Toward reduction of artifacts in fused images

Most fusion satellite image methodologies at pixel-level introduce false spatial details, i.e.artifacts, in the resulting fusedimages. In many cases, these artifacts appears because image fusion methods do not consider the differences in roughness or textural characteristics between different land covers. They only consider the digital values associated with single pixels. This effect increases as the spatial resolution image increases. To minimize this problem, we propose a new paradigm based on local measurements of the fractal dimension (FD). Fractal dimension maps (FDMs) are generated for each of the source images (panchromatic and each band of the multi-spectral images) with the box-counting algorithm and by applying a windowing process. The average of source image FDMs, previously indexed between 0 and 1, has been used for discrimination of different land covers present in satellite images. This paradigm has been applied through the fusion methodology based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), using the à trous algorithm (WAT). Two different scenes registered by optical sensors on board FORMOSAT-2 and IKONOS satellites were used to study the behaviour of the proposed methodology. The implementation of this approach, using the WAT method, allows adapting the fusion process to the roughness and shape of the regions present in the image to be fused. This improves the quality of the fusedimages and their classification results when compared with the original WAT metho

Image Fusion Based on Nonsubsampled Contourlet Transform and Saliency-Motivated Pulse Coupled Neural Networks

In the nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) domain, a novel image fusion algorithm based on the visual attention model and pulse coupled neural networks (PCNNs) is proposed. For the fusion of high-pass subbands in NSCT domain, a saliency-motivated PCNN model is proposed. The main idea is that high-pass subband coefficients are combined with their visual saliency maps as input to motivate PCNN. Coefficients with large firing times are employed as the fused high-pass subband coefficients. Low-pass subband coefficients are merged to develop a weighted fusion rule based on firing times of PCNN. The fused image contains abundant detailed contents from source images and preserves effectively the saliency structure while enhancing the image contrast. The algorithm can preserve the completeness and the sharpness of object regions. The fused image is more natural and can satisfy the requirement of human visual system (HVS). Experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm yields better performance

Design and Analysis of A New Illumination Invariant Human Face Recognition System

In this dissertation we propose the design and analysis of a new illumination invariant face recognition system. We show that the multiscale analysis of facial structure and features of face images leads to superior recognition rates for images under varying illumination. We assume that an image I ( x,y ) is a black box consisting of a combination of illumination and reflectance. A new approximation is proposed to enhance the illumination removal phase. As illumination resides in the low-frequency part of images, a high-performance multiresolution transformation is employed to accurately separate the frequency contents of input images. The procedure is followed by a fine-tuning process. After extracting a mask, feature vector is formed and the principal component analysis (PCA) is used for dimensionality reduction which is then proceeded by the extreme learning machine (ELM) as a classifier. We then analyze the effect of the frequency selectivity of subbands of the transformation on the performance of the proposed face recognition system. In fact, we first propose a method to tune the characteristics of a multiresolution transformation, and then analyze how these specifications may affect the recognition rate. In addition, we show that the proposed face recognition system can be further improved in terms of the computational time and accuracy. The motivation for this progress is related to the fact that although illumination mostly lies in the low-frequency part of images, these low-frequency components may have low- or high-resonance nature. Therefore, for the first time, we introduce the resonance based analysis of face images rather than the traditional frequency domain approaches. We found that energy selectivity of the subbands of the resonance based decomposition can lead to superior results with less computational complexity. The method is free of any prior information about the face shape. It is systematic and can be applied separately on each image. Several experiments are performed employing the well known databases such as the Yale B, Extended-Yale B, CMU-PIE, FERET, AT&T, and LFW. Illustrative examples are given and the results confirm the effectiveness of the method compared to the current results in the literature

Signal processing algorithms for enhanced image fusion performance and assessment

The dissertation presents several signal processing algorithms for image fusion in noisy multimodal conditions. It introduces a novel image fusion method which performs well for image sets heavily corrupted by noise. As opposed to current image fusion schemes, the method has no requirements for a priori knowledge of the noise component. The image is decomposed with Chebyshev polynomials (CP) being used as basis functions to perform fusion at feature level. The properties of CP, namely fast convergence and smooth approximation, renders it ideal for heuristic and indiscriminate denoising fusion tasks. Quantitative evaluation using objective fusion assessment methods show favourable performance of the proposed scheme compared to previous efforts on image fusion, notably in heavily corrupted images. The approach is further improved by incorporating the advantages of CP with a state-of-the-art fusion technique named independent component analysis (ICA), for joint-fusion processing based on region saliency. Whilst CP fusion is robust under severe noise conditions, it is prone to eliminating high frequency information of the images involved, thereby limiting image sharpness. Fusion using ICA, on the other hand, performs well in transferring edges and other salient features of the input images into the composite output. The combination of both methods, coupled with several mathematical morphological operations in an algorithm fusion framework, is considered a viable solution. Again, according to the quantitative metrics the results of our proposed approach are very encouraging as far as joint fusion and denoising are concerned. Another focus of this dissertation is on a novel metric for image fusion evaluation that is based on texture. The conservation of background textural details is considered important in many fusion applications as they help define the image depth and structure, which may prove crucial in many surveillance and remote sensing applications. Our work aims to evaluate the performance of image fusion algorithms based on their ability to retain textural details from the fusion process. This is done by utilising the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) model to extract second-order statistical features for the derivation of an image textural measure, which is then used to replace the edge-based calculations in an objective-based fusion metric. Performance evaluation on established fusion methods verifies that the proposed metric is viable, especially for multimodal scenarios

NEW TECHNIQUES IN DERIVATIVE DOMAIN IMAGE FUSION AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

There are many applications where multiple images are fused to form a single summary greyscale or colour output, including computational photography (e.g. RGB-NIR), diffusion tensor imaging (medical), and remote sensing. Often, and intuitively, image fusion is carried out in the derivative domain (based on image gradients). In this thesis, we propose new derivative domain image fusion methods and metrics, and carry out experiments on a range of image fusion applications. After reviewing previous relevant methods in derivative domain image fusion, we make several new contributions. We present new applications for the Spectral Edge image fusion method, in thermal image fusion (using a FLIR smartphone accessory) and near-infrared image fusion (using an integrated visible and near-infrared sensor). We propose extensions of standard objective image fusion quality metrics for M to N channel image fusion measuring image fusion performance is an unsolved problem. Finally, and most importantly, we propose new methods in image fusion, which give improved results compared to previous methods (based on metric and subjective comparisons): we propose an iterative extension to the Spectral Edge image fusion method, producing improved detail transfer and colour vividness, and we propose a new derivative domain image fusion method, based on finding a local linear combination of input images to produce an output image with optimum gradient detail, without artefacts - this mapping can be calculated by finding the principal characteristic vector of the outer product of the Jacobian matrix of image derivatives, or by solving a least-squares regression (with regularization) to the target gradients calculated by the Spectral Edge theorem. We then use our new image fusion method on a range of image fusion applications, producing state of the art image fusion results with the potential for real-time performance

Curvelet-Based Texture Classification in Computerized Critical Gleason Grading of Prostate Cancer Histological Images

Classical multi-resolution image processing using wavelets provides an efficient analysis of image characteristics represented in terms of pixel-based singularities such as connected edge pixels of objects and texture elements given by the pixel intensity statistics. Curvelet transform is a recently developed approach based on curved singularities that provides a more sparse representation for a variety of directional multi-resolution image processing tasks such as denoising and texture analysis. The objective of this research is to develop a multi-class classifier for the automated classification of Gleason patterns of prostate cancer histological images with the utilization of curvelet-based texture analysis. This problem of computer-aided recognition of four pattern classes between Gleason Score 6 (primary Gleason grade 3 plus secondary Gleason grade 3) and Gleason Score 8 (both primary and secondary grades 4) is of critical importance affecting treatment decision and patients’ quality of life. Multiple spatial sampling within each histological image is examined through the curvelet transform, the significant curvelet coefficient at each location of an image patch is obtained by maximization with respect to all curvelet orientations at a given location which represents the apparent curved-based singularity such as a short edge segment in the image structure. This sparser representation reduces greatly the redundancy in the original set of curvelet coefficients. The statistical textural features are extracted from these curvelet coefficients at multiple scales. We have designed a 2-level 4-class classification scheme, attempting to mimic the human expert’s decision process. It consists of two Gaussian kernel support vector machines, one support vector machine in each level and each is incorporated with a voting mechanism from classifications of multiple windowed patches in an image to reach the final decision for the image. At level 1, the support vector machine with voting is trained to ascertain the classification of Gleason grade 3 and grade 4, thus Gleason score 6 and score 8, by unanimous votes to one of the two classes, while the mixture voting inside the margin between decision boundaries will be assigned to the third class for consideration at level 2. The support vector machine in level 2 with supplemental features is trained to classify an image patch to Gleason grade 3+4 or 4+3 and the majority decision from multiple patches to consolidate the two-class discrimination of the image within Gleason score 7, or else, assign to an Indecision category. The developed tree classifier with voting from sampled image patches is distinct from the traditional voting by multiple machines. With a database of TMA prostate histological images from Urology/Pathology Laboratory of the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the classifier using curvelet-based statistical texture features for recognition of 4-class critical Gleason scores was successfully trained and tested achieving a remarkable performance with 97.91% overall 4-class validation accuracy and 95.83% testing accuracy. This lends to an expectation of more testing and further improvement toward a plausible practical implementation

Use of Coherent Point Drift in computer vision applications

This thesis presents the novel use of Coherent Point Drift in improving the robustness of a number of computer vision applications. CPD approach includes two methods for registering two images - rigid and non-rigid point set approaches which are based on the transformation model used. The key characteristic of a rigid transformation is that the distance between points is preserved, which means it can be used in the presence of translation, rotation, and scaling. Non-rigid transformations - or affine transforms - provide the opportunity of registering under non-uniform scaling and skew. The idea is to move one point set coherently to align with the second point set. The CPD method finds both the non-rigid transformation and the correspondence distance between two point sets at the same time without having to use a-priori declaration of the transformation model used. The first part of this thesis is focused on speaker identification in video conferencing. A real-time, audio-coupled video based approach is presented, which focuses more on the video analysis side, rather than the audio analysis that is known to be prone to errors. CPD is effectively utilised for lip movement detection and a temporal face detection approach is used to minimise false positives if face detection algorithm fails to perform. The second part of the thesis is focused on multi-exposure and multi-focus image fusion with compensation for camera shake. Scale Invariant Feature Transforms (SIFT) are first used to detect keypoints in images being fused. Subsequently this point set is reduced to remove outliers, using RANSAC (RANdom Sample Consensus) and finally the point sets are registered using CPD with non-rigid transformations. The registered images are then fused with a Contourlet based image fusion algorithm that makes use of a novel alpha blending and filtering technique to minimise artefacts. The thesis evaluates the performance of the algorithm in comparison to a number of state-of-the-art approaches, including the key commercial products available in the market at present, showing significantly improved subjective quality in the fused images. The final part of the thesis presents a novel approach to Vehicle Make & Model Recognition in CCTV video footage. CPD is used to effectively remove skew of vehicles detected as CCTV cameras are not specifically configured for the VMMR task and may capture vehicles at different approaching angles. A LESH (Local Energy Shape Histogram) feature based approach is used for vehicle make and model recognition with the novelty that temporal processing is used to improve reliability. A number of further algorithms are used to maximise the reliability of the final outcome. Experimental results are provided to prove that the proposed system demonstrates an accuracy in excess of 95% when tested on real CCTV footage with no prior camera calibration

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

Biometrics

Biometrics uses methods for unique recognition of humans based upon one or more intrinsic physical or behavioral traits. In computer science, particularly, biometrics is used as a form of identity access management and access control. It is also used to identify individuals in groups that are under surveillance. The book consists of 13 chapters, each focusing on a certain aspect of the problem. The book chapters are divided into three sections: physical biometrics, behavioral biometrics and medical biometrics. The key objective of the book is to provide comprehensive reference and text on human authentication and people identity verification from both physiological, behavioural and other points of view. It aims to publish new insights into current innovations in computer systems and technology for biometrics development and its applications. The book was reviewed by the editor Dr. Jucheng Yang, and many of the guest editors, such as Dr. Girija Chetty, Dr. Norman Poh, Dr. Loris Nanni, Dr. Jianjiang Feng, Dr. Dongsun Park, Dr. Sook Yoon and so on, who also made a significant contribution to the book

Modèles de fusion et diffusion par équations aux dérivées partielles (application à la sismique azimutale)

Ce mémoire porte sur le développement de nouvelles méthodes de fusion d images à partir d un formalisme à base d Equations aux Dérivées Partielles (EDP). Les deux premiers chapitres bibliographiques portent sur les 2 domaines au centre de notre problématique : la fusion et les EDP. Le Chapitre 3 est consacré à la présentation progressive de notre modèle EDP de fusion constitué par un terme de fusion (diffusion inverse isotrope) et un terme de régularisation. De plus, un des attraits de l approche EDP est de pouvoir traiter avec le formalisme des données bruitées. L association d un terme de diffusion dépendant du type de données à traiter est donc abordée. Le chapitre 4 est consacré à l application des modèles de fusion-diffusion aux données sismiques. Pour répondre aux besoins de filtrage de ces données sismiques, nous proposons deux méthodes originales de diffusion 3D. Nous présenterons dans ce mémoire l approche de fusion 3D intégrant une de ces méthodes nommée SFPD (Seismic Fault Preserving Diffusion).This thesis focuses on developing new methods for image fusion based on Partial Differential Equations (PDE). The starting point of the proposed fusion approach is the enhancement process contained in most classical diffusion models. The aim of enhancing contours is similar to one of the purpose of the fusion: the relevant information (equivalent to the contours) must be found in the output image. In general, the contour enhancement uses an inverse diffusion equation. In our model of fusion, the evolution of each input image is led by such equation. This single equation must necessarily be accompanied by a global information detector useful to select the signal to be injected. In addition, an inverse diffusion equation, like any Gaussian deconvolution, raises problems of stability and regularization of the solution. To resolve these problems, a regularization term is integrated into the model. The general model of fusion is finally similar to an evolving cooperative system, where the information contained in each image starts moving towards relevant information, leading to a convergent process. The essential interest of PDE approach is to deal with noisy data by combining in a natural way two processes: fusion and diffusion. The fusion-diffusion proposed model is easy to adapt to different types of data by tuning the PDE. In order to adapt the fusion-diffusion model to a specific application, I propose 2 diffusion models: Seismic fault preserving diffusion and 3D directional diffusion . The aim is to denoise 3D seismic data. These models are integrated into the fusion-diffusion approach. One of them is successfully transferred to the industrial partner: french oil company Total. The efficiency of our models (fusion and fusion-diffusion) is proven through an experimental plan in both noisy and noisy-free data.BORDEAUX1-Bib.electronique (335229901) / SudocSudocFranceF