Showing papers in "International Journal on Smart Sensing and Intelligent Systems in 2020"

A Fuzzy Based Predictive Cluster Head Selection Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract: Clustering, an energy efficient approach is used in Wireless Sensor Network. Clustering involves cluster formation and Cluster Head Selection. As the Cluster Head is involved in carrying out the entire communication, a high energy node has to be selected as Cluster Head. In this paper, a novel predictive Fuzzy based Cluster Head selection algorithm is proposed. The proposal suggests a new input parameter, Rate of recurrent Communication apart from the standard parameters namely the Residual Power of Sensor Nodes, Degree of Neighboring Nodes, Distance between the Node and Base Station, Sensor Node Movement. In this approach, the fuzzy logic evaluates the Cluster Head Selection Probability which is based on the node’s previous communication history to decide the Cluster Head. The proposed algorithm is implemented using Matlab. The simulation results show that the proposed Cluster Head Selection technique is superior to other proposals. Keywordswireless sensor networks; cluster head selection; fuzzy logic; rate of recurrent communication; prediction.

Compact wideband-printed antenna for sub-6 GHz fifth-generation applications

Abstract: The design of a compact wideband partial slotted ground rectangular-printed antenna is presented. The design approach utilizing the slotted partial ground plane is much more flexible for improving the antenna performance. A detailed design guideline to estimate the antenna dimensions is given, which is based on mathematical and parametric analysis. The effects of variation of length of the ground and slot position in the ground plane are investigated. The simulation has been performed by using HFSS V20 simulator. The designed antenna is meant for being operated in the C band of super-high-frequency (SHF) spectrum and in the n77 band (3.3-4.2 GHz) and n78 band (3.3-3.8 GHz) of frequency range 1 (FR1) in sub-6 GHz 5G-frequency bands. The designed antenna is showing a wide bandwidth (700 MHz) with a low-reflection coefficient of −31.15 dB. The wide bandwidth and compact size of the antenna makes it suitable for use in sub-6 GHz 5G compact wireless communication systems. The measured results of the antenna prototype are firmly authenticated with simulation estimations.

Forest fire detection using wireless sensor networks

Abstract: A forest has different types of vegetation like herbs, trees, shrubs and different species of animals. In one way or other, these renewable resources are very essential to mankind. Forest fires are the most common hazards in forests which lead to serious destruction of forest wealth, bio-diversity and natural habitat. Early detection and preventive measures are necessary to protect forests from fires. In order to achieve early detection, there are two most used traditional methods of human surveillance. One is directly through human observation and the other is through distant video surveillance. Doing the observation through distant mode, one can achieve surveillance through automation approach of detection. Automated fire alert detection system proposed in this paper comprises of two sensors, namely smoke and fire. These sensors detect change in a measurable physical quantity and help in the early detection of a forest fire. A key feature of this fire detection system is to alert the user remotely by using a GSM module, whenever a fire is detected.

Information and Assisted Navigation System for Blind People

Abstract: Nowadays public buildings are changing constantly, often people have to take different routes to reach known destinations. At the same time, new services and places are made available to attract more people to the shopping center. This dynamic environment is usually signalled and labelled with visual marks and signs which are not appropriated for blind persons. Therefore, blind users are unintentionally deprived of a full participation in the society. With the purpose of equalize the access to services and spaces among all persons, this work proposes an innovative indoor navigation and information system for public buildings, namely shopping centers, based on existing technologies not used for this purpose. Intending to allow a comfortable and helpful aid on blind persons trips to the shopping center, this proposal system relies on users smartphone and wireless sensors deployed in the environment.

Resource allocation for NOMA based networks using relays: cell centre and cell edge users

Abstract: Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) transpire out as a solution to revamp the problem of spectral efficiency, allowing some level of interference at receivers. Recently, relays are utilized to improve access of cell edge users. The utilization of relays improves spectral efficiency with reduced outage probability. In this paper, the relays used have the capability of performing successive interference cancellation (SIC) for the users connected to it and regenerates only the signals of the users connected to it. The cell edge users are accessible to the base station in an environment where multiple relays are available, and where the user selects the link with the best channel quality. The user’s mobility is also considered during time sub-slot and used while obtaining the user’s ergodic rate and outage probability in the presence of a higher signal to noise ratio. Simulation results are used to show the performance improvement of the proposed method as compared to available work in literature.

On Evolution of CMOS Image Sensors

Abstract: CMOS Image Sensors have become the principal technology in majority of digital cameras. They started replacing the film and Charge Coupled Devices in the last decade with the promise of lower cost, lower power requirement, higher integration and the potential of focal plane processing. However, the principal factor behind their success has been the ability to utilise the shrinkage in CMOS technology to make smaller pixels, and thereby have more resolution without increasing the cost. With the market of image sensors exploding courtesy their inte- gration with communication and computation devices, technology developers improved the CMOS processes to have better optical performance. Nevertheless, the promises of focal plane processing as well as on-chip integration have not been fulfilled. The market is still being pushed by the desire of having higher number of pixels and better image quality, however, differentiation is being difficult for any image sensor manufacturer. In the paper, we will explore potential disruptive growth directions for CMOS Image sensors and ways to achieve the same.

Secure Hash Algorithm-3(SHA-3) implementation on Xilinx FPGAs, Suitable for IoT Applications

Abstract: Data integrity is a term used when referring to the accuracy and reliability of data. It ensures that data is not altered during operations, such as transfer, storage, or retrieval. Any changes to the data for example malicious intention, unpredicted hardware failure or human error would results in failure of data integrity. Cryptographic hash functions are generally used for the verification of data integrity. For many Internet of Things (IoT) applications, hardware implementations of cryptographic hash functions are needed to provide near real time data integrity checking. The IoT is a world where billions of objects can sense, share information and communicate over interconnected public or private Internet Protocol (IP) networks. This paper provides an implementation of a newly selected cryptographic hash algorithm called Secure Hash Algorithm – 3 (SHA-3) on Xilinx FPGAs (Spartan, Virtex, Kintex and Artix) and also provides the power analysis of the implemented design. An FPGA is the best leading platform of the modern era in terms of flexibility, reliability and re-configurability. In this implementation the core functionality of SHA-3 is implemented using LUT-6 primitives and then these primitives are instantiated for the complete implementation of SHA-3. The Xilinx Xpower tool is used for power analysis of the implemented design. This implementation can be used with IoT applications to provide near real time data

A Novel Approach To Improve Vehicle Speed Estimation Using Smartphone’s INS/GPS Sensors

Abstract: In recent times, number of researchers have investigated vehicle tracking applications by fusing the measurements done by accelerometers, as part of inertial navigation system (INS), and GPS (Global Positioning System). However, the sensors in recreational devices like mobile phone have limitations in measurement accuracy and reliability. Usually, sudden changes in vehicle speed are not always captured well by GPS. Accelerometers, on the other hand, suffer from multiple noise sources. In this paper, we investigate the noise performance of accelerometers, available in a few smartphones. Then, we apply the noise analysis for the purpose of estimating the moving vehicle speed. A number of experiments were carried out to capture the vehicle’s position & speed from OBD2, GPS as well as 3-axes accelerometer. We demonstrate a method by which the phone’s orientation is compensated for while calculating speed from the measured acceleration. Further, a new method of INS/GPS fusion is proposed which enhances the accuracy of speed estimation. It is envisaged that with increasing estimation accuracy, the application of multi-sensor fusion in autonomous vehicles will be greatly enhanced Keywords-component; GPS; Allan Variance; OBD2; speed correction; accelerometer

A review of privacy-preserving human and human activity recognition

Abstract: Many automation technologies using software are making humans convenient. One of these technologies is to collect data through cameras and sensors that are common in personal life and automatically recognize human and human activities. The goal of automation is to analyze the various types of big data that are difficult to perform mechanical data mining. Raw data collected from cameras and sensors are nothing but big data before analysis. In this case, how to protect data by secure storage is the most important issue. However, when the context-aware semantic information such as a specific person and his behavior is extracted from the analysis, the security sensitivity is increased. In other words, the secondary information generated by interpreting and extracting personal location and behavioral information contained in images and videos is linked to other personal information, causing privacy infringement issues. Privacy issues become important because there is a lot of software that everyone can access. Therefore, it is necessary to study privacy protection methods in the automatic recognition of human and human activities. This paper analyzes the cutting-edge research trends, techniques, and issues of privacy-preserving human and human activity recognition.

IoT enabled sensor node: a tutorial paper

Abstract: A descriptive guide to develop smart sensor nodes for Internet of Things (IoT) application has been presented in the paper. The current technology of low-power wide area network (LPWAN) which transmits data with low power consumption over a wide area has been illustrated in the scope of this project. An overview of the transition of IoT devices from a limited range personal area network to wide area network is justified. A sensor node has been developed and tested to validate the implementation of a LoRa network, which can be an exemplar for sensor nodes for various applications.

Reprogramming embedded systems at run-time

Abstract: The dynamic re-programming of embedded systems is a long-standing problem in the field. With the advent of wireless sensor networks and the ‘Internet of Things’ it has now become necessary to be able to reprogram at run-time due to the difficulty of gaining access to such systems once deployed. The issues of power consumption, flexibility, and operating system protections are examined for a range of approaches, and a critical comparison is given. A combination of approaches is recommended for the implementation of real-world systems and areas where further work is required are highlighted

A New Scheme for Determination of Respiration Rate in Human Being using MEMS Based Capacitive Pressure Sensor: Simulation Study

Abstract: In this paper, a MEMS based capacitive nasal sensor system for measuring Respiration Rate (RR) of human being is developed. At first two identical diaphragm based MEMS capacitive nasal sensors are designed and virtually fabricated. A proposed schematic of the system consists of signal conditioning circuitry alongwith the sensors is described here. In order to measure the respiration rate the sensors are mounted below Right Nostril (RN) and Left Nostril (LN), in such a way that the nasal airflow during inspiration and expiration impinge on the sensor diaphragms. Due to nasal airflow, the designed square diaphragm of the sensor is being deflected and thus induces a corresponding change in the original capacitance value. This change in capacitance value is to be detected by a correlated- double-sampling (CDS) capacitance-to-voltage converter is designed for a precision interface with a MEMS capacitive pressure sensor, followed by an amplifier and a differential cyclic ADC to digitize the pressure information. The designed MEMS based capacitive nasal sensors is capable of identifying normal RR (18.5±1.5 bpm) of human being. The design of sensors and its characteristics analysis are performed in a FEA/BEA based virtual simulation platform. Index Terms— MEMS capacitive nasal sensor, diaphragm deflection, respiration rate (RR), oscillator, sensitivity, Finite Element Analysis, Boundary Element Analysis.

MEMS-based miniature near-infrared spectrometer for application in environmental and food monitoring

Abstract: We present a hybrid MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) based spectrometer of the size of a sugar cube, fabricated at the clean room facilities of Fraunhofer IPMS, Dresden. This SGS (scanning grating spectrometer) is designed for integrated spectroscopic applications in the field of food quality analysis and food processing technology. Using another, larger, MEMS-based scanning grating spectrometer, we perform a series of test measurements of the absorption of different types of oil. Thereby, we demonstrate the suitability of this larger MEMS-based SGS for food quality analysis and establish a set of reference measurements. The optical parameters of the sugar cube-sized SGS are then evaluated against the requirements established in the above reference measurements. The spectral resolution of this device is still not sufficient for application in the near infrared, owing to the inaccuracy of one particular production step. Once these changes are in place, we are confident to achieve resolutions below 20 nm. In conclusion, we propose the miniaturised SGS as a mobile spectrometer for insitu analysis integrated with a data processing system.

A Microcontroller Sensor Interface Suitable for Resistive Sensors with Large Lead Resistance

Abstract: A direct resistive sensor interface to a microcontroller reported earlier, works well only if the sensor element is very close to the micro-controller pins. If the sensor element is at a distance from the micro-controller then the lead resistance due to connecting wires between resistive sensor element and the micro-controller introduces appreciable errors in the output. A modified scheme of direct sensor interface to micro-controller is presented here. In the proposed scheme, the effect of lead resistances is compensated and thus the proposed direct resistive sensor interface to a micro-controller works well even if the sensor is kept at distance and connected through long connecting wires. Since the lead wire resistance is compensated, automatic temperature compensation (temperature effect of lead wires) is obtained. The results obtained from simulation and experimental results recorded from a prototype of the proposed scheme establishes the effectiveness of the proposed method in eliminating the effect of lead resistance in the output. Worst-case error noted in the simulation output was < ± 0.23 % and the worst-case error of the prototype unit was found to be < ± 0.33 %. KeywordsLead resistance compensation; Resistive sensors; Micro-controller sensor interface; Direct sensor interface.

Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria in Aqueous Media: Assessing the Potential of Real-Time Electromagnetic Wave Sensing

Abstract: This paper reports on the capabilities of a novel electromagnetic wave sensing method to detect and identify the presence of various pathogenic bacteria in aqueous media. In particular, the change in the electromagnetic wave signal in microwave frequency range is used as an indicator of bacteria presence. The assessment was conducted by recording reflected signal spectra when the sensor was in contact with deionised water, Escherichia coli, sterile nutrient broth and Pseudomonas aeruginosa solutions. The distinct feature of the proposed system is that the detection is performed in real time, without the need for additional sample processing or chemicals. This bacteria detection method would be of benefit in a broad range of applications, ranging from water quality monitoring in wastewater treatment facilities to safety assurance in healthcare and food industry.

Detection of P300 brain waves using a MagnetoImpedance sensor

Abstract: We have previously reported a study on brain activity detection in occipital region using a picotesla-scale MagnetoImpedance (MI) sensor. Based on past studies, the target of the present study was to review the performance of MI sensor on parietal region brain activity detection. Human brain magnetic field is extremely weak, in order to detect the faint magnetic field, we constructed an MI measurement system that can cancel out the background noise (e.g., geomagnetic field) instead of using a magnetic shielding. In this study, we recorded P300 brain waves of subjects, compared our results with our past studies and other EEG and MEG data reported previously. The results confirmed the reliability of our data and indicated that the MI sensor can be applied on brain activity detection. Keywords-Biomagnetic field measurement; Magneto-Impedance sensor; MEG; P300 brain waves

Salt and sugar detection system using a compact microstrip patch antenna

Abstract: One of the reasons for many diseases such as diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, etc., is the excess consumption of salt and sugar in the diet. So, to minimize these health problems, it is important to consume appropriate quantity of salt and sugar in the diet. This paper presents the design and development of a salt and sugar detection system using a low cost compact microstrip patch antenna. The salt and sugar detection system using a compact microstrip antenna is based upon the variation of antenna parameters in the solutions of different concentrations of salt and sugar. The defected ground structure (DGS) is utilized for decreasing the size and improving the performance of the proposed microstrip patch antenna. The antenna is fed by using a microstrip line and it resonates at 2.4 GHz. The designed antenna is simulated and optimized using the computer simulation technology (CST) microwave studio. The antenna with optimized dimensions is fabricated and measured. The measurements of the return loss of the fabricated microstrip patch antenna for various solutions with different concentrations of salt and sugar are performed. The measured results confirm that the proposed compact microstrip patch antenna is suitable to detect the concentration of salt and sugar in the water. From the measured results, it is observed that the return loss of the antenna decreases, when the concentration of salt and sugar is increased. The proposed antenna is also suitable for compact 2.4 GHz wireless local area networks (WLAN) applications.

A New Method for Interference Reduction in the Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville Distribution

Abstract: This article presents a new method facilitating interference reduction in the Wigner-Ville distribution, which is used for nonstationary signal analysis, for example in machine condition monitoring. The algorithm is based on multiple Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville distributions: differently smoothed time-frequency planes are compared and, for every point, a cross-term free value is calculated on the basis of optimal smooth estimation. The proposed approach is compared with the Gabor-Wigner transform, the Zhao-Atlas-Marks distribution, and the Choi-Williams distribution. Five time-frequency Gaussian atoms and a bat echolocation chirp are used as the testing signals. The Rényi entropy, the ratio of norms, the Stanković measure, and the mean squared error are used as quantitative measures to demonstrate the promising results of the proposed method. KeywordsWigner-Ville Distribution; Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville Distribution; Reduced Interference; Time-Frequency Distribution; Quantitative measure

Polymer Optical Fibre Sensor for Measuring Breathing Rate of Lying Person

Abstract: A physiological sensor enabling measurement of one of the vital signs (breathing rate) of a person without direct contact with the person is presented. Compared to current vital signs measuring devices we present a much simpler and less time consuming method of measuring vital signs with the potential for applications in hospitals and homes. A practical prototype sensor, based on polymer optical fibre (POF) sensor instrumentation was fabricated using Toray specific grade fibre exhibiting an increase in 30 % bending losses from the standard (FX 1000) commercial fibre. A 640 nm light-emitting diode was used to illuminate the fibre, with its sensitivity to bending increased by cutting transversal grooves along the fibre and then by applying plastic rods along the fibre to increase bending loss. Although both methods increased the bending loss of the fibre, grooving reduced POF durability and integrity, whereas use of the plastic rods enhanced bending losses without damaging the fibre. Signals from respiration as well as postural movements of a person lying on the POF sensor allow measurements to be taken in an unobtrusive manner. Bending losses attenuating light transmission through the fibre were related to displacement of POF during respiration (expansion and contraction of the chest cavity displace the surface in contact with the upper torso – in this case the meandering arrangement of the fibre sensor located on a TREDAIRE substrate). Bending losses were converted to voltage signals and captured by National Instruments hardware together with LabVIEW software. The sensor was found to be competent in evaluating respiration with a resolution of 100 μV and a sensitivity of 2.3 % change in light transmission for each breathing cycle of the person under study. KeywordsPOF sensor; physiological sensor; noncontact; respiration rate; grooving; unobtrusive; passive; vital signs

Signature Extraction from 3D Point Clouds using Frame Theory for Environmental Modeling

Abstract: In this paper a method based on the well-known frame theory is presented for the identification and classification of objects inside a scene. Three-dimensional (3D) point clouds have been firstly acquired using a laser triangulation system exploiting a high resolution camera, in order to derive accurate datasets for the method validation. The method performs a quadratic fit on the acquired samples and then extracts local curvatures from the analytical reconstructed surfaces. Such information is referred to a vocabulary of curvatures, created making use of the frame basis. Meaningful signatures can be finally analyzed to derive the recurrences of objects in the investigated scene. Specifically, by fixing a threshold value ζ, similarities can be estimated and thus objects can be recognized. Results prove the capability of the method to distinguish surface properties among several objects, validating this algorithm against the contributions of the measurement noise. Keywords– Object Recognition; Mean and Gaussian Curvatures; Frame Theory; Robot Pose Estimation.

Radio Interferometric Object Tracking

Abstract: This paper proposes a novel object tracking method using radio interferometry. The proposed low cost solution is able to track objects, equipped with a radio receiver, in real time, using only simple infrastructure nodes with radio transceivers at fixed and known locations. The localization method has low computational requirements and does not require any preliminary knowledge of, or measurements in the space where tracking is performed. The paper introduces the novel method and preliminary test results are also presented. Keywords–radio interferometry; positioning; sensor networks

Evaluation of navigation system of a robot designed for greenhouse spraying

Abstract: This research aims on the development of one efficient and feasible robotic vehicle for spraying inside a greenhouse and evaluation of its navigation system. The proposed system makes its movements by the left and right side motors, and the guidance was provided by ultrasonic sensors. A proportional control mechanism was implemented for continuous and real-time operations of the robotic unit. Such a system uses the ‘range information’ collected by sensors, so the unit can complete its movement between aisles. A u-shaped path with width and length of 0.98 m and 13.93 m, respectively, was selected for validation experiments. The greenhouse has a concrete floor; the unit was moved in three different speeds (7, 14, 21 m min−1). In general, the feasibility of the proposed robotic unit was approved, since it moved successfully in every required path. The RMSE of robotic unit movements’ accuracy was placed between 5.22 and 6.38 at different speeds.

Comparison and overview of Wireless sensor network systems for Medical Applications

Abstract: The need for technology to assist in medical monitoring applications is becoming more necessary in society as the number of patients in hospital and clinics continues to grow. The demand on staff to monitor every individual consistently becomes necessary. Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are now being used to facilitate this on-demand monitoring both at the patients home and in the hospital/clinic environment. This paper looks at the basic parameters necessary for a medical based WSN with particular focus on communication platforms and their security. These parameters will be compared and contrasted, and the main components necessary to form an ideal medical WSN will be highlighted. Keywords-sensors; WSN architecture; WSN security; wireless platform; medical WSN;

An incremental meter placement method for state estimation considering collinear measurements and high leverage points

Abstract: The performance of the power system state estimation (SE) is influenced by the configuration of the meters and measurement redundancy. Therefore, the measurement set needs to be updated by installing new SCADA meters and phasor measurement units for improving the quality of the SE solution. However, the potential inconsistency between the existing meters and the new meters should be addressed. Otherwise, the additional meters may lead to numerical problems such as collinearity (linear dependence due to duplicated measurements) and the existence of high leverage points (HLPs) (influential measurements). Hence, this paper proposes an incremental meter placement method. The proposed method utilizes the HLPs and aims to improve the numerical performance of the SE and facilitate the elimination of bad data. The cuckoo search optimization is used for selecting the optimal locations and the numbers of the new meters. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested on UK 18-bus, the IEEE 30-bus, and 118-bus systems and simulation results show improvements in the quality of the SE solution.