In this thesis a system which extracts 3D surfaces of arbitrary scenes under natural illumination is constructed using low-cost, off-the-shelf components. The system is implemented over a network of workstations using standardized distributed software technology. The architecture of the system is highly influenced by the performance requirements of multimedia applications which require 3D computer vision. Visible scene surfaces are extracted using a passive multi-baseline stereo technique. The implementation efficiently supports any number of cameras in arbitrary positions through an effective rectification strategy. The distributed software components interact through CORBA and work cooperatively in parallel. Experiments are performed to assess the effects of various parameters on the performance of the system and to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

no / There are a wide variety of ways to objectively detect neurological signs, but these either require special hard-ware (such as wearable technology) or patient behaviour change (such as engagement with smartphone tasks) [2]. Neither constraint applies to the technology of computer vision, which is the processing of single or multiple camera images by computer to automatically derive useful information. The only equipment involved is ubiquitous: camera and computer.We report a computer vision-enhanced video sequence from a 68-year-old man, diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease 2 years previously.

Over the past several decades, moose (Alces alces) populations in New England have been in decline due to winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) parasitism. Winter ticks have been known to infest moose, with over 90,000 ticks being recorded on a single moose. These severe infestations, known as epizootics, are associated with high annual calf mortality rates (> 50%) and reductions in annual productivity (adult calving and twinning rates < 60% and 5%, respectively). Given this, it is increasingly important to effectively monitor moose and winter ticks to address consistent population decline of moose due to winter tick epizootics. The objectives of this work were to measure off-host winter tick abundance and associated environmental variables and compare off-host tick abundance in relation to moose abundance. To assess moose and winter tick abundance, I used a combination of camera traps and winter tick sampling. I set an array of 60 cameras across central-western Massachusetts, which contribute data to the Northeast Wildlife Monitoring Network. I used a plot-based sampling strategy that is effective for heterogenous habitat types to sample winter ticks at sites in western and central Massachusetts as well as the White Mountain National Forest and Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge in New Hampshire. The Penobscot Nation developed the tick sampling approach and contributed additional winter tick data from their sovereign trust lands in Maine. I used N-mixture models to generate estimates of tick abundance for each of the three study areas. Results from this study can inform monitoring strategies for ticks, predict epizootic severity, and develop tools to mitigate threats to moose. This is important for managers looking to prevent further declines in moose populations due to winter ticks and tribes seeking to maintain populations for sustenance.

We propose a methodology for calibrating the activity space and the cameras involved in video capture systems for upper extremity stroke rehabilitation. We discuss an in-home stroke rehabilitation system called Semi-Automated Rehabilitation At Home System (SARAH) and a clinic-based system called Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) developed by the Interactive Neuro-Rehabilitation Lab (INR) at Virginia Tech. We propose a calibration workflow for achieving invariant video capture across multiple therapy sessions. This ensures that the captured data is less noisy. In addition, there is prior knowledge of the captured activity space and patient location in the video frames provided to the Computer Vision algorithms analyzing the captured data. Such a standardized calibration approach improved machine learning analysis of patient movements and a higher rate of agreement across multiple therapists regarding the captured patient performance. We further propose a Multi-Camera Calibration approach to perform stereo camera calibration in SARAH and ARAT capture systems to help perform a 3D reconstruction of the activity space from 2D videos. The importance of the proposed activity space and camera calibration workflows, including new research paths opened as a result of our approach, are discussed in this thesis. / Master of Science / In this thesis, I describe the workflows I developed to perform calibration of stroke rehabilitation activity spaces, including the calibration of cameras involved in video capture systems for analyzing patient movements in stroke rehabilitation practices. The proposed workflows are designed to facilitate convenient user involvement in calibrating the video capture systems to provide invariant and consistent video captures, including the extraction of fine-grain information utilizing camera calibration results, to the therapists and computer vision-based automated systems for improved analysis of patient performance in stroke rehabilitation practices. The importance of human-in-the-loop systems, including future research paths to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between humans and Artificial Intelligence systems in stroke rehabilitation practices, is discussed. The quantitative and qualitative results generated from the workshops conducted to test and evaluate the calibration workflows align with the stakeholder's needs in stroke rehabilitation systems.

It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when the vehicle's stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing. Public opinion on this issue is very clear. A random phone survey of the public conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that more than 90 percent of respondents rated "passing a school bus that has its red lights flashing and the stop arm in full view" as a somewhat or extremely dangerous driving behavior (Boyle, Dienstfrey, and Sothoron, 1998). Despite this public opinion, there is evidence that the number of vehicles that illegally pass school buses each day is substantial. Based on data collected throughout the state of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation (1996) estimated that more than 10,000 vehicles illegally pass school buses every day. Similar findings were reported in Florida (Center for Urban Transportation Research, 1996). To address this problem, NHTSA sponsored a research effort aimed at developing an automated system for detecting and recording the license plates of vehicles as well as their drivers who illegally pass school buses. The overall objective of this research was to develop a prototype system that would automatically detect and record vehicles that illegally pass school buses (i.e., bus' stop-arm is extended and lights are flashing). Based on the results of technical, administrative, and legal feasibility analyses, system specifications were developed and a prototype unit was built. The prototype system was then field-tested in a variety of real-world conditions in both a controlled setting and on an actual school bus route. The results of the field test proved the prototype system to be comparable with other automated enforcement systems. Testing showed that recorded images were more identifiable when the violation occurred in the lane next to the school bus. In addition, frontal facial recordings were found to be 1.5 times more useful then profile recordings. It must be stressed that the purpose of the field test was to gather data that could be used in support of design recommendations and changes for the next generation of the system. / Master of Science

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(情報学) / 甲第25421号 / 情博第859号 / 新制||情||144(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院情報学研究科知能情報学専攻 / (主査)教授 西野 恒, 教授 西田 眞也, 教授 河原 達也 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Informatics / Kyoto University / DFAM

With autonomy becoming a reality for passenger cars, developing an autonomous for tractor-trailers is the next step for driverless roads. Tractor-trailers are heavy, large, and have a pivot joint between the tractor and trailer that makes the movement between the two more complicated. The purpose of the research presented here is to determine the best forward "looking" perception sensor that will see far out enough for the vehicle to stop in time to avoid hitting an object. In order to determine the best sensor, a review of previous sensors and autonomous vehicle sensors will be explored along with the various perception technology. Additionally, a simulation of a tractor-trailer stopping was created to determine the range necessary for a forward perception sensor and when jackknifing may occur. The best brake type for a tractor-trailer will be recommended as well. Finally, the best forward sensor and senor layout for an autonomous tractor-trailer is made based upon the simulation results for the stopping distance of a tractor-trailer. The work, however, is not fully complete. A discussion of the future work and validation of the sensors selected will give future research goals. / Master of Science / With autonomy becoming a reality for passenger cars, developing an autonomous for tractor-trailers is the next step for driverless roads. Tractor-trailers are heavy, large, and have a pivot joint between the tractor and trailer that makes the movement between the two more complicated. The purpose of the research presented here is to determine the best forward “looking” perception sensor that will see far out enough for the vehicle to stop in time to avoid hitting an object. In order to determine the best sensor, a review of previous sensors and autonomous vehicle sensors will be explored along with the various perception technology. Additionally, a simulation of a tractor-trailer stopping was created to determine the range necessary for a forward perception sensor and when jackknifing may occur. The best brake type for a tractor-trailer will be recommended as well. Finally, the best forward sensor and senor layout for an autonomous tractor trailer is made based upon the simulation results for the stopping distance of a tractor-trailer. The work, however, is not fully complete. A discussion of the future work and validation of the sensors selected will give future research goals.

Video content is a massive source of entertainment, education, and income for a large population of online users. As more reliance upon this medium enters the field of education, formal and informal, people need tools to enhance their ability to tell stories and engage an audience. A tool that easily adjusts without compromising the interaction, the storytelling, or the visual moment, while also capturing as much information as possible, might be of great benefit to all creators of video content. Allowing tutorial creators the ability to efficiently record multiple views of their content may better aid in presenting concepts while retaining the attention of the viewership. The opportunity to present information effectively may have impacts on fields including education as well as entertainment. This thesis aims to explore possible reasons why content can be made to retain the audience's attention and to create a tool utilizing these facets for far reaching possibilities. / Master of Science / Video content is a massive source of entertainment, education, and income for a large population of online users. As more reliance upon this medium enters the field of education, formal and informal, people need tools to enhance their ability to tell stories and engage an audience. A tool that easily adjusts without compromising the interaction, the storytelling, or the visual moment, while also capturing as much information as possible, might be of great benefit to all creators of video content. Allowing tutorial creators the ability to efficiently record multiple views of their content may better aid in presenting concepts while retaining the attention of the viewership. The opportunity to present information effectively may have impacts on fields including education as well as entertainment. This thesis aims to explore possible reasons why content can be made to retain the audience's attention and to create a tool utilizing these facets for far reaching possibilities.

Computed tomography for flame chemiluminescence emissions allows for 3D spatially resolved flame measurements to be acquired using a series of discrete viewing angle camera images. To determine fuel/air ratios, the ratio of excited radical species (OH*/CH*) emissions using chemiluminescence can be employed. Following the process of high-resolution tomography reconstructions in this work allowed for flame tomography coupled with chemiluminescence emissions to be used for spatially resolved phase averaged equivalence ratio measurements. This is important as variations in local equivalence ratios can have a profound effect on flame behavior including but not limited to thermoacoustic instability, NOx and CO formation, and flame stabilization. Local equivalence ratios are determined from a OH*/CH* ratio of tomographically reconstructed intensity fields and relating them to equivalence ratio. The correlation of OH*/CH* to equivalence ratio is derived from an axisymmetric, commercially available flat flame burner (Holthuis and Associates Burner). To relate intensity field imaging (camera coordinate system) during the tomographic reconstruction to the real-world coordinate system of the burner a calibration procedure was performed and then validated. A calibration plate with 39 non-coplanar points was used in this procedure. It was then validated by comparing the Abel inverted flame images of the axisymmetric Holthuis and Associates burner with the tomographic reconstructed images. Results show a successful tomographic reconstruction of thermoacoustic self-excited cycle concluding equivalence ratio fluctuations coinciding with the 1st dominate frequency of the pressure fluctuations and influenced by a 2nd harmonic frequency. / Master of Science / In recent years tomographic reconstruction of flames have gained significant focus in understanding different flame phenomenon. One specific flame phenomenon is known as a thermoacoustic instability. Using highspeed cameras for chemiluminescence imaging of specific species can help define heat release rate, air/fuel ratio/equivalence ratio spatially. Coupling of pressure measurements to imaging methods can be used to determine the flames response to acoustic perturbations in the flow field. Every optics system has inherently different light transmission characteristics and therefore, needs to be calibrated/correlated using a known flame source. The work done in this paper used a Holthuis and Associates flat flame as the known flame source in conjunction with an optics system to correlate OH*/CH* ratio to equivalence ratio. This is possible due to the perfectly premixed nature the flat flame provides. The correlation curve for the optics system is then applied to the tomographically reconstructed chemiluminescence intensities during a self-excited thermo-acoustic instability. In addition, a flat flame burner was used to validate the tomography approach and calibration procedure. In conclusion the objective of this work develops and validates a method for use in tomographic reconstruction of spatially varying equivalence ratios.

To develop effective conservation planning and mitigate biodiversity loss, standardized metrics for monitoring and assessing biodiversity are needed. This information is particularly vital in Botswana, where knowledge of many of the diverse wildlife populations is lacking. To address this knowledge gap, my dissertation research evaluated the distributions, densities, and ecology of the wildlife community in northern Botswana, with a focus on terrestrial carnivore species given their importance both ecologically and economically. My objectives were threefold: 1) estimate the distributions of the mammal community (n = 44 species) and evaluate community, group, and species-specific responses to anthropogenic and environmental variables, 2) test whether the presence of intraguild species or resource availability had a larger influence on the seasonal distributions of carnivore species, and 3) simultaneously estimate the population densities of 7 carnivore species. To accomplish these objectives, I completed a multi-year camera trap survey in a 1,154-km2 study area and analyzed the data using occupancy models (single and multi- species) and spatially explicit capture-recapture models. Estimates of species richness ranged from 8 to 27 unique species, species had a mean occurrence probability of 0.32 (95% credible interval = 0.21–0.45), and estimated densities ranged from 1.8 aardwolves (Proteles cristata) to 12.7 spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) per 100 km2. The occupancy and richness of terrestrial mammals was negatively associated with human disturbance and in general, positively associated with open grasslands/floodplains. Carnivore species, specifically, tended to have greater species richness and larger population densities in open habitats than in closed. I also found carnivore distributions were positively associated with the detection rate of intraguild competitors and predators, suggesting competitor/predator avoidance did not play a large role in shaping carnivore community structure. My research highlights the pivotal role protected areas and grasslands play in conserving wildlife populations in northern Botswana. Additionally, my research helps progress camera trap analyses from single to multi-species assessments. Broader application of this multi-species approach would likely result in a better understanding of wildlife and carnivore communities which in turn, may help inform management actions aimed at addressing the loss of wildlife populations globally. / Ph. D. / To conserve wildlife populations, information is needed on where species live, the resources (e.g., food, water, and shelter) they require, and how many there are. This information is particularly important in Botswana, where knowledge of many wildlife populations is lacking. To address this knowledge gap, my dissertation research evaluated the distributions, densities, and ecology of the wildlife community in northern Botswana, with a focus on carnivores given their importance both ecologically and economically. My objectives were threefold: 1) estimate the distributions of the mammal community (<i>n</i> = 44 species) and evaluate community, group, and species-specific responses to human and environmental variables, 2) test whether the presence of competitors/predators or resource availability had a larger influence on the seasonal distributions of carnivore species, and 3) estimate the population densities of 7 carnivore species. To accomplish these objectives, I completed a multi-year camera trap survey in a 1,154-km² study area and analyzed the data using advanced analytical techniques. I photographed 44 species of mammals and the estimated number of species per camera station ranged from 8 to 27. My estimated densities ranged from 1.8 aardwolves (<i>Proteles cristata</i>) to 12.7 spotted hyenas (<i>Crocuta crocuta</i>) per 100 km². Overall, mammal species were more likely to occupy grasslands and floodplains that were located further into protected areas (i.e., far from human disturbance). Open habitats seemed to be particularly important to carnivore species. In general, there were more carnivore species and these species had higher densities in open habitats than in closed. My results suggest carnivores did not avoid their competitors and predators by spatially separating themselves on the landscape, as has been found in the Serengeti. My research highlights the pivotal role protected areas and grasslands play in conserving wildlife populations, and advances camera trap analyses from assessments of a single species to assessments of entire wildlife communities. My research approach is applicable to camera trap studies worldwide and broader application would likely result in a better understanding of wildlife and carnivore communities. This information, in turn, can help inform management actions aimed at addressing the loss of wildlife populations around the globe.