Segmenting images using localized histograms and region merging

A working system for segmenting images of complex scenes is presented. The system integrates techniques that have evolved out of many years of research in low-level image segmentation at the University of Massachusetts and elsewhere. This paper documents the result of this historical evolution. Segmentations produced by the system are used extensively in related image interpretation research.The system first produces segmentations based upon an analysis of spatially localized feature histograms. These initial segmentations are then simplified using a region merging algorithm. Parameter selection for the local histogram segmentation algorithm is facilitated by mapping the multidimensional parameter space to a one-dimensional parameter which regulates region fragmentation. An extension of this algorithm to multiple features is also presented. Experience with roughly 100 images from different domains has shown the system to be robust and effective. Samples of these results are included.     

Bin-picking with a solid state range camera

In this paper we present new work done on the bin-picking problem. The work was triggered by the advent of a new solid state range camera which enables the economic and robust use of range imagery in industrial robotic automation tasks. The application presented is that of pick-and-place of randomly oriented but known polyhedral objects in an industrial robotic work cell. The algorithms for segmentation, pose estimation, and grasp point determination are presented along with practical results from a real industrial grade work cell.     

VC Management for Heterogeneous QoS Multicast Transmissions

A crucial component of the interaction between ATM's and the Internet's Quality of Service (QoS) architectures is the efficient mapping of RSVP (Resource reSerVation Protocol) as the Internet's signalling protocol onto the according ATM mechanisms. In particular, this article focuses on one of the most contrary characteristics of RSVP and ATM signalling. This is the support for heterogeneous reservations by RSVP over the ATM subnetwork, taking into account that ATM only allows for a homogeneous QoS within a single Virtual Circuit (VC). We present previous approaches to the solution of this problem and argue for more sophisticated and efficient approaches to manage ATM VCs taking into consideration ATM tariffs and resource consumption.     

Thesen und Trends – Mit funktionalen Oberflächen in die Zukunft

Propositions and Trends – With Functional Surfaces into the Future Functional surfaces are the key to innovative products. Already today the properties, lifetime, and costs for most industrial and consumer products are determined by functionalised surfaces. Three Fraunhofer Institutes supported by the BMBF investigated the actual state of the art of production technology regarding functional surfaces, their future perspectives and the research and development demand. The results are published in the study “Production technology for the generation of functional surfaces” available at info@ist.‐ fraunhofer.de and the essentials are summarised in this article.