Cesar A. Naranjo

Teaching Process for Children with Autism in Virtual Reality Environments

This paper presents the implementation of 3D virtual environments applied to the teaching-learning process for children with autism. The virtual system implemented allows real-time bilateral interaction between the user and the virtual environment in order to stimulate the abilities of children with autism spectrum disorder. The implemented system has multiple environments and applications for interaction with the physical medium in order to increase the stimulus of the affected. The results show the benefit and usability of the implementation of virtual environments to the processes of teaching learning of children with autism.

Multiparametric Monitoring in Equatorian Tomato Greenhouses (I): Wireless Sensor Network Benchmarking

In recent years, attention has been paid to wireless sensor networks (WSNs) applied to precision agriculture. However, few studies have compared the technologies of different communication standards in terms of topology and energy efficiency. This paper presents the design and implementation of the hardware and software of three WSNs with different technologies and topologies of wireless communication for tomato greenhouses in the Andean region of Ecuador, as well as the comparative study of the performance of each of them. Two companion papers describe the study of the dynamics of the energy consumption and of the monitored variables. Three WSNs were deployed, two of them with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard with star and mesh topologies (ZigBee and DigiMesh, respectively), and a third with the IEEE 802.11 standard with access point topology (WiFi). The measured variables were selected after investigation of the climatic conditions required for efficient tomato growth. The measurements for each variable could be displayed in real time using either a laboratory virtual instrument engineering workbench (LabVIEWTM) interface or an Android mobile application. The comparative study of the three networks made evident that the configuration of the DigiMesh network is the most complex for adding new nodes, due to its mesh topology. However, DigiMesh maintains the bit rate and prevents data loss by the location of the nodes as a function of crop height. It has been also shown that the WiFi network has better stability with larger precision in its measurements.

An Implementation on Matlab Software for Non-linear Controller Design Based on Linear Algebra for Quadruple Tank Process

This paper is focused on the design of a control algorithm based on linear algebra for multivariable systems and its application to control of a quadruple tank system. In order to design the controller, the system model is approximated by numerical methods and then a system of linear equations are solved by least square to obtain the optimal control actions. The strategy presented in this paper has the advantage of using discrete equations and therefore a direct implementation in most computer-driven systems is feasible. The simulation results developed on Matlab software shows the effective of the proposed method.

Adaptation of the Bioloid Humanoid as an Auxiliary in the Treatment of Autistic Children

This paper describes a system that allows children with autism spectrum disorder - ASD - to be more aware of their emotions and increase their social relation, through the development of two practical games focused on human–robot interaction, based on the DSM-5 protocol.

Virtual Reality System for Assistance in Treating Respiratory Disorders

This paper presents a virtual reality app for pulmonary diseases treatment in children through VR game, which consists of visual and auditory stimulation thus the therapy won’t be annoying to the patient. The procedure consists of a previous stage of respiratory training which the patient is asked for a deep inhalation followed by an exhalation, both within a period of 3 to 6 s and requested 3 times. The app will offer the patient different activities in a virtual environment depending on the inhalation and exhalation exercise required by the stages of their therapy, using HTC VIVE virtual reality glasses. Recognition of inhalation and exhalation exercises is performed using a DTW classifier running in real time in MATLAB and with a direct, two-way connection to Unity. Therefore, the app encourages the patient to perform the exercises therapy in an accurate and fun way and as a result respiratory signal graphs are shown for evaluation by the therapist.

Virtual Environments to Stimulate Skills in the Early Childhood Education Stage

This article describes the development of games within virtual reality environments oriented to early childhood education children between 3 and 5 years old. These games are developed according to the Cone of Learning and have been developed with a Unity 3D graphic engine. They are very attractive and allow children’s learning through playing. They also stimulate the skills and abilities required to be developed and strengthened during this learning stage. The proposed games allow the teacher to select several difficulty levels on each game in order to stimulate the child to accomplish more complex tasks during this initial stage. At the end, the areas intended to be covered are presented according to the goals set.

Data Link System Flight Tests for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This document establishes the considered procedures for UAV - F communication system’s flight tests, considering the compliance with the requirements of international standards showing the results of applying those procedures. In the paper there is a description of the aircraft’s communications system as the starting point of analysis. The tests were done considering each of the airworthiness requirements of the communications system to establish the way for data gathering. It is also described the related procedures and test parameters which allow to develop a new system as described in the general methodology. The outcomes of this work demonstrated the system’s ability to extend the communication to the compliance of the USAR of the STANAG4701 standard of NATO, in order to establish procedures for validation and certification of an “in development” aircraft and to build communication over obstacles.

Control algorithm for the inertial stabilization of UAVs

The UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are aircraft used in applications that requires great capacities to operate in harsh environments. They include efficient tools to support the development, security and defense of a country. To guide the navigation while generating the route and stabilization of these vehicles, a control algorithm is applied in order to direct and stabilize the aircraft. A generic control system to drive the aircraft is used which considers electronic, mechanical and aeronautical aspects for their operation. The unmanned aircrafts need a navigation system that must be designed using variant or invariant time control methods that must be efficient in their operation. This work shows the results of the application of a control algorithm that includes an inertial platform with a GPS actualization to navigate and control the unmanned aircraft. The designed system was tested considering different weather conditions in the free space, which shows satisfactory results that predicts their future use. The hardware and software of the stabilization system of the aircraft is a result of the Ecuadorian researchers team work.

Weather influence on communication links operating in frequencies over 10 GHz in the inter-andean zones of the Ecuadorian country

This work analyzes the operation of the communication links between the campuses of the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas in Latacunga Ecuador working with signal with frequencies over 10 GHz and regarding the influence of the weather conditions, especially the rain. The rain is the main factor that happens in the Interandean Ecuadorian Central Region and communication links have to consider an adaptive communication system to adequate to the channel conditions. The designed communication systems include the location of the antennas in the positioned stations. The rain influences in communication links by attenuating the signal, increasing the system noise and changing the signal polarization. The Ka and the V Band are affected by a higher level due to the use of higher frequencies.