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Results for “markov random fields”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records

Distributed memory parallel Markov random fields using graph partitioning

Markov random fields (MRF) based algorithms have attracted a large amount of interest in image analysis due to their ability to exploit contextual information about data. Image data generated by experimental facilities, though, continues to grow larger and more complex, making it more difficult to analyze in a reasonable amount of time. Applying image processing algorithms to large datasets requires alternative approaches to circumvent performance problems. Aiming to provide scientists with a new tool to recover valuable information from such datasets, we developed a general purpose distributed memory parallel MRF-based image analysis framework (MPI-PMRF). MPI-PMRF overcomes performance and memory limitations by distributing data and computations across processors. The proposed approach was successfully tested with synthetic and experimental datasets. Additionally, the performance of the MPI-PMRF framework is analyzed through a detailed scalability study. We show that a performance increase is obtained while maintaining an accuracy of the segmentation results higher than 98%. The contributions of this paper are: (a) development of a distributed memory MRF framework; (b) measurement of the performance increase of the proposed approach; (c) verification of segmentation accuracy in both synthetic and experimental, real-world datasets

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A new test statistic for climate models that includes field and spatial dependencies using Gaussian Markov random fields

Abstract. A new test statistic for climate model evaluation has been developed that potentially mitigates some of the limitations that exist for observing and representing field and space dependencies of climate phenomena. Traditionally such dependencies have been ignored when climate models have been evaluated against observational data, which makes it difficult to assess whether any given model is simulating observed climate for the right reasons. The new statistic uses Gaussian Markov random fields for estimating field and space dependencies within a first-order grid point neighborhood structure. We illustrate the ability of Gaussian Markov random fields to represent empirical estimates of field and space covariances using "witch hat" graphs. We further use the new statistic to evaluate the tropical response of a climate model (CAM3.1) to changes in two parameters important to its representation of cloud and precipitation physics. Overall, the inclusion of dependency information did not alter significantly the recognition of those regions of parameter space that best approximated observations. However, there were some qualitative differences in the shape of the response surface that suggest how such a measure could affect estimates of model uncertainty.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Spatio-temporal contextual classification based on Markov random field model

A contextural classifier based on a Markov random field model, which can utilize both spatial and temporal contexts, is investigated. Spatial and temporal neighbors are defined, and the class assignment of each pixel is assumed to be dependent only on the measurement vectors of itself and those of its spatial and temporal neighbors according to the Markov random field property. Only interpixel class dependency context is used in the classification. The joint prior probability of the classes of each pixel and its spatial and temporal neighbors are modeled by a Gibbs random field. The classification is performed in a recursive manner. Experiments with multi-temporal Thematic Mapper data show promising results.

Jeon, Byeungwoo↗

A Markov Random Field Model for Texture-based Segmentation of Small Cracks in Thin InconelTubes

Markov random fields have been used for image segmentation since their introduction in the1980s. This work applies a method from Principal Component Thermography to enhance thecontrast in damage regions in 3D images derived from X-ray computed tomography (CT)inspections. The developed method is applied to sizing of small cracks in thin Inconel tubes designed as probability of detection (POD) samples for radiographic inspection.Misclassification errors arising from artifacts due to beam-hardening are reduced by fitting the boundary of the segmented damage region with the arc of an ellipse. Results are comparedagainst those obtained through manual inspection.

Image segmentation↗

A two-level Markov random field for road network extraction and its application with optical, SAR, and multitemporal data

This article introduces a method for road network extraction from satellite images. The proposed approach covers a new fusion method (using data from multiple sources) and a new Markov random field (MRF) defined on connected components along with a multilevel application (two-level MRF). Our method allows the detection of roads with different characteristics and decreases by around 30% the size of the used graph model. Results for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images and optical images obtained using the TerraSAR-X and Quickbird sensors, respectively, are presented demonstrating the improvement brought by the proposed approach. In a second part, an analysis of different types of data fusion combining optical/radar images, radar/radar images, and multitemporal SAR (TerraSAR-X and COSMO-SkyMed) images is described. Overall, the qualitative and quantitative results show that the fusion approach improves considerably the results of the road network extraction.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Parallel Markov Random Fields for Image Segmentation (PMRF-IS) v1.0

This software performs multi-label segmentation of 2D/3D images. It is highly accurate, results rely on use of an Markov random field (MRF) formulation. It runs in both shared and distributed memory parallel modes. MRF algorithms are powerful tools in image analysis to explore contextual information of data.

Heinemann, Colleen↗

Unmixing hyperspectral images using Markov random fields

This paper proposes a new spectral unmixing strategy based on the normal compositional model that exploits the spatial correlations between the image pixels. The pure materials (referred to as endmembers) contained in the image are assumed to be available (they can be obtained by using an appropriate endmember extraction algorithm), while the corresponding fractions (referred to as abundances) are estimated by the proposed algorithm. Due to physical constraints, the abundances have to satisfy positivity and sum-to-one constraints. The image is divided into homogeneous distinct regions having the same statistical properties for the abundance coefficients. The spatial dependencies within each class are modeled thanks to Potts-Markov random fields. Within a Bayesian framework, prior distributions for the abundances and the associated hyperparameters are introduced. A reparametrization of the abundance coefficients is proposed to handle the physical constraints (positivity and sum-to-one) inherent to hyperspectral imagery. The parameters (abundances), hyperparameters (abundance mean and variance for each class) and the classification map indicating the classes of all pixels in the image are inferred from the resulting joint posterior distribution. To overcome the complexity of the joint posterior distribution, Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are used to generate samples asymptotically distributed according to the joint posterior of interest. Simulations conducted on synthetic and real data are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Enhancing gene regulatory network inference through data integration with markov random fields

Here, a gene regulatory network links transcription factors to their target genes and represents a map of transcriptional regulation. Much progress has been made in deciphering gene regulatory networks computationally. However, gene regulatory network inference for most eukaryotic organisms remain challenging. To improve the accuracy of gene regulatory network inference and facilitate candidate selection for experimentation, we developed an algorithm called GRACE (Gene Regulatory network inference ACcuracy Enhancement). GRACE exploits biological a priori and heterogeneous data integration to generate high- confidence network predictions for eukaryotic organisms using Markov Random Fields in a semi-supervised fashion. GRACE uses a novel optimization scheme to integrate regulatory evidence and biological relevance. It is particularly suited for model learning with sparse regulatory gold standard data. We show GRACE’s potential to produce high confidence regulatory networks compared to state of the art approaches using Drosophila melanogaster and Arabidopsis thaliana data. In an A. thaliana developmental gene regulatory network, GRACE recovers cell cycle related regulatory mechanisms and further hypothesizes several novel regulatory links, including a putative control mechanism of vascular structure formation due to modifications in cell proliferation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

SU-G-IeP4-03: Cone Beam X-Ray Luminescence Computed Tomography Based On Generalized Gaussian Markov Random Field

Purpose: Cone beam X-ray luminescence computed tomography (CB-XLCT), which aims to achieve molecular and functional imaging by X-rays, has recently been proposed as a new imaging modality. However, the inverse problem of CB-XLCT is seriously ill-conditioned, hindering us to achieve good image quality. In this work, a novel reconstruction method based on Bayesian theory is proposed to tackle this problem Methods: Bayesian theory provides a natural framework for utilizing various kinds of available prior information to improve the reconstruction image quality. A generalized Gaussian Markov random field (GGMRF) model is proposed here to construct the prior model of the Bayesian theory. The most important feature of GGMRF model is the adjustable shape parameter p, which can be continuously adjusted from 1 to 2. The reconstruction image tends to have more edge-preserving property when p is slide to 1, while having more noise tolerance property when p is slide to 2, just like the behavior of L1 and L2 regularization methods, respectively. The proposed method provides a flexible regularization framework to adapt to a wide range of applications. Results: Numerical simulations were implemented to test the performance of the proposed method. The Digimouse atlas were employed to construct a three-dimensional mouse model, and two small cylinders were placed inside to serve as the targets. Reconstruction results show that the proposed method tends to obtain better spatial resolution with a smaller shape parameter, while better signal-to-noise image with a larger shape parameter. Quantitative indexes, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and full-width at half-maximum (FWHM), were used to assess the performance of the proposed method, and confirmed its effectiveness in CB-XLCT reconstruction. Conclusion: A novel reconstruction method for CB-XLCT is proposed based on GGMRF model, which enables an adjustable performance tradeoff between L1 and L2 regularization methods. Numerical simulations were conducted to demonstrate its performance.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Detecting brain tumor in computed tomography images using Markov random fields and fuzzy C-means clustering techniques

Brain tumors, are an abnormal growth of tissues in the brain. They may arise in people of any age. They must be detected early, diagnosed accurately, monitored carefully, and treated effectively in order to optimize patient outcomes regarding both survival and quality of life. Manual segmentation of brain tumors from CT scan images is a challenging and time consuming task. Size and location accurate detection of brain tumor plays a vital role in the successful diagnosis and treatment of tumors. Brain tumor detection is considered a challenging mission in medical image processing. The aim of this paper is to introduce a scheme for tumor detection in CT scan images using two different techniques Hidden Markov Random Fields (HMRF) and Fuzzy C-means (FCM). The proposed method has been developed in this research in order to construct hybrid method between (HMRF) and threshold. These methods have been applied on 4 different patient data sets. The result of comparison among these methods shows that the proposed method gives good results for brain tissue detection, and is more robust and effective compared with (FCM) techniques.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Three-dimensional multiphase segmentation of X-ray CT data of porous materials using a Bayesian Markov random field framework

Advancements in noninvasive imaging methods such as X-ray computed tomography (CT) have led to a recent surge of applications in porous media research with objectives ranging from theoretical aspects of pore-scale fluid and interfacial dynamics to practical applications such as enhanced oil recovery and advanced contaminant remediation. While substantial efforts and resources have been devoted to advance CT technology, microscale analysis, and fluid dynamics simulations, the development of efficient and stable three-dimensional multiphase image segmentation methods applicable to large data sets is lacking. To eliminate the need for wet-dry or dual-energy scans, image alignment, and subtraction analysis, commonly applied in X-ray micro-CT, a segmentation method based on a Bayesian Markov random field (MRF) framework amenable to true three-dimensional multiphase processing was developed and evaluated. Furthermore, several heuristic and deterministic combinatorial optimization schemes required to solve the labeling problem of the MRF image model were implemented and tested for computational efficiency and their impact on segmentation results. Test results for three grayscale data sets consisting of dry glass beads, partially saturated glass beads, and partially saturated crushed tuff obtained with synchrotron X-ray micro-CT demonstrate great potential of the MRF image model for three-dimensional multiphase segmentation. While our results are promising and the developed algorithm is stable and computationally more efficient than other commonly applied porous media segmentation models, further potential improvements exist for fully automated operation.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Joint inversion of marine seismic AVA and CSEM data using statistical rock-physics models and Markov random fields: Stochastic inversion of AVA and CSEM data

Joint inversion of seismic AVA and CSEM data requires rock-physics relationships to link seismic attributes to electrical properties. Ideally, we can connect them through reservoir parameters (e.g., porosity and water saturation) by developing physical-based models, such as Gassmann’s equations and Archie’s law, using nearby borehole logs. This could be difficult in the exploration stage because information available is typically insufficient for choosing suitable rock-physics models and for subsequently obtaining reliable estimates of the associated parameters. The use of improper rock-physics models and the inaccuracy of the estimates of model parameters may cause misleading inversion results. Conversely, it is easy to derive statistical relationships among seismic and electrical attributes and reservoir parameters from distant borehole logs. In this study, we develop a Bayesian model to jointly invert seismic AVA and CSEM data for reservoir parameter estimation using statistical rock-physics models; the spatial dependence of geophysical and reservoir parameters are carried out by lithotypes through Markov random fields. We apply the developed model to a synthetic case, which simulates a CO{sub 2} monitoring application. We derive statistical rock-physics relations from borehole logs at one location and estimate seismic P- and S-wave velocity ratio, acoustic impedance, density, electrical resistivity, lithotypes, porosity, and water saturation at three different locations by conditioning to seismic AVA and CSEM data. Comparison of the inversion results with their corresponding true values shows that the correlation-based statistical rock-physics models provide significant information for improving the joint inversion results.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Robust Spectral Unmixing of Sparse Multispectral Lidar Waveforms using Gamma Markov Random Fields

Here, this paper presents a new Bayesian spectral un-mixing algorithm to analyse remote scenes sensed via sparse multispectral Lidar measurements. To a first approximation, in the presence of a target, each Lidar waveform consists of a main peak, whose position depends on the target distance and whose amplitude depends on the wavelength of the laser source considered (i.e, on the target reflectivity). Besides, these temporal responses are usually assumed to be corrupted by Poisson noise in the low photon count regime. When considering multiple wavelengths, it becomes possible to use spectral information in order to identify and quantify the main materials in the scene, in addition to estimation of the Lidar-based range profiles. Due to its anomaly detection capability, the proposed hierarchical Bayesian model, coupled with an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, allows robust estimation of depth images together with abundance and outlier maps associated with the observed 3D scene. The proposed methodology is illustrated via experiments conducted with real multispectral Lidar data acquired in a controlled environment. The results demonstrate the possibility to unmix spectral responses constructed from extremely sparse photon counts (less than 10 photons per pixel and band).

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Do Epistemic Uncertainties Allow for Replacing Microstructural Experiments with Reconstruction Algorithms?

A novel problem in computational materials modeling is addressed: “Are the computational microstructure reconstruction techniques reliable enough to replace experiments?” Here, “reliable” computations are associated with producing “expected” reconstructions that are adequately close to the experimental data. The output of computational techniques can deviate from the experimental measurements because of the epistemic uncertainties in the algorithms. In this work, an analytical formulation for quantification of epistemic uncertainties in a microstructure reconstruction algorithm based on Markov random field is presented. The method is used to predict the large-scale spatial distribution of a microstructure given an experimental input measured over a small spatial domain. However, small variations are observed on the microstructural features of the synthesized samples due to the Markov random field algorithm. The proposed analytical technique aims to quantify these uncertainties and estimate their propagation to the macroscale material properties to provide a significant understanding on how reliable it is to replace the experiments with the Markov random field model to predict microstructural maps over large spatial domains.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

An efficient system for reliably transmitting image and video data over low bit rate noisy channels

This research project is intended to develop an efficient system for reliably transmitting image and video data over low bit rate noisy channels. The basic ideas behind the proposed approach are the following: employ statistical-based image modeling to facilitate pre- and post-processing and error detection, use spare redundancy that the source compression did not remove to add robustness, and implement coded modulation to improve bandwidth efficiency and noise rejection. Over the last six months, progress has been made on various aspects of the project. Through our studies of the integrated system, a list-based iterative Trellis decoder has been developed. The decoder accepts feedback from a post-processor which can detect channel errors in the reconstructed image. The error detection is based on the Huber Markov random field image model for the compressed image. The compression scheme used here is that of JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). Experiments were performed and the results are quite encouraging. The principal ideas here are extendable to other compression techniques. In addition, research was also performed on unequal error protection channel coding, subband vector quantization as a means of source coding, and post processing for reducing coding artifacts. Our studies on unequal error protection (UEP) coding for image transmission focused on examining the properties of the UEP capabilities of convolutional codes. The investigation of subband vector quantization employed a wavelet transform with special emphasis on exploiting interband redundancy. The outcome of this investigation included the development of three algorithms for subband vector quantization. The reduction of transform coding artifacts was studied with the aid of a non-Gaussian Markov random field model. This results in improved image decompression. These studies are summarized and the technical papers included in the appendices.

Costello, Daniel J., Jr.↗