Near real-time stereo vision system

The apparatus for a near real-time stereo vision system for use with a robotic vehicle is described. The system is comprised of two cameras mounted on three-axis rotation platforms, image-processing boards, a CPU, and specialized stereo vision algorithms. Bandpass-filtered image pyramids are computed, stereo matching is performed by least-squares correlation, and confidence ranges are estimated by means of Bayes' theorem. In particular, Laplacian image pyramids are built and disparity maps are produced from the 60 x 64 level of the pyramids at rates of up to 2 seconds per image pair. The first autonomous cross-country robotic traverses (of up to 100 meters) have been achieved using the stereo vision system of the present invention with all computing done onboard the vehicle. The overall approach disclosed herein provides a unifying paradigm for practical domain-independent stereo ranging

Distribution of carbonate in surface sediments of the Pacific Ocean

The distribution of carbonate on the floor of the Pacific has been remapped on the basis of 1313 points from 80 references stored in the World Ocean Sediment Data Bank of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Percent distribution maps and carbonate versus depth diagrams generally agree with previously published information and reflect the major controlling factors of carbonate sedimentation (depth, hydrography, fertility, and sedimentary processes). While carbonate distributions are of limited use in attempting to construct dissolution profiles, major trends are identifiable. In particular, the degree of lowering of the equatorial calcite compensation depth (CCD) together with an estimate of the differences in supply rates between the equator and the subtropical gyre can be used to estimate dissolution rate increase below the lysocline. There is considerable variation in the sharpness of the ‘CCD transition’ a concept defined here. This variation is thought to reflect both geographic differences in dissolution rate gradients and redeposition processes (carbonate, deep-sea sediments, calcite, and compensation depth)

A study of the Neurological Impress Method with Remedial Secondary Students

This paper presents a study of the Neurological Impress Method, with junior high students two or more years behind their expected Reading Comprehension level. Thirty students were randomly selected and placed into control and experimental groups by a random number process. These S\u27s received eighteen weeks of special treatment with either the N.I.M. or oral reading practice for the controls. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the Reading Comprehension gains of controls and experimentals. The gains of both controls and experimentals was, however, found to be of significance. Conclusions and recommendations included suggestions for additional research and a discussion of the importance of teacher attention

An Analysis of the Bassoon and Its Literature

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of bassoon literature. Special emphasis is given to the use of the bassoon in orchestral literature, from the seventeenth century when the bassoon merely doubled the bass part to its increased importance in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries, when the bassoon was used as added color in the woodwind choir and orchestra and as a solo instrument. Before beginning the analysis of the bassoon part within orchestral literature, a brief historical account of the development of the bassoon is presented. The invention and improvements of the bassoon have a direct bearing on the bassoon\u27s playing potentials, and, thus, a composer\u27s limitation when scoring for it

An Analysis of the Bassoon and Its Literature

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of bassoon literature. Special emphasis is given to the use of the bassoon in orchestral literature, from the seventeenth century when the bassoon merely doubled the bass part to its increased importance in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries, when the bassoon was used as added color in the woodwind choir and orchestra and as a solo instrument. Before beginning the analysis of the bassoon part within orchestral literature, a brief historical account of the development of the bassoon is presented. The invention and improvements of the bassoon have a direct bearing on the bassoon\u27s playing potentials, and, thus, a composer\u27s limitation when scoring for it

A Comparison of Isometric Exercises and Weight Training on the Development of Leg Strength and Jumping Ability in Secondary School Boys

It was the purpose of this study (1) to determine the respective effectiveness of isometric and isotonic training in the development of leg strength; (2) to show the relationship of each of the two methods in leg strength development; (3) to investigate the improvement of jumping ability, as revealed through an experimental study; and (4) to compare both methods with the physical education exercises used at Davis High School