This paper proposes the q-sigmoid functions, which are variations of the sigmoid expressions and an analysis of their application to the process of enhancing regions of interest in digital images. These new functions are based on the non-extensive Tsallis statistics, arising in the field of statistical mechanics through the use of q-exponential functions. The potential of q-sigmoids for image processing is demonstrated in tasks of region enhancement in ultrasound images which are highly affected by speckle noise. Before demonstrating the results in real images, we study the asymptotic behavior of these functions and the effect of the obtained expressions when processing synthetic images. In both experiments, the q-sigmoids overcame the original sigmoid functions, as well as two other well-known methods for the enhancement of regions of interest: slicing and histogram equalization. These results show that q-sigmoids can be used as a preprocessing step in pipelines including segmentation as demonstrated for the Otsu algorithm and deep learning approaches for further feature extractions and analyses.
The recent development of advanced manufacturing concepts brings new challenges for developing countries in order to prepare their workforce and industries for local and global markets. To explore and disseminate advanced manufacturing concepts, the first autonomous advanced manufacturing cell developed in Brazil as a result of a partnership between global and local companies and academia was designed and evaluated. This paper aims to describe the advanced manufacturing cell, the equipment composing the infrastructure, and the network topology and equipment that could deal with the heterogeneity of equipment and protocol. Moreover, the behavior of the Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) communication framework (and related protocols) as the integration element between the equipment composing the cell was evaluated. The results indicated that the OPC UA communication framework promotes a low traffic overhead and can also be used to carry data from the traditional protocols in their fields without restrictions that could hinder production. The paper also discusses how the exchange of data occurred between the equipment used in the production and the control systems via the protocol studied. The OPC UA communication framework protocols presented a messaging structure and data transport characteristics that satisfy the integration needs between equipment of several manufacturers that composed an autonomous cell of advanced manufacturing. This paper also presents some key challenges to integrating all equipment not addressed by the OPC UA reference model.
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