Engineering Commons^™

Three-Dimensional Shape Characterization For Particle Aggregates Using Multiple Projective Representations, Jonathan Paul Corriveau

Theses and Dissertations

Shape descriptors are used extensively in computer vision/automated recognition applications such as fingerprint matching, robotics, character recognition, etc. The conventional two-dimensional shape descriptors used in these applications do not readily lend themselves to compact representations in three dimensions. The situation is even more challenging when one attempts to numerically describe the three-dimensional shapes of a mixture of objects such as in an aggregate mix.

The goal of this study is the design, development and validation of automated image processing algorithms that can estimate three-dimensional shape-descriptors for particle aggregates. The thesis demonstrates that a single set of numbers representing a composite …

An Investigation Of Multi-Dimensional Evolutionary Algorithms For Virtual Reality Scenario Development, Scott Papson

Theses and Dissertations

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful visualization tool for design, simulation, and analysis in modem complex industrial systems. The primary motivation for this thesis is to develop a framework for the effective use of VR in design-simulation-analysis cycles, particularly in situations involving large, complex, multi-dimensional data-sets. This thesis develops a framework that is intended to support not only the integration of such data for visual, interactive, and immersive displays, but also provides a method for performing risk analysis. Previously "static" VR environments are enhanced with time-evolutionary capabilities. Four candidate algorithms are evaluated for this purpose – deterministic modeling, …

Vlsi Implementation Of An Efficient Method For The Computation Of Line Spectral Frequencies, David L. Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

In speech coding applications using linear predictive techniques, the computation of line spectral frequencies (LSFs) from the predictor coefficients is an extremely computationally intensive task. The unique properties of the symmetric and antisymmetric polynomial roots limit the region which must be searched, however it is still necessary to perform a root-finding algorithm on a high-order polynomial.

Certain algorithms have been developed to reduce the complexity of the root finding exercise. One such algorithm, developed by Ramachandran and Kabal, takes advantage of certain properties of the symmetric and antisymmetric polynomials to map the upper portion of the unit circle onto the …

Daubechies And Quadratic B-Spline Wavelets For Automated Early Diagnosis Of Alzheimer's Disease, Genevieve Jacques

Theses and Dissertations

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder characterized by nerve degeneration and neuronal death. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease at an early stage is a major concern due to the lack of a standard and effective diagnosis procedure available to community healthcare providers, as well as the increasing numbers of the elderly population affected. Clinical evaluation, the standard AD diagnostic procedure conducted at major university hospitals and research clinics, achieves, on average, a positive predictive value of 93%, with a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 55% and an overall accuracy of 75%. An effective and objective tool for early diagnosis of …

Heterogeneous Multi-Sensor Data Fusion Using Geometric Transformations And Parzen Windows For The Nondestructive Evaluation Of Gas Transmission Pipelines, Joseph Anthony Oagaro

Theses and Dissertations

The natural gas transmission pipeline network in the United States is a key component of the nation's energy supply infrastructure and extends for over 280,000 miles and has an average age of over 60 years. The integrity of the pipeline is maintained by periodic inline inspections using magnetic or ultrasonic pigs. Defect characterization algorithms developed using current pigging data are hampered by the fact that single inspection techniques (either magnetic or ultrasonic) do not yield sufficient information for accurately and repeatably characterizing defects. This thesis demonstrates that defect characterization algorithms using multiple inspection techniques can accomplish this task. In particular, …

Evaluation Of Interlayer Bonding In Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements, Stephen M. Gomba

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the potential of falling weight deflectometer (FWD) data for use in quantifying the level of interlayer bonding achieved in pavements. Data was obtained and used from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) National Airport Pavement Test Facility located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In this test facility, a section of the pavement had encountered a loss of bond between lifts of the surface hot mix asphalt (HMA) layer. FWD tests had been performed at locations throughout the pavement, on a monthly basis for the duration of the loading period. The FWD data, along with detailed material property data, …