The fabric of the city. A folded roof plane. Textile brick. The density of a weave. A fabric's structure. A hem's meter. The selvage. The fringe. Weaving. The connections drawn between textiles and architecture are limitless. Can a building and the processes that occur within it stitch together the holes in a city? The project explores the relationship between weaving and architecture. Can all aspects of the building - from spatial sequences and circulation to structure and skin - be woven? / Master of Architecture

In order to achieve more realistic visual effect, the texturing mapping has become a very important and popular technique used in three-dimensional (3D) graphic. Many advanced rendering effects including shadow, environment, and bump mapping all depend on various applications of texturing function. Therefore, how to design an efficient texture unit is very important for 3D graphic rendering system. This thesis proposes an advanced texture unit design targeted for the rendering system with the fill rate of two fragments per cycle. This unit can support various filtering functions including nearest neighbor, bi-linear and tri-linear filtering. It can also provide the mip-map function to automatically select the best texture images for rendering. In order to realize the high texel throughput requirement for some complex filtering function, the texture cache has been divided into four banks such that up to eight texels can be delivered every cycle. The data-path design for the filtering unit has adopted the common expression sharing technique to reduce the required arithmetic units. The proposed texturing unit architecture has been implemented and embedded into a 3D rendering accelerator which has been integrated with OpenGL-ES software module, Linux operation system and geometry module, and successfully prototyped on the ARM versatile platform. With the 0.18um technology, this unit can run up to 150 Mhz, and provide the peak throughput of 1.2G texel/s.

Pavement texture has been measured predominantly by using two-dimensional (2D) profile methods. The 2D profile based mean profile depth (MPD) is still the well accepted texture index which has been found inadequate to characterize pavement texture especially when tire/pavement friction and noise are involved. There is a lack of standard 3D texture indices which show strong correlation with pavement friction and noise. There is a need to use 3D texture measurement for more comprehensive understanding of texture. The objectives of this thesis are to characterize pavement surfaces using 3D texture parameters based on 3D texture measurement and to explore the relationship between 3D texture parameters, pavement friction, and pavement noise. Field tests are conducted at various pavement sections for the measurements of texture, friction, and noise. The tested pavements include Interstate highway, MnROAD test facilities, airport runway, and municipal streets. The findings and contributions of this thesis are: • The pavement surface texture is measured in a 3D manner by using a line-laser scanner with both horizontal sample interval and vertical accuracy better than 0.05 mm. • A 3D texture analysis procedure with discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is proposed to separate macrotexture from microtexture and to define texture indices independently. • 3D parameters for macrotextures and microtexture are proposed and verified by field tests. • The relationship between 3D and 2D macrotexture indices [i.e. SMTD and MPD; Sq and root mean square roughness (RMSR)] are established, which is useful for the purposes of data comparison between 3D and 2D methods. • The relationship is investigated between 3D macrotexture parameters (SMTD and Sq) and pavement friction and noise. • It is found that texture distribution indices (i.e. Ssk and Sku) are significant contributors to pavement friction and noise. The new 3D texture analysis procedure and texture indices proposed in this thesis can be used to characterize various pavement textures (concrete pavement, asphalt pavement, and pavement contains recycled materials) in 3D manner, to compare 3D with 2D texture measurement/indices for quality control purposes, and to evaluate and predict pavement friction and noise. / February 2016

abstract: Blur is an important attribute in the study and modeling of the human visual system. In this work, 3D blur discrimination experiments are conducted to measure the just noticeable additional blur required to differentiate a target blur from the reference blur level. The past studies on blur discrimination have measured the sensitivity of the human visual system to blur using 2D test patterns. In this dissertation, subjective tests are performed to measure blur discrimination thresholds using stereoscopic 3D test patterns. The results of this study indicate that, in the symmetric stereo viewing case, binocular disparity does not affect the blur discrimination thresholds for the selected 3D test patterns. In the asymmetric viewing case, the blur discrimination thresholds decreased and the decrease in threshold values is found to be dominated by the eye observing the higher blur. The second part of the dissertation focuses on texture granularity in the context of 2D images. A texture granularity database referred to as GranTEX, consisting of textures with varying granularity levels is constructed. A subjective study is conducted to measure the perceived granularity level of textures present in the GranTEX database. An objective index that automatically measures the perceived granularity level of textures is also presented. It is shown that the proposed granularity metric correlates well with the subjective granularity scores and outperforms the other methods presented in the literature. A subjective study is conducted to assess the effect of compression on textures with varying degrees of granularity. A logarithmic function model is proposed as a fit to the subjective test data. It is demonstrated that the proposed model can be used for rate-distortion control by allowing the automatic selection of the needed compression ratio for a target visual quality. The proposed model can also be used for visual quality assessment by providing a measure of the visual quality for a target compression ratio. The effect of texture granularity on the quality of synthesized textures is studied. A subjective study is presented to assess the quality of synthesized textures with varying levels of texture granularity using different types of texture synthesis methods. This work also proposes a reduced-reference visual quality index referred to as delta texture granularity index for assessing the visual quality of synthesized textures. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Electrical Engineering 2015

Low back pain is one of the most common and disabling musculoskeletal disorders worldwide and the third most common reason for surgery in the United States. The lower back, or lumbar region, supports most of the body's weight; it controls spinal movement and stability through the interaction between bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and fascia within the lumbar region. Any disorder of those tissues could cause low back pain (LBP); emerging evidence indicates that the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) is the lower back's most pain-sensitive soft tissue structure. TLF consists of dense connective tissue separated by loose connective tissue, allowing TLF layers to pass easily during torso movement. A series of foundational studies found that patients enduring long-term low back pain have different TLF structures than those without LBP. Injuries may result in adhesions and fibrosis, which may cause adjacent dense connective tissue layers to lose independent motion, limiting movement and causing pain. LBP is diagnosed by investigating the patient's medical history to identify symptoms and then examining the patient to determine the cause of the pain. If the pain persists after diagnosis and treatment, further investigation is required; an ultrasound scan is used as the next step. Ultrasound (US) imaging is a non-invasive and instantaneous method to evaluate soft, connective tissue structures such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Even though measuring echo intensity helps evaluate the soft tissues, this method still has limitations in diagnosing LBP; 90 % of all LBP patients are diagnosed with non-specific LBP, referred to as pain with no definitive cause . An in-depth investigation of US images could potentially provide more specificity in identifying sources of LBP. By providing information about soft tissue structure, texture analysis could increase US images' diagnostic power. The texture of an ultrasound image is the variation of pixel intensities throughout the region of interest (ROI) that produces different patterns; texture analysis is an approach that quantifies the characteristic variation of pixel intensities within ROI to describe tissue morphological characteristics. First-order texture analysis, second-order texture analysis, and grey-level run length texture analysis are types of analysis that could be applied to quantify parameters that describe the features of the texture; the grey-level analysis is usually conducted in four directions of the texture. This study has four objectives; the first objective is to use first-order and second-order analysis to determine texture parameters and determine whether those parameters can differentiate between individuals with and without LBP. The second objective is to use grey level run length analysis to quantify texture parameters in four directions (0^°,45^°,90^°,135^°) and examine whether those parameters can differentiate between individuals with and without LBP. The third objective is to determine the correlation between the first, second, and run length parameters. The fourth objective is to explore how first-order, second order and grey level run length parameters are affected by US machine settings. A custom-written MATLAB program was developed to quantify first and second-order texture parameters and grey-level run length parameters. Using JMP software, each parameter was statistically compared between individuals with and without LBP. Among nine first- and second-order texture parameters, four showed statistically significant differences between individuals with and without LBP. Among 44 run-length parameters, 9 showed statistically significant differences between individuals with and without LBP. The current study also revealed some strong correlations between first, second, and run length parameters; it also shows that the US machine setting has minor effects on the three types of parameters. Although the present study was conducted on a relatively small sample size, the results indicate that one direction of grey level run length analysis and first and second-order texture analysis can differentiate between people with and without LBP. / Master of Science / Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and disabling musculoskeletal disorders worldwide and the third most common reason for surgery in the United States. Due to LBP's effect on mobility, it is one of the leading causes of absence from work, early retirement, and long-term disability payments. The thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), a connective tissue that stabilizes the trunk, pelvis, and spine, is considered the most sensitive tissue to LBP. LBP diagnosis is based on the patient's medical history to identify symptoms and then on an examination to determine the cause. If the pain persists after diagnosis and treatment, imaging is recommended as the next step. Ultrasound (US) imaging produces a cross-sectional image of the structure and has been used to compare TLF structure in people with and without LBP. Additional analyses must be done to increase US images' ability to diagnose LBP. In the current project, three types of analysis of US images were performed; first-order, second-order, and grey level run length analyses were performed to determine parameters for the images of the two groups of people; selected parameters were noted to distinguish between people with and without LBP.

As técnicas para síntese de textura em Computação Gráfica constituem um grupo bem específico cujo objetivo principal é a inclusão, na imagem, de alguma informação visual que aumente a percepção de realismo. São identificadas técnicas para síntese de textura com características favoráveis a implementação num ambiente limitado cujo aspecto central é a placa de vídeo VGA, a saber: mapeamento de textura, "bump mapping" e textura sólida. Um sistema para visualização de objetos simples com aplicação das técnicas selecionadas é descrito e implementado. Várias imagens são sintetizadas e os resultados analisados considerando-se o nível de realismo atingido. É explorado o uso de padrões para incremento da resolução visual das imagens em conjunto com a técnica de mapeamento de textura. Apresenta-se uma série de definições para textura das áreas de Computação Gráfica, Psicologia e Processamento de Imagens. Estas definições se integram e possibilitam a formação de um conceito genérico sobre o assunto. Os modelos e técnicas para descrição e síntese de texturas são apresentados, identificando-se as tendências nesta área. / The Computer Graphics texture synthesis techniques are a well defined group which main goal is to add visual information to the image. This visual information will increase the realism. Texture synthesis techniques for implementation in a limited environment are identified, namely texture mapping, bump mapping and solid texture. The main aspect of the environment is the VGA video card. A system is described and implemented to visualize simple objects where the selected texture synthesis techniques were applied . Some images are synthesized and the results are analysed. It is explored the use of patterns to increase images visual resolution in conection with texture mapping technique. It is presented a set of texture definitions from Computer Graphics, Psychology and Image Processing studies. These definitions are integrated and make possible to form a generic concept about the subject. Models and techniques for texture description and synthesis are presented. This survey identified trends in this area.

As técnicas para síntese de textura em Computação Gráfica constituem um grupo bem específico cujo objetivo principal é a inclusão, na imagem, de alguma informação visual que aumente a percepção de realismo. São identificadas técnicas para síntese de textura com características favoráveis a implementação num ambiente limitado cujo aspecto central é a placa de vídeo VGA, a saber: mapeamento de textura, "bump mapping" e textura sólida. Um sistema para visualização de objetos simples com aplicação das técnicas selecionadas é descrito e implementado. Várias imagens são sintetizadas e os resultados analisados considerando-se o nível de realismo atingido. É explorado o uso de padrões para incremento da resolução visual das imagens em conjunto com a técnica de mapeamento de textura. Apresenta-se uma série de definições para textura das áreas de Computação Gráfica, Psicologia e Processamento de Imagens. Estas definições se integram e possibilitam a formação de um conceito genérico sobre o assunto. Os modelos e técnicas para descrição e síntese de texturas são apresentados, identificando-se as tendências nesta área. / The Computer Graphics texture synthesis techniques are a well defined group which main goal is to add visual information to the image. This visual information will increase the realism. Texture synthesis techniques for implementation in a limited environment are identified, namely texture mapping, bump mapping and solid texture. The main aspect of the environment is the VGA video card. A system is described and implemented to visualize simple objects where the selected texture synthesis techniques were applied . Some images are synthesized and the results are analysed. It is explored the use of patterns to increase images visual resolution in conection with texture mapping technique. It is presented a set of texture definitions from Computer Graphics, Psychology and Image Processing studies. These definitions are integrated and make possible to form a generic concept about the subject. Models and techniques for texture description and synthesis are presented. This survey identified trends in this area.

As técnicas para síntese de textura em Computação Gráfica constituem um grupo bem específico cujo objetivo principal é a inclusão, na imagem, de alguma informação visual que aumente a percepção de realismo. São identificadas técnicas para síntese de textura com características favoráveis a implementação num ambiente limitado cujo aspecto central é a placa de vídeo VGA, a saber: mapeamento de textura, "bump mapping" e textura sólida. Um sistema para visualização de objetos simples com aplicação das técnicas selecionadas é descrito e implementado. Várias imagens são sintetizadas e os resultados analisados considerando-se o nível de realismo atingido. É explorado o uso de padrões para incremento da resolução visual das imagens em conjunto com a técnica de mapeamento de textura. Apresenta-se uma série de definições para textura das áreas de Computação Gráfica, Psicologia e Processamento de Imagens. Estas definições se integram e possibilitam a formação de um conceito genérico sobre o assunto. Os modelos e técnicas para descrição e síntese de texturas são apresentados, identificando-se as tendências nesta área. / The Computer Graphics texture synthesis techniques are a well defined group which main goal is to add visual information to the image. This visual information will increase the realism. Texture synthesis techniques for implementation in a limited environment are identified, namely texture mapping, bump mapping and solid texture. The main aspect of the environment is the VGA video card. A system is described and implemented to visualize simple objects where the selected texture synthesis techniques were applied . Some images are synthesized and the results are analysed. It is explored the use of patterns to increase images visual resolution in conection with texture mapping technique. It is presented a set of texture definitions from Computer Graphics, Psychology and Image Processing studies. These definitions are integrated and make possible to form a generic concept about the subject. Models and techniques for texture description and synthesis are presented. This survey identified trends in this area.

The aim was to develop new methods for measuring texture of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fillets and investigate the genetic basis of flesh quality traits. Firstly, a new tensile strength method was developed to quantify the force required to tear a standardized block of salmon muscle with the aim of identifying those samples more prone to factory downgrading as a result of gaping. The repeatability, sensitivity and predictability of the new technique was evaluated against other common instrumental texture measurement methods. Data from the new method were shown to have the strongest correlations with gaping severity r=-0.514, P<0.001) and the highest level of repeatability of data when analysing cold-smoked samples. The Warner Bratzler shear method gave the most repeatable data from fresh samples and had the highest correlations between fresh and smoked product from the same fish (r=0.811, P<0.001). It is therefore recommended that the new method be adopted for measuring gaping potential and the Warner Bratzler method become the standard for firmness assessment. Genes associated with post mortem softening in mammals were characterised in Atlantic salmon. A previously unknown ancient paralogue of calpastatin (here named CAST2) was identified. Evidence was provided for the existence of highly homologous recent paralogues of CAST2 and CTSD1. Evidence for the ancestral history of these paralogues was provided by phylogenetic analysis. Recent gene duplicates of 6 further genes were identified. In all cases, homology between recent paralogues was greater than 94%. Analysis of synonymous vs non-synonymous nucleotide substitution between the observed paralogue pairs shows a significant purifying selection in most cases. The CTSD1 gene shows significant purifying selection in a pairwise analysis between 12 teleost species (all cases P<0.0001) but a similar analysis of CTSD2 revealed no significant occurrence of purifying selection. The present study provides further support for the idea of asymmetrical selective pressure on paralogues. Genetic markers were developed that can distinguish individuals with above average fillet yield and texture. A database of firmness, tensile strength and fillet yield was made from 254 individuals from 5 batches of farmed salmon and these fish were genotyped at 7 novel SNP loci. Individuals with the combined favourable genotype at CAPN1a and MYOD1b were associated with an average increase in fillet yield of 2.7% above batch average. A combined genotype of CAPN1a, MYOD1b and MYF5 was significantly associated with an average increase in tensile strength of 9.8% above batch average (P=0.015). In both cases individuals with the combined favourable genotype occurred with a frequency of c. 6% across all batches. The favourable genotypes had no unfavourable effects on other traits. Highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were used to perform tests of assignment, which revealed an overall correct assignment rate of 92.7% to batch of origin and a minimum reference sample number of 25 was empirically determined. A phylogenetic analysis supported the results of the assignment tests. Given that 7 microsatellites is a relatively small number for a study of this nature, these results suggest that reliable assignment of unknown fish to the true batch of origin is potentially rapid and cost effective. Overall, the thesis presents molecular markers for broodstock selection, new genes of relevance to flesh quality, a new method of texture analysis and a proposal for an escapee traceability project.

published_or_final_version / Mechanical Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy