Prototyping of Interactive Satellite Image Analysis Tools Using a Real-Time Data-Flow Computer

Tools for computer-aided satellite image analysis require interactivity, i.e. the capability to modify some parameters and see instantaneously the result of the processing, for efficient work. Due to the amount of data to process that interactivity can only be achieved by parallel architectures. In this paper, we show how a data-flow computer developed in our laboratory can be used to prototype tools for satellite image analysis. Thanks to its high computational power it was possible to implement two complex algorithms without the loss of real-time interactivity: visualization by means of an anamorphosis and image contrast enhancement. Both tools allow to pan across the image and provide smooth and interactive parameters adjustement. The visualization tool enables the image analyst to preserve global information when zooming on a region. Based on human vision characteristics, the contrast enhancement tool lets the image analyst interactively adjust frequency band gains to optimize target perception.