Scheduling image processing tasks in a multilayer system

Multilayer multiprocessor systems are generally employed in real-time applications such as robotics and computer vision. This paper introduces three heuristic algorithms for multiprocessor task scheduling in such systems. In our model, tasks with arbitrary processing times and arbitrary processor requirements are considered. The scheduling aims at minimising completion time of processes in a two-layer system. We employed an effective lower bound (LB) for the problem. Then, we analysed the average performance of the heuristic algorithms by computing the average percentage deviation of each heuristic solution from the LB on a set of randomly generated problems. We have also applied these algorithms for scheduling computer vision tasks running on prototype multilayer architecture. Our computational and empirical results showed that the proposed heuristic algorithms perform well.     

Timing of cueing in complex problem-solving tasks: Learner versus system control

Task-specific cueing formats that promote the automation and construction of problem-solving schemas should ideally be presented just in time to students learning to solve complex problems. This article reports experimental work comparing learner-controlled cueing, system-controlled cueing, and no cueing among 34 sophomore law students in a multimedia practical aimed at learning to prepare and hold a plea in court. The cueing consisted of a combination of process worksheets (PW) and worked out examples (WOE). Our main hypotheses that participants with cueing would outperform those without cueing and that participants with learner-controlled cueing would outperform those with system-controlled cueing were partly confirmed by the learning and transfer outcomes on a training and transfer task. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Distributed fuzzy discrete event system for robotic sensory information processing

Abstract: This paper presents a novel intelligent sensory information processing technique using a fuzzy discrete event system (FDES) for robotic control. The proposed method combines the predictive control approach of a discrete event system with the approximate reasoning aspect of fuzzy logic. It develops a supervisory control strategy for behavior-based robotic control using distributed FDES. The application of distributed FDES eliminates the formation of complex fuzzy predicates and a large fuzzy rule-base. The FDES-based approach also provides means for analyzing behavior-based decision-making using the observability and controllability of an FDES. The observability of an FDES describes uncertainties in sensory data, and the controllability of an FDES exploits uncertain state transitions in a dynamic environment. Comprehensive experiments on behavior-based mobile robot navigation are presented to authenticate the performance of the proposed methodology.     

系统控制和信号处理中的Delta 算子方法

对Delta算子方法在高速信号处理与控制领域的最新进展进行综述，其内容包括Delta算子系统的鲁棒性与H∞控制，基于Delta算子的PIP控制与GPC控制，信号处理中的Delta算子方法，基于有限字长的控制器和滤波器的实现等。最后介绍了Delta算子方法的若干应用成果。     

Locked discrete event systems: How to model and how to unlock

To model qualitative aspects of discrete event systems, i.e., the order of the events is of sole importance, we use a triple consisting of the set of all possible events (the alphabet), the set of all behavior (possible strings of events), and the set of all tasks (completed behavior). We use this view to model synchronous as well as asynchronous connection of systems. Moreover, it is easy to define notions like deadlock and livelock in this view. We give a method to construct a second system that, in connection with the original system, gets rid of its deadlock and/or livelock. A state-space representation is introduced. In this representation computations can be done effectively.     

Software system for satellite data processing of applied tasks in remote sensing of the Earth

This paper presents a software system for satellite data processing developed at the Institute of Computational Mathematics and Mathematical Geophysics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, together with the research center Planeta of Rosgidromet RF. It also describes how this system is used for applied tasks in remote sensing of the Earth.     

Context-aware multiagent system: Planning home care tasks

Context-aware systems are able to capture information from the context in which they are executed, assign a meaning to the gathered information, and change their behavior accordingly. As a result, the systems can offer services to users according to their individual situation within the context. This article analyzes the important aspects of context-aware computing such as capturing information for context attributes and determining the manner of interacting with users in the environment. Used in conjunction with mobile devices, context-aware systems are specifically used to improve the usability of applications and services. This article proposes the home care context-aware computing (HoCCAC) multiagent system that identifies and maintains a permanent fix on the location of patients in their home, and manages the infrastructure of services within their environment securely and reliably by processing and reasoning the data received. Based on the multiagent system, a prototype was developed to monitor patients in their home. The HoCCAC multiagent system uses a critical path method-based planning model that, in the present study, prepares the most optimal task-planning schedule for the patients in their home, is capable of reacting automatically when faced with dangerous or emergency situations, replanning any plans in progress and sending alert messages to the system. The results obtained with this prototype are presented in this article.     

The grammatical approach: A syntax-directed declarative specification method for XML processing tasks

This paper describes the grammatical approach, an approach to the specification of XML processing tasks based on attribute grammars. This approach describes how to provide task-specific context-free grammars for XML documents, as well as how to decompose complex processing tasks into simpler ones with attribute-grammar fragments. The result is a high-level, syntax-directed declarative specification for the processing of XML documents, which facilitates the development and maintenance of complex XML processing applications while preserving the flexibility of general-purpose XML processing models. The grammatical approach is illustrated using Chasqui, an e-learning platform for building educational digital libraries of learning objects.     

Reconfigurable computing: design methodology and hardware tasks scheduling for real-time image processing

Technology evolution makes possible the integration of heterogeneous components as programmable elements (processors), hardware dedicated blocks, hierarchical memories and buses. Furthermore, an optimized reconfigurable logic core embedded within a System-on-Chip will associate the performances of dedicated architecture and the flexibility of programmable ones. In order to increase performances, some of the applications are carried out in hardware, using dynamically reconfigurable logic, rather than software, using programmable elements. This approach offers a suitable hardware support to design malleable systems able to adapt themselves to a specific application. This article makes a synthesis of the Ardoise project. The first objective of Ardoise project was to design and to produce a dynamically reconfigurable platform based on commercial FPGAs. The concept of dynamically reconfigurable architecture depends partially on new design methodologies elaboration as well as on the programming environment. The platform architecture was designed to be suitable for real-time image processing. The article outlines mainly the Ardoise tools aspect: development environment and real-time management of the hardware tasks. The proposed methodology is based on a dynamic management of tasks according to an application scenario written using C++ language.

The sonification space: A reference system for sonification tasks

Sonification is a fairly new term to scientists who are unaware of its multiple use cases. Even if some general definitions of the concept of sonification are commonly accepted, heterogeneous techniques – significantly different as it regards approaches, means and goals – are available. In this work we propose a reference system useful to interpret already-existing sonification instances and to plan new sonification tasks. This work aims to present a reference system for sonification using the inherent properties in the sonic output rather than the data itself. Validation has been conducted by automatically analyzing available experiments and examples, and placing them on the proposed sonification space, according to time-granularity and abstraction-level dimensions. This work can constitute the starting point for future research on computer-assisted sonification. It will be beneficial to a wide range of readers, in particular those from different disciplines looking at new ways to present and analyze data.     

Stabilization of discrete system zeros: An improved design

Stabilization of discrete system zeros has been previously achieved by providing a fixed pattern of inter-sampling time input which deviates from zero-order-hold. However, a fixed non-ZOH input creates several problems: indefinite fluctuation of the system output which causes a deterioration in performance, highly fluctuating input which accelerates actuator fatigue, and counter-acting control which increases demand for input energy. In this work, zero placement is achieved with a temporary non-ZOH input. This temporary input pattern, which converges asymptotically toward a ZOH input pattern, removes the problems associated with a fixed non-ZOH input design.     

Real ideal: Investigating how ideal and hyper-ideal video game bodies affect men and women

Media commonly feature imagery that celebrates idealized bodies and researchers have observed the adverse effects of such depictions. Although video games commonly feature idealized bodies, experimental work investigating the effects of game characters on body image disturbance remains underrepresented. This trend is surprising as the preponderance of hyper-muscular male and hyper-sexualized female characters speaks to the heteronormative, masculine fantasies often given prominence in game content. Using social comparison theory, the current work investigated how ideal and hyper-ideal video game bodies affected women's (study 1) and men's (study 2) body image dissatisfaction. The study also compared these outcomes to a non-exposure control condition. Generally, the data provided evidence that hyper-idealized game characters negatively affected men but positively affected women.     

Estimation of time-varying delay time in nonstationary linearsystems: an approach to monitor human operator adaptation in manualtracking tasks

Adaptability is one of man's advantages over machines. Perhaps one of the reasons for our limited understanding about human adaptation during manual tracking tasks is that we have only limited tools to identify the model coefficients (especially delay time) of an adapting human operator. In this paper, we introduce a discrete time recursive delay identifier (RDI) capable of simultaneously estimating a human operator's nonstationary delay time and linear model coefficients. At its core lies the extended Kalman filter (EKF). Our goal to obtain fractional delay time estimates was realized by using the bicubic interpolation scheme as part of the EKF to provide subsample magnitude and derivative estimates of the observed input/output time series. While this theoretically limits the RDI applicability to band-limited or differentiable signals, this is seldom a concern in practice. Based on data from simulated and experimental time varying tracking tasks, we show the RDI's potential to substantially increase our understanding about human adaptations thus perhaps offering new avenues for machine adaptation