Sitka Spruce Quality Estimation using Neural Networks
This paper describes an automated classifier for the 
identification of good wood and knotty wood from 
computer tomography (CT) images of logs. Such a 
system is intended to allow better assessment of saw 
logs before being cut into timber. We describe a new empirical model for the growth of Sitka Spruce (Picea 
Stichensis (Bong, Carr)) whose operation is adapted to 
Irish conditions. The use of Hopfield networks for 2D 
cross-section image reconstruction from CT data 
obtained from the model is investigated. We also used 
a multi-layer feedforward neural network trained with 
fast-backpropagation to identify good wood from 
knotty wood. The Hopfield approach to image 
reconstruction was seen as being unsuitable for 
application with the wood industry. However, the use 
of a feedforward neural network for wood classification produced very promising results when trained on our tree model. It is expected that results from real wood data would be even more accurate.
A new technique for the real-time recovery of Fabry-Perot line profiles
A new analogue technique is proposed as a method of obtaining Fabry-Perot line profiles using an imaging photon detector. The technique employs the principle of replacing software with hardware, which increases speed and in this case removes problems due to quantisation errors. A further advantage of the system is that it allows the profile to be observed as the integration proceeds, something which was not possible using the digitised x and y coordinates. The ability to obtain the profile in real-time is of importance when recording from a light source whose intensity varies with time.
Determining the Jaw Relationship
Contacts between the upper and lower posterior teeth of complete dentures take place during the opening and closing strokes of mastication (Brudvik and Howell 1990). These contacts are fast, gliding impacts of the mandibular teeth which contact close to the position of maximal intercuspation of the teeth, called the “intercuspal occlusion”. The intercuspal position is the position adopted by the mandible when the teeth are in intercuspal occlusion.