Artimate: an articulatory animation framework for audiovisual speech synthesis

We present a modular framework for articulatory animation synthesis using speech motion capture data obtained with electromagnetic articulography (EMA). Adapting a skeletal animation approach, the articulatory motion data is applied to a three-dimensional (3D) model of the vocal tract, creating a portable resource that can be integrated in an audiovisual (AV) speech synthesis platform to provide realistic animation of the tongue and teeth for a virtual character. The framework also provides an interface to articulatory animation synthesis, as well as an example application to illustrate its use with a 3D game engine. We rely on cross-platform, open-source software and open standards to provide a lightweight, accessible, and portable workflow.Comment: Workshop on Innovation and Applications in Speech Technology (2012

Singular limits for 4-dimensional semilinear elliptic problems with exponential nonlinearity

Using some nonlinear domain decomposition method, we prove the existence of singular limits for solution of semilinear elliptic problems with exponential nonlinearity.Comment: 29 page

L'effet de la privatisation sur la croissance économique

Cette étude s'inscrit dans un cadre de mise en évidence la relation entre la privatisation et la croissance économique. En effet, Plane (1997) et Bernett (2000) ont dégagé une corrélation alors que Cook et Uchida (2001) ont montré qu'il s ‘agit d'une corrélation négative. Notre étude s'inscrit dans le même cadre, à partir d'un échantillon de 47 pays en développement durant la période 1990-99, nous avons testé un modèle à la croissance (EBA). Les résultats suggèrent que la privatisation n'est pas toujours synonyme à la performance macroéconomique. Elle doit être accompagnée par d'autres politiques telles que la libéralisation de l'activité économique ainsi qu'un environnement concurrentiel pour avoir un effet positif.

Model Driven Engineering with Capella and AADL

The development of real time embedded equipments is a challenging task that requires the elaboration of multiple models in several domains, notably system, electronics and software, spanning a large spectrum of multiple abstraction levels and viewpoints: structural, behavioral, dependability, etc. These models serve various purposes: specification, design, evaluation or verification and validation. Today, no single modeling language and environment covers all these aspects. While Capella – an open source modeling language and environment for system engineering developed by Thales – fits well to the most early stages of the development process, AADL – the Architecture Analysis and Design Language defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers – provides powerful capabilities to describe and analyze the design artifacts of the software point of view that appear during the latest phase of the design. This is why they have both been selected in the project INGEQUIP of IRT Saint Exupéry. While using different modeling languages for different purpose is perfectly acceptable in a development process, it is important to guarantee that information remain consistent across all models. This is why building a formalized bridge between Capella and AADL is an essential piece of INGEQUIP process. In this paper, after an introduction to the context of INGEQUIP, the high level semantics of Capella and AADL are compared. The mapping used in INGEQUIP between Capella physical models and AADL abstract models is then described. The whole approach is illustrated by some elements coming from the design of TwIRTee – the robotic demonstrator of INGEQUIP – before concluding

Improvement of post-fault performance of a cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter.

This paper is focused on improving the post-fault performance of Cascaded H-bridge Multilevel Inverters by decreasing the common mode voltage. First, an algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal post-fault state among all possible states which have the same maximum available voltage. Furthermore, a modified technique is proposed to calculate the references of inverter phase voltages under faulty conditions. This technique leads to a decrease in the common mode voltage when the required output voltage is less than its maximum value. These solutions are mutually employed in the post-fault control system. Simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed solutions in comparison with the existing methods in different cases

Development and Optimisation of Phase Change Material-Impregnated Lightweight Aggregates for Geopolymer Composites Made from Aluminosilicate Rich Mud and Milled Glass Powder

Macro-encapsulated aggregates (ME-LWAs) consisting of expanded clay lightweight aggregates (LWAs) impregnated with a paraffin wax phase change material (PCM) was produced. To fully exploit the thermal energy retaining properties of PCM, it is fundamental to retain as much of the PCM as possible within the pores of the LWA. This paper investigates 3 different commercial materials to create a total of 14 different coating regimes to determine the most efficient coating method and material regarding its ability at retaining the PCM. The ME-LWAs are then further used as aggregates in geopolymer binders made from a combination of aluminosilicate rich mud and waste glass. Physical properties such as thermal conductivity and mechanical strength are determined for the geopolymer binder with and without the addition of the ME-LWA. A polyester resin was determined to be the most suitable choice of coating material for the ME-LWA, producing a practically leak-proof coating. The ME-LWA was also determined to be chemically neutral, showed a 42% higher thermal conductivity than the LWA in their raw state and maintained a latent heat of 57.93 J/g before and after being used in the geopolymer binder. Carbon fibres and graphite spray were used to improve the thermal conductivity of the resin coating, however no significant increase was detected. Finally, the compressive strength and thermal conductivity results achieved are acceptable for applications in buildings for enhancement of their energy efficiency.Partial finance support from the European Commission Horizon 2020 MARIE Skłodowska CURIE Research and Innovation Staff Exchange Scheme through the grant 645696 (i.e. REMINE project) is greatly acknowledged