This book constitutes the proceedings of the International Conference on Research and Education in Robotics held in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland, in May 2010. The 17 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 24 submissions. They are organized in topical sections on mechanical design and system architecture, flexible robot strategy design, and autonomous mobile robot development.

Mobile Intention Recognition addresses problems of practical relevance for mobile system engineers: how can we make mobile assistance systems more intelligent? How can we model and recognize patterns of human behavior which span more than a limited spatial context? This text provides an overview on plan and intention recognition, ranging from the late 1970s to very recent approaches. This overview is unique as it discusses approaches with respect to the specificities of mobile intention recognition. This book covers problems from research on mobile assistance systems using methods from artificial intelligence and natural language processing. It thus addresses an extraordinary interdisciplinary audience.

In this self-consistent monograph, the author gathers and describes different mathematical techniques and combines all together to form practical procedures for the inverse analyses. It puts together topics coming from mathematical programming, with soft computing and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition, in order to show, in the context of structural analyses, how the things work and what are the main problems one needs to tackle.

Throughout the book a number of examples and exercises are worked out in order to make reader practically familiar with discussed topics.

The three volume set LNCS 7062, LNCS 7063, and LNCS 7064 constitutes the proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Neural Information Processing, ICONIP 2011, held in Shanghai, China, in November 2011.
The 262 regular session papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions.
The papers of part I are organized in topical sections on perception, emotion and development, bioinformatics, biologically inspired vision and recognition, bio-medical data analysis, brain signal processing, brain-computer interfaces, brain-like systems, brain-realistic models for learning, memory and embodied cognition, Clifford algebraic neural networks, combining multiple learners, computational advances in bioinformatics, and computational-intelligent human computer interaction.
The second volume is structured in topical sections on cybersecurity and data mining workshop, data mining and knowledge doscovery, evolutionary design and optimisation, graphical models, human-originated data analysis and implementation, information retrieval, integrating multiple nature-inspired approaches, Kernel methods and support vector machines, and learning and memory.
The third volume contains all the contributions connected with multi-agent systems, natural language processing and intelligent Web information processing, neural encoding and decoding, neural network models, neuromorphic hardware and implementations, object recognition, visual perception modelling, and advances in computational intelligence methods based pattern recognition.

Powerful computers now enable scientists to model the physical and chemical properties and behavior of complex materials using first principles. This book introduces dramatically new computational techniques in materials research, specifically for understanding molecular dynamics.

The book describes the world's first successful experiment in fully automated board game design. Evolutionary methods were used to derive new rule sets within a custom game description language, and self-play trials used to estimate each derived game's potential to interest human players. The end result is a number of new and interesting games, one of which has proved popular and gone on to be commercially published.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 18th International Symposium on Static Analysis, SAS 2011, held in Venice, Italy, in September 2011.

The 22 revised full papers were selected from 67 submissions. Also included in this volume are the abstracts of the invited talks that were given at the symposium by renowned experts in the field. The papers address all aspects of static analysis, including abstract domains, abstract interpretation, abstract testing, data flow analysis, bug detection, program transformation, program verification, security analysis and type checking.

The focus from most Virtual Reality (VR) systems lies mainly on the visual immersion of the user. But the emphasis only on the visual perception is insufficient for some applications as the user is limited in his interactions within the VR. Therefore the textbook presents the principles and theoretical background to develop a VR system that is able to create a link between physical simulations and haptic rendering which requires update rates of 1\,kHz for the force feedback. Special attention is given to the modeling and computation of contact forces in a two-finger grasp of textiles. Addressing further the perception of small scale surface properties like roughness, novel algorithms are presented that are not only able to consider the highly dynamic behaviour of textiles but also capable of computing the small forces needed for the tactile rendering at the contact point. Final analysis of the entire VR system is being made showing the problems and the solutions found in the work

The book takes a clear, step-by-step approach to building a complete game level using SketchUp with many props and textures. This book is designed for anyone who wants to create entire 3D worlds in freely available game engines such as Unity 3D, CryEngine, Ogre, Panda3D, Unreal Engine, and Blender Game Engine. It also targets all those who wish to create new levels and assets to sell in game asset stores or use in visualization or animation.

The term "haptics" refers to the science of sensing and manipulation through touch. Multiple disciplines such as biomechanics, psychophysics, robotics, neuroscience, and software engineering converge to support haptics, and generally, haptic research is done by three communities: the robotics community, the human computer interface community, and the virtual reality community.

This book is different from any other book that has looked at haptics. The authors treat haptics as a new medium rather than just a domain within one of the above areas. They describe human haptic perception and interfaces and present fundamentals in haptic rendering and modeling in virtual environments. Diverse software architectures for standalone and networked haptic systems are explained, and the authors demonstrate the vast application spectrum of this emerging technology along with its accompanying trends. The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive overview and a practical understanding of haptic technologies. An appreciation of the close relationship between the wide range of disciplines that constitute a haptic system is a key principle towards being able to build successful collaborative haptic environments.

Structured as a reference to allow for fast accommodation of the issues concerned, this book is intended for researchers interested in studying touch and force feedback for use in technological multimedia systems in computer science, electrical engineering, or other related disciplines. With its novel approach, it paves the way for exploring research trends and challenges in such fields as interpersonal communication, games, or military applications.

This book provides an overview of recent developments and applications of the Land Use Scanner model, which has been used in spatial planning for well over a decade. Internationally recognized as among the best of its kind, this versatile model can be applied at a national level for trend extrapolation, scenario studies and optimization, yet can also be employed in a smaller-scale regional context, as demonstrated by the assortment of regional case studies included in the book. Alongside these practical examples from the Netherlands, readers will find discussion of more theoretical aspects of land-use models as well as an assessment of various studies that aim to develop the Land-Use Scanner model further.

Spanning the divide between the abstractions of land-use modelling and the imperatives of policy making, this is a cutting-edge account of the way in which the Land-Use Scanner approach is able to interrogate a spectrum of issues that range from climate change to transportation efficiency. Aimed at planners, researchers and policy makers who need to stay abreast of the latest advances in land-use modelling techniques in the context of planning practice, the book guides the reader through the applications supported by current instrumentation. It affords the opportunity for a wide readership to benefit from the extensive and acknowledged expertise of Dutch planners, who have originated a host of much-used models."

This book deals with the analysis, the design and the implementation of the mechatronic systems. Classical and modern tools are developed for the analysis and the design for such systems. Robust control, H-Infinity and guaranteed cost control theory are also used for analysis and design of mechatronic systems. Different controller such as state feedback, static output feedback and dynamic output feedback controllers are used to stabilize mechatronic systems.

Heuristic algorithms are provided to solve the design of the classical controller such as PID, phase lead, phase lag and phase lead-lag controllers while linear matrix inequalities (LMI) algorithms are provided for finding solutions to the state feedback, static output feedback and dynamic output feedback controllers.

The theory presented in the different chapters of the volume is applied to numerical examples to show the usefulness of the theoretical results. Some case studies are also provided to show how the developed concepts apply for real system.

Emphasis is also put on the implementation in real-time for some real systems that we have developed in our mechatronic laboratory and all the detail is provided to give an idea to the reader how to implement its own mechatronic system.

Mechatronics Systems: Analysis, Design and Implementation is an excellent textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in mechatronic system and control theory and as a reference for academic researchers in control or mathematics with interest in control theory. The reader should have completed first-year graduate courses in control theory, linear algebra, and linear systems. It will also be of great value to engineers practising in fields where the systems can be modeled by linear time invariant systems.

"Simulation and Verification of Electronic and Biological Systems" provides a showcase for the Circuit and Multi-Domain Simulation Workshop held in San Jose, California, USA, on November 5, 2009. The nine chapters are contributed by experts in the field and provide a broad discussion of recent developments on simulation, modeling and verification of integrated circuits and biological systems.

Specific topics include large scale parallel circuit simulation, industrial practice of fast SPICE simulation, structure-preserving model order reduction of interconnects, advanced simulation techniques for oscillator networks, dynamic stability of static memories and biological systems as well as verification of analog integrated circuits.

Simulation and verification are fundamental enablers for understanding, analyzing and designing an extremely broad range of engineering and biological circuits and systems. The design of nanometer integrated electronic systems and emerging biomedical applications have stimulated the development of novel simulation and verification techniques and methodologies. "Simulation and Verification of Electronic and Biological Systems" provides a broad discussion of recent advances on simulation, modeling and verification of integrated circuits and biological systems and offers a basis for stimulating new innovations.

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Rotation transforms are used everywhere in computer graphics from rotating pictures in editing software, to providing an arbitrary view of a 3D virtual environment. Although the former is a trivial operation, the latter can be a challenging task.

"Rotation Transforms for Computer Graphics" covers a wide range of mathematical techniques used for rotating points and frames of reference in the plane and 3D space. It includes many worked examples and over 100 illustrations that make it essential reading for students, academics, researchers and professional practitioners.

The book includes introductory chapters on complex numbers, matrices, quaternions and geometric algebra, and further chapters on how these techniques are employed in 2D and 3D computer graphics. In particular, matrix and bivector transforms are developed and evaluated to rotate points in a fixed frame of reference, and vice versa.

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Each chapter in the book follows a themed approach to creating materials using the new Blender 2.5 features. As you read through each chapter you will learn approaches to create materials and textures. These materials and textures will help you to create a flawless simulation of real-world objects. You need not read the chapters in any particular order to learn to use the Blender 3D suite for materials simulation appropriately. Every recipe in this book will enable you to create a usable material or texture effect as well as teaching you techniques that save your time. If you are a Graphics Designer looking to master the features for materials and textures to create realistic looking models in Blender, then this book is for you. It can be read by both beginners and experienced Blender users; however, prior understanding of object creation and manipulation in Blender would be an advantage. This is a must-read for Blender users who want to learn the concepts and at the same time experiment with the different Blender Material and texture functions.

The age of 3D printing and personal fabrication is upon us You've probably heard of the incredibly sophisticated, yet inexpensive 3D printers that can produce almost any creation you give them. But how do you become part of that revolution?

Sandeep Singh takes you through the skills you need to learn and the services and technologies you need to knowexplaining what 3D printing is, how it works, and what it can do for you. You'll find yourself rapidly prototyping and learning to produce complex designs that can be fabricated by online 3D printing services or privately-owned 3D printersin your hands in no time.

Beginning Google SketchUp for 3D Printing starts by explaining how to use SketchUp and its plug-ins to make your design products. You will learn how to present and animate 3D models, and how to use Google Earth and 3D Warehouse to sell and market your 3D models. You'll also catch a glimpse of the 3D printing'sfuture so you can plan aheadwhile mastering today's tools.

Beginning Google SketchUp for 3D Printing is the perfect book for 3D designers, hobbyists, woodworkers, craftspeople, and artists interested in the following: Designing in 3D using SketchUp Using the online 3D printing pipeline Animating SketchUp 3D models Becoming familiar with rapid prototyping technology Navigating new 3D and personal fabrication technologies Working with Google Earth and 3D Warehouse with confidence

Welcome to the era of 3D printing and personal fabrication What you'll learn 3D design for beginners Using Sketchup Using the online 3D printing pipeline Animating Sketchup 3D models Becoming familiar with rapid prototyping technology Navigating new 3D and personal fabrication technologies Negotiating Google Earth and 3D Warehouse with confidence Who this book is for

3D designers, hobbyists, woodworkers, craftspeople and artists. Table of Contents The Ins and Outs of Google SketchUp and ShapewaysFirst 3D PrintoutGetting Your Juices Flowing3D Model to 3D PrintTools and Techniques to Save TimeBreaking the BarrierModeling with PhotographsWorking with SymmetryShare with the WorldAnimate with SketchyPhysicsUsing LayOutExploring 3D Printing AlternativesGet Connected

This practical guide offers a short course on scaling CouchDB to meet the capacity needs of your distributed application. Through a series of scenario-based examples, this book lets you explore several methods for creating a system that can accommodate growth and meet expected demand. In the process, you learn about several tools that can help you with replication, load balancing, clustering, and load testing and monitoring.Apply performance tips for tuning your database Replicate data, using Futon and CouchDB's RESTful interface Distribute CouchDB's workload through load balancing Learn options for creating a cluster of CouchDB nodes, including BigCouch, Lounge, and Pillow Conduct distributed load testing with Tsung

This book is an example-driven introduction to OGRE 3D. Each example shows some new features and you learn step-by-step to create complex scenes with different effects using OGRE 3D. After several examples discussing one topic there is a do-it-yourself part where you will be challenged to solve problems on your own. If you have ever wanted to develop 3D applications with OGRE 3D, this example-driven book will enable you to do so. Understanding of C++ is needed to follow the examples in the book.

R is a powerful tool for statistics and graphics, but getting started with this language can be frustrating. This short, concise book provides beginners with a selection of how-to recipes to solve simple problems with R. Each solution gives you just what you need to know to use R for basic statistics, graphics, and regression.

You'll find recipes on reading data files, creating data frames, computing basic statistics, testing means and correlations, creating a scatter plot, performing simple linear regression, and many more. These solutions were selected from O'Reilly's "R Cookbook," which contains more than 200 recipes for R that you'll find useful once you move beyond the basics.

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are becoming increasingly attractive for researchers from various disciplines, such as operations research, computer science, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, social science, economics, etc. This book presents an insightful, comprehensive, and up-to-date treatment of EAs, such as genetic algorithms, differential evolution, evolution strategy, constraint optimization, multimodal optimization, multiobjective optimization, combinatorial optimization, evolvable hardware, estimation of distribution algorithms, ant colony optimization, particle swarm optimization, artificial immune systems, artificial life, genetic programming, etc.

It emphasises the initiative ideas of the algorithm, contains discussions in the contexts, and suggests further readings and possible research projects. All the methods form a pedagogical way to make EAs easy and interesting.

This textbook also introduces the applications of EAs as many as possible. At least one real-life application is introduced by the end of almost every chapter. The authors focus on the kernel part of applications, such as how to model real-life problems, how to encode and decode the individuals, how to design effective search operators according to the chromosome structures, etc.

This textbook adopts pedagogical ways of making EAs easy and interesting. Its methods include an introduction at the beginning of each chapter, emphasising the initiative, discussions in the contexts, summaries at the end of every chapter, suggested further reading, exercises, and possible research projects.

Introduction to Evolutionary Algorithms will enable students to:

establish a strong background on evolutionary algorithms;

appreciate the cutting edge of EAs;

perform their own research projects by simulating the application introduced in the book; and

apply their intuitive ideas to academic search.

This book is aimed at senior undergraduate students or first-year graduate students as a textbook or self-study material."

Nowadays, engineering systems are of ever-increasing complexity and must be c- sidered asmultidisciplinary systems composed of interacting subsystems or system components from different engineering disciplines. Thus, an integration of various engineering disciplines, e.g, mechanical, electrical and control engineering in ac- current design approach is required. With regard to the systematic development and analysis of system models, interdisciplinary computer aided methodologies are - coming more and more important. A graphical description formalism particularly suited for multidisciplinary s- tems arebondgraphs devised by Professor Henry Paynter in as early as 1959 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA and in use since then all over the world. This monograph is devoted exclusively to the bond graph methodology. It gives a comprehensive, in-depth, state-of-the-art presentation including recent results sc- tered over research articles and dissertations and research contributions by the - thor to a number of topics. The book systematically covers the fundamentals of developing bond graphs and deriving mathematical models from them, the recent developments in meth- ology, symbolic and numerical processing of mathematical models derived from bond graphs. Additionally it discusses modern modelling languages, the paradigm of object-oriented modelling, modern software that can be used for building and for processing of bond graph models, and provides a chapter with small case studies illustrating various applications of the methodology

Simulation Methods for Reliability and Availability of Complex Systems discusses the use of computer simulation-based techniques and algorithms to determine reliability and availability (R and A) levels in complex systems. The book: shares theoretical or applied models and decision support systems that make use of simulation to estimate and to improve system R and A levels, forecasts emerging technologies and trends in the use of computer simulation for R and A and proposes hybrid approaches to the development of efficient methodologies designed to solve R and A-related problems in real-life systems.

Dealing with practical issues, Simulation Methods for Reliability and Availability of Complex Systems is designed to support managers and system engineers in the improvement of R and A, as well as providing a thorough exploration of the techniques and algorithms available for researchers, and for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students.

This volume contains the articles presented at the 18th International Meshing Roundtable (IMR) organized, in part, by Sandia National Laboratories and held October 25-28, 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. The volume presents recent results of mesh generation and adaptation which has applications to finite element simulation. It introduces theoretical and novel ideas with practical potential.

VolumesofLNCS 5821andCCIS51aretheproceedingsofthe 4thInternational Symposium on Intelligence Computation and Applications (ISICA 2009) held in Huangshi, China, October 23-25, 2009. These two volumes are in memory of Prof. Lishan Kang, the ISICA 2009 Honorary General Chair, who was a leading ?gurein the ?elds of domain decomposition methods and computational intelligence. ISICA 2009 successfully attracted over 300 submissions. Through rigorous reviews, 58 high-quality papers were included in LNCS 5821, while the other 54 papers were collected in CCIS 51. ISICA conferencesare one of the ?rst series of internationalconferencesoncomputationalintelligencethatcombineelementsof learning, adaptation, evolution and fuzzy logic to create programsas alternative solutions to arti?cial intelligence. The last three ISICA proceedings have been accepted in the Index to Scienti?c and Technical Proceedings (ISTP) and/or Engineering Information (EI). Following the success of the past three ISICA events, ISICA 2009 made good progress in the analysis and design of newly developed methods in the ?eld of computationalintelligence. ISICA 2009featured the most up-to-dateresearchin analysisandtheoryofevolutionaryalgorithms,neuralnetworkarchitecturesand learning, fuzzy logic and control, predictive modeling for robust classi?cation, swarm intelligence, evolutionary system design, evolutionary image analysis and signal processing, and computational intelligence in engineering design. ISICA 2009 provided a venue to foster technical exchanges, renew everlasting frie- ships, and establish new connections.