Integrating features for man-made target tracking from FLIR image sequence using particle filter

A new man-made target tracking algorithm integrating features from (Forward Looking InfraRed) image sequence is presented based on particle filter. Firstly, a multiscale fractal feature is used to enhance targets in FLIR images. Secondly, the gray space feature is defined by Bhattacharyya distance between intensity histograms of the reference target and a sample target from MFF (Multi-scale Fractal Feature) image. Thirdly, the motion feature is obtained by differencing between two MFF images. Fourthly, a fusion coefficient can be automatically obtained by online feature selection method for features integrating based on fuzzy logic. Finally, a particle filtering framework is developed to fulfill the target tracking. Experimental results have shown that the proposed algorithm can accurately track weak or small man-made target in FLIR images with complicated background. The algorithm is effective, robust and satisfied to real time tracking.

Application of the entropy technique and genetic algorithms to construction site layout planning of medium-size projects

Genetic algorithms (GAs) have been introduced into site layout planning as reported in a number of studies. In these studies, the objective functions were defined so as to employ the GAs in searching for the optimal site layout. However, few studies have been carried out to investigate the actual closeness of relationships between site facilities; it is these relationships that ultimately govern the site layout. This study has determined that the underlying factors of site layout planning for medium-size projects include work flow, personnel flow, safety and environment, and personal preferences. By finding the weightings on these factors and the corresponding closeness indices between each facility, a closeness relationship has been deduced. Two contemporary mathematical approaches - fuzzy logic theory and an entropy measure - were adopted in finding these results in order to minimize the uncertainty and vagueness of the collected data and improve the quality of the information. GAs were then applied to searching for the optimal site layout in a medium-size government project using the GeneHunter software. The objective function involved minimizing the total travel distance. An optimal layout was obtained within a short time. This reveals that the application of GA to site layout planning is highly promising and efficient.

Judging size, distance and depth with an active telepresence system

A visual telepresence system has been developed at the University of Reading which utilizes eye tracing to adjust the horizontal orientation of the cameras and display system according to the convergence state of the operator's eyes. Slaving the cameras to the operator's direction of gaze enables the object of interest to be centered on the displays. The advantage of this is that the camera field of view may be decreased to maximize the achievable depth resolution. An active camera system requires an active display system if appropriate binocular cues are to be preserved. For some applications, which critically depend upon the veridical perception of the object's location and dimensions, it is imperative that the contribution of binocular cues to these judgements be ascertained because they are directly influenced by camera and display geometry. Using the active telepresence system, we investigated the contribution of ocular convergence information to judgements of size, distance and shape. Participants performed an open- loop reach and grasp of the virtual object under reduced cue conditions where the orientation of the cameras and the displays were either matched or unmatched. Inappropriate convergence information produced weak perceptual distortions and caused problems in fusing the images.

Evolution of coronal mass ejection morphology with increasing heliocentric distance. II. In Situ observations

Interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) are often observed to travel much faster than the ambient solar wind. If the relative speed between the two exceeds the fast magnetosonic velocity, then a shock wave will form. The Mach number and the shock standoff distance ahead of the ICME leading edge is measured to infer the vertical size of an ICME in a direction that is perpendicular to the solar wind flow. We analyze the shock standoff distance for 45 events varying between 0.5 AU and 5.5 AU in order to infer their physical dimensions. We find that the average ratio of the inferred vertical size to measured radial width, referred to as the aspect ratio, of an ICME is 2.8 ± 0.5. We also compare these results to the geometrical predictions from Paper I that forecast an aspect ratio between 3 and 6. The geometrical solution varies with heliocentric distance and appears to provide a theoretical maximum for the aspect ratio of ICMEs. The minimum aspect ratio appears to remain constant at 1 (i.e., a circular cross section) for all distances. These results suggest that possible distortions to the leading edge of ICMEs are frequent. But, these results may also indicate that the constants calculated in the empirical relationship correlating the different shock front need to be modified; or perhaps both distortions and a change in the empirical formulae are required.

Dynamic Niche Clustering: a fuzzy variable radius niching technique for multimodal optimisation in GAs

This paper describes the recent developments and improvements made to the variable radius niching technique called Dynamic Niche Clustering (DNC). DNC is fitness sharing based technique that employs a separate population of overlapping fuzzy niches with independent radii which operate in the decoded parameter space, and are maintained alongside the normal GA population. We describe a speedup process that can be applied to the initial generation which greatly reduces the complexity of the initial stages. A split operator is also introduced that is designed to counteract the excessive growth of niches, and it is shown that this improves the overall robustness of the technique. Finally, the effect of local elitism is documented and compared to the performance of the basic DNC technique on a selection of 2D test functions. The paper is concluded with a view to future work to be undertaken on the technique.

Output envelope adjustment for an environmental fuzzy logic controller

A two-level fuzzy logic controller for use in air-conditioning systems is outlined in this paper. At the first level a simplified controller is produced from expert knowledge and envelope adjustment is introduced, while the second level provides a means for adapting this controller to different working spaces. The mechanism for adaption is easily implemented and can be used in real time. A series of simulations is presented to illustrate the proposed schema.