• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.8 no.11
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• pp.935-940
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• 2002

For robot navigation and visual reconstruction, structure from motion (SFM) is an active issue in computer vision community and its properties arc also becoming well understood. In this paper, when using stereo image sequence and direct method as a tool for SFM, we present a new method for overcoming bas-relief ambiguity. We first show that the direct methods, based on optical flow constraint equation, are also intrinsically exposed to such ambiguity although they introduce robust methods. Therefore, regarding the motion and depth estimation by the robust and direct method as approximated ones. we suggest a method that refines both stereo displacement and motion displacement with sub-pixel accuracy, which is the central process f3r improving its ambiguity. Experiments with real image sequences have been executed and we show that the proposed algorithm has improved the estimation accuracy.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.89-92
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• 2007

The authors propose a magnetic actuator for use as a navigation system for capsule endoscopes. The actuator is composed of a capsule dummy, a permanent magnet inside the capsule, and an external spiral structure. The device rotates and propels wirelessly when exposed to an external rotational magnetic field. In this study we measured the effect of the spiral shape on the velocity and thrust force properties. According to our experimental results, the actuator obtained a maximum velocity and thrust force when the spiral angle was set at 45 degrees, the number of spirals was set at 4, and the spiral-height was set at 1-mmf. We also conducted a motion test in the large intestine of a pig placed on a 30 degrees slope. The actuator passed through a 700 mm length of the intestine in about 300 s. The device also managed to travel up and down the 30 degrees slope with no difficulty whatsoever. Our results demonstrate the great potential of this actuator for use as a navigation system for capsule endoscopes.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers Conference
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• 2008.03a
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• pp.419-426
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• 2008

As pulse detonation engine(PDE) does not need compression mechanisms such as compressors because self-sustained detonation waves are able to compress propellant gases by their incident shock waves, the PDE can have a simple straight-tube structure. In this study, we propose an autonomous driving valve system of the PDE, which fill premixed gases into the PDE tubes at high frequency with high mass flow rate. The proposed valve is composed of only three parts: a piston, a cylinder, and a spring. This valve system can produce intermittent flow at high mass flow rate, and also can keep stable reciprocal motion by using the propellant-gas enthalpy. When the cylinder content product is assumed to be constant, experimental results of the mass flow rate were approximately equal to the calculation model. We confirmed the autonomous driving valve performance by experiments, and concluded that this extremely simple valve with no electrical power and controller can be used as the PDE propellant supply system.