Abstract: A method for imaging a subsurface material, the method including: receiving a first image of the subsurface material and a second image of the subsurface material, the first image displaying a first property of the subsurface material and the second image displaying a second property of the subsurface material wherein the first property is different from the second property; and combining the first image and the second image to create a combined image. A system and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method identify and display random noise in three dimensional (3-D) seismic data utilizing a 3-D operator to reduce the effects of seismic structure on noise identification. The 3-D operator is derived using statements of required performance in 3-D. The 3-D operator is applied on a pixel-by-pixel basis to each of the pixels in the 3-D post-stacked data to display images in a 3-D display or to output an estimate of noise that is substantially independent of the image structure. The resulting display is generated in colors to indicate noise amplitude to facilitate location of noisy regions in the original display.

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: A computer-implemented method is provided that automatically characterizes and verifies stationarity of a training image for use in multipoint geostatistical analysis. The stationarity is preferably characterized by statistical measures of orientation stationarity, scale stationarity, and category distribution stationarity.

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: A method for determining a translation of a three-dimensional pre-operative image data set to obtain a registration of the three-dimensional image data with a patient positioned in a projection imaging system. In one embodiment the user identifies an initial three-dimensional organ center from projections and extreme contour landmark points of the object on a set of projections. A set of contour points for the image object in each of a plurality of three-dimensional cross-section planes; is obtained and the points projecting nearest to the user-identified landmark points are selected. A three-dimensional grid having a predetermined number of intervals at a predetermined interval spacing centered at the user-identified organ center is defined. The three-dimensional image data contour points as centered onto each grid point are projected for evaluation and selection of the grid point leading to contour points projecting nearest to the user-identified landmark points.

Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model database and a processor cooperating therewith for filtering geospatial model data. This may be done by selectively updating a target point based upon adjacent points lying along a plurality of radial line segments extending outwardly from the at least one target point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing the combined image of multiple attributes without comprising the image of either attribute. The combined image of the multiple attributes is enhanced for analyzing a predetermined property revealed by the attributes. The combined image can be interactively manipulated to display each attribute relative to an imaginary light source or highlighted using a specular component. The systems and methods are best described as particularly useful for analytical, diagnostic and interpretive purposes.

Abstract: A method of mining comprising: using a vehicle fitted with scanning module to scan a bench face of a mine bench for both geometric and geological information; making ore grade assessments of material at the bench face from the information provided by the bench face scan; removing material from the bench; and transporting removed material for processing. At least one of said removing, transporting, and processing is performed at least partially dependent on the ore grade assessments.

Abstract: An image (100) of particulate material, such as an X-ray image of coal, is captured and processed to determine a parameter of the material, such as particle density or particle size distribution. The performance or efficiency of a processing system, such as a dense medium separator, can be evaluated by determining parameters of the material before entry to and after exit from the processing system. The parameter is determined by comparing image characteristics (relating to statistical features), to a predetermined set of image characteristics. If the image (100) is obtained by transmission of radiation through the material, accuracy can be improved by measuring the thickness of the material.

Abstract: A method for quantifying metal colloidal particles carrying to-be-detected analytes, includes producing an inspection sample by developing solution containing the metal colloidal particles on a substrate, generating a plurality of image data about an identical visual field by enlarging and capturing the sample, removing a signal component derived from an impurity existing on the substrate from the image data by comparing the plurality of image data, and measuring the metal colloidal particles from the image data from which the signal component derived from the impurity was removed.

Abstract: A method of performing real-time geo-registration of high-resolution digital imagery using existing graphics processing units (GPUs) already found in current personal computers, rather than the main central processing unit (CPU). Digital image data captured by a camera (along with inertial navigation system (INS) data associated with the image data) is transferred to and processed by the GPU to perform the calculations involved in transforming the captured image into a geo-rectified, nadir-looking image. By using the GPU, the order-of-magnitude increase in throughput over conventional software techniques makes real-time geo-registration possible without the significant cost of custom hardware solutions.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for analyzing a borehole drilled in a reservoir are disclosed. A method may include: providing a real borehole image; providing a predicted borehole failure image generated based on an earth formation model; edge detecting the real borehole image to generate an edge detected real borehole image; extracting sub-images from the edge detected real borehole image, each sub-image including an image feature of the edge detected real borehole image oriented in a spatial direction different than that of at least one other sub-image; matching each sub-image to the predicted borehole failure image to determine a matching sub-image; and comparing the predicted borehole failure image with the matching sub-image to determine an accuracy of the predicted borehole failure image.

Abstract: A probe for inspecting an anchor borehole has a video head provided with a color CCD sensor, a lens, a conical viewing window, and light-emitting diode for illuminating and optically scanning a borehole surface. The probe also has a travel sensor, an electronics module including two position sensors, a memory module, and a battery section carrying an infrared interface. The probe is cableless and autarchic. The battery section is secured to a leading end of a push rod.

Abstract: A novel database and method of classifying and searchably retrieving measurement data derived from a plurality of rock core and plug sample images that are analyzed to define their principal geostatistical attributes and characteristics, with the resulting analytical data being retrievably stored in a database, the method including calculating spatial variability of images, such as CT scan images, porosity images and other types of available images, quantifying the main image characteristics utilizing multi-azimuth variograms and simplified pattern recognition based on the histogram and variography analysis to thereby provide a means to correlate data from various geographical regions or fields by analyzing data which has the same variographic parameters.

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: A method of analyzing characteristics of a subterranean formation includes transmitting a signal at least partially into a material of the subterranean formation such that the signal is transformed in a manner indicative of a characteristic of the material, receiving the transformed signal from the material, converting the transformed signal into image data indicative of the characteristic of the material, applying a first set of machine executable rules to the image data to produce segmented image data, wherein portions of the image that are sufficiently related according to the applied rules are grouped into segments, and analyzing, according to a second set of machine executable rules, the segmented image data to produce a geological profile of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Architecture that facilitates validation of a data mapping of data from a data source to a data target. There is included a signature generation component that generates a source signature of all or a portion of the data source and a target signature of all or a corresponding portion of the data target, and a sampling component that obtains a sample of the source data a corresponding sample of the target data. The data signatures and data samples are compared respectively and processed with a processing component to determine the status of the validation process.

Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model database and a processor. The processor may cooperate with the geospatial model database for inpainting data into at least one void in geospatial model terrain data based upon propagating contour data from outside the at least one void into the at least one void.

Abstract: A method of identifying errors in information describing terrain features is disclosed. According to the method, a first set of data is obtained which describes an area of terrain. The first set of data has a first type of error. A second set of data is obtained which describes the area of terrain. The second set of data has a second type of error. The second type of error is characteristically different from the first type of error. A subset of the first set of data corresponding to a first portion of the area of terrain is compared with a subset of the second set of data corresponding to the first portion to identify information not present in one of the first and second sets of data.

Abstract: The invention is a method for stratigraphic interpretation of a seismic image for determining a sedimentary history of an underground zone having application to petroleum exploration. The seismic reflectors of the image are digitized by means of an applied shape recognition technique. At least one attribute characteristic of the structure of the image in the vicinity of each reflector is calculated for a set of reflectors by means of an image analysis technique. This analysis is based on at least one analysis window whose shape is controlled by the associated reflector. Pertinent reflectors, in the sense of the stratigraphic interpretation, are selected from among this set of reflectors on the basis of this attribute. Finally, the sedimentary history of the underground zone is reconstructed from a stratigraphic interpretation of the reflectors thus selected.

Abstract: Equipment and process for three-dimensional measurement of size and shape and for compositional analysis of mineral and rock particles and the like objects. A mixture of particles or objects of same or different sizes of minerals or rocks or the like are fed individually and automatically onto a conveyor belt for three-dimensional machine vision measurements using laser and two cameras and subsequently for spectroscopic measurements using visible and infrared light and are then collected at the end of the conveyor. Computer software is used to perform the measurement automatically and to calculate size, form, roundness, and preferably petrographic composition and other characteristics or properties of each individual object and the statistical distribution of relevant properties, either according to built-in measurement processes or user specific methods.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system, and apparatus for visually displaying digitized information in a way that allows a human operator to detect easily patterns and characteristics within the data. A personal computer is used to extract raw data and to perform Boolean operations at the behest of a user. The manipulated information is then converted into a false-color image and displayed on an output screen. The images can be compared to known data, called a template, in order to detect one or more desired patterns that indicate desirable features. The desired pattern can then be highlighted (or illuminated) and be displayed to the operator so that the location of the desired feature may be identified.

Abstract: The invention concerns the determination of coherent events in a seismic image comprising the following operational phases: a phase of selecting a segmentation criterion based on a variable and at least one sliding window on said zone and its characteristics, a phase of hierarchical segmentation, for overlapping positions of the sliding window, including a segmentation of said 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 system includes wheel locating equipment, image capturing equipment, lighting equipment, a first control device, first communicating installations for communications between the first control device and the image capturing equipment, and second communicating installations for communications between the first control device and the lighting equipment. The image capturing equipment and the lighting equipment are arranged above the wheel locating equipment so as to enable the image capturing equipment to capture an image of a wheel. The first communicating installations sends the image to the first control device and the first control device processes the image to obtain data for identifying a wheel model. The invention also includes the process using the described system. The main step of the process is converting a circular portion of an image into a rectangular image by a polar transformation.

Abstract: Computer program products and arrangements to process digital data are contemplated. The digital data may contain values, representing quantities of a wave form over regions. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to process digital data by dividing one of the regions, where one of the values represents a quantity of a wave form over the region. The embodiments may include assigning a value to each of the subregions. The average of the values of the subregions, weighted by the measures of the subregions, may approximately equal the value of the region. The regions may comprise pixels and the values of the pixels may represent the intensity of light waves over the pixels. The embodiments may include the processing of digital data in cameras, televisions, audio players, seismic devices, and medical imaging devices. The subdivision of regions and the assignment of value to the subregions may utilize derivative migration.

Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model database and a processor cooperating therewith for filtering geospatial model data. This may be done by selectively updating a target point based upon adjacent points lying along a plurality of radial line segments extending outwardly from the at least one target point.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can include a method for detecting tsunamis that can include a step of detecting a location of a rapid water displacement event occurring in an ocean, such as an underground Earthquake. Images can be captured proximate to the event utilizing a satellite. The captured images can be analyzed to detect and/or track a tsunami.

Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model database and a processor. More particularly, the processor may cooperate with the geospatial model database for inpainting data into at least one void in geospatial model frequency domain data based upon propagating contour data from outside the at least one void into the at least one void, and for converting the geospatial model frequency domain data after inpainting into geospatial model spatial domain data.

Abstract: A device for establishing a ground control point photogrammetry. The Device includes a signaling mechanism for providing a photographically recordable signature, and a navigation mechanism for determining absolute geographic coordinates of the signaling mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system, and apparatus for visually displaying digitized information in a way that allows a human operator to detect easily patterns and characteristics within the data. A personal computer is used to extract raw data and to perform Boolean operations at the behest of a user. The manipulated information is then converted into a false-color image and displayed on an output screen. The images can be compared to known data, called a template, in order to detect one or more desired patterns that indicate desirable features. The desired pattern can then be highlighted (or illuminated) and be displayed to the operator so that the location of the desired feature may be identified.

Abstract: Swarming agents in networks of preferably physically distributed processing nodes are used for data acquisition, data fusion, and control applications. An architecture for active surveillance systems is presented in which simple mobile agents collectively process real-time data from heterogeneous sources at or near the origin of the data. System requirements are specifically matched to the needs of a surveillance system for the early detection of large-scale bioterrorist attacks on a civilian population, but the same architecture is applicable to a wide range of other domains. The pattern detection and classification processes executed by the proposed system emerge from the coordinated activities of agents of two populations in a shared computational environment. Detector agents draw each other's attention to significant spatio-temporal patterns in the observed data stream. Classifier agents rank the detected patterns according to their respective criterion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the combined image of multiple attributes without compromising the image of either attribute. The combined image of the multiple attributes is enhanced for analyzing a predetermined property revealed by the attributes. The combined image can be interactively manipulated to display each attribute relative to an imaginary light source or highlighted using a specular component. The method and apparatus are best described as particularly useful for analytical, diagnostic and interpretive purposes.

Abstract: A method (300) for extracting a digital elevation model from a plurality of raw topographical points representing a plurality of frames representing a plurality of perspectives of a multi-dimensional object comprising a surface and above-surface obstructions, comprises steps or acts of: finding the surface (304) by filtering out data points produced by the above-surface obstructions to provide a plurality of surface data points representing the surface; and filtering the surface data points (306) with a competitive filter to provide a multi-dimensional surface shell of digital elevation model data points. The above-described method can also be carried out by a specialized or programmable information processing system (200) or as a set of instructions in a computer-readable medium such as a CD ROM or DVD or the like.

Abstract: Prestack seismic data is imaged by calculating an individual reflectivity for each frequency in the seismic data. Then, a mean reflectivity is calculating over the individual reflectivities. A variance is calculated for the set of reflectivities versus frequency. A second variance is calculated for the upgoing wavefield, using the mean reflectivity. A spatially varying pre-whitening factor is then calculated, using the variance for the reflectivities and the variance for the upgoing wavefield. A reflectivity is calculated at each location, using the spatially varying pre-whitening factor.

Abstract: Land circle calculating means (7) calculates a land circle as an approximate circle from label information (S6). Land circle accuracy-enhancing means (8) calculates again the land circle by changing a mask angle if land circle candidate information (S7) obtained is improper, so as to enhance the accuracy of the land circle. AND operation means (11) carries out an AND operation of a land circle image (S9) and a binary image (S10) to create a land missing image (S11). In-land binary means (12) calculates an in-land defect image (S12) from an original image (S4). OR operation means (13) carries out an OR operation of the in-land missing image (S11) and the in-land defect image (S12) to create a land defect image (S13).

Abstract: A method of extracting desired features from a cellular image including the steps of: (a) selecting an initial cell within the image; (b) selecting an additional cell, near the initial cell, appearing to be associated with a desired feature; (c) repeating step (b) for further cells, near at least one of the previously selected cells, appearing to be associated with said feature, until selection termination criteria are satisfied; and (d) repeating steps (a) through (c) for other initial cells. The method is particularly adept at extracting relatively weakly defined features in relatively noisy images, such as extracting faults or geologic horizons from 2D or 3D seismic data. A method of editing/filtering the features utilizing a stereo net is also disclosed. Related computer system and computer program products for implementing the method are also described.

Abstract: Visual inspection of an interior surface of a borehole. A housing adapted to be lowered in the borehole supports a portable camera for generating images of a portion of the interior surface of the borehole and a light source for illuminating an area adjacent the camera. A monitor receives signals from the camera and, in response thereto, displays the images generated by the camera. A viewing envelope positioned adjacent the camera defines a viewing area adjacent the camera, particularly for use in visually inspecting slurry-filled boreholes.

Abstract: A geostatistical method for gradually deforming an initial distribution of objects, of geologic type for example, from measurements or observations, so as to best adapt it to imposed physical constraints of, for example, a hydrodynamic type having applications of geostatistical modelling of heterogeneous reservoirs of various objects: fracture, channels, vesicles, etc., for example. The objects are distributed in a zone of a heterogeneous medium according to a Poisson point process in form of figurative points with a point density ?(x) that varies according to their position (x) in the zone, a realization of a uniform random vector according to which the position of each object is defined while respecting density ?(x) is formed, and the uniform random vector is gradually modified according to a gradual deformation process so as to obtain gradual migration of each object until a final realization best adjusted to parameters relative to the structure of the medium, such as hydrodynamic parameters, is obtained.

Abstract: The numerical analysis system of the invention analyzes the dynamical state of the compressible fluid employing Hybrid Grid Adaptation Method by Finite Volume Method. The initial grid data are created by way of free combination of tetrahedral cells, hexahedral cells and pentahedral cells. The divide-delete index is calculated according to the density of the fluid in each cell. A triangular face of the cell is divided into triangular faces and the quadrilateral face is divided into quadrilateral faces when the cell is divided. The cell is divided only when three conditions are satisfied. The first condition is that the volume of the cell is greater than the minimum volume. The second is that the dividing level of the cell is not the maximum level. The third is that the divide-delete index is greater than the dividing threshold.

Abstract: A method of detecting significant events intersecting a borehole from an image of the borehole wall having: (a) converting the image into a three-dimensional orientation space; (b) selecting a parameter relation that represents the intersection of an event (3,5 and 6) with the borehole wall; (c) creating a parameter space consisting of numbers as a function of the parameters, wherein each number is a measure of the support in the orientation space for an event characterized by the parameters that pertain to that number; (d) selecting in the parameter space a set of the largest numbers, wherein the parameters that pertain to each of these largest numbers represent the intersections of the significant events with the borehole wall; and (e) presenting the intersections pertaining to the set of the largest numbers as a list of data representing significant events.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the slope of a ground imaged area. The system includes a camera, a memory, and a processor. The camera generates a first and a second image of an area of ground from an aircraft. The memory stores bi-directional characteristic information for associated materials. The processor determines a material type associated with a plurality of the pixels based on a color value of the pixels. The processor retrieves bi-directional characteristic information from the memory for a pixel based on the determined material type. A slope value at a pixel location is determined based on the associated viewing angle values, a determined radiance change value, and the retrieved bi-directional characteristic information.

Abstract: A method of producing images of formations surrounding a borehole, comprises: obtaining values of a first parameter in the borehole as a function of depth and azimuth at a first resolution; obtaining values of a second parameter in the borehole as a function of depth only at a second resolution; establishing a relationship between the first and second parameters at a matched resolution; using the relationship to derive values of the second parameter as a function of depth and azimuth; and producing an image of the second parameter as a function of depth and azimuth using the derived values of the second parameter.

Abstract: The invention is a method for performing a stratigraphically-based seed detection in a 3-D seismic data volume. The method incorporates criteria that honor the layered nature of the subsurface so that the resulting seismic objects are stratigraphically reasonable. The method may be used to extract from a seismic data volume all seismic objects that satisfy the input criteria. Alternatively, the method may be used to determine the size and shape of a specific seismic object in a seismic data volume.

Abstract: A rock fragmentation analysis system is provided for analyzing blasted rock (or other fragmented particles) to assess quality of a blast for efficient processing of subsequent operations in a mine, a quarry, etc. The system includes a hardware system and an image processing system. The hardware system includes a camera and a lighting system. The lighting system illuminates an area of the mine, quarry, etc. where a load haul dump (LHD) vehicle passes through. Once the LHD vehicle passes through the illuminated area, the camera provides video signals of scoop-top view images of the LHD vehicle to the image processing system via known communication means, such as hard-wired and wireless. The image processing system receives the video signals, captures the scoop-top view images, evaluates the images for subsequent fragmentation analysis, and performs the rock fragmentation analysis. The image processing system performs these functions using several software modules.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for identifying a sediment accumulation from an image of a part of the earth's surface. The method includes identifying a topographic discontinuity from the image. A river which crosses the discontinuity is identified from the image. From the image, paleocourses of the river are identified which diverge from a point where the river crosses the discontinuity. The paleocourses are disposed on a topographically low side of the discontinuity. A smooth surface which emanates from the point is identified. The smooth surface is also disposed on the topographically low side of the point.

Abstract: To provide a stereo image processing device enabling sufficiently accurate three-dimensional data to be obtained from satellite stereo images and aerial stereo images automatically with no involvement of operators and for complicated objects such as buildings in urban areas. A satellite image storing unit stores satellite image data. A stereo processing unit subjects satellite image data obtained from the satellite image storing unit to stereo matching processing to generate three-dimensional data. A DEM data automatic correcting unit uses information of external shape of buildings and the like obtained from map data in a map data storing unit to correct automatically erroneous data such as noises and losses in the three-dimensional data obtained with the stereo processing unit. The map data storing unit provides map data such as external shapes of buildings and the like to the DEM data automatically correcting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing rapid grain size analysis on a textured polycrystalline material, by generating average grain size and grain size distribution data from x-ray diffraction data of such material. Raw diffraction data is obtained by capturing a plurality of diffraction arcs within a single data capture frame. The raw diffraction data is digitally registered; (3) and the registered diffraction data is filtered to remove background noise, exclude diffraction overlaps or truncations, and compensate for biased data obtained from regions of highly preferred orientations. Average grain size and grain size distribution data are then correlated with the filtered diffraction data. The apparatus for acquiring raw diffraction data includes a collimated x-ray source having means for adjusting beam size and divergence of the x-ray generated, a 2-dimensional area detector for registering diffracted x-ray, and a sample motion assembly for moving the sample in the sample plane.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a space-based Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic field detector in conjunction with ground-based network of ELF magnetic field detectors. In particular, a space based ELF detection system can be used to perform a wide area search and find precursor earthquake signals in both known and unknown earthquake zones, and a ground-based network of ELF detectors can be used to verify that the signals are indeed earthquake generated signals. The use of this invention will minimize cost and manpower necessary to effectuate an accurate and reliable earthquake detection system.