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At least 199 records · Page 11

Modular on-board adaptive imaging

Feature extraction involves the transformation of a raw video image to a more compact representation of the scene in which relevant information about objects of interest is retained. The task of the low-level processor is to extract object outlines and pass the data to the high-level process in a format that facilitates pattern recognition tasks. Due to the immense computational load caused by processing a 256x256 image, even a fast minicomputer requires a few seconds to complete this low-level processing. It is, therefore, necessary to consider hardware implementation of these low-level functions to achieve real-time processing speeds. The considered project had the objective to implement a system in which the continuous feature extraction process is not affected by the dynamic changes in the scene, varying lighting conditions, or object motion relative to the cameras. Due to the high bandwidth (3.5 MHz) and serial nature of the TV data, a pipeline processing scheme was adopted as the overall architecture of this system. Modularity in the system is achieved by designing circuits that are generic within the overall system.

Eskenazi, R.↗

Progress in cartography, EROS program

During the past 7 years the Interior Department EROS (Earth Resources Observation Systems) program with NASA sponsorship has conducted cartographic research based on high altitude aerial and space photographs. The research has centered on the direct use of the image and its transformation into so-called photo or image maps. Today the cartographers of the Geological Survey have a real opportunity for making maps from data supplied by ERTS-1 which is dedicated to remote sensing of the earth.

Colvocoresses, A. P.↗

Fault tectonics and earthquake hazards in parts of southern California

The author has identified the following significant results. Four previously unknown faults were discovered in basement terrane of the Peninsular Ranges. These have been named the San Ysidro Creek fault, Thing Valley fault, Canyon City fault, and Warren Canyon fault. In addition fault gouge and breccia were recognized along the San Diego River fault. Study of features on Skylab imagery and review of geologic and seismic data suggest that the risk of a damaging earthquake is greater along the northwestern portion of the Elsinore fault than along the southeastern portion. Physiographic indicators of active faulting along the Garlock fault identifiable in Skylab imagery include scarps, linear ridges, shutter ridges, faceted ridges, linear valleys, undrained depressions and offset drainage. The following previously unrecognized fault segments are postulated for the Salton Trough Area: (1) An extension of a previously known fault in the San Andreas fault set located southeast of the Salton Sea; (2) An extension of the active San Jacinto fault zone along a tonal change in cultivated fields across Mexicali Valley ( the tonal change may represent different soil conditions along opposite sides of a fault). For the Skylab and LANDSAT images studied, pseudocolor transformations offer no advantages over the original images in the recognition of faults in Skylab and LANDSAT images. Alluvial deposits of different ages, a marble unit and iron oxide gossans of the Mojave Mining District are more readily differentiated on images prepared from ratios of individual bands of the S-192 multispectral scanner data. The San Andreas fault was also made more distinct in the 8/2 and 9/2 band ratios by enhancement of vegetation differences on opposite sides of the fault. Preliminary analysis indicates a significant earth resources potential for the discrimination of soil and rock types, including mineral alteration zones. This application should be actively pursued.

Merifield, P. M.↗

SIR-B ocean-wave enhancement with fast Fourier transform techniques

Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-B) imagery is Fourier filtered to remove the estimated system-transfer function, reduce speckle noise, and produce ocean scenes with a gray scale that is proportional to wave height. The SIR-B system response to speckled scenes of uniform surfaces yields an estimate of the stationary wavenumber response of the imaging radar, modeled by the 15 even terms of an eighth-order two-dimensional polynomial. Speckle can also be used to estimate the dynamic wavenumber response of the system due to surface motion during the aperture synthesis period, modeled with a single adaptive parameter describing an exponential correlation along track. A Fourier filter can then be devised to correct for the wavenumber response of the remote sensor and scene correlation, with subsequent subtraction of an estimate of the speckle noise component. A linearized velocity bunching model, combined with a surface tilt and hydrodynamic model, is incorporated in the Fourier filter to derive estimates of wave height from the radar intensities corresponding to individual picture elements.

Tilley, David G.↗

Image data compression with vector quantization in the transform domain

In this paper, an algorithm is presented for image data compression based upon vector quantization of the two-dimensional discrete cosine transformed coefficients. The ac energies of the transformed blocks are used to classify them into eight different ac classes. The ac coefficients of the transformed blocks of class one are set to zero, while those of classes two through eight are transmitted by seven different code books. The dc coefficients of all eight classes are scalar quantized by an adaptive uniform quantizer. As a result, only 4.5 bits instead of eight bits are required to transmit the dc coefficient with negligible additional degradation. Overall, this algorithm requires approximately 0.75 bits per pixel and gives an average reconstruction error of 7.1.

Abdelwahab, A. A.↗

Advances in image compression and automatic target recognition; Proceedings of the Meeting, Orlando, FL, Mar. 30, 31, 1989

Various papers on image compression and automatic target recognition are presented. Individual topics addressed include: target cluster detection in cluttered SAR imagery, model-based target recognition using laser radar imagery, Smart Sensor front-end processor for feature extraction of images, object attitude estimation and tracking from a single video sensor, symmetry detection in human vision, analysis of high resolution aerial images for object detection, obscured object recognition for an ATR application, neural networks for adaptive shape tracking, statistical mechanics and pattern recognition, detection of cylinders in aerial range images, moving object tracking using local windows, new transform method for image data compression, quad-tree product vector quantization of images, predictive trellis encoding of imagery, reduced generalized chain code for contour description, compact architecture for a real-time vision system, use of human visibility functions in segmentation coding, color texture analysis and synthesis using Gibbs random fields.

Tescher, Andrew G.↗

Omniview motionless camera orientation system

A device for omnidirectional image viewing providing pan-and-tilt orientation, rotation, and magnification within a hemispherical field-of-view that utilizes no moving parts. The imaging device is based on the effect that the image from a fisheye lens, which produces a circular image of at entire hemispherical field-of-view, which can be mathematically corrected using high speed electronic circuitry. More specifically, an incoming fisheye image from any image acquisition source is captured in memory of the device, a transformation is performed for the viewing region of interest and viewing direction, and a corrected image is output as a video image signal for viewing, recording, or analysis. As a result, this device can accomplish the functions of pan, tilt, rotation, and zoom throughout a hemispherical field-of-view without the need for any mechanical mechanisms. The preferred embodiment of the image transformation device can provide corrected images at real-time rates, compatible with standard video equipment. The device can be used for any application where a conventional pan-and-tilt or orientation mechanism might be considered including inspection, monitoring, surveillance, and target acquisition.

Zimmermann, Steven D.↗

Optical encryption interface

An analog optical encryption system based on phase scrambling of two-dimensional optical images and holographic transformation for achieving large encryption keys and high encryption speed. An enciphering interface uses a spatial light modulator for converting a digital data stream into a two dimensional optical image. The optical image is further transformed into a hologram with a random phase distribution. The hologram is converted into digital form for transmission over a shared information channel. A respective deciphering interface at a receiver reverses the encrypting process by using a phase conjugate reconstruction of the phase scrambled hologram.

Jackson, Deborah J.↗

Perceptual Classification Images from Vernier Acuity Masked by Noise

Letting external noise rather than internal noise limit discrimination performance allows information to be extracted about the observer's stimulus classification rule. A perceptual classification image is the correlation over trials between the noise amplitude at a spatial location and the observer's responses. If, for example, the observer followed the rule of the ideal observer, the perceptual classification image would be an estimate of the ideal observer filter, the difference between the two unmasked images being discriminated. Perceptual classification images were estimated for a vernier discrimination task. The display screen had 48 pixels per degree horizontally and vertically. The no-offset image had a dark horizontal line of 4 pixels, a 1 pixel space, and 4 more dark pixels. Classification images were based on 1600 discrimination trials with the line contrast adjusted to keep the error rate near 25 percent. In the offset image, the second line was one pixel higher. Unlike the ideal observer filter (a horizontal dipole), the observer perceptual classification images are strongly oriented. Fourier transforms of the classification images had a peak amplitude near one cycle per degree and an orientation near 25 degrees. The spatial spread is much more than image blur predicts, and probably indicates the spatial position uncertainty in the task.

Ahumada, A. J.↗

Design of a Borescope for Extravehicular Non-Destructive Applications

Anomalies such as corrosion, structural damage, misalignment, cracking, stress fiactures, pitting, or wear can be detected and monitored by the aid of a borescope. A borescope requires a source of light for proper operation. Today s current lighting technology market consists of incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps and other types of electric arc and electric discharge vapor lamp. Recent advances in LED technology have made LEDs viable for a number of applications, including vehicle stoplights, traffic lights, machine-vision-inspection, illumination, and street signs. LEDs promise significant reduction in power consumption compared to other sources of light. This project focused on comparing images taken by the Olympus IPLEX, using two different light sources. One of the sources is the 50-W internal metal halide lamp and the other is a 1 W LED placed at the tip of the insertion tube. Images acquired using these two light sources were quantitatively compared using their histogram, intensity profile along a line segment, and edge detection. Also, images were qualitatively compared using image registration and transformation [l]. The gray-level histogram, edge detection, image profile and image registration do not offer conclusive results. The LED light source, however, produces good images for visual inspection by an operator. Analysis using pattern recognition using Eigenfaces and Gaussian Pyramid in face recognition may be more useful.

Bachnak, Rafic↗

Non-invasive assessment of otolith formation during development of the Japanese red-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster

Pre-mated adult female newts and embryos have been flown on the International Microgravity Laboratory-2 (IML-2) Space Shuttle flight in 1994 (Wiederhold et al., 1992b). With the specimens available from this flight, the calcification of otoliths, ulna, radius and backbone of the flown larvae and adult newts were analyzed. The experiments presented here studied the development of the otoliths on the ground. Otoliths of living newts, from embryo to adult, were observed in situ with the application of a new X-ray and bio-imaging analyzer system. For the establishment of this method, newts at different developmental stages were used. An imaging plate temporarily stores the X-ray energy pattern at the bio-imaging analyzer. A latent image on the imaging plate was transformed into a digital time series signal with an image reader. Acquired digital information was computed with the image processor. The processed information was recorded on film with an image recorder, in order to visualize it on an enlargement computed radiograph. To analyze development of the otoliths, photo-stimulated luminescence level was detected by an image analyzer, using transmitted X-ray photons. A single clump of otoconia could first be seen at stage 33. Stage-36 embryos first have distinguishable otoliths, with the utricle in front and saccule behind. Our results show that this X-ray method detects the otoliths equally as well as sectioning. In the newt, the mandibular/maxillary bone formed before the spine. It is suspected that for the newt embryo, living in water, feeding becomes necessary prior to support of the body.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗

3D GeoWall Analysis System for Shuttle External Tank Foreign Object Debris Events

An analytical, advanced imaging method has been developed for the initial monitoring and identification of foam debris and similar anomalies that occur post-launch in reference to the space shuttle s external tank (ET). Remote sensing technologies have been used to perform image enhancement and analysis on high-resolution, true-color images collected with the DCS 760 Kodak digital camera located in the right umbilical well of the space shuttle. Improvements to the camera, using filters, have added sharpness/definition to the image sets; however, image review/analysis of the ET has been limited by the fact that the images acquired by umbilical cameras during launch are two-dimensional, and are usually nonreferenceable between frames due to rotation translation of the ET as it falls away from the space shuttle. Use of stereo pairs of these images can enable strong visual indicators that can immediately portray depth perception of damaged areas or movement of fragments between frames is not perceivable in two-dimensional images. A stereoscopic image visualization system has been developed to allow 3D depth perception of stereo-aligned image pairs taken from in-flight umbilical and handheld digital shuttle cameras. This new system has been developed to augment and optimize existing 2D monitoring capabilities. Using this system, candidate sequential image pairs are identified for transformation into stereo viewing pairs. Image orientation is corrected using control points (similar points) between frames to place the two images in proper X-Y viewing perspective. The images are then imported into the WallView stereo viewing software package. The collected control points are used to generate a transformation equation that is used to re-project one image and effectively co-register it to the other image. The co-registered, oriented image pairs are imported into a WallView image set and are used as a 3D stereo analysis slide show. Multiple sequential image pairs can be used to allow forensic review of temporal phenomena between pairs. The observer, while wearing linear polarized glasses, is able to review image pairs in passive 3D stereo.

Brown, Richard↗

Reference-Free, Projection Background-Oriented Schlieren

A projection background-oriented schlieren (P-BOS) system is developed and demonstrated. Instead of a background that has a speckle pattern printed, painted, or otherwise deposited onto its surface, and can thus not be altered, the pattern here is projected onto the background. This allows for changes to the speckle pattern without replacement of the background material, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Reference images are acquired simultaneously with flow images. A pre-test transformation between the reference and flow images allows for on-the-fly changes to the speckle pattern during a test without requiring a stoppage of the flow, allowing for optimization of the BOS signal. Using a programmable LCD screen as the speckled optic allows for remote control of the speckle pattern. Because the background is not speckled, the system can be easily transformed to acquired shadowgraph images by removing the speckled optic and closing the aperture of the light source, which is useful for achieving measurements with higher spatial resolution. The system can be nearly as compact as a conventional BOS system, and can be assembled with polarized optics to reduce or eliminate window reflections and glare, making this system particularly well-suited for wind tunnel testing.

Joshua M Weisberger↗

Study of Arctic sea ice drift from L-band synthetic aperture radar

As part of the Arctic Ice Dynamics Joint Experiment (AIDJEX) several repetitive coverages of L-band (25 cm wavelength) side-looking airborne radar images have been flown over coastal areas of Alaska and a test area in the Arctic. These images allow the analysis of sea ice and its drift. Radar is particularly suited for the mapping and interpretation of Arctic sea ice due to independence from sunlight and the capability to penetrate clouds. Ice floes and leads can be readily identified on the radar images. Measurement of ice floe drift is based on the transformation of radar image coordinates into a geocentric coordinate system using inertial guidance data from the survey aircraft. The paper will demonstrate an example of Arctic ice drift measurements from L-band synthetic aperture radar imagery with an absolute accuracy of about 5%. The conclusions are of particular value in view of planned spaceborne side-looking radar missions in polar orbits.

Leberl, F.↗

Quantization Distortion in Block Transform-Compressed Data

The popular JPEG image compression standard is an example of a block transform-based compression scheme; the image is systematically subdivided into block that are individually transformed, quantized, and encoded. The compression is achieved by quantizing the transformed data, reducing the data entropy and thus facilitating efficient encoding. A generic block transform model is introduced.

block transform-compressed data quantization image↗

Improved Remapping Processor For Digital Imagery

Proposed digital image processor improved version of Programmable Remapper, which performs geometric and radiometric transformations on digital images. Features include overlapping and variably sized preimages. Overcomes some of limitations of image-warping circuit boards implementing only those geometric tranformations expressible in terms of polynomials of limited order. Also overcomes limitations of existing Programmable Remapper and made to perform transformations at video rate.

Fisher, Timothy E.↗

The Extended-Image Tracking Technique Based on the Maximum Likelihood Estimation

This paper describes an extended-image tracking technique based on the maximum likelihood estimation. The target image is assume to have a known profile covering more than one element of a focal plane detector array. It is assumed that the relative position between the imager and the target is changing with time and the received target image has each of its pixels disturbed by an independent additive white Gaussian noise. When a rotation-invariant movement between imager and target is considered, the maximum likelihood based image tracking technique described in this paper is a closed-loop structure capable of providing iterative update of the movement estimate by calculating the loop feedback signals from a weighted correlation between the currently received target image and the previously estimated reference image in the transform domain. The movement estimate is then used to direct the imager to closely follow the moving target. This image tracking technique has many potential applications, including free-space optical communications and astronomy where accurate and stabilized optical pointing is essential.

Tsou, Haiping↗