Measuring tree stem diameters and straightness with depth-image computer vision

Current techniques of forest inventory rely on manual measurements and are slow and labor intensive.Recent developments in computer vision and depth sensing can produce accurate measurement data at significantly reduced time and labor costs.We developed the ForSense system to measure the diameters of trees at various points along the stem as well as stem straightness.Time use,mean absolute error(MAE),and root mean squared error(RMSE)metrics were used to compare the system against manual methods,and to compare the system against itself(reproducibility).Depth-derived diameter measurements of the stems at the heights of 0.3,1.4,and 2.7 m achieved RMSE of 1.7,1.5,and 2.7 cm,respectively.The ForSense system produced straightness measurement data that was highly correlated with straightness ratings by trained foresters.The ForSense system was also consistent,achieving sub-centimeter diameter difference with subsequent measures and less than 4%difference in straightness value between runs.This method of forest inventory,which is based on depth-image computer vision,is time efficient compared to manual methods and less computationally and technologically intensive compared to Structure-from-Motion(SFM)photogrammetry and ground-based LiDAR or terrestrial laser scanning(TLS).

Monte Carlo Method for the Uncertainty Evaluation of Spatial Straightness Error Based on New Generation Geometrical Product Specification

Straightness error is an important parameter in measuring high-precision shafts. New generation geometrical product speeifieation（GPS） requires the measurement uncertainty characterizing the reliability of the results should be given together when the measurement result is given. Nowadays most researches on straightness focus on error calculation and only several research projects evaluate the measurement uncertainty based on ＂The Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement（GUM）＂. In order to compute spatial straightness error（SSE） accurately and rapidly and overcome the limitations of GUM, a quasi particle swarm optimization（QPSO） is proposed to solve the minimum zone SSE and Monte Carlo Method（MCM） is developed to estimate the measurement uncertainty. The mathematical model of minimum zone SSE is formulated. In QPSO quasi-random sequences are applied to the generation of the initial position and velocity of particles and their velocities are modified by the constriction factor approach. The flow of measurement uncertainty evaluation based on MCM is proposed, where the heart is repeatedly sampling from the probability density function（PDF） for every input quantity and evaluating the model in each case. The minimum zone SSE of a shaft measured on a Coordinate Measuring Machine（CMM） is calculated by QPSO and the measurement uncertainty is evaluated by MCM on the basis of analyzing the uncertainty contributors. The results show that the uncertainty directly influences the product judgment result. Therefore it is scientific and reasonable to consider the influence of the uncertainty in judging whether the parts are accepted or rejected, especially for those located in the uncertainty zone. The proposed method is especially suitable when the PDF of the measurand cannot adequately be approximated by a Gaussian distribution or a scaled and shifted t-distribution and the measurement model is non-linear.

Effect of Working Position on Vertical Motion Straightness of Open Hydrostatic Guideways in Grinding Machine

Hydrostatic guideways have various applications in precision machine tools due to their high motion accuracy. The analysis of motion straightness in hydrostatic guideways is generally ignoring the external load on the slider. A variation force also exists, caused by the different working positions, together with the dead load of the slider and that of other auxiliary devices. The effect of working position on vertical motion straightness is investigated based on the equivalent static model, considering the error averaging effort of pressured oil film in open hydrostatic guideways. Open hydrostatic guideways in LGF1000 are analyzed with this approach. The theoretical results show that the slider has maximum vertical motion straightness when the working position is closer the guiderail of Y axis. The vertical motion straightness reaches a minimum value as the working position is located at the center of the two guiderails on the Y axis. The difference between the maximum and minimum vertical motion straightness is 34.7%. The smaller vertical motion straightness is attributed to the smaller spacing of the two pads centers, along the Y direction. The experimental results show that the vertical motion straightness is 4.15 μm/1200 mm, when the working position is located in the middle of the Xbeam, and 5.08 pro/1200 mm, when the working position is approaching the Y guiderails, denoting an increase of 18.3%. The changing trends of the measured results validate the correctness of the theoretical model. The research work can be used to reveal the variation law of accuracy of the open hydrostatic guideways, under different working positions, to predict the machining precision, and provides the basis for an error compensation strategy for gantry type grinding machines.

On-Machine Measurement of the Straightness and Tilt Errors of a Linear Slideway Using a New Four-Sensor Method

Although there are some multi-sensor methods for measuring the straightness and tilt errors of a linear slideway, they need to be further improved in some aspects, such as suppressing measurement noise and reducing precondition.In this paper, a new four-sensor method with an improved measurement system is proposed to on-machine separate the straightness and tilt errors of a linear slideway from the sensor outputs, considering the influences of the reference surface profile and the zero-adjustment values. The improved system is achieved by adjusting a single sensor to di erent positions. Based on the system, a system of linear equations is built by fusing the sensor outputs to cancel out the e ects of the straightness and tilt errors. Three constraints are then derived and supplemented into the linear system to make the coe cient matrix full rank. To restrain the sensitivity of the solution of the linear system to the measurement noise in the sensor outputs, the Tikhonov regularization method is utilized. After the surface profile is obtained from the solution, the straightness and tilt errors are identified from the sensor outputs. To analyze the e ects of the measurement noise and the positioning errors of the sensor and the linear slideway, a series of computer simulations are carried out. An experiment is conducted for validation, showing good consistency. The new four-sensor method with the improved measurement system provides a new way to measure the straightness and tilt errors of a linear slideway, which can guarantee favorable propagations of the residuals induced by the noise and the positioning errors.

Genetic algorithm-based evaluation of spatial straightness error

A genetic algorithm(GA)-based approach is proposed to evaluate the straightness error of spatial lines. According to the mathematical definition of spatial straightness, a verification model is established for straightness error, and the fitness function of GA is then given and the implementation techniques of the proposed algorithm is discussed in detail. The implementation techniques include real number encoding,adaptive variable range choosing, roulette wheel and elitist combination selection strategies,heuristic crossover and single point mutation schemes etc.An applicatin example is quoted to validate the proposed algorithm. The computation result shows that the GA-based approach is a superior nonlinear parallel optimization method. The performance of the evolution population can be improved through genetic operations such as reproduction,crossover and mutation until the optimum goal of the minimum zone solution is obtained. The quality of the solution is better and the efficiency of computation is higher than other methods.

Application of 2-D Position Sensitive Detector in Spatial Straightness Measurement of Guide Rails

A laser collimating system based on 2-D position sensitive detector (PSD) is presented in this paper. The working principle of PSD is depicted in detail. A calibration device was developed to check the nonlinearity errors of PSD and a multilayer feedforward neural network based on error back-propagation algorithm was used to compensate errors. With the aid of computer-based data acquisition system, an automatic dynamic measuring process was realized. A series of experiments, including comparison tests with laser interferometer, were done to evaluate the performance of the measuring system. The experimental results show that the spatial straightness errors of guide rails can be measured with high accuracy. The maximum differences between the device and laser interferometer are 0.027 mm in Y direction, and 0.053 mm in X direction in the measuring distance of 6 m.

The Straightness Backstroke Kick Makes Fast Speed and Increased Lactate Acid. A Case Study Using 3-Times Olympian

In this study, we assess the effectiveness of utilizing a straight knee kick in the backstroke with regard to the overall time, max speed, and distance per stroke when using a straight knee butterfly technique. We analyzed freestyle kick of knee angles from 7-Olympic medalists, 1970＇s S-shaped pulling pattern stroke was used with a bending knee freestyle kick. The straight knee kick used in butterfly competitions resulted in improvements from 54.74 to 51.00 in Men＇s 100-meter butterfly and fi＇om 23.43 to 23.02 in Men＇s 50-meter butterfly. Using a straight knee kick in backstroke competitions resulted in improvements from 1：01.74 to 1：00.55 in the 100-meter backstroke event. Increases in performance speed, max speed and distance per stroke among three elite level swimmers are highly correlated to duration of the kick resistance, and straight knee kick in backstroke. The straight knee kick also resulted in an increase in lactate acid.

Geometric Approximation Searching Algorithm for Spatial Straightness Error Evaluation

Considering the characteristics of spatial straightness error, this paper puts forward a kind of evaluation method of spatial straightness error using Geometric Approximation Searching Algorithm (GASA). According to the minimum condition principle of form error evaluation, the mathematic model and optimization objective of the GASA are given. The algorithm avoids the optimization and linearization, and can be fulfilled in three steps. First construct two parallel quadrates based on the preset two reference points of the spatial line respectively;second construct centerlines by connecting one quadrate each vertices to another quadrate each vertices;after that, calculate the distances between measured points and the constructed centerlines. The minimum zone straightness error is obtained by repeating comparing and reconstructing quadrates. The principle and steps of the algorithm to evaluate spatial straightness error is described in detail, and the mathematical formula and program flowchart are given also. Results show that this algorithm can evaluate spatial straightness error more effectively and exactly.

High-precision method of detecting motion straightness based on plane mirror interference

A high-precision method of detecting motion straightness was proposed based on the prin- ciple of plane mirror interference after analyzing the motion straightness error of a linear stage. De- tection experiments were carried out and the motion straightness errors were separated by the linear regression method. Finally, linear measurement uncertainty of the detection method was estimated. The results showed that this detection method was simple and accurate, and was especially suitable for precision detection of motion straightness error in the small travel movement of ultra-precision machining.

A Novel Method to Simultaneously Measure the Straightness

A precise two-degree-of-freedom measuring system (2DMS) is developed based on single-mode optical fiber, LD, cube corner retroreflector and four-quadrant photodetector (4-Q), and the simultaneous on-line measurement of lateral and vertical direction straightness errors of the linear stage is carried out. The moving part is wireless, which eliminates any errors introduced by pushing and pulling the wires. The sensitivity of the straightness error measurement can be improved by a factor of 2 with the cube corner retroreflector. This fiber-based optically aligned beam is used to establish a reference line for the straightness measurement of any mechanical system. 4-Q detector is used to receive the laser beam. A chip microcomputer is developed to conduct all data acquisition and signal processing. The beam drift influence can be removed in the greatest extent from the system. The experiments on the measurement system stability, repeatability and its comparison with the HP5528 double-frequency laser interferometer are carried out.

ALTERABLE INTERVAL OPTICALELECTRONIC AUTOCOLLIMATION METHOD FOR STRAIGHTNESS MEASUREMENT OF PRECISION GUIDE

Optical-electronic autocollimation method is commonly used to measure straightness of precision guides in engineering application. However, the traditional fixed interval optical-electronic autocollimation method is not suitable for measuring straightness of an air-bearing guide with a long air-bearing bush or a precision straight guide with a long slide-carriage, because the air-bearing bush and the slidecarriage are actually taken as a big bridgeboard bigger than the length of the bridgeboard with the reflector, which is about 1/4-1/2 of total length of the measured guide. If straightness is measured according to the traditional method, only a few points are sampled so that the guide straightness can not be evaluated fully or accurately. In order to solve the problem, an alterable measuring interval method is proposed for straightness measurement based on analyzing the mutual relations and effects among the tilting angle of the reflector, the length of the bridgeboard, the measuring interval and the straightness of the guide. A straightness calculation model is also developed using the method, and the errors stemming from the method proposed are introduced in brief. A precision air-bearing guide with a long air-bearing bush is measured and evaluated using the method proposed, and the actual measurement and evaluation results prove that the method is correct in theory and practical in operation. The method proposed gives an effective and flexible solution to the straightness measurement of the precision guide with long slide-carriage or air-bearing bush in application. It is an extension of the traditional optical-electronic autocollimation method for straightness measurement.

Improvement on straightness of metal bar based on straightening stroke-deflection model

The straightening technics is one of important means to improve the straightness of metal bar. A novel way of predicting the straightening stroke is proposed based on mathematical methods and bending experimental and numerical simulation. The experimental and numerical simulation is conducted by following the mathematical load-stroke model of press straightening process under the elastic-plastic theory. For the linear guide rails, as an example, the stroke-deflection model focusing on the straightening stroke prediction can be achieved by contrasting and integrating the bending experimental results and finite element methods (FEM) simulation data. And then the formula for predicting the straightening stroke is presented based on the precise straightening stroke-deflection model. The stroke prediction formula with high precision can be applied to the straightening stroke prediction in the high straightness metal bar manufacturing process and automatic straightening machine conveniently.

Going straight for the gut:gut-brain axis pathology and treatment of Parkinson's disease

This perspective focuses on the recent literature regarding the role of the gut-brain axis(GBA) in fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT) and stem cell therapy(SCT) in Parkinson's disease(PD).PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States,yet therapies remain limited.Current research suggests that the GBA may play a role in the pathogenesis of PD.GBAbased FMT as well as SCT offer promising new avenues for PD treatment.Pro bing the interactions between FMT and SCT with the GBA may reveal novel therapeutics for PD.

Robots Get Smarter with Help from Artificial Intelligence

In 2023,residents of 22 homes in New York City agreed to take part in an unusual experiment.For several hours,they performed a variety of common household tasks with an iPhone-outfitted reacher grabber—a tool commonly used for picking up litter and by wheel-chair-bound people to grasp out-of-reach objects(Fig.1)[1,2].As each volunteer conducted simple household activities such as opening and closing doors,picking up bags of trash,turning on toasters,flipping on light switches,and straightening couch cushions,the phones captured video of the grabber’s movements and measured its position and orientation[1].

Industrial utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings as pellet prepared by straight grate process

The utilization of arsenic-containing gold dressing tailings is an urgent issue faced by gold production companies worldwide.The thermodynamic analysis results indicate that ferrous arsenate(FeAsO_(4)),pyrite(FeS_(2))and sodium cyanide(NaCN)in the arsenic-containing gold metallurgical tailings can be effectively removed using straight grate process,and the removal of pyrite and sodium cyanide is basically completed during the preheating stage,while the removal of ferrous arsenate requires the roasting stage.The pellets undergo a transformation from magnetite to hematite during the preheating process,and are solidified through micro-crystalline bonding and high-temperature recrystallization of hematite(Fe_(2)O_(3))during the roasting process.Ultimately,pellets with removal rates of 80.77% for arsenic,88.78% for sulfur,and 99.88% for cyanide are obtained,as well as the iron content is 61.1% and the compressive strength is 3071 N,meeting the requirements for blast furnace burden.This study provides an industrially feasible method for treating arsenic-containing gold smelting tailings,benefiting gold production enterprises.

A self-organization formation configuration based assignment probability and collision detection

The formation control of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles(multi-UAVs)has always been a research hotspot.Based on the straight line trajectory,a multi-UAVs target point assignment algorithm based on the assignment probability is proposed to achieve the shortest overall formation path of multi-UAVs with low complexity and reduce the energy consumption.In order to avoid the collision between UAVs in the formation process,the concept of safety ball is introduced,and the collision detection based on continuous motion of two time slots and the lane occupation detection after motion is proposed to avoid collision between UAVs.Based on the idea of game theory,a method of UAV motion form setting based on the maximization of interests is proposed,including the maximization of self-interest and the maximization of formation interest is proposed,so that multi-UAVs can complete the formation task quickly and reasonably with the linear trajectory assigned in advance.Finally,through simulation verification,the multi-UAVs target assignment algorithm based on the assignment probability proposed in this paper can effectively reduce the total path length,and the UAV motion selection method based on the maximization interests can effectively complete the task formation.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles Hand-Reared in Captivity: Isotopic Insights into Their Inherent Dietary Variation

Stable isotope analysis is a widely used method for gathering ecological insights into the diet and feeding habitats of various species. While captive studies often limit lethal sampling and differ from wild conditions, they offer valuable insights into inherent isotopic variations among individuals, which are often assumed to reflect differences between natural populations. In the Sea Turtle Conservation Program, loggerhead turtle hatchlings from different nests were fed. Necropsies were conducted on turtles that died during this period, obtaining bone fragments for analysis. We evaluated the isotopic variation of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in bone tissue across six turtle nests (n = 66 samples) and assessed differences in Straight Carapace Length (SCL, n = 71 samples). Using SIBER and nicheROVER in R, we calculated niche width and overlap, while the simmr package determined primary prey assimilation. Despite feeding the hatchlings the same prey, we observed variations in nitrogen isotope assimilation between nests. Nests 4 and 6 had a niche width >1.8‰, indicating consistent consumption frequencies across all prey and >70% niche overlap with other nests. In contrast, nests 1 and 2 showed a narrower niche width (Mugil sp. constituted the primary diet component (>40%) across all groups. This study demonstrates how factors like competition or prey preference can influence the assimilation of diet, even when the source remains constant (inherent variation).

Making Space Odysseys Possible

A Hong Kong-based research center contributes to deep space missions both nationally and internationally.THE Research Center for Deep Space Explorations(RCDSE)at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University(PolyU)showcases several unique things that seem straight out of a sci-fi film.There is an extraordinary Mars surveillance camera and complex equipment for collecting samples from another planet and packing them for safe transportation to earth.“We also have facilities to store and analyze extraterrestrial samples in a non-destructive way,”said Prof.Yung Kai-leung,director of the RCDSE.“They maintain high-purity nitrogen gas for long-term storage and in-depth analysis of lunar soil.”

The world's longest straight road

Activity 1.Think about the following questions and write down your answers before reading the text.1.If you had the chance to travel on the longest straight road in the world,what would be the first thing you would do?2.Do you think having such a long straight road has more advantages or disadvan⁃tages?And why?

我需要牛仔裤

Look around you,and you will see many people wearing jeans.They are popular and a favorite fashion choice for men and women of all ages.There are many styles and colors of jeans.But blue is still the most common color.Some jeans are tight.Some have straight legs,others have wide legs.Jeans with rips in them are in fashion now.