Fun with Fonts: Algorithmic Typography

Over the past decade, we have designed six typefaces based on mathematical theorems and open problems, specifically computational geometry. These typefaces expose the general public in a unique way to intriguing results and hard problems in hinged dissections, geometric tours, origami design, computer-aided glass design, physical simulation, and protein folding. In particular, most of these typefaces include puzzle fonts, where reading the intended message requires solving a series of puzzles which illustrate the challenge of the underlying algorithmic problem.Comment: 14 pages, 12 figures. Revised paper with new glass cane font. Original version in Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Fun with Algorithm

Improving QED-Tutrix by Automating the Generation of Proofs

The idea of assisting teachers with technological tools is not new. Mathematics in general, and geometry in particular, provide interesting challenges when developing educative softwares, both in the education and computer science aspects. QED-Tutrix is an intelligent tutor for geometry offering an interface to help high school students in the resolution of demonstration problems. It focuses on specific goals: 1) to allow the student to freely explore the problem and its figure, 2) to accept proofs elements in any order, 3) to handle a variety of proofs, which can be customized by the teacher, and 4) to be able to help the student at any step of the resolution of the problem, if the need arises. The software is also independent from the intervention of the teacher. QED-Tutrix offers an interesting approach to geometry education, but is currently crippled by the lengthiness of the process of implementing new problems, a task that must still be done manually. Therefore, one of the main focuses of the QED-Tutrix' research team is to ease the implementation of new problems, by automating the tedious step of finding all possible proofs for a given problem. This automation must follow fundamental constraints in order to create problems compatible with QED-Tutrix: 1) readability of the proofs, 2) accessibility at a high school level, and 3) possibility for the teacher to modify the parameters defining the "acceptability" of a proof. We present in this paper the result of our preliminary exploration of possible avenues for this task. Automated theorem proving in geometry is a widely studied subject, and various provers exist. However, our constraints are quite specific and some adaptation would be required to use an existing prover. We have therefore implemented a prototype of automated prover to suit our needs. The future goal is to compare performances and usability in our specific use-case between the existing provers and our implementation.Comment: In Proceedings ThEdu'17, arXiv:1803.0072

Using SVG and XSLT for graphic representation

Using SVG and XSLT for graphic representation In this paper we will present an XML based framework that can be used to produce graphical visualisation of scientific data. The approach rather than producing ordinary histogram and function diagaram graphs, tries to represent the information in a more graphical appealing and easy to understand way. For examples the approach will give the ability to represent the temperature as the level of coulored fluid in a thermometer. The proposed framework is able to maintain the value of the datas strictly separated from the visual form of its representation (positions of element, colours, visual representation etc.). By defining appropriate data structures and expressing them using XML, the framework gives the user the ability to create graphic representations using standard SVG and XSLT. Since XML can be used for describing complex data information, we represent every level of the graphic representation with an XML structure. To describe our architecture we defined the following XML dialects, each one with different markup tags, reflecting the semantical values of the elements. Data definition level. Used to define the value of the datas that can be used in the graphic representation Data representation level. Used to define the graphic representation, it defines how the values expressed by the data definition level are represented. Both data representation and data definition files are based on a DTD to impose the constraints. Data representation level is the core of the system, and defines a powerful language for representation. Source primitives. Used to define for the source of the graphic elements, for example static file or SVG code. Modification primitives. Used to define the modifications that can affect a graphic element, for example rotation, scaling or repetition. Disposition primitives. Used to define the possible dispositions along x, y and z axes, for example to impose a order in the representation of elements. Action primitives. Used to define the possible actions that canbe activated by graphic elements for different user behaviours. For example a mouse action can activate a link to a different resource, or can change the value of any of the other primitives of the data structure, as image source or disposition, or can show a tooltip . XSLT is used to output a SVG file derived from the two files describing the graphic representation. Our aim is to provide an abstract language to be used to represent in different ways the same concept. In fact, we can link a data definition file with different data representation levels, providing different kinds and levels of complexity for the same concept. An example use could be the representation of the temperature described before, where the temperature itself could be represented either as the level of mercury in the termomether, or as the rotation of an arrow in a gauge. The transformation process is made from an XML source tree into an XML result tree, using XPath to define patterns. XSLT transformation process is based on templates, that define some actions (like adding or removing elements, or sorting them) to be performed when a part of the document matches a template. To implement some of the complex graphics operations we are using XSLT extensions that allow to perform mathematical operations. These XSLT extensions are not yet standard and require specific compliant parser, as Apache Xalan, that allows the developer to interface with Java classes in order to increase XSLT areas of application, from simple node transformations to quite complex operations

Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) art in care of ageing society: focus on dementia

open access articleBackground: Art enhances both physical and mental health wellbeing. The health benefits include reduction in blood pressure, heart rate, pain perception and briefer inpatient stays, as well as improvement of communication skills and self-esteem. In addition to these, people living with dementia benefit from reduction of their noncognitive, behavioural changes, enhancement of their cognitive capacities and being socially active. Methods: The current study represents a narrative general literature review on available studies and knowledge about contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative arts. Results: We review AI visual arts technologies, and their potential for use among people with dementia and care, drawing on similar experiences to date from traditional art in dementia care. Conclusion: The virtual reality, installations and the psychedelic properties of the AI created art provide a new venue for more detailed research about its therapeutic use in dementia

Architectural perspectives in the cathedral of Palermo : image-based modeling for cultural heritage understanding and enhancement

Palermo off ers a repertoire of both artistic and architectural solid perspective of great beauty and in large quantity. This paper addresses the problem of the 3D survey of these works and their related study through the use of image-based modelling (IBM) techniques. We propose, as case studies, the use of IBM techniques inside the Cathedral of Palermo. Indeed, the church houses a huge and rich sculptural repertoire, dating back to 16th century, which constitutes a valid field of IBM techniques application. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the e ffectiveness and potentiality of these techniques for geometric analysis of sculptured works. Indeed, usually the survey of these artworks is very diffi cult due the geometric complexity, typical of sculptured elements. In this study, we analysed cylindrical and planar geometries as well as carrying out an application of perspective return.peer-reviewe

Modelling of sediment transport and bed deformation in rivers with continuous bends

Peer reviewedPostprin