Daniel Paczesny

A MEMS-based super fast dew point hygrometer—construction and medical applications

The paper shows how MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) technology and a modified principle of fast temperature control (by heat injection instead of careful control of cooling) can considerably improve the dynamic parameters of dew point hygrometers. Some aspects of MEMS-type integrated sensor construction and technology, whole measurement system design, the control algorithm to run the system as well as empirical dynamic parameters from the tests are discussed too. The hygrometer can easily obtain five to six measurements per second with an uncertainty of less than 0.3 K. The meter range is between ?10 ?C and 40 ?C dew point. In the second part of the paper (section 2), two different successful applications in medicine based on fast humidity measurements have been discussed. Some specific constructions of these super fast dew point hygrometers based on a MEMS sensor as well as limited empirical results from clinical tests have been reported too.

The Dynamic Measurements of Absolute Humidity in Nasal Cavity During Respiration

The medicine still requires new, more advanced tools for better human body diagnoses. The great developments in electronics let to construct more and more sophisticated instruments. The system described in the paper lets to check functionality of one of human body subsystems - the breathing system. It can measure dynamic changes of temperature and dew point temperature (absolute value of humidity) of inspired and expired air in different places of human nose and throat. Some example results of dew point hygrometer and temperature measurements during respiration are presented. New factors describing condition and capability of human breathing system are. described.

Fast dew-point hygrometer for laryngology applications

A new fast semiconductor dew point hygrometer for laryngological applications is presented in the report. The hygrometer construction based on integration into the single semiconductor sensor structure the impedance dew detector, the thermoresistor and the heater is described in the paper. The experimental results of the dew point hygrometer tests in laryngological measurements (during patient respiration cycle) are shown and discussed.

Characterization of inkjet-printing HF and UHF antennas for RFID applications

The aim of this work was to perform a set of RFID antennas on flexible plastic substrates designed for range of HF and UHF band. The samples was fabricated using inkjet printing technology and conductive material base on silver nanopartilces ink. Fabricated antennas have been characterized, and the results were compared with the parameters of antennas made with usage of classical PCB technology on FR4 laminate with copper metallization. The paper presents studies on the impact of elastic substrates and conductive materials on antennas electrical parameters, as well as the communication range of the resulting RFID tags. During the experiment two patterns of HF and three patterns of UHF antennas was examined and the antennas was realized on different types of substrates, such as PET, Kapton® and FR4.

Autocalibration of Dew Point Hygrometer Based on Integrated Semiconductor Detector

The autocalibration procedure of the fast dew point hygrometer based on integrated semiconductor dew detector is presented in the paper. Proposed method is based on detector threshold level setting at 98% of difference between maximal impedance (dry detector) and minimal impedance (fully wet detector). The threshold value was set experimentally by analyzing of detector impedance characteristic in the region close to dew point. Tests of the device proved efficiency of proposed method.

Computer Simulation of Routing Protocols for Wireless, Low Power Sensors Network

In the paper, specification of computer network simulator is presented. This application is designed for tests of different types of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). In particular the simulator concentrates on routing protocols simulation including energy consumption model which is needed in development of ad-hoc networks. Ad-hoc networks consist of mobile nodes, which organize themselves dynamically without any centralized administration. Nodes in ad-hoc network can route packets extenting range of data transmission, therefore routing protocol is needed. WSN applications will likely use ad-hoc model as it is very suitable in measurement and control systems. Effective protocols, especially in energy conserving manner, must be developed to be used in those applications. Described simulator is designed to stand as a useful tool for such studies.

A new construction of measurement system based on specialized microsystem design for laryngological application

This article describes the design, construction and parameters of diagnostic medical system for air humidity measurement which can be proceeded in various places of human nasal cavities and also human throat. The system can measure dynamic changes of dew point temperature (absolute value of humidity) of inspired and expired air in different places of human upper airways. During regular respiration process dew point temperature is measured in nasal cavity, middle part cavity and nasopharynx. The presented system is the next step in construction of measurement system based on specialized microsystem for laryngological application. The microsystem fabricated on silicon substrate includes microheater, microthermoresistor and interdigitated electrodes. In comparison with previously built measurement system with current version some system functionalities and measurement parameters were improved. Additionally 3D printing technology was applied for rapid prototyping a measurement system housing. Presented measurement system is set of microprocessor module with signal conditioning circuits; heated measurement head based on specialized microsystem with disposable heated pipe for air sucking from various places of upper airways; power supplier and computer application for monitoring all system parameters and presenting on-line and off-line measured results. Some example results of constructed measurement system and dew point temperature measurements during respiration cycle are presented.

Diagnostic system with database application for laryngological and dermatological disorders

This article describes the design and construction of a diagnostic system for laryngological and dermatological disorders. Searching for both solutions based on a dew point hygrometer with a semiconductor structure introduced. Some constructional solutions like the framework of a computer application for both systems are similar but the measurement approach is different. The major emphasis is put on the database applications dedicated for medical doctors. The database application which is a common part in both systems and also measurement devices together, create a diagnostic system which has been designed and constructed. Both systems have been tested in a hospital with the assistance of doctors specialized in this subjects. In the near future, the system will enable the analysis between achieved data and different disorders.

Sensors system and operation algorithm for humidity and temperature measurements inside human nose and human throat

The medicine still requires new, more advanced tools for better human body diagnoses. The great developments in electronics let to construct more and more sophisticated instruments for both human tissues examination and tests of human body functionality as well. The system described in the paper belongs to the last one and lets to check functionality of one of human body subsystems - the breathing system. It can measure dynamic changes of temperature and dew point temperature (humidity) of inspired and expired air. Some example results of dew point hygrometer and temperature measurements during respiration are presented. New factors describing condition and capability of human breathing system are proposed.

System for water level measurement based on pressure transducer

The paper reports system for water level measurement, which is designed to be used for measuring liquid levels in the tanks of an autonomous industrial cleaning robot. The selected method of measurement utilized by the designed system is based on pressure measurement. Such system is insensitive on vibrations, foams presence and liquid impurities. The influences of variable pressure on the measurements were eliminated by utilizing the differential method and as well as the system design. The system is capable of measuring water level in tanks up to 400 mm of height with accuracy of about 2,5%. The system was tested in a container during filling and emptying with various liquids. Performed tests exhibited the linearity of the sensor characteristic and the lack of hysteresis. Obtained sensitivity of the sensor prototype was approximately 6,2 mV/mm H2O.