Kimberly Newman

An introductory digital design course using a low-cost autonomous robot

This paper describes a new digital design laboratory developed for undergraduate students in this electrical and computer engineering curriculum. A top-down rapid prototyping approach with commercial computer-aided design tools and field-programmable logic devices (FPLDs) is used for laboratory projects. Students begin with traditional transistor-transistor logic-based projects containing a few gates and progress to designing a simple 16-bit computer, using very high-speed integrated circuits hardware description language (VHDL) synthesis tools and an FPLD. To help motivate students, the simple computer design is programmed to control a small autonomous robot with two servo drive motors and several sensors. The laboratory concludes with a team-based design project using the robot.

Lifetime Estimation of Wireless Body Area Sensor Networks Using Probabilistic Analysis

A framework is proposed for estimating the lifetime of wireless body area sensor network (WBASN) using probabilistic analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. WBASN implements real-time health monitoring by outfitting patients with wireless, wearable vital sign sensors. In health monitoring, the loss of critical or emergency information is a serious issue so there is a need to ensure quality of service. It is important to have an estimate of the lifetime of the network in order to replace or recharge the batteries because the loss of critical data is not acceptable. The lifetime of the WBASN is defined as the duration of time until the first node fails due to battery depletion. Heart rate and blood glucose are monitored at a central location in a managed health care environment for this evaluation of WBASN performance. A parametric model of a health monitoring network (HMN) is created with sets of random input distributions. Probabilistic analysis is used to determine the timing and distribution of node failure in the HMN.

Improve quality of care with remote activity and fall detection using ultrasonic sensors

In this paper a fall detection system is presented that automatically detects the fall of a person and their location using an array of ultrasonic wave transducers connected to a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) processor. Experimental results are provided on a prototype deployment installed at an assisted living community. The system can provide a cost-effective and intelligent method to help caregivers detect a fall quickly so that patients are treated in a timely manner. In addition to room monitoring and local alert functions, the system incorporates a personal computer and wireless connection to enable remote monitoring of patients activity and health status.

Lifetime estimation of wireless body area sensor network for patient health monitoring

Wireless Body Area Sensor Networks (WBASN) is an emerging technology which utilizes wireless sensor nodes to implement real-time wearable health monitoring of patients to enhance independent living. These sensor nodes can be worn externally to monitor multiple bio-parameters (such as blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood pressure and heart activity) of multiple patients at a central location in the hospital. It is important to have an estimate of the time the first node will fail in order to replace or recharge the battery because the loss of critical data is not acceptable. Simulation is used to determine the lifetime of WBASN. The lifetime of the WBASN is defined as the duration of time until the first node fails due to battery depletion. In this paper, a parametric model of a health monitoring network (HMN) is created with sets of random input distributions. Probabilistic analysis is used to determine the timing and distribution of node failure in the HMN.

Embedded Activity Monitoring Methods

As the average age of the population increases worldwide, automated tools for remote monitoring of activity are increasingly necessary and valuable. This chapter highlights embedded systems for activity recognition that provide privacy, do not require major infrastructure,and are easy to configure. The strengths and weaknesses of popular sensing modes that include RFID, motion, pressure, acceleration, and machine vision are discussed. A new activity detection system is also described for high privacy area like the bathroomand bedroom environment.

Time Synchronization Protocol with Minimum Message Communication for High Latency Networks

Time synchronization is a critical component of the infrastructure of wireless sensor networks (WSN). In a high latency environment such as underwater, traditional approaches to time synchronization have limited accuracy. A new method is describe for time synchronization that takes into account clock skew, clock offset, and also propagation delay. Minimum message communication is used as a performance measure of the quality of this new time synchronization protocol.

The interdisciplinary undergraduate curriculum at the University of Denver

As part of an innovative approach to interdisciplinary engineering education, undergraduate students in the Department of Engineering at the University of Denver complete a four-year sequence of specialized courses. In the first two years of the program, students develop team working and communication skills, are exposed to engineering concepts, and apply knowledge and skills in the areas of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. In addition to developing fundamental skills in engineering and the sciences, students complete courses in technical writing and public speaking that are closely integrated into the first year engineering sequence. After two years of experience with the three disciplines offered by the department, each student declares a disciplinary focus. The delay in the selection of a program is designed to allow students to have a better understanding of each discipline in order to achieve a broad educational base, and to improve persistence in the freshman and sophomore years. During the remaining two years, interdisciplinary skills are further developed through two design experiences in the junior and senior years. Assessment strategies for the integrated sequence of courses are covered to show how success is measured.

Parametric analysis of meandered inverted-F antenna and use of a High impedance surface based ground plane for WBAN applications

An inverted-F antenna with meandered line is characterized in this paper in terms of its proximity to the human body. Radiation characteristics are simulated and analyzed in the context of proximity of the antenna to human body tissue. The dependence of radiation characteristics like radiation pattern, resonant frequency, radiation efficiency, gain and front-to-back ratio; on the type & dimensions of body model is reported and discussed. Furthermore an improvement in the antenna design using a High Impedance Structure (HIS) as a ground plane is suggested. The antenna operation with this ground plane is simulated for radiation characteristics in close proximity to the body.

Frequency variations in hybrid renewable energy network with integrated storage

Increasing penetration of renewable energy sources into the electrical grid, with intermittent and fluctuating supply, leads to frequency variations that are excessive in nature. This paper demonstrates the use of energy storage devices as a solution to reduce these variations. A hybrid network of conventional and renewable power sources consisting of a gas plant, a wind farm, an electrochemical battery, and a pumped hydroelectric storage plant is modeled. The network uses a load-frequency control model, interconnected with storage systems that are used to contain frequency variations within the band of ±1 Hz. A detailed methodology for the design of a nonlinear model for a sodium sulfur (NaS) battery is provided for this function. The model is validated with experimental data from a privately owned wind farm.

Remotely controlled communication and control system for limited mobility individuals

Design improvements to a remotely controlled system for patients with limited mobility are described. This system provides communication and control of the room environment with mouse control that can be adapted to the functional need of the user. Analysis is provided on the selection and integration of components within the system as well as an overview of the simulated access times for several key components. Transition to an open source Android operating system is discussed for long-term use in the home environment. Prototype configurations for use in the hospital and home environment are introduced.