Showing papers on "Image conversion published in 2005"

Hexagonal Structure for Intelligent Vision

Abstract: Using hexagonal grids to represent digital images have been studied for more than 40 years. Increased processing capabilities of graphic devices and recent improvements in CCD technology have made hexagonal sampling attractive for practical applications and brought new interests on this topic. The hexagonal structure is considered to be preferable to the rectangular structure due to its higher sampling efficiency, consistent connectivity and higher angular resolution and is even proved to be superior to square structure in many applications. Since there is no mature hardware for hexagonal-based image capture and display, square to hexagonal image conversion has to be done before hexagonal-based image processing. Although hexagonal image representation and storage has not yet come to a standard, experiments based on existing hexagonal coordinate systems have never ceased. In this paper, we firstly introduced general reasons that hexagonally sampled images are chosen for research. Then, typical hexagonal coordinates and addressing schemes, as well as hexagonal based image processing and applications, are fully reviewed.

Movement detection device and communication apparatus

Abstract: A movement detection device includes a self-sustaining movement detection unit which is attached to an operator's body and detects a movement or a posture of an attached part of the operator's body. An image pickup section picks up a projected image from an optical system which simultaneously inputs a peripheral image. An image conversion section converts an all azimuth image picked up by the image pickup section into a cylindrical panorama image. An image recognition section includes cylindrical panorama images at different times. A camera posture estimation section acquires movement information of the image pickup section based on a comparison result of the image recognition section. A space sensor posture estimation section acquires a position/posture of the attached part in a space based on information of the self-sustaining movement detection unit and the camera posture estimation section.

Arbitrary resizing of images in DCT space

Abstract: Using the spatial relationship of the block discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients and subband approximations, algorithms for image halving and doubling operations are presented. The computational steps identified in the process provide a general framework for image resizing operations. Some of the previously reported image halving and doubling algorithms are shown to be special cases. The proposed approach is general enough to accommodate resizing operations with arbitrary factors, namely with integral and rational factors. The application of these methods to the conversion in the compressed domain of images (video frames) from one format to another is demonstrated.

Image conversion device, image conversion method and data conversion circuit as well as digital camera

Abstract: An image conversion device is provided with a first buffer area for storing either one of even field and odd field of inputted dot sequential data and a second buffer area for storing the other thereof A data transfer control circuit controls in such a manner that, during a period in which one of the two fields is written in the first buffer area, the other field, stored in the second buffer area, is read out in a color field sequential format, and during a period in which the other field is written in the second buffer area, the other field, stored in the first buffer area, is read out in a color field sequential format A pixel interpolating circuit carries out an insertion-interpolating process on the field read out from the image storing unit, and outputs the resulting data Thus, it becomes possible to prevent color breaking at the time of displaying motion images on a color field sequential type display by using a buffer area having a capacity of one frame

Image encoding/decoding device, image encoding/decoding program and image encoding/decoding method

Abstract: An image encoding device having a high rate of compression and a matching image decoding device are to be provided. The encoding device for encoding signals of images comprises an image conversion module for converting the direction of the images, one or a plurality of encoding modules for encoding the images unconverted in the direction and images converted in the direction, and a mode selector module for comparing the quantity of codes in the encoded unconverted images and the quantity of codes in the encoded converted images, selecting codes smaller in the quantity of codes, and outputting the selected codes and an identifier for identifying the selected codes.

Image reconstruction with polar zernike moments

Abstract: As an orthogonal moment, Zernike moment (ZM) is an attractive image feature in a number of application scenarios due to its distinguishing properties. However, we find that for digital images, the commonly used Cartesian method for ZM computation has compromised the advantages of ZMs because of their non-ideal accuracy stemming from two inherent sources of errors, i.e., the geometric error and the integral error. There exists considerable errors in image reconstruction using ZMs calculated with the Cartesian method. In this paper, we propose a polar coordinate based algorithm for the computation of ZMs, which avoids the two kinds of errors and greatly improves the accuracy of ZM computation. We present solutions to the key issues in ZM computation under polar coordinate system, including the derivation of computation formulas, the polar pixel arrangement scheme, and the interpolation-based image conversion etc. As a result, ZM-based image reconstruction can be performed much more accurately.

Method, apparatus, system, and computer executable program for image processing

Abstract: A digital still camera produces size-reduced image data of a JPEG file, which is converted into printable image data of a TIFF file according to a converting parameter. In the digital still camera, raw image data (CCD-RAW) is produced, corresponds to the JPEG data, and has an unreduced format. Images of the JPEG data are displayed in a playback manner. A customer order of an image among the displayed images to be printed is processed. JPEG data associated with the image of the customer order is adjusted according to a standard adjusting parameter. The standard adjusting parameter is modified into a first adjusting parameter. Raw image data associated with the image of the customer order is converted into TIFF data by image conversion according to the first adjusting parameter and/or a standard converting parameter being preset.

Device and method for controlling a backlit display

Abstract: A method for controlling a display (10) includes: receiving image data, determining backlight illumination intensity in response to an allowed image degradation level parameter and to ambient light, and determining a display refresh parameter in response to a temperature parameter (34). A further method (200) includes using: a frame buffer (14) adapted to receive image data, a processor (18) adapted to receive a power parameter and an allowed image degradation level parameter, and an image converter (26) that is adapted to perform a linear image conversion and a non-linear image conversion. The processor (18) is adapted to determine which conversion to perform in response to a power parameter.

Image display apparatus and image display method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make confirmable the difference between the relative position to an obstruction in an overlooking image and the relative position to the actual obstruction, on the same screen. SOLUTION: For presenting the state around a vehicle to a driver by using a plurality of direct images 110 not undergone image conversion, acquired from several cameras having photographing directions in the mutually different directions around the vehicle, the plurality of direct images 110 are acquired, an overlooking image 100 for looking through around the vehicle is produced by using the plurality of direct images 110, and when sensing an obstruction coming close to the driver's own vehicle by an obstruction sensing part, the overlooking image 100 and the direct images 110 photographing in the direction to the obstruction with respect to the driver's own vehicle are displayed at the same time. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Method for synthesizing intermediate image using mesh based on multi-view square camera structure and device using the same and computer-readable medium having thereon program performing function embodying the same

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intermediate image synthesizing method using a mesh based on a multi-view square camera structure. In accordance with the present invention, an accurate disparity vector may be obtained since a shared area is searched for a predetermined time interval using a distance matching and a synthesized image is generated for each area based thereon, an occlusion region is reduced by using three reference images, the synthesized image may be easily generated even for an image having a large disparity, and a converted outline may be accurately expressed, and a high three-dimensional effect may be represented due to the image conversion through the mesh based on a vertex of the outline.

Image processing device, image projection apparatus, image processing method, recording medium, and computer data signal

Abstract: A captured image projection apparatus obtains projection parameters and image effect correction parameters from a moving image captured at a low resolution in a task different from a task in which capturing of a high-resolution still image is to be performed, when a change ceases to occur in the moving image and before the capturing of the high-resolution still image is started. The apparatus changes the scale of the obtained projection parameters from one for low-resolution image to one for high-resolution image. The apparatus applies an image conversion process and an image effect process to the captured high-resolution still image by using the projection parameters and image effect correction parameters obtained before the still image is captured. Thereby, the captured image projection apparatus shortens the time required from the capturing of the image to projection thereof.

Advanced SVG triangulation/polygonalization of digital images

Abstract: The SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) standard permits to represent complex graphical scenes by a collection of vectorial-based primitives. In this work we are interested in finding some heuristic techniques to cover the gap between the graphical vectorial world and the raster real world typical of digital photography. SVG format could find useful application in the world of mobile imaging devices, where typical camera capabilities should match with limited color/size resolutions displays. Two different techniques have been applied: Data Dependent Triangulation (DDT) and Wavelet Based Triangulation (WBT). The DDT replaces the input image with a set of triangles according to a specific cost function. The overall perceptual error is then minimized choosing a suitable triangulation. The WBT uses the wavelet multilevel transformation to extract the details from the input image. A triangulation is achieved at the lowest level, introducing large triangles; then the process is iteratively refined, according to the wavelet transformation. That means increasing the quantity of small triangles into the texturized areas and fixing the amount of large triangles into the smooth areas. Both DDT and WBT are then processed by the polygonalization. The purpose of this function is to merge triangles together reducing the amount of redundancies present into the SVG files. The proposed technique has been compared with other raster to vector methods showing good performances. Experiments can be found in the SVG UniCT Group page http://svg.dmi.unict.it/.

Image conversion apparatus, and image conversion program storage medium

Abstract: According to an image conversion apparatus of the present invention, there is created the third image data (PostScript) file having the second layout having a page in which plural image objects are collected and arranged together, so that the plural image objects are rasterized once. This feature makes it possible to reduce the overheads at the time of the rasterizing and thereby improving the productivity of images as a system.

Image processing apparatus and method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To convert an SD image into an HD image with an optional high resolution wherein the enhancement of the frequency characteristic in horizontal and vertical directions is balanced while preventing problems of S/N and preshoot/overshoot. SOLUTION: The frequency adjustment circuit 15 of the image processing apparatus 1 attenuates the frequency characteristic of a received video signal much more toward high frequency components in accordance with the band and the S/N of the received video signal. An image conversion section 20 converts a 525i signal into a 1050i signal whose number of lines is twice that of the 525i signal by carrying out adaptive processing to obtain the predicted value of an HD image through linear combination between an SD image and a prescribed predicted coefficient. In this case, the image conversion section 20 varies the resolution axis intensity so that the frequency characteristic at an output stage is almost made flat. A horizontal/vertical enhancement circuit 22 adjusts the enhancement in the horizontal/vertical directions to balance the enhancement in the horizontal and vertical directions as a whole. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Special effect image generating apparatus

Abstract: A special effect image generating apparatus provided with an image conversion processing circuit for posterization or other image conversion, a luminance and chroma condition setting circuit for image extraction by luminance and colors, a mask pattern generator for selection of a mask, and mixer for preparing a video signal, a transformation unit for transformation processing such as movement, and a post video modification unit for addition of a locus etc. The extracted image automatically tracks movement of the image so there is no change in visual effects, images having the same luminance and color conditions can be deleted by mask adjustment, movement of the image can be handled by adjustment of the mask, and highly accurate boundaries can be set by the wave-filtering and shaping circuit. Therefore, a special effect image with distinctive luminance and color can be easily prepared.

Memory and compute efficient block-based two-dimensional sample-rate converter for image/video applications

Abstract: A new technique for image sample-rate conversion can be efficiently implemented with respect to memory, bandwidth and computational requirements. According to one aspect, the technique takes advantage of certain inherent similarities and symmetries within the image data to limit switching of filters during processing and to otherwise process the data in an efficient order. According to another aspect, the technique can be implemented within a decoding pipeline such as a JPEG/MPEG decoding pipeline in such a way that multiple transfers of image data in and out of the external memory can be avoided. According to a still further aspect, where poly-phase filters are used, computationally-efficient filters are chosen for use with the image conversion process. The technique is amenable to both hardware and software based implementations.

Image processing device and method, image projection apparatus, and program

Abstract: A captured image projection apparatus obtains projection parameters and image effect correction parameters from a moving image captured at a low resolution in a task different from a task in which capturing of a high-resolution still image is to be performed, when a change ceases to occur in the moving image and before the capturing of the high-resolution still image is started. The apparatus changes the scale of the obtained projection parameters from one for low-resolution image to one for high-resolution image. The apparatus applies an image conversion process and an image effect process to the captured high-resolution still image by using the projection parameters and image effect correction parameters obtained before the still image is captured. Thereby, the captured image projection apparatus shortens the time required from the capturing of the image to projection thereof.

Image conversion device

Abstract: An image conversion device connected to multiple image detection mechanisms generating field image data of the surroundings and having multiple input buffers for each of the multiple image detection mechanisms, which, in parallel, stores, moves, performs conversion processing and displays said field image data in 1 field units in accordance with a display template in pattern memory, thereby reducing the total delay time from field image generation to display to the driver.

Image conversion device, image signal processing device, camera system and image signal processing method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conversion device, an image signal processing device, a camera system and an image signal processing method for acquiring optimum frame rate and resolution in accordance with a display device and its inner environment. SOLUTION: An image conversion device 10 has memories 113, 13 for storing frame information of a reproducing image, and an image processing unit 12 for corresponding to a prescribed condition after reading the frame information from the memories 113, 13, and converting the frame rate to a prescribed frame rate according to the reproduction condition. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Apparatus and method for monitoring vehicle periphery

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for monitoring vehicle periphery for providing an easy to see image to a driver by eliminating difficulty in viewing a plurality of perspective images when they are composed thereby allowing the driver to surely recognize an obstacle. SOLUTION: The apparatus 1 includes: a plurality of imaging sections 2 for imaging video images around its own vehicle and imaging regions of which are overlapped; an image conversion section 3 for converting the images imaged by the imaging sections 2 and generating a plurality of perspective images; a region confirmation section 4 for calculating differences among the perspective images and confirming coincident regions wherein images are coincident in an overlap region and dissident regions wherein images are dissident in the overlap region; an image composite section 5 for composing the images in the coincident regions and the dissident regions by different methods to generate an output image; and a display section 6 for providing the output image to the driver. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Vehicle drive support apparatus

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a "vehicle drive support apparatus" capable of preventing a composed video image from being unnatural by eliminating a duplicate part of video images when the video images photographed by a plurality of cameras are composed. SOLUTION: The vehicle drive support apparatus 100 includes: the cameras 10a to 10d for photographing a perimeter of a vehicle; a three-dimensional image conversion section 24 for projecting the images obtained by photographing or images resulting from converting view positions of the obtained images or the like to a three-dimensional projection model to produce a three-dimensional image; an overlapping region discrimination section 30 for discriminating overlapped regions of the three-dimensional image; an overlapped image elimination section 26 for eliminating the image of the discriminated overlapped regions; an end part magnification/composite section 28 for magnifying the three-dimensional image the images of the overlapped regions of which are eliminated by the overlapped image elimination section 26 by that much of the eliminated overlapped regions and thereafter composing the images of each camera; and a display processing section 40 and a display apparatus 42 for displaying the three-dimensional image after the composition. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Tone-Transfer (OECF) Characteristics and Spatial Frequency Response Measurements for Digital Cameras and Scanners

Abstract: Measurement of the spatial frequency response (SFR) of digital still cameras by slanted-edge analysis has been established for several years. The method, described in standard ISO 12233, has also been applied to other image acquisition subsystems such as document and print scanners. With the frequent application of the method and use of supporting software, questions often arise about the form of the input test image data. The tone-transfer characteristics of the system under test can influence the results, as can signal quantization and clipping. For this reason, the original standard called for a transformation of the input data prior to the slanted-edge analysis. The transformation is based on the measured opto-electronic conversion function (OECF) and can convert the image data to a reference-exposure signal space. This is often helpful when comparing different devices, if the intent is to do so in terms of the performance of optics, detector, and primary signal processing. We describe the use of the OECF and its inverse to derive the signal transformation in question. The influence of typical characteristics will be shown in several examples. It was found that, for test target data of modest contrast, the resulting SFR measurements were only moderately sensitive to the use of the inverse OECF transformation.

On the improvement of rotational invariance of Zernike moments

Abstract: Zernike moment (ZM) is a useful image feature because of its distinguishing properties such as the magnitude invariance to image rotation. However, we find that for digital images, the invariant property of ZMs is far from ideal when they are computed with the commonly used Cartesian method, which inevitably brings about geometric error and integral error. In this paper, we propose a polar coordinate based algorithm for the computation of ZMs, which avoids both kinds of errors. We provide solutions to the key issues in ZM computation under polar coordinate system, including the derivation of computation formulas, the polar pixel arrangement scheme, and the interpolation-based image conversion etc. Simulation results show that the proposed polar approach improves the rotational invariance of ZMs significantly.

Three-dimensional image display and three-dimensional image displaying method

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display having a simple structure enabling display of a high-quality reproduced image by effectively using the focal adjustment function of the eyes of the observer. The three-dimensional image display comprises a spatial optical modulating element, a front-illumination optical system, and a lens serving as a reproduction image conversion optical system. An image is reproduced on the back focal plane of the lens by the diffraction of specific order by the spatial optical modulation element. At least either the luminescent spot distance between the luminance spots constituting a target reproduced image to be displayed or the initial phase value of each luminance spot is set in such a way that peaks of reproducing light reaching within the region where the reproduced image can be observed are present in multiple positions. Therefore, a hologram by which the target reproduced image can be displayed is given to the spatial optical modulation element. The illuminating light incident on the spatial optical modulation element is amplitude- or phase-modulated in each pixel. To the modulated light, that is, reproducing light, wavefront transformation is applied by the lens and a reproduced image is formed. When the observer positions the pupils of the eyes near the aperture of a mask, the observer can view the displayed reproduced image through the aperture and a semitransparent mirror.

Dynamic image viewing control apparatus

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dynamic image viewing control apparatus capable of efficiently scheduling viewing of recorded programs in the case of viewing the recorded programs by utilizing a mobile viewing terminal. SOLUTION: The dynamic image viewing control apparatus provided with: a dynamic image storage section 10 for storing coded data of a first dynamic image; a dynamic image conversion section 40 for converting the coded data of the first dynamic image into second coded data adopting a second coding system; and a dynamic image transfer section 50 for transferring the second coded data to the mobile viewing terminal, is characterized in to furthermore include: a viewing priority setting section 20 for setting viewing priority to the coded data of the first dynamic image; and a viewing scheduling section 30 that generates a viewing schedule of the first dynamic image on the basis of the viewing priority and transfers the schedule to the mobile viewing terminal. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Image conversion method, image conversion device, server client system, mobile device, and program

Abstract: An image analysis unit (101) performs image feature analysis on an input image (IIN) and outputs an image feature vector (IINFV). A parameter output unit (10) stores a plurality of image feature vectors and a plurality of parameter values of the illumination equations corresponding to the vectors and outputs an original parameter value (IINLEP) corresponding to the image feature vector (IINFV). A parameter operation setting unit (106) decides a parameter operation content according to the image conversion specified. A parameter operation unit (104) operates the original parameter value (IINLEP) according to the instruction from the parameter operation setting unit (106) and obtains a new parameter value (IOUTLEP). An image generation unit (107) generates an output image (IOUT) according to the new parameter value (IOUTLEP).

Image processor, photographic device, image processing method, image processing program

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To readily generate image data applicable to a color view model from imaging data, without making special measurements, and also, without requiring special knowledge. SOLUTION: The image processor 100 is provided with a data analyzer 52 which acquires observational conditions intended by an appreciation image applicable to the color view model, analyzes the image data expressing scene luminance based on the image pickup data, and calculates image conversion conditions from the analysis results and the observation conditions intended by the appreciation image; an image conversion part 53, which converts the image data expressing the scene luminance, on the basis of the calculated image conversion conditions to image data expressing the appreciation image; and a format part 54, which outputs the image data expressing the appreciation image by attaching the observational condition parameters, corresponding to the observation conditions intended by the appreciation image to the image data expressing the appreciation image. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Apparatus and method for image conversion

Abstract: An apparatus and method for image conversion are provided. The apparatus includes a file classification unit, a file conversion unit, and a control unit. The file classification unit classifies image files stored in a predetermined storage apparatus by classification criteria including at least one of the size and quality of an image, and determines a group to which each image file belongs. The file conversion unit converts image files belonging to a conversion object group selected by a user among groups according to the classification criteria, into files belonging to a conversion target group selected by the user among groups according to the classification criteria so that a storage space of the storage apparatus can be additionally secured. If a storage space securing menu is selected by the user, the control unit outputs a control command to perform a file classification operation, to the file classification unit, and if the user selects a conversion object group and a conversion target group, outputs a control command to perform a file conversion operation, to the file conversion unit.

Rear monitoring apparatus of a vehicle

Abstract: A rear monitoring device of a vehicle is provided to prevent collision by displaying image of a rear blind spot and distance or position of an obstacle with a CCD(Charged Couple Device) camera and an ultrasonic sensor and warning the obstacle audio-visually. A rear monitoring device of a vehicle comprises an image capture unit(100) outputting an image signal by capturing a rear side of the vehicle, an image processing unit(200) outputting image conversion data extracting an outline from the image signal from the image capture unit, an obstacle detecting unit(300) mounted in the rear part of the vehicle to detect existence of an obstacle, a reverse detecting unit(400) outputting a reverse detecting signal by sensing backward movement of the vehicle, an image synthesis unit(500) outputting complex image data by synthesizing image conversion data from the image processing unit and distance and position data between the vehicle and the obstacle, a display unit(600) displaying the rear image of the vehicle and distance and position of the obstacle by receiving complex image data, and a control unit(800) controlling the units according to the reverse detecting signal and synthesizing and outputting image conversion data and distance data to the image synthesis unit.

Fast color conversion for multiprimary displays using a classification technique

Abstract: Multiprimary displays are needed to reproduce the most of visible color. However, while using four or more primary colors, it is difficult to convert color uniquely, because multiprimary displays have variability of color conversion. Even though multiprimary colors can be converted, there are some false edges in the reproduced image by using the most of the current conversion methods. We introduce linear programming to the color conversion in order to get high accuracy and eliminate false edges. Although the linear programming can help multiprimary displays to reproduce images without false edges, it takes long time to convert high-definition images. Hence, a fast color conversion method that keeps the advantage of the linear programming is proposed. This method is constructed of decision tree and linear programming. Because the decision tree is a discrete classification method, color conversion by the decision tree must be implemented as a discrete classification problem. Therefore, we feed the results of the conversion by linear programming to the decision tree. As the result of the conversion by the method, fast color conversion was obtained in comparison with that obtained only by using linear programming. In addition, our method almost eliminated the false edges in the reproduced image.