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At least 541 records · Page 30

Map-guided interpretation of remotely-sensed imagery

A map-guided approach to interpretation of remotely sensed imagery is described, with emphasis on applications involving continuous monitoring of predetermined ground sites. Geometric correspondence between a sensed image and a symbolic reference map is established in an initial stage of processing by adjusting parameters of a sensor model so that image features predicted from the map optimally match corresponding features extracted from the sensed image. Information in the map is then used to constrain where to look in an image and what to look for. With such constraints, previously intractable remote sensing tasks can become feasible, even easy, to automate. Four illustrative examples are given, involving the monitoring of reservoirs, roads, railroad yards, and harbors.

Tenenbaum, J. M.↗

An asymptotic expansion approach to the inverse radiative transfer problem

An iterative technique which recovers density profiles in a nonhomogeneous absorbing atmosphere is derived. The technique is based on the concept of factoring a function of the density profile into the product of a known term and a term which is not known, but whose power series expansion can be found. This series converges rapidly under a wide range of conditions. A demonstration example of simulated data from a high resolution infrared heterodyne instrument is inverted. For the examples studied, the technique is shown to be capable of extracting features of ozone profiles in the troposphere and to be particularly stable.

Gomberg, R. I.↗

Methods for segment wheat area estimation

The major research conducted during the three years of LACIE to solve problems associated with segment wheat area estimation is reviewed. Topics covered include proportion estimation, clustering, feature extraction, and signature extension. It would appear that LANDSAT-1 and LANDSAT-2 data do not contain enough information to discriminate between crop types perfectly all the time and, therefore, a basic problem arises when no ground truth data on crop types in the area are available. New approaches are needed to reduce labeling error. Perhaps better use of multiyear LANDSAT data, a more detailed understanding of the cropping practices in the area, better crop calendar prediction, and a better understanding of the limiting sources of error in LANDSAT data related to crop discrimination may provide the insight required to develop improved designs.

Heydorn, R. P.↗

The suitability of the ILLIAC IV architecture for image processing

The major architectural features of the ILLIAC IV large scale, array processor are summarized along with their applicability to image processing. Several image processing algorithms are considered, including multispectral classification, texture feature extraction, two-dimensional Fourier transform, and synthetic aperture radar processing. The basic parallelism of the ILLIAC IV (64 processing elements acting in lock-step) is usually fully utilized by the image processing applications. The major architectural aspect of the system with respect to image processing is the relatively small local scratch-pad memory and the long latency time to access the main storage device. The major precision used for the image processing applications is the 32-bit floating point, given a choice of 8-bit integers and 64-bit floating point.

Stevenson, D. K.↗

Radar image enhancement and simulation as an aid to interpretation and training

Greatly increased activity in the field of radar image applications in the coming years demands that techniques of radar image analysis, enhancement, and simulation be developed now. Since the statistical nature of radar imagery differs from that of photographic imagery, one finds that the required digital image processing algorithms (e.g., for improved viewing and feature extraction) differ from those currently existing. This paper addresses these problems and discusses work at the Remote Sensing Laboratory in image simulation and processing, especially for systems comparable to the formerly operational SEASAT synthetic aperture radar.

Frost, V. S.↗

Inventory estimation on the massively parallel processor

This paper describes algorithms for efficiently computing inventory estimates from satellite based images. The algorithms incorporate a one dimensional feature extraction which optimizes the pairwise sum of Fisher distances. Biases are eliminated with a premultiplication by the inverse of the analytically derived error matrix. The technique is demonstrated with a numerical example using statistics obtained from an actual Landsat scene. Attention was given to implementation of the Massively Parallel processor (MPP). A timing analysis demonstrates that the inventory estimation can be performed an order of magnitude faster on the MPP than on a conventional serial machine.

Argentiero, P. D.↗

Mobility aid for the blind

A project to develop an effective mobility aid for blind pedestrians which acquires consecutive images of the scenes before a moving pedestrian, which locates and identifies the pedestrian's path and potential obstacles in the path, which presents path and obstacle information to the pedestrian, and which operates in real-time is discussed. The mobility aid has three principal components: an image acquisition system, an image interpretation system, and an information presentation system. The image acquisition system consists of a miniature, solid-state TV camera which transforms the scene before the blind pedestrian into an image which can be received by the image interpretation system. The image interpretation system is implemented on a microprocessor which has been programmed to execute real-time feature extraction and scene analysis algorithms for locating and identifying the pedestrian's path and potential obstacles. Identity and location information is presented to the pedestrian by means of tactile coding and machine-generated speech.

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Proceedings of the NASA Workshop on Registration and Rectification

Issues associated with the registration and rectification of remotely sensed data. Near and long range applications research tasks and some medium range technology augmentation research areas are recommended. Image sharpness, feature extraction, inter-image mapping, error analysis, and verification methods are addressed.

Bryant, N. A.↗

An automated approach to the design of decision tree classifiers

An automated technique is presented for designing effective decision tree classifiers predicated only on a priori class statistics. The procedure relies on linear feature extractions and Bayes table look-up decision rules. Associated error matrices are computed and utilized to provide an optimal design of the decision tree at each so-called 'node'. A by-product of this procedure is a simple algorithm for computing the global probability of correct classification assuming the statistical independence of the decision rules. Attention is given to a more precise definition of decision tree classification, the mathematical details on the technique for automated decision tree design, and an example of a simple application of the procedure using class statistics acquired from an actual Landsat scene.

Argentiero, P.↗

An unsupervised classification approach for analysis of Landsat data to monitor land reclamation in Belmont county, Ohio

Two unsupervised classification procedures for analyzing Landsat data used to monitor land reclamation in a surface mining area in east central Ohio are compared for agreement with data collected from the corresponding locations on the ground. One procedure is based on a traditional unsupervised-clustering/maximum-likelihood algorithm sequence that assumes spectral groupings in the Landsat data in n-dimensional space; the other is based on a nontraditional unsupervised-clustering/canonical-transformation/clustering algorithm sequence that not only assumes spectral groupings in n-dimensional space but also includes an additional feature-extraction technique. It is found that the nontraditional procedure provides an appreciable improvement in spectral groupings and apparently increases the level of accuracy in the classification of land cover categories.

Brumfield, J. O.↗

Some fundamental concepts in remote sensing

The term remote sensing is defined as well as ideas such as class, pattern, feature, pattern recognition, feature extraction, and theme. The electromagnetic spectrum is examined especially those wavelength regions available to remote sensing. Relevant energy and wave propagation laws are discussed and the characteristics of emitted and reflected radiation and their detection are investigated. The identification of classes by their spectral signatures, the multispectral approach, and the principal types of sensors and platforms used in remote sensing are also considered.

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The APL image processing laboratory

The present and proposed capabilities of the Central Image Processing Laboratory, which provides a powerful resource for the advancement of programs in missile technology, space science, oceanography, and biomedical image analysis, are discussed. The use of image digitizing, digital image processing, and digital image output permits a variety of functional capabilities, including: enhancement, pseudocolor, convolution, computer output microfilm, presentation graphics, animations, transforms, geometric corrections, and feature extractions. The hardware and software of the Image Processing Laboratory, consisting of digitizing and processing equipment, software packages, and display equipment, is described. Attention is given to applications for imaging systems, map geometric correction, raster movie display of Seasat ocean data, Seasat and Skylab scenes of Nantucket Island, Space Shuttle imaging radar, differential radiography, and a computerized tomographic scan of the brain.

Jenkins, J. O.↗

Programable Pipelined-Image Processor

Computer serves as pipelined processor for imagery or other two-dimensional digital data. Processor does feature extraction, smoothing, edge detection, texture measurement, and stereoscoptic area correlation. Also plans routes for obstacle avoidance by robots and solves two-dimensional partial differential equations. Image processor consists of modular units: each includes set of computing elements of types particularly useful in pipelined-image processing. Flexible interconnection scheme used to route data to subsequent stages of pipeline.

Gennery, D. B.↗

Experiences with digital processing of images at INPE

Four different research experiments with digital image processing at INPE will be described: (1) edge detection by hypothesis testing; (2) image interpolation by finite impulse response filters; (3) spatial feature extraction methods in multispectral classification; and (4) translational image registration by sequential tests of hypotheses.

Mascarenhas, N. D. A.↗

Development of a quantitative basis for selection of spectral features in a vegetation monitoring system

The development of an objective methodology for evaluation of alternative Landsat data preprocessing options, spectral transform features for monitoring vegetation, and feature summarization algorithms is presented. Based on estimates of spectral separability between a target class and its confusion classes, analysis of variance techniques are used to evaluate potential design options for large scale vegetation monitoring systems. Case studies are presented for early season and through the season spring small grains separation and for barley/other spring small grains separation. It is concluded that a basis for efficient, objective selection among alternative feature extraction approaches has been established for the large scale vegetation mapping/inventory problem. Although the approach has been demonstrated for the unitemporal class separability case, extensions to the multitemporal case are under development.

Phinney, D. E.↗

Pattern recognition characterizations of micromechanical and morphological materials states via analytical quantitative ultrasonics

One potential approach to the quantitative acquisition of discriminatory information that can isolate a single structural state is pattern recognition. The pattern recognition characterizations of micromechanical and morphological materials states via analytical quantiative ultrasonics are outlined. The concepts, terminology, and techniques of statistical pattern recognition are reviewed. Feature extraction and classification and states of the structure can be determined via a program of ultrasonic data generation.

Williams, J. H., Jr.↗

Volcanic hot spots on Io - Correlation with low-albedo calderas

In the present investigation, it is shown that a one-to-one correspondence exists on Io between hot spots and features with normal albedos less than or equal to 0.3 (in the Voyager orange filter). It is pointed out that the hot spots are a manifestation of the prolific volcanic activity and heat flow of Io, widely believed to be due to dissipation of tidal energy resulting from the forward eccentricity of Io's orbit and the tides raised by Jupiter. All of the hot spots identified by the Voyager 1 infrared interferometric spectrometer (IRIS) correspond to relatively low-albedo features. An approach has been developed to identify hot spots not included in the IRIS inventory and to model their temperatures. The spectral reflectivities of the low-albedo features, extracted from the multispectral mosaics produced by Soderblom et al. (1985), are also presented, and compared to the laboratory spectra of a variety of candidate materials.

Mcewen, A. S.↗

A comparison of Landsat point and rectangular field training sets for land-use classification

Rectangular training fields of homogeneous spectroreflectance are commonly used in supervised pattern recognition efforts. Trial image classification with manually selected training sets gives irregular and misleading results due to statistical bias. A self-verifying, grid-sampled training point approach is proposed as a more statistically valid feature extraction technique. A systematic pixel sampling network of every ninth row and ninth column efficiently replaced the full image scene with smaller statistical vectors which preserved the necessary characteristics for classification. The composite second- and third-order average classification accuracy of 50.1 percent for 331,776 pixels in the full image substantially agreed with the 51 percent value predicted by the grid-sampled, 4,100-point training set.

Tom, C. H.↗