Showing papers on "Object (computer science) published in 1981"

Symbolic reasoning among 3-D models and 2-D images

Abstract: We describe model-based vision systems in terms of four components: models, prediction of image features, description of image features, and interpretation which relates image features to models. We describe details of modelling, prediction and interpretation in an implemented model-based vision system. Both generic object classes and specific objects are represented by volume models which are independent of viewpoint. We model complex real world object classes. Variations of size, structure and spatial relations within object classes can be modelled. New spatial reasoning techniques are described which are useful both for prediction within a vision system, and for planning within a manipulation system. We introduce new approaches to prediction and interpretation based on the propagation of symbolic constraints. Predictions are two pronged. First, prediction graphs provide a coarse filter for hypothesizing matches of objects to image feature. Second, they contain instructions on how to use measurements of image features to deduce three dimensional information about tentative object interpretations. Interpretation proceeds by merging local hypothesized matches, subject to consistent derived implications about the size, structure and spatial configuration of the hypothesized objects. Prediction, description and interpretation proceed concurrently from coarse object subpart and class interpretations of images, to fine distinctions among object subclasses and more precise three dimensional quantification of objects. We distinguish our implementations from the fundamental geometric operations required by our general image understanding scheme. We suggest directions for future research for improved algorithms and representations.

Object recognition using three-dimensional information

Abstract: This paper describes an approach to the recognition of stacked objects with planar and curved surfaces. The range data of a scene are obtained by a range finder. The system works In two phases. In a learning phase, a scene containing a single object Is described In terms of properties of regions and relations between them. This description Is stored as an object model. In a recognition phase, an unknown scene Is described In the same way as In the learning phase. And then the description is matched to the object models so that stacked objects are recognized one by one. Efficient matching is achieved by a combination of data-driven and model-driven search process. Experimental results for blocks and machine parts are shown.

A parallel computation that assigns canonical object-based frames of reference

Abstract: A viewpoint-independent description of the shape of an object can be generated by imposing a canonical frame of reference on the object and describing the spatial dispositions of the parts relative to this object-based frame. When a familiar object is in an unusual orientation, the deciding factor in the choice of the canonical object-based frame may be the fact that relative to this frame the object has a familiar shape description. This may suggest that we first hypothesise an object-based frame and then test the resultant shape description for familiarity. However, it is possible to organise the interactions between units in a parallel network so that the pattern of activity in the network simultaneously converges on a representation of the shape and a representation of the object-based frame of reference. The connections in the network are determined by the constraints inherent in the image formation process.

Fast frame rate augmentation.

Abstract: Fast frame recorder apparatus is known wherein information corresponding to an object of interest is recorded at a fast frame rate (e.g., 2,000 frames per second) and displayed at a slower frame rate (e.g., 60 frames per second) to produce a slow motion replay of the object. In accordance with the present disclosure, such apparatus is so modified that information corresponding to the object of interest is sampled a plurality of times for each recorded frame to provide an increased frame rate (e.g., 12,000 frames per second) with respect to the object of interest.

Information storage in a decentralized computer system

Abstract: This paper describes an architecture for shared information storage in a decentralized computer system The issues that are addressed include: naming of files and other objects (naming), reliable storage of data (stable storage), coordinated access to shared storage (transactional storage), location of objects (location), use of multiple copies to increase performance, reliability and availability (replication), dynamic modification of object representations (reconfiguration), and storage security and authentication (protection) A complete model of the architecture is presented, which describes the interface to the facilities provided, and describes in detail the proposed mechanisms for implementing them The model presents new approaches to naming, location, replication, reconfiguration, and protection To verify the model, three prototypes were constructed, and experience with these prototypes is discussed The model names objects with variable length byte arrays called references References may contain location information, protection guards, cryptographic keys, and other references In addition, references can be made indirect to delay their binding to a specific object or location The replication mechanism is based on assigning votes to each copy of a replicated object The characteristics of a replicated object can be chosen from a range of possibilities by appropriately choosing its voting configuration Temporary copies can be easily implemented by introducing copies with no votes The reconfiguration mechanism allows the storage that is used to implement an object to change while the system is operating A client need not be aware that an object has been reconfigured The protection mechanism is based on the idea of sealing an object with a key Sealed objects can only be unsealed with an appropriate set of keys Complex protection structures can be created by using such operators as Key-Or and Key-And The protection mechanism can be employed to create popular protection policies such as capabilities, access control lists, and information flow control

Electro-optical system for correlating and integrating image data from frame-to-frame

Abstract: An electro-optical system which integrates the image pattern information, extracted from a plurality of image frames and identified as belonging to a common candidate object, to form a composite image pattern of the candidate object which may be accurately classified with respect to a reference object image pattern is disclosed. More specifically, the formed composite image pattern of the candidate object is correlated with each image pattern of a set of reference object image patterns to generate a corresponding set of correlation values. Preferably, the largest of the correlation values is selected for a comparison with a threshold correlation value. In the event the generated correlation value exceeds the threshold correlation value, the candidate object represented by the composite image pattern is classified as the referenced object corresponding to the selected correlation value. Another aspect of the electro-optical system permits the threshold correlation value to be adaptively selected in accordance with the number of frames integrated to form the composite image pattern under consideration for classification. In addition, a final classification of the candidate object may include the smoothing of a plurality of classification decisions generated throughout the integration sequence during which a number of composite image patterns are formed.

Method and device for detecting the position of an object

Abstract: A position detecting method is disclosed wherein the position of an object is detected by the use of pattern information which are taken from an observational region on the object contained within a whole region. Positional information of at least one of standard pattern is extracted from a pattern of the whole region are stored in advance; positional information of the standard pattern are extracted from the pattern taken from the observational region on the object; and the positional information of the standard pattern in the whole region and the observational region are compared, to decide which part of the whole region the observational region is and to detect the position of the object.

Optimization of Microprograms

Abstract: This paper describes a microprogram optimization technique called MORIF. The technique is general enough to treat machines whose microoperations require multiple machine cycles on a subcycle basis. The technique is applicable to microinstruction formats varying from horizontal to partially encoded, and to vertical. The technique includes global optimization algorithms for microprograms containing loops and recursive subroutines. Evaluation of the technique is performed from both the viewpoints of the complexity of the devised algorithms, and efficiency of generated object microcodes.

Method and apparatus for compiling three-dimensional digital image information

Abstract: A method and apparatus, comprising a video data bus (8), a plurality of video memory modules (VM1-VMN), and bus arbitration circuits (BAC1-BACN) associated with each video memory module, are disclosed for compiling digital image information for display. A data processor (1) addresses the plurality of video memory modules over a processor data bus (2), the data processor for assigning a priority value to picture element data stored in the video memory modules. Upon command of the data processor, a frame (5 to 300) of picture element data is serially compiled on the video data bus (8). Data contention between video memory modules for access to the video data bus is controlled by the bus arbitration circuits, the picture element data bidding with the highest priority value gaining access. In one embodiment, the priority value represents the depth of a point of a solid object for display and/or the relative depth of picture element data comprising the object for display. The data processor may change the priority value associated with picture element data for display as well as the coordinates of data location in the display. Accordingly, textual characters having the highest priority and solid objects having a lesser priority may appear to move in front of one another on a background having the lowest priority value without interference in a sequence of frames of information for display.

A reliable object-oriented data repository for a distributed computer system

Abstract: The repository described in this paper is a component of a distributed data storage system for a network of many autonomous machines that might run diverse applications. The repository is a server machine that provides very large, very reliable long-term storage for both private and shared data objects. The repository can handle both very small and very large data objects, and it supports atomic update of groups of objects that might be distributed over several repositories. Each object is represented as a history of its states; in the actual implementation, an object is a list of immutable versions.The core of the repository is stable append-only storage called Version Storage (VS). VS contains the histories of all data objects in the repository as well as all information needed for crash recovery. To maintain the current versions of objects online, a copying scheme was adopted that resembles techniques of real-time garbage collection. VS can be implemented with optical disks.

Object-Initial Languages

Abstract: I Some of the many people to whom we owe thanks for the help they have given us are mentioned in the text. The assistance of Marshall Durbin, and the access he afforded us to his important collection of materials on Carib languages, was particularly valuable. Ms. R. Blass, Professor J. S. Cummins, and Dr. N. V. Smith helped us with certain points of translation. The work was supported by a grant from the Social Science Research Council (U.K.) to University College London under the title \"Investigations in the Structure of an Object-Verb-Subject Language: Hixkaryana.\" A preliminary version of this article was presented to the summer meeting of the Linguistic Society of America at Urbana, Illinois in July 1978.

iMAX: A multiprocessor operating system for an object-based computer

Abstract: The Intel iAPX 432 is an object-based microcomputer which, together with its operating system iMAX, provides a multiprocessor computer system designed around the ideas of data abstraction. iMAX is implemented in Ada and provides, through its interface and facilities, an Ada view of the 432 system. Of paramount concern in this system is the uniformity of approach among the architecture, the operating system, and the language. Some interesting aspects of both the external and internal views of iMAX are discussed to illustrate this uniform approach.

Do Background Depth Gradients Facilitate Object Identification

Abstract: A number of experiments have demonstrated that an object in a coherent scene can be more accurately identified than when in a jumbled scene or a display of unrelated objects. An experiment was designed to test whether the identification of an object (from a set of six) would be faster and more accurate if the objects were presented against a background gradient that conferred a unifying depth effect on the six objects. No benefit of this background was found. In fact, the accuracy of the identification of objects against a depth background was found to be lower than that of objects which were presented against either no background or a control regular grid background. It is concluded that the perceptual advantage of objects appearing in a well-formed scene derives from semantic relations that are defined between such objects.

A Preview of Act 1

Abstract: : The next generation of artificial intelligence programs will require the ability to organize knowledge as group of active objects. Each object should have only its own local expertise, the ability to operate in parallel with other objects, and the ability to communicate with other objects. Artificial Intelligence programs will also require a great deal of flexibility, including the ability to support multiple representations of objects, and to incrementally and transparently replace objects with new, upward-compatible versions. To realize this, we proposed a model of computation based on the notion of an actor, an active object that communicates by message passing. Actors blur the conventional distinction between data and procedures. The actor philosophy is illustrated by description of our prototype actor interpreter Act 1. (Author)

Device for restraining an object or objects therein

Abstract: A simplified and low cost device for restraining an object or objects therein having a resiliently deformable housing including an interior passageway having wall portions adapted to receive and support the object, and wall portions which will be spaced from the object; which housing is deformed by the application of external compressive force at discrete locations causing the spaced wall portions to move toward the object, and resulting in the supporting wall portions moving away from the object, thereby affording the release of the object from the device.

The iMAX-432 object filing system

Abstract: iMAX is the operating system for Intel's iAPX-432 computer system. The iAPX-4321 is an object-oriented multiprocessor architecture that supports capability-based addressing. The object filing system is that part of iMAX that implements a permanent reliable object store.In this paper we describe the key elements of the iMAX object filing system design. We first contrast the concept of an object filing system with that of a conventional file system. We then describe the iMAX design paying particular attention to five problems that other object filing designs have either solved inadequately or failed to address. Finally, we discuss an effect of object filing on the programming semantics of Ada.

Learning to solve insight problems

Abstract: A series of seven insight problems was given to 28 male and 28 female college students. Each problem required that an object be used in a novel manner to reach solution, but both the critical object and its required use varied across problems. Subjects showed moderate improvement in performance on the second half of the problem series. Males solved more quickly than females; relatively stable and predictable individual differences in performance were observed. Results support the conclusions that insight problems form a class involving common abilities and that general transfer effects can occur if suffici6ent practice is given.

Method and apparatus to determine the imbalance in a rotating object

Abstract: An apparatus to determine the imbalance in a rotating object, such as a tire, has means to support the object and drive means directly coupled to the support means for accelerating the object. Means for removing power to the drive means and force transducer means for continuously measuring the magnitude of the imbalance of the object as the velocity of the object decreases, are also provided.

Pattern recognition system

Abstract: A pattern recognition method is disclosed which makes a judgment that when the difference between an object to be inspected and a previously memorized reference object falls within a predetermined value, the object belongs to the same class as the reference object. During the inspection process, the predetermined value is changed in accordance with the results of past judgment.

Function level programs as mathematical objects

Abstract: Most programs written today are “object-level” programs. That is, programs describe how to combine various “objects” (i.e., numbers, symbols, arrays, etc.) to form other objects until the final “result objects” have been formed. New objects are constructed from existing ones by the application of various object-to-object functions such as + or matrix inversion.Conventional, von Neumann programs are object level; “expressions” on the right side of assignment statements are exclusively concerned with building an object that is then to be stored. Lambda calculus based languages, such as LISP and ISWIM [Landin 66], are also, in practice, object level languages, although they have the means to be more.

Individualized portable object such as a credit card

Abstract: The object requires a would-be user to supply an authorization code within a predetermined number of attempts, otherwise the object is invalidated. The object has at least one memory (1) in which the results of attempts at use are stored in permanent binary form. The object also includes memory write means (3) and discriminator means (9). These are arranged to distinguish between an un-interrupted sequence of said predetermined number of failed attempts (in which case the object is invalidated) and a sequence of failed attempts which is interrupted by at least one successful attempt.

Distance measurement system

Abstract: A distance measurement system for measuring distance to an object by emitting light to the object and measuring the intensity of light reflected from the object.

Data processing system using object-based information and a protection scheme for determining access rights to such information and using multilevel microcode techniques

Abstract: A digital data processing system has a memory organized into objects containing at least operands and instructions. Each object is identified by a unique and permanent identifier code which identifies the data processing system and the object. The system further uses multilevel microcode techniques for controlling sequences of microinstructions and for controlling the interval operations of the processor. The system uses a protection technique to prevent unauthorized access to objects by users who are identified by a subject number which identifies the user, a process of the system for executing a user's procedure, and the type of operation of the system to be performed by the user's procedure. An access control list for each object includes an access control list entry for each subject having access rights to the object and means for confirming that a particular active subject has access rights to a particular object before permitting access to the object. The system also includes stacks for containing information relating to the current state of execution of the system.

TORNADO: a DBMS for CAD/CAM systems

Abstract: TORNADO is a database management system developed for CAD/CAM application systems. It is a CODASYL-type network system written in FORTRAN, with a very powerful tool for handling complex data structures. There are no restrictions on combinations of object classes and relationships, and it directly handles many-to-many relationships and compound object classes. TORNADO also handles variable object length and dynamic length table records. A second paper will discuss the implementation details.

Method of and apparatus for documenting and inspecting a cargo container

Abstract: A method of and system for documenting and inspecting an object comprising an imaging apparatus which takes images of different views of an object positioned at an inspection station are disclosed. Included are apparatus for communicating signals representing each of the images from the imaging apparatus to a given location; and apparatus for receiving and recording the communicated images of the different views and additionally alphanumerical information relating to the object on a single, hard copy in a predetermined format thereby providing recorded images of the object from which the condition of the latter may be ascertained and identifying information relating to the object.

Multiple zone object detection system

Abstract: Apparatus utilizing a combination energy transmitting and energy receiving transducer or a transducer set consisting of separate energy transmitting and energy receiving transducers, are employed to detect and subsequently indicate the presence of an object(s) within one or more of a plurality of spaced-apart spacial zones.

An application of AI techniques to structuring objects into an optimal conceptual hierarchy

Abstract: A method of "learning from observation" is presented which structures a collection of objects into hierarchies of subcategories, such that each subcategory la characterised by a conjunctive description involving relations on selected object attributes. The conjunctive descriptions supporting from each node are mutually disjoint and optimal aa a group according to a flexibly defined criterion. Each level of the hierarchy is determined by an iterative procaaa which respectively applies a veralon of the A* search algorithm. Experiments with the program CLUSTER/PAF implementing the method indicate that the obtained hierarchies represent solutions which have a simple conceptual Interpretation and which seem to agree well with the way people structure objects.

Method and apparatus for identifying objects such as bottles by shape

Abstract: An object such as a bottle to be identified by its shape is made to travel between a source and an elongated radiation receiver in a direction oblique relative to the travelling direction of the object so as to define, during the travelling, positions in which said receiver presents a segment, the points of which are at least partly occluded by the object, flanked by first and second segments (X and Z) not occluded. The length variations of at least two of the three segments of said receiver are read out for obtaining a characteristic relation of the object shape. Parameters of this relation are compared with corresponding parameters of characteristic relations of the shape of typical objects so as to find out whether the object travelling belongs to the category of one of the typical objects, and if in the affirmative, to which of them. The invention is applicable to the automating refund of deposits on bottles.

The Problem of Statistical Estimation

Abstract: Observations constitute the basis of a statistical experiment: these may be numerical data or data of some other nature obtained as a result of a statistical experiment. The problem is to make, based on these data, some definite and sufficiently reliable conclusions concerning the object under investigation.