Generating discriminating cartoon faces using interacting snakes

As a computational bridge between the high-level a priori knowledge of object shape and the low-level image data, active contours (or snakes) are useful models for the extraction of deformable objects. We propose an approach for manipulating multiple snakes iteratively, called interacting snakes, that minimizes the attraction energy functionals on both contours and enclosed regions of individual snakes and the repulsion energy functionals among multiple snakes that interact with each other. We implement the interacting snakes through explicit curve (parametric active contours) representation in the domain of face recognition. We represent human faces semantically via facial components such as eyes, mouth, face outline, and the hair outline. Each facial component is encoded by a closed (or open) snake that is drawn from a 3D generic face model. A collection of semantic facial components form a hypergraph, called semantic face graph, which employs interacting snakes to align the general facial topology onto the sensed face images. Experimental results show that a successful interaction among multiple snakes associated with facial components makes the semantic face graph a useful model for face representation, including cartoon faces and caricatures, and recognition.     

Parallel implementation of time-dependent density functional theory

We present a massively parallel implementation of time-dependent density functional theory in real space, aimed at computing optical absorption spectra of realistic systems with hundreds of atoms from first principles. We provide details of the formalism and discuss its implementation, optimization, and efficient parallelization, as well as remaining limitations, in detail. The capabilities of the code are illustrated by calculations of optical properties of hydrogenated silicon quantum dots.     

Integrating faces and fingerprints for personal identification

An automatic personal identification system based solely on fingerprints or faces is often not able to meet the system performance requirements. We have developed a prototype biometrics system which integrates faces and fingerprints. The system overcomes the limitations of face recognition systems as well as fingerprint verification systems. The integrated prototype system operates in the identification mode with an admissible response time. The identity established by the system is more reliable than the identity established by a face recognition system. In addition, the proposed decision fusion scheme enables performance improvement by integrating multiple cues with different confidence measures. Experimental results demonstrate that our system performs very well. It meets the response time as well as the accuracy requirements     

Optimal registration of object views using range data

This paper deals with robust registration of object views in the presence of uncertainties and noise in depth data. Errors in registration of multiple views of a 3D object severely affect view integration during automatic construction of object models. We derive a minimum variance estimator (MVE) for computing the view transformation parameters accurately from range data of two views of a 3D object. The results of our experiments show that view transformation estimates obtained using MVE are significantly more accurate than those computed with an unweighted error criterion for registration     

涡旋式压缩机中的蒸气喷射

这篇论文定量分析了在应用于空调及制冷场合时，在涡旋压缩机中应用蒸气喷射技术带来的潜在优势。蒸气喷射将压缩过程划分为两个阶段，减小压缩机功耗和降低蒸发器吸气流量，从而提高其容量。另外比较了两套均采用涡旋压缩机并且同为三冷吨容量的系统(一套使用蒸气喷射技术而另一套则不使用)。建立了一个多级压缩机模型，考虑了过压缩和欠压缩并根据一个单级系统得到了验证。详细的数学模拟模型预测表明，对于空调系统来说COP将提高约6～8％，而压缩机排量将降低16％。对于制冷装置来说，也能获得类似的好处。     

Free asymmetric transverse vibration of polar orthotropic annular sector plate with thickness varying parabolically in radial direction

In the present paper, free asymmetric transverse vibrations of a non-uniform polar orthotropic annular sector plate, with parabolically varying thickness in the radial direction, have been studied on the basis of classical plate theory. The circular edges of the plate are elastically restrained against translation and rotation while the straight (radial) edges are simply-supported. Fourth-order linear differential equations with variable coefficients governing the motion have been solved by using the collocation interpolation technique with Chebyshev points as the interpolating nodes. Frequency parameters of the plate with flexible boundary conditions at the circular edges for some typical values of the taper parameters, the rigidity ratios and the radii ratio have been presented.     

An interactive method for extracting grammar from programs

The grammar of the language in which some given code is written is essential for developing automated tools for maintenance, reengineering, and program analysis. Frequently grammar is available for a language but not for its variants that are implemented by various vendors and in which the given code may be written. In this work we address the problem of obtaining the grammar from source code, which can then be used for generating tools for the programs. We propose an incremental method for obtaining grammar for a particular language variant, from a set of programs written in the language variant and an approximate grammar (presumably of the standard language) with some user interaction. We also present the design of a tool for implementing this approach and our experience in working with grammars of C, C++ and COBOL. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the temperature and specific energy during electrodischarge diamond grinding (EDDG)

Electrodischarge diamond grinding (EDDG) is a hybrid machining process comprising conventional grinding and electrodischarge machining (EDM) as its constituent processes. It has the potential of shaping advanced engineering materials. Temperature of the workpiece and material removal rate are chosen as responses in full factorial (3³) design with current, pulse-on time, and wheel speed as process parameters. Specific energy is a vital consideration for any machining process. EDM is known for its inefficiency. Experiments were conducted with a specially fabricated bronze disk as tool electrode to evaluate specific energy in EDM, and the results were compared with that of EDDG. It has been found that specific energy required in EDDG is less than that in EDM with a rotating disk electrode.     

Multi-objective optimization of the ecm process

Optimization of process parameters is helpful in efficient working of the process and, hence, in lowering the cost of machining. Optimization of ECM process parameters has been achieved by considering only one objective at a time from metal removal rate, geometrical accuracy, and total process cost. From a practical point of view, a solution of the ecm problem satisfying all three objectives simultaneously is highly desirable.In the proposed model, a multi-objective problem involving the ecm process is formulated producing highly nonlinearized equations. These are then linearized by regression analysis and converted into a goal programming format. Finally, the problem is solved by the partitioning algorithm.It is concluded that the tool, or cathode, remains safe at the optimal values of design variables obtained in the examples discussed. The optimal value of voltage when metal removal rate is the only objective, is found to be higher than the case when the geometrical accuracy requirement is also to be satisfied.