Real time occupant detection in high dynamic range environments

The aim of this thesis is to explore strategies for real-time image segmentation of non-rigid objects in a spatio-temporal domain with a stationary camera within an optical high dynamic range environment. Camera, illumination and segmentation techniques are discussed for image processing in environments which are characterized by large intensity fluctuations and hence a high optical dynamic range (HDR), in particular for vehicle interior surveillance. Since the introduction of the airbag in 1981 numberless lives were saved and bad injuries were avoided. But in recent years the airbag has frequently been in the headlines due to the increasing number of injuries caused by it. To avoid these injuries a new generation of ’smart airbags’ has been designed which shows the ability to inflate in multiple steps and with different volumes. In order to determine the optimal inflation mode for a crash it is necessary to consider information about the interior situation and the occupants of the vehicle. This thesis presents a real-time visual occupant detection and classification system for advanced airbag deployment, utilizing a custom CMOS camera and motion based image segmentation algorithms for embedded systems under adverse illumination conditions. A novel illumination method is presented which combines a set of images flashed with different radiant intensities, which significantly simplifies image segmentation in HDR environments. With a constant exposure time for the imager a single image can be produced with a compressed dynamic range and a simultaneously reduced offset. This makes it possible to capture a vehicle interior under adverse light conditions without using high dynamic range cameras and without losing image detail. The expansion of this active illumination experiment leads to a novel shadow detection and removal technique that produces a shadow-free scene by simulating an artificial infinite illuminant plane over the held of view. Finally a shadowless image without loss of texture details is obtained without any region extraction phase. Furthermore, a texture based segmentation approach for stationary cam-eras is presented which is neither effected by sudden illumination changes nor by shadow effects

Cirrus Occurrence and Properties Determined From Ground-Based Remote Sensing

The ultimate application of this work is constraining the optical properties of cirrus particles, which are poorly understood, by providing an automatic method, using all-sky cameras and an infrared radiometer, to identify the occurrence of the 22° halo formed by cirrus. This is done by interpreting all sky images in terms of a scattering phase function (SPF), from which the halo ratio (HR) is calculated, and by implementing a cirrus detection algorithm to associate HR measures to ice cloud occurrences. Cirrus reflectivity at solar wavelengths is inversely related to the HR which, being an indirect measure of the regularity of the shape of the ice crystals forming the cloud, relates in turn inversely to the asymmetry parameter g. Therefore, the method proposed here to derive statistics of HRs is expected to reduce the uncertainty over the optical and microphysical properties of cirrus. The light intensity measured by the all sky camera is transformed into a scattering phase function, from which the halo formation is identified. This is done by developing image transformations and corrections needed to interpret all sky images quantitatively in terms of scattering phase function, specifically by transforming the original image from the zenith-centred to the light-source-centred system of coordinates and correcting for the air mass and for vignetting. The SPF is then determined by averaging the image brightness over the azimuth angle and the HR by calculating the ratio of brightness at two scattering angles in the vicinity of the 22⁰ halo peak. The instrument transformation and corrections are performed using a series of Matlab scripts. Given that the HR is an ice cloud characteristic and since the method needs additional temperature information if the halo observation is to be associated with cirrus, a cirrus detection algorithm is necessary to screen out non-ice clouds before deriving reliable HR statistics. Cloud detection is determined by quantifying the temporal fluctuations of sky radiance, expressed as brightness temperature (BT), through De-trended Fluctuation Analysis and setting a clear sky fluctuation threshold. Cloud phase discrimination instead is achieved through first constructing an analytic radiative transfer model to obtain an estimate for average molecular absorption cross-section of water vapour within the spectral window of the radiometer. This is done to model the down-welling clear sky radiance, which is in turn used to correct cirrus emissivity and ultimately determine a dynamic BT threshold for the transition from ice to liquid-containing clouds. In addition to the molecular cross section the screen level air temperature and integrated water vapour are used as input parameters to the model. The utilisation of the all sky camera for such quantitative measurement was the particularly novel aspect of this work; this has not been done previously to the best of my knowledge. The cirrus detection method proposed is also innovative in that with respect to previous works it does not rely on the use of additional techniques such as LIDAR or microwave radiometry for discriminating cloud phase. Furthermore, the cirrus threshold proposed is not fixed but accounts for the attenuating properties of the atmosphere below the cloud. Once the cirrus detection algorithm is validated and cirrus occurrences determinable, the HR could be extended to estimating the asymmetry parameter and crystal roughness. These are retrievable, for instance, from in-situ observations of single ice crystal 2D scattering patterns from cloud probes of the SID (Small Ice Detector) type. This would be significant for the constraining of the optical and microphysical properties of cirrus

Photogrammetry as a surveying thechnique apllied to heritage constructions recording - avantages and limitations

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Arquitetura, com a especialização em Arquitetura apresentada na Faculdade de Arquitetura da Universidade de Lisboa para obtenção do grau de Mestre.A presente dissertação tem por objectivo investigar e evidenciar as vantagens da aplicação da fotogrametria, e possíveis integrações com outros métodos de levantamento, como seja o varrimento laser terrestre, posicionamento por GPS, entre outros, para realizar levantamentos de construções patrimoniais ou eruditas e a respectiva produção de documentação base para viabilizar intervenções de conservação, restauro ou reabilitação. A motivação para a investigação advém da aplicação flexível, versátil, simples, acessível, e baixo-custo da fotogrametria em projectos de levantamento pequenos ou extensos. Tenciona-se igualmente colmatar as desvantagens tradicionais da fotogrametria, nomeadamente a transição entre espaços interiores e exteriores, e registo de espaços estreitos, de difícil acesso, e de geometrias complexas, num único projecto de documentação. Pretende-se ultrapassar estas dificuldades através da utilização máxima das potencialidades da fotogrametria com o uso de imagens olho de peixe e apenas como último recurso utilizar instrumentos complementares. No caso de estudo principal, o Castelo do Convento de Cristo, demonstra-se a aplicação dos métodos investigados. Nos casos de estudo secundários abordam-se problemas parcelares, desde elementos decorativos até à totalidade do edificado: Convento dos Capuchos, em Sintra; Alcáçova e trecho de muralha do Castelo de Sesimbra; Igreja de Stº André, em Mafra; entre outros. Os casos auxiliaram na determinação de procedimentos a generalizar posteriormente. Por fim, propõem-se algoritmos que auxiliam na produção de documentação.ABSTRACT: The present dissertation aims to research and demonstrate the advantages of the application of photogrammetry, and its possible integrations with other methods, such as terrestrial laser scanning, GPS positioning, and among others, to perform surveys of heritage or erudite buildings and respective production of base documentation to enable interventions of conservation, restoration, or rehabilitation. The motivation for researching is due to the flexible, versatile, simple, affordable, and low-cost application of photogrammetry in small and extensive survey projects. It is also intended to overcome the traditional disadvantages of photogrammetry, such as the transition between interior and exterior spaces, and difficulty of recording narrow, hard-to-access, and complex geometric spaces, in a single project. It is intended to overcome such challenges by maximizing the potential uses of photogrammetry with the use of fisheye images and by using other survey instruments as a last resort. In the main case study, the Castle of the Convent of Christ, the application of the investigated methods is demonstrated. In the secondary case studies, partial problems are addressed, ranging from decorative elements to the entire building: Convento dos Capuchos, in Sintra; Citadel and section of a wall of the Castle of Sesimbra; Igreja de St André, in Mafra; among others; The case studies aided in determining general procedures. Finally, algorithms that accelerate the production of documentation are proposed.N/

New geophysics study programs at the University of Helsinki

Peer reviewe

Petrophysical properties of the Kylylahti Cu-Au-Zn sulphide mineralization and its host rocks

Non peer reviewe

Advances in Image Processing, Analysis and Recognition Technology

For many decades, researchers have been trying to make computers’ analysis of images as effective as the system of human vision is. For this purpose, many algorithms and systems have previously been created. The whole process covers various stages, including image processing, representation and recognition. The results of this work can be applied to many computer-assisted areas of everyday life. They improve particular activities and provide handy tools, which are sometimes only for entertainment, but quite often, they significantly increase our safety. In fact, the practical implementation of image processing algorithms is particularly wide. Moreover, the rapid growth of computational complexity and computer efficiency has allowed for the development of more sophisticated and effective algorithms and tools. Although significant progress has been made so far, many issues still remain, resulting in the need for the development of novel approaches

On the popularization of digital close-range photogrammetry: a handbook for new users.

Εθνικό Μετσόβιο Πολυτεχνείο--Μεταπτυχιακή Εργασία. Διεπιστημονικό-Διατμηματικό Πρόγραμμα Μεταπτυχιακών Σπουδών (Δ.Π.Μ.Σ.) “Γεωπληροφορική

Utilisation de la radioluminescence pour la conception de dosimètres optiques déformables

Les traitements modernes de radiothérapie administrent la dose nécessaire à l'éradication de la région tumorale par un enchaînement complexe de faisceaux personnalisés selon l'anatomie de chaque patient. La distribution de dose résultante présente donc de forts gradients qui visent à maximiser l'irradiation de la maladie tout en limitant l'exposition des tissus sains. Or, les déformations et mouvements anatomiques que présentent certains patients viennent modifier la géométrie attendue et peuvent réduire la qualité escomptée du traitement. Dans ce contexte, le besoin d'outils permettant la quantification de la dose en présence de déformations est grandissant. Utilisant à profit les qualités uniques démontrées des dosimètres optiques, la thèse présentée vise le développement d'une nouvelle génération de dosimètres pensée pour la dosimétrie déformable. Entre autres, il sera montré que le dosimètre développé permet une mesure simultanée de la dose et de la déformation, ce qui ouvre la voie à la validation expérimentale d'algorithmes de recalage d'images déformables. Les contributions de la thèse se déploient principalement selon trois volets : la caractérisation des défis liés à l'utilisation de différentes sources de signaux radioluminescents, en particulier la radiation Cherenkov et la scintillation ; le développement de techniques de détection adaptées, telles que l'imagerie polarisée, l'imagerie spectrale et la triangulation stéréoscopique ; puis le développement d'un dosimètre déformable utilisant ces signaux pour la mesure simultanée de la dose et de la déformation. D'abord, la directionalité de l'émission Cherenkov a été caractérisée de pair avec l'imagerie polarisée. Le rayonnement Cherenkov est une émission lumineuse directement produite dans l'eau, le milieu de référence, suite à son irradiation. Or, les photons optiques sont émis selon un cône dont l'angle et l'orientation sont déterminés par l'énergie du faisceau et sa direction, lesquels varient grandement dans un fantôme. Ainsi, l'imagerie polarisée a été étudiée comme solution à l'utilisation du signal Cherenkov pour des mesures précises de la dose. En utilisant l'imagerie polarisée, la contribution polarisée du signal a été associée à la directionnalité du rayonnement qui a alors pu être corrigée. Ainsi, des écarts lors de mesures de dose atteignant jusqu'à 60% avec les valeurs attendues ont été réduits à moins de 3% en moyenne. Il a d'ailleurs été montré que l'état de polarisation du signal Cherenkov peut être utilisé pour le discriminer d'un signal de scintillation. Ainsi, les deux premières études présentées au sein de cette thèse montrent que des mesures précises (< 3%) de la dose, directement dans l'eau (le milieu de référence), peuvent être réalisées en utilisant le signal Cherenkov combiné à l'imagerie polarisée. Concernant l'utilisation de caméras pour la mesure de signaux radioluminescents, il a été montré qu'il est possible d'allier la grande résolution spatiale de ces photodétecteurs à une résolution spectrale. Les caméras polychromatiques utilisant un patron de Bayer, par exemple, collectent la lumière avec plusieurs milliers de pixels sur lesquels des filtres colorés sont apposés de sorte à former une mosaïque. Ainsi, ces caméras mesurent la lumière selon un canal rouge, vert et bleu. En utilisant les techniques de dématriçage appropriées, il est possible d'interpoler l'information spectrale manquante à chaque pixel. Ainsi, le formalisme hyperspectral, initialement développé pour des mesures en un point, peut être appliqué à des mesures de plus grande résolution spatiale. Ainsi, il a été montré que l'utilisation d'un kernel bilinéaire pour le dématriçage d'une caméra polychromatique utilisant un filtre de Bayer permet d'isoler les signaux Cherenkov et de scintillation avec une précision de 1%. Enfin, un dosimètre déformable permettant la mesure simultanée de la dose et de la déformation a été développé. Le système comprend un fantôme cylindrique transparent au sein duquel un réseau de 19 scintillateurs a été intégré. Le système comprend également un ensemble de 2 paires de caméras stéréoscopiques qui permet le suivi en 3D de la position des extrémités de chacun des scintillateurs. En conséquence, le système permet le suivi de la déformation avec une exactitude et une précision de respectivement 0.08 mm et 0.3 mm. Le suivi 3D de la position permet aussi la correction des variations de signal qui ne sont pas proportionnelles à la dose, mais plutôt au couplage des fibres avec la caméra. Le dosimètre a également permis la mesure de la dose en accord à 1% près avec celle prédite par un logiciel de planification de traitement et un système dosimétrique complémentaire. Ainsi, la thèse a permis le développement d'un premier dosimètre mesurant simultanément la dose et la déformation, permettant une comparaison avec un algorithme de recalage d'image déformable. Ce faisant, l'exploration d'une nouvelle voie d'application de la scintillation a, de plus, mené à l'avancement des connaissances en dosimétrie optique.Modern radiotherapy treatments deliver the dose to the target through a complex sequence of beams customized to the anatomy of each patient. The resulting dose distribution therefore has strong gradients that aim to maximize disease irradiation while limiting exposure of healthy tissue. However, the anatomical deformations and movements that some patients present modify the expected geometry and may potentially reduce the quality of the treatment. In this context, there is a growing need for tools able of measuring dose in the presence of deformations. Taking advantage of the unique qualities of optical dosimeters, the presented thesis aims at developing a new generation of dosimeters designed for deformable dosimetry. Enabling simultaneous measurements of dose and deformation, this dosimeter could also be used for the validation of deformable image registration algorithms. The contributions of the thesis are threefold: the characterization of the challenges related to the use of different sources of radioluminescent signals, in particular Cherenkov radiation and scintillation; the development of appropriate detection techniques, such as polarized imaging, spectral imaging and stereo triangulation; and then the development of a deformable dosimeter using these signals for the simultaneous measurement of dose and deformation. First, the directionality of Cherenkov emission was characterized using polarized imaging. Cherenkov radiation is a light emission directly produced in water, the reference medium for beam monitoring. Cherenkov photons are emitted in a cone whose angle and orientation are determined by the beam energy and direction, which vary greatly in a phantom. Thus, polarized imaging has been investigated as a solution enabling the use of Cherenkov emission for accurate dose measurements. By using polarization imaging, the polarized contribution of the signal was associated with the directionality of the radiation, which could then be corrected. Thus, deviations in dose measurements previously up to 60% from the expected values were reduced under 3% on average. It has also been shown that the polarization state of the Cherenkov signal can be used to discriminate it from a scintillation signal. Thus, the first two studies presented in this thesis show that accurate measurements, without disturbing the reference medium, can be made using the Cherenkov signal combined with polarization imaging. Concerning the use of cameras for the measurement of radioluminescent signals, it has been shown that it is possible to combine the high spatial resolution of these photodetectors with a spectral resolution. Polychromatic cameras using a Bayer pattern, for example, collect light with several thousand pixels on which colored filters are affixed to form a mosaic. Thus, these cameras measure the light according to a red, green and blue channel. By using appropriate demosaicing techniques, it is possible to interpolate the missing spectral information at each pixel. Thus, the hyperspectral formalism, initially developed for single point measurements, can be applied to higher spatial resolution measurements. Among others, the use of a bilinear kernel for dematrixing a polychromatic camera using a Bayer filter allows to isolate Cherenkov and scintillation signals with an accuracy of 1%. Finally, a deformable dosimeter allowing the simultaneous measurement of dose and deformation has been developed. The system includes a transparent cylindrical phantom in which an array of 19 scintillators has been integrated. The system also includes a set of 2 pairs of stereo cameras that allows the 3D tracking of the position of each scintillator ends. As a result, the system allows the 3D tracking of the deformation with an accuracy and accuracy of 0.08 mm and 0.3 mm respectively. This 3D position tracking also allows the correction of signal variations that are not proportional to the dose, but rather to the coupling of the fibers with the camera. The dosimeter also allowed measurement of the dose in agreement within 1% of the dose predicted by a treatment planning software and a complementary dosimetric system. Thus, the thesis allowed the development of a first dosimeter measuring simultaneously the dose and the deformation, allowing a comparison with a deformable image registration algorithm. In doing so, the exploration of a new application of scintillation has also led to the advancement of knowledge in optical dosimetr

Suomen ja Ruotsin kallioperän lämmöntuoton vertailua

Non peer reviewe

Verbesserte Dokumentation des kulturellen Erbes mithilfe digitaler Photogrammetrie mit sichtbaren und thermischen Bildern von unbemannten Luftfahrzeugen (UAV)

There is always need for reliable and accurate data for documentation of cultural heritage including archaeological areas. The development in 3D data acquisition has let some technologies use for getting a complete documentation. Close range photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning are among the most common used techniques which help to get 3D data acquisition, with high level of detail, accuracy and effective results. However, these techniques are not always the most suitable ones for large archaeological areas, yet aerial images may help to provide a general overview of the area which is fundamental for interpretation and documentation of archaeological sites. Because of the limitations in aerial photogrammetry, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) has become an optimal solution for archaeological areas documentation with its potentials in the context of costs and abilities. To cover large areas at different altitudes, to be able to fly at different altitudes, under different weather conditions, to acquire image with high resolution are among the main advantages of this technology which make it usable and preferable for archaeological documentation. Since UAVs have been rapidly improving in sophistication and reliability, its possibilities aid in archaeological research have recently generated much interest, particularly for documenting sites, monuments and excavations. In this case study several aerial surveys will be conducted with a UAV mounted thermal camera on an archaeological area. After acquiring aerial images, they will be processed for producing both color and thermal-imagery in related software. Next step will be the alignment of the images in order to build an accurate and georeferenced 3D and mesh model of surveyed area. Then colored and thermal orthophoto mosaics as well as digital surface model (DSM) will be obtained for the documentation. The datasets of thermal images and color images will be collected and compared in order to detect archaeological remains on and under the ground.Es besteht immer Bedarf an zuverlässigen und genauen Daten für die Dokumentation des kulturellen Erbes, einschließlich archäologischer Gebiete. Die technischen Entwicklungen in der 3D-Datenerfassung haben erst die vollständige Dokumentation ermöglicht. Nahbereichsphotogrammetrie und terrestrisches Laserscanning gehören zu den am häufigsten verwendeten Techniken, die 3D-Datenerfassung mit hohem Detaillierungsgrad, Genauigkeit und effektive Ergebnissen ermöglichen. Diese Techniken sind jedoch nicht immer die am besten geeigneten für große archäologische Gebiete, dennoch können Luftbilder helfen, einen allgemeinen Überblick über das Gebiet zu geben, was für die Interpretation und Dokumentation archäologischer Stätten von grundlegender Bedeutung ist. Aufgrund der Einschränkungen in der Luftbildvermessung sind UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) zu einer optimalen Lösung für die archäologische Geländedokumentation mit ihren Potenzialen im Kontext von Kosten und Fähigkeiten geworden. Hauptvorteile dieser Technologie sind u.a. große Gebiete in verschiedenen Höhen abzudecken und unter verschiedenen Wetterbedingungen fliegen zu können, Bilder mit hoher Auflösung aufzunehmen, die dann auch für die archäologische Dokumentation nutzbar und damit auch anderen Verfahren vorzuziehen sind. Da sich die UAVs in Bezug auf Entwicklungsgrad und Zuverlässigkeit rasant verbessert haben, haben ihre Möglichkeiten zur Unterstützung der archäologischen Forschung in jüngster Zeit großes Interesse geweckt, insbesondere bei der Dokumentation von Stätten, Denkmälern und Ausgrabungen. In dieser Fallstudie werden mehrere Kampagnen von Luftaufnahmen mit einer UAV-Wärmebildkamera auf einem archäologischen Gebiet durchgeführt. Nach der Bildaufufnahme die Farb- und Wärmebilder in einer entsprechenden Software verarbeitet. Der nächste Schritt wird die Verknüpfung der Bilder sein, um ein genaues und georeferenziertes 3D- und Netzmodell des vermessenden Bereichs zu erstellen. Anschließend werden farbige und thermische Orthophoto-Mosaike sowie digitale Oberflächenmodelle (DSM) für die Dokumentation abgeleitet. Die Datensätze von Wärme- und Farbbildern werden gesammelt und verglichen, um archäologische Überreste auf und unter dem Boden zu erkennen