Abstract
In this paper, an automatic histogram threshold approach based on a fuzziness measure is presented. This work is an improvement of an existing method. Using fuzzy logic concepts, the problems to find a minima of a criterion function are avoided. Similarity between gray levels is the key to find an optimal threshold. Two initial regions of gray levels, located at the boundaries of the histogram, are defined. Then, using an index of fuzziness, a similarity process is started to find the threshold point. A significant contrast between objects and background is assumed. Previous histogram equalization is used in small contrast images. No pior knowledge of the image is required.

Abstract
This paper describes a robust localization system, similar to the used by the teams participating in the Robocup Small size league (SLL). The system, developed in Object Pascal, allows real-time localization and control of an autonomous onmidirectional mobile robot. The localization algorithm is done resorting to odometry and global vision data fusion, applying an extended Kalman filter.

Abstract

Abstract
A rapid atmospheric correction method is proposed to be used for visible and near-infrared satellite sensor images over land. The method is based on a simplified use of a radiative transfer code (RTC), which is used only a priori, to generate Look-Up-Tables (LUTs) of the estimated surface reflectance. A typical scenario and ranges of values for the main atmospheric correction parameters are initially established. Each image pixel is treated as a slight deviation from the reference scenario defined by the vector of the typical values for the parameters. The assumption of the parameter's independence allows the use of one-dimensional LUTs. The method is suitable for near real-time processing or whenever a large number of data are to be handled rapidly. The operator intervention is minimal, and the computation time involved in the correction of a whole image is about 1000 times shorter than the full use of the base RTC. A test is performed with advanced very-high-resolution radiometer (AVHRR) visible and near-infrared data, using the Second Simulation of the Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum (6S) RTC as the base code. The accuracy of the proposed method was compared with the standard use of the 6S RTC over the same dataset with resulting root mean square errors of 0.0114 and 0.0104 for AVHRR bands 1 and 2 for the estimated surface reflectance, respectively.

Abstract
This paper presents a nonlinear model-based predictive controller (NMPC) for trajectory tracking of a four-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robot. Methods of numerical optimization to perform real-time nonlinear minimization of the cost function are used. The cost function penalizes the robot's position error, the robot's orientation angle error, and the control effort. Experimental results of the trajectories following and the performances of the methods of optimization are presented. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract
In this letter, a temperature sensor using a fiber loop mirror containing a piece of highly birefringent erbium doped fiber is presented. A Hi-Bi PANDA erbium-doped silica fiber was used and compared with the conventional Hi-Bi PANDA fiber. Different results for strain and temperature sensitivity were obtained. The temperature coefficient sensitivity was -2.22 nm/degrees C and significantly higher when compared with others conventional Hi-Bi fibers. Strain experiments were also performed. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 3152-3154 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23907