Remarks on multimodal nonverbal interface and its application to controlling mobile robot
This paper proposes a multimodal nonverbal interface system using bio-potential signals, such as EOG and EMG, and image processing and investigates its possibility of applying to control a mobile robot. To evaluate the feasibility and the characteristics of the multimodal nonverbal interface system, teleoperation control experiments of the robot are carried out. By comparing the experimental results with those obtained using a conventional keyboard interface, the effectiveness of the proposed interface system is confirmed.
Neural Interfaces Link the Mind and the Machine [Industry Trends]
magine an interface that lets you use an eye blink instead of a mouse click or a thought instead of a keystroke. What you are imagining is a neural interface. Interface developers are increasingly looking to neural interfaces, which use biological signals to control a computer, as a way to provide a seamless link between user and machine and at the same time increase efficiency and productivity. As such, neural interfaces represent the cutting edge of human-computer interface design. While forms of voice and gesture recognition have been around for years, neural interface technology—which links the computer to the human nervous and muscular systems—is still in its infancy. Many projects are still in the lab, and only a few have matured enough for commercial release. The technology thus does not have much of a track record in the marketplace. Before the technology can take off, developers must solve many problems, such as how to develop more effective biological sensors, more sophisticated device-control mechanisms, and more efficient ways of training users. Neural-interface vendors are also still struggling to acquire financial backing. The technology not only lacks a track record, but it presents such a novel approach to interfaces that many investors are hesitant to commit the capital needed for mass production. However, neural-interface technology is already helping users with severe disabilities. For these users, especially victims of paralysis and such debilitating muscular diseases as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the standard keyboard-and-mouse interface presents insurmountable obstacles. Neural interfaces offer the disabled a way to communicate with family and friends, control devices in their homes, and enter the workforce. These users are thus also enthusiastic testers of neural-interface systems. Janet Fiore, cofounder of the Sierra Group, an engineering consulting firm that specializes in technology that helps the disabled, said neural-interface technology is great for users who need such assistance but could also have mainstream applications, especially in such areas as interactive employee training and video games. Although researchers and developers take different approaches to neural-interface technology, current systems share several basic similarities. For example, neural interfaces pick up bioelectrical signals from muscle (elec-tromyograph or EMG), brain (electro-encephalograph or EEG), or eye (electro-oculograph or EOG) activity. For more information about these signals, see the sidebar " Neural-Interface Signals. " Sensors (usually in the form of electrodes) detect, amplify, and transmit these signals (with voltages as faint as 0.5 microvolts) to an analog-to-digital converter. A digital …
Experimental investigation of the geotechnical properties and microstructure of lime-stabilized saline soils under freeze-thaw cycling
Abstract The Song-Nen Plain in northeastern China holds one of the three largest expanses of soda saline-alkali soil in the world. Due to its disadvantageous geotechnical properties, the saline soil in this area is unable to meet the needs of construction projects. This study evaluates the stabilizing effect of adding lime to such soils. Specifically, it investigates how the physicochemical and mechanical properties and microstructure of soda saline-alkali soil are altered by lime and how these changes are affected by both freeze-thaw cycling and the duration of curing. The results reveal that adding lime to saline soil transforms clay particles into sand and silt particles and causes the pore size distribution (PSD) to become bimodal, with small-pore and macropore populations. An increase in lime content leads to an increase in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) but a gradual decrease in both the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and plastic index. Freeze-thaw cycles break up coarse particles and aggregate finer particles, increasing the diameter of macropores and decreasing the USC; however, the effect on specimens with >9% lime is negligible. It is further shown that the geotechnical properties of the soil change immediately after the addition of lime, indicating that the cation exchange reaction takes place very quickly. Furthermore, the pozzolanic reaction leads to an increase in the percentage of sand-sized particles and a decrease in porosity after 28 days of curing. Overall, these results indicate that it is feasible to use lime to improve the engineering properties of soda saline-alkali soil in this area.