Unsupervised Segmentation of Stereoscopic Video Objects: Constrained Segmentation Fusion Versus Greedy Active Contours

In this paper, we present a novel memory access reduction scheme (MARS) for two-dimension fast cosine transform (2-D FCT). It targets programmable DSPs with high memory-access latency. It reduces the number of memory accesses by: 1) reducing the number of weighting factors and 2) combining butterflies in vector-radix 2-D FCT pruning diagram from two stages to one stage with an efficient structure. Hardware platform based on general purpose processor is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method for vector-radix 2-D FCT pruning implementation. Experimental results validate the benefits of the proposed method with reduced memory access, less clock cycle and fewer memory space compared with the conventional implementation.     

Unreliable numbers: error and harm induced by bad design can be reduced by better design

Number entry is a ubiquitous activity and is often performed in safety- and mission-critical procedures, such as healthcare, science, finance, aviation and in many other areas. We show that Monte Carlo methods can quickly and easily compare the reliability of different number entry systems. A surprising finding is that many common, widely used systems are defective, and induce unnecessary human error. We show that Monte Carlo methods enable designers to explore the implications of normal and unexpected operator behaviour, and to design systems to be more resilient to use error. We demonstrate novel designs with improved resilience, implying that the common problems identified and the errors they induce are avoidable.     

Structure–phase state of the surface layers in rails subjected to differential hardening

A layer-by-layer analysis of the structures, the phase compositions, and the defect substructures of differentially hardened rails has been carried by optical and transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the material volume of the rail head fillet is cooled faster than the volume located along the central axis.     

Analysis of a two-dimensional symmetric problem on extension of an Al-polyimide-Cu layered structure with a model crack

To increase the efficiency of designing systems intended for monitoring surface cracks in aluminum structures during their working life, we have analyzed a two-dimensional symmetric problem on uniaxial extension of an Al-polyimide-Cu layered structure with ideal adhesion between layers and a model crack in the aluminum base. The problem has been first solved for a sample with the crack modeled by a zero-thickness notch using the ANSYS engineering simulation program package. It is shown that this setting of the problem can lead to inadequate results as manifested, in particular, by significantly overstated mechanical stresses in aluminum in the region of crack emergence on the surface. In order to eliminate this difficulty, we propose to use the structure with a model defect in the form of a notch of nonzero thickness in the initial unstressed state of the structure. Recommendations for selecting the thickness of a notch used in the model structure are given.