An open general-purposes research system for automating the development and application of information technologies in the area of image processing, analysis, and evaluation

Algorithmic/software system (ASS) referred to as “Black Square” (BS) is described. It is intended for scientific research and education in the area of image processing, analysis, recognition, and understanding. This ASS is a software environment for designing and application of algorithms for image processing, analysis, recognition and understanding with reference and information-retrieval functions. The ASS operates by means of a unified integrated software environment constructed on a common informational and methodical basis with a common navigation shell. The minimal specification necessary for launching the BS is the following: Pentium III processor 700 MHz; 128 Mb RAM; at least 100 Mb of free space on the hard disc; and Windows 98/ME/2000/XP or Linux RedHat 9. The ASS is intended for solving the following problems: (1) education and knowledge accumulation in the area of image processing, analysis, and recognition; (2) development, testing, and storage of algorithms and information technologies for solving problems of image processing, analysis, and recognition; (3) design of problem-oriented ASSs for image analysis and recognition; (4) automation of design, investigation, and application of algorithms for image processing, analysis, recognition, and understanding; (5) automation of training for methods for image processing and analysis; and (6) well-structured and user-friendly storage of various information, including information on methods and algorithms for image processing, analysis, recognition, and understanding, as well as images themselves and information about images. The main areas of application of the BS are the following: automation of scientific research and investigations in the area of image recognition and analysis; development of information technologies; solution of applied problems in the field of medicine (diagnoses of various diseases, in particular, cancer; investigation of the influence of laser and magnetic radiation on human beings; investigation of the influence of various factors on the temperature field of a human being); aerospace survey (analysis of data of remote sensing); development of tracking and detection systems; industrial and power engineering (technical diagnostics and nondestructive monitoring); as well as ecological monitoring and emergency prediction and monitoring. As an object of intellectual property, the work is protected by two patents and two inventor’s certificates.