Integrating data from 3D CAD and 3D cameras for Real-Time Modeling

In a reversal of historic trends, the capital facilities industry is expressing an increasing desire for automation of equipment and construction processes. Simultaneously, the industry has become conscious that higher levels of interoperability are a key towards higher productivity and safer projects. In complex, dynamic, and rapidly changing three-dimensional (3D) environments such as facilities sites, cutting-edge 3D sensing technologies and processing algorithms are one area of development that can dramatically impact those projects factors. New 3D technologies are now being developed, with among them 3D camera. The main focus here is an investigation of the feasibility of rapidly combining and comparing – integrating – 3D sensed data (from a 3D camera) and 3D CAD data. Such a capability could improve construction quality assessment, facility aging assessment, as well as rapid environment reconstruction and construction automation. Some preliminary results are presented here. They deal with the challenge of fusing sensed and CAD data that are completely different in nature

Keyframe detection in visual lifelogs

The SenseCam is a wearable camera that passively captures images. Therefore, it requires no conscious effort by a user in taking a photo. A Visual Diary from such a source could prove to be a valuable tool in assisting the elderly, individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, or other traumas. One issue with Visual Lifelogs is the large volume of image data generated. In previous work we spit a day's worth of images into more manageable segments, i.e. into distinct events or activities. However, each event coud stil consist of 80-100 images. thus, in this paper we propose a novel approach to selecting the key images within an event using a combination of MPEG-7 and Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) features

Meet the Immigrants is a six-part, observational documentary BBC series, co-produced by the Open University

Yolanta Bikova, a Latvian explorer in Lyme Regis, has no real problem with the BBC/Open University camera that tracks her self-conscious moves. Creeping up to a manicured green she beckons the camera to look over her shoulder at the dollop of fantasia she has discovered; scones, lawn bowls and starched linens. Her arch reaction is suggestive; viewers might be meeting the immigrants, but who is the England/Britain that is doing the meeting

The Merits of Higher-Order Thought Theories

Over many years and in many publications David Rosenthal has developed, defended and applied his justly well-known higher-order thought theory of consciousness. In this paper I explain the theory, then provide a brief history of a major objection to it. I suggest that this objection is ultimately ineffectual, but that behind it lies a reason to look beyond Rosenthal’s theory to another sort of HOT theory. I then offer my own HOT theory as a suitable alternative, before concluding in a final section.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Photography as an act of collaboration

The camera is usually considered to be a passive tool under the control of the operator. This definition implicitly constrains how we use the medium, as well as how we look at – and what we see in – its interpretations of scenes, objects, events and ‘moments’. This text will suggest another way of thinking about – and using – the photographic medium. Based on the evidence of photographic practice (mine and others’), I will suggest that, as a result of the ways in which the medium interprets, juxtaposes and renders the elements in front of the lens, the camera is capable of depicting scenes, events and moments that did not exist and could not have existed until brought into being by the act of photographing them. Accordingly, I will propose that the affective power of many photographs is inseparable from their ‘photographicness’ – and that the photographic medium should therefore be considered as an active collaborator in the creation of uniquely photographic images

Through the eyes of a child

ThesisFor children time in front of the camera should be fun time. Too often people force their children into their best clothes and put them into a strange studio with bright, warm lights, forcing them to smile for the camera. That can make them nervous and self-conscious and will conceal their personality. Children should be relaxed and natural and see the photographic session as a game. Most children like to be the centre of attention, and usually it is not difficult to encourage them to dress up for the camera. The aim in this script is to see children as they are - full of life, honest and future stars. Through a discussion of the author's images problems were also encountered and possible solutions are offered in this script

Priming as a means of preventing skill failure under pressure

Copyright @ 2010 Human KineticsThe present study examined the effectiveness of a priming paradigm in alleviating skill failure under stress. The priming intervention took the form of a scrambled sentence task. Experiment 1: Thirty-four skilled field-hockey players performed a dribbling task in low-and high-pressure situations under single task, skill-focused, and priming conditions. Results revealed a significant increase in performance time from low to high pressure. In addition, performance in the priming condition was significantly better than in the control and skill-focused conditions. Experiment 2: Thirty skilled field-hockey players completed the same dribbling task as in Experiment 1; however, in addition to the control and skill-focused conditions, participants were allocated to either a positive, neutral, or negative priming condition. Results revealed significant improvements in performance time from the skill focus to the control to the priming condition for the positive and neutral groups. For the negative group, times were significantly slower in the priming condition. Results are discussed in terms of utilizing priming in a sporting context