Abstract
Industrial automation relies on PLC's to perform real-time critical tasks. These tasks are commonly implemented using IEC 61131-3 and tend to be very complex due to the current evolution of microprocessor capabilities. This complexity causes testing to be considered a very difficult task and the scope to be reduced to minimize effort. The application of automatic calibration techniques could allow the identification of optimal or near optimal solutions for the set of inputs to allow a better test coverage and simulation accuracy. This paper reviews current automatic simulation calibration methodologies and provides a description of an experiment of the application of search-based metaheuristics to IEC 61131-3 implemented algorithms in the context of power systems automation.

Abstract

Abstract
If ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) is to enhance physical environments then early and accurate assessment of alternative solutions will be necessary to avoid costly deployment of systems that fail to meet requirements. This paper presents APEX, a prototyping framework that combines a 3D Application Server with a behaviour modeling tool. The contribution of this framework is that it allows exhaustive analysis of the behaviour models that drive the prototype while at the same time enabling immersive exploration of a virtual environment simulating the proposed system. The development of prototypes is supported through three layers: a simulation layer (using OpenSimulator); a modelling layer (using CPN Tools) and a physical layer (using external devices and real users). APEX allows movement between these layers to analyse different features, from user experience to user behaviour. The multi layer approach makes it possible to express user behaviour in the modelling layer, provides a way to reduce the number of real users needed by adding simulated avatars, and supports user testing of hybrids of virtual and real components as well as exhaustive analysis. This paper demonstrates the approach by means of an example, placing particular emphasis on the simulation of virtual environments, low cost prototyping and the formal analysis capabilities.

Abstract
Pectus excavatum is the most common deformity of the thorax and usually comprises Computed Tomography (CT) examination for pre-operative diagnosis. Aiming at the elimination of the high amounts of CT radiation exposure, this work presents a new methodology for the replacement of CT by a laser scanner (radiation-free) in the treatment of pectus excavatum using personally modeled prosthesis. The complete elimination of CT involves the determination of ribs external outline, at the maximum sternum depression point for prosthesis placement, based on chest wall skin surface information, acquired by a laser scanner. The developed solution resorts to artificial neural networks trained with data vectors from 165 patients. Scaled Conjugate Gradient, Levenberg-Marquardt, Resilient Back propagation and One Step Secant gradient learning algorithms were used. The training procedure was performed using the soft tissue thicknesses, determined using image processing techniques that automatically segment the skin and rib cage. The developed solution was then used to determine the ribs outline in data from 20 patient scanners. Tests revealed that ribs position can be estimated with an average error of about 6.82 +/- 5.7 mm for the left and right side of the patient. Such an error range is well below current prosthesis manual modeling (11.7 +/- 4.01 mm) even without CT imagiology, indicating a considerable step forward towards CT replacement by a 3D scanner for prosthesis personalization.

Abstract

Abstract
The 2nd ACM International Workshop on Immersive Media Experiences (ImmersiveMe'14) at ACM Multimedia aims at bringing together researchers, students, media producers, service providers and industry players in the emergent area of immersive media experiences, through the exploration of different scenarios, applications, and neighboring fields. This second edition, after a successful first edition at ACM Multimedia 2013, provides a platform for presenting on-going work, to consolidate and tie different research communities working on this engaging area, as well as to point directions for the future.