G. Cavone

A Technique to Improve the Image Quality in Computer Tomography

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of different noise reduction filters on computed tomography (CT) images. In particular, denoising filters based on the combination of Gaussian and Prewitt operators and on anisotropic diffusion are proposed. Simulation results show that the proposed techniques increase the image quality and allow the use of a low-dose CT protocol.

SCADA/HMI Systems in Advanced Educational Courses

This work gives a detailed description of some laboratory practices about SCADA/HMI systems developed for didactic purposes for various undergraduate courses at the 1st Engineering Faculty of Polytechnic of Bari, Department of Electrics and Electronics (Italy); they consider the use of National Instruments LabVIEWreg with the associated data logging and supervisory control toolset (DSCreg) to develop the SCADA/HMI portion (operators interface and data logging) of a software simulated industrial plant consisting of a vessel with charge and discharge proportional valves, a heating/cooling element, a level sensor and two flow rate sensors. The control of this plant can be done in two different ways, according to the difficulty level of the practice: by way of a LabVIEW VI or by way of a ladder program written with RSLogix 5/500 and emulated by RSLogix Emulate 5/500 (both are Rockwell Softwares products, the first being the ladder software development environment for PLC-5/SLC500 family of industrial programmable logic controllers (PLCs) from Allen Bradley and the second being the related software emulator).

Model characterization in measurements of environmental pollutants via data correlation of sensor outputs

The aim of this paper is to develop a simple air pollutant model for the analysis and the characterization of environmental data, acquired by means of multisensor monitoring system and elaborated by suitable software agents. Modeling is basically important in order to validate measured data and to forecast the time-varying behavior of contaminating substances. The proposed model is initially based on the individuation of possible correlations existing between some pollutants. Afterward, to increase the accuracy of estimated values, the influence of meteorological quantities is taken into account to improve significantly the so-obtained model. Finally, some information about reliability degree of estimate is provided.

Channel Characterization of an Open Source Energy Meter

In this paper, a prototype of an energy monitoring device based on an open source concept is presented. This architecture assures several advantages with respect to traditional energy meters, such as easy development of new applications making cost- and time-effective the migration to future smart grid infrastructures and simple adjustments to change in the relevant standards. The open source philosophy has been adopted designing the software components to make all features easily customizable by the user. In this paper, the characterization of the acquisition channels using measurement data obtained stimulating them with signals generated using a high-accuracy waveform generation module is presented.

Improved Static Testing of A/D Converters for DC Measurements

A new method is presented for the calibration and the linearity testing of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and dc digital instruments, such as digital voltmeters (DVMs). The test is truly static, because it uses only dc voltages with a small superimposed noise (dithering). It is much faster than that described in the IEEE Standard 1057/94 since it uses a minimal number of test signals and acquired samples in a theoretically nearly optimal manner, i.e., maximum-likelihood estimation. In addition, contrary to the test described in the IEEE Standard 1241/00, it allows offline measurements and testing of stand-alone instruments, such as DVMs. Another advantage of the proposed method is that the resolution requirements for the source of test signals are relaxed. After a review of the state of the art, this paper provides the mathematical derivation of the employed estimator. Simulations, theoretical analyses, and experimental results are also provided to illustrate the performances of the proposed test method.

A proposal for an open source energy meter

This paper describes the design and the implementation of a prototype for an Alternating Current (AC) energy monitoring device based on an open source concept. The measurement device aims to provide a remote monitoring interface useful for three-phase and single-phase AC power systems. The open-source philosophy has been adopted designing the software components in order to make all features easily customizable by the user. In this way one can easily develop new applications making cost- and time-effective the migration to future smart grid infrastructures.

Improving B-mode ultrasound medical images

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of different noise reduction filters on ultrasound images. In particular two denoising filters based on mathematical morphology and wavelet transform are proposed. Simulation results show that the techniques developed increase the image quality and then allow a more accurate diagnosis. This work was carried out in collaboration with Taranto (Italy) Hospital. Thanks to the staff of this sanitary structure it has been possible to get the necessary material for the correct development of the simulation algorithm and the sample images on which the algorithm has been applied and verified.

Toward a new smart metering paradigm for microgrid

In this paper a prototype of an energy monitoring device, based on an open source concept, is presented. The proposed architecture assures several advantages with respect to traditional energy meters, such as easy development of new applications making cost- and time-effective the migration to future smart grid infrastructures and simple adjustments to fulfill change in the relevant standards. The open-source philosophy has been adopted designing the software components in order to make all features easily customizable by the user.

Measurement and characterization of environmental pollutants via data correlation of sensor outputs

model for the analysis and the characterization of environmental data, acquired by means of multi-sensor monitoring system and elaborated by suitable sofrware agents. Modeling is basically important in order to validate measured data and to forecast the time vaying behavior of contaminating substances. The proposed model is initially based on rhe individuation of possible correlations existing behwen some pollutants. Afterwards, to increase the accuracy of estimated values, the influence of meteorological quantities is taken in account to improve significantly the so-obtained modeL FinaIfy, some information about reiiabiiiry degree of estimate isprovided

Spectral estimation technique for nonstationary signals of power systems

In this paper a method for estimating the spectral content of frequency modulated waveforms is presented. The method is intended to estimate harmonics and interharmonics of power line signals where, as known, the frequency of the fundamental component (50 Hz or 60 Hz) slightly changes over time. It is based on the non-uniform resampling of the harmonic functions that are usually used in the DFT as a base to analyze signals. The non-uniform sample period is provided by an instantaneous phase detector.