Image Size Measurements Research Articles

Automated extraction of seed morphological traits from images

Abstract The description of biological objects, such as seeds, mainly relies on manual measurements of few characteristics, and on visual classification of structures, both of which can be subjective, error prone and time‐consuming. Image analysis tools offer means to address these shortcomings, but we currently lack a method capable of automatically handling seeds from different taxa with varying morphological attributes and obtaining interpretable results. Here, we provide a simple image acquisition and processing protocol and introduce Traitor, an open‐source software available as a command‐line interface (CLI), which automates the extraction of seed morphological traits from images. The workflow for trait extraction consists of scanning seeds against a high‐contrast background, correcting image colours, and analysing images with the software. Traitor is capable of processing hundreds of images of varied taxa simultaneously with just three commands, and without a need for training, manual fine‐tuning or thresholding. The software automatically detects each object in the image and extracts size measurements, traditional morphometric descriptors widely used by scientists and practitioners, standardised shape coordinates, and colorimetric measurements. The method was tested on a dataset comprising of 91,667 images of seeds from 1228 taxa. Traitor's extracted average length and width values closely matched the average manual measurements obtained from the same collection (concordance correlation coefficient of 0.98). Further, we used a large image dataset to demonstrate how Traitor's output can be used to obtain representative seed colours for taxa, determine the phylogenetic signal of seed colour, and build objective classification categories for shape with high levels of visual interpretability. Our approach increases productivity and allows for large‐scale analyses that would otherwise be unfeasible. Traitor enables the acquisition of data that are readily comparable across different taxa, opening new avenues to explore functional relevance of morphological traits and to advance on new tools for seed identification.

Prospective Study of Low- and Standard-dose Chest CT for Pulmonary Nodule Detection: A Comparison of Image Quality, Size Measurements and Radiation Exposure.

To comprehensively and accurately analyze the out-performance of low-dose chest CT (LDCT) vs. standard-dose CT (SDCT). The image quality, size measurements and radiation exposure for LDCT and SDCT protocols were evaluated. A total of 117 patients with extra-thoracic malignancies were prospectively enrolled for non-enhanced CT scanning using LDCT and SDCT protocols. Three experienced radiologists evaluated subjective image quality independently using a 5-point score system. Nodule detection efficiency was compared between LDCT and SDCT based on nodule characteristics (size and volume). Radiation metrics and organ doses were analyzed using Radimetrics. The images acquired with the LDCT protocol yielded comparable quality to those acquired with the SDCT protocol. The sensitivity of LDCT for the detection of pulmonary nodules (n=650) was lower than that of SDCT (n=660). There was no significant difference in the diameter and volume of pulmonary nodules between LDCT and SDCT (for BMI <22 kg/m2, 4.37 vs. 4.46 mm, and 43.66 vs. 46.36 mm3; for BMI ≥22 kg/m2, 4.3 vs. 4.41 mm, and 41.66 vs. 44.86 mm3) (P>0.05). The individualized volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), the size specific dose estimate and effective dose were significantly reduced in the LDCT group compared with the SDCT group (all P<0.0001). This was especially true for dose-sensitive organs such as the lung (for BMI <22 kg/m2, 2.62 vs. 12.54 mSV, and for BMI ≥22 kg/m2, 1.62 vs. 9.79 mSV) and the breast (for BMI <22 kg/m2, 2.52 vs. 10.93 mSV, and for BMI ≥22 kg/m2, 1.53 vs. 9.01 mSV) (P<0.0001). These results suggest that with the increases in image noise, LDCT and SDCT exhibited a comparable image quality and sensitivity. The LDCT protocol for chest scans may reduce radiation exposure by about 80% compared to the SDCT protocol.

In-situ Detection of Micro Crystals During Cooling Crystallization Based on Deep Image Super-Resolution Reconstruction

In this paper, a new image analysis method based on an in-situ microscopic imaging system is proposed for detecting micro crystals in cooling crystallization. Due to the limitation of measurement technology, it is a challenge to extract the evolutionary information of micro crystals, which are too small to be precisely analyzed by in-situ images, e.g. crystals at the initial crystallization stage. An improved deep-learning model is used to enhance the image resolution of micro crystals, thus more effectively obtaining the crystal shape and size information. In addition, a valid size calibration method by simulating particle motion is proposed. Consequently, image size measurement can be easily performed for crystals by using an axis-based algorithm. Experimental verifications on $\beta $ -form L-glutamic acid crystallization were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for detecting micro crystal information.

A study on seam tracking in robotic GMA welding process

Abstract In recent years, an image processing and sensor technology for welding automation, intelligence and information with rapid development of welding automation have become an inevitable trend. Owing to the features of mass information, high reliability and applicability in weld inspection for robotic arc welding, the sensor-based weld seam detection has been widely applied and gradually become a hot topic. Furthermore, the robotic arc welding can use its own machine vision system to obtain workpiece positioning information, weld space position, bead geometry and weld seam tracking. The most important task in the machine vision system is how to process the collected visual information to accurately locate the center of the weld and achieve weld tracking. During the welding process, the images taken are often unclear and the features are not obvious due to the interference of arc, splash and smoke. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully design the image acquisition process and the image processing algorithm to complete the weld inspection. In this study, the robotic GMA(Gas Metal Arc) welding has been applied to bead-on-plate welding with vertical position. Thermal images of two different angles (0°, 30°) based on infrared camera through experiments might be obtained for developing an optimal image processing algorithm which was applied in seam tracking. In image processing procedure, the first step is image pre-processing including noise removal, contrast enhancement and binarization. The obtained image adopts multi-scale edge detection method, which can extract complex image edges well, then segment the image, accurately locate the weld part, perform image size measurement and centerline extraction, and finally convert the image information of the weld into the world calibration. The calculated data is then fed to a controller which controls the welding electrode movement. Use of machine vision system has eliminated the requirement to pre-feed the workpiece data for the robot to detect the dimension and position of the workpieces. The developed algorithm can detect weld image effectively, and extract the edge and the center line of the weld successfully

Synchrotron radiation computed tomography versus conventional computed tomography for assessment of four types of stent grafts used for endovascular treatment of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

To determine the accuracy of synchrotron radiation computed tomography (CT) for measurement of stent wire diameters for in vitro simulation of endovascular aneurysm repair by four different types of stent grafts when compared to conventional CT images. This study was performed using an aorta model with implantation of four aortic stent grafts for endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The aorta model was scanned using synchrotron radiation CT with beam energies ranging from 60 to 90 keV with 10 keV increment at each scan and spatial resolution of 41.6 µm per pixel. Stent wire diameters were measured at the top and body regions of each stent graft based on 2-dimensional (2D) axial and 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction images, with measurements compared to those obtained from 128-slice CT images which were acquired with slice thickness of 0.5 mm. Synchrotron radiation CT images clearly demonstrated stent graft details with accurate assessment of stent wire diameters, with measurements at the top of stent grafts (between 0.32±0.02 and 0.47±0.02 mm) similar to the actual diameters (between 0.32±0.01 and 0.48±0.01 mm) when the beam energies of 70 and 80 keV were used, regardless of the types of stent grafts assessed. A beam energy of 60 keV resulted in stent wires thicker than the actual sizes, although this did not reach statistical significance (P=0.07-0.29), while the beam energy of 90 keV led to stent wires smaller than the actual sizes at the top (P=0.16) and body region (P=0.02) of stent grafts on 2D axial images. The stent wire sizes measured at the body region of stent grafts on 3D synchrotron radiation images (between 0.19±0.02 and 0.43±0.02 mm) were significantly smaller than the actual diameters (P=0.02-0.04). Stent wires were overestimated on conventional CT images with diameters more than 2-fold larger than the actual sizes (P=0.007-0.03) at both top and body regions of all four stent grafts. This study further confirms the accuracy of high-resolution synchrotron radiation CT in image visualization and size measurement of different aortic stent grafts with measured wire diameters similar to the actual ones, thus allowing for more accurate assessment of stent wire details for endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms.

Applied Study of Size Measurement Based on Image

Part size measurement is a very common and important projects in the production and life, Image size measurement system is composed of camera and Image processing algorithms, Size measurements is finished on this platform. Pixel equivalent of 0.1198 mm / pixel and measurement range of 0.1198 ~ 42.169 mm is got by calibration experiment, analyzing experimental data, measurement accuracy reaches ± 0.09 mm. Instrument work properly and meet the design requirements in a laboratory environment.

Gamma-Ray Burst Jets and their Radio Observations

AbstractRadio observations play a key role in studying the jets that power GRBs, the most luminous cosmic explosions. They are crucial for determining the GRB jet energy, the external density, and the microphysical parameters of relativistic collisionless shocks, from afterglow broadband modeling. Radio image size measurements are rare, but provide extremely useful information. The “radio flare” peaking after ~1 day helps constrain the magnetisation and magnetic-field structure of GRB outflows. This review discusses the current observational and modeling status, focusing on the afterglow and outlining prompt radio emission searches, along with recent theoretical progress in GRB jet dynamics, focusing on magnetic acceleration, jet propagation inside a massive star progenitor (for long GRBs), the reverse shock, and the late afterglow. Great progress has been made in our understanding of magnetic acceleration, collimation and later sideways expansion of GRB jets, with interesting implications for the prompt, reverse shock, and afterglow emission. We outline how theory and observations were combined to study GRB jet physics and their immediate environment. Finally, potential paths are suggested for combining theory and observations to achieve greater progress, and some prospects for the future are discussed in light of the expected improvements in observational capabilities and theoretical advances.

Passive ranging using image intensity and contrast measurements

Proposed are two passive ranging approaches using a single camera, based on intensity and contrast measurements. According to the Beer-Lambert law and known atmosphere extinction coefficient and initial range, the range to a moving object is estimated. Using these approaches in a real infrared surveillance sequence, better results are obtained than with methods which use image size measurements. The relative error of 3.2% for contrast and 2.3% for intensity features are obtained. Results indicate that range estimation is possible to a fidelity required for object tracking.

Object position and image magnification in dental panoramic radiography: a theoretical analysis

The purpose of our study was to investigate how image magnification and distortion in dental panoramic radiography are influenced by object size and position for a small round object such as a ball bearing used for calibration. Two ball bearings (2.5 mm and 6 mm in diameter) were placed at approximately the same position between the teeth of a plastic skull and radiographed 21 times. The skull was replaced each time. Their images were measured by software using edge detection and ellipse-fitting algorithms. Using a standard definition of magnification, equations were derived to enable an object's magnification to be determined from its position and vice versa knowing the diameter and machine parameters. The average magnification of the 2.5 mm ball bearing was 1.292 (0.0445) horizontally and 1.257 (0.0067) vertically with a mean ratio of 1.028 (0.0322); standard deviations are in parentheses. The figures for the 6 mm ball bearing were 1.286 (0.0068), 1.255 (0.0018) and 1.025 (0.0061), respectively. Derived positions of each ball bearing from magnification were more consistent horizontally than vertically. There was less variation in either direction for the 6 mm ball bearing than the 2.5 mm one. Automatic measurement of image size resulted in less variation in vertical magnification values than horizontal. There are only certain positions in the focal trough that achieve zero distortion. Object location can be determined from its diameter, measured magnification and machine parameters. The 6 mm diameter ball bearing is preferable to the 2.5 mm one for more reliable magnification measurement and position determination.

Depth-of-Field Model for Size Measurement Using a Borescope Imaging Technique under High Object Concentrations

The direct imaging technique has been a common technique for size distribution measurement in multiphase systems. A statistical reconstruction method was developed in a previous study to determine the actual size distribution from image size measurements. The method accounts for the change in magnification scale within the depth-of-field (DOF) of the imaging device. It is anticipated that the DOF will reduce at high object concentrations. Since accurate DOF information is necessary for the application of the reconstruction method, the effect of object concentration on the DOF is examined in this study. A DOF model is developed to predict the DOF under various object concentrations. The applicability of the DOF model in the statistical reconstruction method is verified experimentally. A theoretical analysis is also performed to discuss the effect of having objects whose image sizes are larger than the maximum viewable limit of the imaging device.

Industrial computed tomography image size measurement

As one of the most useful modern detection technologies, Industrial Computed Tomography (ICT) image size measurement can correctly non-destructively measure the size of workpieces’ inner construction, and it is considered as the standard for quality assurance and reverse engineering. In view of the advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional methods, this paper improves the precision of image size measurement with a new algorithm that uses an approximate function to describe edge degradation. First, this algorithm constructs the approximate function and determines the optimal point of edge detection, based on image intensity and inflexions. Then, in order to accurately extract the image edge, this algorithm is used to revise the primary image, completing construction of the CT image. Excellent results are obtained from simulations and experiments. The experimental results indicate that the relative error is 2% for the CT image when the step evolution of the image edge is pooled. The relative error of this method is decreased by as much as 1.5% compared to wavelet transformation and ridgelet transformation. Therefore, this new algorithm demonstrates increased effectiveness in extracting an accurate measurement of the CT image edge.

Detailed study of the GRB 030329 radio afterglow deep into the non-relativistic phase

Context. We explore the physics behind one of the brightest radio afterglows ever, GRB 030329, at late times when the jet is nonrelativistic. Aims. We determine the physical parameters of the blast wave and its surroundings, in particular the index of the electron energy distribution, the energy of the blast wave, and the density (structure) of the circumburst medium. We then compare our results with those from image size measurements. Methods. We observed the GRB 030329 radio afterglow with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope at frequencies from 325 MHz to 8.4 GHz, spanning a time range of 268−1128 days after the burst. We modeled all the available radio data and derived the physical parameters. Results. The index of the electron energy distribution is p = 2.1, the circumburst medium is homogeneous, and the transition to the non-relativistic phase happens at tNR ∼ 80 days. The energy of the blast wave and density of the surrounding medium are comparable to previous findings. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that the blast wave is roughly spherical at tNR, and they agree with the implications from the VLBI studies of image size evolution. It is not clear from the presented dataset whether we have seen emission from the counter jet or not. We predict that the Low Frequency Array will be able to observe the afterglow of GRB 030329 and many other radio afterglows, constraining the physics of the blast wave during its non-relativistic phase even further.

Car following decisions under three visibility conditions and two speeds tested with a driving simulator

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration web site reports that rear-end collisions in the United States exceed 1.5 million per year, or approximately 23% of all vehicle crashes. Car following behavior and the decision-making habits of drivers seem fundamental to understanding how to avoid these rear-end crashes. The present research aimed to reveal factors that govern car following under conditions of reduced visibility. It employed a KQ-Vection high-fidelity driving simulator to measure the behavior of automobile drivers following a lead vehicle at 13.4 m/s (30 MPH) or 22.4 m/s (50 MPH) under three visibility conditions—clear or one of two densities of simulated fog. At the higher speed, fog conditions separated participants into a group that stayed within visible range of the lead car, even though the headway time violated the NHTSA recommendations for the speed involved, and another group that lagged beyond the visible range. Data were compared to the model of Van Winsum for car following (The human element in car following models. Transportation Research Part F 2, 1999). Contrast and image size measurements allowed comparison to a standard contrast sensitivity function and allowed estimation of the JND term in the Van Winsum model.

Accurate analysis of blood vessel sizes and stenotic lesions using stereoscopic DSA system.

We have developed a technique to determine accurately the magnification factor and three-dimensional orientation of a vessel segment from a stereoscopic pair of digital subtraction angiograms (DSA). Our DSA system includes a stereoscopic x-ray tube with a 25-mm focal spot shift. The magnification and orientation of a selected vessel segment are determined from the distance and direction of the focal spot shift and the stereoscopic discrepancy in image positions for that segment. Our results indicate that the accuracies of determining the magnification and orientation are less than 1% and approximately 5 degrees, respectively. After the magnification and orientation are determined accurately, an iterative deconvolution technique for the measurement of vessel image size is applied to the selected vessel segment. This iterative deconvolution technique provides the best estimate of vessel image size by taking into account the unsharpness of the digital system. With this technique, the vessel image size can be determined to an accuracy of approximately 1.0 mm, which corresponds to one third the pixel size of our DSA system. Information derived from stereoscopic analysis and iterative deconvolution thus allows accurate calculation of actual vascular dimensions from DSA images.

Fundus photography of width and intensity profiles of the blood column and the light reflex in retinal vessels

Abstract Various optical properties of the fundus camera may have important implications regarding the use of photographs for image size measurements. By scanning across retinal vessels with a microdensitometer the width and the intensity characteristics of both the central light reflex and the streaming blood column may be measured. To establish a reliable basis for future measurements, we analysed the retina‐to‐film magnification, possible aberrations and the resolving power of our Zeiss camera. Furthermore, fundus photography was performed in 100 young men, and the necessary level of accuracy in focusing the camera was established. We also investigated the effects of various amounts of defocusing on width and intensity readings from densitometric scans across retinal vessels.

Reliability of Image Size Measurements in the New Zeiss Fundus Camera

Reliability of Image Size Measurements in the New Zeiss Fundus Camera