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"PV-WAVE makes implementing the model-based approach to science
possible, it improves the quality of science by making the scientific
process more interactive, bringing the scientist back into the engineering
loop, reducing the number of people involved. It brings big scientific
projects to a more personal level, allowing more interaction with
the process.”
-James Brakefield, Senior Research Engineer,
KRUG Life Sciences
QUICK
FACTS
At KRUG Life Sciences, researchers are using PV-WAVE to better understand
the mechanisms of visual processing. KRUG uses a mathematical model
of early vision that generates huge data sets.  KRUG
researchers are able to treat parts of the model as image-processing
sequences, using them for experiment simulation. PV-WAVE is then
used to complete these equations in minutes for quick analysis.
THE PROBLEM
No one completely understands how the human visual system processes
information to produce visual perception. Scientists and engineers
at KRUG Life Sciences of San Antonio, Texas, are trying to change
this by working to understand the algorithms and mechanisms of visual
processing.
James Brakefield, a senior research engineer at KRUG, explained
that vision researchers use a model-based approach to scientific
experimentation when implementing a model, simulating experiments
and determining whether experimental designs will work as intended.
Later, experiments are conducted using test subjects. The actual
results are then compared with simulated results.
KRUG uses the Wilson model, a mathematical model of early vision
that attempts to define the visual cortex, the part of the brain
that processes visual signals. Although the model, based on a paper
by Hugh Wilson, is accepted as one of the most accurate available,
it is compute-intensive, involving huge data sets that require large
amounts of computer memory. KRUG researchers treat parts of the
model as image-processing sequences, using them for experiment simulation.
PV-WAVE, Visual Numerics' visual data analysis (VDA) software, completes
these equations in minutes.
THE SOLUTION
"PV-WAVE makes implementing the model-based approach to science
possible," said Brakefield. "It improves the quality of
science by making the scientific process more interactive, bringing
the scientist back into the engineering loop, reducing the number
of people involved," he continued. "It brings big scientific
projects to a more personal level, allowing more interaction with
the process."
KRUG scientists have developed several model-based experiments
to help them research vision. PV-WAVE is used during various segments
of the project. Some of the experiments are discussed here.
Data Reduction Projects
Digitized Eye Movement
Test subjects track a cursor across
a CRT screen. The cursor and eye-position trajectories are saved
and later examined using PV-WAVE.
Digitized Foveal Images
The back of the subject's eye is videotaped.
PV-WAVE analyzes the digitized video by tracing the frame-by-frame
changes, which are fitted to an exponential curve.
Digitized Behavioral Data
The performance of a subject is tracked
over time. The data are read into a menu-driven PV-WAVE application
for analysis and reduction. Six graphs and associated measures are
produced. The application allows control of end-points and runs
on a standard graphics terminal.
Visualization projects
Loss of Image Recognition
Prototypical images are digitized with a camera and then filtered
to simulate various types and amounts of visual deficit. This includes
blurring, reduction of contrast and addition of after-images.
Visual Deficit Dynamics
- The noise level of a 16-frame file loop
is adjusted along with the contrast and frame rate. The visibility
of a target is then studied.
- The decay of an after-image is done in
real time. The target appearance time can then be compared with
experimental data.
- PV-WAVE is used to precompute a series
of increasingly blurred images. These are then combined in real
time to create a composite image representative of human vision.
The center of vision is adjusted using a mouse. A variable transport
delay can be included such that the center of vision as displayed
on the frame buffer lags the mouse. This gives some idea of the
effect of transport delay on visual perception.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Before purchasing PV-WAVE, Brakefield used home-grown data-analysis
programs. Because of the software's speed and interactive nature,
Brakefield estimates that he is five times more productive since
he began using the product. PV-WAVE has simplified prototype implementation
at KRUG, which lets researchers determine within minutes whether
experimental ideas are viable.
"With PV-WAVE, we are able to add other devices such as frame
buffers, and we can incorporate code from other sources. It provides
interfaces that are efficient and easy to use, but it still can
be customized to suit our needs," Brakefield says. "I've
been extremely happy with PV-WAVE. I can finally program a 32-bit
computer the way I've always wanted to," he concluded.
WORLD CLASS PRODUCTS, SERVICES,
AND SUPPORT
Visual Numerics has provided technical software
solutions for numerical analysis and visualization for over 30 years.
The company's software products help users understand complex data
from a variety of sources and build business-critical applications.
Visual Numerics offers two product lines: the IMSL® Numerical
Libraries for powerful mathematical and statistical analysis and
the PV-WAVE® visual data analysis development environment. Visual
Numerics also offers customized consulting services for applications
that involve mathematical, statistical, or visual data analysis
to meet today’s business analytical needs.
The IMSL Numerical Libraries which include
the IMSL C Library, IMSL Fortran Library and JMSL™ Library
for Java™ applications are the industry standard for numerical
analysis. They deliver developers with the breadth and depth of
core algorithms allowing for the rapid development of any application.
Whether developing applications in C, Fortran, or Java, or on UNIX,
Windows or Linux, the robust IMSL Libraries provide the reliable
foundation and the building blocks developers need.
The PV-WAVE family of products which includes
PV-WAVE, TS-WAVE, and JWAVE delivers engineers with the development
tools to efficiently and accurately meet their data analysis needs.
PV-WAVE solutions allow users to rapidly import, manipulate, analyze
and visualize data. The PV-WAVE family also includes robust time
series analysis software as well as the ability to share analysis
results across the enterprise with a Java-based solution. And, unlike
other products, PV-WAVE Advantage includes a sophisticated set of
analysis routines based on the industry-standard IMSL Libraries.
In addition, Visual Numerics Consulting
Services combine technical expertise, decades of hands-on experience
and a combination of powerful products to create the highest quality
solutions possible for your visual data analysis needs.
Visual Numerics unique combination of products
and services rapidly enhance ROI by delivering the highest efficiency,
greatest accuracy and maximum performance.
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Industry
Life Sciences
Application
Visual Perception Experiments
Product
PV-WAVE
The merger of Krug Life Sciences, Inc. and Technology Scientific
Services Inc. subsidiaries with Wyle Laboratories, Inc. has been
completed.
For the past 35 years, Wyle has been providing highly skilled personnel
and laboratory facilities to NASA, the Department of Defense, the
National Institutes of Health, and numerous international space
partners. Wyle is the recognized leader in life sciences, biomedical
research, and specialized space-flight hardware development.
Key Benefits
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Increased speed |
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Precise mathematical modeling |
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Interactive Scientific Process |
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Customization for specific needs |
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Simplified prototype implementation |
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Efficient interfaces |
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