This book presents practical optimization techniques used in image processing and computer vision problems. Ill-posed problems are introduced and used as examples to show how each type of problem is related to typical image processing and computer vision problems. Unconstrained optimization gives the best solution based on numerical minimization of a single, scalar-valued objective function or cost function. Unconstrained optimization problems have been intensively studied, and many algorithms and tools have been developed to solve them. Most practical optimization problems, however, arise with a set of constraints. Typical examples of constraints include: (i) pre-specified pixel intensity range, (ii) smoothness or correlation with neighboring information, (iii) existence on a certain contour of lines or curves, and (iv) given statistical or spectral characteristics of the solution. Regularized optimization is a special method used to solve a class of constrained optimization problems. The term regularization refers to the transformation of an objective function with constraints into a different objective function, automatically reflecting constraints in the unconstrained minimization process. Because of its simplicity and efficiency, regularized optimization has many application areas, such as image restoration, image reconstruction, optical flow estimation, etc. Optimization plays a major role in a wide variety of theories for image processing and computer vision. Various optimization techniques are used at different levels for these problems, and this volume summarizes and explains these techniques as applied to image processing and computer vision.

This textbook is unique because of its in-depth treatment of the applications of wavelets and wavelet transforms to many areas, across many disciplines. The book is written to serve the needs of a one or two semester course at either the undergraduate or graduate level. The author uses a very simplified, accessible approach that de-emphasizes mathematical rigor. The presentation includes many diagrams to illustrate points being discussed and uses MATLAB for all of application code. The author reinforces concepts introduced in the book with easy to grasp review questions and problems, tailored to each specific chapter for better mastery of the subject matter. This book enables students to understand the fundamental concepts of wavelets and wavelet transforms, as well as how to use them for problem solutions in digital signal and image processing, mixed-signal testing, space applications, aerospace applications, biomedical, cyber security, homeland security and many other application areas.

This book systematically addresses the quantification of quality aspects of multimodal interactive systems. The conceptual structure is based on a schematic view on human-computer interaction where the user interacts with the system and perceives it via input and output interfaces. Thus, aspects of multimodal interaction are analyzed first, followed by a discussion of the evaluation of output and input and concluding with a view on the evaluation of a complete system.

This textbook is a concise yet precise supplement to traditional books on Signals and Systems, focusing exclusively on the continuous-time case. Students can use this guide to review material, reinforce their understanding, and see how all the parts connect together in a uniform treatment focused on mathematical clarity. Readers learn the "what", "why" and "how" about the ubiquitous Fourier and Laplace transforms encountered in the study of linear time-invariant systems in engineering: what are these transforms, why do we need them, and how do we use them? Readers will come away with an understanding of the gradual progression from time-domain analysis to frequency-domain and s-domain techniques for continuous-time linear time-invariant systems. This book reflects the author's experience in teaching this material for over 25 years in sophomore- and junior-level required engineering courses and is ideal for undergraduate classes in electrical engineering.

This book presents essential perspectives on digital convolutions in wireless communications systems and illustrates their corresponding efficient real-time field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementations. FPGAs or generic all programmable devices will soon become widespread, serving as the "brains" of all types of real-time smart signal processing systems, like smart networks, smart homes and smart cities. The book examines digital convolution by bringing together the following main elements: the fundamental theory behind the mathematical formulae together with corresponding physical phenomena; virtualized algorithm simulation together with benchmark real-time FPGA implementations; and detailed, state-of-the-art case studies on wireless applications, including popular linear convolution in digital front ends (DFEs); nonlinear convolution in digital pre-distortion (DPD) enabled high-efficiency wireless RF transceivers; and fast linear convolution in massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. After reading this book, students and professionals will be able to: * Understand digital convolution with inside-out information: discover what convolution is, why it is important and how it works. * Enhance their FPGA design skills, i.e., enhance their FPGA-related prototyping capability with model-based hands-on examples. * Rapidly expand their digital signal processing (DSP) blocks: to examine how to rapidly and efficiently create (DSP) functional blocks on a programmable FPGA chip as a reusable intellectual property (IP) core. * Upgrade their expertise as both "thinkers" and "doers": minimize/close the gap between mathematical equations and FPGA implementations for existing and emerging wireless applications.

Semiconductor lasers are small, reliable, low cost, high-performance and user-friendly optical devices which make them highly suitable for a variety of biomedical applications. This edited book gathers experts in the field to cover the fundamentals and technology advances of semiconductor lasers and diode-based lasers with a focus on their applications in medical optics and biophotonics including edge-emitting semiconductor lasers and light emitting diodes, Q-switched and mode-locked lasers, quantum cascade lasers, semiconductor disk lasers, near-infrared spectroscopy systems for biomedical applications, bio-medical Raman spectroscopy, nonlinear imaging and optical coherence tomography.

This book examines non-invasive, electrical-based methods for disease diagnosis and assessment of heart function. In particular, a formalized signal model is proposed since this offers several advantages over methods that rely on measured data alone. By using a formalized representation, the parameters of the signal model can be easily manipulated and/or modified, thus providing mechanisms that allow researchers to reproduce and control such signals. In addition, having such a formalized signal model makes it possible to develop computer tools that can be used for manipulating and understanding how signal changes result from various heart conditions, as well as for generating input signals for experimenting with and evaluating the performance of e.g. signal extraction methods. The work focuses on bioelectrical information, particularly electrical bio-impedance (EBI). Once the EBI has been measured, the corresponding signals have to be modelled for analysis. This requires a structured approach in order to move from real measured data to the model of the corresponding signals. This book proposes a generic framework for this procedure. It can be used as a guide for modelling impedance cardiography (ICG) and impedance respirography (IRG) signals, as well as for developing the corresponding bio-impedance signal simulator (BISS).

< p="" style=""> This highly informative and carefully presented book focuses on the fields of ergonomics/human factors and discusses the future of the community vis-a-vis health problems, productivity, aging, etc. Ergonomic intercession must be seen in light of its effect on productivity because ergonomic solutions will improve productivity as the reduction of environmental stressors, awkward postures and efforts lead to a reduction in task execution time. The book provides promising evidence that the field of ergonomics continues to thrive and develop deeper insights into how work environments, products and systems can be developed to meet needs, demands and limitations of humans and how they can support productivity improvements. Some of the themes covered are anthropometry and workplace design, biomechanics and modelling in ergonomics, cognitive and environmental ergonomics, ergonomic intervention and productivity, ergonomics in transport, mining, agriculture and forestry, health systems, work physiology and sports ergonomics, etc. This book is beneficial to academicians, policymakers and the industry alike. ^

The book reports on the author's original work to address the use of today's state-of-the-art smartphones for human physical activity recognition. By exploiting the sensing, computing and communication capabilities currently available in these devices, the author developed a novel smartphone-based activity-recognition system, which takes into consideration all aspects of online human activity recognition, from experimental data collection, to machine learning algorithms and hardware implementation. The book also discusses and describes solutions to some of the challenges that arose during the development of this approach, such as real-time operation, high accuracy, low battery consumption and unobtrusiveness. It clearly shows that it is possible to perform real-time recognition of activities with high accuracy using current smartphone technologies. As well as a detailed description of the methods, this book also provides readers with a comprehensive review of the fundamental concepts in human activity recognition. It also gives an accurate analysis of the most influential works in the field and discusses them in detail. This thesis was supervised by both the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (primary institution) and University of Genoa (secondary institution) as part of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate in Interactive and Cognitive Environments.

This textbook is based on a course given by the first-named author to third and fourth year undergraduate students from physics, engineering physics and electrical engineering. The purpose is to introduce and explain some of the fundamental principles underlying laser beam control in optoelectronics, especially those in relation to optical anisotropy which is at the heart of many optical devices. The book attempts to give the reader the background knowledge needed to work in a laser, optoelectronic or photonic environment, and to manage and handle laser beam equipment with ease.In this edition, recent research results on modern technologies and instruments relevant to laser optoelectronics have been added to each chapter. New material include: chirped pulse amplification for petawatt lasers; optical anisotropy; physical explanations for group velocity dispersion, group delay dispersion, and third order dispersion; an introduction of different types of laser systems; and both optical isotropy and anisotropy in different types of harmonic generation.Theories based upon mode-locking and chirped pulse amplifications have become increasingly more important. It is thus necessary that students learn all these in a course devoted to laser optoelectronics. As such, Chapter 12 is now devoted to mode-locking and carrier-envelope phase locking. A new chapter, Chapter 13, which focuses on chirped pulse amplification has also been added.

Combining the positive characteristics of microfluidics and optics, microstructured optical fibres (MOFs) have revolutionized the field of optoelectronics. Tailored guiding, diffractive structures and photonic band-gap effects are used to produce fibres with highly specialised, complex structures, facilitating the development of novel kinds of optical fibre sensors and actuators. Part One outlines the key materials and fabrication techniques used for microstructured optical fibres. Microfluidics and heat flows, MOF-based metamaterials, novel and liquid crystal infiltrated photonic crystal fibre (PCF) designs, MOFs filled with carbon nanotubes and melting of functional inorganic glasses inside PCFs are all reviewed. Part Two then goes on to investigate sensing and optofluidic applications, with the use of MOFs in structural sensing, sensing units and mechanical sensing explored in detail. PCF's for switching applications are then discussed before the book concludes by reviewing MOFs for specific nucleic acid detection and resonant bio- and chemical sensing.

Industrial Tomography: Systems and Applications thoroughly explores the important tomographic techniques of industrial tomography, also discussing image reconstruction, systems, and applications. The text presents complex processes, including the way three-dimensional imaging is used to create multiple cross-sections, and how computer software helps monitor flows, filtering, mixing, drying processes, and chemical reactions inside vessels and pipelines. Readers will find a comprehensive discussion on the ways tomography systems can be used to optimize the performance of a wide variety of industrial processes.

The huge progress which has been achieved in the field is covered here, in the first comprehensive monograph on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) since eight years. Apart from chapters reviewing the research field and the laser fundamentals, there are comprehensive updates on red and blue emitting VCSELs, telecommunication VCSELs, optical transceivers, and parallel-optical links for computer interconnects. Entirely new contributions are made to the fields of vectorial three-dimensional optical modeling, single-mode VCSELs, polarization control, polarization dynamics, very-high-speed design, high-power emission, use of high-contrast gratings, GaInNAsSb long-wavelength VCSELs, optical video links, VCSELs for optical mice and sensing, as well as VCSEL-based laser printing. The book appeals to researchers, optical engineers and graduate students.

The work described here investigates the advantages and limitations of using laser light for the deep in-vivo illumination and micromanipulation of the neuronal system in zebrafish. To do so, it combines and develops novel optical methods such as optogenetics, light sheet microscopy and optical micromanipulation. It also demonstrates, for the first time, that directional and focused laser beams can successfully be used to target large objects at considerable depth in a living organism to exert purely optical force - in this case on otoliths (ear stones) - and create fictive vestibular stimuli in a stationary animal. The behavioural study and simultaneous imaging of the whole brain reveal the location of the brain cells specific to each ear stone. Elucidating these fundamental neural processes holds substantial value for basic neuroscience researchers, who still have only a vague grasp of how brain circuits mediate perception. As such, it represents highly innovative research that has already led to high-impact publications and is now being intensively pursued.

The concepts represented in this textbook are explored for the first time in assistive and rehabilitation robotics, which is the combination of physical, cognitive, and social human-robot interaction to empower gait rehabilitation and assist human mobility. The aim is to consolidate the methodologies, modules, and technologies implemented in lower-limb exoskeletons, smart walkers, and social robots when human gait assistance and rehabilitation are the primary targets. This book presents the combination of emergent technologies in healthcare applications and robotics science, such as soft robotics, force control, novel sensing methods, brain-computer interfaces, serious games, automatic learning, and motion planning. From the clinical perspective, case studies are presented for testing and evaluating how those robots interact with humans, analyzing acceptance, perception, biomechanics factors, and physiological mechanisms of recovery during the robotic assistance or therapy. Interfacing Humans and Robots for Gait Assistance and Rehabilitation will enable undergraduate and graduate students of biomedical engineering, rehabilitation engineering, robotics, and health sciences to understand the clinical needs, technology, and science of human-robot interaction behind robotic devices for rehabilitation, and the evidence and implications related to the implementation of those devices in actual therapy and daily life applications.

This book comprises a collection of papers by international experts, presented at the International Conference on NextGen Electronic Technologies (ICNETS2-2017). ICNETS2 encompassed six symposia covering all aspects of electronics and communications engineering domains, including relevant nano/micro materials and devices. Featuring the latest research on computational signal processing and analysis, the book is useful to researchers, professionals, and students working in the core areas of electronics and their applications, especially signal processing, embedded systems, and networking.

This textbook covers the fundamental concepts of analog communications with a Q&A approach. It is a comprehensive compilation of numerical problems and solutions covering all the topics in analog communications. Richly illustrated with figures, this book covers the important topics of signals and systems, random variables and random processes, amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, pulse code modulation and noise in analog modulation. It has numerical questions and their solutions clearing the concepts of Fourier transform, Hilbert transform, modulation, synchronization, signal-to-noise ratio analysis and many more. All the solutions have step-by-step approach for easy understanding. This book will be of great interest to the students of electronics and electrical communications engineering.

This book illustrates the commonly used and novel approaches of audio watermarking for copyrights protection. The author examines the theoretical and practical step by step guide to the topic of data hiding in audio signal such as music, speech, broadcast. The book covers new techniques developed by the authors are fully explained and MATLAB programs, for audio watermarking and audio quality assessments and also discusses methods for objectively predicting the perceptual quality of the watermarked audio signals.Explains the theoretical basics of the commonly used audio watermarking techniquesDiscusses the methods used to objectively and subjectively assess the quality of the audio signalsProvides a comprehensive well tested MATLAB programs that can be used efficiently to watermark any audio media

This book introduces model studies and experimental results associated with laser forming and welding such as laser induced bending, welding of sheet metals, and related practical applications. The book provides insight into the physical processes involved with laser forming and welding. The analytical study covers the formulation of laser induced bending while the model study demonstrates the simulation of bending and welding processes using the finite element method. Analytical and numerical solutions for laser forming and welding problems are provided.

This book presents the main research advances in the field of photofunctional rare earth hybrid materials. The first chapter discusses the fundamental principles, ranging from rare earth, rare earth luminescence, luminescent rare earth compounds and photofunctional rare earth hybrid materials. The main body of the book consists of six chapters exploring different kinds of photofunctional hybrid materials, such as hybrids based on organically modified silica; organically modified mesoporous silica; functionalized microporous zeolite and metal-organic frameworks; polymer or polymer/silica composite; and multi-component assembly of hybrids. It also includes a chapter introducing the photofunctional application of these hybrid materials. It is a valuable resource for a wide readership in various fields of rare earth chemistry, chemical science and materials science.

Images are all around us The proliferation of low-cost, high-quality imaging devices has led to an explosion in acquired images. When these images are acquired from a microscope, telescope, satellite, or medical imaging device, there is a statistical image processing task: the inference of something--an artery, a road, a DNA marker, an oil spill--from imagery, possibly noisy, blurry, or incomplete. A great many textbooks have been written on image processing. However this book does not so much focus on images, per se, but rather on spatial data sets, with one or more measurements taken over a two or higher dimensional space, and to which standard image-processing algorithms may not apply. There are many important data analysis methods developed in this text for such statistical image problems. Examples abound throughout remote sensing (satellite data mapping, data assimilation, climate-change studies, land use), medical imaging (organ segmentation, anomaly detection), computer vision (image classification, segmentation), and other 2D/3D problems (biological imaging, porous media). The goal, then, of this text is to address methods for solving multidimensional statistical problems. The text strikes a balance between mathematics and theory on the one hand, versus applications and algorithms on the other, by deliberately developing the basic theory (Part I), the mathematical modeling (Part II), and the algorithmic and numerical methods (Part III) of solving a given problem. The particular emphases of the book include inverse problems, multidimensional modeling, random fields, and hierarchical methods.

This work presents a comprehensive source of information on germanate glasses. It describes in detail the structures, properties, and glass forming abilities of various germanate systems, then shows how to create new and established varieties of glasses with precision and accuracy. "Germanate Glasses" begins with a review of glass state physics and chemistry, then moves into detailed chapters describing germanium dioxide; GeO2 glasses; binary, ternary, and multicomponent glasses; fluoride-containing germanate glasses; and pseudo-ternary fluoro-germanate systems. These chapters present up-to-date research on each glass type, including x-ray and neutron studies, optical properties, spectroscopic data, and more. Numerous references are included at the end of each chapter. For researchers, designers and fabricators of germanate glass, this book: shows how composition and structure relate to glass forming ability, and sets out to cut design time and eliminate unnecessary experiments by knowing ahead of time what will and will not work.

This book systematically introduces the single frequency semiconductor laser, which is widely used in many vital advanced technologies, such as the laser cooling of atoms and atomic clock, high-precision measurements and spectroscopy, coherent optical communications, and advanced optical sensors. It presents both the fundamentals and characteristics of semiconductor lasers, including basic F-P structure and monolithic integrated structures; interprets laser noises and their measurements; and explains mechanisms and technologies relating to the main aspects of single frequency lasers, including external cavity lasers, frequency stabilization technologies, frequency sweeping, optical phase locked loops, and so on. It paints a clear, physical picture of related technologies and reviews new developments in the field as well. It will be a useful reference to graduate students, researchers, and engineers in the field.

This book deals with the topic of biomechanical biofeedback systems and applications that are primarily aimed at motor learning in sports and rehabilitation. It gives a comprehensive tutorial of the concepts, architectures, operation, and exemplary applications of biomechanical biofeedback systems. A special section is dedicated to various constraints in designing biomechanical biofeedback systems. The book also describes the technologies needed for the adequate operation of biofeedback systems, such as motion tracking, communication, processing, and sensor technologies. In regard to technologies, the emphasis is on the assurance of the requirements of the real-time system operation. The application focus is on the usage in sport and rehabilitation, particularly in the field of accelerated motor learning and injury prevention. We include several examples of operational (real-time) biofeedback applications in golf, skiing, and swimming. The book is in the first place intended for the professional audience, researchers, and scientists in the fields connected to the topics of this book.

This book presents studies involving algorithms in the machine learning paradigms. It discusses a variety of learning problems with diverse applications, including prediction, concept learning, explanation-based learning, case-based (exemplar-based) learning, statistical rule-based learning, feature extraction-based learning, optimization-based learning, quantum-inspired learning, multi-criteria-based learning and hybrid intelligence-based learning.