Abstract: A system that includes a three-dimensional (3D) camera configured to capture a 3D image of a rearview of a dairy livestock in a stall, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to obtain the 3D image, identify one or more regions within the 3D image comprising depth values greater than a depth value threshold, and apply the thigh gap detection rule set to the one or more regions to identify a thigh gap region. The processor is further configured to demarcate an access region within the thigh gap region and demarcate a tail detection region. The processor is further configured to partition the 3D image within the tail detection region to generate a plurality of image depth planes, examine each of the plurality of image depth planes, and determine position information for the tail of the dairy livestock in response to identifying the tail of the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A method of identifying and classifying social complex behaviors among a group of model organisms, comprising implanting at least one RFID transponder in each model organism in said group of model organisms; enclosing said group of model organisms in a monitored space divided into RFID monitored segments; RFID tracking a position of each model organism by reading said at least one RFID transponder in each model organism over a period of time; capturing a sequence of images of each model organism over said period of time; and calculating at least one spatiotemporal model of each model organism based on time synchronization of said RFID tracked position of said model organism with said sequence of images.

Abstract: A “Food Logger” provides various approaches for learning or training one or more image-based models (referred to herein as “meal models”) of nutritional content of meals. This training is based on one or more datasets of images of meals in combination with “meal features” that describe various parameters of the meal. Examples of meal features include, but are not limited to, food type, meal contents, portion size, nutritional content (e.g., calories, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, salt, etc.), food source (e.g., specific restaurants or restaurant chains, grocery stores, particular pre-packaged foods, school meals, meals prepared at home, etc.). Given the trained models, the Food Logger automatically provides estimates of nutritional information based on automated recognition of new images of meals provided by (or for) the user. This nutritional information is then used to enable a wide range of user-centric interactions relating to food consumed by individual users.

Abstract: A wireless data acquisition system includes a data acquisition unit including a data sensor; a first wireless data link and a second wireless timing link with predicable or low latency. Stimulus and time markers come from a trigger generator. Data signals from the data sensor are transmitted across the wireless data link and timing information of the data acquisition unit is transmitted across the wireless timing link. A receiving host receives the transmitted data and timing information for logging and/or processing.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating one or more immature ears of maize are presented in which digital imagery and image processing are used to assess physical properties of immature maize ears that are correlated with yield and other yield-related traits. Also provided are methods for identifying leads using immature ear photometry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the health and wellbeing of subjects in an industrial setting are disclosed. The systems may include a camera arranged so as to observe one or more features of a subject, and a processor, coupled to the camera, the processor configured to analyze one or more images obtained therefrom, to extract one or more features from the image(s) of the subject, and to analyze one or more of the features, or sub features nested therein to predict an outcome of a state of the subject. In particular the system may be configured to generate a diagnostic signal (e.g. an outcome, fever, mastitis, virus, bacterial infection, rut, etc.) based upon the analysis.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for estimating the volume of food on a plate, for example meal, with a mobile device. The system uses a camera and a light pattern projector. Images of the food with and without a projected light pattern on it enable to compute the tridimensional shape and volume, while image segmentation and recognition steps estimate one or more food types in said images. By applying accessible knowledge databases, the carbs content is estimated and the associated insulin bolus doses are provided. Developments comprise coding of the light pattern, different light sources and associated wavelengths, motion compensations, additional optics, estimation of fat content and associated multi-wave boluses. The invention can be implemented in a glucometer or in an insulin pump controller provided with a test strip port or with a mobile phone.

Abstract: An automated irrigation control comprising crop sensor physically attached to a crop and a light sensitive sensor having a photo-detector for monitoring light intensity of a crop, an irrigation conduit extending along the span of the irrigation zone and adapted to carry fluid, with one or more controllable valves and sensors, growth sensors placed in close proximity of the crop sensors, a computer control system, an irrigation controller, and a communications link between the computer control system, the one or more crop sensor, the three or more growth sensors, and the irrigation controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for implementing high-precision orientation and evaluating orientation precision of a large-scale dynamic photogrammetry system, including steps: a) selecting a scale bar, arranging code points at two ends of the scale bar, and performing length measurement on the scale bar; b) evenly dividing a measurement space into multiple regions, sequentially placing the scale bar in each region, and photographing the scale bar by using left and right cameras; d) limiting self-calibration bundle adjustment by using multiple length constraints, adjustment parameters including principal point, principal distance, radial distortion, eccentric distortion, in-plane distortion, exterior orientation parameter and spatial point coordinate; and e) performing traceable evaluation of orientation precision of the photogrammetry system. The present invention can effectively reduce the relative error in length measurement.

Abstract: Techniques for providing image search templates are provided. An image search template may be associated with an image search query to aid the user in capturing an image that will be appropriate for processing the search query. The template may be displayed as an overlay during an image capturing process to indicate an appropriate image capturing pose, range, angle, or other view characteristics that may provide more accurate search results. The template may also be used in the image search query to segment the image and identify features relevant to the search query. Images in an image database may be clustered using characteristics of the images or metadata associated with the images in order to establish groups of images from which templates may be derived. The generated templates may be provided to users to assist in capturing images to be used as search engine queries.

Abstract: In order to aid a user in filling a container with a target volume of a substance, an image is received. The image includes a view of the container and a view of a reference object. The reference object has a known dimension. The view of the reference object and the view of the container are then compared with reference to the known dimension. Based on the comparison, a volume of the container is determined. Based on the volume of the container, a volume indicator is provided.

Abstract: An image measuring system includes: a reflecting body arranged near a plant to be measured; a photographing unit for photographing the reflecting body and outputting the photographed image; an image analyzing unit for detecting, in the photographed image, the area of the reflecting body and acquiring the color information of the area; an absolute spectral irradiance distribution calculating unit for calculating, on the basis of the color information, the absolute spectral irradiance distribution, which is the distribution of the absolute values of the spectral irradiance in the area; a photon flux density calculating unit for calculating, on the basis of the absolute spectral irradiance distribution, the photon flux density; and a Leaf Area Index calculating unit for calculating, on the basis of the photon flux density, the Leaf Area Index.

Abstract: A method for application of an agricultural product to a field, the method includes acquiring real-time sampled data using real-time agricultural sensors, wherein the real-time agricultural sensors include a soil sensor, auto-calibrating the real-time agricultural sensors using statistical characteristics of the real-time sampled data to determine an application rate, and applying the agricultural product to the field based on the application rate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for dividing a plant organ point cloud. According to information about lamina point cloud blocks and stem point cloud blocks in a previous adjacent point cloud frame of a point cloud frame to be divided and a flatness feature of a data point of the point cloud frame to be divided, a point cloud of the point cloud frame to be divided is divided into lamina point cloud blocks and stem point cloud blocks; taking the adjacent point cloud frame as a reference to divide the point cloud frame facilitates the divided organ in maintaining the consistency of time and space between adjacent point cloud frames, and improves the accuracy of plant organ division.

Abstract: A method for determining the yield loss of a crop using remote sensor data is described. The yield loss is determined using the reflectivity of light by the crop canopy measured from remote sensor data such as an aerial photograph that is digitized and spatially referenced to the field's longitude and latitude. Pixel values from the aerial photograph, expressed relative to pixel values from well fertilized areas of the field, are transformed to yield losses using a linear transformation that was developed using empirical data. A similar method is described to determine recommended nitrogen fertilization rates for the crop fields. The yield loss data is useful for nitrogen fertilization management, as it allows a producer of crops to weigh the expense of fertilization against the loss of revenue due to yield loss.

Abstract: A method for recognizing individual plants of a selected type growing in a field, wherein the method comprises capturing color NIR image data of an entire field having plants of a selected type growing therein utilizing an automated plant counting system and calculating a ratio value between each pixel of the color image data and the corresponding pixel of the NIR image data utilizing a plant recognition algorithm executed via a data processing system of the plant counting system. The method additionally comprises generating, via execution of the plant recognition algorithm, a false color image of the field based on the calculated ratios for each pixel, and identifying, via execution of the plant recognition algorithm, all plants of the selected type in the false color image based on a plant distinguishing characteristic uniquely rendered for each individual plant of the selected type in the false color image.

Abstract: In order to aid a user in filling a container with a target volume of a substance, an image is received. The image includes a view of the container and a view of a reference object. The reference object has a known dimension. The view of the reference object and the view of the container are then compared with reference to the known dimension. Based on the comparison, a volume of the container is determined. Based on the volume of the container, a volume indicator is provided.

Abstract: An animal identification system and method is provided. The system includes a biometric sensor configured to capture a biometric feature of an animal as a biometric representation of the animal and a biometric identification module configured to receive the biometric representation of the animal and compare said biometric representation of the animal with stored biometric data for a plurality of animals and evaluate matching characteristics between the biometric representation of the animal and stored biometric data for the plurality of animals. The biometric sensor may include a nose print sensor, capacitive sensor, or camera. The biometric feature may include a nose print, an iris image of an eye of the animal, or an image of the unique vein pattern in the sclera of an eye of the animal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of processing meat or food products. Information is compiled and analyzed regarding the condition of a carcass, meat product, styling of the meat product and associated tray or package. Information is used in various processes, including determining which further processing steps are required. The information is also stored for future reference and analysis.

Abstract: A system processes images of soil using image processing techniques that help to reveal soil characteristics and differences between soil characteristics. The characteristics may be indicative of soil type, and the differences between soil characteristics help to identify where soil types change in a field. The system may determine management zones for a field based on the soil characteristics, e.g., by identifying multiple regions within a field, each management zone corresponding to similar soil characteristics. The system may communicate the management zones to devices in the field, to land appraisers, or to customers who use the results to manage the soil, as just a few examples.

Abstract: This invention provides a plant health diagnostic method and a plant health diagnostic device for detecting initial disorder of a plant individual body carrying pests or the like in a large-scale plant cultivation field. The plant health diagnostic method is for diagnosing a health state of a plant in accordance with chlorophyll fluorescence emitted from chlorophyll of a plant body. The method includes: obtaining a first minimum point s after a maximum point p having largest chlorophyll fluorescence intensity and a first maximum point m after the minimum point s on a time course curve for the chlorophyll fluorescence intensity; defining chlorophyll fluorescence intensity values at the minimum point s and the first maximum point m after the minimum point s as S and M, respectively; and comparing the value S and the value M to evaluate the state of the plant.

Abstract: The sanitary management system S includes a plurality of portable communication terminal devices 10, a manager terminal device 20 and a server device 40. The server device 40: (1) extracts two or more feature values related to the color of each pixel constituting a culture medium image; (2) executes statistical analysis based on distribution of pixels of the culture medium image by using a coordinate system prescribed by the extracted two or more feature values of each pixel, and calculates a linear function prescribing relation of the two or more feature values in each pixel; and (3) detects the colonies in the culture medium image based on the calculated linear function and counts the number of colonies.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a wireless cellular device capable of determining a volume of an object in an image captured by a camera of that apparatus. In one embodiment, the present wireless cellular device comprises an illuminator for projecting a pattern of structured light with known spatial characteristics, and a camera for capturing images of an object for which a volume is to be estimated. The camera is sensitive to a wavelength range of the projected pattern of structured light. A spatial distortion is introduced by a reflection of the projected pattern off a surface of the object. And processor executing machine readable program instructions for performing the method of: receiving an image of the object from the camera; processing the image to generate a depth map; and estimating a volume of the object from the depth map. A method for using the present wireless cellular device is also provided.

Abstract: A treatment recommending system of plant symptom includes an operation interface, an image capture unit, a processing unit and a storage unit for storing plant symptom data and diagnostic data. The processing unit may find target contour data presenting a plant part according to symptom description and symptom characteristic data. The image capture unit obtains plant image data corresponding to the target contour data. The processing unit analyzes the plant image data, and coordinates with the symptom characteristic data to determine corresponding treatment recommendation data.

Abstract: Illumination of an object with spectral structured light, and spectral measurement of light reflected therefrom, for purposes which include derivation of a three-dimensional (3D) measurement of the object, such as depth and/or contours of the object, and/or for purposes which include measurement of a material property of the object, such as by differentiating between different types of materials.

Abstract: Example techniques are disclosed for performing optical recognition of fish. For example, image features can be extracted from an image of a fish and used in conjunction with location or time information to determine a species of the fish. The classification can be performed with one or more trained classifiers that are trained using training images of fish having labels indicating species of the fish.

Abstract: A commodity recognition apparatus acquires an image including a commodity captured by an image capturing module and displays the acquired image on a display module. The commodity recognition apparatus displays a frame border surrounding the commodity on at least a portion of the image displayed on the display module. Moreover, the commodity recognition apparatus recognizes the commodity existing in the frame border according to a feature amount of the image in the area surrounded by the frame border. The commodity recognition apparatus outputs information of the commodity recognized.

Abstract: A method of referencing an imaged object includes, among other things, obtaining a series of images, observing key characteristics of the object in each of the series of images, associating the observed key characteristics with the object; and assigning a unique identifier to the object based upon the associated key characteristics. The series of images includes spectral and spatial imagery. Some of the key characteristics are in the spectral imagery and some of the key characteristics are in the spatial imagery.

Abstract: A method for detecting a pupil in an image of an eye, comprises analyzing the image, exploiting an expected shape of the pupil, to identify portions of the image that are candidate portions of the pupil. A first region of the image, which corresponds to a lower part of the pupil, is analyzed in preference to a second region of the image, which corresponds to an upper part of the pupil, so as to reduce or avoid errors arising from artifacts that tend to be present in said second region of the image. A computer or processor program and an apparatus for performing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of investigating a solid sample, in particular a geological sample, such as a borehole core sample, includes the steps of positioning the sample on a sample support device, positioning a hyperspectral camera device, so that a line-shaped surface region of the sample is covered by a field of view of the hyperspectral camera device, illuminating the sample on the sample support device, moving the hyperspectral camera device and the sample support device relative to each other, wherein the field of view of the hyperspectral camera device is moved along a scanning direction over the surface of the sample, and collecting a hyperspectral image of the sample during the moving step, wherein the hyperspectral image is composed of multiple hyperspectral line images.

Abstract: An image registration method for registering images into a coordinate system includes the following steps: (a) performing image normalization on a source image and generating a normalized image; (b) retrieving at least one color-deconvoluted image from color-deconvoluting the source image; (c) determining at least one image feature from the at least one color-deconvoluted image; (d) comparing the at least one image feature of the at least one color-deconvoluted image with a target image, and generating a relative matching structural feature result; and (e) transforming the normalized image into a registered image according to the matching structural feature result.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing image data representing a specimen being imaged using ultrasound includes a processor and memory. The processor receives input data representing output from an ultrasound probe, and performs an iterative algorithm on the input data until a converged estimate of the mean of the distribution of the image data is reached. This estimate is used to produce output image data for display. The algorithm updates estimates for the image data, the echogenicity of the image data, and the variance of the noise of the image data. The step of updating the variance of the noise of the image data uses an update rule that assumes the noise to be varying across the image data but locally invariant for any small enough region of the image data.

Abstract: In an aspect, a system includes a touch-sensitive surface and a camera mounted to be movable relative to the touch-sensitive surface to acquire an image of an animal interacting with the touch-sensitive surface. The system includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor and memory configured to cause each of multiple sections of the display screen to be associated with a corresponding activity in which the animal can engage; detect a selection of one of the multiple sections of the touch-sensitive surface; and enable the activity associated with the selected section of the touch-sensitive surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting plant material based on the presence or absence of a visual marker on the plant material. The visible marker may be a visible genetic color marker in the corn seed which is used in double haploid breeding. The absence or presence of the visible marker identifies correctly pollinated seeds as well as putative haploid seeds.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of processing meat or food products. Information is compiled and analyzed regarding the condition of a carcass, meat product, styling of the meat product and associated tray or package. Information is used in various processes, including determining which further processing steps are required. The information is also stored for future reference and analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide a fast and simple way of administering a drug program related to an animal. Specifically, systems are provided that can receive, compile and analyze information regarding the condition of an organ in a form that is readily readable, transferable to others, and associated with, or linked to, other information such as the presence or absence of an administered drug, combination of drugs, or drug program.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining nitrogen levels from a digital image and in-season nitrogen measurement and fertilization of non-leguminous crops from digital image analysis are disclosed herein. In particular, a method of determining leaf nitrogen concentration and yield from a digital photograph of a fully developed leaf (collared leaf) of a crop of non-legumes, such as corn, wheat, rice, cotton, potatoes sugarcane, turfgrass or forage grass species. The digital image is processed to determine a dark green color index (“DGCI”), which is closely related to leaf nitrogen concentration and yield. Standardized color disks having known DGCI values are included in the digital photograph and serve as an comparative standard. The comparative standard allows correction of DGCI of samples when using different cameras and/or when lighting conditions change. The DGCI values can then be used to determine the amount of nitrogen fertilizer that should be applied to recover crop yield potential.

Abstract: A crop's status may be determined from analysis of information regarding the crop received from, for example, a user, an in-season data gathering source, a database, a data feed, an aerial sensor, a UAV, and/or a remote sensor via a communication network. The received data may be compared to, for example, a benchmark, a parameter, a previously determined crop status, and/or a baseline associated with the crop and the comparison may be scored. When the score exceeds a predetermined threshold, an alert may be generated and provided to a user via the communication network.

Abstract: A system for determining the characteristics of a volume of preferable small fungible products within an acceptable size range. The system differentiates among products even if in close contact to identify acceptable product. The system may store data for later review or for dispensing of product in real time. The system may include a scale to determine a sample's weight, a camera to image the sample, an imaging table to permit viewing of the sample, a processor to determine the number of products in the sample, and a processor to determine the density of desired product. The system may also determine product count-per-weight, product volume-per-weight, and/or product surface-area-per-weight. These determinations may be useful, including in determining product processing and packaging options.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically detect the presence of a substance on a test swipe by capturing a background image of the test swipe; applying one or more test chemicals to a test swipe; adjusting the temperature of the test swipe to a predetermined temperature range; controlling a variable speed fan to avoid fogging the camera's lens; capturing an in-situ image of the test swipe after the application of chemical at the predetermined temperature range; subtracting the background image from the in-situ image; generating a difference value from the two images; and searching a known database to identify the substance.

Abstract: A device and method for identifying plant rows in a field represented by an image is provided. The plant rows may be identified using the frequency domain. The plant rows may further be identified using information regarding plant positions. Additionally, plant rows may be obtained by any appropriate method and analyzed to differentiate between planted and non-planted rows. Further, plant rows may be segmented according to predefined classifications or attributes thereof, wherein the classification/attributes may derived from an image of the area in which the plant rows are found and/or using any other appropriate method.

Abstract: A method for studying the behavior of an animal in an experimental area including stimulating the animal using a stimulus device; collecting data from the animal using a data collection device; analyzing the collected data; and developing a quantitative behavioral primitive from the analyzed data. A system for studying the behavior of an animal in an experimental area including a stimulus device for stimulating the animal; a data collection device for collecting data from the animal; a device for analyzing the collected data; and a device for developing a quantitative behavioral primitive from the analyzed data. A computer implemented method, a computer system and a nontransitory computer readable storage medium related to the same. Also, a method and apparatus for automatically discovering, characterizing and classifying the behavior of an animal in an experimental area. Further, use of a depth camera and/or a touch sensitive device related to the same.

Abstract: A technical object is to enable optical checks to be performed while allowing visual checks using a sample pan to be performed in a pseudo manner using an aggregate image (pseudo image) depicting grains loaded on the sample pan, by optically checking the grains using image information on the grains imaged by an imaging apparatus and creating the aggregate image using the image information. Thus, a grain appearance measuring apparatus includes imaging means for imaging a plurality of grains, analysis means for analyzing image information on the grains imaged by the imaging means in units of grains, processing means for processing the image information to form an aggregate image of the grains, and means for saving and/or displaying the aggregate image processed by the processing means.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the SEUROP classification of the conformation of carcasses of slaughtered cattle, includes:—an acquisition unit (3) adapted to acquire at least one digital image (30) of an outer face of a side (45) of a carcass of a slaughtered bovine, the side (45) including a region of the rump and of the lower limb (46) and a remaining region (47) of the side 45;—a processing unit (6) configured to receive the acquired digital image (30) and to calculate from the digital image (30) at least one angular parameter AC, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4, the above-mentioned angular parameter being calculated by using at least one landmark (P1-P4) located in the region of the rump and of the lower limb (46).

Abstract: A commodity recognition apparatus extracts the appearance feature amount of a commodity included in an image from the captured image, compares the appearance feature amount with the feature amount data of a recognition dictionary, and extracts the candidate of the commodity included in the image. When the selection input of the commodity is accepted from a plurality of commodity candidates, correction data are generated according to the feature amount data of the commodity of which the selection input is accepted and the appearance feature amount data, and the appearance feature amount of the commodity extracted by utilizing the correction data is corrected.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that may be used to match an image of an unknown animal, such as a lost pet, with images of animals that have been registered with an online service. Matching of the images of animals may be done in a two stage process. The first stage determines one or more images based on a classification of the images on the visual characteristics. The second stage determines a degree of matching between the retrieved images and the image to be matched.

Abstract: A treatment recommending system of plant symptom includes an operation interface, an image capture unit, a processing unit and a storage unit for storing plant symptom data and diagnostic data. The processing unit may find target contour data presenting a plant part according to symptom description and symptom characteristic data. The image capture unit obtains plant image data corresponding to the target contour data. The processing unit analyzes the plant image data, and coordinates with the symptom characteristic data to determine corresponding treatment recommendation data.

Abstract: A programmed computer system estimates the age of trees from a number of remotely sensed images of an area of interest. Vegetation Index (V.I.) values are determined for pixel locations in the number of images. The V.I. values are analyzed to find a V.I. value that correlates with a known age of a tree. Once the date of the image that produced the V.I. value is known, the current age of the trees that correspond to the pixel location is determined.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for screening individual plants for increased tolerance or sensitivity to various conditions are provided.

Abstract: A method for collection and validation of nutritional data includes capturing, by a first digital camera device, at least one first image of a first product, and transmitting the at least one first image to a server. The method includes comparing, by the server, at least one first nutritional value extracted from the at least one first image to at least one corresponding second nutritional value extracted from the at least one first image. The method includes establishing, by the server, that the at least one first nutritional value is correct. The method includes publishing, by the server, nutritional data from the at least one first image.