Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantitative and qualitative imaging of fugitive emissions of gas, vapors, or fumes are described. The apparatus includes a filter mosaic for placement in registration over an imaging focal plane array (FPA). The filter mosaic includes at least two filter elements providing transmission response functions for transmitting wavelengths of light corresponding to an absorption wavelength (online wavelength) and a non-absorption wavelength (offline wavelength) of the targeted fugitive emission. Also described is an image processing method for transforming a filtered image into an image of the targeted fugitive emission.

Abstract: An image scan is performed by obtaining a protocol identifier, determining scan conditions from the protocol identifier, and generating an image of a specimen according to the scan conditions. An image scan system has a computer to determine scan conditions from a protocol assigned to a specimen, and a scan assembly to conduct an image scan of the specimen according the scan conditions. A computer readable medium has instructions to obtain a protocol identifier, instructions to determine scan conditions from the protocol identifier, and instructions to generate an image of a specimen according to the scan conditions.

Abstract: A method for estimating properties of porous media, such as fine pore or tight rocks, is provided. The method comprises digital image scanning of sequential sub-samples of porous media at progressively higher resolution to systematically identify sub-sections of interest within the original sample and then estimate properties of the porous media. The resulting properties of the porous media then can be optionally upscaled to further estimate the properties of larger volumes of the porous media such as rock facies or subterranean reservoirs. A system operable for conducting the method also is provided.

Abstract: Methods for acquiring, cataloguing, and analyzing digital core samples taken of subterranean formations are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method that includes obtaining an image or a series of images of at least a portion of a subterranean formation; simulating, by a computing device, a fracturing characteristic of the subterranean formation based on the image or the series of images; and cataloguing the image or the series of images in a formation fingerprinting database.

Abstract: A technician performs a locate operation of an underground utility in a dig area of proposed excavation by applying one or more physical colored markers (e.g., paint, flags, other colored markers) to ground, pavement or other surface to indicate a presence or an absence of the underground utility in the dig area. A digital image of a geographic area comprising the dig area is displayed on a display device, and one or more electronic colored markers corresponding to the physical colored marker(s) are added to the displayed digital image so as to generate a marked-up image. Information relating to the marked-up image is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored so as to document the locate operation.

Abstract: An image capture system for capturing images of an object, the image capture system comprising a moving platform such as an airplane, one or more image capture devices mounted to the moving platform, and a detection computer. The image capture device has a sensor for capturing an image. The detection computer executes an abnormality detection algorithm for detecting an abnormality in an image immediately after the image is captured and then automatically and immediately causing a re-shoot of the image. Alternatively, the detection computer sends a signal to the flight management software executed on a computer system to automatically schedule a re-shoot of the image. When the moving platform is an airplane, the detection computer schedules a re-shoot of the image such that the image is retaken before landing the airplane.

Abstract: An imaging device made of a single-chip type including a RGB Bayer pattern color filter is where pixel signals outputted from the imaging device are inputted through a signal processing part to an image processing part. A correlation judgment part judges a correlation between the pixel signals, and an interpolation processing part performs a pixel interpolation process based on a correlation result. Thus, each pixel signal becomes a perfect signal having all R, G and B color components. Filter factors for a filter are determined based on the correlation result, and a filtering process is performed on the pixel signals subjected to the pixel interpolation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position determination method for a geodetic device having a distance and angle measuring functionality, such as a total station (1), a determination being made of the relative location of the geodetic device and reference points (2) marked with reflectors (P1-Pn) of a quantity of reference points, by measuring the distance (D1-Dn) and at least one angle (?i-?n, ?1-?n) from the geodetic device to the reference points as reference variables, the reference variables being determined in a device-based reference system. For the reference point quantity formed by the reference points (P1-Pn) and a reference point quantity of measurable reference points (A-G), the positions of which are known in an external reference system, common elements are identified, the relative location of the reference points (P1-Pn) being derived from the reference variables and the common elements being identified and associated based on the relative location of the reference points (P1-Pn).

Abstract: An example system described herein to perform downhole fluid analysis includes an imaging processor to be positioned downhole in a geological formation, the imaging processor including a plurality of photo detectors to sense light that has contacted a formation fluid in the geological formation, each photo detector to determine respective image data for a respective portion of an image region supported by the imaging processor, and a plurality of processing elements, each processing element being associated with a respective photo detector and to process first image data obtained from the respective photo detector and second image data obtained from at least one neighbor photo detector, and a controller to report measurement data via a telemetry communication link to a receiver to be located outside the geological formation, the measurement data being based on processed data obtained from the plurality of processing elements.

Abstract: A method can include providing borehole data organized with respect to a cylindrical surface, defining one or more bedding planes based at least in part on the borehole data, and transforming at least a portion of the borehole data to a planar slab format for a plane interior to the cylindrical surface. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: Reflected-transmitted non-converted and converted seismic waves as used for seismic imaging which is not limited by the angle of inclination of the seismic interfaces. These wave signals are recorded at the surface and are later used to obtain seismic imaging of geological discontinuities and the physical properties of the medium. Known duplex waves are used with transmitted waves for obtaining seismic images from much wider angles, ranging from horizontal to vertical. Two types of migration procedures are used: the first one being based on migration of transmitted compressional and converted duplex waves, and the second one being based on the joint migration of two interrelated fields, such as interferometric principles; for example, the first field of primary waves corresponding to the one time reflected monotypic compressional (non-converted) type of waves and a second wavefield corresponding to secondary waves of more complex origin, such as reflected waves and converted waves.

Abstract: Products and methods for identifying rock samples based on an average color value for each rock sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to a method for generating a multi-dimensional image of a sample which combines different image capturing modalities with data analysis capability for identifying and integrating the higher accuracy image features captured by each respective modality to yield reconciled image data of higher accuracy and consistency. A system which can be used to perform the method also is included.

Abstract: A computer based method for determining a characteristic of a material, including accepting as input to a specially programmed portable computer, and using a processor for the computer, image data, for a surface of a material. The image data is accepted from a device including a light source and a magnifying element. Using the processor, the method: creates a binary image from the image data such that each pixel in the plurality of pixels has one of two possible values; segments the binary image such that an object occupying an area of the surface is located in the binary image and boundaries surrounding the object are located in the binary image; and generates, using the segmented binary image: one or more parameters regarding features of the material, or at least one statistical parameter regarding at least one feature in the image data.

Abstract: A method of constructing an image representing the distribution of a categorical physical property representative of an underground zone having applications for petroleum reservoir development. A first training image representative of a geometrical structure of the categorical property is constructed. Training images representative of the distributions of several auxiliary properties are then constructed from the first training image. A probability law of the categorical property and a probability law of each auxiliary property are determined, from each training image, for a given pixel according to the values of the neighboring pixels. A probability law of the categorical property is calculated from these laws and from the images representative of the distribution of the auxiliary physical properties in the zone, and for each pixel of the image to be constructed. Finally, the value of the categorical property is determined by carrying out a random selection for the calculated probability law.

Abstract: The invention targets in particular a method for searching for a seismic horizon in a seismic image of the subsoil. The method notably comprises the designation of two points belonging to the horizon sought, the iterative search for the best solution for the equation of the seismic horizon notably by virtue of a breakdown of this solution into two components, a pseudo-continuous component and a jump component.

Abstract: A method for analyzing seismic data by generating a post-migration common image gather in a dip angle domain from measured seismic data; detecting concave features related to reflection events in the common image gather and apexes; filtering out part of the concave features in the common image gather in a vicinity of the detected apexes; applying a hybrid Radon transform to the filtered common image gather to separate residues of the concave features from other image features related to diffraction events; and applying an inverse hybrid Radon transform to an image containing the separated features related to diffraction events to obtain a transformed common image gather in the dip angle domain.

Abstract: Method for efficient computation of wave equation migration angle gathers by using multiple imaging conditions. Common reflection angle or common azimuth gathers or gathers including both common reflection angles and common azimuth angles are produced as the data are migrated. In the course of either wave equation migration or reverse time migration, the pressures and particle motion velocities that need to be computed are sufficient to also compute the Poynting vector pointing in the direction of source-side (35) or receiver-side (37) wavefield propagation. From that, the reflection and azimuth angles can be computed (38). The seismic images can then be stored in the appropriate angle bins, from which common reflection angle or azimuth data volumes can be assembled (39).

Abstract: Images from the video camera of a computer are compared over time, e.g., every few milliseconds, to determine from the pixel data if motion of the computer matches template motion associated with an earthquake P-wave. If so, a warning is generated, uploaded to a communication network, and propagated over the network to other computers.

Abstract: Described herein are implementations of various technologies for a method for mapping water table depths. In one implementation, a satellite image of an area of interest may be received. The satellite image may comprise a red spectrum, a green spectrum and a blue spectrum. A first map may be generated that identifies only water features on the satellite image. The first map may be convolved with a digital elevation model of the area of interest to generate a second map. The second map may identify elevations of the water features on the satellite image. An interpolation algorithm may be applied to the second map to generate a third map. The third map may identify water tables and elevations for the water tables on the satellite image.

Abstract: To perform imaging of a subterranean structure, an imaging operator is generated through the design of a weight, where the weight is computed according to a design criterion, where the design criterion is selected from the group consisting of: (1) the imaging operator provides a true amplitude image; (2) the imaging operator minimizes mean square error; and (3) the imaging operator corresponds to a least squares inverse of a forward modeling operator. The weighted filter as defined by the computed weights is applied to produce an image of a subterranean structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology integrate seismic data and geologic concepts into earth model building. More specifically, exemplary embodiments provide new ways to build an earth model based on information in the seismic data and geologic concepts to use as a context to interpret the seismic data and/or to add to the earth model in regions where the seismic data is missing (e.g., either no data or no data resolvability). In some embodiments, a deterministic framework is generated for an earth models through deterministic identification of discrete geobodies. A hybrid deterministic-geostatistical earth model is generated by filling stratigraphic gaps in a deterministic framework using geostatistical information and/or seismic inversion, in accordance with some embodiments.

Abstract: An image capture system for capturing images of an object, the image capture system comprising a moving platform such as an airplane, one or more image capture devices mounted to the moving platform, and a detection computer. The image capture device has a sensor for capturing an image. The detection computer executes an abnormality detection algorithm for detecting an abnormality in an image immediately after the image is captured and then automatically and immediately causing a re-shoot of the image. Alternatively, the detection computer sends a signal to the flight management software executed on a computer system to automatically schedule a re-shoot of the image. When the moving platform is an airplane, the detection computer schedules a re-shoot of the image such that the image is retaken before landing the airplane.

Abstract: The determination of coherent events in a seismic image is disclosed including the following operational phases: a phase of selecting a segmentation criterion based on a variable and at least one sliding window on the zone and its characteristics, a phase of hierarchical segmentation, for overlapping positions of the sliding window, including a segmentation of the zone into n regions and for each pixel located at least once by a segmentation boundary; a phase of assigning to the non-located pixels a value of indices (EI and EIC) corresponding to a numerical or alphanumeric characteristic non-value; a phase of determining coherent events of the image by thresholding the indices (EI and EIC), that is by selecting only located pixels of the zone corresponding to values lower or higher than a fixed threshold.

Abstract: The invention is provides a method of logging rock core. A digital photograph of core from a borehole is taken and the image is first processed. This involves calibration and correction, or un-distortion, of the digital image. A reference frame is included in the photograph to facilitate processing. The two-dimensional image is then used as a virtual three-dimensional model of the core enabling length and angle measurements to be logged. These include linear rock interval measurements as well as angular measurements of geological structures. The method is implemented using a software program which enables suitable hardware. The software program will be provided on a suitable computer readable medium. Manually logged data of the same kind is imported for comparison to data logged using the software program. All of this data can be displayed on the image and incrementally on a Stereonet as it is logged.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. Source data representing one or more input images of a geographic area including the dig area is electronically received at a first user location, which may be remote from the dig area. The source data is processed so as to display at least a portion of the input image(s) on a display device at the first user location. One or more indicators are added to the displayed input image(s), via a user input device associated with the display device, to provide at least one indication of the dig area and thereby generate a marked-up digital image. In one example, the indicator(s) is/are added to the displayed input image(s) without acquiring geographic coordinates corresponding to the indicator(s).

Abstract: System and method for scanning an object using a surveying instrument is provided. The method includes designating an area associated with an object to be scanned. Defining one or more sections within the area associated with the object. Scanning a portion of the area associated with the object corresponding to a first section of the area associated with the object and designating one or more sections adjacent to the first section if scan results indicate presence of an object. Designating one or more sections adjacent to the first section for not scanning if the scan results of the portion of the area associated with the object corresponding to the first section do not indicate presence of an object. A remote control device is provided that can control the surveying instrument, receive the scan results, and analyze the scan results for subsequent use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. A digital image that does not include an aerial image of a geographic area including the dig area is displayed on a display device. Via a user input device associated with the display device, at least one indicator is added to the displayed digital image to provide at least one indication of the dig area and thereby generate a marked-up digital image. Information relating to the marked up digital image is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored so as to facilitate the detection of the presence or the absence of the at least one underground facility within the dig area.

Abstract: Image processing using geodesic forests is described. In an example, a geodesic forest engine determines geodesic shortest-path distances between each image element and a seed region specified in the image in order to form a geodesic forest data structure. The geodesic distances take into account gradients in the image of a given image modality such as intensity, color, or other modality. In some embodiments, a 1D processing engine carries out 1D processing along the branches of trees in the geodesic forest data structure to form a processed image. For example, effects such as ink painting, edge-aware texture flattening, contrast-aware image editing, forming animations using geodesic forests and other effects are achieved using the geodesic forest data structure. In some embodiments the geodesic forest engine uses a four-part raster scan process to achieve real-time processing speeds and parallelization is possible in many of the embodiments.

Abstract: Method for visualizing and comparing two images or volumes of data of physical quantities or information referable to the same, recorded by means of suitable equipment, comprising the following steps: —defining which of the two quantities will be represented as color variations, and which as brightness variations; —defining a chromatic representation system based on three color coordinates, in which one coordinate represents the brightness and the other two coordinates represent appropriate color attributes; —applying a suitable transformation to the values of the physical quantities to be represented, so that the values of the physical quantities to be visualized are transformed from the original coordinates into the preselected chromatic coordinates; —transforming the values of the quantities to be visualized from the system of pre-selected coordinates into the chromatic coordinates typical of the pre-selected visualization system; —visualizing the image/volume containing the combination of the two quantiti

Abstract: To provide an update region detection device capable of accurately detecting an update region from plot data on a computer screen. In an update region detection unit (125), a pixel comparison unit (601) compares a difference between values of pixels at the same position in each of a reference frame and a current frame, with a first threshold and a second threshold, the second threshold being a value greater than the first threshold. An update region extraction unit (602) extracts, an update region, a group including a pixel where a difference greater than the second threshold has been detected, from among a group of pixels where a difference greater than the first threshold has been detected.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an entirely well-focused image of a three-dimensional scene. The method comprises the steps of a) learning a prediction model including at least a focal depth probability density function (PDF), h(k), for all depth values k, from historical tiles of the scene; b) predicting the possible focal surfaces in subsequent tiles of the scene by applying the prediction model; c) for each value of k, examining h(k) such that if h(k) is below a first threshold, no image is acquired at the depth k? for said one tile; and if h(k) is above or equal to a first threshold, one or more images are acquired in a depth range around said value of k for said one tile; and d) processing the acquired images to generate a pixel focus map for said one tile.

Abstract: A method for estimating a physical property of a porous material from a sample of the material includes making a three dimensional tomographic image of the sample of the material, segmenting the image into pixels each representing pore space or rock grain, and estimating at least one physical property from the segmented image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for surveying at least one target using a geodetic device. According to said method, a camera of the device captures a visual image and surveys an angle and/or a distance to the target with geodetic precision, the angle and/or distance surveillance being supported or controlled by the visual image. At the same time of capture of the visual image at least two distance points of a distance image are captured as the spatial distribution of discrete distance points in the area of detection. When the visual image and the distance image are correlated with each other, the target is recognized or the measuring process is controlled.

Abstract: Computing systems and methods for improving processing of collected data are disclosed. In one embodiment, while ray-tracing through a sub-surface region, a frequency-dependent outgoing ray direction is computed from a point on an interface disposed in the sub-surface region when the ray tracing is at the interface.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program code for terrain correction for geophysical surveys, in particular potential field surveys. A method of terrain correction for a geophysical survey involves capturing a multi- or hyperspectral image of a region to be surveyed; determining a surface geological composition of the surveyed region using the captured image multi- or hyperspectral image; determining terrain correction data for the geophysical survey using the determined surface geological composition; and using the terrain correction data for performing the terrain correction for the geophysical survey.

Abstract: This subject disclosure describes methods to build and/or enhance 3D digital models of porous media by combining high- and low-resolution data to capture large and small pores in single models. High-resolution data includes laser scanning fluorescence microscopy (LSFM), nano computed tomography (CT) scans, and focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). Low-resolution data includes conventional CT scans, micro computed tomography scans, and synchrotron computed tomography scans.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one marked-up digital image of a geographic area including the dig area, the image including at least one indicator to delimit the dig area, is electronically processed by converting the at least one indicator to a plurality of geographic coordinates representing the delimited dig area. Information relating to a locate request ticket identifying the dig area to be excavated is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored, wherein the locate request ticket includes image data and non-image data associated with the dig area. The image data includes the at least one marked-up digital image of the geographic area surrounding the dig area, and the non-image data includes the plurality of geographic coordinates representing the delimited dig area.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to methods for determining representative element areas and volumes in porous media. Representative element area (REA) is the smallest area that can be modeled to yield consistent results, within acceptable limits of variance of the modeled property. Porosity and permeability are examples of such properties. In 3D, the appropriate term is representative element volume (REV). REV is the smallest volume of a porous media that is representative of the measured parameter.

Abstract: This disclosed subject matter is generally related to methods for characterizing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) samples to determine pore-body and pore-throat size distributions and capillary pressure curves in porous media using petrographic image analysis. Input includes high-resolution petrographic images and laboratory-derived porosity measurements. Output includes: (1) pore-body and pore-throat size distributions, and (2) simulated capillary pressure curves for both pore bodies and pore throats.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one marked-up digital image of a geographic area including the dig area, the image including at least one indicator to delimit the dig area, is electronically processed by converting the at least one indicator to a plurality of geographic coordinates representing the delimited dig area. Information relating to a locate request ticket identifying the dig area to be excavated is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored, wherein the locate request ticket includes image data and non-image data associated with the dig area. The image data includes the at least one marked-up digital image of the geographic area surrounding the dig area, and the non-image data includes the plurality of geographic coordinates representing the delimited dig area.

Abstract: A remote sensing and probabilistic sampling based forest inventory method can correlate aerial data, such as LiDAR, CIR, and/or Hyperspectral data with actual sampled and measured ground data to facilitate obtainment, e.g., prediction, of a more accurate forest inventory. The resulting inventory can represent an empirical description of the height, DBH and species of every tree within the sample area. The use of probabilistic sampling methods can greatly improve the accuracy and reliability of the forest inventory.

Abstract: A method of deriving a digital terrain model from a digital surface model of an area of interest includes: dividing the area of interest into a plurality of area portions or patches; calculating, from the digital surface model, a set of candidate surfaces adapted to represent a ground surface in each area portion; if such set includes at least two candidate surfaces, estimating a distance from the ground surface of each candidate surface by using a function of a set of geometrical features related to the considered candidate surface, such function being derived from a known relation between a digital surface model and the height of the ground surface in a reference area; selecting, as a representation of the ground surface in each area portion, the candidate surface having the smallest distance from the ground surface, so as to obtain local digital terrain models; and merging the different digital terrain models.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. Data representing an aerial image of a geographic area including the dig area is electronically received, the data including geo-coding or geographical identification metadata associated with the aerial image. At least a portion of the aerial image is displayed on a display device, including at least one map symbol, street name, region, and/or landmark description superimposed upon or displayed separately from the geographic area. The dig area is delimited on the displayed image, via a user input device associated with the display device, so as to generate a marked-up digital image including a delimited dig area. Information relating to the marked-up digital image is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored so as to facilitate the detection of the presence or the absence of the at least one underground facility within the dig area.

Abstract: A method of 3D object delineation from 3D seismic data comprising the steps of, providing 3D seismic data; processing the data based on at least one characteristic whereby said characteristic is extracted from the data and compared with at least one reference characteristic and delineated based on the comparison, and defining a geological element based on the delineation. The characteristics may be adjusted. Data can be processed based on one characteristic then processed based on a second characteristic or data is processed based on two characteristics substantially simultaneously. Data may be processed n times producing n delineations from which the geological element is defined. An algorithm is provided for processing the data which may shift an evolving shape description of an object between explicit and implicit representations, where each shift applies a transformation to the object. Multiple sources of data may be utilised simultaneously to drive the delineation process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for restoration of a digital image. In one embodiment, a method for repairing a defect in a digital image to provide a restored image comprises determining a plurality of pixel locations to form a neighborhood relating to the defect and whether or not the neighborhood has a well-defined, dark border along its edge. Should the neighborhood not have dark border, one embodiment of the method entails processing the neighborhood to bring the neighborhood approximately to uniform darkness, processing the neighborhood to match surroundings in the digital image, copying an edge of a neighborhood in the digital image into the processed neighborhood, processing pixels of the edge to repair the copied edge pixels, and outputting the restored image for display to a user.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same.

Abstract: Described herein are implementations of various technologies for a method for mapping glacial geomorphology. A satellite image of an area of interest may be received. A digital elevation model of the area of interest may be received. Plains and ridges may be identified on the digital elevation model. Swamps and forest may be identified on the satellite image. A glaciological map may be generated having glacial features based on the identified plains, ridges, swamps and forest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. Source data representing one or more input images of a geographic area including the dig area is electronically received at a first user location, which may be remote from the dig area. The source data is processed so as to display at least a portion of the input image(s) on a display device at the first user location. One or more indicators are added to the displayed input image(s), via a user input device associated with the display device, to provide at least one indication of the dig area and thereby generate a marked-up digital image. In one example, the indicator(s) is/are added to the displayed input image(s) without acquiring geographic coordinates corresponding to the indicator(s).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a searchable electronic record of a locate operation performed by a locate technician, in which a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area is identified. An image of a geographic area comprising the dig area is electronically received, and combined with image-related information so as to generate the searchable electronic record. The image-related information comprises at least a geographic location associated with the dig area, and a timestamp indicative of when the locate operation occurred. The searchable electronic record of the locate operation is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored so that performance of the location operation is verifiable.