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Multi-level adaptive finite element methods. 1: Variation problems

A general numerical strategy for solving partial differential equations and other functional problems by cycling between coarser and finer levels of discretization is described. Optimal discretization schemes are provided together with very fast general solvers. It is described in terms of finite element discretizations of general nonlinear minimization problems. The basic processes (relaxation sweeps, fine-grid-to-coarse-grid transfers of residuals, coarse-to-fine interpolations of corrections) are directly and naturally determined by the objective functional and the sequence of approximation spaces. The natural processes, however, are not always optimal. Concrete examples are given and some new techniques are reviewed. Including the local truncation extrapolation and a multilevel procedure for inexpensively solving chains of many boundary value problems, such as those arising in the solution of time-dependent problems.

Brandt, A.↗

A 3-dimensional Navier-Stokes-Euler code for blunt-body flow computations

The shock-layer flowfield is obtained with or without viscous and heat-conducting dissipations from the conservative laws of fluid dynamics equations using a shock-fitting implicity finite-difference technique. The governing equations are cast in curvilinear-orthogonal coordinates and transformed to the domain between the shock and the body. Another set of equations is used for the singular coordinate axis, which, together with a cone generator away from the stagnation point, encloses the computation domain. A time-dependent alternating direction implicit factorization technique is applied to integrate the equations with local-time increment until a steady solution is reached. The shock location is updated after the flowfield computation, but the wall conditions are implemented into the implicit procedure. Innovative procedures are introduced to define the initial flowfield, to treat both perfect and equilibrium gases, to advance the solution on a coarse-to-fine grid sequence, and to start viscous flow computations from their corresponding inviscid solutions. The results are obtained from a grid no greater than 28 by 18 by 7 and converged within 300 integration steps. They are of sufficient accuracy to start parabolized Navier-Stokes or Euler calculations beyond the nose region, to compare with flight and wind-tunnel data, and to evaluate conceptual designs of reentry spacecraft.

Li, C. P.↗

Pyramid image codes

All vision systems, both human and machine, transform the spatial image into a coded representation. Particular codes may be optimized for efficiency or to extract useful image features. Researchers explored image codes based on primary visual cortex in man and other primates. Understanding these codes will advance the art in image coding, autonomous vision, and computational human factors. In cortex, imagery is coded by features that vary in size, orientation, and position. Researchers have devised a mathematical model of this transformation, called the Hexagonal oriented Orthogonal quadrature Pyramid (HOP). In a pyramid code, features are segregated by size into layers, with fewer features in the layers devoted to large features. Pyramid schemes provide scale invariance, and are useful for coarse-to-fine searching and for progressive transmission of images. The HOP Pyramid is novel in three respects: (1) it uses a hexagonal pixel lattice, (2) it uses oriented features, and (3) it accurately models most of the prominent aspects of primary visual cortex. The transform uses seven basic features (kernels), which may be regarded as three oriented edges, three oriented bars, and one non-oriented blob. Application of these kernels to non-overlapping seven-pixel neighborhoods yields six oriented, high-pass pyramid layers, and one low-pass (blob) layer.

Watson, Andrew B.↗

Structural stereo matching of Laplacian-of-Gaussian contour segments for 3D perception

The stereo correspondence problem is solved using Laplacian-of-Gaussian zero-crossing contours as a source of primitives for structural stereopsis, as opposed to traditional point-based algorithms. Up to 74 percent matching of candidate zero crossing points are being achieved on 240 x 246 images at small scales and large ranges of disparity, without coarse-to-fine tracking and without precise knowledge of the epipolar geometry. This approach should prove particularly useful in recovering the epipolar geometry automatically for stereo pairs for which it is unavailable a priori. Such situations occur in the extraction of terrain models from stereo aerial photographs.

Boyer, K. L.↗

Structural stereopsis - Potential for automatic stereo camera calibration

The paper describes the use of extended edge features as a source of primitives for structural stereopsis and considers the design of a system for autonomous camera calibration. It is shown that the structural approach permits greater use of spatial relational constraints, eliminating the coarse-to-fine tracking of point-based algorithms. Experimental results concerning matching and calibration on real images using Laplacian-of-Gaussian contour fragments as primitives in structural stereopsis are presented, and results in graph-theoretic representation and inexact matches, analytical photogrammetry, and other computer vision and image analysis problem domains are examined. Such a system might be used in aerial photogrammetry and cartography, and robotic vision systems; however, the system is still very much under development.

Boyer, Kim L.↗

Hierarchical Pattern Classifier

Hierarchical pattern classifier reduces number of comparisons between input and memory vectors without reducing detail of final classification by dividing classification process into coarse-to-fine hierarchy that comprises first "grouping" step and second classification step. Three-layer neural network reduces computation further by reducing number of vector dimensions in processing. Concept applicable to pattern-classification problems with need to reduce amount of computation necessary to classify, identify, or match patterns to desired degree of resolution.

Yates, Gigi L.↗

Recent Development of Multigrid Algorithms for Mixed and Noncomforming Methods for Second Order Elliptical Problems

Multigrid algorithms for nonconforming and mixed finite element methods for second order elliptic problems on triangular and rectangular finite elements are considered. The construction of several coarse-to-fine intergrid transfer operators for nonconforming multigrid algorithms is discussed. The equivalence between the nonconforming and mixed finite element methods with and without projection of the coefficient of the differential problems into finite element spaces is described.

Chen, Zhangxin↗

Finding corner point correspondence from wavelet decomposition of image data

A time efficient algorithm for image registration between two images that differ in translation is discussed. The algorithm is based on coarse-fine strategy using wavelet decomposition of both the images. The wavelet decomposition serves two different purposes: (1) its high frequency components are used to detect feature points (corner points here) and (2) it provides coarse-to-fine structure for making the algorithm time efficient. The algorithm is based on detecting the corner points from one of the images called reference image and computing corresponding points from the other image called test image by using local correlations using 7x7 windows centered around the corner points. The corresponding points are detected at the lowest decomposition level in a search area of about 11x11 (depending on the translation) and potential points of correspondence are projected onto higher levels. In the subsequent levels the local correlations are computed in a search area of no more than 3x3 for refinement of the correspondence.

Manohar, Mareboyana↗

Humanoid Mobile Manipulation Using Controller Refinement

An important class of mobile manipulation problems are move-to-grasp problems where a mobile robot must navigate to and pick up an object. One of the distinguishing features of this class of tasks is its coarse-to-fine structure. Near the beginning of the task, the robot can only sense the target object coarsely or indirectly and make gross motion toward the object. However, after the robot has located and approached the object, the robot must finely control its grasping contacts using precise visual and haptic feedback. In this paper, it is proposed that move-to-grasp problems are naturally solved by a sequence of controllers that iteratively refines what ultimately becomes the final solution. This paper introduces the notion of a refining sequence of controllers and characterizes this type of solution. The approach is demonstrated in a move-to-grasp task where Robonaut, the NASA/JSC dexterous humanoid, is mounted on a mobile base and navigates to and picks up a geological sample box. In a series of tests, it is shown that a refining sequence of controllers decreases variance in robot configuration relative to the sample box until a successful grasp has been achieved.

Platt, Robert↗

Humanoid Mobile Manipulation Using Controller Refinement

An important class of mobile manipulation problems are move-to-grasp problems where a mobile robot must navigate to and pick up an object. One of the distinguishing features of this class of tasks is its coarse-to-fine structure. Near the beginning of the task, the robot can only sense the target object coarsely or indirectly and make gross motion toward the object. However, after the robot has located and approached the object, the robot must finely control its grasping contacts using precise visual and haptic feedback. This paper proposes that move-to-grasp problems are naturally solved by a sequence of controllers that iteratively refines what ultimately becomes the final solution. This paper introduces the notion of a refining sequence of controllers and characterizes this type of solution. The approach is demonstrated in a move-to-grasp task where Robonaut, the NASA/JSC dexterous humanoid, is mounted on a mobile base and navigates to and picks up a geological sample box. In a series of tests, it is shown that a refining sequence of controllers decreases variance in robot configuration relative to the sample box until a successful grasp has been achieved.

Platt, Robert↗