Abstract: This paper study the segmented split capacitor
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) implemented in a differentialtype
12-bit Successive Approximation Analog-to-Digital Converter
(SA-ADC). The series capacitance split array method employed as it
reduced the total area of the capacitors required for high resolution
DACs. A 12-bit regular binary array structure requires 2049 unit
capacitors (Cs) while the split array needs 127 unit Cs. These results
in the reduction of the total capacitance and power consumption of
the series split array architectures as to regular binary-weighted
structures. The paper will show the 12-bit DAC series split capacitor
with 4-bit thermometer coded DAC architectures as well as the
simulation and measured results.
Abstract: Bendability is constrained by maximum top roller
load imparting capacity of the machine. Maximum load is
encountered during the edge pre-bending stage of roller bending.
Capacity of 3-roller plate bending machine is specified by
maximum thickness and minimum shell diameter combinations that
can be pre-bend for given plate material of maximum width.
Commercially available plate width or width of the plate that can be
accommodated on machine decides the maximum rolling width.
Original equipment manufacturers (OEM) provide the machine
capacity chart based on reference material considering perfectly
plastic material model. Reported work shows the bendability analysis
of heavy duty 3-roller plate bending machine. The input variables for
the industry are plate thickness, shell diameter and material property
parameters, as it is fixed by the design. Analytical models of
equivalent thickness, equivalent width and maximum width based on
power law material model were derived to study the bendability.
Equation of maximum width provides bendability for designed
configuration i.e. material property, shell diameter and thickness
combinations within the machine limitations. Equivalent thicknesses
based on perfectly plastic and power law material model were
compared for four different materials grades of C-Mn steel in order
to predict the bend-ability. Effect of top roller offset on the
bendability at maximum top roller load imparting capacity is
reported.
Abstract: This paper presents the averaging model of a buck
converter derived from the generalized state-space averaging method.
The sliding mode control is used to regulate the output voltage of the
converter and taken into account in the model. The proposed model
requires the fast computational time compared with those of the full
topology model. The intensive time-domain simulations via the exact
topology model are used as the comparable model. The results show
that a good agreement between the proposed model and the switching
model is achieved in both transient and steady-state responses. The
reported model is suitable for the optimal controller design by using
the artificial intelligence techniques.
Abstract: This paper presents the optimum design for a double
stator, cup rotor machine; a novel type of BLDC PM Machine. The optimization approach is divided into two stages: the first stage is
calculating the machine configuration using Matlab, and the second stage is the optimization of the machine using Finite Element
Modeling (FEM). Under the design specifications, the machine
model will be selected from three pole numbers, namely, 8, 10 and 12 with an appropriate slot number. A double stator brushless DC
permanent magnet machine is designed to achieve low cogging torque; high electromagnetic torque and low ripple torque.
Abstract: While OCD is one of the most commonly occurring
psychiatric conditions experienced by older adults, there is a paucity
of research conducted into the treatment of older adults with OCD.
This case study represents the first published investigation of a
cognitive treatment for geriatric OCD. It describes the successful
treatment of an 86-year old man with a 63-year history of OCD using
Danger Ideation Reduction Therapy (DIRT). The client received 14
individual, 50-minute treatment sessions of DIRT over 13 weeks.
Clinician-based Y-BOCS scores reduced 84% from 25 (severe) at
pre-treatment, to 4 (subclinical) at 6-month post-treatment follow-up
interview, demonstrating the efficacy of DIRT for this client. DIRT
may have particular advantages over ERP and pharmacological
approaches, however further research is required in older adults with
OCD.
Abstract: Nowadays, with the emerging of the new applications
like robot control in image processing, artificial vision for visual
servoing is a rapidly growing discipline and Human-machine
interaction plays a significant role for controlling the robot. This
paper presents a new algorithm based on spatio-temporal volumes for
visual servoing aims to control robots. In this algorithm, after
applying necessary pre-processing on video frames, a spatio-temporal
volume is constructed for each gesture and feature vector is extracted.
These volumes are then analyzed for matching in two consecutive
stages. For hand gesture recognition and classification we tested
different classifiers including k-Nearest neighbor, learning vector
quantization and back propagation neural networks. We tested the
proposed algorithm with the collected data set and results showed the
correct gesture recognition rate of 99.58 percent. We also tested the
algorithm with noisy images and algorithm showed the correct
recognition rate of 97.92 percent in noisy images.
Abstract: Current advancements in nanotechnology are dependent on the capabilities that can enable nano-scientists to extend their eyes and hands into the nano-world. For this purpose, a haptics (devices capable of recreating tactile or force sensations) based system for AFM (Atomic Force Microscope) is proposed. The system enables the nano-scientists to touch and feel the sample surfaces, viewed through AFM, in order to provide them with better understanding of the physical properties of the surface, such as roughness, stiffness and shape of molecular architecture. At this stage, the proposed work uses of ine images produced using AFM and perform image analysis to create virtual surfaces suitable for haptics force analysis. The research work is in the process of extension from of ine to online process where interaction will be done directly on the material surface for realistic analysis.
Abstract: In this work, we present for the first time in our perception an efficient digital watermarking scheme for mpeg audio layer 3 files that operates directly in the compressed data domain, while manipulating the time and subband/channel domain. In addition, it does not need the original signal to detect the watermark. Our scheme was implemented taking special care for the efficient usage of the two limited resources of computer systems: time and space. It offers to the industrial user the capability of watermark embedding and detection in time immediately comparable to the real music time of the original audio file that depends on the mpeg compression, while the end user/audience does not face any artifacts or delays hearing the watermarked audio file. Furthermore, it overcomes the disadvantage of algorithms operating in the PCMData domain to be vulnerable to compression/recompression attacks, as it places the watermark in the scale factors domain and not in the digitized sound audio data. The strength of our scheme, that allows it to be used with success in both authentication and copyright protection, relies on the fact that it gives to the users the enhanced capability their ownership of the audio file not to be accomplished simply by detecting the bit pattern that comprises the watermark itself, but by showing that the legal owner knows a hard to compute property of the watermark.
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a novel frequency offset
estimation scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
(OFDM) systems. By correlating the OFDM signals within the coherence
phase bandwidth and employing a threshold in the frequency
offset estimation process, the proposed scheme is not only robust to
the timing offset but also has a reduced complexity compared with
that of the conventional scheme. Moreover, a timing offset estimation
scheme is also proposed as the next stage of the proposed frequency
offset estimation. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme
can estimate frequency offset with lower computational complexity
and does not require additional memory while maintaining the same
level of estimation performance.
Abstract: Webcam systems now function as the new privileged
vantage points from which to view the city. This transformation of
CCTV technology from surveillance to promotional tool is significant
because its'scopic regime' presents, back to the public, a new virtual
'site' that sits alongside its real-time counterpart. Significantly,
thisraw 'image' data can, in fact,be co-optedand processed so as to
disrupt their original purpose. This paper will demonstrate this
disruptive capacity through an architectural project. It will reveal how
the adaption the webcam image offers a technical springboard by
which to initiate alternate urban form making decisions and subvert
the disciplinary reliance on the 'flat' orthographic plan. In so doing,
the paper will show how this 'digital material' exceeds the imagistic
function of the image; shiftingit from being a vehicle of signification
to a site of affect.
Abstract: In this paper, acoustic techniques are used to detect hidden insect infestations of date palm tress (Phoenix dactylifera L.). In particular, we use an acoustic instrument for early discovery of the presence of a destructive insect pest commonly known as the Red Date Palm Weevil (RDPW) and scientifically as Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier). This type of insect attacks date palm tress and causes irreversible damages at late stages. As a result, the infected trees must be destroyed. Therefore, early presence detection is a major part in controlling the spread and economic damage caused by this type of infestation. Furthermore monitoring and early detection of the disease can asses in taking appropriate measures such as isolating or treating the infected trees. The acoustic system is evaluated in terms of its ability for early discovery of hidden bests inside the tested tree. When signal acquisitions is completed for a number of date palms, a signal processing technique known as time-frequency analysis is evaluated in terms of providing an estimate that can be visually used to recognize the acoustic signature of the RDPW. The testing instrument was tested in the laboratory first then; it was used on suspected or infested tress in the field. The final results indicate that the acoustic monitoring approach along with signal processing techniques are very promising for the early detection of presence of the larva as well as the adult pest in the date palms.
Abstract: Optimization is often a critical issue for most system
design problems. Evolutionary Algorithms are population-based,
stochastic search techniques, widely used as efficient global
optimizers. However, finding optimal solution to complex high
dimensional, multimodal problems often require highly
computationally expensive function evaluations and hence are
practically prohibitive. The Dynamic Approximate Fitness based
Hybrid EA (DAFHEA) model presented in our earlier work [14]
reduced computation time by controlled use of meta-models to
partially replace the actual function evaluation by approximate
function evaluation. However, the underlying assumption in
DAFHEA is that the training samples for the meta-model are
generated from a single uniform model. Situations like model
formation involving variable input dimensions and noisy data
certainly can not be covered by this assumption. In this paper we
present an enhanced version of DAFHEA that incorporates a
multiple-model based learning approach for the SVM approximator.
DAFHEA-II (the enhanced version of the DAFHEA framework) also
overcomes the high computational expense involved with additional
clustering requirements of the original DAFHEA framework. The
proposed framework has been tested on several benchmark functions
and the empirical results illustrate the advantages of the proposed
technique.
Abstract: The Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)
control system has an important effect on operation of cell.
Traditional controllers couldn-t lead to acceptable responses because
of time- change, long- hysteresis, uncertainty, strong- coupling and
nonlinear characteristics of PEMFCs, so an intelligent or adaptive
controller is needed. In this paper a neural network predictive
controller have been designed to control the voltage of at the
presence of fluctuations of temperature. The results of
implementation of this designed NN Predictive controller on a
dynamic electrochemical model of a small size 5 KW, PEM fuel cell
have been simulated by MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Abstract: The number of electronic participation (eParticipation) projects introduced by different governments and international organisations is considerably high and increasing. In order to have an overview of the development of these projects, various evaluation frameworks have been proposed. In this paper, a five-level participation model, which takes into account the advantages of the Social Web or Web 2.0, together with a quantitative approach for the evaluation of eParticipation projects is presented. Each participation level is evaluated independently, taking into account three main components: Web evolution, media richness, and communication channels. This paper presents the evaluation of a number of existing Voting Advice Applications (VAAs). The results provide an overview of the main features implemented by each project, their strengths and weaknesses, and the participation levels reached.
Abstract: This paper is described one of the intelligent control method in Autonomous systems, which is called fuzzy control to correct the three wheel omnidirectional robot movement while it make mistake to catch the target. Fuzzy logic is especially advantageous for problems that can not be easily represented by mathematical modeling because data is either unavailable, incomplete or the process is too complex. Such systems can be easily up grated by adding new rules to improve performance or add new features. In many cases , fuzzy control can be used to improve existing traditional controller systems by adding an extra layer of intelligence to the current control method. The fuzzy controller designed here is more accurate and flexible than the traditional controllers. The project is done at MRL middle size soccer robot team.
Abstract: In this paper, multilayered coreless printed circuit
board (PCB) step-down power transformers for DC-DC converter
applications have been designed, manufactured and evaluated. A set
of two different circular spiral step-down transformers were
fabricated in the four layered PCB. These transformers have been
modelled with the assistance of high frequency equivalent circuit and
characterized with both sinusoidal and square wave excitation. This
paper provides the comparative results of these two different
transformers in terms of their resistances, self, leakage, mutual
inductances, coupling coefficient and also their energy efficiencies.
The operating regions for optimal performance of these transformers
for power transfer applications are determined. These transformers
were tested for the output power levels of about 30 Watts within the
input voltage range of 12-50 Vrms. The energy efficiency for these
step down transformers is observed to be in the range of 90%-97% in
MHz frequency region.
Abstract: In this paper, we consider Wiener nonlinear model for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The Wiener model of the SOFC consists of a linear dynamic block and a static output non-linearity followed by the block, in which linear part is approximated by state-space model and the nonlinear part is identified by a polynomial form. To control the SOFC system, we have to consider various view points such as operating conditions, another constraint conditions, change of load current and so on. A change of load current is the significant one of these for good performance of the SOFC system. In order to keep the constant stack terminal voltage by changing load current, the nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) is proposed in this paper. After primary control method is designed to guarantee the fuel utilization as a proper constant, a nonlinear model predictive control based on the Wiener model is developed to control the stack terminal voltage of the SOFC system. Simulation results verify the possibility of the proposed Wiener model and MPC method to control of SOFC system.
Abstract: A closed-loop controlled wireless power transmission circuit block for implantable biomedical applications is described in this paper. The circuit consists of one front-end rectifier, power management sub-block including bandgap reference and low drop-out regulators (LDOs) as well as transmission power detection / feedback circuits. Simulation result shows that the front-end rectifier achieves 80% power efficiency with 750-mV single-end peak-to-peak input voltage and 1.28-V output voltage under load current of 4 mA. The power management block can supply 1.8mA average load current under 1V consuming only 12μW power, which is equivalent to 99.3% power efficiency. The wireless power transmission block described in this paper achieves a maximum power efficiency of 80%. The wireless power transmission circuit block is designed and implemented using UMC 65-nm CMOS/RF process. It occupies 1 mm × 1.2 mm silicon area.
Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the feedback from the primary school headmasters on in-service training activities. 384 primary school headmasters were asked to give feedback on the in-service training facilities organized by the Ministry of Education through an open –ended question. The study group was formed by 359 primary school headmasters who attended “Management Skills" seminars which were organized in March, April and May in the extent of 2006 In-service Training Facilities Plan by the Ministry of Education and were also volunteers to give feedback on the inservice training activities. The qualitative research method was used in the analysis of the data since the primary school headmasters gave written feedback on the in-service training activities. Having analyzed the feedback, certain categories were formed by coding it. Certain frequencies and percentages were determined according to the codes. It was made obvious that the primary school headmasters benefitted from those facilities by sharing their experiences, problems and their possible solutions mutually
Abstract: This paper presents the experimental results of
leakage current waveforms which appears on porcelain insulator
surface due to existence of artificial pollutants. The tests have been
done using the chemical compounds of NaCl, Na2SiO3, H2SO4, CaO,
Na2SO4, KCl, Al2SO4, MgSO4, FeCl3, and TiO2. The insulator
surface was coated with those compounds and dried. Then, it was
tested in the chamber where the high voltage was applied. Using
correspondence analysis, the result indicated that the fundamental
harmonic of leakage current was very close to the applied voltage
and third harmonic leakage current was close to the yielded leakage
current amplitude. The first harmonic power was correlated to first
harmonic amplitude of leakage current, and third harmonic power
was close to third harmonic one. The chemical compounds of H2SO4
and Na2SiO3 affected to the power factor of around 70%. Both are the
most conductive, due to the power factor drastically increase among
the chemical compounds.