ppxscal/embedding_network huggingface dataset:
Human performance in space telerobotic manipulation
Authors: Philip Lamb, Dean Owen
Venue: Proceedings of the ACM symposium on Virtual reality software and technology (2005)

This paper considers the utility of VR in the design of the interface to a space-based telerobotic manipulator. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential for improved operator performance in a telemanipulation task when the operator's control interface was varied between egocentric and exocentric frames of reference (FOR). Participants performed three tasks of increasing difficulty using a VR-based simulation of the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulation System (SRMS) under four different control interface conditions, which varied in respect of two factors, virtual viewpoint FOR (fixed versus attached to arm) and hand controller FOR (end-effector-referenced versus world-referenced.) Results indicated a high degree of interaction between spatial properties of the task and the optimal interface condition. Across all tasks, the conditions under end-effector-referenced control were associated with higher performance, as measured by rate of task completion. The mobile viewpoint conditions were generally associated with lower performance on task completion rate but improved performance with respect to number of collisions between the arm and objects in the environment. We conclude with discussion of implications for telemanipulation applications, and an approach to varying the dimension of viewpoint egocentricity in order to improve performance under the mobile viewpoint.
Solving Thermal Problems of Hot Chips Using Voronoi Diagrams
Authors: S. Majumder, B. B. Bhattacharya
Venue: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on VLSI Design held jointly with 5th International Conference on Embedded Systems Design (2006)

A geometric simulation based method is proposed in this paper, for fast identification of hot spots and zones on a chip. Given a set of points on the chip floor with their respective thermal strengths, a multiplicatively weighted Voronoi diagram is used to mark the zones of the chip that are under potential thermal threat. For further accurate prediction of hot spots and zones on the chip, simulation is performed only in these regions. This method provides a significant amount of savings in simulation time. Next a simple procedure is suggested to disperse some of the source points on the chip so that the thermal profile of the critical zones may go down below the threshold (safe) level.
Integrating Service Specifications at Different Levels of Abstraction
Authors: S. Rittmann, A. Fleischmann, J. Hartmann, C. Pfaller, M. Rappl, D. Wild
Venue: Proceedings of the IEEE International Workshop (2005)

The service-oriented paradigm is a promising approach to handle the growing complexity of software systems. This paper introduces a methodology for a stepwise refinement of service specifications on different levels of abstraction. Moreover, it deals with the integration of service- and architecture-specifications. Underlying concepts for a formal service specification are motivated from a methodological point of view and are precisly given in this paper. Furthermore the application of these concepts is demonstrated within a case-example. The presented methodology stems from the RoFa- Soft1 project, where both aforementioned development paradigms are consolidated and integrated.
Region of Interest Image Coding using IWT and Partial Bitplane Block Shift for Network Applications
Authors: Zhang Li-bao
Venue: Proceedings of the The Fifth International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (2005)

In this paper, a flexible region of interest (ROI) image coding method so-called partial block bitplane shift (PBBShift) is presented for JPEG2000. The new method offers two strategies-bitplane block scaling (BBS) and partial bitplane shift (PBS), which support arbitrarily shaped single or multiple ROI. In BBS, all bitplanes of ROI and background (BG) are divide into four parts-Most Significant ROI (MSR), General Significant ROI (GSR), General Significant BG (GSB), and Least Significant BG (LSB). In PBS, All bitplanes of MSR are shifted up over all residual bitplanes. The bitplanes in LSB are shifted down below all bitplanes. The bitplanes of GSR and GSB can are not shifted. Experimental result shows that the presented method can flexibly adjust the compression quality between ROI and background by selecting an arbitrary scaling value without any ROI shape information. Additionally, PBBShift can efficiently code multiple ROIs with different degrees of interest in an image.
A Segmentation-free Approach for Keyword Search in Historical Typewritten Documents
Authors: B. Gatos, T. Konidaris, K. Ntzios, I. Pratikakis, S. J. Perantonis
Venue: Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Document Analysis and Recognition (2005)

In this paper, we propose a novel segmentation-free approach for keyword search in historical typewritten documents combining image preprocessing, synthetic data creation, word spotting and user's feedback technologies. Our aim is to search for keywords typed by the user in a large collection of digitized typewritten historical documents. The proposed method is based on: (i) image preprocessing for image binarization and enhancement, noisy border and frame removal, orientation and skew correction; (ii) creation of synthetic image words from keywords typed by the user; (iii) word segmentation using dynamic parameters; (iv) efficient feature extraction for each image word and (v) a retrieval procedure that is optimized by user's feedback. Experimental results prove the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Machine vision for process industries: monitoring, control, and optimization of visual quality of processes and products
Authors: June Liu
Venue:  (2005)

A new paradigm for machine vision for the process industries is proposed, and a framework is illustrated through several industrial applications. The framework is designed for handling the stochastic nature of the visual quality of processes and products in the process industries. In this thesis visual quality means spectral (i.e., color) and/or textural appearance of processes and products where the visual appearance is of great importance and no alternative measurement is available. The first part of this thesis discusses the challenges of machine vision problems in the process industries and highlights the differences and difficulties compared to those of other machine vision problems. A new machine vision framework is then presented, consisting of several steps: (1) textural and/or spectral feature extraction from images, (2) feature reduction and analysis for the estimation of the visual quality, and (3) predictive modeling, control, and optimization of visual quality. The implementation of the framework in several applications is also discussed. The second part presents the methodology for extracting textural and spectral features from images. For extracting textural information from images, wavelet texture analysis (WTA) is used throughout the thesis. Theories of WTA are overviewed and illustrated through an application to the classification of steel surface quality. For spectral information extraction, multivariate image analysis (MIA) based on principal component analysis (PCA) of multivariate images is used throughout the thesis.The third part presents applications of the proposed machine vision framework to industrial problems. For flotation froth monitoring and control, new spectral and textural features based on MR-MIA are proposed for the robust and efficient analysis of froth bubble images. Compared to contemporary approaches for froth image analysis based on texture analysis, the new textural features have a clear morphological meaning, which is closely related to the performance of flotation processes. It is illustrated that monitoring flotation froth can be done easily using multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) charts developed from the MR-MIA features. For froth-based flotation control, a steady-state causal model is built from the MR-MIA features and manipulated process variables, and is used to design an optimization-based controller. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Video transcoding techniques for wireless video communications
Authors: Zhijun Lei
Venue:  (2004)

The transmission of compressed video over channels with different capacities may require a reduction in bit rate if the transmission channel has a lower capacity than the capacity required by the video bit-stream, or when the channel capacity is changing over time. The process of converting a compressed video format into another compressed format is known as transcoding. This thesis addresses the specific transcoding problem of dynamic bit-rate adaptation for transmission over low bandwidth wireless channels. Transmitting compressed video over lower bandwidth wireless channels require accurate and efficient rate-control schemes. In this thesis, we propose several techniques to improve transcoding performance. Based on our experimental results, we present an approximate linear bit allocation model and macroblock layer rate-control algorithm, which can achieve accurate transcoding bit-rate. By reusing useful statistics information from the incoming compressed video, the bit-rate of the transcoded video can be determined according to the video scene context. Considering a specific bursty error wireless channel, we propose a solution which combines video transcoding and an ARQ protocol to transmit compressed video over this channel. In order to make sure that the end decoder can decode and play the transcoded video within the required end-to-end delay, we analyze the rate and buffer constraints of the transcoder and derive the conditions that have to be met by the transcoder. In order to test the proposed solution, we use a statistical channel model to simulate the wireless channel and use this model and channel observation to estimate the effective channel bandwidth, which will be fed back to the transcoder for better rate control. In this thesis, we discuss two applications. For real time video communication over wireless channel, we propose an algorithm that determines the transcoding scaling factor considering end-to-end delay, buffer fullness and effective channel bandwidth. For pre-encoded video distribution over wireless channels, we propose an algorithm which can determine the transcoding bit budget based on end-to-end delay, effective bandwidth, and original video bit profile. The proposed algorithm outperforms H.263 TMN8 in terms of video quality and buffer behavior with the same computational requirements.
Resource management and multimedia support in peer-to-peer systems
Authors: Fang Chen
Venue:  (2005)

The growing interest in Internet has resulted in an increasing deployment of parallel and distributed applications over wide area environments. While the traditional client-server model is limited by the numbers of concurrent users it can support and the need for dedicated servers, the new emerging Peer-to-Peer (P2P) model offers an attractive alternative for developing large scale applications that share processing and computing resources among computer nodes on wide area networks. In this thesis, we investigate how distributed real-time multimedia applications that require both processing and communication can be supported on peer-to-peer systems. We first propose a novel distributed and dynamic resource utilization based urgency (RUBEN) scheduling algorithm whose goal is to maximize the probability that the real-time applications meet their deadlines. Next we extend this work and study scenarios in which a multimedia streaming session consists of multiple sub-streaming paths and the streaming receiver's quality-of-service requirements need to be coordinated through feedback information to streaming source nodes and transcoding nodes. In the last chapter, we study another class of distributed applications that require real-time data dissemination among interested receivers in order to maintain a consistent application view. We demonstrate how to utilize filtering techniques to reduce message overhead in such scenarios while maintaining acceptable consistency ratio for the participating peers.
Visualization Task Performance with 2D, 3D, and Combination Displays
Authors: Melanie Tory Arthur E. Kirkpatrick M. Stella Atkins Torsten Moller
Venue: IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics (2006)

We describe a series of experiments that compare 2D displays, 3D displays, and combined 2D/3D displays (orientation icon, ExoVis, and clip planes) for relative position estimation, orientation, and volume of interest tasks. Our results indicate that 3D displays can be very effective for approximate navigation and relative positioning when appropriate cues, such as shadows, are present. However, 3D displays are not effective for precise navigation and positioning except possibly in specific circumstances, for instance, when good viewing angles or measurement tools are available. For precise tasks in other situations, orientation icon and ExoVis displays were better than strict 2D or 3D displays (displays consisting exclusively of 2D or 3D views). The combined displays had as good or better performance, inspired higher confidence, and allowed natural, integrated navigation. Clip plane displays were not effective for 3D orientation because users could not easily view more than one 2D slice at a time and had to frequently change the visibility of individual slices. Major factors contributing to display preference and usability were task characteristics, orientation cues, occlusion, and spatial proximity of views that were used together.
A Service Modeling Approach with Business-Level Reusability and Extensibility
Authors: Jianwu Wang, Jian Yu, Yanbo Han
Venue: Proceedings of the IEEE International Workshop (2005)

This paper introduces a novel service modeling approach called VINCA_BS, which can be used by business people to extend the functionality of a servicebased software platform from a business perspective. VINCA_BS approach introduces the domain analysis approaches into service modeling and uses the domain requirement commonalities to define our VINCA business service models, which are userunderstandable, business-level reusable service abstractions omitting concrete business details. These service models can be instantiated by different business people according to their actual business requirements that consequently add new functionalities to the platform. The approach has been successfully validated in a service-based e-government project.
Highlighting Conflict Dynamics in Event Data
Authors: Ulrik Brandes, Daniel Fleischer, Jurgen Lerner
Venue: Proceedings of the Proceedings of the 2005 IEEE Symposium on Information Visualization (2005)

We present a method for visual summary of bilateral conflict structures embodied in event data. Such data consists of actors linked by time-stamped events, and may be extracted from various sources such as news reports and dossiers. When analyzing political events, it is of particular importance to be able to recognize conflicts and actors involved in them. By projecting actors into a conflict space, we are able to highlight the main opponents in a series of tens of thousands of events, and provide a graphic overview of the conflict structure. Moreover, our method allows for smooth animation of the dynamics of a conflict.
A layout framework for 3D user interfaces
Authors: Wai Leng Lee, Mark Green
Venue: Proceedings of the ACM symposium on Virtual reality software and technology (2005)

Two of the main problems facing the developers of 3D user interface are the wide range of device configurations that must be supported and the lack of software tools for constructing 3D user interfaces. The Grappl project aims to solve these problems by producing user interfaces that adapt to the device configurations that they encounter at runtime. Since the user interface is constructed at runtime one of the problems confronted by Grappl is laying out the different user interface components and possibly some of the application objects. This paper presents a framework for automating the layout of 3D user interfaces, including the types of information provided by the user interface designer, the high level architecture of the layout system and the algorithms used for empty space management.
Robust Temporal Constraint Network
Authors: IIoong Chuin Lau, Thomas Ou, Melvyn Sim
Venue: Proceedings of the 17th IEEE International Conference on Tools with Artificial Intelligence (2005)

In this paper, we propose the Robust Temporal Constraint Network (RTCN) model for simple temporal constraint networks where activity durations are bounded by random variables. The problem is to determine whether such temporal network can be executed with failure probability less than a given 0 ≤ E ≤ 1 for each possible instantiation of the random variables, and if so. how one might find a feasible schedule with each given instantiation. The advantage of our model is that one can vary the value of ∊ to control the level of conservativeness of the solution. We present a computationally tractable and efficient approach to solve these RTCN problems. We study the effects the density of temporal constraint networks have on its makespan under different confidence levels. W e also apply RTCN to solve the stochastic project crashing problem.
Mixed Reality in Education, Entertainment, and Training
Authors: Charles E. Hughes, Christopher B. Stapleton, Darin E. Hughes, Eileen M. Smith
Venue: IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications (2005)

Transferring research from the laboratory to mainstream applications requires the convergence of people, knowledge and conventions from very divergent disciplines. Solutions involve more than combining functional requirements and creative novelty.To transform technical capabilities of emerging mixed reality technology into the mainstream involves the integration and evolution of unproven systems. For example, real-world applications require complex scenarios, involving an efficient iterative pipeline, and driving the design of a story engine that provides an adaptive experience with an after-action review process. This article describes how a multidisciplinary research team transformed core mixed reality technology and methods into the diverse applications of urban terrain, used for military training and situational awareness, and community learning (Sea Creatures), used to significantly increase the entertainment, educational, and satisfaction levels of existing experiences in public venues.
Operationalizing the process of diffusion and implementation of wids in a technical college: a case study
Authors: Robin M. Nickel
Venue:  (2005)

This case study examines factors influencing adoption and implementation of a performance based curriculum design software program, WIDS&mdash;the Worldwide Instructional Design System. Moraine Park Technical College, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is studied in depth to determine how stages of the innovation process (E. Rogers, 2003) are operationalized within four organizational groups (top administrators, middle managers, instructors, support staff). Problems of consistency and efficiency in curriculum design, access to curriculum, use of technology, and accreditation requirements lead the college to implement WIDS. Philosophical alignment to the innovation is examined, as well as how the college structure changed during implementation. Opposition, advantages, and implications are detailed, including questions relating to power and perceptions of authority.
Securing Scan Design Using Lock and Key Technique
Authors: Jeremy Lee, Mohammed Tehranipoor, Chintan Patel, Jim Plusquellic
Venue: Proceedings of the 20th IEEE International Symposium on Defect and Fault Tolerance in VLSI Systems (2005)

Scan test has been a common and useful method for testing VLSI designs due to the high controllability and observability it provides. These same properties have recently been shown to also be a security threat to the intellectual property on a chip [1]. In order to defend from scan based attacks, we present the Lock & Key technique. Our proposed technique provides security while not negatively impacting the design¿s fault coverage. This technique requires only that a small area overhead penalty is incurred for a significant return in security. Lock & Key divides the already present scan chain into smaller subchains of equal length that are controlled by an internal test security controller. When a malicious user attempts to manipulate the scan chain, the test security controller goes into insecure mode and enables each subchain in an unpredictable sequence making controllability and observability of the circuit under test very difficult. We will present and analyze the design of the Lock & Key technique to show that this is a flexible option to secure scan designs for various levels of security.
An FPGA Based Accelerator for SAT Based Combinational Equivalence Checking
Authors: Mona Safar, M. Watheq El-Kharashi, Ashraf Salem
Venue: Proceedings of the Fifth International Workshop on System-on-Chip for Real-Time Applications (2005)

In this paper we present Software/Reconfigurable hardware SAT accelerator for Combinational Equivalence Checking. The SAT binary clauses are mapped into an implication graph and the ternary clauses are kept in an indexed clause database and mapped into the clause evaluator and conflict detector implemented on FPGA The validity of the proposed approach is shown through the ISCAS'85 benchmark circuits.
Heavy Tails in Multi-Server Queue
Authors: Serguei Foss, Dmitry Korshunov
Venue: Queueing Systems: Theory and Applications (2006)

In this paper, the asymptotic behaviour of the distribution tail of the stationary waiting time W in the GI/GI/2 FCFS queue is studied. Under subexponential-type assumptions on the service time distribution, bounds and sharp asymptotics are given for the probability P{W > x}. We also get asymptotics for the distribution tail of a stationary two-dimensional workload vector and of a stationary queue length. These asymptotics depend heavily on the traffic load.
Novel Architecture of EBC for JPEG2000
Authors: Anand Gautam, A. Geeta Madhuri, Priya Khandelwal, K. Pratyush Aditya, Meghana Desai, Padma N. Krishna, Malvika Dutt, Reeti Bhatia
Venue: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on VLSI Design held jointly with 5th International Conference on Embedded Systems Design (2006)

The paper presents a novel architecture of EBC (Embedded Block Coding) for JPEG2000. It presents three speed-up methods: bit-plane parallelization, three stage pipelined architecture of Context Formation block and three stage pipelined architecture of MQ encoder block. The proposed design would consequently enhance the throughput and reduce latency, enabling high speed compression. The synthesis and implementation of the design was done on 0.13µ technology using Cadence RTL Compiler.
Storing Normalized XML Documents in Normalized Relations
Authors: Zijing Tan, JianJun Xu, Wei Wang, Baile Shi
Venue: Proceedings of the The Fifth International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (2005)

This paper studies the XML storage in relations. Unlike traditional techniques, it considers the semantics expressed by functional dependencies. We propose an algorithm for mapping DTD to relational schema, which preserves not only the content and structure but also the semantics of original XML documents. To tackle the problem of constraints expression, we introduce a way to de?ne functional dependencies and normalization for DTD. In a normalized DTD, every constraints expressed by functional dependencies can be concluded to keys. So we use the key de?nitions for XML as the foundation for relation generation, and maintain the keys in relations. After investigating the relationship between functional dependencies in XML documents with the corresponding ones in relations, we further prove that, if the original DTD is normalized, the generated relations will be in BCNF. So our method keeps the good properties of normalized DTD, and can fully leverage the relational technology.