Post-processing of interpolated images

Abstract: An image conversion unit (100) for converting an input image into an output image is disclosed. The image conversion unit (100) comprises: first computing means (104) for computing a first weighted sum of a first group of pixel values, the first group of pixel values corresponding to pixels of the input image; second computing means (102) for computing a second weighted sum of a second group of interpolated values, the second group of interpolated values being computed by means of interpolation for spatial locations which are not present at the sampling grid of the input image; combining means (106) for computing a third sum by combining the first weighted sum and the second weighted sum; and clipping means (108) for clipping the third sum between a minimum value and a maximum value, the minimum value and the maximum value derived from pixel values of the input image.

Image printing system with voice code image, server of voice code image distribution, and synthesizing server of image with voice code image

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve editing capability and provide a high value-added printed paper in a personal image printing system centering on a personal computer and in a commercial image printing system like a post type image generating system. SOLUTION: The image printing system includes an image data input means 13 for entering an original image, a voice data procuring means like a voice data input means 14, a voice/image conversion means 17 for converting the voice data into the voice code image data as a visual code, an image editing means 18 for synthesizing the original image and the voice code image and generating image data of the image with the voice code image, and a printing means 20 for printing the image with the voice code image. In addition, a unit made up of a database for storing the voice data or the voice code image and a retrieving means for retrieving the database may be provided as the voice data procuring means.

Image display method for mobile terminal in image distribution system, and image conversion apparatus and mobile terminal using the method

Abstract: An image distribution system includes an image storage distribution apparatus for storing images picked up by an imaging unit and an image conversion apparatus for obtaining an image from the image storage distribution apparatus if the image is required by a mobile terminal and then distributing the image to the mobile terminal. In this system, a frame for selecting an image range to be enlarged is displayed on the stored image displayed on the mobile terminal. The frame may be optionally moved or changed in size. With this frame, the desirous range of the image is enlarged multiple times, and the enlarged image is displayed on the mobile terminal.

Management apparatus and method for image storage

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a loss of information on linkage to related information even though the information becomes image data while maintaining association among images and link information to other information by setting relations among documents in link relations to the image data. SOLUTION: A printer driver 6 converts input data into printing data and also extracts bibliographic information from the input data to embed the extracted information in the printing data, a bibliographic information extracting part 7 extracts the bibliographic information by analyzing the printing data to transmit to a data storage device 11 and also transmits the printing data to a printer 4 and an image conversion part 8. The printer 4 prints the transmitted printing data on a recording medium, the conversion part 8 converts the transmitted printing data into the image data to transmit to the storage device 11, the storage device 11 stores the transmitted image data into a database 12 in association with the bibliographic information.

Image-generating system, program, and information storage medium

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-generating system which effectively realizes an image effect, such as a heat-haze effect with a less processing load, and also provide a program and an information storage medium therefor. SOLUTION: An original image is generated by drawing an object other than a heat-haze polygon HPL (an object for conversion of an original image) in a drawing buffer. The heat-haze polygon is perspectively converted, and texture coordinates are found based on a perspective projection position. A heat-haze image (image for original image conversion) is mapped to the heat-haze polygon, based on the original image designated by the texture coordinates and then drawn in the drawing buffer. The texture coordinates are found, by deviating the perspective projection position of the heat-haze polygon by a prescribed deviation quantity. The heat-haze polygon, which is located in a deeper side from viewpoint by a virtual camera, is deviated by a larger quantity. The depth value is set to the heat-haze polygon, and hidden surface deletion processing is executed. Parameters, such as size, position, moving speed, texture coordinate deviation quantity and so on are set to the heat-haze polygon. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI