Strong edge features for image coding

A two-component model is proposed for perceptual image coding. For the first component of the model, the watershed operator is used to detect strong edge features. Then, an efficient morphological interpolation algorithm reconstructs the smooth areas of the image from the extracted edge information, also known as sketch data. The residual component, containing fine textures, is separately coded by a subband coding scheme. The morphological operators involved in the coding of the primary component perform very efficiently compared to conventional techniques like the LGO operator, used for the edge extraction, or the diffusion filters, iteratively applied for the interpolation of smooth areas in previously reported sketch-based coding schemes.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Prediction error image coding using a modified stochastic vector quantization scheme

The objective of this paper is to provide an efficient and yet simple method to encode the prediction error image of video sequences, based on a stochastic vector quantization (SVQ) approach that has been modified to cope with the intrinsic decorrelated nature of the prediction error image of video signals. In the SVQ scheme, the codewords are generated by stochastic techniques instead of being generated by a training set representative of the expected input image as is normal use in VQ. The performance of the scheme is shown for the particular case of segmentation-based video coding although the technique can be also applied to motion-compensated hybrid coding schemes.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

New approaches to texture coding in segmentation and feature-based image coding schemes

Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Coding of details in very low bit-rate video systems

In this paper, the importance of including small image features at the initial levels of a progressive second generation video coding scheme is presented. It is shown that a number of meaningful small features called details should be coded, even at very low data bit-rates, in order to match their perceptual significance to the human visual system. We propose a method for extracting, perceptually selecting and coding of visual details in a video sequence using morphological techniques. Its application in the framework of a multiresolution segmentation-based coding algorithm yields better results than pure segmentation techniques at higher compression ratios, if the selection step fits some main subjective requirements. Details are extracted and coded separately from the region structure and included in the reconstructed images in a later stage. The bet of considering the local background of a given detail for its perceptual selection breaks the concept ofPeer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Morphological filter for lossless image subsampling

We present a morphological filter for lossless image subsampling for a given downsampling-upsampling strategy. This filter is applied in a multiresolution decomposition and results in a more efficient scheme for image coding purposes than other lossy sampling schemes. Its main advantage is a greatly reduced computational load compared to multiresolution schemes performed with linear filters.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

A new approach to texture coding using stochastic vector quantization

A new method for texture coding which combines 2-D linear prediction and stochastic vector quantization is presented in this paper. To encode a texture, a linear predictor is computed first. Next, a codebook following the prediction error model is generated and the prediction error is encoded with VQ, using an algorithm which takes into account the pixels surrounding the block being encoded. In the decoder, the error image is decoded first and then filtered as a whole, using the prediction filter. Hence, correlation between pixels is not lost from one block to another and a good reproduction quality can be achieved.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

An efficient technique of texture representation in segmentation-based image coding schemes

In segmentation-based image coding techniques the image to be compressed is first segmented. Then, the information is coded describing the shape and the interior of the regions. A new method to encode the texture obtained in segmentation-based coding schemes is presented. The approach combines 2-D linear prediction and stochastic vector quantization. To encode a texture, a linear predictor is computed first. Next, a codebook following the prediction error model is generated and the prediction error is encoded with VQ. In the decoder, the error image is decoded first and then filtered as a whole, using the prediction filter. Hence, correlation between pixels is not lost from one block to another and a good reproduction quality can be achieved.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Advances in the analysis of iminocyclitols: methods, sources and bioavailability

Iminocyclitols are chemically and metabolically stable, naturally occurring sugar mimetics. Their biological activities make them interesting and extremely promising as both drug leads and functional food ingredients. The first iminocyclitols were discovered using preparative isolation and purification methods followed by chemical characterization using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition to this classical approach, gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry are increasingly used; they are highly sensitive techniques capable of detecting minute amounts of analytes in a broad spectrum of sources after only minimal sample preparation. These techniques have been applied to identify new iminocyclitols in plants, microorganisms and synthetic mixtures. The separation of iminocyclitol mixtures by chromatography is particularly difficult however, as the most commonly used matrices have very low selectivity for these highly hydrophilic structurally similar molecules. This review critically summarizes recent advances in the analysis of iminocyclitols from plant sources and findings regarding their quantification in dietary supplements and foodstuffs, as well as in biological fluids and organs, from bioavailability studies

L'Evolució dels mètodes de càlcul d'estructures durant el segle XX: dels mètodes gràfics a la irrupció dels computadors

The methods of calculation used in engineering, and specifically in structural design, have experienced a great development throughout the 20th century. From the manual methodologies to the present systems, mainly based on computer calculations, they have increased of unimaginable way the calculation capacity, as well as the precision, reliability and speed of calculation. The methods at the beginning of the century, that followed the previous graphical methods, with which they coexisted a long time, gave rise to iterative systems for solving equations. These methodologies evolved with the appearance of first computers, and the increase of the capacity of calculation, memory and speed, lead to an increase of the degree of sophistication and complexity of the used methods. In this article the basic characteristics of the evolution of the methods of analysis of structures and its implications for the professional and educational world are exposed. This evolution is exemplified through three significant methods: the graphical methods, the Cross method and the Finite Element Metho

Deporte, estilo de vida activo y población: consideraciones a través del judo

A partir de unas interesantes reflexiones sobre el problema del sedentarismo en nuestra sociedad, el presente artículo aborda el papel de la educación física y el deporte como medio para paliar las consecuencias que se desprenden en el ámbito de salud pública de la falta de actividad física. El concepto de deporte debe evolucionar y transformarse, para así poder adaptarse a las necesidades que la población requiere de éste, en cuanto a accesibilidad y motivación, y a la vez, debe ajustarse a los parámetros que se solicitan al ejercicio físico, desde un punto de vista de la salud. En esta línea, se presenta una reflexión sobre cómo se debería transformar el judo para presentarse como una actividad atractiva y motivante que se ajuste a las directrices marcadas por el concepto de actividad física saludable. Además se resalta que ya en su origen, el judo surge más que como un deporte, como una práctica corporal que va mucho más allá que la mera especulación sobre los resultados