In this paper, we propose a keypoint-less iterative matching method among more than two images. The proposed method can calculate dense correspondence between the input images without a priori knowledge of keypoints definition, by generating intermediate image automatically. In the intermediate image generation, we defined the generated image as an image which has the averaged location and values so that the Zero Normalized Cross Correlation in the local regions between the generated image and each input image becomes high. Experiments showed that the proposed method is useful for extracting correspondence among the image data set and is effective in such applications as facial image analysis for generating average face and image defect inspection in the production lines.

In this paper, we propose a fast and robust 6D pose estimation of objects from a RGB-D image. Our proposed method consists of two components: PCOF-MOD (multimodal perspectively cumulated orientation feature) and balanced pose tree. PCOF-MOD is based on the orientation histograms of depth gradient and surface normal vectors, those are extracted on synthesized depth images using randomized 3D pose parameters and 3D CAD data of a target object. Therefore, the model templates of PCOF-MOD explicitly handle a certain range of 3D object pose. Additionally, a large number of templates are organized into a coarse-to-fine 3D pose tree in order to accelerate 6D pose estimation. Predefined polyhedra for viewpoint sampling are prepared for each level of an image pyramid and 3D object pose trees are built so that the number of child nodes of every parent node are almost equal in each pyramid level. In the experimental evaluation of 6D object pose estimation on publicly available RGB-D image dataset, our proposed method showed higher accuracy and comparable speed in comparison with state-of-the-art techniques.

It is expected that telepresence techniques are introduced into a car navigation system. For example, the navigation system presents a road scene taken from different points of view to drivers. The realization of the system require cameras on a road demanded by drivers. However, available cameras of roads are generally insufficient. We aim to construct an another view point image generation with shifted perspective using two in-vehicle camera images based on ad-hoc networks. Using the models of a few virtual planes produced from measurement points, we have shown that the transformation is performed in real time. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.

In the past, many papers have studied the structural optimization of servo motors from a motor's design viewpoint, but very few have reported the interrelation between a servo motor's specifications and the feed axes of machine tools. In this paper, the interrelation between a servo motor's specifications and the dynamic performance of feed axes of machining centers selected as a representative of machine tools is studied.

First, among the servo motor specifications the moment of inertia affecting dynamic performance of machine feed axes is especially focused, and the moment of inertia ratio of a machine feed axis to a servo motor is investigated by a mechanical model. Next, machining centers used in actual machining field and servo motors installed in them were researched, and the interrelation between the kind of the machining center and the moment of inertia ratio is analyzed.

As a result, the actual field examples confirm the validity of the investigation by a mechanical model. In short, servo motors with relatively low moment of inertia are suited to machining centers targeting high cycle machining, while those with relatively high moment of inertia are suited to machining centers targeting high precision and fine surface machining.

In recent years, the Directed Energy Deposition (DED) method using Inconel 718, in which supplied metal powder is melted by high energy laser and metal layers are deposited layer by layer, has been actively studied and attracted in the aerospace industry. Voids generated in the deposited part cause deterioration of the mechanical strength. Hence, avoiding voids is one of the most important issues in the DED process. In this study, the mechanism in which voids are generated was investigated by observing the porosity rate, analyzing gas included in voids and observing thermal distribution during the deposition process. The result indicated that the deposition with a laser power of 2000 W and a feed rate of 1000 mm/min has the lowest porosity, and constant laser energy density is effective to keep the constant porosity. Furthermore, Argon gas for shield and most atmospheric components were detected in the voids of the deposited part by analyzing gas in the voids.

Cu oxidation state and Cu-inhibitor complex removal have been investigated by electrochemical measurements for developing the post Cu-CMP cleaner. To elucidate Cu oxide state, Sequential Electrochemical Reduction Analysis (SERA) is performed. As results, SERA could detect Cu2O and CuO independently and quantitatively. Furthermore, we measured Cu-inhibitor complex removal using Open Circuit Potential (OCP). OCP measurement could reveal difference of removal speed of Cu-inhibitor complex. So, SERA and OCP are effective to develop post Cu-CMP cleaner.

It is widely recognized that pathology is the most important factor for staging and selecting effective chemotherapy for patients with cancer. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a reliable screening method, but intra-operative diagnosis by frozen section with IHC is not possible because IHC takes approximately 6 hours. We recently developed a rapid-IHC method that makes use of an alternating current (AC) electric field to facilitate the antigen-antibody reaction, and reported its usefulness for detection of lung cancer and breast cancer. The antibody is mixed within microdroplets as the voltage is switched on and off at specific intervals. The resultant Coulomb force stirs the diluted solution on the sections, which increases the opportunity for contact. The rapid-IHC device reduces the time required for IHC as well as the amount of antibody required for analyses. The device may also be applied for in situ hybridization (ISH); however, ISH requires a warm temperature, such as 37℃, and a longer processing time than the rapid-IHC method. Consequently, evaporation can be a problem during ISH. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the utility and reliability of an oil cover and cover cap made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for preventing evaporation due to the AC electric field applied to facilitate the antigen-antibody reaction. We have shown that both the oil cover and PET cover cap prevented evaporation when using the rapid-IHC device.

A needle-free injector designed to inject medicinal fluids into skin using only fluid pressure is gaining popularity. This paper has considered the estimation method for maximum injection pressure of the needle-free injector. A model of the needle-free injector was created taking into account the movement of the internal parts, such as a piston, a plunger and a spring, which were derived on the basis of mechanical modeling and motion analysis. The elastic or viscoelastic deformation of the internal parts of a syringe and a gasket was calculated based on FEM and replaced by equivalent spring constant. The consumption of energy for injecting the fluid was expressed by the damping coefficient. The experimental results showed that maximum injection pressure and the transition of injection pressure are affected by the elastic spring force and the impact gap. The estimation results of the maximum injection pressure were in good agreement with the experimental results under the same design parameters. As a result, it was clarified that the maximum injection pressure of the needle free injector can be estimated by using the motion analysis.