Applications in Electronics Pervading Industry, Environment and Society

Frontmatter

A Wireless Personal Sensor Node for Real Time Dosimetry of Interventional Radiology Operators

Abstract

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) featuring portable devices are widely used for healthcare applications such as real time patient monitoring. In this paper the attention has been focused on dose monitoring of Interventional Radiology operators by describing the design of a dedicated WSN for real time monitoring. The performances of the network have been evaluated inside the operating room showing that it is possible to achieve data delivery in clinical environments. Data have been acquired during medical Interventional Radiology procedures making use of a final prototype (“Prototype2”), a non-miniaturized prototype (Prototype1) and a reference acquisition system (“Demo2”) with the aim to compare their performance and to show the correct functionality of the prototypes during operating conditions.

Daniel Magalotti, Pisana Placidi, Stefania Fabiani, Lucia Bissi, Massimiliano Paolucci, Andrea Scorzoni, Andrea Calandra, Giovanni Verzellesi, Leonello Servoli

A New FPGA-Based Architecture for Iterative and Space-Variant Image Processing

Abstract

We propose a strategy to realize an innovative FPGA-based architecture able to speed up the Lucy-Richardson algorithm (LRA) for space-variant image deconvolution. The architecture exploits the possibility to distribute data into different memory blocks in the FPGA. In such a way, the algorithm execution is split into several channels operating in parallel. Since the LRA is implemented via an iterative and space-variant convolution, the approach adopted in this paper can be exploited in other similar image processing algorithms.

Stefano Marsi, Sergio Carrato, Giovanni Ramponi

Embedded Electronic Systems for Tactile Data Processing

Abstract

The development of embedded electronic systems for tactile data processing is increasingly demanded for many application domains e.g. robotics, prosthetics, industrials automation etc. In this paper we present the requirements for the embedded electronic system implementation of real time tactile data processing based on Tensorial Kernel approach. The paper provides the performance analysis of the FPGA implementation methods of the singular value decomposition as a result on the way to achieve the desired system.

Ali Ibrahim, Luca Noli, Hussein Chible, Maurizio Valle

Microwave Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection: A COTS-Based Prototype

Abstract

Microwave Imaging (MI) for breast cancer detection is a safe diagnostic method that can be used repeatedly in screening campaigns because it does not use ionizing radiations. So far it has been proven in labs and clinics with the aid of costly and bulky instrumentation tools such as a vector network analyzer. In this paper we show that it is possible to build a low-cost system using off-the-shelf components, custom-made antennas, and a Zynq programmable SoC for accelerating the image reconstruction algorithm. We prove the detection capability of our MI system with two 2D tumor phantoms with different dielectric properties. In terms of execution speed of the imaging algorithm, we obtain a speed-up of more than 30× with respect to an execution on a high-end desktop processor.

Azzurra Pulimeno, Marco Vacca, Mario R. Casu, Jorge A. Tobon, Francesca Vipiana, Daniele Jahier Pagliari, Raffaele Solimene, Luca P. Carloni

A SystemVerilog-UVM Methodology for the Design, Simulation and Verification of Complex Readout Chips in High Energy Physics Applications

Abstract

The adoption of a system-level simulation environment based on standard methodologies is a valuable solution to handle system complexity and achieve best design optimization. This work is focused on the implementation of such a platform for High Energy Physics (HEP) applications, i.e. for next generation pixel detector readout chips in the framework of the RD53 collaboration. The generic and re-usable environment is capable of verifying different designs in an automated fashion under a wide and flexible stimuli space; it can also be used at different stages of the design process, from initial architecture optimization to final design verification.

Sara Marconi, Elia Conti, Pisana Placidi, Andrea Scorzoni, Jorgen Christiansen, Tomasz Hemperek

Embedded System for In-Line Characterization of Industrial Fluids

Abstract

The in-line assessment of the rheological properties of fluids in chemical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries is fundamental for process optimization and product quality. The rheology of a fluid in a process pipe can be investigated by combining the measured pressure difference over a fixed distance of pipe, and the velocity distribution of the fluid along the diameter. The latter data can be measured by Pulsed Ultrasound Velocimetry (PUV), which is a non-invasive Doppler technique. Till now, the few systems available need cumbersome electronics or computer for data post-processing and are not suitable for industrial applications. In this work we present a compact (10 × 12 cm), fully programmable and low cost system that embeds the ultrasound front-end and all of the digital electronics necessary for the signal processing. The board produces, in real time, 512-point velocity profiles at 45 Hz rate and is integrated in the Flow-Viz^TM platform (SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden).

Stefano Ricci, Valentino Meacci, Beat Birkhofer, Johan Wiklund

A Low Cost, Portable Device for Breath Analysis and Self-monitoring, the Wize Sniffer

Abstract

Here we describe the implementation of the first prototype of the Wize Sniffer 1.x (WS 1.x), a low cost, portable electronic device for breath analysis. The device is being developed in the framework of the Collaborative European Project SEMEOTICONS (SEMEiotic Oriented Technology for Individuals CardiOmetabolic risk self-assessmeNt and Self-monitoring). In the frame of SEMEOTICONS project, the Wize Sniffer will help the user monitor his/her state of health, in particular giving feedbacks about those noxious habits for cardio-metabolic risk, such as alcohol intake and smoking. The low cost and compactness of the device allows for a daily screening that, even if without a real diagnostic meaning, could represent a pre-monitoring, useful for an optimal selection of more sophisticated and standard medical analysis.

Danila Germanese, Marco Righi, Antonio Benassi, Mario D’Acunto, Riccardo Leone, Massimo Magrini, Paolo Paradisi, Dario Puppi, Ovidio Salvetti

A Short Term Simulator for Vessel Manoeuvres Prediction

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for vessels manoeuvring prediction during navigation. The proposed algorithm allows to estimate future position and heading of the vessel on the basis of present position, velocity, propeller speed and rudder angle. The prediction algorithm, which can be very useful in emergency manoeuvres, uses a short term simulator which has been tuned up and validated in the framework of the Costa Concordia cruise ship trial. However, the methodology could be applied to any kind of ship, since it just requires a set of data recorded during a set of mandatory sea trials performed before the delivery of the ship. The prediction algorithm shows, on the electronic navigation chart, the foreseen position of the ship in the next 30–40 s, provided that helm and power settings remain unchanged, allowing the helmsman to check in advance the effect of the commands and to eventually modify the trajectory.

Paolo Neri, Bruno Neri

A Portable System for the Monitoring of Dissolved Oxygen in Aquatic Environment

Abstract

Here is reported about the development of a sensing apparatus for dissolved oxygen (DO) in water. The purpose is achieved by means of a home-made electrochemical sensor, with working probe functionalized with Ag-iron oxide nanoparticles, and a readout system based on custom electronics for sensor interfacing and ATMEL microcontroller. Oxygen concentration was varied by bubbling an argon and oxygen mixture at different partial pressure (P_O2/P₀) into a 1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.4). A graphical user interface (GUI), developed in Python environment, allows the real-time visualization and recording of data coming from the sensor. The system is biased by USB connection and, employed with a notebook, it can be considered as a portable stand-alone one for outdoor applications.

Luca Lombardo, Jiaran Zhang, Salvatore Gianluca Leonardi, Davide Aloisio, Giovanni Neri, Daoliang Li, Nicola Donato

Sensormind: Virtual Sensing and Complex Event Detection for Internet of Things

Abstract

With the pervasive diffusion of smartphones and ultra low-power wireless devices, the capability of implementing new objects with smart sensors which can directly share data on the internet is exponentially growing. This extraordinary data deluge poses new challenges to the research community such as storing/retrieving in a fast and reliable way the information. In this paper we present Sensormind, a virtual sensor environment for Internet of Things providing scalable and flexible solutions to manage hundreds of smart objects and which can be easily customized by end-users.

Davide Brunelli, Gianluca Gallo, Luca Benini

RF-Powered HF-RFID Analog Sensors Platform

Abstract

An RF powered HF-RFID passive sensors platform has been realized using discrete components and printed antennas designed to resonate at 13.56 MHz, used both for energy harvesting and data transmission. The tests demonstrate the possibility of the system to operate autonomously within the reading range of a standard RFID reader, that acts both as RF power source and receiver of the data stored in the tag user memory. The microcontroller on the platform can be interfaced with an analogic sensor made with polymeric material sensible to physical parameters or chemical agents.

Demetrio Iero, Corrado Felini, Massimo Merenda, Francesco Giuseppe Della Corte

Enabling Technologies for the In-house Monitoring of Vital Signs in Chronic Patients

Abstract

The in-house monitoring of vital signs represents a real opportunity to improve the effectiveness of the healthcare of chronic patients, integrating the traditional in-hospital healthcare model with a new out-of-hospital follow-up based on frequent monitoring of the clinical status. It allows clinicians and practitioners to realize and act promptly suspect aggravations, before they become irreversible and lead to hospitalization. This model relies on ICT, in particular biomedical sensors and concentrator devices (i.e. gateway) that enable to acquire vital signs at patient’s home and to transmit collected data in secure way, making them remotely available for medical personnel. This paper presents two gateway devices enabling the in-house monitoring of vital signs according to the kind and severity of the diseases, being the first conceived to be used by the patient while the second studied for professional caregivers. Moreover, it presents a novel sensor for the self-acquisition of the ECG signal.

Massimiliano Donati, Alessio Celli, Alessandro Benini, Luca Fanucci, Sergio Saponara

Measuring Tissue Compression: A Circuit for Sensing and Signal Conditioning

Abstract

Addressing the lack of available systems for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, the development of a monitoring and prevention system for deep seated pressure ulcers (DSPU) is described here. The measurement system comprising of a charge-based front-end amplifier, which feeds subsequent stages for adjusting gain, offset voltage and filtering, uses a unique mechanical impulse wave as input signal. This signal is passed through an analogue-to-digital converter for digitisation before being transferred to a computer via a USB port using a microcontroller for signal processing. The system response, tested with a Bose Electroforce and a laser vibrometer, showed a linear response over the measurement range necessary for DSPU prevention and detection and thus it was confirmed that the described development can provide an accurate measurement system for DSPU.

Sonja Hermann, Patrick Thomas, Richard B. Reilly, Martin J. Burke

Narrowband Delay Tolerant Protocols for WSN Applications: Characterization and Selection Guide

Abstract

This article focuses on delay tolerant protocols for Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) applications, considering both established and new protocols. We obtained a comparison of their characteristics by implementing all of them on an original platform for network simulation, and by testing their behavior on a common test-bench. Thereafter, matching the requirements linked to each application with the performances achieved in the test-bench, allowed us to define an application oriented protocol selection guide.

Claudio S. Malavenda, Francesco Menichelli, Mauro Olivieri

New X-Ray Radiation Sensor for Dosimetry Imaging

Abstract

In this work we study the response of floating gate (FG) ionizing radiation sensors to X-ray radiation with different quanta energies and different doses. Single cell sensors and array-type sensors were irradiated with X-rays of different wavelength. The calibration of the absorbed by the FG sensors dose was performed using LiFo electron paramagnetic resonance dosimeters.

Calogero Pace, Evgeny Pikhay, Anna Santaniello, Yael Nemirovsky, Yakov Roizin

A Novel Instrumentation for an Advanced High Temperature Reverse Bias (HTRB) Testing on Power Transistors

Abstract

In this paper, a novel instrumentation for High Temperature Reverse Bias (HTRB) reliability test on power transistors is presented. The proposed equipment overcomes the drawbacks of the traditional instrumentation (large thermal capacitance, lack of individual thermal control for each sample, no thermal runaway detection), enabling a new methodological approach. Several electrical measurements during the test are allowed. Multiple benefits derive from this new approach: the identification of early warnings in accordance with configurable thresholds of degradation and thermal runaway quenching. Furthermore, the test can be stopped solely for the out-of-specification devices. The instrumentation design and advanced HTRB test method are presented as well as experimental results obtained on Power MOSFETs.

Calogero Pace, Jorge Hernandez Ambato, Carlo Giordano

A Wireless Sensor Node Based on Microbial Fuel Cell

Abstract

In recent years there has been a widespread use of wireless sensor networks that found their application in complex systems where a lot of physical quantities have to be monitored. This nodes must deal with different physical quantities and must operate in different environments. In many applications the most critical aspect is the power supply, because frequently is possible to provide power supply by wires and sometimes the use of batteries is not an acceptable solution. This latter limitation occurs when the number of nodes is very high and/or the operation of battery substitution is very complex. Moreover, environmental requests for pollutant reduction and for renewable materials represents another limitation for the use power supply generation based on battery. For these reasons it can be useful to develop power sensor nodes which use energy harvested directly on the operation site, making the sensors energetically autonomous. In this paper we present an innovative sensor node based on Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). The implemented node proves the viability of MFC for the energy harvesting in sensor networks. This system uses the electric energy provided by the bacteria present in the soil as power supply for an ultra low power electronic system, based on a micro-controller equipped with a digital transceiver. The designed system is able to acquire data from a sensor and transmit them wirelessly. The scarcity of available energy and the limited voltages of the MFC require to design new schemes for the energy harvesting and the power supply, as well as new working modes which must satisfy the strong energy constraints.

Simone Acciarito, Gian Carlo Cardarilli, Luca Di Nunzio, Rocco Fazzolari, Marco Re

Autonomous Wireless Sensor Network for Structural Health Monitoring of Aerostructures

Abstract

In this work we demonstrate the feasibility of an embedded, cheap, miniaturized active sensor node for detection of damages on laminate composite or metallic structures by means of ultrasonic guided waves (GWs). The device is meant as the basic building block of an autonomous wireless sensor network (AWSN) able to monitor the integrity of the aerostructure and locate possible damages. Each node is permanently mounted on the surface and wirelessly powered by electromagnetic (EM) waves, which are also used for communication with the base station. The electronic circuit is interfaced with an innovative, patent-pending piezoelectric transducer (piezo) capable of generating and sensing directional ultrasonic GWs in the inspected structure. Elastic waves propagating through the structure and reflected back to the piezo are recorded and processed by each individual node thanks to embedded processing functionalities to detect and locate defects. The information is then sent back to the base station for further analysis and evaluation. The results highlight that a small, lightweight and low power system can be designed with off-the-shelf hardware. The proposed system provides good reliability and accuracy and brings many advantages over current systems.

Andrea Corniani, Simone Faccini, Enrico Turri, Nicola Testoni, Luca De Marchi

Wearable Speech Enhancement System for Motor Impaired People

Abstract

Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) is a valid solution for smartphone and PC interaction from people with motor skill impairments. However recognition performances are reduced in scenarios affected by environmental noise. We propose a speech enhancement system based on MEMS microphone array and a digital signal processor capable to increase signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the user’s voice. The difference in Time of Arrivals (TOA) audio samples between microphones is exploited by the array to separate speech and environmental noise. In such way the system can obtain an increment in SNR about 16.5 dB using an Adaptive Noise Reduction filter. Due to the small array size, the proposed system has been integrated in a wearable device. Theoretical analysis and in-system measurements prove the effectiveness of the proposed solution.

Alessandro Palla, Luca Fanucci, Roberto Sannino, Mattia Settin

System-Level Analysis for Integrated Power Amplifier Design in mmWave Consumer Wireless Communications

Abstract

System-level specifications for the design of integrated power amplifiers in mmWave wireless communications are derived in the paper. To this aim emerging standards for consumer applications such as wireless ultra-high definition (UHD) multimedia streaming or Gbit wireless LAN are considered (WirelessHD, WiGig, ECMA387, IEEE.802.11.ad, IEEE802.15.3c and upcoming 5G). A power amplifier design in 65 nm CMOS Silicon on Insulator (SOI) technology, targeting a 9 GHz UWB window from 57 to 66 GHz, is also proposed. To increase the power delivered to the antenna up to 18 mW, being still in the limit of maximum 1 dB compression point, multiple PA cores have been combined through a Wilkinson power combiner, but other solutions can be also explored for a better power efficiency and linearity.

Sergio Saponara, Bruno Neri

UDOO-Based Environmental Monitoring System

Abstract

In this paper we present the development of a compact and stand-alone system for environmental monitoring based on gas, humidity, temperature sensors and UDOO Quad board. The sensors are connected with the UDOO board by means of a very simple designed and home-made developed shield. Here, the system developed has been preliminary evaluated by detecting hydrogen, methane, oxygen and humidity, for air quality monitoring in industrial environments.

Giulio Borrello, Erica Salvato, Giovanni Gugliandolo, Zlatica Marinkovic, Nicola Donato

A Smart LED Light Control System for Environmentally Friendly Buildings

Abstract

This paper proposes a low cost, wireless, easy to install, adaptable smart LED lighting system to automatically adjust the light intensity of LED panels to save energy and to maintain user satisfaction. The wireless control system is based on ZigBee communication and combines a light sensor with a motion sensor to perform an energy saving algorithm. Measurements of total energy consumption over a continuous six-month period were acquired to verify the performance and evaluate the benefits in terms of power savings of the proposed solution. In the monitored application scenario, the total energy consumption has been reduced by over 60 % during a six-month period and up to 70 % in spring months.

Michele Magno, Tommaso Polonelli, Luca Benini

A Low-Cost, Open-Source Cyber Physical System for Automated, Remotely Controlled Precision Agriculture

Abstract

The paper presents a low-cost solution to the problem of remote control in agricultural applications. This choice is due to the growing importance of agriculture in modern times and so to the need of subsidizing this field. Keeping in mind the constraint of low-cost, we propose the design of a flexible embedded system architecture, based on the Arduino and Raspberry platforms, able to support various kinds of remote control tasks in the agricultural field. The goal is to support management of remote cultivations (in greenhouses and/or open-air) by exploiting sensors (e.g., temperature, moisture, radiometers, cameras) and actuators (e.g., motorized windows, irrigators, tools to deploy chemical products) through a mobile app. This approach could improve fertilization and overall planning of the farming activity based on the actual weather and environment conditions. A simple prototype of the proposed system has been successfully tested and results confirm feasibility of the approach both in terms of performance and of costs.

Davide Cimino, Alberto Ferrero, Leonardo Queirolo, Francesco Bellotti, Riccardo Berta, Alessandro De Gloria

Assessment of Driver Behavior Based on Machine Learning Approaches in a Social Gaming Scenario

Abstract

The estimation of user performance analytics in the area of car driver performance was carried out in this paper. The main focus relies on the descriptive analysis with our approaches emphasizing on educational serious games, in order to improvise the driver’s behavior (specifically green driving) in a pleasant and challenging way. We also propose a general Internet of the Things (IoT) social gaming platform (SGP) concept that could be adaptable and deployable to any kind of application domain. The social gaming scenario in this application enables the users to compete with peers based on their physical location. The efficient drivers will be awarded with virtual coins and gained virtual coins can be used in real world applications (such as purchasing travel tickets, reservation of parking lots, etc.). This research work is part of TEAM project co-funded within the EU FP7 ICT research program.

Gautam R. Dange, Pratheep K. Paranthaman, Francesco Bellotti, Marco Samaritani, Riccardo Berta, Alessandro De Gloria

A Novel Technique for the CMRR Improvement in a Portable ECG System

Abstract

This paper presents a new technique to improve the quality of the ECG signals, increasing the Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR). We developed a portable wireless Bluetooth ECG system able to acquire 12 leads, communicating with Smartphones and PCs. Many experiments have been made for measuring CMRR decay due to the difference on skin-electrodes impedances, the asymmetries of the amplifiers input stages and external components. Using some digital potentiometers, the system is able to compensate for these, increasing the CMRR of about 18 dB.

Pietro Di Buono, Leonardo Mistretta, G. Costantino Giaconia

An Optimization Device for Series Parallel Connected PV Plants

Abstract

In this paper it is presented a testing prototype of a reconfiguration system for photovoltaic (PV) plants. The system enables to increase the total energy output by reducing the electrical mismatch between the PV array modules. The architecture of the implemented switching matrix, performing the dynamic electrical interconnections of the PV panels, enables to reconfigure nine solar modules in a series-parallel (SP) configuration. The contribution is organized as follows. A brief state of the art is first presented, followed by a comparison between the SP and Total-Cross-Tied (TCT) connections. The prototype then is thoroughly described as well as the main design choices. Finally some tests and an extrapolation of its performance over a real size PV field are reported.

Eleonora Riva Sanseverino, G. Costantino Giaconia, Vincenzo Li Vigni, Pietro Di Buono, Pietro Romano, Marco Iannello, Vincenzo Tirrasi