Symbiosis in computational vision systems

AbstractWhile the goal of computational vision systems is the totally automated understanding of images, it is not necessary for this goal to be achieved before practical vision systems can be developed. In particular, systems that require some amount of human intervention can be applied to real problems with beneficial results. In “symbiotic” vision systems the computer brings something to bear on the problem that either replaces or supplements a subtask that would otherwise be done by a human expert.In symbiotic systems there is a large range of possibilities for the type and amount of interaction that the human expert must provide. This can range from minor aid to the computer system, when it reaches an ambiguity that it cannot resolve, to major control of the processing in complicated regions of the image that are of primary interest. Symbiotic vision systems must allow the user to access the system at the point in the range that is suitable. In addition, the system must have facilities to both present information and accept “advice” from the expert in a way that is natural and convenient.Two example vision systems will illustrate different ways in which these problems have been solved. The first, MISSEE, uses a cycle of perception combined with a schema-based system architecture to provide a flexible framework in which the user can select the amount of interaction he wishes to undertake. The second, which carries out the normal moveout phase of seismic data processing, has a more limited focus, but provides a natural means of communication

A cooperative scheme for image understanding using multiple sources of information

One method of resolving the ambiguity inherent in interpreting images is to add different sources of information. The multiple information source paradigm emphasizes the ability to utilize knowledge gained from one source that may not be present in another. However, utilizing disparate information may create situations in which data from different sources are inconsistent. A schemata-based system has been developed that can take advantage of multiple sources of information. Schemata are combined into a semantic network via the relations decomposition, specialization, instance of, and neighbour. Control depends on the structure of the evolving network and a cycle of perception. Schemata cooperate by message passing so that attention can be directed where it will be most advantageous. This system has been implemented to interpret aerial photographs of small urban scenes. Geographic features are identified using up to three information sources: the intensity image, a sketch map, and information provided by the user. The product is a robust system where the accuracy of the results reflects the quality and amount of data provided. Images of several geographic locales are analyzed, and positive-results are reported.Science, Faculty ofComputer Science, Department ofGraduat

Electric power transmission lines, Forced cooling of underground.

The methodology utilized for the design of a forced-cooled pipe-type underground transmission system is presented. The material is divided into three major parts: (1) The Forced-cooled Pipe-Type Underground Transmission System Design Manual-Part I, (2) The Design Manual-Part II, and (3) the Forced-Cooled Pipe-Type Underground Transmission System Computer Program Design Manual.The Design Manual Part I provides the thermal and hydraulic design analyses required for the design of a forced-cooled cable system of specified geometry. The thermal design establishes the relationship between the cable amperage, oil flow, and the conductorto- oil temperature difference and provides a coolant loop energy balance which includes an analysis of the pipe-to-soil heat transfer. Combination of both permits the maximization of the cable amperage while maintaining the cable temperature below the maximum allowable value.The hydraulic design establishes the pressure-flow characteristics for pipe-type cable systems and a systematic analysis is provided which allows for calculation of the pressure drop in the cable line and rturn line of the flow circuit as well as the circuit absolute pressure profile. The pressure drop governs the selection of circulation pumps, pipe strength characteristics, and strongly influences coolant loop length.The Design Manual-Part II presents a description of the experimental and analytical research performed at M.I.T.'s Heat Transfer Laboratory which provides the relationships used in the design analysis of Design Manual-Part I.The Computer program design manual provides a detailed description of the forced-cooled system computer program and the necessary program documentation. The computer program is basically a straightforward computerization of the design procedure of Design Manual- Part I. Six different computer design options are provided which permit complete flexibility for the design and optimization of the forced-cooled system. Four of the design options allow for the selection of alternative independent and dependent design variables and two design options provide for the system optimization based on specified optimization criteria

SHARE: A Methodology and Environment for Collaborative Product Development

The SHARE project seeks to apply information technologies in helping design teams gather, organize, re-access, and communicate both informal and formal design information to establish a "shared understanding" of the design and design process. This paper presents the visions of SHARE, along with the research and strategies undertaken to build an infrastructure toward its realization. A preliminary prototype environment is being used by designers working on a variety of industry sponsored design projects. This testbed continues to inform and guide the development of NoteMail, MovieMail, and Xshare, as well other components of the next generation SHARE environment that will help distributed design teams work together more effectively