Argus System Research Articles

Measurement of Aluminum Alloy Automotive Cover Parts Forming Parts Based on ARGUS System

This article takes the outer panel of an aluminum alloy engine hood as the research object, uses the finite element analysis software Dynaform for finite element analysis simulation, and uses the ARGUS mesh strain measurement system to conduct experimental analysis on the solid formed parts. This article mainly completes the experimental verification of parameters such as thinning rate measurement for a formed aluminum alloy automotive cover using the ARGUS grid strain measurement system. By comparing simulation results with experimental measurement results, check whether the formed part is feasible under this process parameter. To ensure the accuracy of the results, 21 points distributed in different parts of the formed part were taken and measured using the ARGUS grid strain measurement system to check whether the simulation results are close to the experimental results.

Optimization of Raster Point Deposition Methodology for Deformation Analyses

Deformation analysis of sheet metal parts helps to map the distribution of deformation zones during pressing in problematic areas of the car bodywork. This allows to solve and prevent production problems at the press shop. The present work is focused on the optimization of the process by point pattern deposition on hot-dip galvanized metal sheets for deformation analyses. Obtained data are evaluated by GOM Argus system. Two technologies of the pattern deposition, namely electrochemical and laser are compared. Both deposition methods behave differently in the forming process and show different deformation values. The microstructure analysis done by a scanning electron microscope shows that the influence of laser setting on the material is more significant compared to electrochemical etching. Laser material shows thermal influence on the base material and the formation of micro notches. Both technologies are compared using light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction.

Casting Light on Life.

The behavior of biochemical molecules moving around in cells makes me think of a school of whales wandering in the ocean, captured by the Argus system on the artificial satellite. When bringing a whale back into the sea --- with a transmitter on its dorsal fin, every staff member hopes that it will return safely to a school of its species. A transmitter is now minute in size, but it was not this way before. There used to be some concern that a whale fitted with a transmitter could be given the cold shoulder and thus ostracized by other whales for "wearing something annoying." How is whale's wandering related to the tide or a shoal of small fish? What kind of interaction is there among different species of whales? We human beings have attempted to fully understand this fellow creature in the sea both during and since the age of whale fishing.In a live cell imaging experiment, a luminescent probe replaces a transmitter. We put a luminescent probe on a specific region of a biological molecule and bring it back into a cell. We can then visualize how the molecule behaves in response to external stimulation. Since luminescence is a physical phenomenon, we can extract various kinds of information by making full use of its characteristics.Cruising inside cells in a supermicro corps, gliding down in a microtubule like a roller coaster, pushing our ways through a jungle of chromatin while hoisting a flag of nuclear localization signal --- we are reminded to retain a playful and adventurous perspective at all times. What matters is mobilizing all capabilities of science and giving full play to our imagination. We believe that such serendipitous findings can arise out of such a sportive mind, a frame of mind that prevails when enjoying whale-watching.

Stamping of a Cross-shaped Part with 5052, 5754 and 6016 Aluminum Alloy Sheets – Experimental and Finite Element Analysis Comparison

The application of aluminum alloys is continuing to increase in automotive and aerospace industries. In this study, the stamping of a cross-shaped part, representing typical deep drawn automotive parts, was attempted with three different types of aluminum alloy sheets. To characterize the anisotropic properties of the material, uniaxial tensile tests were performed with ASTM standard dog-bone specimens cut from AA5052, AA5754 and AA6016 T4 alloy sheets. The stamping of the cross-shaped parts was conducted using a high capacity servo press with a servo-cushion system. Deformation strains developing in stamped parts were measured with the ARGUS system for comparison with finite element simulation results. Formed parts were also cut in two different directions using a water-jet machine, and thickness variations along the length of the cut section were measured. The measured surface strains and thickness distributions were compared with finite element simulations results obtained with LS-Dyna explicit code using the Yld2000-2D and Hill's 48 yield functions. Overall, experimental and numerical results correlated well, especially with the Yld2000-2D yield function, implying that this yield function is well suited for the modeling of the complex cross-shaped parts with aluminum alloys.

Effects of Austenite Stability on Forming and Work Hardening Behavior of 1.2 GPa Gen3 AHSS

For this study, three 1.2GPa Gen3 AHSS grades with different steel designs were selected for an industrial stamping trial of a B Pillar part. Formability analyses were performed using an Argus system, the material work hardening was evaluated using sub-size tensile specimens sampled from different locations of the formed part and the TRIP effect was quantified using X-Ray diffraction. It was found that the strain distribution and strain localization are strongly related with the microstructural phase composition of the steel and with the mechanical stability of the retained austenite. The increase of the mechanical properties of the formed part represents a combined effect of strain hardening and transformation strengthening. The paint baking contribution to the increase of the yield strength of the formed panels decreases above certain percentage of induced effective strains. The remaining austenite after forming shows high thermal stability at the paint curing temperature.

Variabilidade temporal do perfil de dunas na Praia do Cassino, RS, com auxílio de videomonitoramento Argus

A dinâmica sedimentar em dunas costeiras é um processo complexo que exige a análise de vários fatores em diferentes escalas temporais. A análise de um banco de dados morfológicos sequenciais de três anos, realizados em um setor de dunas da praia do Cassino, localizada ao sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil (RS), permitiu identificar a evolução espaço-temporal do perfil de dunas, que apresentou um comportamento predominantemente acrescional médio de 14,86 m3 /m por ano. Dados de ventos e Índice de Oscilação Niño (ION) mostram que esses componentes foram os principais agentes modeladores durante esse período. As técnicas de processamento digital de imagens associadas ao sistema Argus permitiram verificar o aumento da densidade vegetacionalna região que juntamente com os fatores físicos observados contribuíram para o aumento de volume de areia dasdunas costeiras.

Анализ эффективности коррекции недержания мочи после простатэктомии с использованием слинговой системы Аргус

The paper presents the results of using the Argus sling system in order to combat incontinence after prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The study included patients with persistent incontinence 2-3 years or more after prostatectomy. In these patients, immediately after the operation, the quality of life and urological status were assessed using the King's questionnaire, and their psychological state was assessed using the Spielberger-Khanin level of anxiety. Control was performed on a representative sample without installing a sling system. It was shown that in the vast majority of prostatectomized patients, correction of urinary incontinence through the installation of the Argus sling system gave a pronounced rehabilitation effect. So, after the installation of the Argus system, 32.3% of patients assessed their health as normal, 45.2% - as good, 16.1% - as satisfactory and only 6.5% of patients did not notice improvement and still assessed their condition health as bad. As for the psychological status, after surgery, the proportion of patients with a low level of situational anxiety was 87.1% with a sharp decrease in the proportion of patients with moderate and high levels of this type of anxiety.

Development of an automated appendix generation system (ARGUS) for clinical study reports.

Data handling and tabulation are a time-consuming job when writing appendices for clinical study reports. The authors have developed an automated appendix generation system (ARGUS) conforming to the CDISC/SDTM standard using SAS (version 9.3) and R (version 3.3.1: for PK plot generation). It consists of the one main program and three subprograms. The program runs to convert a database file into an appendix document with about 100 tables and plots in MS Word format within one min after pressing the submit button under common desktop environments. We found that tasks of constructing appendices for a typical 2×2 crossover design study that have taken our team about 8 days were completed within 6 or 7 hours using the ARGUS system.

Application of a continuum damage mechanics (CDM)-based model for predicting formability of warm formed aluminium alloy

Predicting formability of sheet metal in warm forming condition is a challenge since warm forming is a thermo-mechanical process and formability is varied with temperature and strain rate. Current standard forming limit curves (FLCs) which have been established for fixed values of temperatures and strain rates cannot be used directly to predict the formability of sheet metal in warm/hot forming processes. In this paper, a series of experiment were carried out to establish FLCs for AA5754 at a temperature range of 200–300 °C and a forming rate of 20–300 mm/s using Argus system. Based on a set of continuum damage mechanics (CDM)-based theories, the constitutive model is implemented in Ls-Dyna user subroutine. Finite element (FE) result of strain distribution was compared with the experimental result from Argus system in terms of different strain paths. FE results have a good agreement with the experimental results, which indicates that the FE model developed can be used to predict formability for warm forming process.

ASPECTS OF VERIFICATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF SHEET METAL NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS PROCESS USING THE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SYSTEM

The paper presents the use of photogrammetric system for verification and optimization of thenumerical simulation of sheet metal forming process. The use of GOM Argus photogrammetricsystem allowed determining the real values of the analyzed drawpiece strains, construction ofreal Forming Limit Curve (FLC) and comparing them with the limit strain values resulting fromthe FLC. The knowledge of the drawpiece real strain distribution in the sheet metal formingoptimization process allows, by using the numerical simulation in the eta/Dynaform commercialsoftware, to estimate the optimum value of the friction coefficient that was taken into account inthe numerical simulation. The GOM Argus system was also used to assess the impact of selectedtechnological parameters on the accuracy of sheet metal forming drawpiece shape in comparisonwith the theoretical CAD model. An attempt to optimize the process to obtain the correctgeometry of the drawpiece has been also carried out.

Adjustable bulbourethral male sling: experience after 101 cases of moderate‐to‐severe male stress urinary incontinence

• To report our experience using an adjustable bulbourethral sling since April 2005 for male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostatic surgery. • To evaluate the safety, efficacy and health-related quality of life in recipients of the Argus® (Promedon SA; Cordoba, Argentina) adjustable bulbourethral sling. • Between April 2005 and April 2009, 101 men with moderate-to-severe SUI after prostatic surgery were implanted with the Argus sling. • The radio-opaque Argus system comprises a thick silicone-foam pad for soft bulbar urethral support. The pad is attached to silicone columns that, after being passed with needles from the perineum to the abdominal wall, are adjusted with silicone washers to maintain the desired position. • Between prostatic surgery and Argus sling placement, most patients (74.3%) had undergone various procedures for SUI or bladder neck pathologies: 22 had undergone secondary irradiation therapy after surgery (19 after retropubic radical prostatectomy [RP], one after perineal RP and two after transurethral resection of the prostate). • All patients were evaluated before and after sling placement with 20-min pad tests, the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QoL), cystoscopy and uroflowmetry. The study was designed in a retrospective longitudinal fashion. • The mean (range) follow-up was 2.1 (0.1-4.5) years. The mean (range) sling surgery duration was 49 (28-105) min. • Adjustment was necessary in 39 cases (38.6%), either loosening (10/101; 9.9%) or tightening (29/101; 28.7%) at a mean of 104.3 (14-910) days after the initial implantation. • The sling had to be removed in 16/101 patients (15.8%) at a mean of 371.1 (20-1260) days after implantation due to urethral erosion or infection. However, six of the 16 patients were within the first 22 placements and probably represent the 'learning curve'. In all, 13 of these patients received later successful treatment (seven with an artificial urinary sphincter, five with re-implantation of the sling). Four of these patients were lost for follow-up. • After a median (mean) follow-up of 2.2 (2.1) years, 80/101 (79.2%) patients were considered as dry, with a pad test of 0-1 g (70 patients, 0 g; 10 patients, 1 g). The I-QoL score improved from a mean of 28.8 (14.5-61.8) to 63.2 (16.4-115) points after sling placement. • Both the 20-min pad-weight tests and I-QoL responses improved significantly compared with baseline (P < 0.001). • We think that the Argus male bulbourethral sling system is an excellent first- or second-line treatment for moderate-to-severe male SUI, even after external beam radiation treatment.

Situações Potenciais De Risco Associadas Ao Banho De Mar Na Praia Do Cassino, RS: Análise De Fatores Morfodinâmicos E Sociais

During the summers of 2006 and 2007 morphodynamic data, images from an Argus System, and lifeguards rescue data were analyzed on Cassino beach with the aim to identify the most hazardous situations for bathing purpose. The beach with tridimensional morphology were identified as the most dangerous, since in these situations it was recorded a great variability in the subaqueous morphology. The results suggest that bathing accidents are more related to the users attitude than with natural hazards, which implies the need of emphasize preventive education as a way to reduce the number of accidents.

Quantifying the Evolution of a Beach Protected by Low Crested Structures Using Video Monitoring

Abstract The purpose of this study is to analyse the shoreline response of a beach protected by a system of low crested structures (LCS) and to apply the results to the management of coastal stability problems. This contribution aims to provide heretofore scarce detailed data and observations of the shoreline variability of coasts protected by LCS. These aims are acheived by selecting and monitoring the appropriate Coastal State Indicator (CSI) to describe the state of the beach. The CSI used is the Mean Intertidal Position (MIP), which has been detected by the ARGUS system installed in Lido di Dante, Italy. The error in the shoreline estimation from video was assessed by comparing shorelines detected with global positioning system (GPS) and image analysis over a large number of cases. The horizontal error in the shoreline detection is estimated to be on the order of 0.90 ± 0.74 m, which is acceptable because it is on the same order of magnitude as the swash width. The MIP, which has been monitored over a...

Evaluation of a nourishment programme with a webcam: the case of Levanto (La Spezia, Italy)

This paper presents the results of a monitoring programme of the littoral of the town of Levanto (La Spezia) to evaluate the efficiency of a nourishment project carried out on a gravel beach. The study was carried out with a webcam, one of the most innovative techniques for monitoring coastal evolution. This technique makes it possible to automatically obtain a continuous, real-time set of images of high quality that can then be processed with dedicated software to provide information on the morphodynamic conditions of the beach. The image processing technique, [based on the studies carried out by the Coastal Imaging Laboratory of Oregon State University to develop the Argus System], was developed by the Dipartimento per lo Studio del Territorio e delle sue Risorse (Dip.Te.Ris.) and the Dipartimento di Matematica (Di.Ma.) of the University of Genoa. The research was focused on studying the variations in the shoreline following a nourishment programme as revealed by a comparison of the processed images, which made it possible to reconstruct the evolution of the beach in the short- and medium-term and thereby evaluate the efficiency of the intervention.

Nuevo sling masculino "ARGUS" para el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo

Male stress urinary incontinence is usually a consequence or sequel of a prostatic surgical procedure (radical prostatectomy, surgery for BPH or bladder neck sclerosis: adenomectomy, conventional and/or bipolar transurethral resection, laser...). This kind of surgery may have undesirable effects on the quality of life and patients' expectations, although we should bear in mind that the primary objective in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma is to cure cancer and for patients with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms to improve their voiding quality Over the last decade, surgical procedures to compress the bulbar urethra with slings have been employed successfully in the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence, being considered highly effective in the treatment of post-prostatectomy incontinence in the long-term by groups with large experience. To describe the elements of the Argus system, its indications, and the surgical technique for its implant and adjustment, modified from Schäeffer and carried out by Victor Romano. Argus system: The sling has three components: radiopaque cushioned system with silicone foam, 42 mm x 26 mm x 9 mm, which is waterproof to body fluids; two silicone columns formed by multiple conical elements, which allow system readjustment; and two radiopaque silicone washers (15 mm diameter and 2.9 mm width) which enable proper fixation and readjustment (Figure 1). Once the system is open, it is recommended to place the sling within antibiotic solution until implantation. 1. It is a safe, easy to implant, reproducible system, with few complications and a good cost-benefit relation. 2. Results are comparable to the gold standard, but it has the following advantages: immediate voiding control recovery and no need for patient training. 3. This article does not intend to show our short experience with only five cases, but we want to mention that all of them are continent with a good quality of life. 4. Our objective will be to publish our results when we can show a minimal follow-up.

Object-oriented extraction of beach morphology from video images

The ARGUS system is a shore-based, optical video system offering a suitable remote sensing technique for the purpose of long-term, high-resolution monitoring of coastal morphodynamics. Ten-minute time-exposure (timex) images obtained by the ARGUS cameras during low tide show the intertidal morphology (bars, troughs and rips) by the differences between water, wet sand and dry sand, where dry sand represents bars, and wet sand and water represent troughs and rips. A semi-automatic object-oriented algorithm was developed for classification of intertidal beach in low-tide video images and was tested on 13 low-tide ARGUS images collected at Noordwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands. Because of the strong relation between the visual observations and object-oriented image analysis, the ARGUS images are subdivided in small homogeneous areas (i.e. objects) by segmentation. Maximum likelihood classification creates a model for each day using a random selection of the objects, which are manually labelled, and their accompanying variables. Of the three classes, class wet sand had a classification fit of 43.4% when compared to an in situ classification; class water was correctly classified for 90.1% and dry sand could be classified best (92.8%). By combining their cross-shore position and their classification, objects can be directly linked with the respective morphological features.

An adjustable male sling for treating urinary incontinence after prostatectomy: a phase III multicentre trial

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new adjustable bulbourethral sling (Argus, Promedon SA, Cordoba, Argentina) in the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostate surgery. In all, 48 patients with SUI because of prostatic surgery for prostate cancer (39) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (nine) had a new sling implanted in a multicentre trial at six institutions between April 2003 and September 2004. All patients were fully evaluated, including a questionnaire (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, ICIQ-SF, range 0-21), endoscopy, and urodynamic evaluation. The Argus system comprises a 4.2 x 2.6 x 0.9 cm thick silicone foam pad for soft bulbar urethral compression. The pad is attached to the silicone cone columns that, after being passed with needles from the perineum to the abdominal wall, are adjusted with silicone washers to regulate and keep the desired tension against the urethra. The pad and washers are radio-opaque, which allows their position to be assessed during follow-up. The surgical technique was one described previously, with some modifications. At a mean (range) follow-up of 7.5 (1-17.5) months, 35 (73%) of the 48 patients were dry, five (10%) were improved, and eight (17%) were incontinent, including four (8%) who needed sling adjustment. The mean (range) ICIQ-SF improved from 19.2 (12-21) to 4 (0-21). There were three (6%) urethral perforations during surgery that were resolved by re-passing the needle. The sling was removed in three men (6%) due to erosion and in two (4%) due to infection. Seven (15%) cases of acute urinary retention resolved spontaneously, except for one that needed the sling loosening. No cases of chronic retention were reported. There was perineal discomfort and mild dysuria soon after surgery that resolved spontaneously after a few weeks. This new adjustable male sling safely and effectively controls sphincter incontinence in men after prostate surgery, with an acceptably low complication rate. The early results are encouraging; the Argus is a valid alternative to the artificial urinary sphincter, the standard therapy for this condition.

Argus: a suite of tools for research in complex cognition.

Argus simulates a radar-like target classification task. It was developed to support research in measuring and modeling cognitive work load. Argus is used in both single-subject and team modes. However, the Argus system is more than just a simulated task environment. Argus features flexible experimenter control over cognitive work load, as well as extensive data collection and data playback facilities to support the iterative nature of research in complex behaviors. In addition, embodied computational models interact with Argus using the same interface as do human subjects. In this paper, we describe these features, as well as the task simulation. In addition, we describe how the system has been used for experimentation. We conclude with a comparison of Argus with other complex task environments.

Experimental and clinical results of fiberoptic argon laser stapedotomy.

Since 1992 a small air-cooled opthalmological argon laser (Argus system, 3 W max.) equipped with a fiberoptic microhandpiece has been used for stapedotomy at the Inselspital, Berne. The microhandpiece has been developed especially for otological purposes in our electronic laboratory. In order to measure the effect of argon laser pulses applied through the handpiece to the ear, we performed temperature measurements in a saline-filled inner ear model by using ultrathin (2 microns thick), ultrafast (4 ns) thermosensitive rhodamine-coated polyurethane films. Multiple laser pulses of 1-2.5 W and 0.1 s duration - as used in clinical applications - produced a temperature elevation of about 1 degree C in the liquid of the inner ear model. The local laser effect was then examined histologically on the isolated stapes. The thermal damage zone around the stapedotomy perforation was limited to about 100 microns. In a clinical study we compared the results of argon laser stapedotomy (n = 54) with those of a skeeter microdrill stapedotomy (n = 29). Substantial hearing gains were found in all cases in both groups. In the laser stapedotomy group the mean residual air-bone gap (0.5-2 kHz) was 10 dB or less in all cases but one. Inner ear function remained unchanged except for a 40-dB loss at 4000 Hz in one case. Transient vertigo with nystagmus occurred in one case. Facial nerve dysfunction did not occur in any patient. The most important advantage of the laser found was the absence of mechanical trauma to the stapes. Stapes luxation and a floating footplate were avoided. In contrast, thick footplates were more easily perforated with the skeeter. Use of an argon laser equipped with a fiberoptic microhandpiece and a skeeter microdrill as needed seems particularly advantageous for stapedotomy.

Diffusing screen for on-board radiometric calibration of the stereo-spectral-imaging system ARGUS for Mars 94/96 mission

A new stereo-spectral-imaging system, ARGUS, has been developed for the Mars 94/96 mission and consists of three videospectrometers with a wide field-of-view covering the spectral range 320 nm to 5200 nm. The on-board radiometric calibration is based on a diffusing target illuminated by the Sun's radiation. The provision for a common target for all the videospectrometers of the ARGUS system allows an intercomparison of instruments to be carried out in addition to individual calibration verification. The development and testing of the target for on-board radiometric calibration is described and techniques for preparing the target surface are given. A brief description of the setup for measurements of the spectral and angular response of the target reflectivity is presented, together with results of the spectral and angular response of the target reflectivity, for an angle of incidence of -70° (relative to the normal) and at viewing angles from 0° to +60° at 2° intervals. The bidirectional reflectance factor of the target is reported for the spectral range 320 nm to 5200 nm at an angle of incidence of -70° and at a viewing angle of +20°.