Image Processing Algorithms (image + processing_algorithms)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Vision system for on-line characterization of paper slurry ,

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMAGING SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
Hamed Sari-Sarraf
This paper presents a detailed description of a vision system that detects and localizes the nonuniformities that appear on the paper slurry (wood fiber and water mixture) at the wet end of a paper machine. Specifically, the system monitors the paper slurry as it exits the headbox and alerts the operators of any event (e.g., streaks) that disrupts the otherwise homogeneous background. These events affect crucial product properties such as formation. A poor formation results in thick and thin spots on the sheet and impacts its strength and printability. This paper describes the vision system in terms of its hardware modules, as well as the image processing algorithms that it utilizes to perform its function. The system acquires intensity and topographic information from the scene. It uses texture-based features for the detection and facet-based descriptors for the localization of the nonuniformities. In addition to being tested in a laboratory environment, a prototype of this system was constructed and deployed to a paper mill, where its performance was evaluated under realistic conditions. Installed on a fourdrinier paper machine, running at 480 m/min and producing linerboard material, the vision system monitored about a 1 m wide area and successfully detected and localized slurry streaks. Published 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 11, 231,242, 2000 [source]


An autonomous phase-boundary detection technique for colloidal hard sphere suspension experiments,

MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 4 2006
Mark McDowell
Abstract Colloidal suspensions of monodisperse spheres are used as physical models of thermodynamic phase transitions and as precursors to photonic band gap materials. Current techniques for identifying the phase boundaries involve manually identifying the phase transitions, which is very tedious and time-consuming. In addition, current image analysis techniques are not able to distinguish between densely packed phases within conventional microscope images, which are mainly characterized by degrees of randomness or order with similar grayscale value properties. We have developed an intelligent machine vision technique that automatically identifies colloidal phase boundaries. The technique utilizes intelligent image processing algorithms that accurately identify and track phase changes vertically or horizontally for a sequence of colloidal hard sphere suspension images. This technique is readily adaptable to any imaging application wherein regions of interest are distinguished from the background by differing patterns of motion over time. Microsc. Res. Tech. 69:236,245, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Recent advances in breast MRI and MRS

NMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 1 2009
S. Sinha
Abstract Breast MRI is an area of intense research and is fast becoming an important tool for the diagnosis of breast cancer. This review covers recent advances in breast MRI, MRS, and image post-processing and analysis. Several studies have explored a multi-parametric approach to breast imaging that combines analysis of traditional contrast enhancement patterns and lesion architecture with novel methods such as diffusion, perfusion, and spectroscopy to increase the specificity of breast MRI studies. Diffusion-weighted MRI shows some potential for increasing the specificity of breast lesion diagnosis and is even more promise for monitoring early response to therapy. MRS also has great potential for increasing specificity and for therapeutic monitoring. A limited number of studies have evaluated perfusion imaging based on first-pass contrast bolus tracking, and these clearly identify that vascular indices have great potential to increase specificity. The review also covers the relatively new acquisition technique of MR elastography for breast lesion characterization. A brief survey of image processing algorithms tailored for breast MR, including registration of serial dynamic images, segmentation and extraction of morphological features of breast lesions, and contrast uptake modeling, is also included. Recent advances in MRI, MRS, and automated image analysis have increased the utility of breast MR in diagnosis, screening, management, and therapy monitoring of breast cancer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Marginal Bone Level around Implants Assessed in Digital and Film Radiographs: In Vivo Study in the Dog

CLINICAL IMPLANT DENTISTRY AND RELATED RESEARCH, Issue 1 2000
Eva Borg DDS
ABSTRACT Background: One of the objectives of postoperative radiographic examinations of implants is to evaluate the marginal bone height and its changes over time. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of digital image processing on measurements of the marginal bone level around implants. Material and Methods: Implants in beagle dogs, used to study the development of peri-implantitis and subsequent healing following treatment, were monitored with conventional radiography and a digital image plate system. Five observers measured the distance between a reference point and the bone level. Measurements in conventional radiographs were made with the use of an x-ray viewer (2X) and a magnifying lens (7X). For the digital images, the system's built-in measuring function was used together with five image processing techniques: edge enhancement (matrixes set on 5 and 25), inverted grey scale, single color highlight, and color intensity mapping together with the brightness and contrast control. From the time of maximum breakdown and the end of the experiment, histologic values were available. Results: Differences between techniques and observers increased toward the end of the healing period. Measurements made at maximum breakdown did not differ significantly from the histologic value. Measurements made after healing all methods, except that using edge enhancement and a 25 × 25 kernel, differed significantly from the histologic value by underestimating the bone level. Conclusions: Measurements of bone level around implants from digital radiographs are as accurate and precise as those from film images. In particular cases, the use of specific image processing algorithms may improve both accuracy and precision. After healing, the histologic specimens showed an incomplete bone fill in the crater with a remaining thin layer of connective tissue in contact with the fixture, and in such situations, the morphology of the bone will give a more complicated diagnostic task. [source]