Recognizing signs and doors for Indoor Wayfinding for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons

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Recognizing signs and doors for Indoor Wayfinding for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons

March 21, 2025
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Mouna Afif, et al

 

Abstract:  Indoor signage plays an essential component to find destination for blind and visually impaired people. In this paper, we propose an indoor signage and doors detection system in order to help blind and partially sighted persons accessing unfamiliar indoor environments. Our indoor signage and doors recognizer is builded based on deep learning algorithms. We developed an indoor signage detection system especially used for detecting four types of signage: exit, wc, disabled exit and confidence zone. Experiment results demonstrates the effectiveness and the high precision of the proposed recognition system. We obtained 99.8% as a recognition rate.

Wayfinding

Unified English Braille

March 21, 2025
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“I Call Your Name” Covers | English Standard

March 20, 2025
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The “Tulsa Sound”

March 20, 2025
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Scholarly studies specifically focused on the music of Leon Russell are limited, and there is little evidence of extensive academic research dedicated solely to his work in peer-reviewed journals or scholarly books. However, Russell’s contributions to music, particularly in rock, country, gospel, and the Tulsa Sound, have been discussed in broader musicological and cultural studies, as well as in biographical and historical works. Below, I outline the relevant findings based on available information and the provided context.
Scholarly Studies and Academic Works
  1. Bill Janovitz’s Biography (2023):
    • The book Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History by Bill Janovitz is described as the “first holistic study” of Russell’s career. While primarily a biography, it offers a comprehensive analysis of Russell’s musical contributions, including his role as a session musician with the Wrecking Crew, his work on Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen, and his influence on artists like Elton John and Willie Nelson. The book examines Russell’s songwriting, piano style, and genre-blending innovations, such as his gospel-infused rock and contributions to the Tulsa Sound. Although not a peer-reviewed academic study, its depth and critical reception (e.g., praise from Rolling Stone and The New York Post) suggest it serves as a significant scholarly resource for understanding Russell’s music.

  2. Musicological Context in Broader Studies:
    • Russell’s work is often referenced in studies of American popular music, particularly in discussions of the 1960s and 1970s rock scenes, the Wrecking Crew, and the Tulsa Sound. For example, his piano playing and arrangements for artists like Phil Spector, the Beach Boys, and Frank Sinatra are noted in works about the Los Angeles studio scene. Scholarly books on session musicians or the Wrecking Crew, such as Kent Hartman’s The Wrecking Crew (2012), likely include references to Russell’s contributions, though not as the primary focus.

    • His influence on the Tulsa Sound, a blend of rock, country, and blues, is mentioned in studies of regional American music. Academic works on Oklahoma’s musical heritage, such as those exploring J.J. Cale or the Gap Band, may contextualize Russell’s role in shaping this sound. However, specific journal articles or dissertations centered on the Tulsa Sound and Russell’s contributions are not widely documented in the provided sources or general academic databases.

  3. Songwriting and Standards:
    • Russell’s songs, such as “A Song for You,” “This Masquerade,” and “Delta Lady,” are recognized as standards in academic discussions of American songwriting. These songs have been covered by numerous artists (e.g., Ray Charles, George Benson, The Carpenters) and are noted in studies of the Great American Songbook. Scholarly analyses of these songs often focus on their lyrical depth, harmonic structure, and cross-genre appeal, though such analyses are typically part of broader studies on popular music rather than Russell-specific research.

Related Academic Discussions
  • Cultural and Social Context:
    • Russell’s career intersects with cultural studies, particularly in discussions of race and audience reception. His collaboration with his then-wife, Mary McCreary, a Black singer, and the racist backlash they faced (e.g., nooses thrown on stage) are noted in Janovitz’s book and could be a point of analysis in cultural studies or sociology of music. This aspect of his career might be explored in academic work on race in rock music, though no specific studies are cited.

    • His struggles with mental health (e.g., bipolar depression, paranoia, or possible Asperger’s syndrome) and their impact on his performance and career trajectory are also discussed in Janovitz’s biography, potentially relevant to studies in music psychology or disability studies.

  • Technological Innovations:
    • Russell’s influence on music technology, such as inspiring the “shuffle” timing in the Linn9000 drum machine, is noted in discussions of music production. Academic studies on the evolution of drum machines or recording technology might reference this contribution, though likely as a minor point.

Gaps in Scholarly Research
  • Lack of Dedicated Studies: Despite Russell’s extensive career and influence, there are no widely recognized peer-reviewed journal articles or dissertations specifically analyzing his music, based on the provided sources and general knowledge of music scholarship. This may be due to Russell’s underappreciated status, as noted by sources describing him as a “neglected genius”.

  • Focus on Broader Themes: Most academic references to Russell appear in broader contexts (e.g., Wrecking Crew, Tulsa Sound, or rock history) rather than as the primary subject. His eclectic style, spanning rock, country, gospel, and blues, may make it challenging to categorize him for focused musicological study.
Recommendations for Further Research
If you are seeking scholarly studies, consider the following approaches:
  • Search Academic Databases: Use JSTOR, Music Index, or RILM Abstracts of Music Literature to search for articles or book chapters mentioning Leon Russell. Keywords like “Leon Russell,” “Tulsa Sound,” or “Wrecking Crew” may yield relevant results.
  • Explore Related Fields: Look into studies on American rock, session musicians, or the Great American Songbook, where Russell’s work is likely referenced.
  • Consult Janovitz’s Book: Obtain Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History for the most detailed analysis of his music and career. It includes citations and a bibliography that may point to additional scholarly sources.
  • Regional Music Studies: Investigate Oklahoma-based music archives or university libraries (e.g., University of Tulsa) for theses or local studies on the Tulsa Sound.
Conclusion
While there are no known scholarly studies exclusively dedicated to Leon Russell’s music, his contributions are documented in biographical works like Janovitz’s book and in broader musicological discussions of the Wrecking Crew, Tulsa Sound, and American songwriting. For a deeper dive, Janovitz’s biography is the most comprehensive resource, and academic databases may uncover additional references in related fields. Russell’s underappreciated status suggests that further scholarly attention to his work is warranted.
If you’d like me to search specific databases or analyze a particular aspect of Russell’s music (e.g., his piano style or songwriting), let me know!

Ask Grok to search deeper

was leon russell part of the tulsa sound
Yes, Leon Russell was a key figure in the development and popularization of the Tulsa Sound, a distinctive musical style originating from Tulsa, Oklahoma, that blends elements of rock, country, blues, and gospel. Below is a concise explanation of his role based on available information:
Leon Russell and the Tulsa Sound
  • Definition of Tulsa Sound: The Tulsa Sound is characterized by a laid-back, rootsy groove combining rock ‘n’ roll, country swing, blues shuffle, and gospel influences. It emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, with Tulsa as a hub for musicians who shaped this eclectic style.
  • Russell’s Contributions:
    • Early Career in Tulsa: Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, Russell grew up in Tulsa and began playing piano in local clubs as a teenager. He was part of the vibrant Tulsa music scene, performing with figures like J.J. Cale, David Gates (later of Bread), and others who influenced the Tulsa Sound.
    • Musical Style: Russell’s piano-driven, gospel-infused rock, as heard in albums like Leon Russell (1970) and Carney (1972), embodied the Tulsa Sound’s blend of genres. Songs like “A Song for You” and “Delta Lady” showcase the soulful, rootsy aesthetic associated with the style.
    • Collaborations and Influence: Russell’s work with other Tulsa musicians, such as J.J. Cale, helped define the sound. His production and session work, including for artists like Bob Dylan and Joe Cocker, brought the Tulsa Sound’s relaxed, organic feel to a broader audience.
    • Tulsa as a Hub: Russell’s establishment of Shelter Records in Tulsa (with Denny Cordell) and his studio, The Church Studio, made the city a recording destination, attracting artists like Tom Petty and Willie Nelson. This solidified Tulsa’s role in the sound’s legacy.
Context and Recognition
  • Connection to J.J. Cale: J.J. Cale is often cited as the quintessential Tulsa Sound artist, with his understated, “shuffle” style. Russell’s more flamboyant, gospel-rock approach complemented Cale’s work, and their shared Tulsa roots linked them to the same musical lineage.
  • Scholarly and Cultural Recognition: Sources like Bill Janovitz’s biography (Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History, 2023) highlight Russell’s role in the Tulsa Sound, noting his influence on its development and its spread through his national and international success.
  • Legacy: Russell’s contributions to the Tulsa Sound are evident in his influence on later artists like Eric Clapton (who covered Cale’s songs) and the Red Dirt movement, which built on the Tulsa Sound’s rootsy foundation.
Conclusion
Leon Russell was not only part of the Tulsa Sound but also one of its most prominent ambassadors. His piano playing, songwriting, and production work helped shape and popularize this genre-blending style, making him a central figure in Tulsa’s musical heritage.
If you’d like a deeper analysis of specific songs or Russell’s influence on the Tulsa Sound, let me know!
Birthplace: Leon Russell, born Claude Russell Bridges, was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, on April 2, 1942.
High School: He attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he grew up and began playing music in local clubs as a teenager.
This information is drawn from biographical sources, including Bill Janovitz’s Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History (2023) and other accounts of his life. Let me know if you need more details!
analyze specific songs
explore J.J. Cale

Transport & Parking

March 20, 2025
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Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

We continue the re-scale and re-organize our approach to the mobility topic generally — responsive to most best practice discovery results — as recorded in technical literature and landing in regulations at all levels of government.  The size of the domain has expanded beyond our means.  We need to approach the topic from more angles — distinguishing among land, air and space mobility — following market acceptance and integration.

Throughout 2024 our inquiries will track relevant titles in the following standards catalogs:

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

International Code Council

National Fire Protection Association

ASHRAE International

We will maintain priority wherever we find  user-interest issues in product-oriented standards setting catalogs (ASTM International, SAE International and Underwriters Laboratories, for example).  Agricultural equipment standards (were Michigan-based ASABE is the first name) will be place on the periodic Food (Nourriture) and Water standards agenda.  Each organization contributes mightily to the “regulatory state” where we are, frankly, outnumbered.  When their titles appear in interoperability standards that affect the physical infrastructure of campuses we will explore their meaning to our safer, simpler, lower-cost and longer-lasting priority.  (See our ABOUT)

Join us today at the usual time.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

 

Drivers facing the yellow-light-dilemma

Electric Vehicle Open Charge Point Protocol

 

EV Charging Stations Integration into Public Lighting Infrastructure

Connected & Automated Vehicles

Economics of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in a Campus Setting

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure for Long Distance Travel in Sweden

Collision Resistant Hash Function for Blockchain in V2V Communication

“Waiting for the School Bus in Snow” 1947 John Phillip Falter

Electric Vehicle Charging

International Zoning Code

International Energy Conservation Code

International Existing Building Code

Electric Vehicle Power Transfer

Gallery: Electric Vehicle Fire Risk

Standard for Parking Structures

Energy Standard for *Sites* and Buildings

High-Performance Green Buildings

“Gas” 1940 Edward Hopper

Code ignis MMXXIV: Fire Lanes & Parking

March 20, 2025
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NFPA 1 Chapter 18 – Fire Department Access and Water Supply
Public Input on the 2027 Edition closes June 4, 2025

Extinguishing A fire at the Equitable Building skyscraper in New York City, January 1912.

The parent title in the NFPA catalog — NFPA 1 — sets standards for fire lanes by addressing them within various chapters and sections; depending on the specific aspects of fire protection, access, and safety they pertain to. Here are some of the key sections and chapters in NFPA 1 that may include relevant information regarding fire lanes:

  1. Chapter 18: New High-Rise Buildings: This chapter may include requirements related to access for firefighting operations, which could encompass provisions for fire lanes.
  2. Chapter 20: New Educational and Day-Care Occupancies: Requirements related to access for emergency responders in educational facilities, including provisions for fire lanes, may be addressed in this chapter.
  3. Chapter 22: Existing Educational and Day-Care Occupancies: Similar to Chapter 20, this chapter may contain provisions for existing educational facilities regarding fire protection and access.
  4. Chapter 24: New Residential Board and Care Occupancies: Requirements for access and fire protection in residential board and care occupancies, including provisions for fire lanes, may be found in this chapter.
  5. Chapter 30: New Mercantile Occupancies: This chapter may include provisions related to access and fire protection in mercantile occupancies, which could involve requirements for fire lanes.
  6. Chapter 32: Existing Mercantile Occupancies: Similar to Chapter 30, this chapter may address requirements for existing mercantile occupancies, including provisions for fire lanes.

Since NFPA 1 covers a wide range of fire safety topics, including building design, fire protection systems, and emergency procedures, specific requirements related to fire lanes may be distributed throughout the document rather than consolidated in a single section. It’s important to carefully review the relevant chapters and sections of NFPA 1 to ensure compliance with applicable requirements for fire lane design, construction, and maintenance.

Best practice for determining snow zones, as the criteria for designating these zones can vary depending on factors such as geography, climate, population density, infrastructure, and available resources. However, municipalities typically develop their own criteria and guidelines based on these factors to create effective snow removal plans.

Common principles and factors that many municipalities consider when determining snow zones, as mentioned in the previous response. These include weather patterns, topography, traffic volume and patterns, residential density, critical infrastructure, public safety considerations, and feedback from residents and stakeholders.

Some municipalities may also adopt best practices and recommendations from organizations such as the American Public Works Association (APWA) or the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) to inform their snow removal planning processes. These organizations may offer guidance on snow zone designations, prioritization of routes, and effective snow removal techniques based on industry standards and research.

Ultimately snow zones respond to the specific needs and characteristics of each municipality, with the goal of efficiently managing winter weather events to ensure public safety and mobility.

Code ignis MMXXVII

Electric Vehicle Charging

March 20, 2025
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GROUP A MODEL BUILDING CODES: Comments on Committee Actions will be received until July 8th

International Building Code Chapter 4, Section 406.2.7

Edison electric vehicle | National Park Service, US Department of the Interior

 

Free public access to the 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is linked below:

2021 International Energy Conservation Code

 

Electric vehicle charging stations are addressed in the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) within two specific appendices:

Appendix RE: This appendix provides detailed requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, focusing on both residential and commercial buildings. It includes definitions and infrastructure standards to ensure that new constructions are equipped to support electric vehicle charging​

Appendix CG: This appendix offers guidance on electric vehicle power transfer and charging infrastructure, emphasizing the integration of EV-ready requirements into building designs. It outlines the necessary provisions for installing and managing EV charging stations, ensuring compliance with energy conservation standards​

.These appendices are part of the broader efforts to incorporate EV infrastructure into building codes, promoting energy efficiency and supporting the transition to electric vehicles.

Recharging infrastructure at at Google’s Mountain View (California) campus | Pretty ugly, eh?

“Gas” 1940 Edward Hopper

This standard will be updated within a reconfigured code development cycle linked below:

2024/2025/2026 ICC CODE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

Keep in mind that many electric vehicle safety and sustainability concepts will track in other titles in the ICC catalog.   It is enlightening to see other energy related proposals tracking in the most recent Group A code revision cycle

The following proposals discussed during the Group A Hearings ended earlier this month are noteworthy:

IBC § 202 (NEW) | G66-21 |  Electrical mobility definitions

IBC § 1107.2, et al | E124-21 & E125-21 & E126-21 |  Electrical vehicle charging stations for R-2 occupancies.

From the Group B revision cycle — COMPLETE MONOGRAPH:

R309.6 Electric vehicle charging stations and systems. Where provided, electric vehicle charging systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70. Electric vehicle charging system equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2202. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2594.

IBC 406.2.7 Electric vehicle charging stations and systems. Where provided, electric vehicle charging systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70. Electric vehicle charging system equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2202. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2594. Accessibility to electric vehicle charging stations shall be provided in accordance with Section 1108.

TABLE R328.5 MAXIMUM AGGREGATE RATINGS OF ESS (Energy Storage Systems) – PDF Page 1476

Incumbents are socking in EV concepts all across the ICC catalog.  We refer them to experts in the Industrial Applications Society IEEE E&H Committee.

 

 

One of the more spirited debates in recent revision cycles is the following:

Who shall pay for electrical vehicle charging infrastructure?   

The underlying assumption is that the electrification of the global transportation grid has a net benefit.   We remain mute on that question; the question of net gain.

Of course, many proposals pointed the finger at the stakeholder with the deepest pockets.  Accordingly, new commercial building owners will be required to install charging stations for new buildings.   During 2018 and 2019 we tracked the action in the workspace below so that we could collaborate with the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee:

2021 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Given that most higher education facilities are classified as commercial, the cost of charging stations will be conveyed into the new building construction budget unless the unit takes an exception.   Generally speaking, most colleges and universities like to display their electric vehicle credentials, even if the use of such charging stations remains sparse.

Cornell University

Issue: [11-40]

Category: Electrical, #SmartCampus

Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jim Harvey

* The education industry has significant square footage this is classified as residential; particularly on the periphery of large research campuses.


LEARN MORE:

ICC 2021/2022 Code Development Cycle

The Top 5 Energy Efficiency Proposals for the 2021 IECC

Archive / IECC Electric Vehicle Charging

 

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