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CLASS 382,	IMAGE ANALYSIS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE CLASS SUBJECT MATTER

This is the generic class for apparatus and corresponding methods for the automated analysis of an image or recognition of a pattern*. Included herein are systems that transform an image for the purpose of (a) enhancing its visual quality prior to recognition, (b) locating and registering the image relative to a sensor or stored prototype, or reducing the amount of image data by discarding irrelevant data, and (c) measuring significant characteristics of the image.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

Pattern* analysis or verification limited to the intrinsic properties of a document is classified elsewhere. Documents that are analyzed or verified by information content, such as pattern*s or alphanumeric characters, are classified in this class (382). Document verification limited to a photocell system is classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.

Alphanumeric characters and other pattern*s are to be distinguished from coded indicia. Coded indicia are designed specifically to facilitate reading by machine and are not intended to be read by humans (e.g., the Universal Product Code on grocery items). Reading or sensing of coded indicia which does not include the recognition of any alphanumeric character or pattern* is classified elsewhere. However, reading or sensing of pattern*s or alphanumeric characters in combination with coded indicia is classified in this class (382). Example: Reading a credit card that contains a printed name plus a magnetic code is classified in Class 235 if only the magnetic code is read. Otherwise, if both the printed name and the magnetic code are read, classification is herein.

The images analyzed and processed herein are images that are representative of a "real" scene (such as images obtained by a camera, scanner, or image detector), including obtained images of people, places, and things, wherein the image represents the actual scene. The presentation or generation of images that are (a) computer generated or otherwise artificial, or (b) a combination of computer-generated images and real images is properly classified elsewhere, including for computer graphics and control of data presentation with creation or manipulation of graphic objects or text performed by a computer or processor, and operator interfaces. See References to Other Classes, below.

The specific processing of television pictures and signals, where a television system is an integral part of the system, is properly classified elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below. When images generated by a television camera are processed, and the television system is not an integral part of the overall system, and the system is either disclosed or claimed in an environment with substantial digital image processing or in a pattern* recognition* environment, proper classification is herein.

For systems directed to the processing of a displayed image, where the processing is directed to the altering of the display image or of the display system itself, proper classification is elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below.

The testing or measuring of distances, areas, volumes, thicknesses, or defects in objects is excluded from this class. However, where the measurements of these parameters are either disclosed or claimed in an environment with substantial digital image processing or in a pattern* recognition* environment, classification is in this class.

Image analysis* having specific and significantly claimed utility in art environments external to this class is classified in the appropriate external classes unless it is specifically excluded therefrom. For example: radar, facsimile, color facsimile, coded record sensor; and purely optical systems for image processing are all excluded from this class. See references to Other Classes, below.

Subcombinations specific to image analysis* or pattern* recognition are classified herein.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SECTION IV - GLOSSARY

IMAGE ANALYSIS*

For the purpose of this class, image analysis* is defined as a systematic operation or series of operations performed on data representative of an observed image with the aim of measuring a characteristic of the image, detecting variations and structure in the image, or transforming the image in a way that facilitates its interpretation.

IMAGING SYSTEM*

For the purpose of this class, an imaging system is any means which acquires an image. For example, it includes video cameras, CCD arrays, scanners, etc.

PATTERN*

For the purpose of this class, a pattern* is any form in an image having discernable characteristics that provide a distinctive identity when contrasted with other forms. For example, the character "A" has a distinctive identity when contrasted with all other letters of the alphabet.

PATTERN* RECOGNITION*

For the purpose of this class, pattern* recognition* is defined as any procedure for ascertaining differences, as well as similarities, between pattern*s under observation and partitioning the pattern*s into appropriate categories based on these perceived differences and similarities; or any procedure for correctly identifying a discrete pattern*, such as an alphanumeric character, as a member of a predefined pattern* category.

PIXEL*

The smallest distinguishable and resolvable area in an image.

SUBCLASSES

100	APPLICATIONS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein the image analysis* is disclosed as being designed for or utilized in a diverse art device, system, process, or environment. (1) Note. For classification herein, there must be significant claim recitation of an image analyzing system. Where the claims recite significant structure of the external art environment, classification is in the appropriate external art class. (2) Note. In view of the subject matter included herein, the classification schedule for the diverse art or environment should be considered for proper search. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 128,  Surgery,   subclass 922 for image analysis. 209,  Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,   appropriate subclasses for sorters operating on various items such as mail, paper currency, and bank checks. 235,  Registers,   subclasses 375+ for systems controlled by a coded record, and subclasses 435+ for coded record sensors. 246,  Railway Switches and Signals,   appropriate subclasses for systems which identify trains or indicate their positions. 342,  Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation),   appropriate subclasses for object detection and positioning using radar. 348,  Television,   subclasses 61+ for specific uses of television in image analysis*, where a television system is an integral part of the system. 358,  Facsimile and Static Presentation Processing,   subclasses 426.01 through 426.16for image analysis applied to the problem of data compression in facsimile systems; and subclasses 500-540 for data processing and compression in color facsimile systems. 380,  Cryptography,   appropriate subclasses for encryption of data including character data.

101	Mail processing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein the image is sensed from materials, such as letters and packages, handled in a postal system. (1) Note. Included are locating of stamps and address blocks on a mail piece as well as codes on a mail piece that are outside of the address block and the reading thereof. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 209,  Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids,   subclasses 584 and 900 for sorting of mail. 705,  Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/price Determination,   subclasses 401+ for postage meters.

102	ZIP code:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 101.  Subject matter wherein the image sensing is limited specifically to finding and reading a series of numbers that indicate the general location where the mail piece is to be sent (e.g., a ZIP code or postal code).

103	Target tracking or detecting:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein an object is located, recognized, or followed (tracked) by an imaging system*. (1) Note. The object may be either stationary or moving with respect to the imaging system*. The types of objects include, but are not limited to, planes, military vehicles, stars, and similar pattern*s. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 342,  Communications: Directive Radio Wave Systems and Devices (e.g., Radar, Radio Navigation),   appropriate subclasses for object detection and positioning using radar. 348,  Television,   subclasses 169+ for object tracking using television, where a television system is an integral part of the system.

104	Vehicle or traffic control (e.g., auto, bus, or train):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein a conveyance that is, or can be, manned is located, identified, or controlled by image analyzing techniques. (1) Note. Included are: reading of tire pattern*s and codes; control of the vehicle by movements of the operator being detected by the imaging system*; and identification or recognition of the vehicle by an imaging system*. The types of vehicles include automobiles, buses, and trains or rail cars. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 340,  Communications: Electrical,   subclasses 907+ and 933+ for specific vehicle detection and traffic control. 348,  Television,   subclass 113 for navigation control of conveyance using a television camera, where a television system is an integral part of the system.

105	License plate:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 104.  Subject matter including image sensing for specifically finding and reading a series of alphanumerics from a plate on, or affixed to, a conveyance such as an automobile.

106	Range or distance measuring:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein the length or magnitude of a path from a sensor or imaging system* to an object is determined. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 356,  Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 3+ for optical measuring of distances and ranges.

107	Motion or velocity measuring:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein the amount of change in position or movement of an imaged object is determined. (1) Note. Included is determination of the speed or acceleration, or change in speed or acceleration, or change of the position of the imaged object. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 73,  Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 488+ for mechanically determining speed and acceleration. 348,  Television,   subclasses 154 and 155 for motion detection using a television camera, where a television system is an integral part of the system. 356,  Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 27+ for optically determining velocity.

108	Surface texture or roughness measuring:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein the examined characteristics of an imaged object include distribution of color and intensity on a surface to give an appearance of texture, such as smooth, rough, shiny, or dull. (1) Note. Included is determining a representation of the physical structure of the surface. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 345,  Computer Graphics Processing and Selective Visual Display Systems,   subclasses 582 through 588for determining and using texture in computer graphics and display.

109	Seismic or geological sample measuring:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein the analyzed image is a sample of earth or rock. (1) Note. Included in this subclass are core samples and samples from boreholes, as well as other geological samples. Features extracted from the sample include those that define the form, structure, color, and mineralogical composition of the sample. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 73,  Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 152.01+ for boreholes, and subclass 784 for measuring earth stresses. 348,  Television,   subclass 85 for use of television systems in borehole inspection. 356,  Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 241.1+ for borescopes and bore inspection. 367,  Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and Devices,   appropriate subclasses for extraction and processing of seismic samples and borehole samples.

110	Animal, plant, or food inspection:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein the examined or analyzed image is an animal, plant, or foodstuff. (1) Note. Included in this subclass are livestock, birds, fish, grain, fruit, nuts, plants, roots, and vegetables.

111	Textiles or clothing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein the image analysis* is designed for, or used in, the inspection or production of textiles or apparel. (1) Note. Included in this subclass is the inspection or examination of leather, fabric, yarn, and various other types of cloth. Included also is analysis of pattern*s for cutting the textile material. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 356,  Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 238.1+ and 429+ for optical inspection of cloth and similar material. 700,  Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications,   subclasses 130 through 144for computer-controlled manufacturing of textiles.

112	Document or print quality inspection (e.g., newspaper, photographs, etc.):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein the accuracy or correctness of printed pattern*s on an object under inspection is determined or the inspection of the accuracy of reproduced pattern*s is determined. (1) Note. Included herein are imaging system*s that inspect webs, such as newspaper, etc., for proper registration of the print thereon. Also included herein is inspection of the condition of a document for soiling, staining, and similar damage to the document. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 250,  Radiant Energy,   subclasses 559+ and 571+ for optical inspection of webs.

113	Reading maps, graphs, drawings or schematics:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein the imaging system* is specifically designed for reading or processing documents having s:graphical notations or illustrations. (1) Note. Included herein are systems that extract data from these documents and identify features therein. Also included herein are systems that read the chemical notations that represent chemical structures. (2) Note. Excluded from this subclass are systems that read only texts.

114	Reading aids for the visually impaired:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein a particular representation of an image is generated that can be interpreted by a sense other than sight. (1) Note. Included herein are systems that recognize letters, words, or documents and provide an output that does not rely primarily on sight for sensing, including audio or tactile reproduction. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 340,  Communication: Electrical,   subclass 825.19 for communication or control for the handicapped. 348,  Television,   subclasses 62+ for use of a television camera in systems for aids for the visually impaired, where a television system is an integral part of the system. 434,  Education and Demonstration,   subclasses 112+ for reading aids for the handicapped.

115	Personnel identification (e.g., biometrics):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein an image or an image pattern* is analyzed for the purpose of recognizing an individual or verifying a person"s identity. (1) Note. Included herein are measurements of a finger, hand, or foot, as well as keystroke dynamics and ID cards. (2) Note. It is not necessary that the pattern* selected for analysis be a physical characteristic of the person to be identified. Any pattern*, such that its connection to a given individual permits confident identification of the individual, is sufficient. (3) Note. Included are both identification of a person (i.e., comparing the input feature to a plurality of stored features to identify the person) and verification of the identity of a person (i.e., comparing the input feature to a specific feature, such as an ID card, to verify the person"s identity). SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 235,  Registers,   subclasses 380+ for an identification card system wherein a code rather than a pattern* is identified; see also Class 382, II B (2) Note. 340,  Communications: Electrical,   subclasses 5.1 through 5.92for intelligence comparison for controlling in a selective communication system, particularly subclasses 5.52-5.53 for varying authorization by comparison using user s body characteristic, subclasses 5.8-5.86 for authentication, and subclasses 5.82-5.84 for authentication by biometrics. 704,  Data Processing: Speech Signal Processing, Linguistics, Language Translation, and Audio Compression/Decompression,   subclasses 246+ for voice recognition and subclass 273 for security systems including speech signal processing. 902,  Electronic Funds Transfer,   subclass 3 for biometrics, and subclasses 4+ and 25+ for use of bank cards and similar devices to identify individuals in an electronics funds transfer system.

116	Using a combination of features (e.g., signature and fingerprint):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 115.  Subject matter wherein more than one type of distinct identification process is used to recognize or verify a person"s identity. (1) Note. Included are any combination of identification or recognition processes or systems specified elsewhere in this class, or specifically classified elsewhere, where the emphasis is on the use of a plurality of different recognition processes and not to the particulars of any individual process in the identification of a person.

117	Using a characteristic of the eye:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 115.  Subject matter wherein a person is identified by analyzing the person"s eye or characteristics of the eye, including retinal pattern*s and iris pattern*s. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 351,  Optics: Eye Examining, Vision Testing and Correcting,   subclasses 200+ for optical measurements of the eye. 359,  Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,   appropriate subclasses for viewing the eye using optical elements.

118	Using a facial characteristic:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 115.  Subject matter wherein a person is identified by analyzing the person"s face or characteristics thereof, including distinct features of the face like eyes, nose, mouth, etc. and spacing of the features, as well as the face as a whole, including facial curves and thermal energy pattern*s of the face. (1) Note. The actual examination of the eye itself for personnel recognition is classified in this class, subclass 117. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 351,  Optics: Eye Examining, Vision Testing and Correcting,   subclass 204 for optical measurements of distances between pupils.

119	Using a signature:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 115.  Subject matter wherein a person is identified by analyzing the pattern* of a signed name. (1) Note. For classification in this subclass, the focal point of the analysis must be the writer rather than the written message; that is, an attempt must be made to identify the writer rather than the mere alpha content of the signature. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 73,  Measuring and Testing,   subclass 865.4 for mechanical signature verification instruments. 178,  Telegraphy,   subclasses 18.01+ for writing instruments and sensor tablets. 348,  Television,   subclass 161 for the remote verification of signatures using television and having an operator making a decision as to the authenticity of the signature, where a television system is an integral part of the system.

120	Sensing pressure together with speed or acceleration:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 119.  Subject matter wherein the pressure characteristics of the writing sample are used in combination with either speed (velocity, that is, the first derivative of the values of the pen movement) or acceleration (change in velocity, that is, the second derivative of the values of the pen movement) characteristic to identify the person doing the writing.

121	Sensing pressure only:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 119.  Subject matter wherein the characteristic of the writing sample used is only pressure or force exerted by the writer with a writing instrument during the writing of the sample.

122	Sensing speed or acceleration only:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 119.  Subject matter wherein the characteristic of the writing sample used is only speed (velocity, that is, the first derivative of the values of the pen movement) or acceleration (change in velocity, that is, the second derivative of the values of the pen movement) exerted by the writer with a writing instrument during the writing of the sample.

123	Sensing geometrical properties:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 119.  Subject matter wherein the characteristics of the writing sample used are static parameters of the writing. (1) Note. The static parameters include shapes, dimensions, and key points of the sample. Also included are detecting and using selected points of the sample with respect to a reference, such as a grid on which the sample is written.

124	Using a fingerprint:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 115.  Subject matter wherein a person is identified by analyzing the person"s fingerprint. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 283,  Printed Matter,   subclasses 68+ for fingerprint identifying. 356,  Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclass 71 for visually comparing a fingerprint on a document with a standard fingerprint.

125	Extracting minutia such as ridge endings and bifurcations:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 124.  Subject matter in which the finest details of a fingerprint are measured so as to identify a person. (1) Note. These details are commonly called "minutiae" and consist of features such as ridge endings, bifurcations, tri-radii, and cores.

126	With a guiding mechanism for positioning finger:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 124.  Subject matter wherein the system includes specific apparatus to place the finger to be inspected at a specific location with respect to an imaging system*.

127	With a prism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 124.  Subject matter wherein a prism is used as part of an imaging system* so as to acquire an image of the fingerprint for identification. (1) Note. Included are systems where the fingerprint is directly applied to the prism for pickup by the imaging system*.

128	Biomedical applications:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter wherein the image analyzing system is designed specifically for or utilized in the areas of radiation imaging or microscopic cell analysis for the detection or diagnosis of disease, or any other image analyzing application substantially related to medicine, health, or other life sciences not provided for elsewhere. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 128,  Surgery,   subclass 922 for image analysis. 250,  Radiant Energy,   subclasses 455+ for tomography. 356,  Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclasses 39+ for visible-light blood analyzing instruments. 377,  Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift Registers: Circuits and Systems,   subclasses 10+ for blood cell counters.

129	DNA or RNA pattern* reading:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 128.  Subject matter wherein cells or cell objects are analyzed for specific parameters related to DNA, RNA, or chromosome pattern*s.

130	Producing difference image (e.g., angiography):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 128.  Subject matter wherein related images are processed (e.g., by subtraction) to produce difference images indicative of dissimilarities.

131	Tomography (e.g., CAT scanner):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 128.  Subject matter wherein a means or process is provided for generating or processing digitized images of one or more slices of a nominally solid object, generated by computer tomography (i.e., CT), magnetic resonance (i.e., MR) or ultrasonically. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 250,  Radiant Energy,   subclasses 455+ for tomography.

132	X-ray film analysis (e.g., radiography):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 128.  Subject matter related to processing standard film or digitized X-ray images (e.g., bone fractures or mammography) such as for enhancement, segmentation, tone generation.

133	Cell analysis, classification, or counting:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 128.  Subject matter related to optically viewing or digitally storing cell images for evaluating characteristics of cell images by chromaticity of features and feature counting. (1) Note. Included herein is counting the number of a particular type of cell. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 377,  Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift Registers: Circuits and Systems,   subclasses 10+ for blood cell counters.

134	Blood cells:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 133.  Subject matter wherein the cell analysis, classification, or counting is directed to red, white, or other types of blood cells.

135	Reading paper currency:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 100.  Subject matter including means or process that can sense images of paper money to verify authenticity, discriminate denominations, sense condition, or count documents, based on optical or magnetic scanning. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 194,  Check-Controlled Apparatus,   subclass