Neural architecture for robotic vision sensor that discounts uneven illumination in a manufacturing environment

Computer vision algorithms for inspection or pick-and-place operations often depend on spatially uniform illumination of a workplace. This necessitates expensive lighting fixtures. To discount effects of uneven illumination we designed and tested a neural network that can adaptively control light sensitivity at the photosensor level. Our neural network architecture consists of multiple layers with hexagonally arranged nodes. All nodes have partially overlapping receptive fields of different spatial frequencies. Feedforward connections are excitatory while feedback pathways subserve lateral inhibition. The outputs of these nodes are combined so as to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio while constantly resetting thresholds to maintain high sensitivity. Our connectionist architecture can account for many characteristics attributed to the lightness constancy phenomenon observed in biological systems. The results suggest that our module maintains high sensitivity over the whole domain of intensities without interfering with transmission of visual information embedded in spatial discontinuities of intensity.     

A Survey of Inverse Surface Design From Light Transport Behavior Specification

Inverse surface design problems from light transport behavior specification usually represent extremely complex and costly processes, but their importance is well known. In particular, they are very interesting for lighting and luminaire design, in which it is usually difficult to test design decisions on a physical model in order to avoid costly mistakes. In this survey, we present the main ideas behind these kinds of problems, characterize them, and summarize existing work in the area, revealing problems that remain open and possible areas of further research.     

浅谈程序设计中一题多解的教学方法

中等职业学校一般开设VB、VC及数据库等涉及程序设计的计算机课程。本文拟就程序设计中一题多解的教学方法进行探讨。     

如何构建工程项目管理企业知识管理框架

就工程项目管理企业知识管理建设框架进行了理论的阐述，从建立支持企业知识共享、创新的平台和促进该平台运作的机制提出了知识管理中最重要的两点，指出进行企业知识管理建设对企业未来发展具有重要的影响。     

热力学相图计算技术在闪速燃烧合成氮化硅铁中的应用

将热力学相图计算技术应用于Si-Fe-O-N体系,以评估由FeSi75粉闪速燃烧合成氮化硅铁的条件和目标产物。结果表明:将闪速燃烧温度控制在1200～1500℃之间较为适宜,此时平衡态产物中除主要含有Si3N4以外,还有一定量的Fe与Si间化合物和少量稳定的SiO2存在。此计算结果与实际试验结果吻合良好。     

A geometry-based error estimation for cross-ratios

For choosing specific cross-ratios as 2D projective coordinates in various computer vision applications, a reasonable error analysis model is usually required. This investigation adopts the assumption of normal distribution for positioning errors of point features in an image to formulate the error variances of cross-ratios. Based on a geometry-based error analysis, a straightforward way of identifying the cross-ratios with minimum error variances is proposed. Simulation results show that the proposed approach, as well as a further simplified alternative, yield much better estimations of minimum error variances in terms of accuracy, cost, and stability compared with some other methods, e.g., the one based on the rule given by Georis et al. (IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell. 20 (4) (1998) 366). Some causes of the performance differences in the estimations are explained using a special configuration of point features.     

Paper remote: an augmented television guide and remote control

The television (TV) is one of the most common entertainment devices in homes. Searching and finding TV programs is a common task and using TV guides is one way of performing this. This paper presents three studies that are focused on examining audiences’ TV habits and TV guide usage, evaluating a new concept based on linking paper and pen with TV technology, and studying the audiences’ attitudes toward and anticipated interest in the future guide. The results of our first study emphasize the value of using paper based TV guides and also identify the deficiencies. We also found indications that the advantages and disadvantages of paper-based TV guides are related to the physical properties of paper. Thus, we suggest a solution that uses digital pen and paper technology to offer a new interaction method for TV. A research system “Paper Remote”, is developed and used in the two subsequent studies. Viewers tick designated areas on the paper-based guide to perform actions such as channel switching. However, this solution is not a substitute for the remote control device. We argue that these user studies on linking digital paper to the TV for everyday information navigation illuminate the possibilities of providing innovative solutions also for home information systems also.     

Determining stress intensity factors of composites using crack opening displacement

The main purpose of this paper is to find the mixed-mode stress intensity factors of composite materials using the crack opening displacement (COD). First, a series solution of the composite material with a crack was used to evaluate COD values. Then, the least-squares method was used to calculate mixed-mode stress intensity factors. This algorithm can be applied to any method that generates or measures COD values. The major advantage of this method is that COD values very near the crack tip are not necessary. Both finite element simulations and laboratory experiments were applied to validate this least-squares method with acceptable accuracy if the even terms of the series solution are removed.     

An alcohol expectancy-challenge prevention program for at risk college women.

Alcohol expectancy-challenge programs are effective in changing expectancies and reducing drinking in college men (J. Darker & M. S. Goldman. 1993. 1998); however, recent evidence suggests this protocol might not be effective for women (M. E. Dunn, C. Lau, & I. Y. Cruz, 2000). This study was designed to reevaluate the effectiveness of a social/sexual expectancy-challenge intervention in college women reporting moderate to heavy alcohol use. Forty-six undergraduate women were randomly assigned to the prevention or control condition. Participants reported alcohol expectancies at pre- and posttest and monitored their drinking patterns daily for 6 weeks. The program was effective in changing some expectancies but did not reduce drinking. This further confirms differences in the mechanisms by which expectancy-challenge programs function for men and women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

炼油化工装置技术改造的决策与实施

针对炼油和石化工业装置技术改造的特点，系统地总结了技术改造的类型和改造方案的制定、决策及实施的原则、程序和方法，指出对炼化装置实施技术改造是一项极其复杂、极具难度的系统工程，必须结合实际情况，以投资回报最大化为原则，通过深入细致地研究和反复比选优化改造方案，并结合现场情况制定切实、可靠、安全的实施方案。