J. R. Parker - Algorithms for Image Processing and Computer Vision

Algorithms for Image Processing and Computer Vision, Second Edition

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Copyright 2011 by J.R. Parker

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Published simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 978-0-470-64385-3

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Thanks, Bob.

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Executive Editor

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About the Author

J.R. Parker is a computer expert and teacher, with special interests in image processing and vision, video game technologies, and computer simulations. With a Ph.D. in Informatics from the State University of Gent, Dr. Parker has taught computer science, art, and drama at the University of Calgary in Canada, where he is a full professor. He has more than 150 technical papers and four books to his credit, as well as video games such as the Booze Cruise , a simulation of impaired driving designed to demonstrate its folly, and a number of educational games. Jim lives on a small ranch near Cochrane, Alberta, Canada with family and a host of legged and winged creatures.

About the Technical Editor

Kostas Terzidis is an Associate Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He holds a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Michigan (1994), a Masters of Architecture from Ohio State University (1989), and a Diploma of Engineering from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1986). His most recent work is in the development of theories and techniques for the use of algorithms in architecture. His book Expressive Form: A Conceptual Approach to Computational Design , published by London-based Spon Press (2003), offers a unique perspective on the use of computation as it relates to aesthetics, specifically in architecture and design. His book Algorithmic Architecture (Architectural Press/Elsevier, 2006) provides an ontological investigation into the terms, concepts, and processes of algorithmic architecture and provides a theoretical framework for design implementations. His latest book, Algorithms for Visual Design (Wiley, 2009), provides students, programmers, and researchers the technical, theoretical, and design means to develop computer code that will allow them to experiment with design problems.

Acknowledgments

Thanks this time to Sonny Chan, for the inspiration for the parallel computing chapter, to Jeff Boyd, for introducing me repeatedly to OpenCV, and to Ralph Huntsinger and Ghislain C. Vansteenkiste, for getting me into and successfully out of my Ph.D. program.

Almost all the images used in this book were created by me, using an IBM PC with a frame grabber and a Sony CCD camera, an HP scanner, and a Sony Eyetoy as a webcam. Credits for the few images that were not acquired in this way are as follows:

Corel Corporation made available the color image of the grasshopper on a leaf shown in Figure 3.33, and also was the origin of the example search images in Figure 10.5.

The sample images in Figure 10.1 were a part of the ALOI data set, use of which was allowed by J. M. Geusebroek.

Thanks to Big Hill Veterinary Clinic in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada, for the X-ray image shown in Figure 3.10e.

Finally, thanks to Dr. N. Wardlaw, of the University of Calgary Department of Geology, for the geological micropore image of Figure 3.16.

Most importantly, I need to thank my family: my wife, Katrin, and children, Bailey and Max. They sacrificed time and energy so that this work could be completed. I appreciate it and hope that the effort has been worthwhile.

Preface

Humans still obtain the vast majority of their sensory input through their vi-sual system, and an enormous effort has been made to artificially enhance this sense. Eyeglasses, binoculars, telescopes, radar, infrared sensors, and photo-multipliers all function to improve our view of the world and the universe. We even have telescopes in orbit (eyes outside the atmosphere) and many of those see in other spectra: infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays. These give us views that we could not have imagined only a few years ago, and in colors that we'll never see with the naked eye. The computer has been essential for creating the incredible images we've all seen from these devices.