An intelligent format for compressed representation of colour graphic images

The paper describes the intelligent format CIFc for compressed representation of color graphic images (GI). The proposed format is an extension of the effective IFc format, which is based on the correlation-extremal contour methods (CECM) of character-text information recognition. The technology for obtaining descriptions in CIFc format is based on the decomposition of the original GI with the selection of the text layer and the color layer. The text layer is represented by a black-and-white image obtained as a result of binarization of the bleached GI, and is a foreground mask. The color layer includes background and color information about the foreground mask and is compressed using wavelet transform. Compression of the text layer after its vectorization is carried out by the two-criteria KECM algorithm in the self-learning mode. Image restoration is carried out in reverse order on the basis of the restoration of each of the layers. A theoretical justification is given for the effectiveness of the representation of color GI in the proposed CIFc format in comparison with the closest analogue of DjVu. The theoretical justification of the effectiveness of the proposed CIFc format in comparison with the closest analogue of DjVu and the results of experiments on model and real color GI’s are given.

TO OPTIMIZATION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL BY VISUAL-COGNITIVE COMPONENT DEVELOPMENT

The article deals with the development of visual-cognitive component in interaction of the air traffic service specialist with the colour-graphic interface (of the information environment for monitoring the dynamic air situation) of a typical automated air traffic control system. Some weak points were found through monitoring of the air traffic controller interaction with information environment of interface. Elimination of the revealed drawbacks contributes to the most rational functional condition of air traffic control system. It becomes extremely important in high workload periods and especially in the situations of sharp urgency, e.g. in a shortterm conflicts, in hazardous meteorological conditions, in unforeseen or emergency situations in flight etc. The way of optimization of the air traffic control in the automated system is examined by applying visually-cognitive aids (tools) of user interaction available nowadays with the colour-graphic interface of the information environment. In a sense, we can talk about developing a cognitive support system for making rational decisions to identify potentially conflict situations and to counteract latent type of such situations. The development of decision support tools of rational orientation requires an analysis of the activity of the decision-maker, taking into account his personal factor, where the joint explication of the personal factor with information provision is appropriate. In this connection, the key priority is the development of information provision with colour-chromatic supplement of labels and aircraft marks. It results in information reduction to the minimum necessary and sufficient for making a decision on a rational basis. Application effect of the developed visual-cognitive solutions in the real route air traffic controllers test group is presented.

Impact of plain packaging of cigarettes on the risk perception of Uruguayan smokers: an experimental study

BackgroundUruguay, a South American country of 3.4 million inhabitants that has already banned tobacco advertising, prohibited such terms as light, mild and low-tar and required graphic warnings covering 80% of cigarette packs, is considering the imposition of plain, standardised packaging.MethodsWe conducted an experimental choice-based conjoint analysis of the impact of alternative cigarette package designs on the risk perceptions of 180 adult current Uruguayan smokers. We compared plain packaging, with a standardised brand description and the dark brown background colour required on Australian cigarette packages, to two controls: the current package design with distinctive brand elements and colours; and a modified package design, with distinctive brand elements and the dark brown background colour. Graphic warnings were also varied.ResultsPlain packaging significantly reduced the probability of perceiving the stimulus cigarettes as less harmful in comparison to the current package design (OR 0.398, 95% CI 0.333 to 0.476, p<0.001) and the modified package design (OR 0.729, 95% CI 0.626 to 0.849, p<0.001).ConclusionsPlain packaging enhanced the perceived risk of cigarette products even in a highly regulated setting such as Uruguay. Both the elimination of distinctive brand elements and the use of Australia’s dark brown background colour contributed to the observed effect.

A Social Semiotic Theory of Synesthesia? - A Discussion Paper

After a brief survey of ideas about synesthesia in philosophy, science and the arts, this paper explores the common qualities of the parameters of colour, graphic shape (including typography), timbre and texture, hypothesizes a number of points of correspondence and argues for their semiotic importance in the contemporary multimodal communication of identity.

Easily usable human-device interface for microwave therapy apparatus

In this paper we investigate the possibility of using a large dot matrix LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) as the essential part of a low cost, user friendly human-device interface which is driving a microwave diathermy medical apparatus. The human-device interface uses only four buttons with multiple functionalities, an analog encoder and the said dot matrix LCD. The interface is a part of the embedded system that drives the entire unit, as a stand alone hardware and complex firmware program. This interface can handle the medical treatment parameters in an ergonomic and simple way. The human-device interface has been designed in agreement with the EN60601-1 and EN60601-1-4 requirements using “the simple to complex” writing and validation algorithm. The interface has been manufactured as prototype and tested on our own proprietary microwave hyperthermia and diathermy device and proves to be intuitive and easy to use. The human-device interface firmware is portable to other scientific apparatus as well; however, a reconfiguration of all displayed information is necessary, depending on the purpose of the served equipment. Compared with a colour graphic LCD equipped with touch screen, the interface presented here is definitely less expensive, can be implemented faster and uses less hardware resources.

Drawing Dispossession

Dispossession (2015) is a 96-page colour graphic adaptation of Anthony Trollope’s 1879 novel John Caldigate. It is the primary outcome of a 2012 commission from the University of Leuven to develop, draw and rationalise a new graphic novel relative to Trollope’s (Fig. 1). Dispossession will be published in an English edition and as Courir deux lièvres [To Run Two Hares] in a French edition in conjunction with a 2015 academic conference on the occasion of the bicentenary of Trollope’s birth.1 The commission encompassed theorisations of adaptation, the habits and limitations of research and practice, narrative drawing and Victorianism. An academic partner volume, Transforming Anthony Trollope: ‘Dispossession’, Victorianism and 19th-Century Word and Image (2015), published at the same time, will include new writing on the graphic adaptation of nineteenth-century literature, Victorian illustration and Victorianism.

On-Line Temperature Profile Display System

Combustor development depends on two important factors, namely combustor efficiency and exit temperature profile. A microprocessor based system has been designed to have on-line display of exit temperature profiles during the development testing of a gas turbine engine. The system acquires temperature data from thirty thermocouples around the circumference and at various radial positions of the engine. The signals from the thermocouples are fed to a microprocessor through an analog input subsystem. The microprocessor computes the temperatures, averages the values and plots the radial profile on a colour graphic terminal. On the colour graphic terminal, ideal temperature profiles for various engine speeds are drawn. On the ideal temperature profile, actual temperature profiles are superimposed for various speeds during the testing of a gas turbine engine. In addition, circumferential profile is also plotted in off-line.