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At least 739 records · Page 41

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2014

Image alignment

Disclosed is a method and device for aligning at least two digital images. An embodiment may use frequency-domain transforms of small tiles created from each image to identify substantially similar, "distinguishing" features within each of the images, and then align the images together based on the location of the distinguishing features. To accomplish this, an embodiment may create equal sized tile sub-images for each image. A "key" for each tile may be created by performing a frequency-domain transform calculation on each tile. A information-distance difference between each possible pair of tiles on each image may be calculated to identify distinguishing features. From analysis of the information-distance differences of the pairs of tiles, a subset of tiles with high discrimination metrics in relation to other tiles may be located for each image. The subset of distinguishing tiles for each image may then be compared to locate tiles with substantially similar keys and/or information-distance metrics to other tiles of other images. Once similar tiles are located for each image, the images may be aligned in relation to the identified similar tiles.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

NASA NTRS1988

Cartographic feature extraction with integrated SIR-B and Landsat TM images

A digital cartographic multisensor image database of excellent geometry and improved resolution was created by registering SIR-B images to a rectified Landsat TM reference image and applying intensity-hue-saturation enhancement techniques. When evaluated against geodetic control, RMSE(XY) values of approximately + or - 20 m were noted for the composite SIR-B/TM images. The completeness of cartographic features extracted from the composite images exceeded those obtained from separate SIR-B and TM image data sets by approximately 10 and 25 percent, respectively, indicating that the composite images may prove suitable for planimetric mapping at a scale of 1:100,000 or smaller. At present, the most effective method for extracting cartographic information involves digitizing features directly from the image processing display screen.

Welch, R.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Transmission of Images With Ultrasonic Elastic Shear Waves on a Metallic Pipe Using Amplitude Shift Keying Protocol

Transmission of information using ultrasonic elastic waves on existing metallic pipes provides an alternative communication option across physical barriers in a highly partitioned industrial complex, such as a nuclear facility. This work investigates the feasibility of the transmission of digital images over metallic pipes. Ultrasonic communication systems for transmission of images on a nuclear-grade stainless steel pipe were assembled for bench-scale demonstration. Information carriers in this system are refracted shear waves transmitted and received with piezoelectric transducers (PZTs) operating at 2-MHz nominal frequency. The refraction and propagation of ultrasonic shear waves were modeled with COMSOL software. An amplitude shift keying (ASK) communication protocol for image transmission was developed and implemented in the GNURadio software-defined radio (SDR) environment. Digital information was converted to analog ultrasonic signals using Red Pitaya electronic boards. The performance of the ASK protocol is evaluated at the output of every block in the GNURadio program by monitoring the transmission of select characters. Using the ASK communication protocol, the transmission of the 32-KB image was demonstrated at 2-Kbps bitrate across 6-ft-long stainless steel pipe. Finally, preliminary evaluation of ultrasonic communication on the piping of a nuclear facility, such as signal transmission on bent pipes, was performed with COMSOL computer simulations.

42 ENGINEERING↗

NASA NTRS1995

Flame-vortex interactions imaged in microgravity

The scientific objective is to obtain high quality color-enhanced digital images of a vortex exerting aerodynamic strain on premixed and nonpremixed flames with the complicating effects of buoyancy removed. The images will provide universal (buoyancy free) scaling relations that are required to improve several types of models of turbulent combustion, including KIVA-3, discrete vortex, and large-eddy simulations. The images will be used to help quantify several source terms in the models, including those due to flame stretch, flame-generated vorticity, flame curvature, and preferential diffusion, for a range of vortex sizes and flame conditions. The experiment is an ideal way to study turbulence-chemistry interactions and isolate the effect of vortices of different sizes and strengths in a repeatable manner. A parallel computational effort is being conducted which considers full chemistry and preferential diffusion.

Driscoll, James F.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Breast Biopsy System

Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) are high technology silicon chips that connect light directly into electronic or digital images, which can be manipulated or enhanced by computers. When Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) scientists realized that existing CCD technology could not meet scientific requirements for the Hubble Space Telescope Imagining Spectrograph, GSFC contracted with Scientific Imaging Technologies, Inc. (SITe) to develop an advanced CCD. SITe then applied many of the NASA-driven enhancements to the manufacture of CCDs for digital mammography. The resulting device images breast tissue more clearly and efficiently. The LORAD Stereo Guide Breast Biopsy system incorporates SITe's CCD as part of a digital camera system that is replacing surgical biopsy in many cases. Known as stereotactic needle biopsy, it is performed under local anesthesia with a needle and saves women time, pain, scarring, radiation exposure and money.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1980

Quantitative optical scanning tests of complex microcircuits

An approach for the development of the optical scanner as a screening inspection instrument for microcircuits involves comparing the quantitative differences in photoresponse images and then correlating them with electrical parameter differences in test devices. The existing optical scanner was modified so that the photoresponse data could be recorded and subsequently digitized. A method was devised for applying digital image processing techniques to the digitized photoresponse data in order to quantitatively compare the data. Electrical tests were performed and photoresponse images were recorded before and following life test intervals on two groups of test devices. Correlations were made between differences or changes in the electrical parameters of the test devices.

Erickson, J. J.↗

DOE OSTI2019

Effect of Bath Depth and Nozzle Geometry on Spout Height in Submerged Gas Injection at Bottom

Spout height is a widely used parameter to quantitatively analyze the performance of the submerged gas injection in industrial applications. However, the effect of bath depth and nozzle geometry on spout height in submerged gas injection is still unclear. In this work, the effect of bath depth and nozzle geometry on spout height in submerged gas injection at bottom was experimentally investigated. Circular-shaped, three-leaf-shaped, four-leaf-shaped, and four-flower-shaped nozzles were used for this study. Spout height was extracted from the images captured by high-speed camera and analyzed by digital image processing. The results indicate that the effect of nozzle geometry on spout height is as important as gas flow rate and bath depth. Through dimensional analysis, predictive correlations of spout height from circular shape and four-leaf shape were developed with dimensionless bath depth and a modified Froude number using orifice perimeter and opening area as characteristic parameters. Experimental data were compared with the correlations from literature and good agreement was found.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Automated species-level identification of planktic foraminifera using convolutional neural networks, with comparison to human performance

Picking foraminifera from sediment samples is an essential, but repetitive and low-reward task that is well-suited for automation. The first step toward building a picking robot is the development of an automated identification system. We use machine learning techniques to train convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to identify six species of extant planktic foraminifera that are widely used by paleoceanographers, and to distinguish the six species from other taxa. We employ CNNs that were previously built and trained for image classification. Foraminiferal training and identification use reflected light microscope digital images taken at 16 different illumination angles using a light-emitting diode (LED) ring. Overall machine accuracy, as a combination of precision and recall, is better than 80% even with limited training. We compare machine performance to that of human pickers (six experts and five novices) by tasking each with the identification of 540 specimens based on images. Experts achieved comparable precision but poorer recall relative to the machine, with an average accuracy of 63%. Novices scored lower than experts on both precision and recall, for an overall accuracy of 53%. The machine achieved fairly uniform performance across the six species, while participants' scores were strongly species-dependent, commensurate with their past experience and expertise. The machine was also less sensitive to specimen orientation (umbilical versus spiral views) than the humans. Finally, these results demonstrate that our approach can provide a versatile ‘brain’ for an eventual automated robotic picking system.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2013

Failure Predictions for VHTR Core Components using a Probabilistic Contiuum Damage Mechanics Model

The proposed work addresses the key research need for the development of constitutive models and overall failure models for graphite and high temperature structural materials, with the long-term goal being to maximize the design life of the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP). To this end, the capability of a Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) model, which has been used successfully for modeling fracture of virgin graphite, will be extended as a predictive and design tool for the core components of the very high- temperature reactor (VHTR). Specifically, irradiation and environmental effects pertinent to the VHTR will be incorporated into the model to allow fracture of graphite and ceramic components under in-reactor conditions to be modeled explicitly using the finite element method. The model uses a combined stress-based and fracture mechanics-based failure criterion, so it can simulate both the initiation and propagation of cracks. Modern imaging techniques, such as x-ray computed tomography and digital image correlation, will be used during material testing to help define the baseline material damage parameters. Monte Carlo analysis will be performed to address inherent variations in material properties, the aim being to reduce the arbitrariness and uncertainties associated with the current statistical approach. The results can potentially contribute to the current development of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) codes for the design and construction of VHTR core components.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Image Alignment and Flat-Field Correction of Film and Computed Radiography Images on the LLNL Flash Testbed

Computed radiography (CR) imaging plates and film are used in HEAF firing tanks and in the NDE group. The imaging plates allow for the creation of high-resolution digital images with flash X-ray (FXR). A typical treatment of flash X-ray radiographs is flat-field correction, where the image from an experiment is normalized by a “flat-field” or “bright-field” image. This flat-field image is taken in an identical configuration to the experimental image, but without the object or experiment in the field of view (FOV). This treatment reduces spatial effects from the FXR spot size and detector misalignment, as each pixel value in the corrected image represents a ratio of collected radiation with the object in FOV to the collected radiation without the object in FOV. One challenge in the creation of a corrected image is the misalignment of the CR plate or film pack between capturing the flat-field image and the experimental image. Fiducial structures can remedy this issue. Small (3.18mm) stainless steel ball bearings serve as good fiducial structures due to their small size and high radiographic contrast. Spheres are view-agnostic geometry, always presenting a circular cross section no matter the orientation. This process was developed for images from the flash X-ray testbed. The flash testbed was used to compare the X-ray transmission at different thicknesses of aluminum and copper step wedges. Each step wedge section is a rectangular shape, so evaluation is made much simpler if the rectangles are not rotated with respect to the image. This alignment process aligns the object and flat-field images together and leaves the rectangles of each step aligned with the image.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1972

Image Display and Manipulation System (IDAMS) program documentation, Appendixes A-D

The IDAMS Processor is a package of task routines and support software that performs convolution filtering, image expansion, fast Fourier transformation, and other operations on a digital image tape. A unique task control card for that program, together with any necessary parameter cards, selects each processing technique to be applied to the input image. A variable number of tasks can be selected for execution by including the proper task and parameter cards in the input deck. An executive maintains control of the run; it initiates execution of each task in turn and handles any necessary error processing.

Cecil, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Topography of Martian central volcanoes

Results are presented of the topographic mapping of six large central volcanoes on Mars. Stereo images of the volcanoes Olympus Mons, Elysium Mons, Albor Tholus, Ceraunius Tholus, Uranius Tholus and Uranius Patera were acquired by Viking Orbiter 1, and pairs of images were compiled into topographic maps through the use of digital image measurement techniques. Olympus Mons is found to have the general form of a terrestrial basaltic shield constructed almost entirely from lava flows, however with an altitude of 20-23 km and flank slopes averaging about 4 deg; a high nominal density indicates that anomalously dense lithosphere underlies the shield. Uranius Patera is observed to be a similar feature of present relief about 2 km, with its lower flanks buried by later lava flood deposits. Elysium Mons has about 13 km of local relief with average slopes of 4.4 deg, although its upper flank slopes are significantly steeper than those of Olympus Mons, suggesting a shield volcano modified by a terminal phase of mixed volcanic activity. Albor Tholus is found to be a partially buried 3-km shield-like construct, while Ceranius and Uranius Tholus are steeper cone-like features with reliefs of about 6 and 2 km, respectively, which may be lava shield constructs modified by a terminal stage of explosive activity.

Blasius, K. B.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Automated reduction of instantaneous flow field images

An automated data reduction system for the analysis of interference fringe patterns obtained using the particle image velocimetry technique is described. This system is based on digital image processing techniques that have provided the flexibility and speed needed to obtain more complete automation of the data reduction process. As approached here, this process includes scanning/searching for data on the photographic record, recognition of fringe patterns of sufficient quality, and, finally, analysis of these fringes to determine a local measure of the velocity magnitude and direction. The fringe analysis as well as the fringe image recognition are based on full frame autocorrelation techniques using parallel processing capabilities.

Reynolds, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A PARC system for terminal docking

A Panoramic viewing system for Automated Rendezvous and Capture (PARC) has been proposed as a visual information feedback system for terminal docking/berthing. The system relies on a unique Panoramic Annular Lens (PAL) which captures an image of its surroundings in real time. This paper describes the evolution of the PAL along with technical details of its imaging capabilities. Several examples are given of radial metrology, where PAL imaging systems are used to perform visual inspections and measurements. Digital image acquisition and processing techniques, used to interpret various features appearing in the images and to transform images for improved human viewing, are also included. These discussions are followed by a potential application for PARC involving berthing of active and passive mechanical assemblies associated with Space Station Freedom.

Gilbert, John A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Category identification of changed land-use polygons in an integrated image processing/geographic information system

A framework is proposed for analyzing ancillary data and developing procedures for incorporating ancillary data to aid interactive identification of land-use categories in land-use updates. The procedures were developed for use within an integrated image processsing/geographic information systems (GIS) that permits simultaneous display of digital image data with the vector land-use data to be updated. With such systems and procedures, automated techniques are integrated with visual-based manual interpretation to exploit the capabilities of both. The procedural framework developed was applied as part of a case study to update a portion of the land-use layer in a regional scale GIS. About 75 percent of the area in the study site that experienced a change in land use was correctly labeled into 19 categories using the combination of automated and visual interpretation procedures developed in the study.

Westmoreland, Sally↗

NASA NTRS1999

Effect of color coding and subtraction on the accuracy of contrast echocardiography

BACKGROUND: Contrast echocardiography may be used to assess myocardial perfusion. However, gray scale assessment of myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is difficult because of variations in regional backscatter intensity, difficulties in distinguishing varying shades of gray, and artifacts or attenuation. We sought to determine whether the assessment of rest myocardial perfusion by MCE could be improved with subtraction and color coding. METHODS AND RESULTS: MCE was performed in 31 patients with previous myocardial infarction with a 2nd generation agent (NC100100, Nycomed AS), using harmonic triggered or continuous imaging and gain settings were kept constant throughout the study. Digitized images were post processed by subtraction of baseline from contrast data and colorized to reflect the intensity of myocardial contrast. Gray scale MCE alone, MCE images combined with baseline and subtracted colorized images were scored independently using a 16 segment model. The presence and severity of myocardial contrast abnormalities were compared with perfusion defined by rest MIBI-SPECT. Segments that were not visualized by continuous (17%) or triggered imaging (14%) after color processing were excluded from further analysis. The specificity of gray scale MCE alone (56%) or MCE combined with baseline 2D (47%) was significantly enhanced by subtraction and color coding (76%, p<0.001) of triggered images. The accuracy of the gray scale approaches (respectively 52% and 47%) was increased to 70% (p<0.001). Similarly, for continuous images, the specificity of gray scale MCE with and without baseline comparison was 23% and 42% respectively, compared with 60% after post processing (p<0.001). The accuracy of colorized images (59%) was also significantly greater than gray scale MCE (43% and 29%, p<0.001). The sensitivity of MCE for both acquisitions was not altered by subtraction. CONCLUSION: Post-processing with subtraction and color coding significantly improves the accuracy and specificity of MCE for detection of perfusion defects.

Multicenter Study↗

NASA NTRS2007

The PICWidget

The Plug-in Image Component Widget (PICWidget) is a software component for building digital imaging applications. The component is part of a methodology described in GIS Methodology for Planning Planetary-Rover Operations (NPO-41812), which appears elsewhere in this issue of NASA Tech Briefs. Planetary rover missions return a large number and wide variety of image data products that vary in complexity in many ways. Supported by a powerful, flexible image-data-processing pipeline, the PICWidget can process and render many types of imagery, including (but not limited to) thumbnail, subframed, downsampled, stereoscopic, and mosaic images; images coregistred with orbital data; and synthetic red/green/blue images. The PICWidget is capable of efficiently rendering images from data representing many more pixels than are available at a computer workstation where the images are to be displayed. The PICWidget is implemented as an Eclipse plug-in using the Standard Widget Toolkit, which provides a straightforward interface for re-use of the PICWidget in any number of application programs built upon the Eclipse application framework. Because the PICWidget is tile-based and performs aggressive tile caching, it has flexibility to perform faster or slower, depending whether more or less memory is available.

Norris, Jeffrey↗

DOE OSTI2019

Spatial DIC Errors due to Pattern-Induced Bias and Grey Level Discretization

Digital image correlation (DIC) is an optical metrology method widely used in experimental mechanics for full-field shape, displacement and strain measurements. The required strain resolution for engineering applications of interest mandates DIC to have a high image displacement matching accuracy, on the order of 1/100th of a pixel, which necessitates an understanding of DIC errors. In this paper, we examine two spatial bias terms that have been almost completely overlooked. They cause a persistent offset in the matching of image intensities and thus corrupt DIC results. We name them pattern-induced bias (PIB), and intensity discretization bias (IDB). We show that the PIB error occurs in the presence of an undermatched shape function and is primarily dictated by the underlying intensity pattern for a fixed displacement field and DIC settings. The IDB error is due to the quantization of the gray level intensity values in the digital camera. In this paper we demonstrate these errors and quantify their magnitudes both experimentally and with synthetic images.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗