Yun-Long Lay

A digital image-based measurement system for a LCD backlight module

A LCD light guide plate is an element of the LCD backlight module that is often used for the display of compact electronic devices. In this study, a vision system is proposed to detect the degree of uniformity of light reflection using a light guide plate before the diffuser has been attached. A new bright spot search and statistical software has been designed and the parameters for the LCD light guide plate can be adjusted before manufacture to provide greater economy and make the device user friendly. Since many different types of backlight modules had to be analyzed in this study, we used different methods to determine the nonuniform factors and the backlight module area for each type. A wrapping algorithm is presented in the searching and statistic process of bright spot. This algorithm can combine the procedures of segmentation process and nonlinear grey scale mapping. After revising carved depth of the poor brightness area, the diffuser was attached and the analysis performed again to verify the design procedure correction. When the source light density is adjusted, the lighting error for the on line inspection is retained to within 3%.

An image-based LCD positioning system utilizing the modified FHT method

Summary In this paper, a LCD positioning system based on an image processing method is described. This method is effective in finding the angle of the geometric features in the cross registration mask. However, when two marks appear in the same frame, the problem of situation verification becomes more complex. We use an algorithm that assists with calculating the location and rotation angle for two marks precisely and quickly using the Fast Hough Transform (FHT). This method determines the locations of two masks and calculates the rotation angle from a blurred edge to adjust the LCD position and orientation.

The application of extension neuro-network on computer-assisted lip-reading recognition for hearing impaired

Within the communication process of human beings, the speakers facial expression and lip-shape movement contains extremely rich language information. The hearing impaired, aside from using residual listening to communicate with other people, can also use lip reading as a communication tool. As the hearing impaired learn the lip reading using a computer-assisted lip-reading system, they can freely learn lip reading without the constraints of time, place or situation. Therefore, we propose a computer-assisted lip-reading system (CALRS) for phonetic pronunciation recognition of the correct lip-shape with an image processing method, object-oriented language and neuro-network. This system can accurately compare the lip image of Mandarin phonetic pronunciation using self-organizing map neuro-network (SOMNN) and extension theory to help hearing impaired correct their pronunciation.

The laser displacement measurement with feedback control in a magnetic levitation and suspension system

In this study, we used a laser displacement sensor, which the resolution was precise over 2 μm and capable of measuring infinitesimal displacement rapidly for magnetic levitation and suspension equipment. A feedback control was applied in this system, which required quick response to voltage variations. We also derived the equations of motion to determine the stability limits and compared our calculations with the experimental results. From the experimental results, this mag-lev system, with special optical sensors and feedback circuits, is able to dynamically adjust unstable levitation positions.

Prior language experience and language anxiety as predictors for non-native language commercial website use intention

Based on the research model, language anxiety, prior non-native language experience, Internet self-efficacy and language self-efficacy are analyzed for the intention to use non-native language commercial web sites, respectively. Prior non-native language experience has affected language anxiety, language self-efficacy and intention to use non-native language commercial web sites, respectively. By the same token, whether or not Internet self-efficacy and language self-efficacy affected by language anxiety is also examined. A valid sample of 418 undergraduates was tested in this study. Regression analysis results fully supported the model tested. These results suggest that language anxiety, prior non-native language experience, language self-efficacy and Internet self-efficacy have an effect on the intention to use non-native language commercial web sites. Prior non-native language experience has significantly affected language anxiety, language self-efficacy and the intention to use the non-native language commercial web sites, respectively. Furthermore, language anxiety has significantly affected language self-efficacy and Internet self-efficacy, respectively. Educational research and practitioner implications are provided at the end of the paper.

Design and Evaluation of a Public Installation of an Eye-Gaze System

ABSTRACT This article evaluates an eye-tracking device (“I Can Speak With My Eyes”) designed for a museum exhibition. An eye-tracking system is designed not only for able individuals, but also for bedridden patients or physically handicapped people who intend to use computers. With one video CCD camera and frame grabber analyzing a series of images taken of the human pupil gazing at a screen, an auto-range-finding algorithm can be used to obtain the location of the pupil in real time. The computers will produce speech according to the location of where the eyes are gazing. In essence, the participants can speak with their eyes to achieve the advantages of learning and communicating. After the system was implemented, an experimental evaluation with innovation diffusion theory was conducted to survey users’ feelings regarding the system. The implications of the evaluation findings are discussed to aid further research and education.

High‐speed TFT LCD defect‐detection system with genetic algorithm

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to develop an automatic optical inspection system for thin film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD).Design/methodology/approach – A new algorithm that accounts for the closing, opening, etching, dilating, and genetic method is used. It helps to calculate the location and rotation angle for transistor patterns precisely and quickly. The system can adjust inspection platform parameters according to viewed performance. The parameter adaptation occurs in parallel with running the genetic algorithm and imaging processing methods. The proposed method is compared with the algorithms that use artificial parameter sets.Findings – This system ensures high quality in an LCD production line. This multipurpose image‐based measurement method uses unsophisticated and economical equipment, and it also detects defects in the micro‐fabrication process.Originality/value – The experiments results show that the proposed method offers advantages over other competing methods.

An automatic template generating method of machine vision system in TFT LCD assembly and positioning process with genetic algorithm

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose an automatic pattern matching template generating method for the automatic optical inspection system in TFT LCD assembly and positioning process, to improve the conventional image technology. Besides, focusing on integrating the image system with the existing control system, the double aligner mark searching time is decreased to reduce the working time of the integrated system.Design/methodology/approach – The improved pattern matching method of genetic algorithm was adopted, including setting for template image selecting, encoding, calculating fitness function, pattern matching, template generating and genetic algorithm steps. The predetermined pixels were selected from the target template based on the minimum difference to the block image to be tested by utilizing the genetic algorithm, and the other pixels which have not been selected were neglected.Findings – The selected pixels were encoded for recording by sequence mode, and then the target template ...

Impact of language anxiety and self-efficacy on accessing Internet sites.

Language interface plays a critical role as the foundation of communication. Possessing greater fluency in the host language can lead to increased opportunities for interaction with host members. This research is to examine the impact of language and Internet usage anxiety and self-efficacy on the intended uses of Internet sites, respectively. By the same token, whether Internet/language self-efficacy would mediate the effects of Internet/language anxiety on the intention of the Internet site use is also examined. A valid sample of 368 undergraduates was tested in this study. The path analysis results mostly supported the model tested. The results display that the anxiety of language and Internet use have significantly influenced self-efficacy of Internet use and language, respectively. Anxiety about language and Internet use have also significantly influenced the intention to use Internet sites individually. Furthermore, language self-efficacy has significantly influenced the intention to use Internet sites, but Internet self-efficacy has not. The implications are discussed at the end of the paper.

An Automatic Optical Inspection System for Assembly and Evaluation of an Optical Encoder

This study presented an automatic optical inspection system for the assembly and evaluation of an optical encoder, and the system analyzed the output signal quality of the light transmission grating linear encoder. The reference grating was affixed to the side architecture of the detection system in order to maintain the correct optical path, and the main grating was driven by the x–y Precision platform. Brightness variations can be detected and recorded by a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera during grating movements, using image noise depression, background separation, and fringe calculation with new image processing algorithms. The output imaging signal of a traditional linear encoder passes through a circuit filter, where amplification and rectification form a sinusoidal waveform. This system can accurately measure the light intensity variations of the encoder through machine visioning and image processing, while simultaneously determining noise and non-uniformity. This study conducted analysis on the moire width between the gratings of the flip relationship, implemented grating alignment and adjustment, and improved the assembly position and resolution of the image, in order to obtain good quality in output signals.