We studied the topic of depth sensing camera calibration. Two devices Microsoft Kinectand Swissranger SR-4000, that work on different physical principles, were investigated.Both 3D cameras were described and subjected to experiments in order to evaluatetheir performance. Several systematic error sources were identified and we proposedmethods to compensate for them. A comparison of reconstruction performance of both3D cameras and a stereo-pair of conventional cameras was presented. Finally, we showedan application of the depth sensing camera together with conventional color camera inarea of complex scene reconstruction. / <p>Validerat; 20110825 (anonymous)</p>

Radar sounders (RS) are active instruments that have proved to be able to profile the subsurface of planetary bodies. The design of RS instruments, as well as the interpretation of the acquired data, is a non-trivial task due to the complexity of the scenario of acquisition and the limited amount of information on the targets (especially in planetary exploration). In this context, data simulations are necessary to support the design of the radar, the development of the related processing chain, and the definition of algorithms for the automatic analysis of data. However, state-of-the-art RS simulation methods are characterized by different trade-offs between simulation accuracy and computational costs. On the one hand, numerical methods, such as the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) technique, allow to accurately model the wave-target interaction by exactly solving Maxwell's equations at the cost of very high computational requirements. On the other hand, optical methods, such as the ray-tracing based Multi-layer Coherent Simulator (MCS), rely on approximated solution of Maxwell's equations that allow for a better usage of computational resources at the cost of a less accurate modeling. Moreover, simulators produce raw or range-compressed only data, making it difficult to interpret and analyze them via direct comparison with the real data, which are typically processed also for azimuth compression. In this thesis, we present four main contributions related to the simulation of RS data to address the above-mentioned limitations. The first and second contributions thus present 3D simulations of selected targets of two new RS instruments, i.e., the Radar for Icy Moon Exploration (RIME) and the EnVision Subsurface Radar Sounder (SRS). The simulations are performed with the FDTD and MCS simulators. Despite producing good results in terms of detection probability of the selected targets, these two contributions highlight the above-mentioned gaps in the literature of simulation of RS data. The first main limitation is the lack of methods that can accurately model both large and small-scale scattering phenomena at relatively low computational costs. This problem is addressed by the third contribution of this thesis, which presents a novel integrated simulation technique that models both large and small-scale surface scattering phenomena by combining the advantages of the FDTD and MCS techniques, in an accurate and computationally efficient way. The second problem identified is the lack of SAR processing techniques to be applied to the simulated radargrams. This is addressed in the fourth contribution which presents a range-Doppler method for focusing raw radar sounder data simulated with 3D coherent electromagnetic simulators. The method is general and can be applied to any electromagnetic simulator, and is demonstrated for both the FDTD and MCS methods. The results presented throughout the thesis indicate that the proposed methods advance the state-of-the-art of techniques for both generating and processing simulated RS data.

Building upon previous research on Digital Light Projection (DLP) 3D printing for microfluidics, in this thesis I performed the detailed design and fabrication of a novel DLP 3D printer to increase resolution and device footprint flexibility. This new printer has a pixel resolution twice that of our group’s previous printers (3.8 μm vs 7.6 μm). I demonstrated a new state of the art for minimum channel width, reducing the minimum width to 15 μm wide (and 30 μm tall). This is an improvement over the previous smallest width of 20 μm. This printer also has the capacity to perform multiple spatially distinct exposures per printed layer and stitch them into one interconnected device. Image stitching enables printing devices with identical build areas to previous printers, and with smaller pixel pitch. I pursued validation of this stitching capacity by fabricating channel devices with features crossing the stitched image boundary, with the goal of printing channels that would flow fluid consistently and without leaking. To accomplish this, I began by characterizing the print parameters for successfully printing single microfluidics channels across the stitched image boundary, and then I explored the sensitivity of my method to multiple crossings of the image boundary by printing a stacked serpentine channel that crossed the stitched image boundary 392 times. This demonstrated that an arbitrary number of stitched boundary crossings are feasible and thus a high degree of complex device component integration across these boundaries is also possible. These developments will be useful in future research and design of 3D printed microfluidic devices.

Purpose/Objectives: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) provide advantages in delivery of radiation allowing conformality of delivered dose to the planning target and reducing dose to organs at risk (OAR), however, at the potential cost of low dose spread. Due to the central location of the esophagus and GE junction, dose to lungs, heart, spinal cord, liver, and kidneys must be considered. Low dose spread is of particular concern with respect to healthy lung tissue. This study comprehensively compares volumetric dose statistics of the standard three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) compared with VMAT and IMRT for distal esophageal cancer treatment. Materials/Methods: Forty patients who underwent pre-operative radiation therapy for esophageal cancer between 2012-2014 were retrieved from our database. Pinnacle planning software was used to create 3D-CRT, VMAT and IMRT radiation plans for all patients. Forty-five (45) Gy was prescribed for each patient with D95% > 42.75Gy for the planning target volume (PTV). All plans were optimized to maintain PTV coverage while reducing dose to OAR with specific emphasis on lung and heart dose. Volumetric dose statistics were obtained, and Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare 3D-CRT vs IMRT and VMAT for Conformity Index, Integral Dose, Monitor Units, lung (V5Gy, V20Gy, mean, max), heart (V30Gy, mean, max), spinal cord max, bilateral kidneys (V20Gy, mean) and liver mean dose. Comparison was also made for IMRT vs VMAT. Results: For both IMRT and VMAT compared with 3D-CRT, statistically significant pairwise differences were noted for Conformity Index (-28.51%, -30.70%, P<.001), Integral Dose (-14.0%, -14.8%, P<.001), Monitor Units (107.2%, 80.4%, P<.001), lung (V20Gy: -49.7%,-57.4%, mean: -20.3%,-24.9%, P <.001), heart (V30Gy : -10.1%,-14.3%, mean -10.4%,-13.4%, P <.001), spinal cord (max 13.3%,9.5%, P <.001) and liver (mean -29.9%,-24.3%, P <.001). No significant differences were noted for VMAT and IMRT compared with 3D-CRT for lung (V5Gy, max dose), heart (max dose) and bilateral kidneys (mean). VMAT did offer statistically significant improvement in Conformity Index, Monitor Units, lung V20Gy and mean dose as well as heart V30Gy and mean dose compared to IMRT. Conclusion: VMAT and IMRT offer excellent sparing of key organs (lung, heart) with respect to volumetric constraints. Max point doses as well as lung V5Gy, which can be an indication of low dose spread for esophageal treatment, were not conclusively different. While 3D-CRT offers acceptable treatment, VMAT should be the standard modality of radiation treatment where facilities exist. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

<P> This study investigates ways to improve the accuracy of 3D geologic models by assessing the impact of data quality, grid complexity, data quantity and distribution, interpolation algorithm and program selection on model accuracy. The first component of this research examines the impact of variable quality data on 3D model outputs and presents a new methodology to optimize the impact of high quality data, while minimizing the impact of low quality data on the model results. This 'Quality Weighted' modelling approach greatly improves model accuracy when compared with un-weighted models. </p> <p> The second component of the research assesses the variability and influence of data quantity, data distribution, algorithm selection, and program selection on the accuracy of 3D geologic models. A series of synthetic grids representing environments of varying complexity were created from which data subsets were extracted using specially developed MA TLAB scripts. The modelled data were compared back to the actual synthetic values and statistical tests were conducted to quantify the impact of each variable on the accuracy of the model predictions. The results indicate that grid complexity is the predominant control on model accuracy, more data do not necessarily produce more accurate models, and data distribution is particularly important when relatively simple environments are modelled. A major finding of this study is that in some situations, the software program selected for modelling can have a greater influence on model accuracy than the algorithm used for interpolation. When modelling spatial data there is always a high level of uncertainty, especially in subsurface environments where the unit(s) of interest are defined by data only available in select locations. The research presented in this thesis can be used to guide the selection of modelling parameters used in 3D subsurface investigations and will allow the more effective and efficient creation of accurate 3D models. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Indianapolis / In this thesis, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) filaments were produced for 3D printing applications using melt extrusion. The use of CNF reinforcement has the potential to improve the mechanical properties of PLA, making it a more suitable material for various 3D printing applications. To produce the nanocomposites, a master batch with a high concentration of CNFs was premixed with PLA, and then diluted to final concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 wt% during the extrusion process. The dilution was carried out to assess the effects of varying CNF concentrations on the morphology and mechanical properties of the composites. The results showed that the addition of 3 wt.% CNF significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the PLA composites. Specifically, the tensile strength increased by 77.7%, the compressive strength increased by 62.7%, and the flexural strength increased by 60.2%. These findings demonstrate that the melt extrusion of CNF reinforced PLA filaments is a viable approach for producing nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties for 3D printing applications. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential of CNF reinforcement in improving the mechanical properties of PLA for 3D printing applications. The results can provide valuable information for researchers and industries in the field of 3D printing and materials science, as well as support the development of more advanced and sustainable 3D printing materials.

Artificial tactile recognition systems can provide valuable information about the surroundings and would enable artificial systems like prostheses and robotics to protect themselves against damage. However, making the desired geometry of sensing elements in flexible and stretchable sensors is a problem to be addressed. To overcome these hurdles, 3D printing technology can introduce advantages such as ease of design and rapid prototyping of complex geometries for soft sensors. Here, we report a conductive, biocompatible and antimicrobial 3D printed electronic skin (e-skin) based on a combination of platinum-cured silicone inks alongside carbon nanofibers (CNF). We adapted and standardized 3D printing parameters to obtain consistent CNF-based structural patterns and geometries. We explored the influence of printing angles and infill density on the mechanical properties of the printed structure, and utilized them to build complex resistive sensors with conductivity values of up to 120 S m-1, stretchability of up to 1000%, and 1200% increased pressure sensitivity in comparison to bulk sensors. We investigated the biocompatibility and antibacterial action of our material, and developed relieved pigmented e-skin sensor parts that can be integrated into robotic limbs to measure touch and a wide range of human motions demonstrating its promising integration in smart robotic sensing.

This research presents a novel capacitive-sensing-based method to measure fluid velocity for microfluidics devices. To illustrate the importance of fluid velocity measurement, a case study was first conducted for a split and recombine micromixer. The study underscored the influence of fluid velocity on micromixer efficiency and mixing quality. The proposed fluid velocity measurement method employs two capacitance sensing electrodes placed along the fluid channel, capable of detecting small capacitance changes as fluid passing through the sensing area. The relation between capacitance changes and fluid velocity in the proposed sensing structures was developed and hence used to estimate fluid velocity. The proposed technique does not require extensive bench equipment and is suitable for point-of-care applications. To validate our approach, we implemented a two-step 3D printing process, creating a Polylactic acid (PLA) micro platform with embedded graphene–PLA composite electrodes. The accuracy of the developed method was investigated by cross-verifying the obtained velocities with an optical measurement method. Most absolute percentage discrepancies between the results from the proposed method and the optical method are under 12%, validating the precision of the proposed method. Future research will focus on integrating this velocity measurement method into microfluidic devices produced using advanced microfabrication technologies.

Der technische Fortschritt hat dazu geführt, dass die Kosten für das automatisierte Drucken von Emblemen, Anhängern sowie allgemein gedruckten Prototypen stark gefallen sind. Dies geschah insbesondere auch vor dem Hintergrund einesWandels der Industrie hin zu einer modernen Industrie 4.0. In dieser Arbeit wird ein neuer Ansatz für das automatische 3D-Drucken eines Logos präsentiert, welches als Pixelgrafik vorliegt. Die vorgeschlagene Prozesskette erzeugt hierbei final den G-code zum Drucken. Dabei sind seitens des Users wenige Eingaben erforderlich.

This report will discuss principle, primary and finally manufacturing structure. We were asked to produce a 3D milling to processing the prototype material that is used on the University of Halmstad. From conceptual drawings to produce components for this project have we together with a number of company take developed the right components for this project. We have calculated and analyzed the construction to get the best result for it purpose. Unfortunately have the process to produce the 3D milling has been stopped because of deficient budget and time. We are going to produce the 3D milling mechanical as long as the budget and the time allow. The University of Halmstad will have completed drawings and all of the documentations of the project to complete the 3D milling when the time is right.