Kristin Kaspersen

Evaluating an image analysis system for mapping white clover pastures

We have developed an image analysis system for mapping white clover pastures. The information from digital colour photographs is processed by software (Trifolium.exe) specially designed for the purpose. The software estimates the coverage of clover, weeds and bare ground, and the unidentified remainder of the total area is regarded as covered by grass. To evaluate the reliability of the estimates of clover content, the clover on paper printouts of non-processed images were marked manually and analysed by a photo scanner and commercially available software. The outputs from Trifolium.exe and the estimates from scanned manual markings were highly correlated (r 2=0.81). A sensitivity test was conducted to quantify the impact of changes of six user-adjustable parameters of Trifolium.exe. The software output of clover coverage was sensitive for changes in three, soil coverage for changes in one, and weed coverage for changes in all parameters. The fact that the digital image acquisition and analysis produce nearly continuous and exactly positioned data, implies further that it is a very appropriate tool for analyses of spatial dynamics in grass-clover pastures.

Adaptive image content-based exposure control for scanning applications in radiography

I-ImaS (Intelligent Imaging Sensors) is a European project which has designed and developed a new adaptive X-ray imaging system using on-line exposure control, to create locally optimized images. The I-ImaS system allows for real-time image analysis during acquisition, thus enabling real-time exposure adjustment. This adaptive imaging system has the potential of creating images with optimal information within a given dose constraint and to acquire optimally exposed images of objects with variable density during one scan. In this paper we present the control system and results from initial tests on mammographic and encephalographic images. Furthermore, algorithms for visualization of the resulting images, consisting of unevenly exposed image regions, are developed and tested. The preliminary results show that the same image quality can be achieved at 30-70% lower dose using the I-ImaS system compared to conventional mammography systems.

In-line geometric fault detection in car parts based on structured light projection and image processing

An inspection system is developed to replace manual inspection in a production line for car parts. The system, based on projected structured light, combining Gray code and phase shifting and using B/W CCD cameras and multi-media data projectors, provides robust height measurement images with a high resolution. By carefully observing a number of parameters, it is possible to attain this high resolution in a large measurement volume even with low-cost, off-the-shelf components. We have been able to achieve a noise floor in the phase determination of 30 mrad, which is better than the much reported 1 part in 10,000. The use of 4 cameras, 3 projectors and a turning operation allows total coverage of the complex shape part. A model of normal parts is designed using height measurement images of normal parts. This model represents both expected part dimensions in all camera views as well as normal variations. In order to compare measurements of new parts with the model, an alignment of the images is performed. The deviations between the measured part and the model are analyzed. Deviations outside the normal variation are classified as faults. The system is thus able to find geometrical faults as small as 2x2x0.25 mm in a part that measures roughly 400x400 mm and can decide whether or not to remove a part from the production line. Integrating optical metrology, image processing and robotics, we are able to design a complete system for in-line inspection of car parts with total coverage that is able to keep up with the production cycle time.

ANITA - an FTIR-based Continuous Air Quality Monitoring System on the ISS (International Space Station)

ANITA applies a modified commercial FTIR instrument and novel analysis SW that solves most challenges of multi-gas measurement. Its fast and fully automatic analyses make it suitable for air quality monitoring and other multi-component measurements.