Abstract: A system for predicting a metric for trees in a forest area analyzes a spatial variation in pixel intensities in or more spectral bands in an image of the trees. The variation in pixel intensities is related to the predicted metric for the trees by a relationship determined from images of trees having ground truth data. In one embodiment, a linear regression determines the relationship between the spatial variation in pixel intensities and the metric. In one embodiment, the spatial variation in the pixel intensities in an image is determined in a frequency domain with a two-dimensional Fourier transform of the pixel intensity values.

Abstract: A method and device for determining by non-destructive analysis the uniformity of the colour, size and shape characteristics of a batch of plant seeds by Hue, and optionally the Saturation, of the HSI (Hue, Size and Intensity) colour model.

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

Abstract: The present methods and systems relate to the automated determination of meat tenderness through the use of high-resolution imaging of meat surfaces. This imaging is performed at a resolution such that the ultra-structural organization of muscle fibers can be observed. Features are extracted from these images, which feature extraction can be aided by the use of texture analysis or wavelet analysis algorithms. In addition, observation of the colors of different areas or constituents of the muscle fibers can provide features. A laser scanner can be used instead of imaging methods, wherein data obtained from such scanner can be analyzed as linear waveforms, rather than two-dimensional arrays of information. These features are then used to estimate tenderness using decision algorithms.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system having a computer system and imaging sensors that capture image data of an object, such as a carcass, as it moves through a processing facility and is converted into individual food products. The computer system analyzes the image data to produce a blob for the object being monitored. Source information that is referenced with the object being monitored can be associated with the object's blob. The blob can be used to track and identify the object, and to determine when one or more additional objects have been converted from the object being monitored. The computer system can create blobs for the additional objects and associate the referenced information with the new blobs. In one embodiment, the computer system is capable of continuously associating the source information for a particular source unit of food with converted food products that are converted from the source unit.

Abstract: Processing a work piece by first scanning the work piece. The work piece is modeled to determine its weight, outer perimeter and/or how the work piece could be divided into portions of specific areas and perimeters based on desired portion weights of desired areas and perimeters. The modeled work piece and/or the modeled portions are compared with the one or more desired perimeter configurations. The deviation of the modeled outer perimeter size of the work piece and/or portions from the desired perimeter configuration(s) is calculated. Based on such calculations, one or more steps in processing the work piece and/or portions therefrom is carried out. Such one or more steps may include modeling the work piece again, using different modeling criteria or options, if the calculated deviation is outside an acceptable range.

Abstract: An automatic measurement system for plant features includes: at least one photographic device, for photographing a plant in a container, so as to generate a top view image and a side view image; and an operation processing device, electrically connected to the photographic devices, and at least including an image processing module and a storage unit. The image processing module analyzes at least one of the top view image and the side view image by using at least one image processing procedure and at least one analysis rule, so as to generate at least one feature data corresponding to appearance features of the plant, and records the at least one feature data in the storage unit.

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 automatically grading beef quality by analyzing a digital image is provided. The method includes: an image acquiring step of acquiring a color image of beef using a CCD camera; a region separating step of separating a lean region from the acquired image; a boundary extracting step of extracting a boundary line of the lean region; a boundary smoothing step of smoothing the boundary line extracted in the boundary extracting step; a boundary correcting step of correcting an indented portion and a protruded portion included in the boundary line having been subjected to the boundary smoothing step; a grading region determining step of determining a grading region on the basis of the boundary line corrected in the boundary correcting step; and a grading step of grading the beef quality on the basis of the image of the grading region.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing and determining the position of at least one teat of a milking animal includes a scanning head comprising a light source and a camera. The light source emits light into a region which is expected to contain a teat or teats and the camera captures images formed by the light. In a first scanning mode, the scanning head is moved from a low initial position upwards in a circular coil until the position of at least a first teat has been established. Thereafter, in a second scanning mode, the scanning head is moved upwards in a to circular coil until the positions of all teats have been established, or a predetermined time limit has elapsed during the scanning procedure. The coil traversed during the first scanning mode is wider than the coil traversed during the second scanning mode.

Abstract: A non-invasive method is described for identifying contours with complex structures having an error recognition rate tending towards zero, which method can be used to distinguish and identify features of a slaughtered animal body with respect to each other, said method being utilized on the basis of a characteristic piece in particular to determine, by means of image processing, data for calculating the muscle-meat percentage, the trade classification and the associated trade value and market value, and also to rate the quality of slaughtered animal bodies, taking into account legal requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining the annual ring center of a wood block are disclosed. A plurality of lines of path is figured out and generated. Each line of path is composed of a plurality of lines each extending normal to a line that is tangential to an annual ring in an image of the wood block end. The normal line may be figured out, for example, by calculating the variance of values of pixels lying on each of a plurality of straight lines of a filter and the sum of the variances for the plurality of straight lines at a plurality of different angular positions of the filter. The annual ring center in the image of the wood block end is determined through calculation based on the points of intersection of the generated lines of path.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying an edge of a crop facilitates guidance of an agricultural machine or other work vehicle along an edge of a crop at an interface between harvested and unharvested portions of a field. A transmitter emits a plurality of a transmitted radiation pattern of one or more generally linear beams spaced apart within a defined spatial zone. A receiver collects an image of the defined spatial zone. A detector detects a presence of crop edge between a harvested and unharvested portion of a field based on an observed illumination radiation pattern on the unharvested portion formed by at least one of the generally linear beams. A data processor identifies coordinate data, in the collected image, associated with the detected crop edge.

Abstract: An artificial vision inspection method and system which takes photographs, on either sides, of poultry or other meat at various stages of processing as they pass by on hanging racks. The method and system then sorts the meat according to quality parameters selected by the user, from presence or absence of parts to size to coloration.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to detect defects in a process producing a food product by utilizing multivariate image analysis. In one aspect, an image is captured of the food product in the visible spectrum by on-line vision equipment, multivariate image analysis is performed on the image via an algorithm programmed onto a field programmable gate array to determine if a defect exists, a signal is sent to downstream sorting equipment, and the sorting equipment then rejects those food products that contain defects.

Abstract: A system and method used to assess animal behavior includes a module having sensors that collects a variety of physical and biological data from a test subject. Interpretation of the data is provided to assess the test subject's behavior, neurology, biochemistry and physiology. The module is useful in observing the effects of a drug on the test animal and providing information on the drug's signature. Another advantage is the module's portability that allows it to be used in standard laboratory cages. This portability allows the animal to be tested in its own habitat, that can reduce any erroneous data due to stressing the animal when removed to a test cage. Additionally, the module's design allows for parallel data collection and interpretation from several laboratory animals undergoing different experiments. Multi-dimensional modeling of the test subject based the system's interpretation of the data allows pattern recognition of the drug signature, and predictive drug analysis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for three-dimensionally imaging an apical dome located at the cotyledon end of a plant embryo are provided. Three-dimensional information of an apical dome can be obtained by scanning the apical dome at varying focal planes along an axis of the embryo, or by using multiple cameras arranged in a confocal manner to image the apical dome. It can also be obtained by irradiating the apical dome with polychromatic light, wherein light beams of multiple wavelengths are focused at multiple focal planes along the axis of the embryo so that the dome's height information can be obtained based on the wavelength of the light precisely focused and reflected at each surface point of the dome. The three-dimensional information is used to ascertain various morphological features (e.g., size, shape, texture, etc.) of the apical dome, which are in turn used to assess the embryo's germinant vigor.

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to systems and methods for finding the position and shape of an object using video. The invention includes a system with a video camera coupled to a computer in which the computer is configured to automatically provide object segmentation and identification, object motion tracking (for moving objects), object position classification, and behavior identification. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may use background subtraction for object identification and tracking, probabilistic approach with expectation-maximization for tracking the motion detection and object classification, and decision tree classification for behavior identification. Thus, the present invention is capable of automatically monitoring a video image to identify, track and classify the actions of various objects and the object's movements within the image. The image may be provided in real time or from storage.

Abstract: The present methods and systems relate to the automated determination of meat tenderness through the use of high-resolution imaging of meat surfaces. This imaging is performed at a resolution such that the ultra-structural organization of muscle fibers can be observed. Features are extracted from these images, which feature extraction can be aided by the use of texture analysis or wavelet analysis algorithms. In addition, observation of the colors of different areas or constituents of the muscle fibers can provide features. Furthermore, the muscle surface can be treated with indicators, which can include indicators of pH, calcium ions or protease activity, so as to provide information about the localized pH or calcium or other parameter of the muscle physiology. These features are then used to estimate tenderness using decision algorithms.

Abstract: A method of assessing the eating experience of a companion animal. Further, a feeding device utilized in assessing the eating experience of a companion animal. Further, a method of modifying at least one attribute of a food product as a result of assessing the eating experience of a companion animal.

Abstract: A method is provided for use in optimizing ethanol yield from agricultural products. The method includes imaging agricultural products to determine predicted ethanol yields for the agricultural products and assigning characterizations to the imaged agricultural products based on their predicted ethanol yields. An apparatus is provided for collecting, retaining, and/or transporting bulk quantities of agricultural products. The apparatus includes an analyzer configured to image the agricultural products for use in determining the predicted ethanol yields. And, a system is provided for tracking and/or monitoring agricultural products.

Abstract: A food product checking system for at least one of identification and grading of food products packed in a tray is provided, comprising a tray positioning area, an illumination device for illuminating the food product with white light, at least one camera for taking images of the illuminated food product, and an evaluation device for image processing of taken images, wherein the evaluation device is adapted to perform a color analysis of taken images.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically identifying wildlife in the field is disclosed that provides for identification of observed wildlife specimens without requiring the exercise of skill or judgment by the observer. The system and method for automatically identifying wildlife according to the invention also provides for automatic and easy to use identification of wildlife specimens in the field without distracting the user from wildlife observation. Wildlife identifications generated by the disclosed system and method may be easily stored in the field along with digital images of wildlife specimens, and corresponding location, time, date and elevation information, which may be easily transmitted and added to a wildlife identification database to allow compilation and archival of accumulated wildlife identification information from field observations of wildlife specimens.

Abstract: An imaging method and system are presented for use in automatic monitoring the body condition of an animal A predetermined region of interest on the animal body is imaged, and data indicative of the acquired one or more images is processed to obtain a three-dimensional representation of the region of interest. The three-dimensional representation is analyzed to determine a predetermined measurable parameter indicative of a surface relief of the region of interest which is indicative of the body condition of the imaged animal. The technique of the present invention is useful for determining the energy balance condition of the animal (e.g., dairy cow) or the tendency in the energy balance change, to thereby enable appropriately adjusting nutrition of the specific animal; as well as for determining the existence of in coordination and/or locomotion in the animal's natural marching.

Abstract: An X-ray scanning apparatus for locating a contaminant in a product, the apparatus comprising: means for generating an X-ray image of the product; means for assigning a grey scale value to a plurality of pixels; means for identifying a plurality of suspect pixels; means, which for each suspect pixel: selects two neighbouring pixels in a first direction lying on opposed sides of the suspect pixel and determines which of the first direction pixels has the lowest grey value; selects two neighbouring pixels in a second direction lying on opposed sides of the suspect pixel and determines which of the second direction pixels has the lowest grey value; determines a first direction difference value by taking the grey value difference between the lowest grey value first direction pixel and the grey value of the suspect; determines a second direction difference value by taking the grey value difference between the lowest grey value second direction pixel and the grey value of the suspect; determines a first direction s

Abstract: Grain size variations within a copper film are quantified by analyzing an SEM image of a portion of the copper film, determining an approximate total length of grain boundaries within the SEM image, and calculating a grain boundary density based on the approximate total length of the grain boundaries and the area of the copper film represented in the SEM image. The calculated grain boundary density allows for correlating plating and anneal process parameters, as well as electrical and reliability performance.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies are provided for evaluating plants for presence of pests. Methods may include separating pests from a plant to produce a sample of pests for analysis, illuminating the sample to produce emitted light from the sample, and comparing the emitted light from the sample to a model to discriminate pests within the sample. Assemblies may include a separating unit operable to separate pests from a plant to produce a sample comprising pests, a light source for illuminating at least part of the sample, and an imaging device adjacent the light source for receiving light from the illuminated sample and creating an image of the sample.

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to systems and methods for finding the position and shape of an animal using video. The invention includes a system with a video camera coupled to a computer in which the computer is configured to automatically provide animal segmentation and identification, animal motion tracking (for moving animals), animal feature points and segments identification, and behavior identification. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may use background subtraction for animal identification and tracking, and a combination of decision tree classification and rule-based classification for feature points and segments and behavior identification. Thus, the present invention is capable of automatically monitoring a video image to identify, track and classify the actions of various animals and the animal's movements within the image. The image may be provided in real time or from storage.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a high throughput system, apparatus, and methods useful for efficiently analyzing experimental liquid formulations applied to plants. In various embodiments, the high throughput system includes a liquid formulation dispensing subsystem (LFDS). The LFDS includes an automated moveable sample plate platform for holding at least one sample plate. Each sample plate includes a plurality of wells containing plant specimens. The LFDS is operable to sequentially position select ones of the wells at a well target location. Once a selected well is positioned at the target location, a micro-sprayer assembly, including at least one liquid formulation applicator, applies discrete amounts of a liquid formulation to the plant specimens within each selected well.

Abstract: An avian eggshell egg-check/crack detection system was developed to aide official egg graders. It includes an imaging system and a device to produce negative pressure in an egg chamber.

Abstract: A method and a system for measuring animal's height is disclosed. The method, and the system as well, is comprised of the following steps: allowing the animal to pass through a passage with measurement-references; capturing plurality of images of the animal while the animal is passing; on each image of the captured images applying the following steps: filtering the background from the image; applying imaging-process technique on the lower area of the measuring-image to recognize the location of the legs; defining a vertical slice of the measuring-image, in which the back's contour of the animal—from neck to tail—appears and applying imaging processing and mathematical calculations to obtain the real height, as defined, of the animal.

Abstract: A hyperspectral reflectance and fluorescence line-scan imaging system is used for on-line quality and safety inspection of agricultural commodities. The system simultaneously acquires hyperspectral/multispectral combinations of both fluorescence and reflectance images of the agricultural commodities.

Abstract: Method for analyzing berries, characterised in that: berries are arranged on an analysis plate, an image of the berries is recorded, the image consisting of pixels of at least one component of an elementary colour, the contours of the berries are identified, and geometric and/or colorimetric characteristics of the berries are determined. The number of berries can then be determined, or a volume, a surface area, a surface area to volume ratio, and a characteristic concentration for each berry can be determined, in addition to an average, for all of the pixels inside the contour of a defined berry, of the values of a component of an elementary colour of a component of interest. A device for implementing the method is also disclosed. The invention especially relates to viticulture and to the analysis of the maturity of the grape.

Abstract: Method and system for removing undesired plant parts (9). A first cap (7) and means (13) are provided for lowering that cap over the supposed plant parts location, pushing downwards any leafs (8) etc. Around the supposed plant parts location. Means (15) are provided for making at least one image of the supposed plant parts location from several sides through the cap. Processing means (3) process the image(s) of the supposed plant parts location and localize any plant part to be removed. Means (16) are provided for excising any plant part through the first cap under control of said processing means (3). A second cap (14) may be provided extending outside and arranged co-movable with the first cap (7). The means for making at least one image of the supposed plant parts location and the means for excising any plant part to be removed reside inside the gap between the first cap and the second cap.

Abstract: A method for parsing point-cloud data is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a point-cloud file from a database; (b) determining whether the point-cloud file is in a first format or a second format; (c) opening the point-cloud file in a binary data mode and transforming the binary data to predetermined readable data to be stored as a temporary file, and setting the temporary file as a target point-cloud file if the point-cloud file is in the second format, otherwise, if the point-cloud file is in the first format, setting the first format point-cloud file as the target point-cloud file; and (d) parsing point-cloud data in the target point-cloud file into a predetermined data structure. A related system is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically defining acceptable shape requirements for an object. A reference shape is a shape that the object should be in, and the acceptable shape requirements define an acceptable shape of the object that may deviate from the reference shape and yet is acceptable to a user. The system includes two elements: a processor, and a scanner coupled to the processor for scanning objects and sending scanned information of the objects to the processor. The processor is configured to perform three steps: (i) receiving scanned information of two or more acceptable shapes from the scanner; (ii) combining the scanned information of the two or more acceptable shapes to define acceptable shape requirements; and (iii) storing the acceptable shape requirements.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection apparatus includes an X-ray radiating part, an X-ray detecting part, a mass estimation unit and a mass class determination unit. The X-ray radiating part is configured and arranged to radiate X-rays to an inspection target. The X-ray detecting part is configured and arranged to detect the X-rays radiated from the X-ray radiating part that transmitted through the inspection target. The mass estimation unit is configured to estimate a mass of the inspection target based on an amount of the X-rays detected by the X-ray detecting part. The mass class determination unit is configured to determine which mass class among a plurality of mass classes within a preset range the inspection target belongs to based on the mass of the inspection target estimated by the mass estimation unit.

Abstract: The non-destructive method is for measurement of recycled pulp or pulp immersed in suspension that enables real-time or on-line evaluation of particles in recycled pulp or pulp, especially for evaluation of particles including inks contained in recycled or de-inked pulp for their characteristics related to sizes, shapes, areas, amount, concentration, absorption coefficients, spectral characteristics such as color locus (L*, a*, b* values) and parameters, which are equivalent to an effective residual ink content (ERIC) or the ink elimination (IE) or detachment (ID), but independent of the size distribution of inks. The method can additionally be used for real-time or on-line recognizing inks from the other particles and distinguishing inks, which are already detached from or still attached to fibers and identification of the pulp fibers and fiber-based particles in recycled pulp or pulp from the non-fiber particles.

Abstract: An algorithmic method is described for sensor-based real-time application of an agricultural material. Method includes means for characterizing and treating crop biomass variability without the use of a grower managed reference crop. Crop variability is determined statistically by driving one or more transects through the field in order to collect crop canopy information for sensor calibration purposes.

Abstract: A method for processing polychromatic attenuation values, wherein the polychromatic attenuation values are acquired by means of a polychromatic source of radiation generating a cone beam and radiation detector array with a plurality of detector rows, wherein the plurality of detector rows are arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction perpendicular to a second direction, wherein the second direction is parallel to the plurality of detector rows, the method comprising the step of: assigning the monochromatic attenuation values to polychromatic attenuation values, wherein the polychromatic attenuation values depend on the first direction and a three-dimensional look-up table is used for assigning the monochromatic attenuation values to the polychromatic attenuation values.

Abstract: A flat transparent overlay for measurement of equine foot x-rays employs a flat lower edge for alignment with a ground surface and an anterior edge angled to approximate a hoof distal wall. A first sight ring positions the tool over a tip of an image of a third phalanx. Six interrelated scales are provided for measurement of the palmar cortex, distal sole thickness, break-over distance and coronet band to extensor process distance, and in conjunction with a second site ring, center of rotation and palmar sole thickness. A first protractor element is centered posterior on the first sight ring for measurement of the palmar angle. A dual scale extends from the angled anterior edge portion with a measurement line for measurement of the hoof-lamella zone. A second protractor element is posterior to and centered on the second sight ring for measurement of a pastern angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for screening zebrafish comprising, a storage device for at least temporarily storing an image of a zebrafish to be screened; a zebrafish atlas; and an operating device that automatically screens the zebrafish at least in part by automatically comparing one or more anatomical features of the zebrafish to one or more standards.

Abstract: A system and method processes original digital numbers (DNs) provided by a satellite imaging system to produce a set of spectral balanced and contrast enhanced multispectral images. Spectral balancing is achieved based on physical characteristics of sensors of the imaging system as well as compensation for atmospheric effects. The DNs in the multispectral bands may be processed using a relatively small amount of processing resources otherwise required to produce such images. Such images may be processed completely automatically and provide relatively easy visual interpretation. Each image pixel may be, for example, in an 8-bit or 16-bit format, and the image may be displayed and/or printed without applying any additional color correction and/or contrast stretches.

Abstract: A portable fluorescence and transmittance imaging spectroscopy system for use in diagnosing plant health.

Abstract: A handheld, hatchling holder not only simplifies manual examinations but also better protects the hatchling's welfare. The welfare concerns include not only bruising but also yolk-sac rupture. The handheld, hatchling holder has a cupped seat portion for cupping the ventral-end of a hatchling. The cupped seat portion is apertured, as with an opening. The hatchling is seated on the handheld, hatchling holder such that the cupped seat portion provides support to portions of the hatchling's perineal area that surrounds the alimentary vent (cloaca) as the alimentary vent is situated for exposure by the opening. The holder and opening facilitates not only welfare-friendly discharge of the meconium in the hatchling's alimentary vent through the opening but also welfare-friendly examination of the distended innards of the vent for markers of gender. The quality of the meconium discharge (or absence thereof) also facilitates determining whether the hatchling exceeds a hydration standard or not.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer software means for determining physical characteristics of an unrestrained animal by enabling a user to interact with one or more images of the unrestrained animal on a graphical user interface connected to a computer. Using the graphical user interface, the user is able to designate piecewise linear and circumferential measurements of selected animal features on the one or more images. The computer software program receives one or more selected images of an unrestrained animal, displays the one or more images on the graphical user interface, receives a user designated animal type and calibration measurements of animal size indicia, receives user selected measurements of animal physical characteristic from the one or more images and adjusts the measurements based on the calibration measurements of animal physical size, and displays the selected images, adjusted and computed measurements and estimated measurement error on the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method of training a subject to improve anticipatory timing includes presenting the subject with multiple sequences of stimuli, receiving sensor signals associated with responses by the subject to the stimuli, and recording response times in accordance with the sensor signals, wherein the recorded response times are associated with the responses by the subject to the multiple sequences of stimuli, and wherein the response times have an associated distribution. The method further includes analyzing the distribution of response times for the subject to determine variability in anticipatory timing of the subject with respect to the stimuli, and generating a subject feedback signal corresponding to a result of the analyzing so as to train the subject to improve anticipatory timing of the subject. Also disclosed is a system for performing the aforementioned training method.

Abstract: A process for checking the quality of logs, each log having a front surface (2), a rear surface (6) and a lateral surface (3). In the process, the quality check being carried out by means of a visual examination of the outer appearance of the logs (1). The process also comprising the operating steps of obtaining a first flat photographic representation (7) which represents the flat extension of the lateral surface (3) of the log (1), and if necessary a second flat photographic representation (4) which represents the front surface (2) of the log (1), and a third flat photographic representation (5), representing a rear surface (6) of the log (1). Finally, the quality of the log (1) is evaluated by means of an examination of the photographic representations (4), (5), (7).

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to methods for analysis of phenotypic parameters or a trait in a plant comprising using a digital analyzing device, comparing phenotypic parameters or traits between plants in a population, and selecting plants with a selected parameter or trait. The invention also relates to an apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with a container in which one or more plants is growing and having associated with it a device which comprises a unique identifier. The apparatus may comprise a transporter system for moving the containers, and may comprise a workstation at which an operation, such as imaging, is performed on plants in the containers. The operation may be performed automatically, and/or at a high throughput rate. The unique identifier of each container and the information derived from each plant may be linked to this identifier via a computer, and may be stored in a digital database.

Abstract: A vision system for viewing the end face of product (64) mounted in a machine and which in use produces measurements relating to the area of the end face and of at least one constituent part of the product which is visible in the said end face. The system comprises means for illuminating a region containing the end face and scanning (78) means for producing a video signal from an image of the illuminated region. The region is illuminated consecutively using first one (50) and then the other (58, 60) of two strobed light sources.