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In the past fractal dimension has often been computed using a stochastic approach based on a random walk process, which has been found to be very time consuming. More recently, mathematical morphology has been used to compute the fractal dimension in a more timely fashion. This paper describes how the fractal dimension computed using mathematical morphology can be used in the texture analysis of ultrasonic imagery. The discriminatory ability of the fractal dimension as a pattern recognition feature is evaluated and compared to more traditional parameters. This analysis includes comparisons with statistical features in which each parameter is treated as an independent variable and in which interactions between those variables are evaluated. Pattern recognition techniques include Stepwise Discriminant Analysis, Linear Discriminant Analysis, and Nearest Neighbor Analyisis in addition to Backpropagation Neural Network Classifiers. Our results identify the fractal dimension as one of the most important parameters for distinguishing between normal and abnormal livers. In this study, consisting of 186 images, a significant statistical difference was found for both the mean and standard deviation of the fractal dimension between the normal and abnormal groups using parametric and nonparametric statistical techniques. © 1993 SPIE. All rights reserved.

Hybrid knowledge bases (HKBs), proposed by Nerode and Subrahmanian, provide a uniform theoretical framework for dealing with the mixed data types and multiple reasoning modes required for solving logical deployment problems. Algorithms based on mixed integer linear programming techniques have been developed for the syntactic subset of HKBs corresponding to function-free Prolog-like logic programs. In this study, we examine the ability of neural networks to solve a more comprehensive set of problems expressed within the hybrid knowledge base framework. The objective of this research is to design and implement a nonlinear optimization procedure for solving extended logic programs with neural networks. We focus upon two types of extensions which are typically required in the formulation of logical deployment problems. The first type of extension, which we shall refer to as a Type I extension, consists of embedding numerical and geometric constraints into logic programs. The second type of extension, which we shall call a Type II extension, consists of incorporating optimization problems into logic clauses. © 1993 SPIE. All rights reserved.

One of the major problems in the development of computer- A ssisted systems for geologic mapping is how to individualize the system to meet user needs. Ideally, the system should be responsive to specifications of desired types of output structures. Also the system should be able to incorporate the user's knowledge of regional characteristics into the feature extraction/selection and classification components. Automatic techniques for classification of remote sensing data typically require relatively large, labeled training sets which are well-organized with respect to the desired mapping between input and output patterns. The present paper focuses on the feature extraction/selection component of the system. Kohonen self-organizing feature maps in conjunction with image processing procedures for linear feature extraction are used for explorative data analysis, feature selection, and construction of exemplar patterns. The results of training Kohonen feature maps with different pattern sets and different feature combinations provide insight into the nature of pattern relationships which enables the user to develop sets of positive and negative training patterns for the classification component. © 1992 SPIE. All rights reserved.

A new multi-threshold Perceptron capable of handling both binary and analog input is presented and discussed. The modified Perceptron replaces the sigmoid function with sinusoidal function. A computer program has been developed to simulate behavior of a network utilizing the modified Perceptron. Both XOR and Parity Check problems were solved using a single-layer network utilizing this modified Perceptron. Based on the results obtained from the simulation the modified Perceptron is capable of solving problems (such as XOR) that can not be solved using a single-layer of the classical Perceptron. Also a network utilizing this modified Perceptron requires fewer number of iterations to converge to a solution than that of a multi-layer Perceptron network using back propagation. 1.

The purpose of this study was to compare the classification capabilities of the backpropagation algorithm and linear discriminant analysis for detecting liver metastisis using image texture features obtained from ultrasonic images of the liver. Twenty-one quantitative parameters were obtained from 134 regions of interest of equal size. The images were collected by the same radiologist on the same imager with the controls adjusted for variations in patient body size so as to produce images of consistent quality. Quantitative features were divided so that 13 were first-order statistics, 6 were second-order statistics, and 2 were image gradient parameters. The same features were processed by both the backpropagation algorithm and linear discriminant analysis using `jack-knife'' testing and the results of each computer- generated classification was compared to the supplied diagnosis in an effort to determine which method could best identify patterns. For this particular application, the backpropagation neural network was found to have slightly superior classification results (87) than linear discriminant analysis (83).

In this paper the ability of two common statistical discriminant analysis procedures are compared with two commercial neural network software packages. The major objective of this study was to determine which of the procedures could best discriminate between normal and abnormal ultrasonic liver textures. The same set of features were input into both statistical discriminant analysis procedures and both neural network models. Preliminary results have found the restricted Coulomb Energy (RCE) neural network model to have a testing accuracy of 90.6% which is approximately 10% better than any of the other techniques investigated. © 1991.

Backpropagation neural networks have been developed for detection of geological lineaments in the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery of the Canadian Shield using edge images as input and digitized lineament maps as the desired output. Lineament detection is a challenging problem for traditional image processing and pattern recognition techniques. Many linear features observable in geological image data do not represent lineaments, and the presence and extent of lineaments must be inferred from contextual information. In order to compare the ability of neural networks and conventional classifiers to recognize lineaments prior to performing edge/line element grouping operations, various gradient and curvature features are extracted from the image data set. Selected features from this group formed the inputs to backpropagation neural networks, linear discriminant classifiers, and nearest-neighbor classifiers. The neural network results were compared with the results obtained using conventional classifiers for sample training and test sets. The trained neural network was then applied to the edge image to mask out those edge points which had been classified as non- lineament points.

The primary objective of this research is the development and testing of neural network models for two fundamental computer vision tasks: edge/line detection and texture analysis. In order to test the ability of the neural network models to detect patterns in images we used both remote sensing data and medical imagery. Neural network models for edge and line detection were used to detect geological lineaments in Landsat data. Neural network models for the analysis of image texture variations were used on ultrasonic images to distinguish patients with normal liver scans from patients with diffuse liver disease. 1.

This article discusses the integration of various aspects of the child's development, particularly the development of language and communication and the way in which these developments interact to enable the child to construct a coherent sense of self. Multiplex developmental disorder is presented as an example of a disorder that affects several of these crucial strands of development. Recent research and controversies regarding the diagnostic descriptions of multiplex and other pervasive developmental disorders are presented. This discussion is used to illustrate the ways in which such disorders affect not only the individual aspects of development, but the child's ability to form a cohesive sense of self. The implications of these difficulties in self-definition for treating children with disorders that affect a variety of aspects of development are also discussed.

This article examines the communication styles of children with mental retardation, emphasizing the assessment and intervention protocols used by health and education professionals. This article highlights the following approaches: a developmental psycholinguistic orientation, a pragmatics approach, and a supportive interdependent format consistent with the 1992 revision of how mental retardation is classified. This article discusses children with mental retardation who show challenging and disruptive behavior.

This article presents issues related to the communication assessment of children with psychiatric and communication disorders. Challenges inherent in assessing this population are discussed. Frequently used assessment instruments and procedures are described. Consideration is given to the assessment of very young or low-functioning children and older or high-functioning children.

This article discusses the assessment of communication skills in children from birth to 5 years of age. The different methods appropriate for different developmental levels and the relationship of collateral areas, such as hearing, cognition, and speech motor control to the communication process, are addressed. The need for standardized and informal measures is emphasized Case studies are presented to illustrate the principles outlined.