SO dynamic deformation for building of 3-D models

Three-dimensional (3D) modeling based on an ensemble of multilayer self-organizing (SO) neural networks is described. Our objective for 3D modeling is to construct a representation of a 3D object shape from sensed surface points acquired from the object. Current modeling techniques can be classified into two categories: the static and the dynamic approaches, where the former grounded in computational geometry, and the latter rooted in the mechanics of elastic materials. In this paper, a neural-based dynamic modeling approach is presented. The method used is proved to converge and experimental results are shown which support its applicability to real problems.     

Human cone spectral sensitivities: a progress report

The spectral sensitivities of the short (S-), middle (M-) and long (L-) wave-sensitive cones have been measured in normal trichromats and in dichromats and monochromats of known genotype. For the S-cone sensitivities, three blue-cone monochromats and five normals were used; for the M-cone sensitivities, nine protanopes (three with a single L1M2 gene, three with a single L2M3 gene, one with both an L1M2 and an M gene, and two with both an L2M3 and an M gene); and for the L-cone sensitivities, 22 deuteranopes (five with a single L(ala180) gene and 17 with a single L(ser180) gene). We compare existing cone spectral sensitivity estimates with these results and with tritanopic color matches. The new findings are more consistent with the cone fundamentals of Stockman et al. (JOSA 1993(A10), 2491) than with those of Smith and Pokorny (Vision Research 1975(15), 161). The discrepancies that we find, however, are sufficient to warrant the replacement of both sets.     

Phase II trial of docetaxel (Taxotere) for untreated advanced colorectal carcinoma

The occurrence of allergic diseases in preschool children was studied on the basis of a questionnaire sent to the parents of 5,408 kindergarten students, 3 to 6 years of age, in Taichung City. The overall response rate was 81% and included 2311 (52.8%) boys and 2062 (47.2%) girls. Allergic diseases had been recognized in 34.6% of the children. The cumulative (lifetime) prevalence of bronchial asthma (BA), allergic rhinitis (AR), atopic eczema (AE), and urticaria were 9.4%, 26.4%, 6.6% and 6.8%, respectively. The current (past 12 months) prevalence of BA, AR, and AE was 6.7%, 14.8%, and 3.5%, respectively. BA and AR occurred more frequently in boys than in girls (P < 0.001); no significant difference was found between boys and girls in AE (P = 0.328). There were statistically significant relationships between positive family history and BA, AR and AE (P < 0.001). In conclusion, allergic diseases constitutes an important health problem for pre-school students in Taichung City.     

3-D surface solution using structured light and constraintpropagation

A method for 3-D surface measurement using a projected grid of light is presented. The grid line identification problem is solved using very general constraints. At the same time, 3-D surface patch solutions are developed. From the general constraints of set of geometric and topological rules are derived that are effectively applied in the computation of grid labels and hence 3-D surface solutions. A set of five algorithms has been applied on five real scenes consisting of multiple objects of arbitrary shapes. The results show that globally consistent surface solutions can be obtained rapidly with good accuracy using a single image. A small degree of ambiguity remains, but can be further reduced or removed using increased knowledge     

Matching Images to Models for Registration and Object Detection via Clustering

A new technique is presented for matching image features to maps or models. The technique forms all possible pairs of image features and model features which match on the basis of local evidence alone. For each possible pair of matching features the parameters of an RST (rotation, scaling, and translation) transformation are derived. Clustering in the space of all possible RST parameter sets reveals a good global transformation which matches many image features to many model features. Results with a variety of data sets are presented which demonstrate that the technique does not require sophisticated feature detection and is robust with respect to changes of image orientation and content. Examples in both cartography and object detection are given.     

Imperfect perfect lens

We have quantitatively established a fundamental limitation on the ultimate spatial resolution of the perfect lens (thin metal slab) in the near field. This limitation stems from the spatial dispersion of the dielectric response of the Fermi liquid of electrons with Coulomb interaction in the metal. We discuss possible applications in nanoimaging, nanophotolithography, and nanospectroscopy.     

3D Free-Form Object Recognition Using Indexing by Contour Features

We address the problem of recognizing free-form 3D objects from a single 2D intensity image. A model-based solution within the alignment paradigm is presented which involves three major schemes—modeling, matching, and indexing. The modeling scheme constructs a set of model aspects which can predict the object contour as seen from any viewpoint. The matching scheme aligns the edgemap of a candidate model to the observed edgemap using an initial approximate pose. The major contribution of this paper involves the indexing scheme and its integration with modeling and matching to perform recognition. Indexing generates hypotheses specifying both candidate model aspects and approximate pose and scale. Hypotheses are ordered by likelihood based on prior knowledge of pre-stored models and the visual evidence from the observed objects. A prototype implementation has been tested in recognition and localization experiments with a database containing 658 model aspects from twenty 3D objects and eighty 2D objects. Bench tests and simulations show that many kinds of objects can be handled accurately and efficiently even in cluttered scenes. We conclude that the proposed recognition-by-alignment paradigm is a viable approach to many 3D object recognition problems.     

A luminous efficiency function,VD65* (λ), for daylight adaptation: A correction

We recently proposed a 2° photopic luminosity function, V_D65*(λ) [J Vis 2005;5:948–968], which improves upon the original CIE 1924 V(λ) function and its modifications, while being consistent with a linear combination of the Stockman and Sharpe [Vis Res 2000;40:1711–1737] long‐ and middle‐wavelength‐sensitive cone fundamentals [L(λ) and M(λ), respectively]. Its derivation was based on 25‐Hz heterochromatic flicker photometric (HFP) data obtained from 40 observers of known genotype on a 1000 troland white (D65) background. However, as a result of an analysis of new luminous efficiency data obtained on an series of chromatic backgrounds [J Vis 2008;8:1–26], we now recognize that the 25‐Hz flickering targets, though near‐flicker‐threshold, altered the mean chromaticity of the adapting background. Consequently, we have revised the original analysis, taking into account the changes in mean adapting chromaticity with target wavelength. Our reanalysis of the individual and mean data shows that the V_D65*(λ) function for a D65 background should be redefined as 1.89L(λ) + M(λ) in quantal terms and as 1.98L(λ) + M(λ) in energy terms. The change in the L‐cone weighting factor represents a change in luminous efficiency across the spectrum of ～0.04 log unit. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011