UWSpace

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Recent Submissions

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    On the modeling of light interactions with human blood
    (University of Waterloo, 2011-12-21) Yim, D.; Baranoski, G. V. G.; Chen, T. F.; Kimmel, B. W.; Miranda, E.
    The development of predictive appearance models for organic tissues is a challenging task due to the inherent complexity of these materials. In this report, we closely examine the biophysical processes responsible for the appearance attributes of whole blood, one the most fundamental of these materials. We describe a new appearance model that simulates the mechanisms of light propagation and absorption within the cellular and fluid portions of this specialized tissue. The proposed model employs a comprehensive, and yet flexible first principles approach based on the morphological, optical and biochemical properties of blood cells. This approach allows for environment driven changes in the cells' anatomy and orientation to be appropriately included into the light transport simulations. The correctness and predictive capabilities of the proposed model are quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated through comparisons of modeled results with actual measured data and experimental observations reported in the scientific literature. Its incorporation into rendering systems is illustrated through images of blood samples depicting appearance variations controlled by physiologically meaningful parameters. Besides the contributions to the modelling of material appearance, the research presented in this report is also expected to have applications in a wide range of biomedical areas, from optical diagnostics to the visualization and noninvasive imaging of blood-perfused tissues.
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    Mapping big-step modeling languages to SMV
    (University of Waterloo, 2011-12-23) Faghih, Fathiyeh; Day, Nancy A.
    We propose an algorithm for creating a semantics-based, parameterized translator from the family of big-step modelling languages (BSMLs) to the input language of the model checker SMV. Our translator takes as input a specification in the CHTS notation and a set of user-provided parameters that encode the specification's semantics; it produces an SMV model suitable for model checking. We use a modular approach for translation, which means that the structure of the resulting SMV model matches the source CHTS structure.
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    Information technology to support indigenous peoples
    (University of Waterloo, 2011-11-29) Cowan, D. D.; McGarry, F. M.; Moran, H.; McCarthy, D. D.; King, C.
    Indigenous peoples face challenges retaining their traditional knowledge and culture and in negotiating with governments and proponents of resource exploitation, settlement and infrastructure development on their traditional lands. This paper outlines the issues faced by indigenous peoples and describes the Dreamcatcher software system. Dreamcatcher is a powerful web-based information system containing interactive mapping tools, mediated social networks, geo-spatial consultation services and a security model that can support indigenous peoples in the endeavours just described. Interactive mapping is a key tool since landscapes valued by indigenous peoples can be integral elements of indigenous cultural identity.
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    The point-set embeddability problem for plane graphs
    (University of Waterloo, 2011-11-29) Biedl, Therese; Vatshelle, Martin
    In this paper, we study the point-set embeddability-problem, i.e., given a planar graph and a set of points, is there a mapping of the vertices to the points such that the resulting straight-line drawing is planar? This problem is NP-hard if the embedding can be chosen, but becomes polynomial for triangulated graphs of treewidth 3. We show here that in fact it can be answered for all planar graphs with a fixed embedding that have constant treewidth and constant face-degree. We also prove that as soon as one of the conditions is dropped (i.e., either the treewidth is unbounded or some faces have large degrees), Point-set embeddability with a fixed embedding becomes NP-hard. The NP-hardness holds even for a 3-connected planar graph with constant treewidth, triangulated planar graphs, or 2-connected outer-planar graphs.
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    Stop using "users"! An examination of word usage in CHI literature and the impact of objectifying people
    (University of Waterloo, 2011-11-23) Bradley, Adam; Hancock, Mark; Carpendale, Sheelagh
    In this paper we describe, though a philological and philosophical investigation, what we think the effects of the word "user" are on HCI research. By recognizing the words themselves carry historical meanings and semiotic/semantic suggestions we will attempt to show that a shift in terminology, replacing "user" with "human" or "person", will positively affect not just our use of jargon, but our fundamental concerns with design. Through a study of the word itself, its historical usage in the English language, and then its usage in the corpus of CHI scholarship, we will attempt to show that a consideration of these factors could drastically change how we envision and interpret the work of our own community.