Computer vision

The field of computer vision is surveyed and assessed, key research issues are identified, and possibilities for a future vision system are discussed. The problems of descriptions of two and three dimensional worlds are discussed. The representation of such features as texture, edges, curves, and corners are detailed. Recognition methods are described in which cross correlation coefficients are maximized or numerical values for a set of features are measured. Object tracking is discussed in terms of the robust matching algorithms that must be devised. Stereo vision, camera control and calibration, and the hardware and systems architecture are discussed

Control-data separation architecture for cellular radio access networks: a survey and outlook

Conventional cellular systems are designed to ensure ubiquitous coverage with an always present wireless channel irrespective of the spatial and temporal demand of service. This approach raises several problems due to the tight coupling between network and data access points, as well as the paradigm shift towards data-oriented services, heterogeneous deployments and network densification. A logical separation between control and data planes is seen as a promising solution that could overcome these issues, by providing data services under the umbrella of a coverage layer. This article presents a holistic survey of existing literature on the control-data separation architecture (CDSA) for cellular radio access networks. As a starting point, we discuss the fundamentals, concepts, and general structure of the CDSA. Then, we point out limitations of the conventional architecture in futuristic deployment scenarios. In addition, we present and critically discuss the work that has been done to investigate potential benefits of the CDSA, as well as its technical challenges and enabling technologies. Finally, an overview of standardisation proposals related to this research vision is provided

Improving the external validity of clinical trials: the case of multiple chronic conditions

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services vision and strategic framework on multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) incorporates recommendations designed to facilitate research that will improve our knowledge about interventions and systems that will benefit individuals with MCCs (or multimorbidity). The evidence base supporting the management of patients with MCCs will be built both through intervention trials specifically designed to address multimorbidity and identification of MCCs in participants across the clinical trial range. This article specifically focuses on issues relating to external validity with specific reference to trials involving patients with MCCs. The exclusion of such patients from clinical trials has been well documented. Randomized control trials (RCTs) are considered the “gold standard” of evidence, but may have drawbacks in relation to external validity, particularly in relation to multimorbidity. It may, therefore, be necessary to consider a broader range of research methods that can provide converging evidence on intervention effects to address MCCs. Approaches can also be taken to increase the usefulness of RCTs in general for providing evidence to inform multimorbidity management. Additional improvements to RCTs would include better reporting of inclusion and exclusion criteria and participant characteristics in relation to MCCs. New trials should be considered in terms of how they will add to the existing evidence base and should inform how interventions may work in different settings and patient groups. Research on treatments and interventions for patients with MCCs is badly needed. It is important that this research includes patient-centered measures and that generalizability issues be explicitly addressed.Journal of Comorbidity 2013;3(2)30–3

Synthetic and Enhanced Vision System for Altair Lunar Lander

Past research has demonstrated the substantial potential of synthetic and enhanced vision (SV, EV) for aviation (e.g., Prinzel & Wickens, 2009). These augmented visual-based technologies have been shown to significantly enhance situation awareness, reduce workload, enhance aviation safety (e.g., reduced propensity for controlled flight -into-terrain accidents/incidents), and promote flight path control precision. The issues that drove the design and development of synthetic and enhanced vision have commonalities to other application domains; most notably, during entry, descent, and landing on the moon and other planetary surfaces. NASA has extended SV/EV technology for use in planetary exploration vehicles, such as the Altair Lunar Lander. This paper describes an Altair Lunar Lander SV/EV concept and associated research demonstrating the safety benefits of these technologies

The Association of Lead with Cataracts and Vision-Related Problems in Perimenopausal Women

Around the world, women are subject to an earlier incidence of cataracts, have a higher risk for cataracts, and also have a higher risk for other vision-related problems than men. Previous research has indicated an association between endogenous lead stored in long bones and cataracts in men over 60 years of age; however, a similar study in women did not reveal an association. This case control study was conducted to investigate whether perimenopausal mobilization of endogenous lead serves as a possible causative factor for women\u27s generalized vision issues and cataract incidence in particular. Secondary data were gathered from 1,416 women aged 40 to 55 years of age from the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Variables of interest included vision-related issues, cataract surgeries, bone density data, blood lead levels, and markers of lead mobilization. The results of the logistic regression analysis in the absence of confounders (OR = 1.50, 95% CI [1.08, 2.09]) indicated that endogenous lead is a possible causative factor for the low-level vision problems women experience during their perimenopausal years. Chi-square analysis of mobilized lead was also associated with cataract surgeries, p \u3c .05. This appears to be the first report of a possible association between lead and cataracts in women and highlights the need for women to be studied in the context of their biology when their clinical results differ from those of men. These results should engender positive social change initiatives to minimize women\u27s perimenopausal exposure to endogenous lead. Recommendations for further research include a case control study, which includes plasma lead levels, and a longitudinal study

Visual Servoing in Robotics

Visual servoing is a well-known approach to guide robots using visual information. Image processing, robotics, and control theory are combined in order to control the motion of a robot depending on the visual information extracted from the images captured by one or several cameras. With respect to vision issues, a number of issues are currently being addressed by ongoing research, such as the use of different types of image features (or different types of cameras such as RGBD cameras), image processing at high velocity, and convergence properties. As shown in this book, the use of new control schemes allows the system to behave more robustly, efficiently, or compliantly, with fewer delays. Related issues such as optimal and robust approaches, direct control, path tracking, or sensor fusion are also addressed. Additionally, we can currently find visual servoing systems being applied in a number of different domains. This book considers various aspects of visual servoing systems, such as the design of new strategies for their application to parallel robots, mobile manipulators, teleoperation, and the application of this type of control system in new areas

Exploring Interactions Between NCAA Division I Athletic Directors and University Presidents: A Qualitative Study From Athletic Directors’ Perspectives

The landscape of college athletics is rapidly changing, due to issues like conference realignment, deregulation, academic integrity, and presidential control. As member institutions work toward a shared vision and future, the role of the athletic director (AD) continues to evolve and change. Given these changes and the increase in presidential control over National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) issues, this study explored relationship dynamics between ADs and presidents on university campuses from the perspectives of ADs. Research questions addressed what these interactions look like in developing a relationship between AD and president, how to foster positive interactions, and how to maintain them. Interviewing 12 ADs from a variety of Division I institution types, four major themes emerged: trust and communication, alignment, respect for expertise, and formal and informal relationships. In addition, the ADs interviewed talked at length about the relationship with presidents on their own campus, as well as at the national level, where there seemed to be a lower sense of control. The authors suggest strategies for working toward these four themes as well as implications for future research in this area

Ophthalmic Optics and Visual Function

Exploring quality of vision is one of the most important issues in modern ophthalmology, and research into ophthalmic optics and visual function is essential for making progress in this field. The present Special Issue aims to enlighten readers about the broad range of clinical research in the field of ophthalmic optics and visual function, mainly related to the anterior segment and myopia control. Submissions of original research articles were welcomed that highlight innovative findings with the potential to enhance the clinical capabilities of diagnosing and monitoring ophthalmic conditions and treatments especially of the anterior segment. Review articles of high interest were also considered for publication

Investigation On Vision Lead Over Rejection For D-PAK Package At Testing Operation Using Seven Quality Control Tools

In semiconductor industries, it as a common problem for the manufacture to falsely reject good product, part or component in their production lines due to error measurement of their vision inspection system. This scenario is very costly to the manufacturers in term of cycle time, scrap and delivery time. As a matter of fact, this problem can affect the credulity of the manufacturer from the customer’s perspective. Therefore, this project attempt to investigate the root cause of the falsely reject products which is known as over rejection for a semiconductor’s manufacturer in Melaka. Specifically, this project looked at over rejection for a lead to a integrated circuit device. Through this research, the root cause of the over rejection that are spring back soft 3D vision pedestal material, worn out pickup head and dirty 3D vision system mirror have been identified using Seven Quality Control tools. Counter measure to overcome those issues that are replacing vision pedestal material with a harder material, introduce the use of jig and clean the vision mirror using elastic or bended cotton stick have been implemented to reduce or eliminate the above mentioned problem. After implementing the counter measure, over rejection due to soft vision pedestal material has been totally eliminated. Whereas, the problem due to worn out pickup head and dirty vision system mirror have been significantly reduced to 65.7% and 61.5% respectively. In fact the vision lead reject has been tremendously declined from being top 13 to the top 2 the lowest reject in overall reject detected at testing operation of the production line