Using quantitative statistics for the construction of machine vision systems

Neil A. Thacker

doi:10.1117/12.468491

19 March 2003 Using quantitative statistics for the construction of machine vision systems

Neil A. Thacker

Proceedings Volume 4877, Opto-Ireland 2002: Optical Metrology, Imaging, and Machine Vision; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.468491
Event: OPTO Ireland, 2002, Galway, Ireland

Abstract

This paper describes a design methodology for constructing machine vision systems. Central to this is the use of empirical design techniques and in particular quantitative statistics. The approach views both the construction and evaluation of systems as one and is based upon what could be regarded as a set of self-evident propositions; (1) Vision algorithms must deliver information allowing practical decisions regarding interpretation of an image. (2) Probability is the only self-consistent computational framework for data analysis, and so must form the basis of all algorithmic analysis processes. (3) The most effective and robust algorithms will be those that match most closely the statistical properties of the data. (4) A statistically based algorithm which takes correct account of all available data will yield an optimal result. Where the definition of optimal can be unambiguously defined by the statistical specification of the problem. Machine vision research has not emphasized the need for (or necessary methods of) algorithm characterization, which is unfortunate, as the subject cannot advance without a sound empirical base. In general this problem can be attributed to one of two factors; a poor understanding of the role of assumptions and statistics, and a lack of appreciation of what is to be done with the generated data. The methodology described here focuses on identifying the statistical characteristics of the data and matching these to the assumptions of the underlying techniques. The methodology has been developed from more than a decade of vision design and testing, which has culminated in the construction of the TINA open source image analysis/machine vision system [htt://www.tina-vision.net].

Citation Download Citation

Neil A. Thacker "Using quantitative statistics for the construction of machine vision systems", Proc. SPIE 4877, Opto-Ireland 2002: Optical Metrology, Imaging, and Machine Vision, (19 March 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.468491

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available