Karolj Skala

E2LP: A Unified Embedded Engineering Learning Platform

The main idea behind this project is to provide a unified platform which will cover a complete process for embedded systems learning. A modular approach is considered for skills practice through supporting individualization in learning. This platform shall facilitate a novel development of universal approach in creative learning environment and knowledge management that encourage use of ICT. New learning model is challenging the education of engineers in embedded systems design through real-time experiments that stimulate curiosity with ultimate goal to support students to understand and construct their personal conceptual knowledge based on experiments. In addition to the technological approach, the use of cognitive theories on how people learn will help students to achieve a stronger and smarter adaptation of the subject. Applied methodology will be evaluated from the scientific point of view in parallel with the implementation in order to feedback results to the R&D.

Augmented Coaching Ecosystem for Non-obtrusive Adaptive Personalized Elderly Care on the basis of Cloud-Fog-Dew computing paradigm

The concept of the augmented coaching ecosystem for non-obtrusive adaptive personalized elderly care is proposed on the basis of the integration of new and available ICT approaches. They include multimodal user interface (MMUI), augmented reality (AR), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and machine-to-machine (M2M) interactions. The ecosystem is based on the Cloud-Fog-Dew computing paradigm services, providing a full symbiosis by integrating the whole range from low level sensors up to high level services using integration efficiency inherent in synergistic use of applied technologies. Inside of this ecosystem, all of them are encapsulated in the following network layers: Dew, Fog, and Cloud computing layer. Instead of the “spaghetti connections”, “mosaic of buttons”, “puzzles of output data”, etc., the proposed ecosystem provides the strict division in the following dataflow channels: consumer interaction channel, machine interaction channel, and caregiver interaction channel. This concept allows to decrease the physical, cognitive, and mental load on elderly care stakeholders by decreasing the secondary human-to-human (H2H), human-to-machine (H2M), and machine-to-human (M2H) interactions in favor of M2M interactions and distributed Dew Computing services environment. It allows to apply this non-obtrusive augmented reality ecosystem for effective personalized elderly care to preserve their physical, cognitive, mental and social well-being.

Metastability testing at FPGA circuit design using propagation time characterization

This paper describes the measurement method and experimental technique with advanced instrumentation setup for analysing the metastability behavior and performance measurement of flip-flops used in programmable logic devices. In order to demonstrate this testing approach, the results for metastable characteristics parameters of one FPGA digital circuit fabricated commercially in 90 nm CMOS process are presented. The same test methods can also be used for evaluation of timing reliability in digital circuits as well.

Metastability Characteristics Testing for Programmable Logic Design

The paper describes the problems associated with the phenomena of metastability in clock edge-triggered flip-flop designs in PLD (Programmable Logic Devices) architecture. The metastability probability, which is dependent on functionality speed, characteristics of integrated circuit technology, design methodology and effects of environmental conditions is discussed. The evaluation of the MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure characteristics of PLD is done, based on the propagation delay distribution measurement of bistable output in the circumstances of deliberately inducing metastable behaviour. The testing results help in design, examine and to predict required MTBF in logic circuits design targeted for PLD. The proper design methodology that would help to virtually overcome the metastability problem is discussed.

Evaluation of virtual board as a hypermedia visual interface

Humans are endowed with a highly developed vision system, and nowadays the technical aids for creating imagery are available too. Hypermedia systems represent the technology by means of which it is possible to produce easily and naturally concrete and abstract projections of human mental images by computer. The delivery system and visual interface of visual media, capable of supporting interactivity while facilitating at the same time interconnectivity of images and symbols, has a potential to become an extremely powerful virtual board presentation tool. The paper describes an interactive display system on the screen as a virtual board visual interface. The sophisticated design enables the viewers good orientation in the screen (virtual board) with a full personal interactivity for every member of the group auditorium. Describe a system which improves the interaction between many subjects in front of the visual interface. It is open to the use of collaborative scientific and educational visualization.

Determination of EMP parameters by optical fiber square coil sensors

Principles of optoelectronic detection method and extraction of EMP (electromagnetic pulse) parameters, using the magneto-optical Faraday rotation as a measuring principle and systems of optical fiber sensors and signal transmission lines, are described. This gives the opportunity for an unconventional application of fiber optic sensors as electromagnetic fiber square coil antennas for detection of EMP in extreme conditions.