De-noising of left ventricular myocardial borders in magnetic resonance images

In short axis left ventricular MR images, endocardial borders are the major parameters in evaluation of cardiovascular functions such as end diastolic volume, end systolic volume, and ejection fraction. Functional analysis captures the dynamic behavior of the cardiovascular system as revealed by the movement of the endocardial borders over time. Because of the huge number of MR images, an effective computerized tool is required for real time applications. One of the widely used automatic border detection algorithm-dynamic programming-generates zigzag borderlines, which lead to measurement errors. This paper surveys the performance of the wavelet adaptive filter, the snake, and the medial filter in smoothing over the zigzag borders generated by dynamic programming. Statistical analysis of two hundred and sixty four images from sixteen subjects show that all three algorithms can reduce the border line errors in terms of Hausdorff distance and border area error; however, only the wavelet adaptive filter is effective in providing the physiological measurements such as ejection fraction, end systolic volume and end diastolic volume.     

Hybrid segmentation of left ventricle in cardiac MRI using gaussian-mixture model and region restricted dynamic programming

Segmentation of the left ventricle from cardiac magnetic resonance images (MRI) is very important to quantitatively analyze global and regional cardiac function. The aim of this study is to develop a novel and robust algorithm which can improve the accuracy of automatic left ventricle segmentation on short-axis cardiac MRI. The database used in this study consists of three data sets obtained from the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Each data set contains 15 cases (4 ischemic heart failures, 4 non-ischemic heart failures, 4 left ventricle (LV) hypertrophies and 3 normal cases). Three key techniques are developed in this segmentation algorithm: (1) ray scanning approach is designed for segmentation of images with left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), (2) a region restricted technique is employed for epicardial contour extraction, and (3) an edge map with non-maxima gradient suppression approach is put forward to improve the dynamic programming to derive the epicardial boundary. The validation experiments were performed on a pool of data sets of 45 cases. For both endo- and epi-cardial contours of our results, percentage of good contours is about 91%, the average perpendicular distance is about 2 mm. The overlapping dice metric is about 0.92. The regression and determination coefficient between the experts and our proposed method on the ejection fraction (EF) is 1.01 and 0.9375, respectively; they are 0.9 and 0.8245 for LV mass. The proposed segmentation method shows the better performance and is very promising in improving the accuracy of computer-aided diagnosis systems in cardiovascular diseases.     

Wavelet-based enhancement for detection of left ventricular myocardial boundaries in magnetic resonance images

MRI is noninvasive and generates clear images, giving it great potential as a diagnostic instrument. However, current methods of image analysis are too time-consuming for dynamic systems such as the cardiovascular system. Since dynamic imagery generate a huge number of images, a computer aided machine vision diagnostic tool is essential for implementing MRI-based measurement. In this paper, a wavelet-based image technique is applied to enhance left ventricular endocardial and epicardial profiles as the preprocessor for a dynamic programming-based automatic border detection algorithm. Statistical tests are conducted to verify the performance of the enhancement technique by comparing borders manually drawn with 1. borders generated from the enhanced images, and 2. borders generated for the original images.     

Determination of normal regional left ventricular function from cine-MR images using a semi-automated edge detection method

A semi-automated edge detection method for the delineation of the endo- and epicardial borders of the left ventricle from cine MR images has been developed. The feasibility of this was demonstrated by processing end diastolic and end systolic ECG-gated images of four short axis images in 10 healthy subjects. The first derivative method combined with a 2D weighted polynomial fitting procedure was used to determine the endo- and epicardial borders, which then allowed determination of the wall motion, wall thickening, and ejection fraction, of the left ventricle. The results show that the end-systolic radial wall motion varies from (32 ± 8)% to (76 ± 12)%, and wall thickening from (0.60 ± 0.46) cm to (1.26 ± 0.50) cm. An average ejection fraction of (69 ± 6)% was found which agrees well with literature values. The method described, for the delineation of the borders, reduces considerably the long and tedious operator time inherent in manual measurement and greatly increases the reproducibility of the measurements.     

改进Canny算法的红外人脸图像边缘轮廓提取

红外人脸图像的边缘轮廓特征对于红外人脸检测、识别等相关应用具有重要价值。针对红外人脸图像边缘轮廓提取时存在伪边缘的问题,提出了一种改进Canny算法的红外人脸图像边缘轮廓提取方法。首先通过对引导滤波算法引入“动态阈值约束因子”替换原始算法中的高斯滤波,解决了原始算法滤波处理不均匀和造成红外人脸图像弱边缘特征丢失的弊端;接着对原始算法的非极大值抑制进行了改进,在原始计算梯度方向的基础上又增加了4个梯度方向,使得非极大值抑制的插值较原始算法更加精细;最后改进OTSU(大津)算法,构造灰度-梯度映射函数确定最佳阈值,解决了原始算法人为经验确定阈值的局限性。实验结果表明:提出的改进Canny算法的红外人脸轮廓提取方法滤波后的图像,相较于原始Canny算法滤波处理,信噪比性能提升了34.40%,结构相似度性能提升了21.66%;最终的红外人脸边缘轮廓提取实验的优质系数值高于对比实验的其他方法,证明改进后的算法对于红外人脸图像边缘轮廓提取具有优越性。     

工业CT图像轮廓提取与优化系统设计

为了有效地提高面向逆向工程的工业CT图像轮廓处理的精准性和计算效率,开发了工业CT图像轮廓提取与优化系统。该系统主要包括图像处理模块、轮廓识别与提取模块、轮廓拟合与优化模块、图像处理经典算法库和数据接口等功能模块,实现了从工业CT图像到轮廓数据的三维点云与轮廓线的标准格式输出,并与逆向工程软件对接。同时,在轮廓拟合与优化模块中,提出了基于全局约束模型的轮廓拟合策略,并采用有向图分解和数值代数相结合的计算方法,提高了轮廓拟合的计算精度和效率。最后通过实例验证了系统的有效性和正确性。     

工业CT图像轮廓提取与优化系统设计

为了有效地提高面向逆向工程的工业CT图像轮廓处理的精准性和计算效率,开发了工业CT图像轮廓提取与优化系统。该系统主要包括图像处理模块、轮廓识别与提取模块、轮廓拟合与优化模块、图像处理经典算法库和数据接口等功能模块,实现了从工业CT图像到轮廓数据的三维点云与轮廓线的标准格式输出,并与逆向工程软件对接。同时,在轮廓拟合与优化模块中,提出了基于全局约束模型的轮廓拟合策略,并采用有向图分解和数值代数相结合的计算方法,提高了轮廓拟合的计算精度和效率。最后通过实例验证了系统的有效性和正确性。     

Vessel boundary extraction based on a global and local deformable physical model with variable stiffness

Reliable and efficient vessel cross-sectional boundary extraction is very important for many medical magnetic resonance (MR) image studies. General purpose edge detection algorithms often fail for medical MR images processing due to fuzzy boundaries, inconsistent image contrast, missing edge features, and the complicated background of MR images. In this regard, we present a vessel cross-sectional boundary extraction algorithm based on a global and local deformable model with variable stiffness. With the global model, the algorithm can handle relatively large vessel position shifts and size changes. The local deformation with variable stiffness parameters enable the model to stay right on edge points at the location where edge features are strong and at the same time, fit a smooth contour at the location where edge features are missing. Directional gradient information is used to help the model to pick correct edge segments. The algorithm was used to process MR cine phase-contrast images of the aorta from 20 volunteers (over 500 images) with excellent results.     

针对虚拟现实跟踪技术的快速滤波算法

提出一种用于实现手位手形跟踪的颜色滤波方法的计算模型。它可以取代虚拟现实中的数据手套,成为人机交互的工具。本方法是基于计算机视觉技术,模仿人眼的颜色视觉的特性,通过提取手的像素的特征颜色作为参考,对整个图像进行颜色滤波处理,从而将背景和干扰物体的像滤除,只保留手的像。然后经过平滑和轮廓提取处理,得到只含有手的轮廓的图像。颜色滤波算法能大大提高跟踪和识别的可靠性和实时性。     

Method for edge contour extraction of a scanning probe microscope image

A method for edge contour extraction of a scanning probe microscope image is proposed. This method is developed to process an image that has the large size irregularity and/or objects bound together. It is based on definition of the local minimum points of brightness data function and permits one to obtain the correct edge contour line. The advantages of the proposed method over traditional methods are demonstrated using model results. This method can be used to process different images.     

基于红外图像的GVF Snake轮廓提取算法的研究

针对红外图像目标具有边界模糊不清,区分效果较差的缺点,结合Ostu阈值法和梯度矢量流主动轮廓模型（GVF Snake）,提出一种目标轮廓自动提取方法。采用Ostu法先对图像进行分割,然后将得到的边界作为Snake模型的初始边缘轮廓,利用 GVF Snake特性将初始轮廓准确地收敛到目标边界。由于Ostu算法具有将目标物体从复杂背景中分割开来的优点,使得在应用 GVF Snake模型对复杂图像进行分割时减少了人工的干预。实验证明：该方法运算速度快,能够快速地收敛到目标轮廓,并准确地跟踪目标,具有一定的抗噪能力。     

基于LBP和PCA机器学习的手势识别算法

为解决听力障碍者与无障碍者的信息交流问题,对哑语手势自动识别技术进行研究。提出了一种改进的手势识别算法。首先通过YUV肤色分割、图像差分、连通域检测等算法进行预处理,获取完整的手型区域图像。然后对手型的二值图像进行轮廓检测,采用LBP变换与主成分分析进行特征提取与压缩。最后运用支持向量机的机器学习算法构建分类器,对哑语手势进行分类识别。通过对630张手势图像进行实验,结果表明,提出的算法有效提高了识别率与速度,识别率达到94.22%,速度达到0.29s/幅,可以满足哑语交流的实时性要求。     

高功率激光器自动准直系统图像处理的可信度评估

自动准直系统是将采集的图像进行特定算法处理获取光束的位置信息,驱动电机调整光斑到指定的位置,其中图像质量对光束定位的精确性影响很大,为尽量避免受严重噪音和光束畸变影响的图像进入图像处理流程而产生准直结果的错误判断,保证自动准直系统图像处理结果的精确性,试图提供一种较为简单的判断依据,采用基于Monte-Carlo模拟方法,建立了远场准直过程中三种主要噪音的干扰评估模型,以测量不确定度作为定量判断处理图像与否的特征参数,将该结果做成统计图表作为判断依据。结果表明,在设定合理测量不确定度阈值的情况下,该特征参数能够较好地排除不良图像,从而提高准直结果的可信度。     

高功率激光器自动准直系统图像处理的可信度评估

自动准直系统是将采集的图像进行特定算法处理获取光束的位置信息,驱动电机调整光斑到指定的位置,其中图像质量对光束定位的精确性影响很大,为尽量避免受严重噪音和光束畸变影响的图像进入图像处理流程而产生准直结果的错误判断,保证自动准直系统图像处理结果的精确性,试图提供一种较为简单的判断依据,采用基于Monte-Carlo模拟方法,建立了远场准直过程中三种主要噪音的干扰评估模型,以测量不确定度作为定量判断处理图像与否的特征参数,将该结果做成统计图表作为判断依据。结果表明,在设定合理测量不确定度阈值的情况下,该特征参数能够较好地排除不良图像,从而提高准直结果的可信度。     

Automated detection of the tongue surface in sequences of ultrasound images.

An image processing system has been developed for a Macintosh II personal computer. It is designed to process sequences of sagittal tongue sections that are digitized in real time and stored in standard tagged image file format (TIFF). The successive processing steps are: (a) a low-pass filter for noise reduction, (b) a resampling of the sector of interest in polar coordinates, (c) a matched filter (vertical differentiator) for the enhancement of the tissue/air interface in the surface region of the tongue, and (d) an extraction of border points by searching for an optimal radial path along the angular dimension. This latter task is achieved by dynamic programming, which has the following advantages. First, due to the use of a global criterion to guide the detection, it is very robust. Second, as a result of certain restrictions of the allowable transitions, the extracted contours are smooth. Finally, the method permits the specification of particular predefined contour points. This system was implemented in a program that can handle image sequences in a fully automatic mode. Results obtained using ultrasound data are presented.     

图像分割中采用自适应三次B样条修饰轮廓线

大多数由像素灰度值或灰度相关参数获得图像轮廓线的方法由于受到图像噪声、量化误差以及灰阶的梯度分布等方面的影响 ,获得的边缘轮廓线是不光滑的 ,带有小而密集的不规则锯齿或毛刺 ,这不仅不符合实际情况 ,而且会给进一步的图像处理带来困难。为了获得连续光滑的轮廓线 ,提出了一种方法 :先以动态规划算法提取全局最优的轮廓线 ,然后用一种自适应三次B样条对获得的轮廓线进行修饰和平滑处理。该样条可根据轮廓线不同处的曲率变化情况 ,自适应地调整控制点的分布。在各类图像上的试验表明 ,该方法即有效的消除了轮廓线上的小锯齿 ,又保留了轮廓线的特征细节     

Determination of vessel cross section for flow rate quantification

This study was motivated by the interest of measuring different cardiac parameters for which changes in the flow rate during a cardiac cycle needs to be determined at different positions along a vessel segment. These measurements result in a great number of images for which automatic contour detection is very helpful. A model-based algorithm for intraluminal contour detection has been developed in order to allow an accurate quantitative image analysis. The algorithm permits to select contours automatically on all the frames and slices of an imaging study. Images obtained on a flow phantom simulating the effects of blood circulation in large arteries have been used to validate the method. They were acquired with a specially designed interleaved multi slice and phase sequence, using a standard whole-body 2 Tesla NMR scanner. A potential in vivo application of the algorithm has been demonstrated on abdominal aorta images.     

基于线性不变矩的特征图象配准算法研究

针对图象差异较大的光学图象与合成孔径雷达图象(SAR)的特点,设计了一种基于特征的图象配准的算法,包括特征提取、匹配、控制点选取、变换系数计算和误差计算等步骤.在特征提取中,对于雷达图象需要进行预处理并采用LOG提取图象轮廓.在匹配算法中,以线性不变矩作为特征量,对现有基于图象轮廓特征的匹配算法进行了改进.采用上海浦东地区的Radarsat-1S2模式图象与LandsatTM-5波段图象作为待配准图象.实验结果表明,该方法可以较好地完成光学图象与SAR图象的配准,有着较高的应用价值.     

Fusion of Infrared and Visible Images Based on Three-Scale Decomposition and ResNet Feature Transfer

Image fusion technology can process multiple single image data into more reliable and comprehensive data, which play a key role in accurate target recognition and subsequent image processing. In view of the incomplete image decomposition, redundant extraction of infrared image energy information and incomplete feature extraction of visible images by existing algorithms, a fusion algorithm for infrared and visible image based on three-scale decomposition and ResNet feature transfer is proposed. Compared with the existing image decomposition methods, the three-scale decomposition method is used to finely layer the source image through two decompositions. Then, an optimized WLS method is designed to fuse the energy layer, which fully considers the infrared energy information and visible detail information. In addition, a ResNet-feature transfer method is designed for detail layer fusion, which can extract detailed information such as deeper contour structures. Finally, the structural layers are fused by weighted average strategy. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm performs well in both visual effects and quantitative evaluation results compared with the five methods.