Self-calibration from image derivatives

Abstract: This study investigates the problem of estimating camera calibration parameters from image motion fields induced by a rigidly moving camera with unknown parameters, where the image formation is modeled with a linear pinhole-camera model. The equations obtained show the flow to be separated into a component due to the translation and the calibration parameters and a component due to the rotation and the calibration parameters. A set of parameters encoding the latter component is linearly related to the flow, and from these parameters the calibration can be determined. However, as for discrete motion, in general it is not possible to decouple image measurements obtained from only two frames into translational and rotational components. Geometrically, the ambiguity takes the form of a part of the rotational component being parallel to the translational component, and thus the scene can be reconstructed only up to a projective transformation. In general, for full calibration at least four successive image frames are necessary, with the 3D rotation changing between the measurements. The geometric analysis gives rise to a direct self-calibration method that avoids computation of optical flow or point correspondences and uses only normal flow measurements. New constraints on the smoothness of the surfaces in view are formulated to relate structure and motion directly to image derivatives, and on the basis of these constraints the transformation of the viewing geometry between consecutive images is estimated. The calibration parameters are then estimated from the rotational components of several flow fields. As the proposed technique neither requires a special set up nor needs exact correspondence it is potentially useful for the calibration of active vision systems which have to acquire knowledge about their intrinsic parameters while they perform other tasks, or as a tool for analyzing image sequences in large video databases

camera calibration parameters
image motion fields
rigidly moving camera
image formation
linear pinhole-camera model
calibration parameters
image measurements
translational components
rotational components
direct self-calibration method
optical flow
point correspondences
normal flow measurements
active vision systems
image sequences
large video databases
depth distortion


Who wants to see a $million error?

Abstract: Inspired by the popular television show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", this case discusses the monetary decisions contestants face on a game consisting of 15 increasingly difficult multiple choice questions. Since the game continues as long as a contestant answers correctly, this case, at its core, is one of sequential decision analysis, amenable to analysis via stochastic dynamic programming. The case is also suitable for a course dealing with single decision analysis, allowing for discussion of utility theory and Bayesian probability revision. In developing a story line for the case, the author has sprinkled in much background material on probability and statistics. This material is placed in a historical context, illuminating some of the influential scholars involved in the development of these subjects as well as the birth of operations research and the management sciences

operations research
game theory
decision analysis
stochastic dynamic programming
educational course
statistics
probabilistic models


Adaptive filtering for noise reduction in hue saturation intensity color space

Abstract: Even though the hue saturation intensity (HSI) color model has been widely used in color image processing and analysis, the conversion formulas from the RGB color model to HSI are nonlinear and complicated in comparison with the conversion formulas of other color models. When an RGB image is degraded by random Gaussian noise, this nonlinearity leads to a nonuniform noise distribution in HSI, making accurate image analysis more difficult. We have analyzed the noise characteristics of the HSI color model and developed an adaptive spatial filtering method to reduce the magnitude of noise and the nonuniformity of noise variance in the HSI color space. With this adaptive filtering method, the filter kernel for each pixel is dynamically adjusted, depending on the values of intensity and saturation. In our experiments we have filtered the saturation and hue components and generated edge maps from color gradients. We have found that by using the adaptive filtering method, the minimum error rate in edge detection improves by approximately 15%

adaptive filtering
noise reduction
hue saturation intensity color space
color image processing
color image analysis
RGB color model
random Gaussian noise
nonuniform noise distribution
accurate image analysis
adaptive spatial filtering method
nonuniformity
noise variance
HSI color space
filter kernel
pixel
saturation
intensity
generated edge maps
color gradients
edge detection
minimum error rate


BioOne: a new model for scholarly publishing

Abstract: This article describes a unique electronic journal publishing project involving the University of Kansas, the Big 12 Plus Libraries Consortium, the American Institute of Biological Sciences, Allen Press, and SPARC, the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition. This partnership has created BioOne, a database of 40 full-text society journals in the biological and environmental sciences, which was launched in April, 2001. The genesis and development of the project is described and financial, technical, and intellectual property models for the project are discussed. Collaborative strategies for the project are described

BioOne full-text society journal database


Information architecture: looking ahead

Abstract: It may be a bit strange to consider where the field of information architecture (IA) is headed. After all, many would argue that it's too new to be considered as a field at all, or that it is mislabeled, and by no means is there a widely accepted definition of what information architecture actually is. Practicing information architects probably number in the thousands, and this vibrant group is already building various forms of communal infrastructure, ranging from an IA journal and a self-organizing "library" of resources to a passel of local professional groups and degree-granting academic programs. So the profession has achieved a beachhead that will enable it to stabilize and perhaps even grow during these difficult times

information architecture
information architects
communal infrastructure
local professional groups
degree-granting academic programs


Multilayered image representation: application to image compression

Abstract: The main contribution of this work is a new paradigm for image representation and image compression. We describe a new multilayered representation technique for images. An image is parsed into a superposition of coherent layers: piecewise smooth regions layer, textures layer, etc. The multilayered decomposition algorithm consists in a cascade of compressions applied successively to the image itself and to the residuals that resulted from the previous compressions. During each iteration of the algorithm, we code the residual part in a lossy way: we only retain the most significant structures of the residual part, which results in a sparse representation. Each layer is encoded independently with a different transform, or basis, at a different bitrate, and the combination of the compressed layers can always be reconstructed in a meaningful way. The strength of the multilayer approach comes from the fact that different sets of basis functions complement each others: some of the basis functions will give reasonable account of the large trend of the data, while others will catch the local transients, or the oscillatory patterns. This multilayered representation has a lot of beautiful applications in image understanding, and image and video coding. We have implemented the algorithm and we have studied its capabilities

image compression
multilayered representation
image representation
piecewise smooth regions layer
textures layer
multilayered decomposition algorithm
residual part
sparse representation
basis functions
wavelet transforms
cosine transforms
transform coding


Prospective on computer applications in power

Abstract: The so-called "deregulation" and restructuring of the electric power industry have made it very difficult to keep up with industry changes and have made it much more difficult to envision the future. In this article, current key issues and major developments of the past few years are reviewed to provide perspective, and prospects for future computer applications in power are suggested. Technology changes are occurring at an exponential rate. The interconnected bulk electric systems are becoming integrated with vast networked information systems. This article discusses the skills that will be needed by future power engineers to keep pace with these developments and trends

electric power industry deregulation
computer applications
electricity industry restructuring
technology changes
interconnected bulk electric systems
networked information systems


Internet-based psychological experimenting: five dos and five don'ts

Abstract: Internet-based psychological experimenting is presented as a method that needs careful consideration of a number of issues-from potential data corruption to revealing confidential information about participants. Ten issues are grouped into five areas of actions to be taken when developing an Internet experiment (dos) and five errors to be avoided (don'ts). Dos include: (a) utilizing dropout as a dependent variable, (b) the use of dropout to detect motivational confounding, (c) placement of questions for personal information, (d) using a collection of techniques, and (e) using Internet-based tools. Don'ts are about: (a) unprotected directories, (b) public access to confidential data, (c) revealing the experiment's structure, (d) ignoring the Internet's technical variance, and (e) improper use of form elements


Linear models of circuits based on the multivalued components

Abstract: Linearization and planarization of the circuit models is pivotal to the submicron technologies. On the other hand, the characteristics of the VLSI circuits can be sometimes improved by using the multivalued components. It was shown that any l-level circuit based on the multivalued components is representable as an algebraic model based on l linear arithmetic polynomials mapped correspondingly into l decision diagrams that are linear and planar by nature. Complexity of representing a circuit as the linear decision diagram was estimated as O(G) with G for the number of multivalued components in the circuit. The results of testing the LinearDesignMV algorithm on circuits of more than 8000 LGSynth 93 multivalued components were presented

linear circuit model
linearization
planarization
submicron technologies
VLSI circuits
linear arithmetic polynomials
linear planar decision diagrams
circuit representation complexity
LinearDesignMV algorithm
LGSynth 93 multivalued components


Alien Rescue: a problem-based hypermedia learning environment for middle school science

Abstract: The article describes an innovative hypermedia product for sixth graders in space science: Alien Rescue. Using a problem-based learning approach that is highly interactive, Alien Rescue engages students in scientific investigations aimed at finding solutions to complex and meaningful problems. Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional strategy proven to be effective in medical and business fields, and it is increasingly popular in education. However, using PBL in K-12 classrooms is challenging and requires access to rich knowledge bases and cognitive tools. Alien Rescue is designed to provide such cognitive support for successful use of PBL in sixth-grade classrooms. The design and development of Alien Rescue is guided by current educational research. Research is an integral part of this project. Results of formative evaluation and research studies are being integrated into the development and improvement of the program. Alien Rescue is designed in accordance with the National Science Standards and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for science. So far Alien Rescue has been field-tested by approximately 1400 sixth graders. More use in middle schools is in progress and more research on its use is planned


Evicting orang utans from the office [electronic storage of legal files]

Abstract: Having espoused the principle of the paperless office some time ago, we decided to apply it to our stored files. First we consulted the Law Society rules governing storage of files on electronic media. The next step was for us to draw up a protocol for scanning the files. The benefits of the exercise have been significant. The area previously used for storage has been freed for other use. Files are now available online, instantaneously. When we have needed to send out files to the client or following a change of solicitor, we have been able to do so almost immediately, by E-mail, retaining a copy for our future reference. The files are protected from loss or deterioration, back-up copies having been taken which are stored off site. The complete stored file archive can be put in your pocket (in CD-ROM format) or on a laptop, facilitating remote working

paperless office
legal files
electronic storage
Law Society rules
file scanning
CD-ROM
file archive


The development of a mobile manipulator imaging system for bridge crack inspection

Abstract: A mobile manipulator imaging system is developed for the automation of bridge crack inspection. During bridge safety inspections, an eyesight inspection is made for preliminary evaluation and screening before a more precise inspection. The inspection for cracks is an important part of the preliminary evaluation. Currently, the inspectors must stand on the platform of a bridge inspection vehicle or a temporarily erected scaffolding to examine the underside of a bridge. However, such a procedure is risky. To help automate the bridge crack inspection process, we installed two CCD cameras and a four-axis manipulator system on a mobile vehicle. The parallel cameras are used to detect cracks. The manipulator system is equipped with binocular charge coupled devices (CCD) for examining structures that may not be accessible to the eye. The system also reduces the danger of accidents to the human inspectors. The manipulator system consists of four arms. Balance weights are placed at the ends of arms 2 and 4, respectively, to maintain the center of gravity during operation. Mechanically, arms 2 and 4 can revolve smoothly. Experiments indicated that the system could be useful for bridge crack inspections

mobile manipulator
imaging system
bridge crack inspection
automation
eyesight inspection
CCD cameras
four-axis manipulator
parallel cameras
binocular CCD
charge coupled devices


Prospects for quantitative computed tomography imaging in the presence of foreign metal bodies using statistical image reconstruction

Abstract: X-ray computed tomography (CT) images of patients bearing metal intracavitary applicators or other metal foreign objects exhibit severe artifacts including streaks and aliasing. We have systematically evaluated via computer simulations the impact of scattered radiation, the polyenergetic spectrum, and measurement noise on the performance of three reconstruction algorithms: conventional filtered backprojection (FBP), deterministic iterative deblurring, and a new iterative algorithm, alternating minimization (AM), based on a CT detector model that includes noise, scatter, and polyenergetic spectra. Contrary to the dominant view of the literature, FBP streaking artifacts are due mostly to mismatches between FBP's simplified model of CT detector response and the physical process of signal acquisition. Artifacts on AM images are significantly mitigated as this algorithm substantially reduces detector-model mismatches. However, metal artifacts are reduced to acceptable levels only when prior knowledge of the metal object in the patient, including its pose, shape, and attenuation map, are used to constrain AM's iterations. AM image reconstruction, in combination with object-constrained CT to estimate the pose of metal objects in the patient, is a promising approach for effectively mitigating metal artifacts and making quantitative estimation of tissue attenuation coefficients a clinical possibility


Web-based experiments controlled by JavaScript: an example from probability learning

Abstract: JavaScript programs can be used to control Web experiments. This technique is illustrated by an experiment that tested the effects of advice on performance in the classic probability-learning paradigm. Previous research reported that people tested via the Web or in the lab tended to match the probabilities of their responses to the probabilities that those responses would be reinforced. The optimal strategy, however, is to consistently choose the more frequent event; probability matching produces suboptimal performance. We investigated manipulations we reasoned should improve performance. A horse race scenario in which participants predicted the winner in each of a series of races between two horses was compared with an abstract scenario used previously. Ten groups of learners received different amounts of advice, including all combinations of (1) explicit instructions concerning the optimal strategy, (2) explicit instructions concerning a monetary sum to maximize, and (3) accurate information concerning the probabilities of events. The results showed minimal effects of horse race versus abstract scenario. Both advice concerning the optimal strategy and probability information contributed significantly to performance in the task. This paper includes a brief tutorial on JavaScript, explaining with simple examples how to assemble a browser-based experiment

Web-based experiments
JavaScript
probability learning
advice
explicit instructions
probability
browser-based experiment
Internet-based research


Synthetic simultaneity - natural and artificial

Abstract: In control loops, each element introduces time delays. If those time delays are larger than the critical times for control of the system, a problem exists. I show a simple approach to mitigating this problem by basing the controller's decisions not on the observations themselves but on our projections as to what the observations will be at the time our controls reach the controlled system. Finally, I argue that synthetic simultaneity explains Libet's (1993) results better than Libet's explanation

control loops
time delays
critical times
controller decisions
observations
synthetic simultaneity


Block truncation image bit plane coding

Abstract: Block truncation coding (BTC) is a successful image compression technique due to its simple and fast computational burden. The bit rate is fixed to 2.0 bits/pixel, whose performance is moderate in terms of compression ratio compared to other compression schemes such as discrete cosine transform (DCT), vector quantization (VQ), wavelet transform coding (WTC), etc. Two kinds of overheads are required for BTC coding: bit plane and quantization values, respectively. A new technique is presented to reduce the bit plane overhead. Conventional bit plane overhead is 1.0 bits/pixel; we decrease it to 0.734 bits/pixel while maintaining the same decoded quality as absolute moment BTC (AMBTC) does for the "Lena" image. Compared to other published bit plane coding strategies, the proposed method outperforms all of the existing methods

image bit plane coding
block truncation coding
image compression technique
bit rate
performance
compression ratio
bit plane overhead
decoded quality
absolute moment BTC
AMBTC
quantization values
Lena image


The influence of tollbooths on highway traffic

Abstract: We study the effects of tollbooths on the traffic flow. The highway traffic is simulated by the Nagel-Schreckenberg model. Various types of toll collection are examined, which can be characterized either by a waiting time or a reduced speed. A first-order phase transition is observed. The phase separation results a saturated flow, which is observed as a plateau region in the fundamental diagram. The effects of lane expansion near the tollbooth are examined. The full capacity of a highway can be restored. The emergence of vehicle queuing is studied. Besides the numerical results, we also obtain analytical expressions for various quantities. The numerical simulations can be well described by the analytical formulas. We also discuss the influence on the travel time and its variance. The tollbooth increases the travel time but decreases its variance. The differences between long- and short-distance travelers are also discussed

highway traffic
tollbooths
Nagel-Schreckenberg model
toll collection
waiting time
reduced speed
first-order phase transition
saturated flow
lane expansion
vehicle queuing
numerical simulations


Psychology and the Internet

Abstract: This article presents an overview of the way that the Internet is being used to assist psychological research and mediate psychological practice. It shows how psychologists are using the Internet to examine the interactions between people and computers, and highlights some of the ways that this research is important to the design and development of useable and acceptable computer systems. In particular, this introduction reviews the research presented at the International Conference on Psychology and the Internet held in the United Kingdom. The final part introduces the eight articles in this special edition. The articles are representative of the breadth of research being conducted on psychology and the Internet: there are two on methodological issues, three on group processes, one on organizational implications, and two on social implications of Internet use

Internet
psychological research
human-computer interactions
usability
social implications
psychology
organizational implications
group processes
methodological issues
online research


An object-oriented version of SIMLIB (a simple simulation package)

Abstract: This paper introduces an object-oriented version of SIMLIB (an easy-to-understand discrete-event simulation package). The object-oriented version is preferable to the original procedural language versions of SIMLIB in that it is easier to understand and teach simulation from an object point of view. A single-server queue simulation is demonstrated using the object-oriented SIMLIB

object-oriented version
SIMLIB
discrete-event simulation
teach simulation


Using Internet search engines to estimate word frequency

Abstract: The present research investigated Internet search engines as a rapid, cost-effective alternative for estimating word frequencies. Frequency estimates for 382 words were obtained and compared across four methods: (1) Internet search engines, (2) the Kucera and Francis (1967) analysis of a traditional linguistic corpus, (3) the CELEX English linguistic database (Baayen et al., 1995), and (4) participant ratings of familiarity. The results showed that Internet search engines produced frequency estimates that were highly consistent with those reported by Kucera and Francis and those calculated from CELEX, highly consistent across search engines, and very reliable over a 6 month period of time. Additional results suggested that Internet search engines are an excellent option when traditional word frequency analyses do not contain the necessary data (e.g., estimates for forenames and slang). In contrast, participants' familiarity judgments did not correspond well with the more objective estimates of word frequency. Researchers are advised to use search engines with large databases (e.g., AltaVista) to ensure the greatest representativeness of the frequency estimates

Internet search engines
word frequency estimation
linguistic corpus
CELEX English linguistic database
participant familiarity ratings
large databases


From revenue management concepts to software systems

Abstract: In 1999, after developing and installing over 170 revenue management (RM) systems for more than 70 airlines, PROS Revenue Management, Inc. had the opportunity to develop RM systems for three companies in nonairline industries. PROS research and design department designed the opportunity analysis study (OAS), a mix of OR/MS, consulting, and software development practices to determine the applicability of RM in new business situations. PROS executed OASs with the three companies. In all three cases, the OAS supported the value of RM and led to contracts for implementation of RM systems

revenue management concepts
software systems
RM systems
PROS Revenue Management
Inc
opportunity analysis study
OAS
OR/MS
consulting practices
software development practices


Using virtual reality to teach disability awareness

Abstract: A desktop virtual reality (VR) program was designed and evaluated to teach children about the accessibility and attitudinal barriers encountered by their peers with mobility impairments. Within this software, children sitting in a virtual wheelchair experience obstacles such as stairs, narrow doors, objects too high to reach, and attitudinal barriers such as inappropriate comments. Using a collaborative research methodology, 15 youth with mobility impairments assisted in developing and beta-testing the software. The effectiveness of the program was then evaluated with 60 children in Grades 4-6 using a controlled pretest/posttest design. The results indicated that the program was effective for increasing children's knowledge of accessibility barriers. Attitudes, grade level, familiarity with individuals with a disability, and gender were also investigated

virtual reality
disability awareness teaching
children
accessibility
virtual wheelchair
collaborative research methodology
mobility impairments
software beta-testing
collaborative software development
computer aided instruction
software effectiveness
gender


Layer-based machining: recent development and support structure design

Abstract: There is growing interest in additive and subtractive shaping theories that are synthesized to integrate the layered manufacturing process and material removal process. Layer-based machining has emerged as a promising method for integrated additive and subtractive shaping theory. In the paper, major layer-based machining systems are reviewed and compared according to characteristics of stock layers, numerical control machining configurations, stacking operations, input format and raw materials. Support structure, a major issue in machining-based systems which has seldom been addressed in previous research, is investigated in the paper with considerations of four situations: floating overhang, cantilever, vaulted overhang and ceiling. Except for the floating overhang where a support structure should not be overlooked, the necessity for support structures for the other three situations is determined by stress and deflection analysis. This is demonstrated by the machining of a large castle model


Elimination of zero-order diffraction in digital holography

Abstract: A simple method to suppress the zero-order diffraction in the reconstructed image of digital holography is presented. In this method, the Laplacian of a detected hologram is used instead of the hologram itself for numerical reconstruction by computing the discrete Fresnel integral. This method can significantly improve the image quality and give better resolution and higher accuracy of the reconstructed image. The main advantages of this method are its simplicity in experimental requirements and convenience in data processing

zero-order diffraction suppression
reconstructed image
Laplacian
detected hologram
numerical image reconstruction
discrete Fresnel integral
image quality
image resolution
accuracy
data processing
image. processing
digital holography


Design and implementation of a brain-computer interface with high transfer rates

Abstract: This paper presents a brain-computer interface (BCI) that can help users to input phone numbers. The system is based on the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP). Twelve buttons illuminated at different rates were displayed on a computer monitor. The buttons constituted a virtual telephone keypad, representing the ten digits 0-9, BACKSPACE, and ENTER. Users could input phone number by gazing at these buttons. The frequency-coded SSVEP was used to judge which button the user desired. Eight of the thirteen subjects succeeded in ringing the mobile phone using the system. The average transfer rate over all subjects was 27.15 bits/min. The attractive features of the system are noninvasive signal recording, little training required for use, and high information transfer rate. Approaches to improve the performance of the system are discussed


Cyberobscenity and the ambit of English criminal law

Abstract: The author looks at a recent case and questions the Court of Appeal's approach. In the author's submission, the Court of Appeal's decision in Perrin was wrong. P published no material in England and Wales, and should not have been convicted of any offence under English law, even if it were proved that he sought to attract English subscribers to his site. That may be an unpalatable conclusion but, if the content of foreign-hosted Internet sites is to be controlled, the only sensible way forward is through international agreement and cooperation. The Council of Europe's Cybercrime Convention provides some indication of the limited areas over which widespread international agreement might be achieved

cyberobscenity
criminal law
Court of Appeal
Internet sites
Cybercrime Convention
Council of Europe
international agreement
England


Design of PID-type controllers using multiobjective genetic algorithms

Abstract: The design of a PID controller is a multiobjective problem. A plant and a set of specifications to be satisfied are given. The designer has to adjust the parameters of the PID controller such that the feedback interconnection of the plant and the controller satisfies the specifications. These specifications are usually competitive and any acceptable solution requires a tradeoff among them. An approach for adjusting the parameters of a PID controller based on multiobjective optimization and genetic algorithms is presented in this paper. The MRCD (multiobjective robust control design) genetic algorithm has been employed. The approach can be easily generalized to design multivariable coupled and decentralized PID loops and has been successfully validated for a large number of experimental cases

PID-type controllers
multiobjective genetic algorithms
feedback interconnection
multiobjective robust control design
multivariable coupled PID loops
decentralized PID loops
tuning methods


An efficient parallel algorithm for the calculation of canonical MP2 energies

Abstract: We present the parallel version of a previous serial algorithm for the efficient calculation of canonical MP2 energies. It is based on the Saebo-Almlof direct-integral transformation, coupled with an efficient prescreening of the AO integrals. The parallel algorithm avoids synchronization delays by spawning a second set of slaves during the bin-sort prior to the second half-transformation. Results are presented for systems with up to 2000 basis functions. MP2 energies for molecules with 400-500 basis functions can be routinely calculated to microhartree accuracy on a small number of processors (6-8) in a matter of minutes with modern PC-based parallel computers


Modeling privacy control in context-aware systems

Abstract: Significant complexity issues challenge designers of context-aware systems with privacy control. Information spaces provide a way to organize information, resources, and services around important privacy-relevant contextual factors. In this article, we describe a theoretical model for privacy control in context-aware systems based on a core abstraction of information spaces. We have previously focused on deriving socially based privacy objectives in pervasive computing environments. Building on Ravi Sandhu's four-layer OM-AM (objectives, models, architectures, and mechanisms) idea, we aim to use information spaces to construct a model for privacy control that supports our socially based privacy objectives. We also discuss how we can introduce decentralization, a desirable property for many pervasive computing systems, into our information space model, using unified privacy tagging

privacy
pervasive computing
context-aware systems
privacy control
smart office


Measuring keyboard response delays by comparing keyboard and joystick inputs

Abstract: The response characteristics of PC keyboards have to be identified when they are used as response devices in psychological experiments. In the past, the proposed method has been to check the characteristics independently by means of external measurement equipment. However, with the availability of different PC models and the rapid pace of model change, there is an urgent need for the development of convenient and accurate methods of checking. The method proposed consists of raising the precision of the PC's clock to the microsecond level and using a joystick connected to the MIDI terminal of a sound board to give the PC an independent timing function. Statistical processing of the data provided by this method makes it possible to estimate accurately the keyboard scanning interval time and the average keyboard delay time. The results showed that measured keyboard delay times varied from 11 to 73 msec, depending on the keyboard model, with most values being less than 30 msec

keyboard response delay measurement
joystick inputs
keyboard inputs
PC keyboards
psychological experiments
model change
checking
PC clock precision
MIDI terminal
sound board
independent timing function
statistical data processing
keyboard scanning interval time
average keyboard delay time


Using the Small Business Innovation Research Program to turn your ideas into products

Abstract: The US Government's Small Business Innovation Research Program helps small businesses transform new ideas into commercial products. The program provides an ideal means for businesses and universities to obtaining funding for cooperative projects. Rules and information for the program are readily available, and I will give a few helpful hints to provide guidance


A survey of interactive mesh-cutting techniques and a new method for implementing generalized interactive mesh cutting using virtual tools

Abstract: In our experience, mesh-cutting methods can be distinguished by how their solutions address the following major issues: definition of the cut path, primitive removal and re-meshing, number of new primitives created, when re-meshing is performed, and representation of the cutting tool. Many researchers have developed schemes for interactive mesh cutting with the goals of reducing the number of new primitives created, creating new primitives with good aspect ratios, avoiding a disconnected mesh structure between primitives in the cut path, and representing the path traversed by the tool as accurately as possible. The goal of this paper is to explain how, by using a very simple framework, one can build a generalized cutting scheme. This method allows for any arbitrary cut to be made within a virtual object, and can simulate cutting surface, layered surface or tetrahedral objects using a virtual scalpel, scissors, or loop cautery tool. This method has been implemented in a real-time, haptic-rate surgical simulation system allowing arbitrary cuts to be made on high-resolution patient-specific models

generalized interactive mesh cutting
virtual tools
cut path definition
re-meshing
cutting tool
disconnected mesh structure
virtual object
tetrahedral objects
layered surface
real-time system
haptic-rate surgical simulation system
high-resolution patient-specific models
rendering
haptic interfaces


Automation of the recovery of efficiency of complex structure systems

Abstract: Basic features are set forth of the method for automation of the serviceability recovery of systems of complex structures in real time without the interruption of operation. Specific features of the method are revealed in an important example of the system of control of hardware components of ships

efficiency recovery
serviceability recovery
complex structure systems
ships
hardware components


Industrial/sup IT/ for performance buildings

Abstract: ABB has taken a close look at how buildings are used and has come up with a radical solution for the technical infrastructure that places the end-user's processes at the center and integrates all the building's systems around their needs. The new solution is based on the realization that tasks like setting up an office meeting, registering a hotel guest or moving a patient in a hospital, can all benefit from the same Industrial IT concepts employed by ABB to optimize manufacturing, for example in the automotive industry

Industrial/sup IT/
ABB
building management system
technical infrastructure
building systems integration
industrial IT concepts


A friction compensator for pneumatic control valves

Abstract: A procedure that compensates for static friction (stiction) in pneumatic control valves is presented. The compensation is obtained by adding pulses to the control signal. The characteristics of the pulses are determined from the control action. The compensator is implemented in industrial controllers and control systems, and the industrial experiences show that the procedure reduces the control error during stick-slip motion significantly compared to standard control without stiction compensation

friction compensator
pneumatic control valves
static friction compensation
stiction compensation
industrial controllers
control error reduction
stick-slip motion
standard control


Stock market dynamics

Abstract: We elucidate on several empirical statistical observations of stock market returns. Moreover, we find that these properties are recurrent and are also present in invariant measures of low-dimensional dynamical systems. Thus, we propose that the returns are modeled by the first Poincare return time of a low-dimensional chaotic trajectory. This modeling, which captures the recurrent properties of the return fluctuations, is able to predict well the evolution of the observed statistical quantities. In addition, it explains the reason for which stocks present simultaneously dynamical properties and high uncertainties. In our analysis, we use data from the S&P 500 index and the Brazilian stock Telebras

stock market returns
empirical statistical observations
invariant measures
low-dimensional dynamical systems
first Poincare return time
low-dimensional chaotic trajectory
statistical quantities
Brazilian stock
econophysics


Option pricing from path integral for non-Gaussian fluctuations. Natural martingale and application to truncated Levy distributions

Abstract: Within a path integral formalism for non-Gaussian price fluctuations, we set up a simple stochastic calculus and derive a natural martingale for option pricing from the wealth balance of options, stocks, and bonds. The resulting formula is evaluated for truncated Levy distributions

option pricing
path integrals
stochastic calculus
stocks
bonds
nonGaussian fluctuations
natural martingale
truncated Levy distributions


K-12 instruction and digital access to archival materials

Abstract: Providing K-12 schools with digital access to archival materials can strengthen both student learning and archival practice, although it cannot replace direct physical access to records. The article compares a variety of electronic and nonelectronic projects to promote teaching with primary source materials. The article also examines some of the different historiographical and pedagogical approaches used in archival Web sites geared for K-12 instruction, focusing on differences between the educational sites sponsored by the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration


The role of speech input in wearable computing

Abstract: Speech recognition seems like an attractive input mechanism for wearable computers, and as we saw in this magazine's first issue, several companies are promoting products that use limited speech interfaces for specific tasks. However, we must overcome several challenges to using speech recognition in more general contexts, and interface designers must be wary of applying the technology to situations where speech is inappropriate

wearable computing
speech input
speech recognition
wearable computer
speech recognizers
mobile speech recognition
background noise
speech interfaces


Online masquerade: whose e-mail is it?

Abstract: E-mails carrying viruses like the recent Klez worm use deceptively simple techniques and known vulnerabilities to spread from one computer to another with ease

e-mail
Klez worm
viruses
vulnerabilities


Improvements and critique on Sugeno's and Yasukawa's qualitative modeling

Abstract: Investigates Sugeno's and Yasukawa's (1993) qualitative fuzzy modeling approach. We propose some easily implementable solutions for the unclear details of the original paper, such as trapezoid approximation of membership functions, rule creation from sample data points, and selection of important variables. We further suggest an improved parameter identification algorithm to be applied instead of the original one. These details are crucial concerning the method's performance as it is shown in a comparative analysis and helps to improve the accuracy of the built-up model. Finally, we propose a possible further rule base reduction which can be applied successfully in certain cases. This improvement reduces the time requirement of the method by up to 16% in our experiments

qualitative modeling
fuzzy modeling
trapezoid approximation
membership functions
rule creation
parameter identification algorithm
rule base reduction
Sugeno-Yasukawa method


A universal decomposition of the integration range for exponential functions

Abstract: The problem of determining the independent constants for decomposition of the integration range of exponential functions was solved on the basis of a similar approach to polynomials. The constants obtained enable one to decompose the integration range in two so that the integrals over them are equal independently of the function parameters. For the nontrigonometrical polynomials of even functions, an alternative approach was presented

integration range universal decomposition


Outlier resistant adaptive matched filtering

Abstract: Robust adaptive matched filtering (AMF) whereby outlier data vectors are censored from the covariance matrix estimate is considered in a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) setting. It is known that outlier data vectors whose steering vector is highly correlated with the desired steering vector, can significantly degrade the performance of AMF algorithms such as sample matrix inversion (SMI) or fast maximum likelihood (FML). Four new algorithms that censor outliers are presented which are derived via approximation to the MLE solution. Two algorithms each are related to using the SMI or the FML to estimate the unknown underlying covariance matrix. Results are presented using computer simulations which demonstrate the relative effectiveness of the four algorithms versus each other and also versus the SMI and FML algorithms in the presence of outliers and no outliers. It is shown that one of the censoring algorithms, called the reiterative censored fast maximum likelihood (CFML) technique is significantly superior to the other three censoring methods in stressful outlier scenarios

outlier resistant adaptive matched filtering


Optimal linear control in stabilizer design

Abstract: The most common method of improving stability of the power system is the synthesis of the turbine and generator control systems, because of the high effectiveness and relatively low cost of these elements. The synthesis and construction of the effective synchronous generator and turbine controller is a very difficult task. This paper describes the seven step mu -synthesis approach to PSS design enabling the synchronous generator to remain stable over a wide range of system operating conditions

synchronous generator control system synthesis


Information security policy - what do international information security standards say?

Abstract: One of the most important information security controls, is the information security policy. This vital direction-giving document is, however, not always easy to develop and the authors thereof battle with questions such as what constitutes a policy. This results in the policy authors turning to existing sources for guidance. One of these sources is the various international information security standards. These standards are a good starting point for determining what the information security policy should consist of, but should not be relied upon exclusively for guidance. Firstly, they are not comprehensive in their coverage and furthermore, tending to rather address the processes needed for successfully implementing the information security policy. It is far more important the information security policy must fit in with the organisation's culture and must therefore be developed with this in mind


The congenial talking philosophers problem in computer networks

Abstract: Group mutual exclusion occurs naturally in situations where a resource can be shared by processes of the same group, but not by processes of different groups. For example, suppose data is stored in a CD-jukebox. Then, when a disc is loaded for access, users that need data on the disc can concurrently access the disc, while users that need data on a different disc have to wait until the current disc is unloaded. The design issues for group mutual exclusion have been modeled as the Congenial Talking Philosophers problem, and solutions for shared memory models have been proposed (Y.-J. Young, 2000; P. Keane and M. Moir, 1999). As in ordinary mutual exclusion and many other problems in distributed systems, however, techniques developed for shared memory do not necessarily apply to message passing (and vice versa). We investigate solutions for Congenial Talking Philosophers in computer networks where processes communicate by asynchronous message passing. We first present a solution that is a straightforward adaptation from G. Ricart and A.K. Agrawala's (1981) algorithm for ordinary mutual exclusion. Then we show that the simple modification suffers a severe performance degradation that could cause the system to behave as though only one process of a group can be in the critical section at a time. We then present a more efficient and highly concurrent distributed algorithm for the problem, the first such solution in computer networks

congenial talking philosophers problem
computer networks
group mutual exclusion
resource sharing
shared-memory models
distributed systems
process communication
asynchronous message passing
critical section
concurrent distributed algorithm


Estimation of error in curvature computation on multi-scale free-form surfaces

Abstract: A novel technique for multi-scale curvature computation on a free-form 3-D surface is presented. This is achieved by convolving local parametrisations of the surface with 2-D Gaussian filters iteratively. In our technique, semigeodesic coordinates are constructed at each vertex of the mesh. Smoothing results are shown for 3-D surfaces with different shapes indicating that surface noise is eliminated and surface details are removed gradually. A number of evolution properties of 3-D surfaces are described. Next, the surface Gaussian and mean curvature values are estimated accurately at multiple scales which are then mapped to colours and displayed directly on the surface. The performance of the technique when selecting different directions as an arbitrary direction for the geodesic at each vertex are also presented. The results indicate that the error observed for the estimation of Gaussian and mean curvatures is quite low after only one iteration. Furthermore, as the surface is smoothed iteratively, the error is further reduced. The results also show that the estimation error of Gaussian curvature is less than that of mean curvature. Our experiments demonstrate that estimation of smoothed surface curvatures are very accurate and not affected by the arbitrary direction of the first geodesic line when constructing semigeodesic coordinates. Our technique is independent of the underlying triangulation and is also more efficient than volumetric diffusion techniques since 2-D rather than 3-D convolutions are employed. Finally, the method presented here is a generalisation of the Curvature Scale Space method for 2-D contours. The CSS method has outperformed comparable techniques within the MPEG-7 evaluation framework. As a result, it has been selected for inclusion in the MPEG-7 package of standards

multi-scale curvature computation
free-form 3D surface
local parametrisations
2D Gaussian filters
surface noise
evolution properties
surface Gaussian values
mean curvature values
semigeodesic coordinates
underlying triangulation
volumetric diffusion techniques
convolutions
Curvature Scale Space method
MPEG-7 evaluation framework


Compatibility of systems of linear constraints over the set of natural numbers

Abstract: Criteria of compatibility of a system of linear Diophantine equations, strict inequations, and nonstrict inequations are considered. Upper bounds for components of a minimal set of solutions and algorithms of construction of minimal generating sets of solutions for all types of systems are given. These criteria and the corresponding algorithms for constructing a minimal supporting set of solutions can be used in solving all the considered types of systems and systems of mixed types

linear constraints
set of natural numbers
linear Diophantine equations
strict inequations
nonstrict inequations
upper bounds
minimal generating sets


Causes of the decline of the business school management science course

Abstract: The business school management science course is suffering serious decline. The traditional model- and algorithm-based course fails to meet the needs of MBA programs and students. Poor student mathematical preparation is a reality, and is not an acceptable justification for poor teaching outcomes. Management science Ph.D.s are often poorly prepared to teach in a general management program, having more experience and interest in algorithms than management. The management science profession as a whole has focused its attention on algorithms and a narrow subset of management problems for which they are most applicable. In contrast, MBA's rarely encounter problems that are suitable for straightforward application of management science tools, living instead in a world where problems are ill-defined, data is scarce, time is short, politics is dominant, and rational "decision makers" are non-existent. The root cause of the profession's failure to address these issues seems to be (in Russell Ackoff's words) a habit of professional introversion that caused the profession to be uninterested in what MBA's really do on the job and how management science can help them


Scale-invariant segmentation of dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion MR images with inherent scale selection

Abstract: Selection of the best set of scales is problematic when developing signal-driven approaches for pixel-based image segmentation. Often, different possibly conflicting criteria need to be fulfilled in order to obtain the best trade-off between uncertainty (variance) and location accuracy. The optimal set of scales depends on several factors: the noise level present in the image material, the prior distribution of the different types of segments, the class-conditional distributions associated with each type of segment as well as the actual size of the (connected) segments. We analyse, theoretically and through experiments, the possibility of using the overall and class-conditional error rates as criteria for selecting the optimal sampling of the linear and morphological scale spaces. It is shown that the overall error rate is optimized by taking the prior class distribution in the image material into account. However, a uniform (ignorant) prior distribution ensures constant class-conditional error rates. Consequently, we advocate for a uniform prior class distribution when an uncommitted, scale-invariant segmentation approach is desired. Experiments with a neural net classifier developed for segmentation of dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) images, acquired with a paramagnetic tracer, support the theoretical results. Furthermore, the experiments show that the addition of spatial features to the classifier, extracted from the linear or morphological scale spaces, improves the segmentation result compared to a signal-driven approach based solely on the dynamic MR signal. The segmentation results obtained from the two types of features are compared using two novel quality measures that characterize spatial properties of labelled images


Modeling the labor market as an evolving institution: model ARTEMIS

Abstract: A stylized French labor market is modeled as an endogenously evolving institution. Boundedly rational firms and individuals strive to decrease the cost or increase utility. The labor market is coordinated by a search process and decentralized setting of hiring standards, but intermediaries can speed up matching. The model reproduces the dynamics of the gross flows and spectacular changes in mobility patterns of some demographic groups when the oil crisis in the 1970's occurred, notably the sudden decline of the integration in good jobs. The internal labor markets of large firms are shown to increase unemployment if the secondary (temporary or bad) jobs do not exist

ARTEMIS model
French labor market
endogenously evolving institution
simulation model
jobs
endogenous intermediary
spectacular changes
mobility patterns
demographic groups


Global stability of the attracting set of an enzyme-catalysed reaction system

Abstract: The essential feature of enzymatic reactions is a nonlinear dependency of reaction rate on metabolite concentration taking the form of saturation kinetics. Recently, it has been shown that this feature is associated with the phenomenon of "loss of system coordination" (Liu, 1999). In this paper, we study a system of ordinary differential equations representing a branched biochemical system of enzyme-mediated reactions. We show that this system can become very sensitive to changes in certain maximum enzyme activities. In particular, we show that the system exhibits three distinct responses: a unique, globally-stable steady-state, large amplitude oscillations, and asymptotically unbounded solutions, with the transition between these states being almost instantaneous. It is shown that the appearance of large amplitude, stable limit cycles occurs due to a "false" bifurcation or canard explosion. The subsequent disappearance of limit cycles corresponds to the collapse of the domain of attraction of the attracting set for the system and occurs due to a global bifurcation in the flow, namely, a saddle connection. Subsequently, almost all nonnegative data become unbounded under the action of the dynamical system and correspond exactly to loss of system coordination. We discuss the relevance of these results to the possible consequences of modulating such systems

enzymatic reactions
nonlinear dependency
metabolite concentration
saturation kinetics
biochemical system
ordinary differential equations
enzyme-mediated reactions
saddle connection
stable limit cycles
bifurcation


Toward an Experimental Timing Standards Lab: benchmarking precision in the real world

Abstract: Much discussion has taken place over the relative merits of various platforms and operating systems for real-time data collection. Most would agree that, provided great care is taken, many are capable of millisecond timing precision. However, to date, much of this work has focused on the theoretical aspects of raw performance. It is our belief that researchers would be better informed if they could place confidence limits on their own specific paradigms in situ and without modification. To this end, we have developed a millisecond precision test rig that can control and time experiments on a second presentation machine. We report on the specialist hardware and software used. We elucidate the importance of the approach in relation to real-world experimentation

benchmarking precision
Experimental Timing Standards Lab
performance evaluation
operating systems
Event Generation software
real-time data collection
millisecond timing precision


A study on meaning processing of dialogue with an example of development of travel consultation system

Abstract: This paper describes an approach to processing meaning instead of processing information in computing. Human intellectual activity is supported by linguistic activities in the brain. Therefore, processing the meaning of language instead of processing information should allow us to realize human intelligence on a computer. As an example of the proposed framework for processing meaning, we build a travel consultation dialogue system which can understand utterance by a user and retrieve information through dialogue. Through a simulation example of the system, we show that both information processing and language processing are integrated

meaning processing
human intellectual activity
linguistic activities
travel consultation dialogue system
user utterance understanding
information retrieval
information processing
language processing


A nonlinear modulation strategy for hybrid AC/DC power systems

Abstract: A nonlinear control strategy to improve transient stability of a multi-machine AC power system with several DC links terminated in the presence of large disturbances is presented. The approach proposed in this paper is based on differential geometric theory, and the HVDC systems are taken as a variable admittance connected at the inverter or rectifier AC bus. After deriving the analytical description of the relationship between the variable admittance and active power flows of each generator, the traditional generator dynamic equations can thus be expressed with the variable admittance of HVDC systems as an additional state variable and changed to an affine form, which is suitable for global linearization method being used to determine its control variable. An important feature of the proposed method is that, the modulated DC power is an adaptive and non-linear function of AC system states, and it can be realized by local feedback and less transmitted data from, adjacent generators. The design procedure is tested on a dual-infeed hybrid AC/DC system

nonlinear control strategy
transient stability
multi-machine AC power system
DC links
nonlinear modulation strategy
hybrid AC/DC power systems
differential geometric theory
HVDC systems
variable admittance
inverter
rectifier AC bus
active power flows
generator dynamic equations
affine form
global linearization method
local feedback
adjacent generators
dual-infeed hybrid AC/DC system


Abstract: Descriptological foundations of programming are constructed. An explication of the concept of a descriptive process is given. The operations of introduction and elimination of abstraction at the level of processes are refined. An intensional concept of a bipolar function is introduced. An explication of the concept of introduction and extraction of abstraction at the bipole level is given. On this basis, a complete set of descriptological operations is constructed

descriptological foundations
programming
descriptive process
intensional concept
bipolar function
bipole level


Synchronizing experiments with linear interval systems

Abstract: Concerns generalized control problems without exact information. <P>A method of constructing a minimal synchronizing sequence for a linear interval system over the field of real numbers is developed. This problem is reduced to a system of linear inequalities

minimal synchronizing sequence construction


Fuzzy polynomial neural networks: hybrid architectures of fuzzy modeling

Abstract: We introduce a concept of fuzzy polynomial neural networks (FPNNs), a hybrid modeling architecture combining polynomial neural networks (PNNs) and fuzzy neural networks (FNNs). The development of the FPNNs dwells on the technologies of computational intelligence (CI), namely fuzzy sets, neural networks, and genetic algorithms. The structure of the FPNN results from a synergistic usage of FNN and PNN. FNNs contribute to the formation of the premise part of the rule-based structure of the FPNN. The consequence part of the FPNN is designed using PNNs. The structure of the PNN is not fixed in advance as it usually takes place in the case of conventional neural networks, but becomes organized dynamically to meet the required approximation error. We exploit a group method of data handling (GMDH) to produce this dynamic topology of the network. The performance of the FPNN is quantified through experimentation that exploits standard data already used in fuzzy modeling. The obtained experimental results reveal that the proposed networks exhibit high accuracy and generalization capabilities in comparison to other similar fuzzy models

fuzzy polynomial neural networks
hybrid architectures
fuzzy modeling
highly nonlinear rule-based models
computational intelligence
fuzzy sets
genetic algorithms
group method of data handling
GMDH
dynamic topology
fuzzy inference method
learning
standard backpropagation
membership functions
learning rates
momentum coefficients
genetic optimization


Loudspeaker voice-coil inductance losses: circuit models, parameter estimation, and effect on frequency response

Abstract: When the series resistance is separated and treated as a separate element, it is shown that losses in an inductor require the ratio of the flux to MMF in the core to be frequency dependent. For small-signal operation, this dependence leads to a circuit model composed of a lossless inductor and a resistor in parallel, both of which are frequency dependent. Mathematical expressions for these elements are derived under the assumption that the ratio of core flux to MMF varies as omega /sup n-1/, where n is a constant. A linear regression technique is described for extracting the model parameters from measured data. Experimental data are presented to justify the model for the lossy inductance of a loudspeaker voice-coil. A SPICE example is presented to illustrate the effects of voice-coil inductor losses on the frequency response of a typical driver

loudspeaker voice-coil inductance losses


7 key tests in choosing your Web site firm

Abstract: Most legal firms now have a Web site and are starting to evaluate the return on their investment. The paper looks at factors involved when choosing a firm to help set up or improve a Web site. (1) Look for a company that combines technical skills and business experience. (2) Look for a company that offers excellent customer service. (3) Check that the Web site firm is committed to developing and proactively updating the Web site. (4) Make sure the firm has a proven track record and a good portfolio. (5) Look for a company with both a breadth as well as depth of skills. (6) Make sure the firm can deliver work on target, in budget and to specification. (7) Ensure that you will enjoy working and feel comfortable with the Web site firm staff

Web site
customer service
proactive updating
legal firms
return on investment
technical skills
business experience


An algorithm to generate all spanning trees with flow

Abstract: Spanning tree enumeration in undirected graphs is an important issue and task in many problems encountered in computer network and circuit analysis. This paper discusses the spanning tree with flow for the case that there are flow requirements between each node pair. An algorithm based on minimal paths (MPs) is proposed to generate all spanning trees without flow. The proposed algorithm is a structured approach, which splits the system into structural MPs first, and also all steps in it are easy to follow

undirected graphs
spanning trees
minimal paths
computer network analysis
circuit analysis


Warranty reserves for nonstationary sales processes

Abstract: Estimation of warranty costs, in the event of product failure within the warranty period, is of importance to the manufacturer. Costs associated with replacement or repair of the product are usually drawn from a warranty reserve fund created by the manufacturer. Considering a stochastic sales process, first and second moments (and thereby the variance) are derived for the manufacturer's total discounted warranty cost of a single sale for single-component items under four different warranty policies from a manufacturer's point of view. These servicing strategies represent a renewable free-replacement, nonrenewable free-replacement, renewable pro-rata, and a nonrenewable minimal-repair warranty plans. The results are extended to determine the mean and variance of total discounted warranty costs for the total sales over the life cycle of the product. Furthermore, using a normal approximation, warranty reserves necessary for a certain protection level, so that reserves are not completely depleted, are found. Results and their managerial implications are studied through an extensive example


Self-organizing feature maps predicting sea levels

Abstract: In this paper, a new method for predicting sea levels employing self-organizing feature maps is introduced. For that purpose the maps are transformed from an unsupervised learning procedure to a supervised one. Two concepts, originally developed to solve the problems of convergence of other network types, are proposed to be applied to Kohonen networks: a functional relationship between the number of neurons and the number of learning examples and a criterion to break off learning. The latter one can be shown to be conform with the process of self-organization by using U-matrices for visualization of the learning procedure. The predictions made using these neural models are compared for accuracy with observations and with the prognoses prepared using six models: two hydrodynamic models, a statistical model, a nearest neighbor model, the persistence model, and the verbal forecasts that are broadcast and kept on record by the Sea Level Forecast Service of the Federal Maritime and Hydrography Agency (BSH) in Hamburg. Before training the maps, the meteorological and oceanographic situation has to be condensed as well as possible, and the weight and learning vectors have to be made as small as possible. The self-organizing feature maps predict sea levels better than all six models of comparison

self-organizing feature maps
sea level prediction
supervised learning
Kohonen networks
neurons
U-matrices
visualization
hydrodynamic models
statistical model
nearest neighbor model
persistence model
verbal forecasts
Sea Level Forecast Service
Federal Maritime and Hydrography Agency
oceanographic situation
meteorological situation
learning vectors


An unconditionally stable extended (USE) finite-element time-domain solution of active nonlinear microwave circuits using perfectly matched layers

Abstract: This paper proposes an extension of the unconditionally stable finite-element time-domain (FETD) method for the global electromagnetic analysis of active microwave circuits. This formulation has two advantages. First, the time-step size is no longer governed by the spatial discretization of the mesh, but rather by the Nyquist sampling criterion. Second, the implementation of the truncation by the perfectly matched layers (PML) is straightforward. An anisotropic PML absorbing material is presented for the truncation of FETD lattices. Reflection less than -50 dB is obtained numerically over the entire propagation bandwidth in waveguide and microstrip line. A benchmark test on a microwave amplifier indicates that this extended FETD algorithm is not only superior to finite-difference time-domain-based algorithm in mesh flexibility and simulation accuracy, but also reduces computation time dramatically

unconditionally stable FETD method
finite-element time-domain method
global electromagnetic analysis
global EM analysis
active nonlinear microwave circuits
Nyquist sampling criterion
time-step size
PML truncation
perfectly matched layers
anisotropic PML absorbing material
FETD lattices truncation
waveguide
microstrip line
microwave amplifier
mesh flexibility
simulation accuracy
computation time reduction


Fault-tolerant computer-aided control systems with multiversion-threshold adaptation: adaptation methods, reliability estimation, and choice of an architecture

Abstract: For multiversion majority-redundant computer-aided control systems, systematization of adaptation methods that are stable to hardware and software failures, a method for estimating their reliability from an event graph model, and a method for selecting a standard architecture with regard for reliability requirements are studied

fault-tolerant computer-aided control systems


Presentation media, information complexity, and learning outcomes

Abstract: Multimedia computing provides a variety of information presentation modality combinations. Educators have observed that visuals enhance learning which suggests that multimedia presentations should be superior to text-only and text with static pictures in facilitating optimal human information processing and, therefore, comprehension. The article reports the findings from a 3 (text-only, overhead slides, and multimedia presentation)*2 (high and low information complexity) factorial experiment. Subjects read a text script, viewed an acetate overhead slide presentation, or viewed a multimedia presentation depicting the greenhouse effect (low complexity) or photocopier operation (high complexity). Multimedia was superior to text-only and overhead slides for comprehension. Information complexity diminished comprehension and perceived presentation quality. Multimedia was able to reduce the negative impact of information complexity on comprehension and increase the extent of sustained attention to the presentation. These findings suggest that multimedia presentations invoke the use of both the verbal and visual working memory channels resulting in a reduction of the cognitive load imposed by increased information complexity. Moreover, multimedia superiority in facilitating comprehension goes beyond its ability to increase sustained attention; the quality and effectiveness of information processing attained (i.e., use of verbal and visual working memory) is also significant


A humanist's legacy in medical informatics: visions and accomplishments of Professor Jean-Raoul Scherrer

Abstract: The objective is to report on the work of Prof. Jean-Raoul Scherrer, and show how his humanist vision, medical skills and scientific background have enabled and shaped the development of medical informatics over the last 30 years. Starting with the mainframe-based patient-centred hospital information system DIOGENE in the 70s, Prof. Scherrer developed, implemented and evolved innovative concepts of man-machine interfaces, distributed and federated environments, leading the way with information systems that obstinately focused on the support of care providers and patients. Through a rigorous design of terminologies and ontologies, the DIOGENE data would then serve as a basis for the development of clinical research, data mining, and lead to innovative natural language processing techniques. In parallel, Prof. Scherrer supported the development of medical image management, ranging from a distributed picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) to molecular imaging of protein electrophoreses. Recognizing the need for improving the quality and trustworthiness of medical information of the Web, Prof. Scherrer created the Health-On-the Net (HON) foundation. These achievements, made possible thanks to his visionary mind, deep humanism, creativity, generosity and determination, have made of Prof. Scherrer a true pioneer and leader of the human-centered, patient-oriented application of information technology for improving healthcare

mainframe based patient centered hospital information system


I-WAP: an intelligent WAP site management system

Abstract: The popularity regarding wireless communications is such that more and more WAP sites have been developed with wireless markup language (WML). Meanwhile, to translate hypertext markup language (HTML) pages into proper WML ones becomes imperative since it is difficult for WAP users to read most contents designed for PC users via their mobile phone screens. However, for those sites that have been maintained with hypertext markup language (HTML), considerable time and manpower costs will be incurred to rebuild them with WML. In this paper, we propose an intelligent WAP site management system to cope with these problems. With the help of the intelligent management system, the original contents of HTML Web sites can be automatically translated to proper WAP content in an efficient way. As a consequence, the costs associated with maintaining WAP sites could be significantly reduced. The management system also allows the system manager to define the relevance of numerals and keywords for removing unimportant or meaningless contents. The original contents will be reduced and reorganized to fit the size of mobile phone screens, thus reducing the communication cost and enhancing readability. Numerical results gained through various experiments have evinced the effective performance of the WAP management system

intelligent WAP site management system
I-WAP
wireless communication
wireless markup language
hypertext markup language
HTML pages
mobile phone
communication cost
readability
wireless mobile Internet


Novel ZE-isomerism descriptors derived from molecular topology and their application to QSAR analysis

Abstract: We introduce several series of novel ZE-isomerism descriptors derived directly from two-dimensional molecular topology. These descriptors make use of a quantity named ZE-isomerism correction, which is added to the vertex degrees of atoms connected by double bonds in Z and E configurations. This approach is similar to the one described previously for topological chirality descriptors (Golbraikh, A., et al. J. Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci. 2001, 41, 147-158). The ZE-isomerism descriptors include modified molecular connectivity indices, overall Zagreb indices, extended connectivity, overall connectivity, and topological charge indices. They can be either real or complex numbers. Mathematical properties of different subgroups of ZE-isomerism descriptors are discussed. These descriptors circumvent the inability of conventional topological indices to distinguish between Z and E isomers. The applicability of ZE-isomerism descriptors to QSAR analysis is demonstrated in the studies of a series of 131 anticancer agents inhibiting tubulin polymerization


Support vector machines model for classification of thermal error in machine tools

Abstract: This paper addresses a change in the concept of machine tool thermal error prediction which has been hitherto carried out by directly mapping them with the temperature of critical elements on the machine. The model developed herein using support vector machines, a powerful data-training algorithm, seeks to account for the impact of specific operating conditions, in addition to temperature variation, on the effective prediction of thermal errors. Several experiments were conducted to study the error pattern, which was found to change significantly with variation in operating conditions. This model attempts to classify the error based on operating conditions. Once classified, the error is then predicted based on the temperature states. This paper also briefly describes the concept of the implementation of such a comprehensive model along with an on-line error assessment and calibration system in a PC-based open-architecture controller environment, so that it could be employed in regular production for the purpose of periodic calibration of machine tools


Preintegration lateral inhibition enhances unsupervised learning

Abstract: A large and influential class of neural network architectures uses postintegration lateral inhibition as a mechanism for competition. We argue that these algorithms are computationally deficient in that they fail to generate, or learn, appropriate perceptual representations under certain circumstances. An alternative neural network architecture is presented here in which nodes compete for the right to receive inputs rather than for the right to generate outputs. This form of competition, implemented through preintegration lateral inhibition, does provide appropriate coding properties and can be used to learn such representations efficiently. Furthermore, this architecture is consistent with both neuroanatomical and neuropsychological data. We thus argue that preintegration lateral inhibition has computational advantages over conventional neural network architectures while remaining equally biologically plausible

neural network architectures
postintegration lateral inhibition
competition
preintegration lateral inhibition
neural network
unsupervised learning


Power electronics spark new simulation challenges

Abstract: This article discusses some of the changes that have taken place in power systems and explores some of the inherent requirements for simulation technologies in order to keep up with this rapidly changing environment. The authors describe how energy utilities are realizing that, with the appropriate tools, they can train and sustain engineers who can maintain a great insight into system dynamics

power system computer simulation
power electronics
simulation challenges
simulation technologies
electric utilities


Four factors influencing the fair market value of out-of print books. 2

Abstract: Fot pt.1 see ibid., p.71-8 (2002). Data from the fifty-six titles examined qualitatively in the Patterson study are examined quantitatively. In addition to the four factors of edition, condition, dust jacket, and autograph that were hypothesized to influence the value of a book, four other factors for which information was available in the data were examined

out-of-print books
quantitative analysis
fair market value
pricing
economics
publisher


Strain contouring using Gabor filters: principle and algorithm

Abstract: Moire interferometry is a powerful technique for high sensitivity in-plane deformation contouring. However, from an engineering viewpoint, the derivatives of displacement, i.e., strain, are the desired parameter. Thus there is a need to differentiate the displacement field. Optical and digital methods have been proposed for this differentiation. Optical methods provide contours that still need to be quantified, while digital methods suffer from drawbacks inherent in the digital differentiation process. We describe a novel approach of strain segmentation for the moire pattern using a multichannel Gabor filter. Appropriate filter design allows for user-specific segmentation, which is essentially in engineering design and analysis


Correlation of intuitionistic fuzzy sets by centroid method

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a method to calculate the correlation coefficient of intuitionistic fuzzy sets by means of "centroid". This value obtained from our formula tell us not only the strength of relationship between the intuitionistic fuzzy sets, but also whether the intuitionistic fuzzy sets are positively or negatively related. This approach looks better than previous methods which only evaluate the strength of the relation. Furthermore, we extend the "centroid" method to interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets. The value of the correlation coefficient between interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets lies in the interval [-1, 1], as computed from our formula


Analysis and efficient implementation of a linguistic fuzzy c-means

Abstract: The paper is concerned with a linguistic fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm with vectors of fuzzy numbers as inputs. This algorithm is based on the extension principle and the decomposition theorem. It turns out that using the extension principle to extend the capability of the standard membership update equation to deal with a linguistic vector has a huge computational complexity. In order to cope with this problem, an efficient method based on fuzzy arithmetic and optimization has been developed and analyzed. We also carefully examine and prove that the algorithm behaves in a way similar to the FCM in the degenerate linguistic case. Synthetic data sets and the iris data set have been used to illustrate the behavior of this linguistic version of the FCM

linguistic fuzzy c-means algorithm
fuzzy numbers
extension principle
decomposition theorem
computational complexity
fuzzy arithmetic
optimization
linguistic vectors


Union outreach - a pilgrim's progress

Abstract: As the American labor movement continues on its path toward reorganization and rejuvenation, archivists are challenged to ensure that the organizational, political, and cultural changes labor unions are experiencing are fully documented. The article examines the need for labor archivists to reach out actively to unions and the problems they face in getting their message across, not only to union leadership but also to union members. Outreach by labor archivists is vital on three critical fronts: the need to secure union funding in support of labor archival programs; obtaining union cooperation in reviewing and amending obsolete deposit agreements; and coordinating efforts with unions to save the records of closing district and local union offices. Attempting to resolve these outstanding issues, labor archivists are pulled between two distinct institutional cultures (one academic in nature, the other enmeshed in a union bureaucracy) and often have their own labor archival programs compromised by the internal dynamics and politics inherent in administering large academic libraries and unions. If labor archivists are to be successful, they must find their collective voice within the labor movement and establish their relevancy to unions during a period of momentous change and restructuring. Moreover, archivists need to give greater thought to designing and implementing outreach programs that bridge the fundamental "disconnect" between union bureaucracies and the rank and file, and unions and the public

American labor movement
archivists
political changes
cultural changes
labor unions
labor archivists
union leadership
union members
union funding
labor archival programs
union cooperation
obsolete deposit agreements
union offices
institutional cultures
union bureaucracy
internal dynamics
large academic libraries
collective voice


Integrating virtual and physical context to support knowledge workers

Abstract: The Kimura system augments and integrates independent tools into a pervasive computing system that monitors a user's interactions with the computer, an electronic whiteboard, and a variety of networked peripheral devices and data sources

pervasive computing
knowledge workers
networked peripheral devices
electronic whiteboard
Kimura system
data sources


Java portability put to the test

Abstract: Sun Microsystems' recently launched Java Verification Program aims to enable companies to assess the cross-platform portability of applications written in Java, and to help software vendors ensure that their solutions can run in heterogenous J2EE application server environments

Sun Microsystems
Java Verification Program
cross-platform portability


An automated parallel image registration technique based on the correlation of wavelet features

Abstract: With the increasing importance of multiple multiplatform remote sensing missions, fast and automatic integration of digital data from disparate sources has become critical to the success of these endeavors. Our work utilizes maxima of wavelet coefficients to form the basic features of a correlation-based automatic registration algorithm. Our wavelet-based registration algorithm is tested successfully with data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM), which differ by translation and/or rotation. By the choice of high-frequency wavelet features, this method is similar to an edge-based correlation method, but by exploiting the multiresolution nature of a wavelet decomposition, our method achieves higher computational speeds for comparable accuracies. This algorithm has been implemented on a single-instruction multiple-data (SIMD) massively parallel computer, the MasPar MP-2, as well as on the CrayT3D, the Cray T3E, and a Beowulf cluster of Pentium workstations

geophysical measurement technique
land surface
terrain mapping
optical imaging
microwave radiometry
image processing
automated parallel image registration
correlation
wavelet feature
remote sensing
automatic registration algorithm
AVHRR
Landsat Thematic Mapper
wavelet decomposition
SIMD massively parallel computing


The efficacy of electronic telecommunications in fostering interpersonal relationships

Abstract: The effectiveness of electronic telecommunications as a supplementary aid to instruction and as a communication link between students, and between students and instructors in fostering interpersonal relationships was explored in this study. More specifically, the impacts of e-mail, one of the most accessible, convenient, and easy to use computer-mediated communications, on student attitudes toward the instructor, group-mates, and other classmates were investigated. A posttest-only experimental design was adopted. In total, 68 prospective teachers enrolling in a "Computers in Education" course participated in the study for a whole semester. Results from the study provided substantial evidence supporting e-mail's beneficial effects on student attitudes toward the instructor and other classmates

interpersonal relationships
telecommunications
student communication link
e-mail
computer-mediated communications
student attitudes
Computers in Education course
educational technology


Computer processing of data on mental impairments during the acute period of concussion

Abstract: The article presents results of computer processing of experimental information obtained from patients during the acute period of concussion. A number of computational procedures are described

computer processing
mental impairments
acute period of concussion
computational procedures


Robust fuzzy controlled photovoltaic power inverter with Taguchi method

Abstract: This paper presents design and implementation of a robust fuzzy controlled photovoltaic (PV) power inverter with Taguchi tuned scaling factors. To achieve fast transient response, small steady-state error and system robustness, a robust fuzzy controller is adopted, in which its input and output scaling factors are determined efficiently by using the Taguchi-tuning algorithm. The proposed system can operate in different modes, grid-connection mode and stand-alone mode, and can accommodate wide load variations. Simulation results and hardware measurements obtained from a prototype with a microcontroller (Intel 80196KC) are presented to verify the theoretical discussions, and its adaptivity, robustness and feasibility

robust fuzzy controlled photovoltaic power inverter


A Web-accessible database of characteristics of the 1,945 basic Japanese kanji

Abstract: In 1981, the Japanese government published a list of the 1,945 basic Japanese kanji (Jooyoo Kanji-hyo), including specifications of pronunciation. This list was established as the standard for kanji usage in print. The database for 1,945 basic Japanese kanji provides 30 cells that explain in detail the various characteristics of kanji. Means, standard deviations, distributions, and information related to previous research concerning these kanji are provided in this paper. The database is saved as a Microsoft Excel 2000 file for Windows. This kanji database is accessible on the Web site of the Oxford Text Archive, Oxford University (http://ota.ahds.ac.uk). Using this database, researchers and educators will be able to conduct planned experiments and organize classroom instruction on the basis of the known characteristics of selected kanji

Web-accessible database
basic Japanese kanji
Jooyoo Kanji-hyo
pronunciation
kanji usage print
cells
means
standard deviations
distributions
Microsoft Excel 2000 file for Windows
Oxford Text Archive Web site
classroom instruction


How should team captains order golfers on the final day of the Ryder Cup matches?

Abstract: I used game theory to examine how team captains should select their slates for the final day of the Ryder Cup matches. Under the assumption that golfers have different abilities and are not influenced by pressure or momentum, I found that drawing names from a hat will do no worse than any other strategy

golf
golfer ordering
Ryder Cup final day
game theory
slate


Firewall card shields data

Abstract: The SlotShield 3000 firewall on a PCI card saves power and space, but might not offer enough security for large networks

SlotShield 3000 firewall
PCI card
security
large networks


Modeling daily realized futures volatility with singular spectrum analysis

Abstract: Using singular spectrum analysis (SSA), we model the realized volatility and logarithmic standard deviations of two important futures return series. The realized volatility and logarithmic standard deviations are constructed following the methodology of Andersen et al. [J. Am. Stat. Ass. 96 (2001) 42-55] using intra-day transaction data. We find that SSA decomposes the volatility series quite well and effectively captures both the market trend (accounting for about 34-38% of the total variance in the series) and, more importantly, a number of underlying market periodicities. Reliable identification of any periodicities is extremely important for options pricing and risk management and we believe that SSA can be a useful addition to the financial practitioners' toolbox

daily realized futures volatility
singular spectrum analysis
SSA
logarithmic standard deviations
return series
intraday transaction data
market trend
market periodicities
risk management
options pricing
financial practitioners
econophysics
asset return


Optimization of the characteristics of computational processes in scalable resources

Abstract: The scalableness of resources is taken to mean the possibility of the prior change in the obtained dynamic characteristics of computational processes for a certain basic set of processors and the communication medium in an effort to optimize the dynamics of software applications. A method is put forward for the generation of optimal strategies-a set of the versions of the fulfillment of programs on the basis of a vector criterion. The method is urgent for the effective use of resources of computational clusters and metacomputational media and also for dynamic control of processes in real time on the basis of the static scaling

computational processes
scalable resources
dynamic characteristics
communication medium
software applications
optimal strategies
vector criterion
computational clusters
metacomputational media
dynamic control
static scaling


Post-haste. 100th robotic containerization system installed in US mail sorting center

Abstract: Spot welding, machine tending, material handling, picking, packing, painting, palletizing, assembly...the list of tasks being performed by ABB robots keeps on growing. Adding to this portfolio is a new robot containerization system (RCS) that ABB developed specifically for the United States Postal Service (USPS). The RCS has brought new levels of speed, accuracy, efficiency and productivity to the process of sorting and containerizing mail and packages. Recently, the 100th ABB RCS was installed at the USPS processing and distribution center in Columbus, Ohio

mail sorting center
robotic containerization system
USA
ABB robots
United States Postal Service
mail sorting
packages sorting