Research on a Segmentation Algorithm for the Tujia Brocade Images Based on Unsupervised Gaussian Mixture Clustering

Tujia brocades are important carriers of Chinese Tujia national culture and art. It records the most detailed and real cultural history of Tujia nationality and is one of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Classic graphic elements are separated from Tujia brocade patterns to establish the Tujia brocade graphic element database, which is used for the protection and inheritance of traditional national culture. Tujia brocade dataset collected a total of more than 200 clear Tujia brocade patterns and was divided into seven categories, according to traditional meanings. The weave texture of a Tujia brocade is coarse, and the textural features of the background are obvious, so classical segmentation algorithms cannot achieve good segmentation effects. At the same time, deep learning technology cannot be used because there is no standard Tujia brocade dataset. Based on the above problems, this study proposes a method based on an unsupervised clustering algorithm for the segmentation of Tujia brocades. First, the cluster number K is calculated by fusing local binary patterns (LBP) and gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) characteristic values. Second, clustering and segmentation are conducted on each input Tujia brocade image by adopting a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to obtain a preliminary segmentation image, wherein the image yielded after preliminary segmentation is rough. Then, a method based on voting optimization and dense conditional random field (DenseCRF) (CRF denotes conditional random filtering) is adopted to optimize the image after preliminary segmentation and obtain the image segmentation results. Finally, the desired graphic element contour is extracted through interactive cutting. The contributions of this study include: (1) a calculation method for the cluster number K wherein the experimental results show that the effect of the clustering number K chosen in this paper is ideal; (2) an optimization method for the noise points of Tujia brocade patterns based on voting, which can effectively eliminate isolated noise points from brocade patterns.

Iconic and Symbolic Representation in Early Mathematics Teaching

Mathematics is an abstract science, it uses a specific symbolic language, a kind of code that is difficult for children to comprehend. Using operation signs and numbers is not simple and obvious for them. The learning of mathematics by children cannot therefore be based on symbols alone. Action is needed first. However, since there is a large gap between an action and a symbol, it is necessary to support the teaching of mathematics with graphic means. Introducing a graphic element as a kind of methodological aid requires careful preparation, motivation and embedding it in previous physical activities performed by children. Otherwise, such an item, instead of facilitating the understanding of a concept, hinders that understanding and becomes an illusory aid. This paper describes the role and importance of pictorial representation in early mathematics teaching. Based on selected examples of tasks from textbooks, the difficulties of illustrating mathematical concepts are presented, and appropriate methodological solutions in this area are indicated.

Peculiarities of transformation of Slavic ornaments in the modern packaging of food products

Recent decades are characterized by the heightened interest towards the Russian traditional culture. Among the markers of ethnic hue of an art object or a product, special place belongs to the ornament. The article examines the problems of development, transformation and adaptation to modern conditions of the traditional Slavic ornament used in design of packaging. The object of this research is the graphic element placed on the most popular lines of generally accessible food products featured in the chain supermarkets. The choice is substantiated by the general accessibility, mass production of the goods and its wide regional coverage, which ensures maximal interaction with the Russian consumer. It is established that the elements of Slavic ornament are widely used in design of packaging of food products. Preference of manufacturers is given to the elements of Khokhloma and Gzhel painting as most famous and brand-named Russian traditional crafts. The author observes the active search for color, compositional and thematic solutions, which testifies on its inevitable adaptation and transformation of traditional elements, as well as points at their problems in preparation of specialists in the area of design, who at time are not familiar with the semantic-conceptual field of the used ornaments. This leads to the occurrence of associative dissonance in perception of food products and their packaging. Utilization of the traditional ornament in this applied sphere is one of the ways for preservation and development of national culture, which forms an essential associative layer in public consciousness and requires careful application.

A Comparative Study Concerning Airlines Logos

This paper is a study concerning the design of airlines logos all over the world, that is, what symbols, signs and colours are used to create this special identity. This study, which was realised on a hundred airlines, revealed interesting facts related to the main principles that govern the logo design. We were interested to see if special drawings that express a company are related to the represented country, because we found a lot of similarity in this. In the centre of the study was the logo, as an important graphic element to identify an airline company. We identified the typology of logos, known as iconic, logotype and complex logos. This paper is a plea for this wonderful graphic element, that is, the Logo. Keywords: Airline, logo design, typology, symbol, logotype.