Carpathian Journal of Electronic and Computer Engineering


Volume 3, Number 1 - 2010

Image Processing in Transform Domain: A Survey
Author:
Andrei Buchman - Technical University of Cluj-Napoca/ Basis of Electronics Department, Attila Buchman - North University of Baia Mare/ Electronics and Computer Engineering Department, Sebastian Sabou - North University of Baia Mare/ Electronics and Computer Engineering Department.
Abstract: In order to save storage space and to improve transfer speed, images are compressed. Before processing, compressed images are fully decompressed. Recent researches show that processing in transform domain is not only possible but produces slightly better results than the same processing technique applied to the fully decompressed image. These considerations apply to loosy compression algorithms such as JPEG.

Design of an intelligent monitoring system for protected natural areas based on acoustic sensors - SOUNDNET
Author:
S. CADAR, Institutul de Cercetari pentru Instrumentatie Analitica Cluj-Napoca, Donath 67, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, E-mail: sergiu.cadar@icia.ro; C. RUSU, Universitatea Tehnica Cluj-Napoca, Facultatea de Electronica, Telecomunicatii si Tehnologia Informatiei Baritiu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, E-mail:Corneliu.Rusu@bel.utcluj.ro; O. POP, Universitatea Tehnica Cluj-Napoca, Facultatea de Electronica, Telecomunicatii si Tehnologia Informatiei Baritiu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, E-mail: olimpiupop@yahoo.com
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present the concept of an intelligent system based on a network of acoustic sensors in order to monitor the protected natural areas. The monitored element is represented by the human activities prohibited for these areas, such as: deforestation, access of vehicles, animal drawn carts or recreational machinery, especially following the human presence in those areas. Sound recording and marking of prohibited activities for protected areas represent a goal that requires a multidisciplinary and high complexity approach, from the point of interest expressed by those who ensure areas protection. For the system design one takes into consideration the fact that the introduction of a foreign system in a protected natural environment must bring its minimal influence on the natural area. The system should adapt to the environmental characteristics, while preserving its structure, composition and functions. The concept of the sensor network is based on two essential needs: high autonomy in terms of energy and also reduced cost per network element. Within the network, the communication is made using wireless communication systems, which increases the reliability of the system and reduces the costs of implementation. Data recording is made within a collection unit that can issue alarm codes for each type of action reported in protected areas.

A method of uneven image compression for increasing the accuracy of relevant areas
Author: Ovidiu COSMA, North University / Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Baia Mare, Roumania.
Abstract: This paper presents a method for coding the images subbands in conjunction with the relevance of the different regions. The method provides more accurate reproduction of important regions, to the detriment of the others.

Distributed Constraint Optimization in Microgrid Operations
Author:
Cristinel Costea, Electronic and Computer Enginering Department, North University of Baia Mare, Email: ccostea@ubm.ro.
Abstract: This paper presents a distributed control scheme for microgrids operation, modeled as multi-agent system and distributed constraint optimization problem. The case study and algorithm present how the local decisions and the communications ability of the agents may provide solutions in the optimal and effective control of the microgrids.

An Approach on Vowel Recognition
Author:
Simina Emerich, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Communication Department, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Abstract: In this paper we investigate the effectiveness of using glottal features for vowel classification. The flow waveforms obtained from speech signals by inverse filtering were parametrized. For each analyzed signal a fixed dimension feature vector is obtained. The models were trained and tested with Naive Bayes and k-Nearest Neighbor

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Implementation of a Digital Controller for a Buck Converter
Author:
Radu Etz, Stefan R. Daraban, Ionut Ciocan and Dorin M. Petreus, Applied Electronics Department, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania radu.etz@ael.utcluj.ro
Abstract: This paper presents an approach of digital control with average current mode control. The model takes into account the non idealities of the components, the discrete time modeling of the Z transform, sampling, delays in the control loop and the quantization of coefficients for the control loop. First the analog compensation is made and then based on the poles and zeros ,the bilinear function in Matlab is used to find the coefficients. The model is simulated in PSIM with step load current.

Modified Bode Functions
Author
: L. Grama and C. Rusu, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca/Basis of Electronics Department - Signal Processing Group, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Abstract: The Bode circuits have been used for many years as basic elements in electronic and communication equipments. Their transfer function may be considered as standard testing functions in various simulation frameworks. However, they may not have always the desired properties. Such an example is the Newton, Gould and Kaiser approach to approximate the phase. In this paper we modify the Bode circuit in order to improve its behavior with respect to the above mentioned approach.

Predictive Sensorless D.C. Motor Control
Author:
György Györök, József Lakner, Margit Makó, Obuda University Alba Regia University, H-8000 Szekesfehervar Hungary.
Abstract:
Most of the electric motor control can be solved without traditional feedback, without speed sensors. The proposed solution is used advantageously in an area where cable network has already built up and there is no way to expand it, or it is uneconomic. The presented procedure, writ the D.C. motorcontrol the use of supply voltage added commutations noise. Since the commutation noise amplitude, frequency, signal shape, duty cycle will also vary depend on the speed of the axis and power (torque) of motor, it must be differential signal conditioning to use, for extraction of speed information. The use of tuneable filter the speed-signal has significantly jitter and time-domain noise. The exact speed of the communication noise can only be determined if the expected value or at least the range are known. The motor speed voltage characteristics is known, so that control is a function of the expected value can be determined. The microcontroller controls the motor speed by PWM, further determines the expected value by prediction algorithm. For the prediction is needed the set of the exact DC motor model.

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Six Legged Autonomous Robots for Military and for Civil Use
Author:
G. Husi, J. Tóth and Gy. Darai, Faculty of Electronics, University of Debrecen, Faculty Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechatronics Department, Debrecen, Hungary.
Abstract: The army and the industry use many types of robots; from witch a large part is pre-programmed. However, nowadays a huge number of autonomous robots are constructed for military purposes; witch may also be used for civil purposes. In the development of military robots it’s significant, that military robots controlled by the soldiers which are eligible to smite, and military tools for civil application are very limited, while the fight support and logistical tasks robots almost without any modification can be used for civil purposes. In this paper is presented the possible use of six-legged autonomous robots in military and in civil area.

Miniaturization of Wireless Sensor Network Nodes
Author:
Liqiang Zhengy, Alan Mathewson, Brendan O'Flynn, Michael Hayes and Cian O'Mathuna, Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Email: yliqiang.zheng@tyndall.ie.
Abstract: Wireless sensor network (WSN) node, typically equipped with a radio transceiver, a small microcontroller and a battery, is different from traditional embedded systems because of its requirement of random deployment, small size and low power consumption. Based on these reasons, miniaturization of the WSN nodes becomes increasingly crucial in embedded system design for numerous applications, such as bio-medical monitoring and body network. In this paper, several technologies of different packaging levels to achieve miniaturization and integration are presented, including flip chip packaging of transceiver and micro-controller bare dies, embedded capacitance and epoxy based three dimensional integration technologies. Comparison of the proposed technologies with the original traditional PCB WSN mote is provided. The current experiments and measurements are also presented to show the benefits brought by these technologies not only in shrinking of the mote size, but also some improvements in electrical performance such as reduction of parasitic passives. It is possible to utilizing several different miniaturization technologies for future miniaturized WSN nodes design. Comparison of these technologies in WSN application is provided as conclusion of this paper .

Automatic Iris Location Using Hough Transform
Author:
Adrian Lodin, Marius Vasile Ghiurcau and Alexandru Lodin, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Basis of Electronics Department, Str.Baritiu 26-28, 400027 Cluj-Napoca, Romania adrian.lodin@bel.utcluj.ro
Abstract: This study focuses on the location of the iris using the Circular Hough Transform. We propose an improved iris boundaries location method on two main steps. First, possible candidates are obtained by applying edge detection. In order to remove unwanted candidates, first, image resize using bicubic interpolation is performed, then edge detection and mathematical morphology. To detect the presence of the circular shapes corresponding to the inner and outer iris boundaries, Circular Hough Transform is applied. The results of the experiments performed on an iris image database proved that the proposed method have encouraging performance. The method is robust, provides a reduced computational time, and the location is automatic.

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Deconvolutional OCDMA for Indoor Wireless Optical Communications
Author:
Radu Lucaciu, Adrian Mihaescu, University POLITEHNICA of Timisoara, Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, Timisoara, Romania
Abstract: In this paper we present the possibility of using deconvolution for the optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) indoor wireless communication system. Deconvolution is useful for many practical applications and we made an analysis of its influence on system performance. According to obtained results, the performances of the system are significantly improved.

FPGA Implementation of a Linearization Algorithm for Sharp GP2D120 Range Sensor
Author: Claudiu Lung, Sebastian Sabou, Ioan Orha, North University of Baia Mare, Romania, Andrei Buchman,Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Abstract:
In this paper an algorithm to convert the nonlinear response of a Sharp infrared range finder into a linear input output transfer function is presented. Controllers that only support integer math may be used to implement this algorithm. In order to test the validity of the theoretical assumptions, the algorithm was implemented using VHDL, into a Xilinx Spartan-3E FPGA. The project was designed using Xilinx ISE8.2.03i CAD tool under Windows XP OS. I

Low Complexity Speaker Identification Approach
Author:
E. Lupu, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, M. Cioban, Hanna Instruments Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Abstract: Biometric authentication presents an increasing interest in the last years. Among the usual biometric features employed in the authentication systems speech plays an important role and is well accepted by the users. Speech as biometric verifier has some important advantages in use, respectively: the low price for the sensors (microphone), the easy way (noninvasive) of samples acquisition, the large amount of available data for training and testing and the ability to provide real time processing. Our approach employs only features extracted in the time domain, so two orders smaller computational requirements are implied than in the case of usual frequency domain processing. Due to this quality a low complexity and low cost implementation may be done using an ATMEL microcontroller platform. The system is based on the TESPAR coding method for the feature extraction from speech signal allowing a real time processing on a medium power computation platform. The system performances proves the discrimination capability of the TESPAR method even when using only the distances for the classification task and encourages the improvement of the system for low cost applications. The method employment may be extended to other applications like biomedical waveform diagnostics (EEG, ECG) or industrial system monitoring.

Robot Localization Using Neural Networks
Author:
Oliviu Matei, North University, Baia Mare, Romania.
Abstract:The robot Manura has been designed for cleaning barns and equipped with short-range sensors. The localization of this operational robot is accomplished by a new neural network. We describe a new approach for localization, using a combined method of regression, classification and prediction. The training is improved by adding some self-generated exemplars. Knowledge embedded into the neural network, improves its performance significantly.

Integrated System for Testing and Characterizing Semiconductor Materials and Devices
Author:
Bogdan Alexandru OFRIM, Dragos Mihai OFRIM, Dragos Ioan SACALEANU University "POLITEHNICA", Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract: This paper presents an integrated system which is used for testing and characterizing semiconductor materials and devices. The topics covered in this paper refer to the system hardware and user interface, as well as experimental results and industry areas where the system is best suited for.

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Distributed Data Acquisition System Using a Wireless Intelligent Sensor Network
Author:
Dragos Mihai OFRIM, Bogdan Alexandru OFRIM and Dragos Ioan SACALEANU, University "POLITEHNICA", Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract: This article contains a short presentation of an improved distributed data acquisition system in terms of efficiency, performance and flexibility, used to remotely monitor and control different physical parameters. The main topics cover: the basic concepts of the system, the implementation characteristics and the standards of performance. In the end, the advantages and disadvantages of this system are pointed, along with some future development guidelines.

Regulation after Speed of the Synchronous Motor Asynchronized
Author:
OPREA Constantin, BARZ Cristian, North University of Baia Mare, Department Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Baia Mare, Str. Victor Babes, nr. 62A, ROMANIA, cristian.barz@ubm.ro, prconstantin@yahoo.com.
Abstract:The actions with asynchronous synchronous motor must assure every overload, which should not depend on the electric parameters of motor, in conditions in which the power of supply sources and mechanical robust allow this thing. At the same time the system of regulation must also assure the possibility of command the reactive power in such way as to maintain at an economical level impose. In this paper, we consider a synchronous motor with a symmetrical wind in stator, supplied from the network and a three-phase symmetrical wind of excitation, powered from a static converter with thyristor. The structural scheme of the motor and automate regulator for reactive moment and power; structures which have at basis the Park relations, following as on base of these structures to realize the system model

Analysis and modeling of Transformerless Photovoltaic Inverter Systems with PSIM and MATLAB/SIMULINK
Author:
Ioan Orha, Sebastian Sabou, Claudiu Lung , Electronic and Computer Department, Faculty of Engineering, North University of Baia Mare, Romania, ioan.orha@ubm.ro
Abstract: The main goal of this paper is to analyze and modeling transformerless PV inverter systems with respect to the leakage current phenomenon that can damage the solar panels and pose safety problems. New topologies and control strategies that will minimize the leakage current and exhibit a high efficiency will be investigated . The simulation of the power system is first realized using PSIM. In a second step, the simulation of the power system is realized using the MATLAB/Simulink. Both simulation models are tested and selective simulation results are provided for a comparative study.

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Embedded Learning Accessory Based on Fuzzy Catastrophe
Author:
L. Ormos, College of Nyíregyháza, Faculty of Engineering and Agriculture Department of Traffic Sciences and Information Technology Nyíregyháza, POB 166. 4401-Hungary e-mail: ormosl@nyf.hu.
Abstract: Main task before training or teaching a device having artificial intelligence is how to make communication among the environment and AI device. During training or teaching process, AI has to decide what kind of features of environment are necessary to sense and use in activities, and what kind of actuators must be set for tuning environmental features to reach the required results. During the learning process AI has to build relationship among environmental features up. Learning by environment recognition is based on “intellectual capability” of AI device to set itself up to the required task.

PERT and Fuzzy PERT Methods on Project Scheduling under Uncertainty
Author:
Adrian Petrovan, Cristinel Costea, North University of Baia Mare/Department of Electronics and Computer Science, Baia Mare, Romania.
Abstract:Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is the most widely used network modeling method used to track the planning activities required to complete large-scale projects. This technique has the potential to reduce the time and costs required to complete a project. Unlike classical PERT, fuzzy sets theory allows both the uncertain demand and the subjective judgment of the decision maker. The main objective of this article is the presentation of theoretical aspects of the two methods of project network analysis. Uncertainity is a major problem in Operations Research, and network planning with uncertain activity durations is typically an area where stochastic and fuzzy concepts are fundamentals.

On the Generalized Network Design Problems
Author:
P.C. Pop, North University of Baia Mare, Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Baia Mare, Romania.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present a survey on some of the most important generalized network design problems: the generalized minimum spanning tree problem, the generalized traveling salesman problem and the generalized vehicle routing problem.

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Autonomous navigation system - map matching
Author:
Sebastian Sabou, Ioan Orha, Claudiu Lung, North University of Baia Mare, Romania, Andrei Buchman, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Abstract: The motivation in this presentation is to develop a methodology for autonomous indoor personal navigation, which assures reliable and precise localization and route guidance to the user. An autonomous navigation method is a method that does not rely on external information. That would set the user independent from the availability and drawbacks of the external positioning systems discussed further.

Robot Localization Using Neural Networks
Author:
Oliviu Matei, North University, Baia Mare, Romania.
Abstract:The robot Manura has been designed for cleaning barns and equipped with short-range sensors. The localization of this operational robot is accomplished by a new neural network. We describe a new approach for localization, using a combined method of regression, classification and prediction. The training is improved by adding some self-generated exemplars. Knowledge embedded into the neural network, improves its performance significantly.

Monitoring and Data Acquisition Embedded System for Photovoltaic Plants
Author:
Dragos Ioan SACALEANU, Dragos Mihai OFRIM and Bogdan Alexandru OFRIM, University "POLITEHNICA", Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract: Using alternative sources to produce electricity requires a thorough monitoring of working and ambient parameters, in order to optimize the operation. It is also necessary to select the solution with the most profitable price/quality ratio. This paper presents a device for monitoring several types of photovoltaic cell panels. This is accomplished with a dedicated system using a PXI device and the LabView programming environment. The data acquisition system is designed based on the measurement requirements, which can be essentially expressed in terms of number of samples to be acquired, sampling rate and measurement uncertainty. In order to measure higher values of the parameters from the photovoltaic plants than the measurement equipment can support, signalconditioning circuits have been introduced in the system. Their behavior is also presented in this paper. An initial calibration of the system has been made, therefore some tests could be performed. The end of the paper is dedicated to the results obtained by processing the collection of data from the electrical grid voltage.

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Embedded Solutions for Remote Monitoring of Patients with Cardio-Vascular Diseases
Author:
Gheorghe Sebestyen, Lorand Krucz, Universitatea Tehnica din Cluj Napoca, Gheorghe.Sebestyen@cs.utcluj.ro, lorand.krucz@yahoo.com.
Abstract: This paper describes an embedded system architecture developed for real-time remote control and data acquisition. This embedded system is integrated into an interactive online healthcare environment – a remote patient monitoring and treatment framework called CardioNET. The main contributions of the paper are: the modular and versatile design of the medical devices, using embedded solution and the innovative way in which these devices communicate through a distributed system, providing solutions of monitoring and control in a wide set of possible applications.

Circuit Models Used in Design of the Asynchronous Digital Systems
Author:
M. Timis, Al.Valachi, Technical University "Gh.Asachi" Iasi, Automatic Control and Computer Science and Engineering Faculty, IASI, Romania.
Abstract:Implementation methods for the digital asynchronous systems use different predefined circuits models like self timed circuits, speed independent circuits, delay insensitive circuits, handshake protocol, C Muler elements implementation in asynchronous systems. The authors presents these methods in designing of the asynchronous digital systems. Using the predefined circuits models in implementation of asynchronous digital systems it means avoid errors and digital hazard situations. The digital asynchronous system will run correctly, according with the specifications. Keywords: Asynchronous digital systems, self timed, speed independent, delay insensitive, handshake, logic gates, asynchronous digital sequential system, C Muller elements.

Mechatronics Mindstorming with Lego Mindstorms NXT
Author:
J.Tóth, G. Husi and I. Nagy University of Debrecen, Faculty Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechatronics Department, Debrecen, Hungary
Abstract: Students of mechatronic during education will get to know programming different robots and robotarms. The robot such a apparatus which use mechanics, electronics and informatics knowledge, can solve different exercises alone or programmed examples. The LEGO® kits take less place, need less protect because of plastic parts and more cheaper than other use for special example robot. It’s teach the studets in form of play for building, using and programming. They can learn easily the controlling, feedback controlling, programming knowledge with the multimedia, and they will be able to use later in individual complicate exercises. The kit contain different sensors, servomotors and can controll with the central control unit. The LEGO® Mindstorms® kits can integrate and expand with Technic family.

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Optically Powered Industrial Barometric System Design
Author:
J. Turán, L'. Ovseník, Department of Electronics and Multimedia Communications, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, University of Technology Kosice, Letná, e-mail: jan.turan@tuke.sk; lubos.ovsenik@tuke.sk, J. Vásárhelyi, Department of Automation, University of Miskolc, University Campus, 3515 Miskolc, Hungary, E-mail: vajo@mazsola.iit.uni-miskolc.hu.
Abstract: Industrial barometric systems, i.e. systems to monitor air (or other gas) temperature, pressure and humidity are used in various control and monitoring systems in mines, chemical plants, petrochemical industry, etc. The basic properties, key elements and architecture of the developed optically powered industrial barometric system are discussed. Finally some experimental results of system performance are presented.

Object Detection in Video Surveillance systems
Author:
L'. Ovseník, A. Kazimírová Kolesárová, J. Turán, Department of Electronics and Multimedia Communications, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, University of Technology Kosice, Letná, e-mail: lubos.ovsenik@tuke.sk, anna.kolesarova@tuke.sk, jan.turan@tuke.sk.
Abstract:This paper is concerned with video surveillance systems. With the growing quantity of security video, it becomes vital that video surveillance system be able to support security personnel in monitoring and tracking activities. In this paper we will describe a design of object detection in our video surveillance system.

An 8-PSK Transmitter System Analysis Method Using Baseband Vector Computation
Author:
Vasile Zoicas Texas Instruments France, 06271, Villeneuve Loubet.
Abstract:The presented work and its associated analysis tools go beyond the traditional transmitter debug methods for EDGE (Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution) since it allows a direct link between the transmitter’s performances and its various design impairments. In addition to the standard ETSI specifications computations like Error Vector Magnitude (EVM), Origin Offset Suppression (OOS) and Modulation Spectrum, this method reveals the transmitter’s non-idealities like: DC offset, amplitude to phase delay, close-in phase noise, non-linearity, pulling etc. For a polar transmitter, which is the main focus of this study, amplitude and phase paths can be dissociated in term of individual contribution to transmitter performances. The baseband analysis algorithm requires only the measured down-converted IQ vector as input data. An ideal vector is created by demodulating and remodulating the binary content recovered from the measured data. From the time and frequency domain analysis of these two vectors, the transmitter’s nonidealities can be assessed and non-compliance root cause can be identified. This approach can be extended to various wireless standards like WCDMA, Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc.

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