Interactive computer aided analysis of images from sensor combinations

A method of using a computer to separate an object or pattern in a scene, comprising the steps of:

• acquiring two or more images of the scene, each image from a different sensor, and each image being comprised of a set of pixels, each pixel having an intensity value;
• defining at least one region of interest (ROI) in the scene, each ROI comprising a set of pixels;
• displaying a parallel axis plot representing pixel traces of intensity values of each image, wherein the pixel traces are from at least one ROI, and wherein each of the images is represented as an axis on the plot, and wherein and each pixel trace is traced across the axes;
• graphically constraining an axis of the plot by selecting a range of intensity values on that axis;
• and
• quantitatively evaluating the results of the constraint.

A computer system for aiding a user in separating an object or pattern in a scene, comprising:

• an image importation and display module for acquiring two or more images of the scene, each image from a different sensor, and each image being comprised of a set of pixels, each pixel having intensity values;
• for receiving input from the user that defines at least one region of interest (ROI) in the scene, each ROI comprising a subset of the pixels;
• and for computing vectors for pixels in the ROI;
• a plotting module for displaying a parallel axis plot representing pixel traces of intensity values of each image, wherein the pixel traces are from at least one ROI, and wherein each of the images is represented as an axis on the plot, and wherein and each pixel trace is traced across the axes;
• for receiving input from a user that represents at least one constraint on an axis of the plot by selecting a range of intensity values on that axis;
• and
• for graphically identifying, on the parallel axis plot, the pixel traces that satisfy each constraint;
• and
• a quantitative analysis module for statistically evaluating the results of any constraints.