Checking Points Research Articles

A two-stage algorithm of adaptive model-based parameter estimation and its application in the fast calculation of Green's function in multi-layer soils *

Abstract A two-stage algorithm is presented to determine an analytical model-based rational function by adaptively selecting sampling points. At the first stage, the rational interpolation function is created by using Stoer-Bulirsch algorithm and comparing the fitted model with the different ranks. At the second stage, the fitted model is validated by comparing with the first-principle model at a set of checking points. Some checking points will be added to the sampling series determined in the first stage to improve the fitted model. The new proposed algorithm is more accurate and effective than that using Stoer-Bulirsch interpolation only due to the fact that it appends the validation approach. When a highly oscillating curve is approximated, the validation ensures the fitting precision. With the two-stage MBPE algorithm, some time-consuming electromagnetic computations can be replaced by the interpolation from the fitting functions, which can increase the computational efficiency greatly. This method is used to calculate the samplings of the Green's functions in a multi-layer horizontal soil to demonstrate its effectiveness. The number of samples used to accurately model such Green's functions is less than 20 for the typical soil parameters. The computational time can be reduced by more than two orders of magnitude compared with that using the conventional uniform sampling technology.

An Efficient Three-Step Search Algorithm for Block Motion Estimation

The three-step search algorithm has been widely used in block matching motion estimation due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The sparsely distributed checking points pattern in the first step is very suitable for searching large motion. However, for stationary or quasistationary blocks it will easily lead the search to be trapped into a local minimum. In this paper we propose a modification on the three-step search algorithm which employs a small diamond pattern in the first step, and the unrestricted search step is used to search the center area. Experimental results show that the new efficient three-step search performs better than new three-step search in terms of MSE and requires less computation by up to 15% on average.

Adaptive dual-cross search algorithm for block-matching motion estimation

In this paper, we present two new and efficient block-matching algorithm (BMAs) for fast motion estimation used in motion-compensated video compression. The proposed algorithms are improvement of existing BMAs and consist of three effective steps: 1) Initial search center prediction, 2) early search termination, and 3) dual-cross pattern search. Extensive simulation results and comparative analysis have shown that the proposed algorithms outperform conventional algorithms, like the three-step search, orthogonal search and diamond search, as well as the newly proposed algorithms, like the hexagonal search and adaptive rood pattern search, in terms of both video peak signal-to-noise ratio and the number of checking points are evaluated.

Computation reduction for standard-based video encoders based on the energy preservation property of DCT

Based on the energy preservation property of DCT, an optimization technique for motion estimation (ME), DCT, and quantization for standard-based video encoders is developed. First, a stopping criterion for ME is proposed to reduce the number of checking points in finding the motion vectors, and save the computations. The advantage of introducing such a stopping criterion lies in its adaptability to the quantization parameter and applicability to various fast ME algorithms. Then, the DCT and quantization are jointly optimized by tracing the remaining signal energy and removing unnecessary calculations in the process of DCT and quantization. A pruned 2-D DCT based on Huang's fast DCT algorithm is presented to demonstrate the superiority of this algorithm to the full DCT and an existing all-zero block detection method. Although proved to be computationally efficient, the algorithms introduce no obvious quality loss.

Computation-aware scheme for software-based block motion estimation

Many fast block-matching algorithms (BMAs) reduce the computational complexity of motion estimation by sophisticatedly inspecting a subset of checking points, and stop only when all those checking points have been examined. This means that the searching process for each current block cannot be interrupted, even when it is performed in a software-based computation environment. Our main goal is to allow the searching process to stop once a specified amount of computation has been performed. A novel computation-aware scheme is proposed, which first dynamically determines the target amount of computation power allocated to a frame, and then allocates this to each block in a computation-distortion-optimized manner. We propose a rate-control-like procedure and a predicted computation-distortion benefit heuristic to realize this scheme. Conventional BMAs, such as full-search block matching, three-step search, new three-step search, four-step search, and diamond search, can be transformed into their corresponding computation-aware BMA versions. In our simulations, the resulting computation-aware BMAs not only exhibit higher efficiency than conventional BMAs, but also allow the motion estimation to terminate after any specified amount of computation has been performed (in units of checking points).

Automonitorización de glucemia capilar como predictor de hemoglobina glicada

Introduction and objectives: self monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes could reflect the quality of metabolic control. The objective was to evaluate in which moments of the day capillary blood glucose showed the best correlation with glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) values and to establish capillary blood glucose cut-off in order to predict HbA1c values higher and lower than 7.5%. Design: cross-over, descriptive study. Material and methods: three capillary blood glucose profiles were practised at home to 42 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: one of them on the day before HbA1c determination and the other ones four and eight weeks before that HbA1c determination. Each profile included six checking points, before and two hours after breakfast, lunch and dinner Results: the best correlation between capillary blood glucose and HbAlc was obtained before breakfast (r=0,44; p = 0.0047) and before dinner (r=0.44; p=0.0041). The ROC curve ofblood glucose obtained before breakfast to predict HbA1c with 7.5% cut-off had an area under graph of 0.694. The optimal blood glucose value choosed was 145 mg/dl. The ROC curve of blood glucose obtained before dinner had an under graph area of 0.739; the blood glucose value choosed was 141 mg/dl. Conclusions: blood glucoses that showed the best correlation with HbAlc values were the ones before breakfast and dinner. Due to poor correlation between HbA1c and capillary blood glucoses, selfmonitoring blood glucose should be considered orientative and not sustitutive of HbA1c determination.

Normalized partial distortion search algorithm for block motion estimation

Many fast block-matching algorithms reduce computations by limiting the number of checking points. They can achieve high computation reduction, but often result in relatively higher matching error compared with the full-search algorithm. A novel fast block-matching algorithm named normalized partial distortion search is proposed. The proposed algorithm reduces computations by using a halfway-stop technique in the calculation of the block distortion measure. In order to increase the probability of early rejection of non-possible candidate motion vectors, the proposed algorithm normalized the accumulated partial distortion and the current minimum distortion before comparison. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can maintain its mean square error performance very close to the full-search algorithm while achieving an average computation reduction of 12-13 times, with respect to the full-search algorithm.

A fast three-step search algorithm with minimum checking points using unimodal error surface assumption

Fast motion estimation algorithms for compression of moving pictures are widely required for real-time video encoding instead of the full search (FS) block matching algorithm. It provides optimal error performance but requires enormous computation for calculating the motion vector. In many fast algorithms, the three-step search (TSS) has been used for real time video encoding and low bit-rate video communications because of the reduced computations, simplicity and reasonable performance. Other modified algorithms of the TSS have been studied for the speed of computation and the error performance for motion estimation. This paper proposes a new algorithm (fast three-step search) for further reduction in computational complexity using a unimodal error surface assumption (UESA) without serious degradation of the error performance. We show that the computational complexity is further reduced with additional subsampling of the matching block. It is also shown that the proposed algorithm (FTSS) is computationally efficient while keeping the same performance as that of the TSS.

Design of fast motion estimation algorithm based on hardware consideration

Most fast block-matching motion estimation (BMME) algorithms are designed to minimize the search positions (or checking points) in a given search range in order to speed up the computation. In this paper, we introduce a fast BMME algorithm based on the consideration of hardware implementation. We use a one-dimensional (1-D) systolic array as the basic computing engine. In order to utilize this engine efficiently, we process several adjacent checking points, called checking vector, simultaneously. We propose a checking-vector-based search strategy and show that it can achieve a better algorithmic performance and can be very cost-effective in terms of hardware implementation for low bit-rate video applications.

A novel four-step search algorithm for fast block motion estimation

Based on the real world image sequence's characteristic of center-biased motion vector distribution, a new four-step search (4SS) algorithm with center-biased checking point pattern for fast block motion estimation is proposed in this paper. A halfway-stop technique is employed in the new algorithm with searching steps of 2 to 4 and the total number of checking points is varied from 17 to 27. Simulation results show that the proposed 4SS performs better than the well-known three-step search and has similar performance to the new three-step search (N3SS) in terms of motion compensation errors. In addition, the 4SS also reduces the worst-case computational requirement from 33 to 27 search points and the average computational requirement from 21 to 19 search points, as compared with N3SS.

QUATRAIN — A design support tool and a data processing sequence supervisor

Equipment and systems design is a complex activity involving numerous inter-linked sub-tasks and multiple methods of resolution. However, it is possible to identify a family of activities to formalize where the approaches and the knowledge can be elicitated and, thus, to build new tools embedding the methodological know-how. The expected advantages of such a tool are obvious: reduction of time of design, dissemination of know-how linked to an operation, reinforcement of quality assurance, standardization of the approaches between different teams, etc. In a computerized design support environment, one usually finds data and inter-operating tools (or modules) dedicated to specific tasks. The novelty proposed in this architecture consists in assigning the whole supervision part or the piloting of the activity (sequence of the different design tasks, etc.) to a specific module. This module knows on the one hand, each available tool (or modules) and condition of use (why, with what, how?) and on the other hand, the different standardized procedures validated by experiment allowing to solve certain kinds of problems. To meet these need, Aèrospatiale and Framentec-Cognitech have built the tool called QUATRAIN TM, with the following goals: • • to develop a generic solution, applicable to the whole applications family of design support; • • to develop these process supervision interfaces rapidly, and to offer a methodological structuring framework during the development of the system; • • to offer high-level data management functions (taking into account data dependency, management of releases, exchanges between user management), chronological account of events, connection of tasks; • • to offer the means for including in the tool: expertise rules, methodological approaches (What to do in case of problem? What are the data to be modified? Which parameter to choose? What are the useless/ mandatory steps?, etc.); • • to offer a graphical representation of the design process and of the state of progress through an interactive, easy to set up, easy to use user interface. For this, QUATRAIN uses an original process description language that associates two concepts: • • the description of data and of manipulated tasks that statically defines the graph of every operation to apply in order to produce expected results, thus the dependencies between data; • • the formalization of ‘methodological’ rules that indicates dynamically the succession of operations, the checking points and the needed interactions according to the aim of the tasks in progress and the intermediate obtained results. The first applications built by Aérospatiale and Framentec-Cognitech and other industrial companies confirm its genericity, its ease of learning, its application rapidity and its capacity to be integrated in varied design environments. - ARIANE4 mission analysis (AEROSPATIALE) - ARIANE4 exploitation of flight data (AEROSPATIALE) - Far-end sky study (AEROSPATIALE) - Calculation of large elements structures (FRAMATOME) - Vehicle architecture pre-analysis (GIAT) - Oilfield modelling (ELF) - Dimensioning of electrical networks study (EDF) - Calculation of nuclear power plant cores (CEA). All these applications have in common a willingness to offer to the users the means of dealing with software tools more and more powerful and more and more complex.

Flying qualities of the Hermes spaceplane and shape definition process

This paper deals with the last Hermes spaceplane shape 1.0 definition and evaluation cycle. It focuses its interest on flying quality aspects to highlight in this important domain the shape definition process, but performance and other main design drivers are also defined and evaluated. After a general description of Hermes critical mission phases, trajectory control principles and flight parameters envelopes are defined. Then we recall the main reasons why Hermes is not similar to the U.S. Orbiter or Buran and that this was again confirmed in a trade-off in 1990. So iteration from 0.0 to 1.0 shape was limited within the same concept. The process of shape definition itself is described including presentation of all the checking points defined. A reduced set of 15 control points have been defined and must be evaluated with the best computational tools for acceptance by the agencies of the proposed shape. The 1.0 shape is presented and compared to its predecessor 0.0. In the second part we define and justify all the criteria concerning trajectory and flight control that were defined in the overall Shape's Requirement Document that was the result of an intensive system and synthesis activity. After computation/estimation of a detailed data base including uncertainties, the 1.0 characteristics are compared to the required ones that are almost all satisfied in nominal conditions and often with margins. Finally, the problem of compatibility of aerodynamically controllable range with respect to layout and overall CoG whose shift can be higher than 1% due to uncertainties is discussed including further work presently planned.

Development of Detection Methods for Monitoring of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms Released into Environment

Application of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) to solve many kinds of environmental pollution problems such as removing environmental hazardous contaminants has been studied. Before releasing GEMs into environment, the behavior of these newly developed microorganisms must be checked sufficiently. The fundamental checking points for GEMs are their survival and propagative possibilities in the environment and their capability of transferring or mobilizing their genetically engineered genes. In this study, the authors investigated and developed highly sensitive methodology for monitoring the GEMs' genes, to establish the effective analytical methods for the GEMs' behavior in water pollution control systems. DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was adopted to amplify the detecting sensitivity against target genes of GEMs. Nucleic acids hybridization technology is usually used to detect specific genes or DNA segments. In this study, the combined methodology of PCR amplification of target DNA and detection by nucleic acid hybridization with specific DNA probes was developed. The other important factor of the detection is recovering target genes or DNAs from environmental samples. Therefore, we also established the recovering methods of GEMs' nucleic acids from water or soil to which GEMs were released.

Elasto-Plastic Large Deflection Analysis of Beam-Columns and Rectangular Plates

The author's research group developed Plastic Node Method (P. N. M.) and has demonstrated the efficiency of this method in analyzing the material nonlinear behavior of many kinds of structures, such as ships, offshore structures. While, for analysis of elastic large deflection (geometrical nonlinear behavior) of structural elements, such as beam-columns, rectangular plates, some analytical methods are effective.In this paper, these two methods are combined for an accurate and efficient analysis of elasto-plastic large deflection of these elements. The work of this paper will be summarized as follows.1) The original plastic node method is modified in such a way that condensed nodal plastic displacements are redistributed in the element for evaluation of elasto-plastic stiffness with large deflection.By this treatment, an accurate analysis becomes possible for elasto-plastic large deflection of the elements, including at post-ultimate strength state.2) A simple and accurate deformation function for each type of the elements is selected.3) Appropriate locations and number of checking points for plasticity are proposed. To take account of intermediate state between initial plasticity and full plasticity, an appropriate size of plastic zone at each checking point is assumed.This method is applied to several examples, and its usefulness and validity is demonstrated by comparing with the results of the finite element analysis. Necessary computer time for the example analysis by this new method was found to be 1/601/100 by F. E. M.

Generalization of the plastic node method

In this paper, the plastic node method previously developed by the authors is further extended so that plastification can be examined at any point in the element including the nodal points. The accuracy of collapse loads obtained by the plastic node method should be improved by selecting suitable checking points for plasticity considering the characteristics of stres distribution assumed in the element. The theoretical background of the plastic node method is also argued, especially paying attention to the mechanism of the plastic deformation in the elements. As a result, it is proven that this method can generate plastic hinges, plastic hinge lines and plastic slip lines in the selected elements. Applying this generalized plastic node method, several examples are analyzed including the elastic-plastic analysis of solid bodies, and the validity and usefulness of this method are demonstrated.

Plastic Collocation Method Considering Strain-hardening Effects

Previously, the authors developed the plastic collocation method for elastic-plastic analyses of homogeneous continuum in any geometrical shape. In this method, using ordinary finite elements, plastification is examined at the checking points for plasticity properly selected in the element. Regarding the yield conditions at the checking points as plastic potentials, and applying the plastic flow theory, the elastic-plastic stiffness matrices can be derived without integration over the element. Moreover, suitable selection of the checking points considering characteristics of the stress distributions in the element leads to improvement of the accuracy of the collapse loads.In this paper, expanding the basic theory of the plastic collocation method, a general theory for the analyses considering strain-hardening effects is proposed. In the plastic collocation method, plastic deformations are concentrated only to the nodes. Then, to take into account of strain-hardening effects, it becomes necessary to evaluate the spread of plastic region in the element and condense strain-hardening effects therein to be represented as the strain-hardening rate with respect to the plastic nodal displacements. Applying this expanded theory, several examples are analysed, and the effectiveness of this method is demonstrated.

What Research is Needed in Reliability and Failure Prevention in the Field of Anti-Earthquake Design of Industrial Facilities

This short article deals with the research needs of reliability and failure prevention in the field of anti-earthquake design of industrial facilities like nuclear power stations, oil refineries, and petro-chemical industries. The discussion will start from the current design flow and will look for the reliability concept in the flow. We usually put design margins everywhere in the design flow. And this design margin can be directly converted into the reliability failure, if we have appropriate data. The author examines the design parameters and tries to find what type of data is needed for this purpose. Next step is data collection of modes of failure which were observed in past destructive earthquakes. These data lead us to design checking points. Unless we have exact knowledge of how equipment, piping, vessels, and other installation failed, we can not design them nor evaluate failure probability of these items. The failure prevention procedure of such plants under destructive earthquake conditions has not been well established. In the case of earthquake engineering, this subject should involve failure prevention, failure detection during earthquake, and post-earthquake inspection after the event. One of the roles of reliability analysis in this field is evaluation of the overall probability of occurrence of plant disasters, like the Three Mile Island accident, under a certain level of destructive earthquakes. The author quickly reviews what data are needed for this purpose and what data are currently unavailable. The example will be taken fron nuclear power station study.

Two Portable Substandards of Frequency

Descriptions are given of two multivibrator instruments for the generation of closely spaced spot frequencies from the middle-upper audio-frequency band to 35 Mc/s. Crystals are used for the locking of the multivibrators and for the provision of checking points. The frequency stability of both instruments is good, and their accuracy, depending upon the care taken in setting up, can be high. External power supplies are required.

Production Planning for Navy Training Films<!--<xref ref-type="other" rid="fn1-10.5594_J07394">*</xref>-->

Navy training film production procedures have been developed through nearly 2 years of production experience in the special problems of making films for the Navy. Procedures are designed to permit full use of commercial, industrial, and Navy film production facilities, and, at the same time, to insure full Navy control of film content, presentation, and security. — The production of a successful Navy training film requires close coöperation among the Navy activities requesting films, the Training Film Branch, and the film producer. Coordination of effort is established and maintained by means of a schedule of production which provides all contributors with a series of definite checking points. As each check point is reached, all persons concerned review progress and approve or disapprove plans for subsequent action. The established procedure for production reduces the time and cost of production, clarifies thinking in terms of the training purpose of the film, and assigns specific responsibility for each stage of film development. Only when these aims are accomplished can a training film meet the Navy standard of excellence.