Computer Image Processing Techniques for the Production of AAVSO Observing Charts

Volume 20 number 1 (1991)

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Gilbert Weingarten

10 Windward Lane, City Island, NY 10464

Abstract

This paper describes the computer image-analysis and chart-drawing programs used in the production of the new series of AAVSO observing charts made directly from astrophotographs as described by Scovil and Leitner (1991). These programs reduce the time required from tens of hours to under five minutes. It is in the area of defect-per-chart elimination and object classification, including the proper identification of "double" stars, that modern techniques of computer image processing are most valuable.