Data-dependent sampling of two-dimensional signals

Samples taken at scattered points of a finite-support two-dimensional signal can be interpolated to recover an approximation of the original signal. Given a bound on the number of samples, where should they be placed to enable the most accurate reconstruction? Or, given an error bound for the reconstruction, what is the minimum number of samples required, and where should they be placed? In this paper we introduce search schemes that provide good candidate solutions to these problems, for digital signals. Natural Neighbour Interpolation is used in iterative sample removal and movement processes to obtain sparse sample patterns. For pictures and Digital Elevation Models, fewer samples are required if the interpolant is onlyC ⁰ continuous at the data sites, than if it isC ¹. Retained samples lie on the ridges and valleys of the laplacian.     

Dialdehyde Starch Hydrazones: Preparation and Properties of Cationic Dispersions

Cationic dialdehyde starch (DAS) dispersions have been prepared in water at 15% concentration by a new cooking procedure. A stable fluid form of cationic DAS, a wet- and dry-strength agent for paper, should facilitate commercial use. Cationic DAS dispersions of pH 3.0 stored in polyethylene containers at 25°C or below were unchanged after 6 months; other storage conditions were also evaluated. An unexpected benefit of the new preparative conditions was a 40% reduction of cationizing agent, betaine hydrazide hydrochloride, without loss of effectiveness. Further savings may be possible by blending cationic DAS with unmodified starch; wet- and dry-strength improvements were maintained in paper with a blend containing 33% unmodified starch and 67% cationic DAS.     

The cluster scanning system

Users with severe physical impairment often use computers with one or two switches using a scanning system. Scanning is a technique of successively highlighting portions of screen. This paper presents a new scanning system that works through clustering screen objects. The system is initially calibrated through simulation and later validated through a user trial. Results show that it outperforms existing block scanning systems.