Keyframe-based recognition and localization during video-rate parallel tracking and mapping

Generating situational awareness by augmenting live imagery with collocated scene information has applications from game-playing to military command and control. We propose a method of object recognition, reconstruction, and localization using triangulation of SIFT features from keyframe camera poses in a 3D map. The map and keyframe poses themselves are recovered at video-rate by bundle adjustment of FAST image features in the parallel tracking and mapping algorithm. Detected objects are automatically labeled on the user's display using predefined annotations. Experimental results are given for laboratory scenes, and in more realistic applications.     

Hybrid electronic tongue for the characterization and quantification of grape variety in red wines

A multisensor system combined with multivariate analysis was applied to the characterization of red wines and to the quantification of the grape variety percentage. The proposed system, known as hybrid electronic tongue, consists of a colorimetric optofluidic system and an array of electrochemical sensors. Three monovarietal red wines were studied: Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Homemade mixtures were elaborated from these wines according to a Simplex experimental design with 60 samples. The data obtained were treated using advanced chemometric tools like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Soft Independent Modeling Class Analogy (SIMCA) for the classification of the wine mixtures and Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression for the quantification of the grape variety composition. The results have shown a good classification of the grape varieties and the identification of the mixtures with Pinot Noir up to 75%. Besides, using the PLS regression, the system has demonstrated a high potential for quantifying the percentage of each grape variety.     

传感器的现状和未来

当今传感器的明显发展趋势是从传统的传感器设计和应用转向以微机械加工技术为基础的微传感器和智能化传感器的设计和应用,使智能结构的实现成为可能。本文就传感器技术的现状和未来的发展予以综述,发展微传感器对我国仪器仪表工业的重要性略加讨论。     

Magic Touch: A Simple Object Location Tracking System Enabling the Development of Physical-Virtual Artefacts in Office Environments

A novel method for tracking physical activities is presented. The method is based on the assumption that all changes to the physical environment are done by users themselves, and that these actions can be tracked using wearable computer technology placed on human hands. Various limitations of the proposed method are discussed. Acknowledging these limitations, a range of possible applications are presented, e.g. a set of Physical-Virtual Artefacts intended to decrease the gap between the physical and virtual environments within offices. Also, some aspects of the modelling of user actions in office environments are discussed.     

Wearable fitness technology: A structural investigation into acceptance and perceived fitness outcomes

Wearable fitness technologies (WFT) track physical activity, such as steps taken, calories burned and workout intensity, through a device that is typically worn at all times. While the market for WFT devices continues to grow, current theoretical understanding of adoption is lacking. Thus, in an attempt to extend the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the current study employs a structural equation model to increase current understanding of wearable technology use. Further, to better understand the outcome of WFT use, the current study examines the relationship among health related outcomes of WFT use such as overall exercise behavior and perceptions of health. Results support the TAM and WFT use was significantly related to perceived health outcomes.     

支持云服务高性价比可穿戴设备的设计研究

为了有效地提高可穿戴设备使用者的可操作性和扩展性，研究设计一种多传感器、支持云端服务、低成本的可穿戴系统设备。该设备包括微控制器Arduino Uno和5个传感器，传感器分别为心率传感器、呼吸传感器、应激焦虑传感器、体温传感器和血糖传感器。传感器通过MQTT协议，将监控到的身体属性数据实时发送到应用程序，并存储于云端以用于后续处理。所提系统设计最大特点是有效结合云计算和可穿戴技术，实现了对患者健康状况的监控和管理，操作简单便捷，可操作性强。同时系统中的软件和硬件切实可行，具有成本低和可大面积普及的可能性。     

Supporting group collaboration with interpersonal awareness devices

An Interpersonal Awareness Device, or IPAD, is a hand-held or wearable device designed to support awareness and collaboration between people who are in the physical vicinity of each other. An IPAD is designed to supply constant awareness information to users in any location without relying on an underlying infrastructure. We have constructed one such device, the Hummingbird, which gives members of a group continuous aural and visual indications when other group members are close. We have used the Hummingbirds in several different situations to explore how they affect group awareness. These experiences indicated that the Hummingbird increased awareness between group members, and that it could complement other forms of communication, such as phone and email. In particular, we found the Hummingbird to be useful when a group of people were in an unfamiliar location, for instance during a trip, where no other communication support was available. We argue that IPADs such as the Hummingbird may fulfil important functions in modern work situations.     

Using electronic textiles to implement an acoustic beamforming array: A case study

Highly-automated textile manufacturing equipment has the potential for integrating electronic components into fabric in a low-cost process. These electronic textiles (or e-textiles) have a wide range of potential applications in wearable computing and large-area applications, including medical monitoring, assistance to the disabled, and distributed sensor networks. This paper discusses the design and implementation of a large-scale e-textile that functions as an acoustic beamforming array. The paper conveys the implementation experience and gives results gathered from the prototype. Further, the primary implementation issues and guidelines for future development are identified.