Slow Motion Video Research Articles

Transition effect detection for extracting highlights in baseball videos

In this research, a transition effect detection scheme for identifying possible highlight segments in baseball videos will be presented. The effects that are inserted manually by the broadcasters for signaling the slow-motion segments will be extracted and the frames containing such effects can serve as anchor positions for further processing. A set of video segments will first be chosen to construct the ‘transition effect template’ for the archived video. The candidate frames will be compared with this template for searching the slow-motion video segments. In baseball videos, we further construct the ‘pitching view template’ so that the starting positions of the video segments of interest can be located. By processing these segments only, we may further employ such method as hidden Markov model to classify their content. The major contribution of this research is the usage of compressed-domain features to achieve the efficiency. The experimental results show the feasibility of the proposed scheme.

Clothing increases the risk of indirect ballistic fractures

BackgroundCurrent literature has shown the mechanism of how indirect fractures occur but has not determined what factors increase the risks of such fractures. The objective of this study is thus to determine the effect of clothing and soft tissue thickness on the risk of indirect fracture formation.MethodsTwenty-five fresh red deer femora embedded in ballistic gelatine were shot with varying distances off their medial cortex with a 5.56 × 45 mm North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) bullet while being filmed with a slow-motion video. We compared the effect of two different gelatine depths and the effect of denim cloth laid onto the impact surface of the moulds.ResultsBullet passage in thinner moulds failed to cause fracture because the bullet exited the mould before a large expanding temporary cavity was produced. Clothing dramatically altered the size and depth of the expanding cavity, as well as increased lateral pressures, resulting in more severe fractures with greater bullet distances from the bone that can cause fracture.ConclusionsClothing increases the risk of indirect fracture and results in larger, more superficial temporary cavities, with greater lateral pressures than are seen in unclothed specimens, resulting in more comminuted fractures. Greater tissue depth affords the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO a chance to yaw and thus develop an enlarging temporary cavity that is sufficient to cause fracture.

The Fallacies of the Assumptions Behind the Arguments for Goal-Line Technology in Soccer

Lately, a number of referee decisions appear to have reignited the debate over the need to bring more in-game officiating technology into soccer. The fallacies behind the arguments for the inclusion of technology to aid game officials can be narrowed down to those behind current arguments for or against goal-line technology. Both the proponents and opponents of these arguments appear to overemphasise the role of referees to the point of claiming that if refereeing errors could be eliminated in goal-line situations, then the most deserving team would most of the time be expected to win the contest. While we firmly believe that the game of soccer would benefit immensely from infallible officiating, we intend to show that these arguments are founded upon a number of inconspicuous assumptions. First, they assume that goal-line situations can be shown to affect the outcomes of games more than all other game situations. This can easily be shown to be a myth, since goals can be scored from all areas of the playing field. In addition, winning a soccer game, obviously, involves more than just scoring goals. Second, these arguments seem to support the view that referee decisions affect the outcomes of games more than decisions made by players, coaches and managers. This is merely a myth, since one can show that, in light of Cesar Torres's insights, referee involvement in game is limited to regulating situations that demand that the game be restored to its constitutive actualisation. Third, most arguments for goal-line technology tend to support the erroneous view that technology can actually eliminate most ‘crucial’ human mistakes from sport and, thus, ensure fairness of game outcomes. Such a myth can easily be refuted by reference to numerous cases of inconclusive slow-motion video replays in soccer. Therefore, this paper aims at arguing that, instead of reinforcing the scapegoating of referees and overemphasising the importance of isolated referee decisions to the point of attributing victory or defeat to these ‘crucial’ decisions, both sides of the goal-line technology debate need to put forth compelling arguments which go beyond the current misguided search for referee infallibility.

Sperm transfer or spermatangia removal: postcopulatory behaviour of picking up spermatangium by female Japanese pygmy squid

In the Japanese pygmy squid Idiosepius paradoxus, females often pick up the spermatangium using their mouth (buccal mass) after copulation. To examine whether the female I. paradoxus directly transfers sperm into the seminal receptacle via this picking behaviour, or removes the spermatangium, we conducted detailed observations of picking behaviour in both virgin and copulated females and compared the sperm storage conditions in the seminal receptacle between females with and without spermatangia picking after copulation in virgin females. In all observations, elongation of the buccal mass occurred within 5 min after copulation. However, sperm volume in the seminal receptacle was not related to spermatangia picking. Observations using slow-motion video revealed that females removed the spermatangia by blowing or eating after picking. These results suggest that picking behaviour is used for sperm removal but not for sperm transfer. Moreover, the frequency of buccal mass elongation was higher in copulated females than in virgin females, consistent with the sequential mate choice theory whereby virgin females secure sperm for fertilisation, while previously copulated females are more selective about their mate. Female I. paradoxus may choose its mate cryptically through postcopulatory picking behaviour.

A New Video Compression Method using DCT/DWT and SPIHT based on Accordion Representation

As a rule, a video signal has high temporal redundancies due to the high correlation between successive frames. This redundancy has not been deflated enough by current video compression techniques. In this paper, we present a new video compression technique which tends to hard exploit the relevant temporal redundancy in the video to improve solidity efficiency with minimum processing complexity. It includes 3D (Three Dimension) to 2D (Three Dimension) transformation of the video that allows exploring the temporal redundancy of the video using 2D transforms and avoiding the computationally demanding motion recompense step. This transformation converts the spatial and temporal correlation of the video signal into a high spatial correlation. Indeed, this technique transforms each group of pictures into one picture eventually with high spatial correlation. SPIHT (Set Partitioning in Hierarchical Trees) exploits the properties of the wavelet-transformed images to increase its efficiency. Thus, the De-correlation of the resulting pictures by the DWT (Discrete Wavelet Transform) makes efficient energy compaction, and therefore produces a high video compression ratio. Many experimental tests had been conducted to prove the technique efficiency especially in high bit rate and with slow motion video.

A Comparative Study of Eustachian Tube Functions in Normal and Diseased Ears with Tympanometry and Videonasopharyngoscopy

Eustachian tube is a bony and fibrocartilagenous tube extending from the antero-inferior part of middle ear cleft to lateral wall of the nasopharynx. Its main functions are ventilation of middle ear to equalize the middle ear pressure with atmospheric pressure and mucociliary clearance. The functioning of eustachian tube has a direct impact on normal middle ear function. As a corollary, dysfunction of eustachian tube inevitably leads to retraction of the tympanic membrane initially and sterile effusion and subsequent conductive deafness later. Secretory otitis media today is the most common cause of conductive deafness in children with an intact ear drum. Evaluation of function of eustachian tube assumes paramount importance in this scenario. To evaluate eustachian tube functions in normal and diseased ears with tympanometry and videonasopharyngoscopy and to compare the tympanometric tests of eustachian tube function with videonasopharyngoscopy and to assess their reliability. The study was conducted at Army hospital (R&R) Delhi Cantt from October 2005 to April 2007. Hundred (100) ears were examined and were divided into two groups, the control group with normal tympanic membrane on otoscopy and case group with complaints of diminished hearing and intact but retracted tympanic membrane. Their eustachian tube function was evaluated by tympanometric tests and videonasopharyngoscopy. Thereafter a comparison was made between the two. The study revealed that videonasopharyngoscopy was highly accurate and reliable test for eustachian tube function as compared to tympanometry. Slow motion video analysis of eustachian tube dynamics is a useful tool for further understanding the pathophysiology of tubal dysfunction.

An Automated Measurement of Ciliary Beating Frequency using a Combined Optical Flow and Peak Detection

ObjectivesThe mucociliary transport system is a major defense mechanism of the respiratory tract. The performance of mucous transportation in the nasal cavity can be represented by a ciliary beating frequency (CBF). This study proposes a novel method to measure CBF by using optical flow.MethodsTo obtain objective estimates of CBF from video images, an automated computer-based image processing technique is developed. This study proposes a new method based on optical flow for image processing and peak detection for signal processing. We compare the measuring accuracy of the method in various combinations of image processing (optical flow versus difference image) and signal processing (fast Fourier transform [FFT] vs. peak detection [PD]). The digital high-speed video method with a manual count of CBF in slow motion video play, is the gold-standard in CBF measurement. We obtained a total of fifty recorded ciliated sinonasal epithelium images to measure CBF from the Department of Otolaryngology. The ciliated sinonasal epithelium images were recorded at 50-100 frames per second using a charge coupled device camera with an inverted microscope at a magnification of ×1,000.ResultsThe mean square errors and variance for each method were 1.24, 0.84 Hz; 11.8, 2.63 Hz; 3.22, 1.46 Hz; and 3.82, 1.53 Hz for optical flow (OF) + PD, OF + FFT, difference image [DI] + PD, and DI + FFT, respectively. Of the four methods, PD using optical flow showed the best performance for measuring the CBF of nasal mucosa.ConclusionsThe proposed method was able to measure CBF more objectively and efficiently than what is currently possible.

The Vermicelli and Capellini Handling Tests: Simple quantitative measures of dexterous forepaw function in rats and mice

Previous characterizations of rodent eating behavior have revealed that they use coordinated forepaw movements to manipulate food pieces. We have extended upon this work to develop a simple quantitative measure of forepaw dexterity that is sensitive to lateralized impairments and age-dependent changes. Rodents learn skillful forepaw and digit movements to manage thin pasta pieces, which they eagerly consume. We have previously described methods for quantifying vermicelli handling in rats and showed that the measures are very sensitive to forelimb impairments resulting from unilateral ischemic lesions, middle cerebral artery occlusions and unilateral striatal dopamine depletion [Allred, R.P., Adkins, D.L., Woodlee, M.T., Husbands, L.C., Maldonado M.A., Kane, J.R., Schallert, T. & Jones, T.A. The Vermicelli Handling Test: a simple quantitative measure of dexterous forepaw function in rats. J. Neurosci. Methods 170, 229-244 (2008)]. Here we present a more detailed protocol for this test in rats and compare it with a newly developed version for mice, the Capellini Handling Test. Rats and mice are videotaped while handling short lengths of uncooked vermicelli or capellini pasta, respectively, with a camera positioned to optimize the view of paw movements. Slow motion video playback allows for the identification of forepaw adjustments, defined as any distinct removal and replacement of the paw, or of any number of digits, on the pasta piece after eating commences. Forepaw adjustments per piece are averaged over trials per each testing session. Repeated testing permits sensitive quantitative analysis of changes in forepaw dexterity over time. Protocols for pre-testing habituation and handling practice, as well as procedures for characterizing atypical handling patterns, are described. Because rats and mice perform the pasta handling tests slightly differently, species-specific differences in administration and scoring of these tests are highlighted. All animal use was in accordance with protocols approved by the University of Texas at Austin Animal Care and Use Committee.

The Vermicelli and Capellini Handling Tests: Simple quantitative measures of dexterous forepaw function in rats and mice

Previous characterizations of rodent eating behavior have revealed that they use coordinated forepaw movements to manipulate food pieces. We have extended upon this work to develop a simple quantitative measure of forepaw dexterity that is sensitive to lateralized impairments and age-dependent changes. Rodents learn skillful forepaw and digit movements to manage thin pasta pieces, which they eagerly consume. We have previously described methods for quantifying vermicelli handling in rats and showed that the measures are very sensitive to forelimb impairments resulting from unilateral ischemic lesions, middle cerebral artery occlusions and unilateral striatal dopamine depletion [Allred, R.P., Adkins, D.L., Woodlee, M.T., Husbands, L.C., Maldonado M.A., Kane, J.R., Schallert, T. & Jones, T.A. The Vermicelli Handling Test: a simple quantitative measure of dexterous forepaw function in rats. J. Neurosci. Methods 170, 229-244 (2008)]. Here we present a more detailed protocol for this test in rats and compare it with a newly developed version for mice, the Capellini Handling Test. Rats and mice are videotaped while handling short lengths of uncooked vermicelli or capellini pasta, respectively, with a camera positioned to optimize the view of paw movements. Slow motion video playback allows for the identification of forepaw adjustments, defined as any distinct removal and replacement of the paw, or of any number of digits, on the pasta piece after eating commences. Forepaw adjustments per piece are averaged over trials per each testing session. Repeated testing permits sensitive quantitative analysis of changes in forepaw dexterity over time. Protocols for pre-testing habituation and handling practice, as well as procedures for characterizing atypical handling patterns, are described. Because rats and mice perform the pasta handling tests slightly differently, species-specific differences in administration and scoring of these tests are highlighted. All animal use was in accordance with protocols approved by the University of Texas at Austin Animal Care and Use Committee.

Reliability of Distal Upper Extremity Posture Matching Using Slow-Motion and Frame-by-Frame Video Methods

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of video playback speed on posture matching reliability of the distal upper extremity. Video is frequently used in ergonomic assessments, yet there remains a need to determine the effects of viewing speed on posture observations. Participants were 7 graduate students experienced with posture-based observational methods. Categorical posture scales were used to evaluate forearm pronation/supination, wrist flexion/extension, wrist radioulnar deviation,and hand activity from workplace video at three playback speeds (quarter, half, and real time). Wrist flexion/extension was also evaluated with a frame-by-frame video method. Posture counts increased with slower viewing speeds for the wrist and hand, but percentage durations in each posture category were similar for all methods. Posture matching interrater reliability scores increased with slow-motion video playback but remained low even for quarter-time video playback. The highest interrater scores were found in the frame-by-frame analysis of wrist flexion/extension for three posture categories (percentage agreement = 84.9% +/- 1.3%; kappa = 0.54 +/- 0.02). Although slower video playback speeds increased the number of posture counts for the wrist and hand scales, percentage durations were similar, and reliability scores increased only slightly with slow-motion video playback. Reviewing video using slow-motion or frame-by-frame methods improves distal upper extremity posture matching reliability. However, ergonomic assessment tools based on percentage duration may not be appreciably enhanced by slowing viewing speed. Thus, the increased viewing time with slower playback should be justified with respect to assessment needs.

Cross-hatching: A novel technique for Eustachian tuboplasty. Preliminary report

Objective To evaluate laser-assisted cross-hatching technique for treatment of patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction. Study Design Prospective, institutional review board-approved surgical trial. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Subjects and Methods A total of 25 patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction underwent laser Eustachian tuboplasty with cross-hatching technique (CHT). Surgery involved use of the argon laser to cross-hatch the posterior cushion to modify the curvature of the cartilage of the posterior cushion and to alter the spring of the cartilage to make it wider and larger, thereby alleviating the obstructive dysfunction of the tube. None of the patients had any concurrent disease or surgical procedure. Results There were no surgical complications. Following CHT, subjective symptoms of an ear blockage improved in 23 of 25 (92%) patients. Posterior cushion curvature became softer and wider, and the valve appeared more open postoperatively on simple endoscopy (SE) and slow motion video endoscopic analysis (SMVEA). Mean pure-tone average improved by 10 dB (30 dB preoperatively vs 20 dB postoperatively; P = 0.015). Abnormal tympanogram improved in 24 of 25 (96%) patients. Failure of the procedure correlated with severity of cartilage deformation and valve obstruction as measured by both SE and SMVEA. Mean follow-up was 15 months (range 3-37 months). Conclusion Cross-hatching technique for Eustachian tuboplasty appears to be a safe and useful technique for treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Automatic diagnosis of vocal fold paresis by employing phonovibrogram features and machine learning methods

The clinical diagnosis of voice disorders is based on examination of the rapidly moving vocal folds during phonation (f0: 80–300 Hz) with state-of-the-art endoscopic high-speed cameras. Commonly, analysis is performed in a subjective and time-consuming manner via slow-motion video playback and exhibits low inter- and intra-rater reliability. In this study an objective method to overcome this drawback is presented being based on Phonovibrography, a novel image analysis technique. For a collective of 45 normophonic and paralytic voices the laryngeal dynamics were captured by specialized Phonovibrogram features and analyzed with different machine learning algorithms. Classification accuracies reached 93% for 2-class and 73% for 3-class discrimination. The results were validated by subjective expert ratings given the same diagnostic criteria. The automatic Phonovibrogram analysis approach exceeded the experienced raters’ classifications by 9%. The presented method holds a lot of potential for providing reliable vocal fold diagnosis support in the future.

An Ultrahigh-Speed, High-Sensitivity, Portable CCD Color Camera

The authors have been developing ultrahigh-speed, high-sensitivity broadcast cameras that are capable of capturing clear, smooth, slow-motion video even in conditions with limited lighting, such as at professional baseball games played at night. In 2003, the first broadcast color camera using three 80,000-pixel ultrahigh-speed, high-sensitivity charge-coupled devices (CCDs) was developed. This camera is capable of ultrahigh-speed video recording at up to 1,000,000 frames/sec, with about ten times the sensitivity of standard high-speed cameras. It has enabled an entirely new style of presentation for sports broadcasts and science programs. The authors continue research to improve the camera's resolution. This paper discusses the development of the first ever ultrahigh-speed high-sensitivity CCD with 300,000 pixels—a four-fold increase over the previous version, as well as the development of a single-chip portable color camera mounted with this CCD.

Focus on nanoscience and nanotechnology

Focus on nanoscience and nanotechnology

Dynamic slow motion video endoscopy in eustachian tube assessment

Purpose The aim of this study was to find out if there is a correlation between dynamic video endoscopic study of eustachian tube (ET) with middle ear disease and to grade ET movements based on dynamic slow motion video endoscopy (DSVE) findings and to determine if DSVE can be used as a useful tool to evaluate tubal function. Materials and methods A prospective, case control study was performed on 124 ears in 69 subjects who came to the ears, nose, and throat outpatient department. Transnasal endoscopic examination of the nasopharyngeal opening of the ET during rest, swallowing, and yawning was carried out to study its dilatory movements. Results In the control group, among the 61 ears studied, 37 ETs were found normal and 24 tubes, dysfunctional. In ears with middle ear disease (case group), 63 ETs were studied. Ten were found normal, and the remaining, dysfunctional. Ten patulous tubes were observed in this study: 3 in the control group and 7 in the case group. Tubal movements were classified into 4 grades depending on (1) appearance of tubal mucosa, (2) movements of the medial and lateral cartilaginous lamina, (3) lateral excursion and dilatory wave of the lateral pharyngeal wall, and (4) whether tubal lumen opened well or not. Upon correlation of results obtained on DSVE with middle ear disease, the P value was less than .0001, suggesting a significant relationship between the 2. Dynamic ET endoscopy findings of 121 ears (of the total 124 ears studied) were correlated with middle ear manometric studies using Mc Nemar χ 2 test. Seventy-five ears showed complete agreement, and 46 ears showed disagreement. The P value was found to be .000, showing a strong association between the 2 tests. On correlating dynamic ET endoscopy findings in 60 of 63 ears in the case group with middle ear manometry, we noticed that 38 ears showed complete agreement and 22 ears showed disagreement. The P value was found to be .007, which again showed significant agreement between the 2 tests. Conclusion Dynamic slow motion video endoscopic analysis of ET is a potentially useful tool in the quest for further understanding the pathophysiology of tubal dysfunction. We have attempted to grade ET movements based on severity of tubal pathology. We conclude that DSVE is a vital tool in diagnosing ET dysfunction in patients with middle ear disease. Additional study is required to assess the role of DSVE in predicting outcome after middle ear surgery.

Laser Eustachian Tuboplasty: Two‐Year Results

Laser eustachian tuboplasty (LETP) combined with appropriate medical management will eliminate the chronic presence of middle ear effusions in selected patients. The study population consisted of 13 adults with otitis media with effusion (OME). Patients underwent slow-motion video endoscopy to identify the location and extent of surgical resection. A diode or argon laser was used to vaporize areas of hypertrophic mucosa and submucosa along the cartilaginous eustachian tube. Patients were evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 months. Successful outcome was defined as absence of OME. Patients with evidence of reflux disease or allergic rhinitis were treated with medical therapy before surgery and throughout the follow-up period as indicated. LETP combined with medical management eliminated OME in 36% (4 of 11) of patients at 6 months, 40% (4 of 10) at 1 year, and 38% (3 of 8) at 2 years. Failure of LETP correlated with presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (P = .01) or allergic disease (P = .05) for the results at 1 year but not at 2 years. LETP combined with appropriate medical management may be an effective treatment in select patients with chronic persistent eustachian tube dysfunction. A controlled trial with a larger number of subjects will be necessary to determine the efficacy of LETP and identify those factors predictive of successful outcome.

A novel acoustic evaluation system of scratching in mouse dermatitis: Rapid and specific detection of invisibly rapid scratch in an atopic dermatitis model mouse

Scratching is an essential and a skin specific behavior induced by itching, which is a common symptom of atopic dermatitis (AD) and other types of dermatitis. Itching sensation and scratching are closely associated and thus scratching times are currently used for evaluating itching in animal models. However, objective measuring systems of scratching to assess the grade of dermatitis and the effectiveness of anti-pruritic drugs in animal dermatitis models are lacking. To investigate a quantitative evaluation system for itching, we have developed a novel acoustic scratching counting system and compared its accuracy with time-consuming slow-motion video recording system. We have also objectively evaluated the efficacy of an antihistamine using this novel system. Scratching behavior of an AD model mouse (K14 driven IL-18 transgenic mouse) was recorded visually and acoustically. Specific scratching sound produced by mice was recorded and counted using a software we have developed, and the results obtained using our acoustic system were not statistically different from data obtained using slow motion video system. Surprisingly, mice scratched more than 10 times/second, which was invisibly rapid motion and revealed inaccuracy of conventional hand counting system. Results were identical to that of measured by 10 times time costing slow-motion video analysis. The antihistamine is clearly effective for suppression of scratching as demonstrated using this objective and accurate method. This novel motion analysis system will open a window for physiological and pathological analysis for animal models and development of anti-pruritic drugs.

A Software-Hardware Co-Implementation of MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) Decoder with Block Level Pipelining

We present a baseline MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) decoder based on the methodology of joint optimization of software and hardware. The software is first optimized with algorithm improvements for frame buffer management, boundary padding, content-aware inverse transform and context-based entropy decoding. The overall decoding throughput is further enhanced by pipelining the software and the dedicated hardware at macroblock level. The decoder is partitioned into the software and hardware modules according to the target frame rate and complexity profiles. The hardware acceleration modules include motion compensation, inverse transform and loop filtering. By comparing the optimized decoder with the committee reference decoder of Joint Video Team (JVT), the experimental results show improvement on the decoding throughput by 7 to 8 times. On an ARM966 board, the optimized software without hardware acceleration can achieve a decoding rate up to 5.9 frames per second (fps) for QCIF video source. The overall throughput is improved by another 27% to 7.4 fps on the average and up to 11.5 fps for slow motion video sequences. Finally, we provide a theoretical analysis of the ideal performance of the proposed decoder.

High-resolution slow-motion sequencing: how to generate a slow-motion sequence from a bit stream

Video surveillance is one of the applications where high-resolution (HR) images are crucial. The frames need to be super resolved to obtain an HR description of the scene and must be replayed at a relatively slow speed. HR slow-motion sequencing refers to the task of creating an HR slow-motion video from a given video bit stream. A better visual quality of slow video sequence can be obtained by applying the HR slow-motion sequencing algorithm to any given low-resolution (LR) video sequence. This article presents a tutorial concept demonstration type. It describes the image acquisition model utilized by the super resolution (SR) technique. The article also explains the general methodology used by the existing video compression standards to see how the existing SR techniques exploit the bit stream information to obtain the HR sequence. The authors also describe the method employed in obtaining the HR slow-motion sequences and demonstrate the results of the developed algorithm for surveillance videos.

A Comparison of Analogue and Digital Video for Analysing the Temporal Phases of the Gait Cycle

Abstract The duration of the temporal phases of the gait cycle can be determined from a slow motion video by timing the intervals between each make and break of foot-floor contact using a multi-memory stopwatch. This technique has been shown to be valid and reliable when using an analogue VHS video. The new MiniDV digital video format has excellent image quality, but runs in slow motion at about twice the speed of the analogue system. This study compared these formats with one another for measuring temporal phases of the gait cycle. Twenty-one healthy young adults were included, and each subject walked a distance of 7 m at self-selected slow, medium and fast walking speeds. A digital camcorder was used to videotape the subjects. A copy of this recording was placed on an analogue VHS system. Each recording was played in slow motion and the temporal phases were measured using the stopwatch. This process was repeated 1 month later by the same investigator. Reliability and validity were tested through analysis of mean differences and 95% CI. Both the systems showed high intra-rater reliability. Mean difference between the two systems was 1.429% stride time for double support phases and −1.410% stride time for single support/swing phases.