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Pedro Martins, Paulo Carvalho, & Carlo Gatta. (2012). Context Aware Keypoint Extraction for Robust Image Representation. In 23rd British Machine Vision Conference (100.pp. 1–100.12).
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Antonio Hernandez, Carlo Gatta, Sergio Escalera, Laura Igual, Victoria Martin-Yuste, Manel Sabate, et al. (2012). Accurate coronary centerline extraction, caliber estimation and catheter detection in angiographies. TITB - IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine, 16(6), 1332–1340.
Abstract: Segmentation of coronary arteries in X-Ray angiography is a fundamental tool to evaluate arterial diseases and choose proper coronary treatment. The accurate segmentation of coronary arteries has become an important topic for the registration of different modalities which allows physicians rapid access to different medical imaging information from Computed Tomography (CT) scans or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In this paper, we propose an accurate fully automatic algorithm based on Graph-cuts for vessel centerline extraction, caliber estimation, and catheter detection. Vesselness, geodesic paths, and a new multi-scale edgeness map are combined to customize the Graph-cuts approach to the segmentation of tubular structures, by means of a global optimization of the Graph-cuts energy function. Moreover, a novel supervised learning methodology that integrates local and contextual information is proposed for automatic catheter detection. We evaluate the method performance on three datasets coming from different imaging systems. The method performs as good as the expert observer w.r.t. centerline detection and caliber estimation. Moreover, the method discriminates between arteries and catheter with an accuracy of 96.5%, sensitivity of 72%, and precision of 97.4%.
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Laura Igual, Joan Carles Soliva, Sergio Escalera, Roger Gimeno, Oscar Vilarroya, & Petia Radeva. (2012). Automatic Brain Caudate Nuclei Segmentation and Classification in Diagnostic of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. CMIG - Computerized Medical Imaging and Graphics, 36(8), 591–600.
Abstract: We present a fully automatic diagnostic imaging test for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder diagnosis assistance based on previously found evidences of caudate nucleus volumetric abnormalities. The proposed method consists of different steps: a new automatic method for external and internal segmentation of caudate based on Machine Learning methodologies; the definition of a set of new volume relation features, 3D Dissociated Dipoles, used for caudate representation and classification. We separately validate the contributions using real data from a pediatric population and show precise internal caudate segmentation and discrimination power of the diagnostic test, showing significant performance improvements in comparison to other state-of-the-art methods.
Keywords: Automatic caudate segmentation; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Diagnostic test; Machine learning; Decision stumps; Dissociated dipoles
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Francesco Ciompi. (2012). Multi-Class Learning for Vessel Characterization in Intravascular Ultrasound (Petia Radeva, & Oriol Pujol, Eds.). Ph.D. thesis, Ediciones Graficas Rey, .
Abstract: In this thesis we tackle the problem of automatic characterization of human coronary vessel in Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) image modality. The basis for the whole characterization process is machine learning applied to multi-class problems. In all the presented approaches, the Error-Correcting Output Codes (ECOC) framework is used as central element for the design of multi-class classifiers.
Two main topics are tackled in this thesis. First, the automatic detection of the vessel borders is presented. For this purpose, a novel context-aware classifier for multi-class classification of the vessel morphology is presented, namely ECOC-DRF. Based on ECOC-DRF, the lumen border and the media-adventitia border in IVUS are robustly detected by means of a novel holistic approach, achieving an error comparable with inter-observer variability and with state of the art methods.
The two vessel borders define the atheroma area of the vessel. In this area, tissue characterization is required. For this purpose, we present a framework for automatic plaque characterization by processing both texture in IVUS images and spectral information in raw Radio Frequency data. Furthermore, a novel method for fusing in-vivo and in-vitro IVUS data for plaque characterization is presented, namely pSFFS. The method demonstrates to effectively fuse data generating a classifier that improves the tissue characterization in both in-vitro and in-vivo datasets.
A novel method for automatic video summarization in IVUS sequences is also presented. The method aims to detect the key frames of the sequence, i.e., the frames representative of morphological changes. This novel method represents the basis for video summarization in IVUS as well as the markers for the partition of the vessel into morphological and clinically interesting events.
Finally, multi-class learning based on ECOC is applied to lung tissue characterization in Computed Tomography. The novel proposed approach, based on supervised and unsupervised learning, achieves accurate tissue classification on a large and heterogeneous dataset.
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Antonio Hernandez, Miguel Reyes, Victor Ponce, & Sergio Escalera. (2012). GrabCut-Based Human Segmentation in Video Sequences. SENS - Sensors, 12(11), 15376–15393.
Abstract: In this paper, we present a fully-automatic Spatio-Temporal GrabCut human segmentation methodology that combines tracking and segmentation. GrabCut initialization is performed by a HOG-based subject detection, face detection, and skin color model. Spatial information is included by Mean Shift clustering whereas temporal coherence is considered by the historical of Gaussian Mixture Models. Moreover, full face and pose recovery is obtained by combining human segmentation with Active Appearance Models and Conditional Random Fields. Results over public datasets and in a new Human Limb dataset show a robust segmentation and recovery of both face and pose using the presented methodology.
Keywords: segmentation; human pose recovery; GrabCut; GraphCut; Active Appearance Models; Conditional Random Field
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Arnau Ramisa, David Aldavert, Shrihari Vasudevan, Ricardo Toledo, & Ramon Lopez de Mantaras. (2012). Evaluation of Three Vision Based Object Perception Methods for a Mobile Robot. JIRC - Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems, 68(2), 185–208.
Abstract: This paper addresses visual object perception applied to mobile robotics. Being able to perceive household objects in unstructured environments is a key capability in order to make robots suitable to perform complex tasks in home environments. However, finding a solution for this task is daunting: it requires the ability to handle the variability in image formation in a moving camera with tight time constraints. The paper brings to attention some of the issues with applying three state of the art object recognition and detection methods in a mobile robotics scenario, and proposes methods to deal with windowing/segmentation. Thus, this work aims at evaluating the state-of-the-art in object perception in an attempt to develop a lightweight solution for mobile robotics use/research in typical indoor settings.
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Cristhian Aguilera, Fernando Barrera, Felipe Lumbreras, Angel Sappa, & Ricardo Toledo. (2012). Multispectral Image Feature Points. SENS - Sensors, 12(9), 12661–12672.
Abstract: Far-Infrared and Visible Spectrum images. It allows matching interest points on images of the same scene but acquired in different spectral bands. Initially, points of interest are detected on both images through a SIFT-like based scale space representation. Then, these points are characterized using an Edge Oriented Histogram (EOH) descriptor. Finally, points of interest from multispectral images are matched by finding nearest couples using the information from the descriptor. The provided experimental results and comparisons with similar methods show both the validity of the proposed approach as well as the improvements it offers with respect to the current state-of-the-art.
Keywords: multispectral image descriptor; color and infrared images; feature point descriptor
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Fernando Barrera, Felipe Lumbreras, & Angel Sappa. (2012). Multimodal Stereo Vision System: 3D Data Extraction and Algorithm Evaluation. J-STSP - IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing, 6(5), 437–446.
Abstract: This paper proposes an imaging system for computing sparse depth maps from multispectral images. A special stereo head consisting of an infrared and a color camera defines the proposed multimodal acquisition system. The cameras are rigidly attached so that their image planes are parallel. Details about the calibration and image rectification procedure are provided. Sparse disparity maps are obtained by the combined use of mutual information enriched with gradient information. The proposed approach is evaluated using a Receiver Operating Characteristics curve. Furthermore, a multispectral dataset, color and infrared images, together with their corresponding ground truth disparity maps, is generated and used as a test bed. Experimental results in real outdoor scenarios are provided showing its viability and that the proposed approach is not restricted to a specific domain.
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Miguel Oliveira, V.Santos, & Angel Sappa. (2012). Short term path planning using a multiple hypothesis evaluation approach for an autonomous driving competition. In IEEE 4th Workshop on Planning, Perception and Navigation for Intelligent Vehicles.
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Onur Ferhat. (2012). Eye-Tracking with Webcam-Based Setups: Implementation of a Real-Time System and an Analysis of Factors Affecting Performance (Fernando Vilariño, Ed.) (Vol. 172). Master's thesis, , .
Abstract: In the recent years commercial eye-tracking hardware has become more common, with the introduction of new models from several brands that have better performance and easier setup procedures. A cause and at the same time a result of this phenomenon is the popularity of eye-tracking research directed at marketing, accessibility and usability, among others.
One problem with these hardware components is scalability, because both the price and the necessary expertise to operate them makes it practically impossible in the large scale. In this work, we analyze the feasibility of a software eye-tracking system based on a single, ordinary webcam. Our aim is to discover the limits of such a system and to see whether it provides acceptable performances.
The significance of this setup is that it is the most common setup found in consumer environments, off-the-shelf electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones and tablet computers. As no special equipment such as infrared lights, mirrors or zoom lenses are used; setting up and calibrating the system is easier compared to other approaches using these components.
Our work is based on the open source application Opengazer, which provides a good starting point for our contributions. We propose several improvements in order to push the system's performance further and make it feasible as a robust, real-time device. Then we carry out an elaborate experiment involving 18 human subjects and 4 different system setups. Finally, we give an analysis of the results and discuss the effects of setup changes, subject differences and modifications in the software.
Keywords: Computer vision, eye-tracking, gaussian process, feature selection, optical flow
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Pedro Martins, Paulo Carvalho, & Carlo Gatta. (2012). Stable Salient Shapes. In International Conference on Digital Image Computing: Techniques and Applications.
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Rui Hua, Oriol Pujol, Francesco Ciompi, Marina Alberti, Simone Balocco, Josepa Mauri, et al. (2012). Stent Strut Detection by Classifying a Wide Set of IVUS Features. In Computed Assisted Stenting Workshop.
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Simone Balocco, Carlo Gatta, Marina Alberti, Xavier Carrillo, Juan Rigla, & Petia Radeva. (2012). Relation between plaque type, plaque thickness, blood shear stress and plaque stress in coronary arteries assessed by X-ray Angiography and Intravascular Ultrasound. MEDPHYS - Medical Physics, 39(12), 7430–7445.
Abstract: PMID 23231293
PURPOSE:
Atheromatic plaque progression is affected, among others phenomena, by biomechanical, biochemical, and physiological factors. In this paper, the authors introduce a novel framework able to provide both morphological (vessel radius, plaque thickness, and type) and biomechanical (wall shear stress and Von Mises stress) indices of coronary arteries.
METHODS:
First, the approach reconstructs the three-dimensional morphology of the vessel from intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and Angiographic sequences, requiring minimal user interaction. Then, a computational pipeline allows to automatically assess fluid-dynamic and mechanical indices. Ten coronary arteries are analyzed illustrating the capabilities of the tool and confirming previous technical and clinical observations.
RESULTS:
The relations between the arterial indices obtained by IVUS measurement and simulations have been quantitatively analyzed along the whole surface of the artery, extending the analysis of the coronary arteries shown in previous state of the art studies. Additionally, for the first time in the literature, the framework allows the computation of the membrane stresses using a simplified mechanical model of the arterial wall.
CONCLUSIONS:
Circumferentially (within a given frame), statistical analysis shows an inverse relation between the wall shear stress and the plaque thickness. At the global level (comparing a frame within the entire vessel), it is observed that heavy plaque accumulations are in general calcified and are located in the areas of the vessel having high wall shear stress. Finally, in their experiments the inverse proportionality between fluid and structural stresses is observed.
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Cesar Isaza, Joaquin Salas, & Bogdan Raducanu. (2012). Evaluation of Intrinsic Image Algorithms to Detect the Shadows Cast by Static Objects Outdoors. SENS - Sensors, 12(10), 13333–13348.
Abstract: In some automatic scene analysis applications, the presence of shadows becomes a nuisance that is necessary to deal with. As a consequence, a preliminary stage in many computer vision algorithms is to attenuate their effect. In this paper, we focus our attention on the detection of shadows cast by static objects outdoors, as the scene is viewed for extended periods of time (days, weeks) from a fixed camera and considering daylight intervals where the main source of light is the sun. In this context, we report two contributions. First, we introduce the use of synthetic images for which ground truth can be generated automatically, avoiding the tedious effort of manual annotation. Secondly, we report a novel application of the intrinsic image concept to the automatic detection of shadows cast by static objects in outdoors. We make both a quantitative and a qualitative evaluation of several algorithms based on this image representation. For the quantitative evaluation, we used the synthetic data set, while for the qualitative evaluation we used both data sets. Our experimental results show that the evaluated methods can partially solve the problem of shadow detection.
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Xavier Otazu, Olivier Penacchio, & Laura Dempere-Marco. (2012). Brightness induction by contextual influences in V1: a neurodynamical account. In Journal of Vision (Vol. 12).
Abstract: Brightness induction is the modulation of the perceived intensity of an area by the luminance of surrounding areas and reveals fundamental properties of neural organization in the visual system. Several phenomenological models have been proposed that successfully account for psychophysical data (Pessoa et al. 1995, Blakeslee and McCourt 2004, Barkan et al. 2008, Otazu et al. 2008).
Neurophysiological evidence suggests that brightness information is explicitly represented in V1 and neuronal response modulations have been observed followingluminance changes outside their receptive fields (Rossi and Paradiso, 1999).
In this work we investigate possible neural mechanisms that offer a plausible explanation for such effects. To this end, we consider the model by Z.Li (1999) which is based on biological data and focuses on the part of V1 responsible for contextual influences, namely, layer 2–3 pyramidal cells, interneurons, and horizontal intracortical connections. This model has proven to account for phenomena such as contour detection and preattentive segmentation, which share with brightness induction the relevant effect of contextual influences. In our model, the input to the network is derived from a complete multiscale and multiorientation wavelet decomposition which makes it possible to recover an image reflecting the perceived intensity. The proposed model successfully accounts for well known pyschophysical effects (among them: the White's and modified White's effects, the Todorović, Chevreul, achromatic ring patterns, and grating induction effects). Our work suggests that intra-cortical interactions in the primary visual cortex could partially explain perceptual brightness induction effects and reveals how a common general architecture may account for several different fundamental processes emerging early in the visual pathway.
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