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This study aims to explore the application of computer simulation method based on light image processing in the monitoring of metabolic regulation data in exercise training. The study collected light image data during exercise training, including several parameters such as skin reflexes, heart rate response and skin temperature. Then, using computer simulation technology, the data were processed and analyzed to obtain metabolic regulation data during exercise. Finally, according to the analysis results, the training effect is evaluated and the training plan is adjusted. The results of the data analysis show that by monitoring the metabolic regulation data, the effect of exercise training can be more accurately evaluated and help adjust the training plan to achieve better training results. This method has the advantages of non-invasive, real-time and accurate, and is expected to be widely used in the field of sports training monitoring and regulation, and further improve the training effect and the formulation of individual training plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in situ measurement of thick oil slick thickness (>0.5 mm) and area in real time in order to estimate the volume of an oil spill is very important for determining the oil spill response strategy and evaluating the oil spill disposal efficiency. In this article, a method is proposed to assess the volume of oil slicks by simultaneously measuring the thick oil slick thickness and area using ultrasonic inspection and image processing methods, respectively. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV), integrating two ultrasonic immersion transducers, was implemented as a platform to receive ultrasonic reflections from an oil slick. The oil slick thickness was determined by multiplying the speed of sound by the ultrasonic traveling time within the oil slick, which was calculated using the cross-correlation method. Images of the oil slick were captured by an optical camera using an airborne drone. The oil slick area was calculated by conducting image processing on images of the oil slick using the proposed image processing algorithms. Multiple measurements were performed to verify the proposed method in the laboratory experiments. The results show that the thickness, area and volume of a thick oil slick can be accurately measured with the proposed method. The method could potentially be used as an applicable tool for measuring the volume of an oil slick during an oil spill response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The proposed neural network-method can generate holograms significantly faster than conventional iterative algorithms, with the same or better reconstructed image quality. • Reconstruction of 3D-holograms with 16 object planes was achieved, which is the highest number of planes demonstrated using a neural network-based method to date. • A convolutional two branch neural network architecture that used one branch for generation of the phase information and one for generation of the amplitude information in the hologram reconstruction plane. • Each 2D-plane of a 3D-scene is separately propagated to the spatial light modulator (SLM) plane using such parameters as laser wavelength, SLM pixel size, and distance to the reconstruction plane, that can be independent between different planes. • Due to the integration of the propagation parameters into the training process, the network can generate holograms that can be reconstructed on random optical setups with different equipment. Computer generated holograms can create arbitrary light distributions through computation of light propagation. 3D-computer-generated-hologram generation requires significant computation time, especially so for 3D-computer-generated-holograms where it is important to calculate the interactions between different planes on top of the planes themselves. In this paper we propose a neural-network-based method for 3D-computer-generated-hologram generation in order to improve the hologram computation speed. The trained model can be used to generate holograms with arbitrary light propagation parameters. The neural network was numerically and optically tested against the GS algorithm using 3D-computer-generated-holograms with resolution up to 1024×1024 pixels. 3D-holograms with 16 object planes were generated, which is, to our knowledge, the highest number currently achieved with a neural-network-based-method. The experiments show that proposed model can create holograms significantly faster than some conventional algorithms and, overall, results better-quality images. The trained network can also be used using different propagation parameters, such as wavelength and focal distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optical analog computing overcomes the throughput and computational speed limitations of traditional digital computing. • Metasurface is an alternative to filters and lens to reduce size or volume. • A scheme for salient object detection in complex scenes is proposed. • The identification and segmentation for target in complex scenes are achieved in theory and simulation. Optical analog computing overcomes the throughput and computational speed limitations of traditional digital computing, facilitating salient object detection on platforms that rapidly process massive image data, such as optical remote sensing. Further device miniaturization and integration can be achieved by replacing filters in optical analog computing with metasurface. Based on the combination of optical analog computing and dielectric metasurface, we proposed an optical analog cross-correlation operation operating in the mid-infrared wavelength band to achieve the real-time and compact salient object detection. Even in extremely complex scenes, this cross-correlation operation can be used to identify and segment target patterns based on several target features accurately. The proposed optical analog cross-correlation operation may find applications in object tracking, medical image segmentation, and person re-identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport sector is experiencing a fast and revolutionary development, moving toward the deployment of autonomous vehicles. Thus, the accuracy of the position information and the integrity of the navigation system have become key factors. In this article, we address the problem of the enhancement of the integrity of the position provided by a global navigation satellite system receiver by exploiting sensor fusion. To this aim, we estimate the lateral offset and heading of the vehicle with respect to a georeferenced roadway centerline from the images supplied by an on-board camera. Moreover, we perform integrity monitoring based on the implementation of the solution separation in the parity space. The numerical results indicate that the use of sensor fusion and digital map allows us to attain a longitudinal protection level reduction with respect to the case in which sensor fusion is not exploited. More specifically, a decrease of about 70% is achieved when a single constellation is used, while reduction is less relevant, about 15%, when two constellations are employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A segmented primary mirror is very important for extra-large astronomical telescopes, in order to detect the phase error between segmented mirrors. Traditional iterative algorithms are hard to detect co−phasing aberrations in real time due to the long-time iterative process. Deep learning has shown large potential in wavefront sensing, and it gradually focuses on detecting piston error. However, the current methods based on deep learning are mainly applied to coarse phase sensing, and only consider the detection of piston error with no tip/tilt errors, which is inconsistent with reality. In this paper, by innovatively designing the form of pupil mask, and further updating the OTF in the frequency domain, we obtain a new decoupled independent feature image that can simultaneously detect the piston error and tilt/tilt error of all sub-mirrors, which is effectively decoupled, and eliminates the dependence of the data set on the imaging object. Then, the Bi−GRU network is used to recover phase error information with high accuracy from the feature image proposed in this paper. The network's detection accuracy ability is verified under single wavelength and broadband spectrum in simulation. This paper demonstrates that co−phasing errors can be accurately decoupled and extracted by the new feature image we proposed and will contribute to the fine phasing accuracy and practicability of the extended scenes for the segmented telescopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantization is widely used for compression, storage, transmission and display of computer-generated and digital holograms. It reduces number of hologram gradations to obtain better ratio of the quality of reconstructed 2D and 3D objects to the size of holographic images or videos. This paper proposes 2 methods of non-iterative quantization of holograms: adaptive non-uniform quantization based on histogram processing with peak shift (ANHS method) and additional application of logarithmic companding (ANHSL method). They were compared with 4 methods of iterative and non-iterative quantization on holograms with sizes up to 2048 × 2048 pixels. The proposed methods showed the best reconstruction quality that is higher up to 59 % in comparison with non-iterative uniform quantization. Especially the proposed methods give higher quality at little number of hologram gradations (from 2 to 16 gradations). In comparison with the most qualitative iterative methods (Lloyd-Max and k-means) the quality is increased up to 9 %, and processing time is reduced in 10–1000 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present simulation results of hypothetical satellite systems with fifth-order optical aberrations and various fractal apertures. On the image sensor side, we utilized novel metamaterial based image sensors (metaxels). Real physical systems always have some amount of optical aberrations even though electro-optical systems operating in space are generally idealized as diffraction limited in many simulations. Not only Seidel aberrations but also fifth-order aberrations are important in satellite image analyses and here we illustrate the effects of six aberration groups: spherical, linear coma, elliptical coma, oblique spherical, astigmatism-field curvature, and distortion. Our analyses yield optical diffraction and aberration effects all at once. Any combined form of aberrations could be investigated, which constitute an ample dimension for imaging chain and image quality studies. For a λ/2 aberration coefficient, quantitative comparison was provided, and for various fractal aperture cases image chain simulations are performed. Correlation coefficient values for the listed groups of aberration enabled us to quantify significance order of these fifth-order aberrations. Fifth-order distortion was the most dominant aberration affecting the image quality. In addition, we increased the fractal dimension of apertures and obtained smaller degradation in the images. The study ends with Wiener filter restoration results. Peak signal-to-noise ratio and correlation coefficient values for the restored images were higher than corresponding aperture cases as expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an electronic imaging system, image is retrieved using a Charged Coupled Device (CCD). Its finite pixel size integrates the optical information and limits the spatial resolution, whereas pixel-pitch provides the sampling interval. Spatial resolution can be improved if pixels of smaller sizes are used or equivalently if Geometric Super-Resolution technique is achieved. In this paper, we are reporting use of the Negative rect mask (NRM) at image plane to achieve Geometric Super-resolution through sub-pixeling. The NRM is scanned over CCD in sub-pixel steps and image data is gathered. The target is assumed to be static during the scanning process. The data collected through CCD with NRM coding and the position information of the scanning mask provides a mean to render the geometrically super resolved image. The work is demonstrated in one and two dimensions with computer simulation. The results are also applicable on CMOS based imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea of using a single-pixel photodetector to sense the world may sound a little bit ambitious. However, a new type of computational imaging technology termed computational ghost imaging (CGI), is indeed making it a reality. No longer satisfied with using a non-spatially resolved photodetector to "see" the target, the computationally convolutional ghost imaging (CCGI) proposed in this paper can directly "see" the target's features of interest without imaging first anymore. Rather than a conventional 4-f optical system, the CCGI scheme completes the convolution operations by optical methods with a single-pixel photodetector and an engineered structured illumination. Meanwhile, our CCGI scheme can adaptively work under sub-Nyquist sampling conditions, and it can facilitate real-time non-imaging edge detection of the real scene. With some multiplexing schemes, the prototype of CCGI has the potential as a new type of single-pixel computer vision that might be used as an optical frontend of a lightweight convolutional neural network to recognize objects intelligently. Our scheme brings new insights into both the convolution operation and the CGI technology, greatly broadening the application scenarios of CGI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase correlation (PC) is a well-established image matching algorithm. It is robust to the variation of image contrast and brightness, but whether it is invariant to local illumination change, particularly sun angle change, is yet to be investigated. This paper presents our study to prove and demonstrate the robustness of illumination invariance of the PC algorithm via mathematical analysis and image matching experiments. First, a 3-D space named slope-aspect-intensity (SAI) is proposed to characterize the 3-D relationship between image intensity and terrain slope/aspect angles for a given illumination geometry. Based on the SAI space, the mathematical relationship between PC cross-power spectra and illumination direction (e.g., solar azimuth and zenith angles) is analyzed. The impact of illumination angle variation between two images for matching is then rigorously investigated via experiments using simulated terrain shading images from a digital elevation model and real optical images taken under different sun illumination conditions. Our study confirms that PC is robustly invariant to illumination and therefore can achieve reliable matching between images taken under different solar illumination conditions for various remote sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A large proportion of individuals who live with type-2 diabetes suffer from plantar sensory neuropathy. Regular testing and assessment for the condition is required to avoid ulceration or other damage to patient's feet. Currently accepted practice involves a trained clinician testing a patient's feet manually with a hand-held nylon monofilament probe. The procedure is time consuming, labor intensive, requires special training, is prone to error, and repeatability is difficult. With the vast increase in type-2 diabetes, the number of plantar sensory neuropathy sufferers has already grown to such an extent as to make a traditional manual test problematic. This paper presents the first investigation of a novel approach to automatically identify the pressure points on a given patient's foot for the examination of sensory neuropathy via optical image processing incorporating plantar anthropometry. The method automatically selects suitable test points on the plantar surface that correspond to those repeatedly chosen by a trained podiatrist. The proposed system automatically identifies the specific pressure points at different locations, namely the toe (hallux), metatarsal heads and heel (Calcaneum) areas. The approach is generic and has shown 100% reliability on the available database used. The database consists of Chinese, Asian, African, and Caucasian foot images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a new method for detecting in-plane displacements in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) with an unprecedented sub-ångström accuracy. We use a curve-fitting method that is commonly employed in spectroscopy to find peak positions in a spectrum. We fit a function to the intensity profile of the image of a silicon beam that was captured with a CCD camera on an optical microscope. The position resolution depends on the amount of pixel noise and on how the moving feature is spread across the detector pixels. The resolution is usually limited by photon shot noise, which can be controlled and lowered in several ways. To demonstrate the technique we measure the adhesion snap-off of two silicon surfaces. We assess the accuracy of the technique using two different silicon MEMS devices and an experimental ultrananocrystalline diamond device. The lowest position noise that we report is obtained by summing 1 577 image lines and is as low as 60 pm root mean square. [2014-0040] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

adjacent effect caused by a nonideal system point spread function (PSF) is an important source generating additional errors in radiometric measurements. Traditional recovery methods, i.e., inverse and Wiener filters, are attempted to restore the scene without the influence of RSF, which is inexistent in real observations and usually leads to the ringing artifact as well as uncertainties in noise amplification (NA). In this paper, a novel spatial-response matched filter (SRMF) and its processing method are established, where the aimed scene is supposed to be observed by instruments with higher PSF performance. Also, NA effects triggered by SRMF are precisely modeled and used for the further evaluation of radiometric accuracy (RA) variation after SRMF processing. Simulation results indicate that the SRMF method is more suitable for images with lower noise level and greater variation in the targets' radiation, where RA performance could be improved in a certain extent. Meanwhile, when the imager in a Multifunctional Transport Satellite is selected as the reference one with high-performance PSF, the SRMF for Fengyun-2 satellite is set up and applied for observations in thermal infrared band during April andMay 2013. After SRMF processing, the recovered images show significant improvements in both visual effects and RA, where the increase of RA is expected to be 2-6 K at 190 K in statistics. Such a progress is believed to be beneficial to tropical cyclone intensity estimation as well as for other relevant products, i.e., cloud classification generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a method for predicting positions of color cubes inside a square transparent solid object from images taken at the orthogonal boundary surfaces. The work is developed for use in mapping flow of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) in transparent soils. Transparent soil models have been developed to study the flow of contaminants through porous media, in bench scale tests. Yellow transparent cubes are used to represent NAPL plumes and clear transparent cubes are used as representations of transparent soil in order to definitively validate the algorithm. Color space information is used to relate concentration and image intensity. The new algorithm employs a so-called 3D carving method to iteratively reconstruct a 3D model using images taken at three orthogonal boundaries. The methodology presented in this paper is a fast, relatively accurate, non-intrusive and inexpensive method for quantifying NAPL zones in transparent soil models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding a correlation between image pixel information and non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) saturation is an important issue in bench-scale geo-environmental model studies that employ optical imaging techniques. Another concern is determining the best dye color and its optimum concentration as a tracer for use in mapping NAPL zones. Most bench scale flow studies employ monochromatic gray-scale imaging to analyze the concentration of mostly red dyed NAPL tracers in porous media. However, the use of grayscale utilizes a third of the available information in color images, which typically contain three color-space components. In this study, eight color spaces consisting of 24 color-space components were calibrated against dye concentration for three color-dyes. Additionally, multiple color space components were combined to increase the correlation between color-space data and dyed NAPL concentration. This work is performed to support imaging of NAPL migration in transparent synthetic soils representing the macroscopic behavior of natural soils. The transparent soil used in this study consists of fused quartz and a matched refractive index mineral-oil solution that represents the natural aquifer. The objective is to determine the best color dye concentration and ideal color space components for rendering dyed sucrose-saturated fused quartz that represents contamination of the natural aquifer by a dense NAPL (DNAPL). Calibration was achieved for six NAPL zone lengths using 3456 images (24 color space components×3 dyes×48 NAPL combinations) of contaminants within a defined criteria expressed as peak signal to noise ratio. The effect of data filtering was also considered and a convolution average filter is recommended for image conditioning. The technology presented in this paper is fast, accurate, non-intrusive and inexpensive method for quantifying contamination zones using transparent soil models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel optical encryption method is proposed involving double image encryption in which one image is introduced as the pseudo image while the other is the original object image. The Double Random Phase Encoding technique is used to encrypt both the pseudo and object images into complex images. A unique binary image is then employed to first generate the random phase key for the object image encryption and then to embed the encrypted object image into the encrypted pseudo image, which acts as host image. Both the second random phase mask used for encoding the pseudo image and the binary image act as encryption keys. If an attacker attempts to crack the random phase key and decrypt the original object image, the pseudo image will be obtained instead. Simulation results and robustness tests are performed which demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we review a number of optical image encryption techniques proposed in the literature inspired by the architecture of the classic optical Double Random Phase Encoding (DRPE) system. The optical DRPE method and its numerical simulation algorithm are first investigated in relation to the sampling considerations at various stages of the system according to the spreading of the input signal in both the space and spatial frequency domains. Then the several well-known optically inspired encryption techniques are examined and categorized into all optical techniques and image scrambling techniques. Each method is numerically implemented and compared with the optical DRPE scheme, in which random phase diffusers (masks) are applied after different transformations. The optical system used for each method is first illustrated and the corresponding unitary numerical algorithm implementation is then investigated in order to retain the properties of the optical counterpart. The simulation results for the sensitivities of the various encryption keys are presented and the robustness of each method is examined. This overview allows the numerical simulations of the corresponding optical encryption systems, and the extra degree of freedom (keys) provided by different techniques that enhance the optical encryption security, to be generally appreciated and briefly compared and contrasted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

On the verge of the 50th anniversary of Vander Lugt's formulation for pattern matching based on matched filtering and optical correlation, we acknowledge the very intense research activity developed in the field of correlation-based pattern recognition during this period of time. The paper reviews some domains that appeared as emerging fields in the last years of the 20th century and have been developed later on in the 21st century. Such is the case of three-dimensional (3D) object recognition, biometric pattern matching, optical security and hybrid optical-digital processors. 3D object recognition is a challenging case of multidimensional image recognition because of its implications in the recognition of real-world objects independent of their perspective. Biometric recognition is essentially pattern recognition for which the personal identification is based on the authentication of a specific physiological characteristic possessed by the subject (e.g. fingerprint, face, iris, retina, and multifactor combinations). Biometric recognition often appears combined with encryption-decryption processes to secure information. The optical implementations of correlation-based pattern recognition processes still rely on the 4f-correlator, the joint transform correlator, or some of their variants. But the many applications developed in the field have been pushing the systems for a continuous improvement of their architectures and algorithms, thus leading towards merged optical-digital solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report some electric field controlled photorefractive higher-order diffraction phenomena of a paraelectric phase potassium lithium tantalate niobate crystal doped with iron. In experiments, a p-polarized semiconductor laser (532nm) was used to record grating at a small incident angle. Higher-order diffraction images were observed when the signal beam was focused behind and in front of the crystal. Then the higher-order diffraction images were reconstructed by a p-polarized He–Ne laser (632.8nm) in the direction perpendicular to the surface. The higher-order diffraction images could be controlled by the external electric field. A theory about the higher-order diffraction images of the K and 2 K grating is developed. The results show that the even order diffraction images of the K grating and the odd order diffraction of the 2 K grating overlap each other. The odd order diffraction images of the K grating are diffracted in unattached direction. The electric field controlled higher-order diffraction image provides a useful method for optical information processing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an experimental study using laser mouse sensors for the contactless revolutions per minute (RPM) measurement of a rotating shaft. The sensor performance characterization experiment is firstly conducted under different parameter setups. After the optimal parameter value has been found, the rotor RPM experiment is then conducted with a speed sweep from 500 to 3800 rpm, and data are gathered at 30 different speeds and processed using two different methods to convert the sensor readings into the RPM of the rotating shaft; the results are then displayed. The performance differences between the two methods are compared, and the observation is that both the linearity and the signal-to-noise ratio of the frequency correlation method are several times better than those for the amplitude correlation method. The conclusion summarizes the experimental results and the advantage associated with this new RPM sensing method and provides the motivation for its potential applications and its future works. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ever-expanding networks of surf cameras offer a unique opportunity to monitor the coastline over large expanses at very little cost compared to traditional in situ survey methods. Here, we describe and test a new coastal monitoring system maintained by CoastalCOMS Pty Ltd. at their test site at Gold Coast, Australia. The two-camera system monitors two highly sensitive 4-km stretches of sandy coastline adjacent to high-value assets. The traditional static multi-camera setup has been replaced by a single rotational camera. A 14-month data set, encompassing one major storm, a recovery period, and a seasonal cycle, was analyzed. Positive shoreline detections using the new camera system were available 64% of the time (roughly 145 days of the available 226, where daily offshore significant wave heights Hs ≤ 1 m). Comparison of the CoastalCOMS-derived shorelines and in situ survey data showed a mean shoreward bias of 25.5 m. Daily shoreline estimates were used to calculate weekly and five-week running mean beach widths at both sites. Analysis showed that both sites eroded between 15-22 m during the May 2009 storm and then recovered during the proceeding five-month calm period. Distinct intersite variability was observed between the more exposed Northern Beaches that displayed an annual shoreline cycle and very little intrasite variability and the more sheltered southern Palm Beach site that displayed large intrasite spatial variability and sensitivity to changes to both wave direction and wave height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present an optical processor capable to perform partial second derivatives of an image working with partially coherent illumination. The proposed system utilizes a liquid crystal display, onto which images to be derived are displayed. The method is based on the capacity of these devices to generate simultaneously a contrast reverted replica of the image displayed on it. A positive replica of original image is obtained when the LCD is between crossed polarizers, while the negative one is obtained with the LCD is between parallel polarizers. Since the LCD is a diffraction element, both polarizer arrangements may be simultaneously implemented, for example, in a 4f optical processor using polarization filtering of the different diffraction orders. When three images (two replicas of original image displaced in opposite direction and the other one with contrast reverted and centered at the origin.) are imagined across a slightly defocused plane, one obtains an image with enhanced second derivatives in a given direction. No other incoherent (or partially coherent) optical system is presently known which can perform partial second-order derivatives of an image. Experimental results obtained are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An optical setup is proposed for the implementation of compressive sensing with coherent images. This setup specifically exploits the natural multiplicative action of speckle noise occurring with coherent light, in order to optically realize the essential step in compressive sensing which is the multiplication with known random patterns of the image to be acquired. In the test of the implementation, we specifically examine the impact of several departures, that exist in practice, from the ideal conditions of a pure multiplicative action of the speckle. In such practical realistic conditions, we assess the feasibility, performance and robustness of the optical scheme of compressive sensing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We propose to enhance the capabilities of the human visual system by performing optical image processing directly on an observed scene. Unlike previous work which additively superimposes imagery on a scene, or completely replaces scene imagery with a manipulated version, we perform all manipulation through the use of a light modulation display to spatially filter incoming light. We demonstrate a number of perceptually motivated algorithms including contrast enhancement and reduction, object highlighting for preattentive emphasis, colour saturation, de-saturation and de-metamerization, as well as visual enhancement for the colour blind. A camera observing the scene guides the algorithms for on-the-fly processing, enabling dynamic application scenarios such as monocular scopes, eyeglasses and windshields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear response of light transmission characteristics of a liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulator (SLM) is studied. The results show that the device exhibits a wide range of variations with different control parameters and input settings. Experiments were performed to obtain intensity modulation that is best described by either power-law or sigmoidal functions. Based on the inverse transformation, an appropriate pre-processing scheme for electrically addressed input gray-scale images, particularly important in several optical processing and imaging applications, is suggested. Further, the necessity to compensate the SLM image nonlinearities in a volume holographic data storage and retrieval system is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial characteristics of thermal infrared (TIR) images are generally described by image-derived point spread function (IDPSF) for sampled imaging system. Most investigators working on IDPSF on-orbit evaluation focus on visible and near-infrared images and pay little attention on TIR ones, the reason of which lies on the fact that the assumption of an observed target with an ideal step profile is not suitable for TIR band. A new approach for TIR images is proposed here based on a more common slope-profile model, where the transition features, i.e., the sample number (Nslope) and the beginning position of slope interval, are extracted from the observed signals. Simulation results show that the estimation performance will be increased, with lower noise level as well as higher system modulation transfer function value at half of normalized spatial frequency (MTF0.5) or smaller Nslope. For a good performance system with noise squared-root variance (SRV) nomore than 1.0 count and MTF0.5 between 0.3 and 0.4, the relative error between simulated and estimated MTF0.5's is less than 20%. The IDPSF of FY-2C satellite TIR band is estimated, and the derived MTF0.5 is properly close to on-ground testing results. The image quality of FY-2C TIR band has been improved by using Wiener filtering and the estimated IDPSF, which eventually benefits the cloud detection product with more detectable low fractus and increased detection accuracy by about 1% in winter. Considering a step-profile target as a special case of this model, the proposed approach is also suitable for visible and near-infrared images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial characteristics of thermal infrared (TIR) images are generally described by image-derived point spread function (IDPSF) for sampled imaging system. Most investigators working on IDPSF on-orbit evaluation focus on visible and near-infrared images and pay little attention on TIR ones, the reason of which lies on the fact that the assumption of an observed target with an ideal step profile is not suitable for TIR band. A new approach for TIR images is proposed here based on a more common slope-profile model, where the transition features, i.e., the sample number (Nslope) and the beginning position of slope interval, are extracted from the observed signals. Simulation results show that the estimation performance will be increased, with lower noise level as well as higher system modulation transfer function value at half of normalized spatial frequency (MTF0.5) or smaller Nslope. For a good performance system with noise squared-root variance (SRV) nomore than 1.0 count and MTF0.5 between 0.3 and 0.4, the relative error between simulated and estimated MTF0.5's is less than 20%. The IDPSF of FY-2C satellite TIR band is estimated, and the derived MTF0.5 is properly close to on-ground testing results. The image quality of FY-2C TIR band has been improved by using Wiener filtering and the estimated IDPSF, which eventually benefits the cloud detection product with more detectable low fractus and increased detection accuracy by about 1% in winter. Considering a step-profile target as a special case of this model, the proposed approach is also suitable for visible and near-infrared images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigate the change of higher diffraction order images in holographic image storage and reconstruction process. In experiments, an s-polarized Ar+ laser (488.0nm) was used to record permanent grating in the dye-doped liquid crystal, 4,4′-n-entylcyanobiphenyl (5CB) doped with 1wt% methyl-red (MR), at a small incident angle. Higher diffraction order images were observed when the signal beam was focused in front of and behind the film. Then the film was illuminated by an s-polarized He–Ne laser (632.8nm) in the direction perpendicular to the surface. The higher diffraction order images were reconstructed. A theory about the change of higher diffraction order images is developed, which is in good agreement with experimental results. The results show that the higher diffraction order provides a useful method for optical information processing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated the use of an analog self-electrooptic effect device based on GaAs multiple quantum wells as an image processor chip to early vision processes. We focused our attention at the edge detection process using layouts of photo detectors to extract Laplacians of images. Laplacians of linear, constant, step, and Gaussian intensity profiles agree with the expected values. These results show that the device works properly as an edge detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine the accuracy of manifold coordinate representations as a reduced representation of a hyperspectral imagery (HSI) lookup table (LUT) for bathymetry retrieval. We also explore on a more limited basis the potential for using these coordinates for modeling other in water properties. Manifold coordinates, are chosen because they are a data-driven intrinsic set of coordinates, which naturally parameterize nonlinearities that are present in HSI of water scenes. The approach is based on the extraction of a reduced dimensionality representation in manifold coordinates of a sufficiently large representative set of HSI. The manifold coordinates are derived from a scalable version of the isometric mapping algorithm. In the present and in our earlier works, these coordinates were used to establish an interpolating LUT for bathymetric retrieval by associating the representative data with ground truth data, in this case from a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) estimate in the representative area. While not the focus of the present paper, the compression of LUTs could also be applied, in principle, to LUTs generated by forward radiative transfer models, and some preliminary work in this regard confirms the potential utility for this application. In this paper, we analyze the approach using data acquired by the Portable Hyperspectral Imager for Low-Light Spectroscopy (PHILLS) hyperspectral camera over the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, in 2004. Within a few months of the PHILLS overflights, Scanning Hydrographic Operational Airborne LIDAR Survey, LIDAR data were obtained for a portion of this study area, principally covering the beach zone and, in some instances, portions of contiguous river channels. Results demonstrate that significant compression of the LUTs is possible with little loss in retrieval accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a paper which proposes the use of indexed composite filters (ICFs) for multiple pattern recognition. It discusses the advantages of the proposed ICF over the usual composite filters such as its potential for identifying the object of the learning class being detected at the output. The results of computer simulation conducted using alphabetic input scenes illustrating the method's efficiency are also presented.

Methods of polarization analysis in imaging systems are quite new approach. It allows to remove the polarized light component from recorded images, and is known as Polarization Difference Imaging (PDI). The use of liquid crystals (LC) in PDI was proposed in 2002. Modified LC unit with properly oriented LC layer was proposed by the authors. In this work specific LC filter and set-up for image analysis are presented. The examination of the azimuthal detectivity of PDI system is performed. The method of digital analysis of acquired images and detectivity determination is presented. Obtained results are shown and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A digital holography interference pattern generated by a computer calculation (computer generated hologram, CGH) is one of the most expensive contents and its usage is being expanded. Thus, it is highly necessary to protect the ownership of a digital hologram. This paper introduces a watermarking scheme, a method to protect the ownership of digital holograms using the DCT domain data as the ones to be watermarked. This scheme shows very high imperceptibility and strong robustness against the anticipated attacks. We expect that the conclusions of this paper will be a very useful basis for further work in the area of electronic watermarking schemes for the digital holograms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The tendency today is to replace high-dynamic light modulators by high-speed binary ones (of which the micromirror is the best example). This kind of spatial light modulators (SLM) fulfils all the present needs in displays. They are used in optical communications as binary systems and also in display applications (video projectors) with temporal multiplexing, in order to generate greyscale or colour images. In optical processing, and in the majority of coherent applications, temporal dithering introduces some distortions. In this paper, this point is studied with simulations. We point out that temporal multiplexing cannot be used in the Fourier plane. In the imaging plane, the distortion is weak if the filter has a positive impulse response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article reports on all-optical multifunctional logic gates for image information using photorefractive two-wave mixing. The optical setup is simply configured compared with other all-optical logic gates for image information. The logic operations can be switched by means of the on-off control of the signal and the pump beam illumination. The spatial distribution of beam intensity in the logic gates are analyzed using a finite difference beam propagation method.

Abstract: A method for omnidirectional real-time optical edge extraction is proposed. The method consists on the design of a complex filter that is implemented in a Vander Lugt like optical processor. It is emphasized the rotation invariance of the technique, as its equivalence with the Canny edge detector. Numerical simulations have been performed to compare the proposed implementation with some frequently used edge detectors and enhancers. Experimental results are presented to show the very good performance of the method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report some photorefractive higher-order diffraction phenomena of a liquid crystal polymer composite. The photorefractive composite consists of the polymer poly[N-vinylcarbazole] (PVK) doped with the chromophore 4,4′-n-entylcyanobiphenyl (5CB) and the sensitizer C60. In two-wave coupling experiments, the signal beam was interfered by a mutually coherent reference beam within composite materials at a small incident angle. Results are given when the composite was placed behind the focal plane, in front of the focal plane, and in the focal plane. Higher-order diffraction images were obtained by amplification and reduction. A theory of the properties of higher-order diffraction images in a photorefractive liquid crystal polymer composite is developed. The theory is in good agreement with the results of experimental work. The experiments demonstrate the feasibility of optical image processing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The images recorded by optical telescopes are often degraded by aberrations that induce phase variations in the pupil plane. Several wavefront sensing techniques have been proposed to estimate aberrated phases. One of them is phase diversity, for which the joint least-square approach introduced by Gonsalves et al. is a reference method to estimate phase coefficients from the recorded images. In this paper, we rely on the asymptotic theory of Toeplitz matrices to show that Gonsalves' technique provides a consistent phase estimator as the size of the images grows. No comparable result is yielded by the classical joint maximum likelihood interpretation (e.g., as found in the work by Paxman et at). Finally, our theoretical analysis is illustrated through simulated problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vivo fluorescence molecular imaging and tomography has facilitated monitoring of genomics and proteomics over time and on the same animal. A highly important issue, however, has been the robust registration of animals imaged at different time points to obtain accurate description of activity and location. This paper presents a method for aligning temporal data of small animals based on surface anatomical features and improving the accuracy of monitoring fluorophore distribution. The method can account for differences in the positioning and compression of small animals and can be extended to three-dimensional as well as to other imaging modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient, physics-based remote bathymetry method for the littoral zone is described and illustrated with applications to QuickBird, Littoral Airborne Sensor: Hyper- spectral (LASH), and Airborne Visible/Infrared Spectrometer (AVIRIS) spectral imagery. The method combines atmospheric correction, water reflectance spectral simulations, and a linear unmixing bathymetry algorithm that accounts for water surface reflections, thin clouds, and variable bottom brightness, and can incorporate blends of bottom materials. Results include depth maps, bottom color visualizations, and in favorable cases, approximate descriptions of the water composition. In addition, atmospheric correction was advanced through new capabilities added to the Fast Line-of-sight Atmospheric Analysis of Spectral Hypercubes (FLAASH) and Moderate Resolution Transmittance (MODTRAN) codes, including characterization of the aerosol wavelength dependence and a discrete-ordinate-method radiative transfer scaling technique for rapid calculation of multiply scattered radiance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roberts-operator-based edge detection is implemented using polarization-encoded optical shadow casting. The proposed technique yields better results than the previously reported shadow-casting edge detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-slice ptychography is a diffractive imaging technique that can reconstruct the information of a 3-D object from its diffraction intensities. In this article, we propose a multi-slice ptychographic encoding method for the encryption of multiple and color images. Full-phase images to be encrypted together with inserted phase keys are transformed into diffraction intensities (i.e., cipher texts) via multi-slice ptychographic encoding and double random phase encoding. The multi-slice ptychographic encoding refers to the process of using ptychographic scanning and recording to encrypt a multi-slice object that is composed of secret images and inserted phase keys. During decryption, an iterative phase retrieval algorithm is modified. The feasibility, robustness and security of the proposed method are analyzed. Numerical simulation results show that the proposed method can achieve high-quality decryption, and has high security and robustness against noise, compression, and occlusion. • The 3-D diffractive imaging technique, multi-slice ptychography, is applied to encrypt multi-image and color image. • With inserted phase keys, the proposed method can achieve fast and high-quality image decryption. • The system security is enhanced by the inserted phase keys that can effectively enlarge the key space. • The proposed method is robust to noise, compression and occlusion attack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creatinine concentration is one of the important elements in the body for diagnosing kidney failure, muscular dystrophy, glomerular filtration rate, and diabetic nephropathy. The disadvantages of recently introduced analytical techniques, such as Jaffe's, spectroscopic, colorimetric, and chromatographic methods, for quantifying creatinine in urine involve toxicity, the high cost, interference, and the complexity of the design. In this paper, we designed and fabricated a new colorimetric assay for the measurement of creatinine concentration based on color differentiation generated by mixing different concentrations of creatinine with synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). An isolated box is designed for the uniform optical imaging of solutions, the captured images are processed in real time, and the quantitative and qualitative results are displayed. For colorimetric processing, a variety of color systems, such as RGB (red, green, blue), CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), and grayscale (Gr), have been evaluated, indicating that the combination of green (G) and grayscale (Gr) provides the best results for this experiment. TEM analysis and spectroscopy were used to confirm the results of the experiment. Linear range and limit of detection (LOD) were obtained for AgNPs/PVP 0.03–1 mg/dl and 0.024 mg/dl and for AgNPs/PVA 0.01–1 mg/dl and 0.014 mg/dl, respectively, indicating the superiority of our proposed method over recently introduced methods. In this experiment, the detectable resolution with AgNPs/PVP is 40, while it is 71 with AgNPs/PVA. The designed system is simple to use, small in size, and cost-effective for measuring creatinine concentration, while it can be used as a portable system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical implementation of pattern fuzzy logic based on shadow casting is reported. In particular, a new spatial encoding method for fuzzy logic variables is proposed to optically realize the maximization and minimization operations needed by fuzzy logic. Experimental results are also given, © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]