Image analysis program: Java or C++ ?

[espinchi]

Hi all,

I'd really welcome some suggestions about a decision I have to make, in the beginning of a new little software project for a research project (I'm just an assistant, collaborating as an intern). I hope it's not too boring for you

We have some MatLab code that performs image analysis and classification (ie, recognizing faces, detecting defective concrete pieces...).

Now, I need to translate it into a non-MatLab-dependent program. That is, create a C++/Java/(others) program that performs the tasks.

I guess my two main choices about the language are Java and C++.

What should I use?


Some important facts:

. It needs to be fast (at least faster than the MatLab version).
Some people might immediately say: "Use C++. Period.". However, is Java so slow as it used to be?

. I will need to show many images and graphics, to the user as well as to myself in the development/debugging stages.
I'm not experienced with low-level GUI stuff, but I guess these things might be easier with Java.

. The core algorithms should be easily translated from MatLab to the chosen language, since the development will go on in MatLab.
The point is there are some compilers from MatLab to C/Java, has anyone tried them? Are there free ones?

. It needs to be independent.
That is, it should be able tu run and execute by itself. (If not, why translate it from MatLab?). This excludes the built-in MatLab compiler, since it obliges to include an installer of its libraries, and I've been encouraged to avoid that.

. It would be nice to make it platform-independent.
Obviously, Java beats C++ here.


That is the information I have to make up my mind.

I'd really appreciate any comments about this matter. For those who are still reading so far, also thank you for reading

[WingedPanther]

Java has more native tools for displaying graphics, but can be slightly slower. wxWidgits can extend C++ to handle graphics display while remaining cross-platform (at the code-base, not executable level).

Since Java and C++ are similar languages, I suspect there is no significant distinction in the translation process.

[Predictor]

Is the only reason that you're porting off of MATLAB for speed? MATLAB can execute very quickly, depending on the situation. You may be better off tuning your MATLAB code. Can you provide more details about what your software is doing?

-Will

[mahogny]

you should consider making a plugin for some existing software. this will save you tons of time. there is the old-timer ImageJ but you might want to have a look at Endrov (Main Page - Ev). The version currently on the net does not have filter support (I will make a new release this weekend), but adding new windows and menus for what you need should be simple.

as for face recognition I plan to add an Adaboost plugin as I need it for my own project, but that'll take a while.