34th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 30 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080199040 | COPY PROTECTED INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION - A device may capture an image in a portable device, embed a watermark into the image in the portable device, and transmit the watermarked image through a wireless interface of the portable device. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199041 | Shaping Classification Boundaries In Template Protection Systems - The invention relates to a method of authentication of a physical object and an apparatus applying said method. The method uses a helper data (W | 2008-08-21 |
20080199042 | TARGETED MARKETING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computer-implemented method for targeting marketing content to an online user, includes the steps of collecting data describing the user or the user's ownership item in a user profile, comparing the user profile with a target profile and presenting the user with content based on the comparison. The user profile includes a photographic likeness of the user or the user's ownership item, as well as information derived from the photographic likeness. Certain content may be dynamically created for the user based on the user profile and that content may include the photographic likeness, which may be altered to incorporate a portion of the content into the photographic likeness. In this manner, personalized advertisements for cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, cosmetic procedures, home improvement products, and other products or services may be created. The user profile also includes data describing the user's browsing habits and responses to context-specific survey questions. In one embodiment, metrics are assigned to the user profile data, and a data index identifying the user's preferences and purchasing habits is calculated for the user based on the assigned metrics. Each metric may also have an associated confidence factor, which causes the metric value to decay over time. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199043 | Image Enhancement in Sports Recordings - A video signal representing rapid ball movement is produced from a series of source images. An initial image position for the moving ball is identified by, for each image, producing a difference image between sequential images. In the difference image, image elements representing a contents alteration below a threshold are allocated a first value, and those representing a contents alteration above or equal to the threshold are allocated a second value. A set of candidates is then identified, where each candidate is represented by a group of neighboring image elements that all contain the second value. The group must fulfill a ball size criterion. A ball selection algorithm selects an initial image position from the set of ball candidates. The ball is tracked, and a composite image sequence is generated wherein a synthetic trace representing the path of the moving ball is shown as successively added image data. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199044 | Image Processing Apparatus, Image Processing Method, and Program - Disclosed herein is an image processing apparatus for recognizing, from a taken image, an object corresponding to a registered image registered in advance, including, an image taker configured to take an image of a subject to obtain the taken image of the subject, a recognizer configured to recognize, from the taken image, an object corresponding to the registered image, a first specified area tracker configured to execute first specified area tracking processing for tracking, in the taken image, a first tracking area specified on the basis of a result of recognition by the recognizer, and a second specified area tracker configured to execute second specified area tracking processing for tracking a second specified area specified on the basis of a result of the first specified area tracking processing. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199045 | Method and a System For Detecting a Road at Night - A method of detecting a road feature in an image signal derived from an infrared-sensitive camera. The method, in overview, comprises processing an image frame by assigning binary values to pixels in the frame in response to their representative temperature, and then to analyze spatially the binary mask to identify regions of pixels having mutually similar assigned binary values. The road feature is subsequently found from the analysis of the identified regions of mutually similar binary values and a visual indication of the road feature in relation to the image frame provided to the user. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199046 | METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TAKING SOLID IMAGE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CAUSING COMPUTER TO EXECUTE THE METHOD - A solid image taking apparatus includes a plurality of image taking portions which obtain a plurality of images at each sight point by taking a plurality of images of objects from different sight points, a distance measuring portion which measures object distances which are distances to the objects from the plurality of image taking portions, and a classifying portion which classifies the objects included in the images into a plurality of groups according to the object distances and outputs the result of classification. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199047 | Indication position calculation system, indicator for indication position calculation system, game system, and indication position calculation method - When the user of a system directs an indicator toward a light-emitting section, an imaging section provided in the indicator acquires an image PA in a given area including the light-emitting section. A determination section determines whether or not each pixel individually satisfies a first condition based on light-reception information relating to each pixel of the image PA, and a calculation section calculates an indication position of the indicator based on the positions of effective pixels in the image using the effective pixels which satisfy the first condition as pixels corresponding to the light-emitting section. The calculation section calculates a representative value of the effective pixels based on identification information relating to the effective pixels while changing weighting on the identification information relating to the effective pixels depending on whether or not the effective pixels satisfy a second condition. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199048 | Image Processing System and Method for Alignment of Images - A medical imaging system in which a current (X-ray) image ( | 2008-08-21 |
20080199049 | Methods and Systems for Display Viewer Motion Compensation Based on User Image Data - Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for compensating for motion of a viewer relative to a display device. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199050 | DETECTION DEVICE, METHOD AND PROGRAM THEREOF - A rotational movement component of a camera provided on a mobile object is to be detected in a precise and simple manner. Three motion vectors extracted from the forward images captured by a camera mounted on a vehicle are extracted on a random basis. A temporary rotation angle is calculated using the extracted motion vectors based on a relational expression that represents the relationship between a background vector and the rotation angle of the camera, the relational expression being a linear expression of the yaw angle, pitch angle, and roll angle of the rotational movement of the camera. An error when using the temporary rotation angle is calculated for other motion vectors, and the number of motion vectors for which the error is within a predetermined threshold value is counted. After repeating such a process for a predetermined number of times, the temporary rotation angle with the largest number of motion vectors for which the error is within the predetermined threshold value is selected as the rotation angle of the camera. The present invention can be applied to an in-vehicle obstacle detecting device. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199051 | MOTION DETECTING DEVICE, MOTION DETECTING METHOD, IMAGING DEVICE, AND MONITORING SYSTEM - A motion detecting device, a motion detecting method, an imaging device, and a monitoring system are provided. The motion detecting device include a processing unit for performing a process of determining a presence or absence of motion by comparing brightness difference information with a detection parameter of a motion detection, the brightness difference information being obtained from a video signal outputted from an image sensor, and a controller for controlling the detection parameter using control information determined by property control of an imaging device including the image sensor. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199052 | Image processing apparatus - When an information medium is copied, information is printed while preventing personal information from leaking. An image scanning section | 2008-08-21 |
20080199053 | Method for consolidating various financial type cards into a single card and providing positive identification of an individual using such card - A method for each of simplifying, protecting and verifying financial transactions comprising the steps of selecting a predetermined electronic device capable of receiving and transmitting data; storing within such device selected certain predetermined financial information unique to an individual; providing at least one of a fingerprint scanner and a photographic image detector; connecting the at least one of such fingerprint scanner and such photographic image identifier provided to the electronic device selected; electronically connecting such electronic device to at least one of a financial banking institution machine and a point of purchase card reading device; and verifying at least one such individual's fingerprint and photographic image prior to completing a transaction. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199054 | IRIS RECOGNITION FOR A SECURE FACILITY - A method of performing iris recognition from at least one image, comprising: using a plurality of cameras to capture a plurality of images of a subject where at least one of said images contains a region having at least a portion of an iris; and processing at least one of said plurality of images to perform iris recognition; identifying the subject by the iris recognition; determining the security level of the subject from the subject's identity; and modifying the display of a computer system in a secure information facility based on the security level of the subject. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199055 | Method and apparatus for extracting facial features from image containing face - Provided are a method and apparatus for extracting facial features from an image containing a face. The method and apparatus filter an input image using a filter set for face recognition at each of predetermined locations in the input image, merge values obtained by filtering the input image at locations, which are horizontally symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the face, and synthesize values obtained by filtering the input image at locations which are not symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the face with the merged values. Therefore, the time, feature values, and storage space required to extract or compare facial features can be significantly reduced. In addition, a face recognition system that runs well on low specification hardware can be implemented. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199056 | IMAGE-PROCESSING DEVICE AND IMAGE-PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE-PICKUP DEVICE, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - An image-processing device configured to process image data including at least one face image includes an image-input unit configured to input the image data, a face-detection unit configured to detect the at least one face image from an image frame of the input image data, an importance-determination unit configured to determine importance of each of the at least one detected face image, and a priority-determination unit configured to determine priority of each of the at least one detected face image based on the determined importance. The importance-determination unit determines the importance considering data on the size and position of the detected face image shown in the image frame, and a priority determined by the last time by the priority-determination unit. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199057 | Portable storage device with fingerprint identification function - The present invention discloses a portable storage device with a fingerprint identification function. The portable storage device uses a slim sliding fingerprint identifier to detect a user's fingerprint. The slim sliding fingerprint identifier is installed on a lateral side of a housing of the portable storage device such that after the portable storage device is plugged into the application apparatus, the user can enter an identifying fingerprint through the slim sliding fingerprint identifier for a fingerprint identification. The invention enhances the convenience of the fingerprint identification and reduces the circuit occupying area. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199058 | Biometrics method based on a thermal image of a finger - A biometrics method based on a thermal image of a finger includes the steps of: acquiring the thermal image of the finger; and extracting a finger-print image or a finger-vein image from the thermal image and thus verifying a user's identity according to the finger-print image or the finger-vein image. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199059 | Information Enhanced Image Guided Interventions - Linking of interventional and real time ultrasonic information with nonereal time anatomical information of, for example, a vessel or a tumor vascularization provided by x-ray rotational angiography requires high computational performance. According to an aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic reference image is calibrated with respect to a high quality image acquired by a different imaging system. Then, during operational intervention, a registration or calibration of a data set acquired during the intervention is performed with respect to the reference image and not (as in state of the art devices) to the high quality image. Advantageously, this may allow for a fast fusion of the high quality image with the real time images and therefore allow for an improved tracking of operational interventions performed on a patient. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199060 | Distortion compensated imaging - Certain aspects can relate to responsive to the at least some input compensating information, imaging the at least the portion of the individual in a manner to limit at least some distorting effects of the at least the portion of the at least one distorting feature associated with the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by modifying a non-optical electromagnetic output from an imaging modality as applied to the at least the portion of the at least one distorting feature associated with the at least the portion of the individual. Certain aspects can relate to creating at least one conformal absence of a non-optical electromagnetic output to limit distortion to an imaging of an at least a portion of an individual resulting at least partially from at least one distorting feature associated with the at least the portion of the individual. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199061 | Quantitative Single Image-Based Magnetization Transfer Weighted Imaging Using an Inter-Subject Normalization Reference Within the Image - Disclosed is a system and method for generating quantitative imagery of demyelination in the spinal cord. The method includes acquiring a magnetization transfer weighted (MTw) MR image of the spinal column, identifying a reference region of interest within the image corresponding to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), averaging the signal intensity corresponding to the reference region of interest, and computing a ratio, on a voxel-by-voxel basis, of the signal intensity of each voxel by the averaged reference signal intensity. In doing so, normalized MTw images are obtained such that detrimental artifacts such as motion-induced errors, coil loading, and RF coil sensitivity variations are obviated. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199062 | METHOD, DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR EVALUATING MEDICAL IMAGE DATA SETS - The present invention relates to a method, a device and a computer program product for evaluating medical image data sets, which consists of two-dimensional section images, in particular MR images, wherein a plurality of two-dimensional cross-sections (K | 2008-08-21 |
20080199063 | Iterative Highly Constrained Image Reconstruction Method - An image reconstruction method includes reconstructing an initial composite image of a subject using a conventional reconstruction method. The initial composite image employs the best information available regarding the subject of the scan and this information is used to constrain the reconstruction of a highly undersampled or low SNR image frames. This highly constrained image reconstruction is repeated a plurality of iterations with the reconstructed image frame for one iteration being used as the composite image for the next iteration. The reconstructed image frame rapidly converges to a final image frame. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199064 | System and Method For Measuring Left Ventricular Torsion - A system and method are provided for determining at least one torsion angle of a left ventricle. The method includes the steps of collecting three-dimensional ultrasound data of the left ventricle ( | 2008-08-21 |
20080199065 | Method, System and Device for In-Vivo Biopsy - A system and method for obtaining a sample from, for example, endo-lumina areas. One or more devices ( | 2008-08-21 |
20080199066 | Sample image obtaining method, sample image obtaining apparatus and sample image filing system - The present invention is to present a sample image obtaining method that is capable of reflecting the blood cell concentration of a sample and increasing the speed of the examination. The sample image obtaining method comprises steps of: (a) obtaining a wide area image of a sample by imaging, at a predetermined magnification, a wide area including a smearing end of a smear region on a slide glass where the sample is smeared; (b) detecting the smearing end based on luminance information of the wide area image of the sample; (c) determining an imaging region in the smear region based on the detected smearing end; and (d) obtaining a sample image by imaging the determined imaging region at a higher magnification than the predetermined magnification. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199067 | SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING IMAGE RESOLUTION USING MICR CHARACTERS - A system for determining the image resolution of a check image using MICR characters. The disclosed system includes an extracting system for extracting a magnetic ink code recognition (MICR) code line from the document image, wherein the extracting system provides coordinate values for each of a plurality of MICR characters in the MICR code line; a calculating system for calculating a set of resolution values based on the coordinate values of the MICR characters; and a statistical analysis system that calculates a representative resolution value from the set of resolution values. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199068 | Inspection System - An inspection system for inspecting web printed electronic circuitry includes a strobed illuminator, a detector, a motion encoder, and a processor. The strobed illuminator is adapted to project light through a reticle to project a pattern of light onto an area of the web. The projected light occurs in a pulse sufficiently short to essentially freeze the web motion. The system projects the pattern of light onto the area of the web in at least two different positions of the web each position corresponding to a different phase of the projected light. A detector is adapted to acquire at least two images of the area, each image corresponding to one of the at least two different phases. The motion encoder provides a position output relative to a position of the web. The processor is coupled to the encoder, the illuminator and the detector. The processor is adapted to synchronize the illuminator with the web motion to expose the area of the web. The processor co-sites the at least two images and can construct a height map image with the co-sited images. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199069 | Stereo Camera for a Motor Vehicle - A device is described for a motor vehicle, having at least one first camera and at least one second camera, the first camera and the second camera acting as a stereo camera, the first camera and the second camera being different with respect to at least one camera property, in particular the light sensitivity of the first camera and the light sensitivity of the second camera being different. Furthermore the device is configured in such a way that the driver assistance function of night vision support and/or traffic sign recognition and/or object recognition and/or road boundary recognition and/or lane recognition and/or other functions are ensured. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199070 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING STEREOSCOPIC EFFECT OF IMAGE - A three-dimensional (3D) image display apparatus for enhancing a stereoscopic effect of an image is provided. The 3D image display apparatus includes a disparity estimator which estimates the disparity between a first image and a second image which are obtained by photographing the same object from different angles; a computing unit which computes the adjustment disparity between the first image and the second image using a histogram obtained by computing the frequency of the estimated disparity; and an output unit which applies the computed adjustment disparity to the first image and the second image and outputs the first image and the second image in which the disparity is adjusted. Therefore, the input disparity between the first image and the second image is adjusted, and an image with an enhanced stereoscopic effect may be provided to a user. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199071 | CREATING 3D IMAGES OF OBJECTS BY ILLUMINATING WITH INFRARED PATTERNS - According to a general aspect, processing images includes projecting an infra-red pattern onto a three-dimensional object and producing a first image, a second image, and a third image of the three-dimensional object while the pattern is projected on the three-dimensional object. The first image and the second image include the three-dimensional object and the pattern. The first image and the second image are produced by capturing at a first camera and a second camera, respectively, light filtered through an infra-red filter. The third image includes the three-dimensional object but not the pattern. Processing the images also includes establishing a first-pair correspondence between a portion of pixels in the first image and a portion of pixels in the second image. Processing the images further includes constructing, based on the first-pair correspondence and the third image, a two-dimensional image that depicts a three-dimensional construction of the three-dimensional object. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199072 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD, LEARNING DEVICE AND METHOD, RECORDING MEDIUM, AND PROGRAM - With the present invention, data continuity is used at the time of converting an input image into high-quality image data with higher quality than the input image data, to obtain processing results which are more accurate and have higher precision. A class tap extracting unit ( | 2008-08-21 |
20080199073 | Red eye detection in digital images - A red-eye detection methodology is provided in which a likelihood of red-eye is estimated on a pixel by pixel basis for at least a portion of a digital image. Pixels that most likely belong to a red-eye area are identified by applying a red-eye probability model that is built from the statistical analysis of a relatively large set of image samples for which red-eye areas have been subjective segregated from non-red-eye areas. By performing some regular statistical analysis of the segregation results, an estimate for red-eye probability for every pixel in the portion of the image of interest may be generated based solely on the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values of the pixel. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199074 | Image Processing Device and Method, Recording Medium, and Program - An image processing device for processing image data includes: a gray level transforming processing unit which receives input, of image data, performs gray level transforming, and outputs image data having all of multiple color information by each pixel being configured of one of the multiple color information; the gray level transforming processing unit further including a first gray value computing unit for computing a first gray value according to the brightness of a pixel of interest which exists in a pixel location of interest; a second gray value computing unit for computing a second gray value by gray value transforming as to the first gray value; and pixel value gray level transforming unit for computing a pixel value subjected to gray level transforming of the pixel of interest, based on the first gray value, the second gray value, and the pixel value of the pixel of interest. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199075 | COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED TECHNIQUE FOR ANALYZING IMAGES - An input image is received, represented by a matrix D having a first number of dimensions. Each of the first number of dimensions may represent or correspond to a portion of the image. A metric objective may be identified. A dimensional reduction on the matrix D may then be performed that optimize the metric objective, so that a matrix d of a second number of dimensions is identified to represent the input image, where the second number of dimensions is less than the first number of dimensions. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199076 | Image processing method, image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, program, and storage medium - An image processing apparatus includes: a document type automatic classification section which determines whether input image data is image data for a text document or not; a newspaper document classification section which determines whether the input image data is image data for a newspaper document or not; a segmentation process section which identifies a page-background region in the input image data; and a color correction section for, if the input image data is classified as the text document and but not the newspaper document and if a page-background removal process is to be performed to the input image data, performing a first page-background removal process to the image data, but if the input image data is classified as the text document and the newspaper document, not performing the first page-background removal process to the image data. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of visual sharpness of the text in the document image printed on the newspaper. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199077 | Pattern recognition filters for digital images - In an exemplary embodiment, a pattern is recognized from digitized images. A first image metric is computed from a first digitized image and a second image metric is computed from a second digitized image. A composite image metric is computed as a function of the first image metric and the second image metric, and a pattern is identified by comparing the composite image metric against a reference image metric. The function may be a simple average or a weighted average. The image metric may include a separation distance between features, or a measured area of a feature, or a central angle between two arcs joining a feature to two other features, or an area of a polygon whose vertices are defined by features, or a second moment of a polygon whose vertices are defined by features. The images may include without limitation images of friction ridges, irises, or stars. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199078 | System and method for image registration based on variable region of interest - An image registration system for aligning first and second images. The novel system includes a first system for extracting a region of interest (ROI) from each image and a second system for coarsely aligning the regions of interest. The first system determines the size and location of the ROI based on the number of features contained within the region. The size of the ROI is enlarged until a number of features contained in the ROI is larger than a predetermined lower bound or until the size is greater than a predetermined upper bound. The second system computes a cross-correlation on the regions of interest using a plurality of transforms to find a coarse alignment transform having a highest correlation. The image registration system may also include a third system for performing sub-pixel alignment on the regions of interest. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199079 | Information Processing Method, Information Processing Apparatus, and Storage Medium Having Program Stored Thereon - An information processing method of the present invention includes acquiring scene information of image data from supplemental data appended to the image data, identifying a scene of an image represented by the image data based on the image data, and storing the identified scene in the supplemental data when there is a mismatch between a scene indicated by the scene information and the identified scene. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199080 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING MATERIAL PROPERTIES USING HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING - Systems and methods are provided for analyzing material properties of an object using hyperspectral imaging. An exemplary method includes obtaining a hyperspectral image of an object; analyzing the hyperspectral image according to an algorithm; and correlating data obtained from the analysis with material properties of the object. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199081 | Image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer-readable medium - An image processing apparatus includes an extracting unit, a representative-image generating unit and a vector converting unit. The extracting unit extracts pixel blocks from image data. The representative-image generating unit generates representative images from the pixel blocks extracted by the extracting unit, based on a similarity between the pixel blocks. The vector converting unit converts the representative images generated by the representative-image generating unit into vector information. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199082 | Method and apparatus for recognizing boundary line in an image information - According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method of detecting boundary line information contained in image information comprising a plurality of pixels in either one of first and second states, comprising: detecting a first group of pixels in the first state disposed continuously in said image information to determine first line information and detecting a second group of pixels in the first state disposed adjacently with each other and surrounded by pixels in the second state to determine edge information based on the contour of the second group of pixels; and determining the boundary line information on the basis of the information of the relation of relative position of the line information and the edge information and the size of the first and second group of pixels. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199083 | Image filling methods - Image filling methods. A plurality of images corresponding to a target object or a scene are captured at various angles. An epipolar geometry relationship between a filling source image and a specific image within the images is calculated. The filling source image and the specific image are rectified according to the epipolar geometry relationship. At least one filling target area in the rectified specific image is patched according to the rectified filling source image. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199084 | Category Classification Apparatus and Category Classification Method - A category classification apparatus includes: a first classifier that classifies whether an image belongs to a certain category, based on a probability information indicating a probability that the image belongs to the certain category; and a second classifier that classifies whether the image belongs to the certain category, and that does not perform classification of the image, when the probability indicated by the probability information is within a probability range, specified by a probability threshold, for which it can be decided that the image does not belong to the certain category. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199085 | Category Classification Apparatus, Category Classification Method, and Storage Medium Storing a Program - A category classification apparatus includes: a partial characteristic amount obtaining section that obtains a plurality of partial characteristic amounts indicating characteristics of portions that are respectively represented by each of a plurality of partial image data, based on each of the plurality of partial image data obtained by dividing image data representing an image; an overall characteristic amount obtaining section that obtains an overall characteristic amount indicating an overall characteristic of the image, based on the plurality of partial characteristic amounts; and a category classifier that classifies a category to which the image belongs, based on at least one of the partial characteristic amounts and the overall characteristic amount. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199086 | APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING FAST CLOSEST MATCH IN PATTERN RECOGNITION - A method and apparatus for determining a closest match of N input patterns relative to R reference patterns using K processing units. Each of a set of input patterns are loaded into the K processing units. One of the Reference patterns is sequentially loaded into each of the processing units and a distance defining the similarity between the reference pattern and each of the input patterns is calculated. A present calculated distance replaces its corresponding stored present minimum distance if it is has a smaller value. After the R reference patterns have been processed the minimum distance and its corresponding identification for all N input patterns is determined without merging outputs. The minimum distances and the identifications may be read either in parallel or serially. The apparatus is easily scalable by adding processors. The number of reference patterns may be easily increased without altering system configuration. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199087 | Scalable Method For Encoding a Series of Original Images, and Associated Image Encoding Method, Encoding Device and Decoding Device - A series of decoded images is generated from a series of original images encoded by a first encoding technique following movement-compensated, predictive encoding, where a starting image of a group of successive original images that are to be encoded is defined by a second encoding technique following movement-compensated, temporally filtered partial band encoding based on a determined encoding property of a decoded image of the group of images that are to be encoded, the decoded image is used for generating an output image having a low resolution level, before the images are encoded. At least one output image is generated on each level of resolution from the successive original images of the group of from at least one decoded image during image encoding. The decoded images are provided only with a reduced quality while the reconstituted images are of great quality. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199088 | LOSSLESSLY IMPROVING COMPRESSION OF COMPRESSED IMAGE DATA - For data compressed using the first compression method that includes codewords generated by variable length coding sets of quantized transform coefficients using a first variable length coding method, decoding the codewords to create ordered sets of quantized transform coefficients, each created set forming an ordered series of quantized transform coefficients, and re-encoding the created ordered sets of quantized transform coefficients using a second variable length coding method to produce a re-coded set of codewords. The second variable length coding method produces shorter codewords, on average, than the first variable length coding method. The decoding and re-encoding is a lossless process such that no additional quantization or other errors are introduced to the received data by the method. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199089 | METHOD FOR DECODING BINARY IMAGE AT HIGH SPEED - A method for decoding a binary image at a high speed, wherein blocks having same pixel values are decoded in clock units, such that a decoding speed increases. The method includes: determining whether a predetermined number of sequential pixels corresponds to any one of a white_run, a black_run, and a combined_run; and if the predetermined number of sequential pixels corresponds to any one of the white_run, the black_run, and the combined_run, decoding the sequential pixels in a block per clock unit. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199090 | CODING METHOD CONVERSION APPARATUS - A coding method conversion apparatus converts the first coded data coded by the first coding method into the second coded data. The coding method conversion apparatus includes: an H.264 decoder which decodes the first coded data; a deblocking filter strength calculation unit which calculates a filter strength of deblocking filtering of a second coding method, using at least one piece of decoding information except a coding type of the first coded data, the decoding information being obtained by decoding the first coded data; and a deblocking filter which performs the deblocking filtering to reduce noise in a boundary of blocks according to the filter strength calculated by the deblocking filter strength calculation unit. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199091 | SIGNALING AND USES OF WINDOWING INFORMATION FOR IMAGES - Techniques and tools for signaling and using image tiling information (such as syntax elements relating index tables and header size), signaling and using windowing information (such as techniques for using windowing parameters when rotating, cropping or flipping images), and signaling and using alpha channel information are described. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199092 | Image Data Generating Method, Apparatus Thereof, Image Distributing System, Image Distributing Apparatus Thereof, and Their Programs - There are included an image data storing means for accumulating image data of JPEG format; an image dividing means for dividing the accumulated JPEG images; and a distributing means for distributing the divided image data to a client. The image dividing means decides a title area containing an image area required for display at the client, and extracts coefficient data, which corresponds to the title area, from the image data accumulated in the image data storing means. The image dividing means then calculates, as coefficient data to be distributed to the client, the values of AC components of the extracted coefficient data as they are but, as to DC components thereof, a result of addition of the values of the DC components to those in the adjacent, immediately preceding title area. The distributing means distributes, as the image data, the coefficient data as calculated to the client. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199093 | APPRATUS AND METHOD FOR REVERSIBLE DATA HIDING FOR JPEG IMAGES - Embodiments of the invention are directed toward reversible/invertible and lossless, image data hiding that can imperceptibly hide data into digital images and can reconstruct the original image without any distortion after the hidden data have been extracted in various digital image formats including, but not limited to Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). In particular, embodiments of the invention provide a lossless data hiding technique for JPEG images based on histogram pairs. that embeds data into the JPEG quantized 8×8 block DCT coefficients and achieves good performance in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) versus payload through manipulating histogram pairs with optimum threshold and optimum region of the JPEG DCT coefficients. Furthermore, the invented technology is expected to be able to apply to the I-frame of Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) video for various applications including annotation, authentication, and forensics. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199094 | Method of Redundant Picture Coding Using Polyphase Downsampling and the Codes Using the Method - Provided are a method for redundant slice coding by polyphase down-sampling (PD) and a codec using the method. An encoder for redundant slice coding by PD includes a PD coding unit rearranging a residual block that is a difference between a current block and a prediction block into four sections by performing PD on the residual block, a quantization transform unit transforming and quantizing at least one of the sections of the residual block, and a reference block generation unit generating a reference block based on a value obtained by performing inverse transform and inverse quantization, and then inverse PD on the at least one transformed and quantized section by the quantization transform unit. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199095 | Pixel Extraction And Replacement - A method for pixel extraction and replacement is disclosed. In one implementation, the method includes generating a set of pixel values and pixel value frequencies for a pixel presented in a series of digital images of a scene. A digital image of the scene which includes a pixel value for the pixel is received and a comparison is made between the pixel value and the set of pixel values. A determination is performed to decide upon substitution of the pixel value with a different pixel value based on the comparison. Other techniques are also disclosed. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199096 | Method and system for the selective application of automatic image enhancement to digital images - A method and system for selective application of AIE (Automatic Image Enhancement) based on the characteristic of an image. The image can be evaluated utilizing PDL data, object location data, image layering data, image overprint data and image raster data in combination with a weighting scheme to ascertain whether the image should be designated as a background or watermark. The designated images can be passed through a tag to a DFE (Digital Front End) application in order to determine the application of AIE to the images. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199097 | Multi-Feature Time Filtering for Enhancing Structures in Noisy Images - A method for enhancing objects of interest represented on a moving background in a sequence of noisy images, and for displaying the sequence of enhanced images, the method comprising the steps of acquiring the sequence of images, extracting features related to an object of interest on a background in images from the sequence of acquired images or processed images, said features comprising at least two separately identified parts, registering separately each identified part with respect to an image from the sequence of acquired images, while not registering the background around said identified parts, to generate registered images of said identified parts, assembling together all registered identified parts from said object of interest using a weighted combination of said registered identified parts, to generate assembled images, integrating both said object of interest and said background over at least one assembled image and one acquired image, and displaying the processed images of the enhanced object of interest on faded background. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199098 | Information processing method, information processing apparatus, and storage medium having program stored thereon - An information processing method includes: obtaining, from image data, data indicating a characteristic of an image indicated by the image data; obtaining, from supplemental data appended to the image data, data other than data relating to a scene; and identifying a scene of the image with data indicating the characteristic of the image and the data other than data relating to the scene as characteristic amounts. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199099 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD, RECORDING MEDIUM, AND PROGRAM - An image processing apparatus includes an edge-direction detector that detects an edge direction in an original image; a confidence detector that detects a confidence of the edge direction; a contrast detector that detects a contrast intensity; a texture-contrast-weight setter that sets a texture-contrast weight; an edge-contrast-weight setter that sets an edge-contrast weight; a texture-weight setter that sets a texture weight; an edge-weight setter that sets an edge weight; a texture filter that performs texture filtering to generate a texture-filter image; an edge filter that performs edge filtering to generate an edge-filter image; a texture combiner that combines the original image and the texture-filter image to generate a texture-combination image; and an edge combiner that combines the texture-combination image and the edge-filter image to generate an edge-combination image. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199100 | Image Processing Method - An image processing method for removing noise contained in an image includes: inputting an original image constituted with a plurality of pixels; generating a plurality of band-limited images, resolution levels of which are lowered in sequence, by executing a specific type of band pass filter processing on the original image; extracting a high-frequency component from each of the band-limited images by executing high-pass filter processing on the band-limited images; extracting a noise component contained in each of the band-limited images by separating the noise component through nonlinear conversion processing executed on the extracted high-frequency component; and removing the noise in the original image based upon the extracted noise component in each band-limited image. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199101 | Image Processing Apparatus and Image Processing Program - [PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED] It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of obtaining a sharp image having less noise. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199102 | Block noise detector and detection method, and block noise reducer and reduction method - A block noise detector has a spatial difference calculator that calculates differences between values of adjacent pixels. A spatial difference comparator detects edges by comparing the calculated differences. Eight counters count edges detected at different groups of positions spaced eight pixels apart in each horizontal line. The maximum count and the group of positions at which it occurs are detected at the end of each horizontal line to detect block noise and the positions of the block boundaries. The block noise detector is small in size because it only has to count edges in one line at a time, and detects edges accurately by comparing the difference at a given position separately with differences to the left and differences to the right. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199103 | Image processing method, image processing apparatus, and electronic camera - An image processing method of the present invention includes a detection step detecting a characteristic area from each of three or more shot images having a common graphic pattern in part thereof, the characteristic area having an image significantly different from the other shot images, and a combining step extracting a partial image located in the characteristic area from each of the three or more shot images and combining these partial images into one image. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199104 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING DRAWING POINT DATA, AND DRAWING METHOD AND APPARATUS - The drawing point data obtaining method and apparatus subject original image data to transformation processing to obtain transformed image data as drawing point data used to draw an image carried by the original image data on a drawing target. The method and apparatus maintain in advance multiple sets of transformed image data obtained by performing transformation processing on the original image data under multiple different transformation processing conditions, choose, as temporary transformed image data, one set obtained under a condition close to an entered transformation processing condition and perform the transformation processing on the thus chosen temporary transformed image data in accordance with a differential between the entered condition and the condition for the chosen temporary transformed image data to thereby obtain the transformed image data as the drawing point data. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199105 | Method and Apparatus for Spatial Interpolation of Colour Images - This invention concerns the spatial interpolation of colour images and, in particular, the reconstruction, or “de-mosaicing” of data from a single sensor-array electronic camera. Electronic cameras typically have an image sensor comprising a matrix of individual pixel sensors, each sensor being responsive to a colour component. In order to obtain colour component information for all pixels, in accordance with the disclosed embodiment, green component pixel values ( | 2008-08-21 |
20080199106 | INFORMATION TERMINAL - An information terminal includes an image input unit inputting images, a reference pattern detection unit detecting a reference pattern in the images input from the input unit, an image identification unit identifying an image within an area in a prescribed positional relationship to the reference pattern detected by the detection unit out of images input by the input unit. And the information terminal further includes a processing unit performing processing associated with the image identified by the identification unit. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199107 | REUSABLE GENERAL PURPOSE BAG - A reusable bag having side walls, end walls and a bottom forming an enclosed space with an open top. A pocket is located on the inside. The pocket is sized to permit the entirety of the bag to fit within the pocket. A flap on the pocket assists in keeping the bag material in the pocket. The bag is easily converted to/from a use configuration, a flat storage configuration and a second storage mode wherein the bag is placed into the pocket. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199108 | Flexible Stand-Up Pouch with Integral Fitment and Internal Straw - A fitment for a liquid containing pouch wherein the fitment is attached to the top portion of the pouch by sealing the top portion of the pouch together and to the sealing portion of the fitment. The fitment having a straw therein and a removeable cap for sealing the liquid in the pouch. The cap can be removed to allow access to the straw and the liquid in the pouch. The cap ban be replaced on the fitment to reseal the pouch. Since the straw is already in the fitment it is easier to use than liquid containing pouches where the straw has to be inserted into the pouch by breaking a seal. Further the straw in the fitment helps prevent spills and injuries associated with straws having to break the seal of the pouch. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199109 | At Least Two-Layer Label for Opening and Closing Packages and the Use Thereof - An at least two-layer label for opening and closing flexible packages provided with a pre-cut opening closable with a cover, having a base label provided with a first adhesive layer having a weakened cut-off area which is placed over the pre-cut opening, and a covering label whose lower part is provided with a second adhesive layer by which it is adhered to the base label; the adhesive strength of the base label to the package being greater than the adhesive strength of the covering label to the base label. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199110 | Fluids container - The present invention provides a method for treating a surface of a layered polymeric structure. The method includes the steps of: (1) providing a film having a layered structure formed by adhering first and second non-molten polymeric sheets in an overlap and texturing a surface of the first or second non-molten sheets with a chill roll to form fluid pathways on a surface of the film; (2) attaching an access member to the film; and (3) forming the film into a container having a peripheral seal defining a chamber, and having the fluid pathways facing the chamber and having the fitment providing access to the chamber. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199111 | Hydrostatic Bearing - A hydrostatic bearing for supporting horizontal and vertical forces, with a guide rail ( | 2008-08-21 |
20080199112 | LINEAR GUIDE APPARATUS AND ROLLING ELEMENTS ACCOMMODATION BELT - A linear guide apparatus includes a plurality of a rolling elements which circulates within a rolling element circulation path at predetermined intervals, spacers disposed between the respective rolling elements and a rolling elements accommodation belt which accommodates the rolling elements, connects each of the spacers and has ends thereof. At least one rolling element is disposed between the ends of the rolling elements accommodation belt, a cantilever-shaped elastically deformable projection is provided on an end face of the spacer situated at the end of the rolling elements accommodation belt, the projection projects from an inner circumferential side towards an outer circumferential side of the rolling element circulation path and the projection is inclined relative to an external end face of the spacer at the end of the rolling elements accommodation belt. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199113 | Joint Bearing - The invention relates to a spherical plain bearing, having an inner ring with a spherically curved outer surface and an outer ring having a spherically curved inner surface, a seal being arranged in a continuous groove in the outer ring. The seal has an annular support and rubs against the outer surface of the inner ring. The seal has two mutually spaced resilient sealing lips facing in opposite directions. The first sealing lip being oriented outwards and the second sealing lip being oriented inwards. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199114 | Radially mobile bearing for a shaft pertaining to a steering system - A radially movable bearing for a shaft of a gear in a steering system includes a bush or outer ring that is supported in a receiving element of a mount or housing for the gear. In order to create a radially flexible bearing for the shaft of the gear, which movable bearing enables quiet operation for the entire service life of the gear, the outer ring or the bush is held by at least one support element that is inserted in a gap between the receiving element and the outer ring, and that is made of a material with elastomer behavior. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199115 | Oil Impregnated Sintered Bearing and Manufacturing Method Thereof - There is provided an oil-impregnated sintered bearing which enable to prevent oil leakage from an outer peripheral surface | 2008-08-21 |
20080199116 | Roller mechanism with support member and image forming apparatus having the roller - A roller mechanism includes a roller and a support member that supports the rotation shaft. Herein, the support member includes a bearing having an outer ring and inner ring which rotate relatively to each other, and a sleeve that is fittingly fixed to the inner ring, wherein the sleeve and rotation shaft are fitted to each other by clearance fitting and further engaged with each other with respect to a rotation direction. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199117 | Load Sensing Bearing - A roller bearing assembly ( | 2008-08-21 |
20080199118 | Magnetic Encoder and Roller Bearing Unit Having Magnetic Encoder - The magnetic encoder is constituted by integrally bonding a magnet portion obtainable by forming a magnetic material containing a magnetic powder and a binder for the magnetic powder in a circular ring shape to a slinger. The binder contains at least a thermoplastic resin and an impact resistance-improving agent. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199119 | Bicycle rear hub having greater strength - A rear hub for a bicycle includes a shaft, a hub body mounted on the shaft, two races each mounted between the shaft and the hub body, two tapered bearings each mounted between the shaft and a respective race, a protruding pull block mounted on a first end of the shaft and rested on a first tapered bearing, and a locking nut secured on a second end of the shaft and rested on a second tapered bearing. Thus, the user only needs to screw the locking nut onto the shaft to pull the pull block to clamp the tapered bearings and the respective races, so that the rear hub is assembled easily, quickly and conveniently. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199120 | Wheel Support Bearing Assembly - Sealing structures ( | 2008-08-21 |
20080199121 | Bearing Apparatus for a Wheel of Vehicle - A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member ( | 2008-08-21 |
20080199122 | Bearing Apparatus For A Wheel Of Vehicle - A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member formed with double row outer raceway surfaces on its inner circumferential surface. Inner members are each formed with inner raceway surfaces on their outer circumferential surface. The inner raceway surfaces face opposite to the double row outer raceway surfaces. Double row balls are freely rollably contained between the outer raceway surfaces and inner raceway surfaces. A counter portion is formed near the bottom of each inner raceway surface. The counter portion has an outer diameter larger than, by a run-over height, a diameter of the bottom of each inner raceway surface. The counter portion is formed by a cylindrical portion that axially extends from each inner raceway surface. A tapered portion converges toward the end face of each inner member. Transitions between the counter portion and the inner raceway surface as well as between the cylindrical portion and the tapered portion are rounded and smoothly continuous. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199123 | ULTRAFAST GE/SI RESONATOR-BASED MODULATORS FOR OPTICAL DATA COMMUNICATIONS IN SILICON PHOTONICS - An optical modulator structure includes at least two waveguide structures for inputting and outputting an optical signal. At least one ring resonator structure provides coupling between the at least two waveguide structures. The at least one ring resonator structure includes Ge or SiGe. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199124 | OPTICAL DEVICE FOR GENERATING AND MODULATING THz AND OTHER HIGH FREQUENCY SIGNALS - Optical generation and modulation is carried out in the optical domain and converted to, for example, the THz band using suitable optical/electrical conversion hardware. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an electrooptic modulator is significantly overdriven to create sidebands on an optical carrier signal. An arrayed waveguide grating or other suitable filter is then used to filter the optical signal and remove the carrier signal and unwanted sidebands. The desired sidebands are then combined to create an optical signal that can be encoded with data through suitable modulation. Additional embodiments are disclosed. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199125 | In-line optical isolator - In conventional optical isolators, an optical signal is dispersed by polarization or the characteristics are varied by heat generation in a garnet crystal. According to the invention, the crystal optical axis ( | 2008-08-21 |
20080199126 | Method for Printing a Near Field Photoinduced Stable Structure, and Optical Fiber Tip for Implementing Same - The method comprises emitting appropriate polarisation light waves on a photosensitive material for inducing therein a topographic modification through an aperture of at the most 100 mm bound by an opaque area, said layer being arranged at the most 100 mm away from the aperture. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199127 | SHARED LIGHT PIPE FOR MESSAGE INDICATOR AND LIGHT SENSOR - A shared light pipe is set forth for transmitting light generated by a message waiting LED in a mobile communication device, in one direction, and transmitting ambient or surrounding light, in an opposite direction, to a light sensor for controlling a display backlight of the device. The light pipe includes an elongated first portion having a first end for receiving and transmitting light and external surfaces for reflecting light there through via total internal reflection (TIR), a second portion coextensive with the first portion for outputting light received at the first end and reflected through the first portion, and a second branch coextensive with the first portion for receiving and transmitting light for output at the first end. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199128 | Semiconductor integrated optical element - Aiming at realizing a semiconductor integrated optical element comprising a single semiconductor substrate, and first and second optical waveguides differed in the equivalent refractive index from each other on the semiconductor substrate, allowing light signal to propagate from the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide, in which the first and second optical waveguides are provided side-by-side on the semiconductor substrate to form a directional coupler allowing optical coupling between the first and second optical waveguides, and a first-guiding-mode optical signal in the first optical waveguide is output after being converted into a second-guiding-mode optical signal in second optical waveguide, which makes possible to suppress generation of reflection loss and emission loss in optical coupling, and obtain extremely desirable optical coupling characteristics, without causing reflection of optical signal, between different types of optical waveguides differed from each other in the equivalent refractive index. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199129 | OPTICAL MODULE METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An optical module with a first optical waveguide substrate having end faces; a second optical waveguide substrate which includes a first optical waveguide, a second optical waveguide, and end faces, the second optical waveguide substrate having an opening between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide; and a first deflection device which is mounted in the opening, wherein one of the end faces of the first optical waveguide substrate and one of the end faces of the second optical waveguide substrate are coupled to each other. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199130 | ARRAYED WAVEGUIDE GRATING - The present invention enables reduction of the temperature dependence of the light transmission center wavelength of the arrayed waveguide grating. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199131 | Optical device having diffraction gratings coupling guided wave, and its manufacture method - An optical waveguide structure formed over a substrate defines an optical waveguide for guiding light along a direction parallel to the substrate surfaces, and biasing a light intensity distribution of transverse modes of guided wave toward a first side of the optical waveguide path. A main diffraction grating is disposed at least on a second side opposite to the first side, and coupled with the guided wave propagating along the optical waveguide. A subsidiary diffraction grating is disposed on the first side, and diffracts the guided wave coupled with the main diffraction grating and propagating along the optical waveguide, to a direction different from an extending direction of the optical waveguide. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199132 | ADAPTER FOR AN OPTICAL PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD, AN OPTICAL PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD AND A METHOD OF CONNECTING AN ADAPTER TO AN OPTICAL PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - The invention provides an adapter for an optical printed circuit board, the adapter comprising a socket for receiving a daughter card for connecting to a said optical printed circuit board; and a connector for engagement with the optical printed circuit board arranged such that when the connector engages with the optical printed circuit board an optical connection is established between the optical printed circuit board and the adapter. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199133 | TRANSCEIVER MODULE - The object is to provide a transceiver module that is capable of performing a high-rate communication, and satisfies the demand at a moderate cost in a case where short distance communication is enough for transmitting or receiving signals. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199134 | System for identifying optical fibers and cables - An optical fiber or a cable can comprise marks that uniquely identify the fiber or cable and that facilitate tracing materials thereof back to manufacturing. The marks can extend lengthwise along the fiber or cable, for example from end-to-end. A user of the optical fiber or cable can make an identification from an end-on view. The marks can be encoded with information based on the number of marks, the widths of the individual marks, and/or the spacing between each mark. The marks can comprise a continuous barcode that is integrated into a material of the optical fiber or cable. The glassy material of a fiber optic preform can comprise an embedded set of enlarged marks, so that drawing optical fiber from the preform pulls marks of appropriate size into the fiber's cladding material. The marks can alternatively comprise encoded stripes extruded into a cable jacket. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199135 | Archimedean-lattice microstructured optical fiber - A microstructured optical fiber exhibiting enhanced circularity of the guided light mode is provided. The microstructured optical fiber includes a light-guiding core and a primary cladding surrounding the core wherein the primary cladding has a plurality of holes arranged in hexagonal unit cells defining an Archimedean-like lattice. Preferably, the core is defined by a break in a center of the Archimedean-like lattice, the break being characterised by an absence of at least one of the unit cells. Also preferably, each of the unit cells has seven holes arranged in a centred hexagon. A method of making the microstructured optical fiber is also provided. The method includes fabricating a fiber preform by stacking a plurality of canes around a rod, each cane having a number of holes arranged in a unit cell defining an Archimedean-like lattice, and drawing said fiber preform into the microstructured optical fiber. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199136 | Optical waveguide device - An optical waveguide device includes a lower cladding layer, a high refractive index region provided on the lower cladding layer, a pair of cores provided on the lower cladding layer on both sides of the high refractive index region, and an upper cladding layer provided on the high refractive index region and the pair of cores. One of the upper and lower cladding layers has a pair of band-shaped parts disposed between the high refractive index region and the pair of cores. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199137 | Optical Fiber Cable and Method for Modifying the Same - Disclosed is an optical fiber cable that includes a main tube. A guide tube, which includes at least one optical element, is positioned within the main tube's central space. A compressible element is also positioned within the main tube's central space. To reduce the adverse effects of ice formation within the optical fiber cable, the compressible element more readily deforms than do the guide tube and main tube. Also disclosed is a method for modifying a conventional optical fiber cable with a compressible element according to the present invention. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199138 | Coupler for Cable Trough - Elements, couplers, systems, and methods for joining two or more trough members. A locking element for a coupler of a cable trough system includes a frame member including a shaft, a pawl member including first and second ends, and defining an aperture, the shaft of the frame member extending through the aperture so that the pawl member pivots on the shaft, and a member positioned to engage the first end of the pawl member to pivot the pawl member about the shaft into a locked position. When a force is applied to the first end in a direction opposite to that exerted by the member, the pawl member moves about the shaft into an unlocked position. | 2008-08-21 |
20080199139 | Storage Device for Use in Fiber Optic Communication Systems and Method of Using the Same - A storage device for storing cable or fiber, rotating element, and method of using the same are provided. The storage device includes a housing, having an inner cavity and at least one opening; and a rotating element which is rotatably and removably placed within the inner cavity and has at least one receptacle. The rotating element includes a base member; a receptacle for holding at least one splice sleeve containing a sliced fiber; and a plurality of guide ridges, which are disposed on the base member, one of the plurality of guide ridges disposed at either end of each of the at least one receptacle. The method includes placing the fiber or cable into the receptacle; draping excess fiber or cable through guide fins; and rotating the rotating element to retract or dispense the excess fiber or cable into or out of the storage device through the at least one opening in the housing. | 2008-08-21 |