Simple Feature Identification and Matching for Stereoscopic Imaging

Many camera calibration techniques used in stereoscopic imaging require corresponding points in image pairs to be identified. The best matches tend to come from very distinctive regions, hence it is preferable to use only these points and reject points from more homogeneous regions. Often points are selected and matched by a combination of user input and automated matching. However, for most techniques, the more matching points identified, the more accurate and robust the calibration. Therefore, it is desirable to alleviate the need for user input and to automate the point selection process. In the feature matching technique described here, a combination of object extraction, feature identification and feature matching is used. This technique is simple, efficient and robust. The algorithm will be used as part of a larger project in 3D human motion capture which is currently under development at University College Dublin and the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire

Direct Least-Squares Ellipse Fitting

Many biological and astronomical forms can be best represented by ellipses. While some more complex curves might represent the shape more accurately, ellipses have the advantage that they are easily parameterised and define the location, orientation and dimensions of the data more clearly. In this paper, we present a method of direct least-squares ellipse fitting by solving a generalised eigensystem. This is more efficient and more accurate than many alternative approaches to the ellipse-fitting problem such as fuzzy c-shells clustering and Hough transforms. This method was developed for human body modelling as part of a larger project to design a marker-free gait analysis system which is being undertaken at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin

THE LAPICQUE EQUATION IN NEUROELECTRICAL STIMULATION

The Lapicque equation for electrical stimulation of nerve, proposed in 1907 and further discussed in 1909, is applied to the Hodgkin-Huxley neuron, proposed in 1952 and universally recognised nowadays. We demonstrate how an analytical model of the relationship described by Lapicque can be derived through consideration of this mathematical model of the nerve membrane potential when subject to pulsed current input

Application of Digital Image Processing to Marker-free Analysis of Human Gait

The standard method of human gait analysis in use in gait laboratories today invariably involves marker-based motion tracking systems. Although somewhat effective, these methods require accurate placement of awkward external markers. We report on an enhanced approach being researched and developed at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin based on marker-free motion tracking incorporating advanced digital image processing techniques

The effect of pulsatile blood flow on blood pressure regulatory mechanisms

This paper demonstrates that the effect of pulsatile blood flow on the baroreflex is to effectively reduce the gain of the baroreflex loop. This has important implications for both the development of integrative physiology models, which do not include pulsatile blood flow, and the use of non-pulsatile ventricular assist devices with either replace the heart or assist the heart in achieving adequate blood circulation. To elucidate the effect of the pulsatile nature of blood flow, we utilise the concept of an equivalent nonlinearity to replace the baroreflex curve, driven by a pulsatile blood flow/pressure signal, with an equivalent nonlinearity corresponding to a non-pulsatile situation. Tests are performed on a feedback model for the peripheral resistance baroreflex and conclusions made to the stability implications, using a describing function analysis

Dropping into the Library Café: A student engagement initiative by MU Library's Teaching and Research Development Team

From October to December 2020, MU Library ran a weekly virtual Library Café as a way to connect and engage with our students in a relaxed and informal way. It was a tool for further support during the COVID-19 restrictions, and a way to build our community on social media

THE IDENTIFICATION OF FUTURE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR THE GRADUATE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER AND THE CO-CREATION OF THEIR DEFINITIONS.

Employers recognise that the future is changing and as such the structural engineer’s role is changing along with the skill set required. The skills gap has been acknowledged yet there is no consensus on which skills are most important for these engineers. This research presents the outcome of a project which proposes future professional skills needs for the structural engineer and the co-creation of their definitions. A review of the most recent relevant literature alongside chartership requirements of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and Engineers Ireland (EI), as well as consideration of three seminal consultation and analysis reports on the future skills in the sector, led to the identification of 7 skills. These are the traditional, though evolving skills related to communication, technical ability, management and engineering practice as well as emerging skills related to sustainability, technology and digitisation and society. It is accepted, however, that there may be different conceptions of each term, therefore, the presented research describes the co-creation of definitions for each of these skills with undergraduate structural engineering students. The work describes how focus groups were used to engage students in a conversation around the meaning and importance of each skill resulting in specific action orientated definitions for each skill. These definitions will then be used in the next phases of the project which engage the same students in a reflective e-portfolio exercise and structural engineering educators in a review of the programme outcomes in relation to such skills

Students’ Experiences Of Reflecting On Their Development Of Professional Skills In An Engineering Programme.

Engineers play a central role in addressing the challenges which face society, and recent literature highlights the need for emphasis on the development of professional skills in engineering programmes. This paper describes the outcomes of a study which investigated students’ experiences of reflecting on the development of their professional skills using an ePortfolio in a pilot project. A focus group was used to capture students’ experiences of the reflection process and the use of the ePortfolio. Transcripts were analysed thematically to draw out the key experiences and to provide feed-forward advice for the next iteration of the project. The findings show that students need support in the reflection process, and clearer signposting between each skill and the modules relevant to their development. Students also found it difficult to ascertain their competency levels and felt that industry experience was needed to help score themselves accurately. Feed-forward advice included incorporating an ePortfolio throughout all years of the programme which would track their improvement in a range of skills, and providing a rubric to help assess their competency. The outcome of this study can be used by educators who wish to incorporate a professional skills ePortfolio in their engineering programmes