View-based three-dimensional object recognition using pairwise geometric histograms

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The role of sensory-motor coordination: identifying environmental motion dynamics with dynamic neural networks

We describe three recurrent neural architectures inspired by the proprioceptive system found in mammals; Exo-sensing, Ego-sensing, and Composite. Through the use of Particle Swarm Optimisation the robot controllers are adapted to perform the task of identifying motion dynamics within their environment. We highlight the effect of sensory-motor coordination on the performance in the task when applied to each of the three neural architectures

Machine vision methods for autonomous micro-robotic systems

Purpose - To develop customised machine vision methods for closed-loop micro-robotic control systems. The micro-robots have applications in areas that require micro-manipulation and micro-assembly in the micron and sub-micron range. Design/methodology/approach - Several novel techniques have been developed to perform calibration, object recognition and object tracking in real-time under a customised high-magnification camera system. These new methods combine statistical, neural and morphological approaches. Findings - An in-depth view of the machine vision sub-system that was designed for the European MiCRoN project (project no. IST-2001-33567) is provided. The issue of cooperation arises when several robots with a variety of on-board tools are placed in the working environment. By combining multiple vision methods, the information obtained can be used effectively to guide the robots in achieving the pre-planned tasks. Research limitations/implications - Some of these techniques were developed for micro-vision but could be extended to macro-vision. The techniques developed here are robust to noise and occlusion so they can be applied to a variety of macro-vision areas suffering from similar limitations. Practical implications - The work here will expand the use of micro-robots as tools to manipulate and assemble objects and devices in the micron range. It is foreseen that, as the requirement for micro-manufacturing increases, techniques like those developed in this paper will play an important role for industrial automation. Originality/value - This paper extends the use of machine vision methods into the micron range

Computer vision methods for optical microscopes

As the fields of micro- and nano-technology mature, there will be an increased need to build tools that are able to work in these areas. Industry will require solutions for assembling and manipulating components, much as it has done in the macro range. With this need in mind, a new set of challenges requiring novel solutions have to be met. One of them is the ability to provide closed-loop feedback control for manipulators. We foresee that machine vision will play a leading role in this area. This paper introduces a technique for integrating machine vision into the field of micro-technology including two methods, one for tracking and one for depth reconstruction under an optical microscope. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved