Real-Time, Multiple Pan/Tilt/Zoom Computer Vision Tracking and 3D Positioning System for Unmanned Aerial System Metrology

The study of structural characteristics of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) continues to be an important field of research for developing state of the art nano/micro systems. Development of a metrology system using computer vision (CV) tracking and 3D point extraction would provide an avenue for making these theoretical developments. This work provides a portable, scalable system capable of real-time tracking, zooming, and 3D position estimation of a UAS using multiple cameras. Current state-of-the-art photogrammetry systems use retro-reflective markers or single point lasers to obtain object poses and/or positions over time. Using a CV pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) system has the potential to circumvent their limitations. The system developed in this paper exploits parallel-processing and the GPU for CV-tracking, using optical flow and known camera motion, in order to capture a moving object using two PTU cameras. The parallel-processing technique developed in this work is versatile, allowing the ability to test other CV methods with a PTZ system using known camera motion. Utilizing known camera poses, the object\u27s 3D position is estimated and focal lengths are estimated for filling the image to a desired amount. This system is tested against truth data obtained using an industrial system

Wearable inertial sensors and range of motion metrics in physical therapy remote support

Abstract. The practice of physiotherapy diagnoses patient ailments which are often treated by the daily repetition of prescribed physiotherapeutic exercise. The effectiveness of the exercise regime is dependent on regular daily repetition of the regime and the correct execution of the prescribed exercises. Patients often have issues learning unfamiliar exercises and performing the exercise with good technique. This design science research study examines a back squat classifier design to appraise patient exercise regime away from the physiotherapy practice. The scope of the exercise appraisal is limited to one exercise, the back squat. Kinematic data captured with commercial inertial sensors is presented to a small group of physiotherapists to illustrate the potential of the technology to measure range of motion (ROM) for back squat appraisal. Opinions are considered from two fields of physiotherapy, general musculoskeletal and post-operative rehabilitation. While the exercise classifier is considered not suitable for post-operative rehabilitation, the opinions expressed for use in general musculoskeletal physiotherapy are positive. Kinematic data captured with gyroscope sensors in the sagittal plane is analysed with Matlab to develop a method for back squat exercise recognition and appraisal. The artefact, a back squat classifier with appraisal features is constructed from Matlab scripts which are proven to be effective with kinematic data from a novice athlete

Surface-guided computing to analyze subcellular morphology and membrane-associated signals in 3D

Signal transduction and cell function are governed by the spatiotemporal organization of membrane-associated molecules. Despite significant advances in visualizing molecular distributions by 3D light microscopy, cell biologists still have limited quantitative understanding of the processes implicated in the regulation of molecular signals at the whole cell scale. In particular, complex and transient cell surface morphologies challenge the complete sampling of cell geometry, membrane-associated molecular concentration and activity and the computing of meaningful parameters such as the cofluctuation between morphology and signals. Here, we introduce u-Unwrap3D, a framework to remap arbitrarily complex 3D cell surfaces and membrane-associated signals into equivalent lower dimensional representations. The mappings are bidirectional, allowing the application of image processing operations in the data representation best suited for the task and to subsequently present the results in any of the other representations, including the original 3D cell surface. Leveraging this surface-guided computing paradigm, we track segmented surface motifs in 2D to quantify the recruitment of Septin polymers by blebbing events; we quantify actin enrichment in peripheral ruffles; and we measure the speed of ruffle movement along topographically complex cell surfaces. Thus, u-Unwrap3D provides access to spatiotemporal analyses of cell biological parameters on unconstrained 3D surface geometries and signals.Comment: 49 pages, 10 figure

Occupying Maori Architectural Time: Reconstructing the architectural process through Maori interpretations of space

This thesis investigates the occupation of an alternative Maori Architecture within Maori space/time constructions. The design research questions how to articulate a Maori architectural process in resisting lost identity within the colonised New Zealand landscape. The architectural programme addresses disconnections of Maori relationships to traditional landscape functions. A commercial paua farm, posed as a 'Maori gang business front', is designed as a testing ground for the Maori narrative framework. The programme adopts existing aquaculture methods within Maori space/time concepts to question possibilities of continual, cyclic architecture. The design research questions how Maori architectural typologies are governed by natural cyclic functions of continual change. The thesis is politicised through the narration of 'The Warrior', used as a framework for resisting colonised methodologies, consistently applied across writing, process and design

Wave-mean flow interactions and solar-weather effects

April, 1981.Includes bibliographical references.Sponsored by the National Science Foundation ATM 77-07096