GB2232247A

GB2232247A - An ultrasonic monitoring system

Info

Publication number: GB2232247A
Application number: GB8911968A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chidi Philip Njemanze
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-05-24
Filing date: 1989-05-24
Publication date: 1990-12-05
Also published as: GB8911968D0

Abstract

An image processing system with observer's perception assessment comprises a pulsed Doppler instrument with a spectrum analyser, an image presentation unit, a computer and an operator console. The system determines perception patterns, and matches them with threshold values, by measuring the percentage change in mean blood flow velocity in the posterior cerebral arteries and thereby it can optimise product quality by determination of perception patterns, with respect to a threshold value. The system may be useful in the assessment of article-design, fashion, industrial processes, films or video recordings. <IMAGE>

Description

IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH OBSERVER'S PERCEPTION ASSESSMENT This invention relates to an image processing system with observers perception assessment Digital image processing cuts across many areas - planetary physics, robotics, industrial inspection to mention just a few. In the service industry in the presentation of goods and services e.g by advertising agencies, designers, film producers etc, it is vital to assess objectively the reaction to visual outlook of the goods and services by an observer group as a sample of the the general public. The most conventional way to do this form of "market research" is the use of questionnaire.These in many ways are biased and do in a good number of cases do not reflect the actual perception of the object in question.This has led to poor performance of many designs undertaken for a large audience, for example architectural, fashion, product designs.

According to the present invention, there is provided a system that performs an objective analysis of individual and group reaction selectively on images/events presented before them. Thereby allowing optimisation of object to facilitate the best possible reaction of the large target audience. It is easily applicable to industry where human visual monitoring is essential to the process of automation, security and control. Here the observer monitors the field of view, and the image events expected to occur is set as threshold. It comprises of image presentation unit, a pulsed Doppler instrument with spectral analyser, two 2MHz transducers, a computer and operator console.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the enclosed drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the basic features of theinvention.

Figure 2 shows as an example the relationship of the various elements.

Referring to the block diagram the image presentation can take a wide variety of forms, from live presentation to video display on a monitor. In figure 2 the image is presented through a digitiser, this is then coded by the computer, and displayed on the monitor.

The observer is interfaced with the system by means of a headpiece placing the Doppler probes on the temporal bones above the zygomatic arch. The posterior cerebral arteries are insonated on both sides. By manipulating the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of the transducers or by a mechanical switching device alternate insonation is ensured, thereby preventing beam interference. The Doppler instrument with spectrum analyser calculates the mean flow velocity based on the Doppler principle. The mean flow velocity measured in the rest state or a particular threshold value is used to calculated the percentage change in mean flow velocity %dV.

%dV = Vm-Vo x 100 Vo where Vm is the measured mean flow velocity during the image/event, and Vo the threshold value. The computer matches the values to the images/events. And according to the set threshold communicates if the desired effects has been attained.

In a general context the most desirable percentage changes in mean flow velocity is that which by its pattern of change in both the left and right PCA are near to the relaxed comfortable state. The upper level of distress is that by its pattern of change resemble percentage change induced by voluntary hypoventilation.

The basic principle involved is that, as the retinal image is reflected on the fovea, there is relative excitation of light receptors which transform into electrical impulses that are decoded in the brain, in a specific pattern in both hemispheres depending on the type of information and wave-lenghts involved. This in turn leads to increased local metabolism of brain cells, with the production of C02 and change in pH. This results in vasodilatation and increase in flow. Flow increase is associated with increase in velocity in the area supplied with blood by the posterior cerebral arteries i.e the visual cortex.

The software of the system allows specific threshold values to be set depending on the desired effect. The system can monitor the field of view in a host system environment and communicate perception parameters to the host control system, for example in a simulator.

Claims

1. An image processing system with observer's perception assessment comprising an image presentation unit, pulsed Doppler ultrasound equipment with. two 2MHz probes a computer and operator console. The subject is interfaced with the system by placing the probes on the temporal bones above the zygomatic arch to insonate the posterior cerebral arteries. The percentage change in mean flow velocity is calculated by the computer and the pattern of change compared to the set threshold values, according to the desired effects. The system can be linked to a host instrument through its operator console terminal.

2. An image processing system with observer's perception assessment as in claim 1 wherein are provided the perception by subjects of fashion and design of articles, objects and places.

3. An image processing system with observer's perception assessment as in claim 1 wherein are provided the perception of the observer in an industrial process thereby monitoring specific industrial stages.

4. An image processing system with observer's perception assessment as in claim 1 wherein are provided the perception by subject of live and video scenes thereby facilitating the creation of films and commercial video clips.

5. An image processing system with observer's perception assessment as in claim 1 wherein are provided the perception by subject of a simulation process and deducing specific scenes that need attention, thereby optimising training programmes on simulators.

6. An image processing system with observer's perception assessment as in claim 1 wherein are provided the perception by subject of the events and communicated to the control system of host equipment for appropriate adjustments of control and function.

7. An image processing system with observer's perception assessment as-in claim 1 wherein are provided the perception by subject of a predetermined image and matched with the observed event thereby facilitating detection and fast accomplishment of the necessary precautions.

8. An image processing system with observer's perception assessment as in claim 7 wherein are provided the matching of image characteristics with perception thereby optimising image quality by addition or subtraction of its individual elements.