Handwritten Chinese characters can be recognized by first extracting the basic shapes (radicals) of which they are composed. Radicals are described by nonlinear active shape models and optimal parameters found using the chamfer distance transform and a dynamic tunneling algorithm. The radical recognition rate is 96.5 percent correct (writer-independent) on 280,000 characters containing 98 radic...

This paper proposes active handwriting models, in which kernel principal component analysis is applied to capture nonlinear handwriting variations. In the recognition phase, the chamfer distance transform and a dynamic tunnelling algorithm (DTA) are employed to search for the optimal shape parameters. The proposed methodology is successfully applied to a novel radical decomposition approach to ...

A new region growing algorithm has recently been proposed for computing Euclidean Distance Maps in a time comparable to widely used chamfer DT. In this paper we show how this algorithm can be extended to more complex tasks such as the computation of distance maps on an-isotropic grids and the generation of a new type of Euclidean skeletons.

We present a practical vision-based robotic bin-picking system that performs detection and 3D pose estimation of objects in an unstructured bin using a novel camera design, picks up parts from the bin, and performs error detection and pose correction while the part is in the gripper. Two main innovations enable our system to achieve real-time robust and accurate operation. First, we use a multi...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the marginal gap (MG) and absolute marginal discrepancy (MD) of full ceramic crowns with two finish line designs, shoulder and chamfer, using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) before and after cementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty extracted human maxillary premolar teeth were divided into two groups based on the finish line design: Group I: 90° shoulder and Group II...

OBJECTIVE In this investigation the thickness of enamel in the gingival, middle, and incisal thirds of the labial surface of the anterior teeth were measured regarding preparation of the teeth for porcelain laminate veneers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Part one, 20 extracted intact human maxillary central and lateral incisors ten of each were selected. The teeth were imbedded in autopolimerize acry...

AIM The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of Saudi dentists in finishing and polishing composite restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 306 Saudi dentists from March to April 2012. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 program and descriptive statistics were obtained. RESULTS Com...

Magnetic abrasive machining is a surface finishing technique in which a magnetic field is used to force abrasive particles against the target surface. As such, finishing of conventionally inaccessible surfaces (e.g., the inside surface of a long curved pipe) is possible. The aim of this paper is to study maximum efficiency in terms of material removal rate with respect to magnetic flux density ...