Binary Edge Research Articles

Fast scene change detection using direct feature extraction from MPEG compressed videos

In order to process video data efficiently, a video segmentation technique through scene change detection must be required. This is a fundamental operation used in many digital video applications such as digital libraries, video on demand (VOD), etc. Many of these advanced video applications require manipulations of compressed video signals. So, the scene change detection process is achieved by analyzing the video directly in the compressed domain, thereby avoiding the overhead of decompressing video into individual frames in the pixel domain. In this paper, we propose a fast scene change detection algorithm using direct feature extraction from MPEG compressed videos, and evaluate this technique using sample video data, First, we derive binary edge maps from the AC coefficients in blocks which were discrete cosine transformed. Second, we measure edge orientation, strength and offset using correlation between the AC coefficients in the derived binary edge maps. Finally, we match two consecutive frames using these two features (edge orientation and strength). This process was made possible by a new mathematical formulation for deriving the edge information directly from the discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients. We have shown that the proposed algorithm is faster or more accurate than the previously known scene change detection algorithms.

Thermodynamic analysis of the hydriding process of Mg–Ni alloys

A consistent set of thermodynamic functions for the Mg–Ni–H system has been developed from experimental data, and the Mg–Ni–H phase diagram has been calculated thermodynamically. The extended ternary solubility of hydrogen in Mg2Ni, the ternary compound phase Mg2NiH4, and the effect of Ni addition on the hydrogen solubility in molten magnesium have been modeled thermodynamically. The ternary solid solution phases were extrapolated from the thermodynamic descriptions of the binary edge systems. The thermodynamic functions of the Mg–Ni–H system have been applied to study the hydriding process of Mg–Ni alloys.

Generalized gradient vector flow external forces for active contours

Active contours, or snakes, are used extensively in computer vision and image processing applications, particularly to locate object boundaries. A new type of external force for active contours, called gradient vector flow (GVF) was introduced recently to address problems associated with initialization and poor convergence to boundary concavities. GVF is computed as a diffusion of the gradient vectors of a gray-level or binary edge map derived from the image. In this paper, we generalize the GVF formulation to include two spatially varying weighting functions. This improves active contour convergence to long, thin boundary indentations, while maintaining other desirable properties of GVF, such as an extended capture range. The original GVF is a special case of this new generalized GVF (GGVF) model. An error analysis for active contour results on simulated test images is also presented.

Influence of the Al2O3‐contents in the ternary‐systems (FeO, MnO, CaO, MgO)‐ Al2O3‐SiO2 on the course of the mixture gaps in the ternary space

In accordance with the previous phase equilibria in the ternary systems (FeO, MnO, CaO, MgO)‐ Al2O3‐SiO2 even small Al2O3‐contents should be sufficient to close the wide mixture gaps in the binary edge systems of FeO‐SiO2, MnO‐SiO2, CaO‐SiO2 and MgO‐SiO2, which are stable in the temperature range from 1700 to 2100‐2200°C. Thermodynamically this acceptance is not impossible but rather improb‐able. Based on phase‐theoretical considerations and the previous results of literature about the course of an unstable mixture gap in the system SiO2‐Al2O3 two thermodynamically founded versions were developed as possible, resulting phase equilibria in the SiO2‐rich, but experimentally not exactly examined part of the mentioned ternary‐systems, and were added to the experimentally secured sections of these systems unproblematically.

Recognizing 3-D objects by using a Hopfield-style optimization algorithm for matching patch-based descriptions

A new method is proposed for recognizing 3-D objects by using a Hopfield-style optimization algorithm based on matching patch-based image and model descriptions. To obtain the image descriptions, range images are employed to extract reliable high-level patch features. In the optimization process, the objective function is a Liapunov function which encodes a set of geometric constraints on the descriptions. The optimization is implemented in a Hopfield network with its interconnections encoding the imposed unary, binary and bounding edge constraints. At first, the paper makes an explanation on a new pre-processing method for deriving the required image description. It then presents the structure of the used Hopfield network that is able to recognize multiple model objects all at the same time. Experimental results based on synthetic or real range images are also reported.

Image compression using modified block truncation coding algorithm

This paper presents a modified block truncation coding (BTC) algorithm for image compression. Similar blocks in an image are merged into a cluster and represented with the cluster center. Each cluster center is then encoded with a vision block truncation coding (VBTC) algorithm which uses a small set of predefined binary edge patterns to approximate the bit plane of the cluster center. Experimental results show that the computation efficiency of the proposed algorithm is significantly improved when compared to the original BTC.

Snakes, shapes, and gradient vector flow

Snakes, or active contours, are used extensively in computer vision and image processing applications, particularly to locate object boundaries. Problems associated with initialization and poor convergence to boundary concavities, however, have limited their utility. This paper presents a new external force for active contours, largely solving both problems. This external force, which we call gradient vector flow (GVF), is computed as a diffusion of the gradient vectors of a gray-level or binary edge map derived from the image. It differs fundamentally from traditional snake external forces in that it cannot be written as the negative gradient of a potential function, and the corresponding snake is formulated directly from a force balance condition rather than a variational formulation. Using several two-dimensional (2-D) examples and one three-dimensional (3-D) example, we show that GVF has a large capture range and is able to move snakes into boundary concavities.

Thermodynamic analysis of reactions in the Al-N-Ta and Al-N-V systems

The Al-N-Ta and Al-N-V ternary phase diagrams are calculated from the thermodynamic parameters of the corresponding binary systems. For the Al-N-Ta system, the direct extrapolation from the binary edges can describe the experimental information on the isothermal sections at 1000, 1250 and 1500 °C from the literature. In the case of the Al-N-V system, it is shown that the direct extrapolation from the binary edges can describe the experimental isothermal section at 1300 °C from the literature. For the isothermal section at 1000 °C, however, the extrapolation does not reproduce the reported AlN + (V) + VN x phase equilibrium. The calculated Al-N-Ta and Al-N-V phase diagrams are also compared with the phase assemblage resulting from our own thin film diffusion couples Ta/AlN and V/AlN. It is plausible that these assemblage data are associated with intermediate states approaching true equilibrium states.

Segmentation of uniform-coloured text from colour graphics background

An approach for separating uniform-coloured text strings (i.e. the characters in a text string are of the same colour) from colour graphic background images is presented. This approach overcomes various difficulties that arise due to colour complexity of graphic backgrounds and disturbance from background graphic objects. With this approach, the character-like components in a created binary edge image are first located and then divided into subgroups according to their colours and locations. Finally, a set of discriminating rules is used to identify the 'real' text strings among the resulting groups of character-like components. Experimental results demonstrated that this approach can successfully separate Chinese and English text strings of various colours from a variety of colour graphic backgrounds.

Image morphological operations and edge detection using optical programmable logic neural networks

Based on the concept of 2-D programmable logic neural networks, an optical programmable image processor for neighborhood operations is proposed. The spatial polarization encoding and space-variant techniques are used in the design of an optical system which can perform multiple-instruction multiple-data image processing. The system is a cellular logic image processor with nine local neighbor inputs and three outputs. In particular, the applications of the optical scheme in binary image morphological operations and edge detection are described in detail. Simulation results are also presented.

Modified block truncation coding for image compression

This paper presents a modified block truncation coding scheme for the compression of images. We first design a set of binary edge patterns, which are visually significant, to approximate the bit plane of an image block. An interblock coding scheme, utilizing the spatial correlation between neighboring blocks, is then developed for coding of the sample mean and standard deviation of a block. Simulation results indicate that the bit rate is significantly reduced without introducing noticeable degradation in the reconstructed images.

Grouping Symmetrical Structures for Object Segmentation and Description

A method is presented for segmenting gray-value images into objects (or their parts) and for recognizing the detected objects. Starting from edge maps, the method extracts axial descriptions of symmetrical shapes. Initially, a piecewise linear approximation of the binary edge map is obtained. From any two of the resulting linear segments, a Linear Segment Pair (LSP) is formed and several of its attributes are computed. These attributes allow the method to reject or select the LSPs through symbolic rules and coarse numeric thresholds. Grouping the LSPs into couples is governed by additional attributes and rules, with the final representation consisting of ordered sets of LSPs. The application to shape description, object recognition, and stereo correspondence is presented. This segmentation method is useful for a broad range of images; it has been used in a robot vision system which is capable of manipulating three-dimensional, overlapping, real-world objects in close to real time.

Efficient classification and codebook design for CVQ

An efficient block classification and a new codebook design algorithms for classified vector quantisation (CVQ) are presented. The classification method is particularly simple and suited for hardware or software implementation. For each nonshade block, a local threshold is computed and used to binarise the block. The binary block is then compared with a predefined set of binary edge templates to decide its nature. On the other hand, the codebook design algorithm generates the codevectors in a short time, while providing considerable computational savings. It only uses the AC energy of the training set vectors to produce the codebook and the AC energy of an input block for its encoding. Subsequently, the actual codebook does not have to be present at the transmitter end. Good quality images, as measured by subjective and objective measures, are produced at bit rates in the range 0.64–0.87 bits per pixel (bpp).

Automatic face location detection for model-assisted rate control in H.261-compatible coding of video

Abstract We present a novel and practical way to integrate techniques from computer vision to low bit-rate coding systems for video teleconferencing applications. Our focus is to locate and track the faces and selected facial features of persons in typical head-and-shoulders video sequences, and to exploit the location information in a ‘classical’ video coding/decoding system. The motivation is to enable the system to encode selectively various image areas and to produce perceptually pleasing coded images where faces are sharper. We refer to this approach—a mix of classical waveform coding and model—based coding-as model-assisted coding. We propose two totally automatic algorithms which, respectively, perform the detection of a head outline, and identify an ‘eyes-nose-mouth’ region, both from downsampled binary thresholded edge images. The algorithms operate accurately and robustly, even in cases of significant head rotation or partial occlusion by moving objects. We show how the information about face and facial feature location can be advantageously exploited by low bit-rate waveform-based video coders. In particular, we describe a method of object-selective quantizer control in a standard coding system based on motion-compensated discrete cosine transform—CCITT's recommendation H.261. The approach is based on two novel algorithms, namely buffer rate modulation and buffer size modulation. By forcing the rate control algorithm to transfer a fraction of the total available bit-rate from the coding of the non-facial to that of the facial area, the coder produces images with better-rendered facial features, i.e. coding artefacts in the facial area are less pronounced and eye contact is preserved. The improvement was found to be perceptually significant on video sequences coded at the ISDN rate of 64 kbps, with 48 kbps for the input (color) video signal in QCIF format.

Nonempirical phase equilibria in the W-Mo-Cr system.

The solid-state portion of the W-Mo-Cr phase diagram is computed without the use of empirically adjustable parameters. The phase diagram is calculated using the bcc tetrahedron approximation of the cluster variation method (CVM) formulated with an independent set of multisite correlation functions. A set of volume-independent effective cluster interactions (ECI`s) are used to parametrize the configurational energetics of the system; they are obtained using the method of direct configurational averaging based on a tight-binding, linearized muffin-tin-orbital Hamiltonian. The nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor pair ECI`s are found to be dominant and indicate clustering tendencies for all binary systems (W-Mo, W-Cr, and Mo-Cr), consistent with experiment; triplet and higher-order pair interactions are significantly smaller. The ternary phase diagram for W-Mo-Cr is analyzed using twelve ECI`s within the bcc tetrahedron, and while there is no experimental data for this ternary system, the results are quite encouraging even though transition temperatures on the binary edges are overestimated. The latter discrepancy is most likely due to the neglect of elastic relaxations driven by the large size mismatch of the constituent elements or to the neglect of vibrational contributions to the free energy.

Batch distillation in a column with a middle vessel

This paper examines a new type of a batch distillation column which is built up from two separation sections and a vessel in between. Mixtures with constant relative volatilities are investigated. One of the most important features of the new column is that it has additional steady states on binary edges of the simplex which do not correspond to pure components. These steady states are saddle and unstable singular points of a dynamic system describing the process. Existence of additional steady states, their dependence on parameters and the introduction of one more parameter q add more flexibility to the process and provide new opportunities for batch distillation. For example, a binary mixture can be separated into pure components under finite reboil and reflux ratio.

Circle detection for extracting eddy size and position from satellite imagery of the ocean

Evaluates the ability of several circle detectors to define the size and position of warm and cold eddies in oceanographic satellite imagery. The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer channel 4 (10.3-11.3 /spl mu/m) or sea surface temperature test images are reduced to binary edge images. Six different circle detectors are then applied to the edge images. The automated results are compared to eddies defined by a trained analyst. >

Codings of graphs with binary edge labels

LetG(V,E) be a graph. A mappingf:E?{0,1} m is called a (binary) coding ofG, if the induced mapping $$g:V \to \{ 0,1\} ^m ,g(\upsilon ) = \sum\limits_{e \mathrel\backepsilon v} {f(e)} $$ , assigns different vectors to the vertices. For the Boolean sum,f is called aB-code, and for the mod 2 sum anM-code. Letm B (G) resp.m M (G) be the smallest lengthm for whichB-codes resp.M-codes are possible. Trivially,m B (G),m M (G) ? ?log2|V|?. Improving results of Z. Tuza we showm B (G)≤?log2|V|? + 1,m M (G)≤?log2|V|?+4.

Reverse binary graphs

We define a new family of labeled, undirected graphs, called reverse binary graphs (RBG), and study their properties. These graphs are incrementally generated and “succinctly represented.” Several important parameters of reverse binary graphs, including diameter, node and edge chromatic numbers, domination number, and genus, are obtained easily. Therefore, RBG's can be used as inputs for testing and experimenting with graph algorithms. Furthermore, like other families of graphs (such as, paths, stars, complete graphs, DeBruijn graphs, hypercubes, Stirling graphs, etc.), RBG's could also be used as interconnection networks.

Phase equilibria in ternary Ga-As-M systems (M = W, Re, Si)

The ternary phase diagrams for Ga-As-W, Ga-As-Re and Ga-As-Si have been investigated with powder samples annealed in silica capsules and analysed by X-ray diffraction. All three isothermal sections at 800 ‡C are dominated by a two-phase GaAs-M equilibrium (M = W, Re, Si). Additional literature data on the Ga-As-Si system are critically evaluated and the invariant reactions and the liquidus surface are developed. The binary Re-Ga edge system was studied with additional DTA and SEM-EDX experiments and a new compound ReGa5 was detected which forms in a peritectic reaction at 764 ‡C.