Josip Balen

PVCM: Assisting multi-hop communication in vehicular networks using parked vehicles

Multi-hop communication in vehicular ad hoc networks is a challenging task due to the dynamic and unbalanced nature of these networks. In the suburban areas or during the night when the density of vehicles is low, multi-hop communication is only possible if (i) the vehicles store-carry-forward the messages or (ii) by using roadside units. Each of the solutions has its drawback. The former introduces delivery delay and the latter is an expensive solution. In this paper, we propose the Parked Vehicle Communication Model (PVCM) to use the parked vehicles along the roads to act as relay nodes and assist the communication in low density situations. We argue that the number and the distribution of parked vehicles is suitable to serve our purpose. We also show that the automotive battery can be utilized to keep the on-board unit running without draining all its energy.

Quality of Service in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey and Related Patents

Rapid advances in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) indicate that they are becoming increasingly complex. Consequently users and applications are becoming more demanding. Due to unique characteristics of WSNs, like small dimensions and limited resources and capabilities, Quality of Service (QoS) is imposed as one of the key factors of WSNs. In this paper, we surveyed two main approaches for QoS provisioning in WSNs: layered and cross-layer approach. QoS provisioning with layered approach is surveyed in three WSN layers: MAC, network and transport layer. Current developments show that they can be efficiently used for QoS provisioning. However, they consider QoS only as layer specific isolated set of problems and they are highly dependent on the performance of other layers. Cross-layer approach does not have the restrictions as layered approach and hence can dispose with information from all layers of the communication protocol stack. Although it has huge potential to become the most efficient solution for QoS provisioning in WSNs, current development indicate that there are still many issues and challenges that need to be overcome. Since the concept of the QoS is relatively new in WSNs, there are not a large number of patents currently dealing with this issue, however but in coming years a large increase in the number of such patents is expected. Available patents in this domain are described in the paper.

Performance Evaluation of Recent Windows Operating Systems

The primary goal of most OSs (Operating Systems) is the efficient use of computer systems software and hardware resources. Since Windows OSs are most widely used OS for personal computers, they need to satisfy needs of all different kind of computer systems users. In comparison with Windows XP, new versions of the Windows OS; namely Windows Vista and Windows 7, introduce a number of new features and enhancements. Furthermore, performance improvement was imposed as one of the key design goals for both Windows Vista and Windows 7. This paper presents a performance evaluation of three latest versions of the Microsoft OS for personal computers; namely Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. OS performance measurement is done by means of a set of benchmark applications in the controlled environment. To ensure accurate, reliable and repeatable performance measurement results, we have created a performance measurement process and a performance evaluation model. Special emphasis is placed on evaluation areas with the greatest impact on the performance: CPU scheduling, memory management, graphic subsystem management, hard disk drive management and network performance. To determine the Windows OSs performance in different environments, performance measurement is done in three experiments. Experimental results indicate that Windows Vista and Windows 7 have several performance improvements on the stand-alone high-end computer system, but Windows XP outperforms Windows Vista and Windows 7 on the stand-alone low-end computer system. Furthermore, on network computer system Windows Vista and Windows 7 show network performance improvements mostly for the traffic with medium-sized packets.

Integration of traffic and travel data exchange in command and control platform

Situation awareness regarding transport system performances, status and condition is key purpose of ITSs (Intelligent Transport Systems). Transport related data is being collected, aggregated and processed by ICT systems of various stakeholders within the transport system. Traffic related data is being exchanged between systems using Datex II standard. Paper describes development of a plugin for gathering and processing traffic related data stream, data visualization through ResQMap GIS system and integrated with C&C (Command and Control) system - CoordCom. Final result is ecosystem where appropriate actions could be launched if triggered by event from traffic related data stream.