Robert C. Huck

Vehicle Identification Via Sparse Representation

In this paper, we propose a system using video cameras to perform vehicle identification. We tackle this problem by reconstructing an input by using multiple linear regression models and compressed sensing, which provide new ways to deal with three crucial issues in vehicle identification, namely, feature extraction, online vehicle identification database buildup , and robustness to occlusions and misalignment. The results show the capability of the proposed approach.

Design of Acousto-optic Chaos Based Secure Free- space Optical Communication Links

We discuss the design of an acousto-optic cell based free space optical communication link where the data beam is made secure through chaos encryption. Using external signal modulation of the diffracted light from a hybrid acousto-optic cell chaos (or directly via incorporation in the sound-cell drivers bias voltage) encryption of data is possible. We have shown numerically that decryption of the encoded data is possible by using an identical acousto-optic system in the receiver.

A low-cost distributed control architecture for intelligent transportation systems deployment in the State of Oklahoma

Cost is a major issue for ITS deployment in Oklahoma. We introduce a novel distributed control architecture that has totally eliminated the need for an expensive monolithic traffic management center, thereby dramatically reducing the overall system cost. Analog and digital video streams from the various metro areas are seamlessly integrated by a fault tolerant, dynamically reconfigurable peer-to-peer network of low-cost geographically distributed ITS Consoles operating under the philosophy that any console should be able to control any system resource at any time.

Free-space optics based sensor network design using angle-diversity photodiode arrays

In this paper we describe a free-space optics (FSO) based mobile sensor network that is not subject to RF interference common to wireless sensor networks. FSO-based mobile sensor networks can potentially be used in applications where security of communication, including freedom from susceptibility to jamming, is important. The design of nodes containing multiple transceivers each composed of an LED and an angle-diversity array of identical photo detectors is discussed in this paper. Depending on the number of photodetectors in the array and the angular field of view of each photo detector we may obtain an increase in the signal to noise ratio of the overall optical communication system.

Compression of Distributed Correlated Temperature Data in Sensor Networks

Summary form only given. Distributed Source Coding (DSC) is rapidly gaining popularity, and has many good applications. However, some important correlations are sometimes omitted, such as temporal correlation. In this paper, we consider the correlations of the source data both in spatial and temporal domains for DSC decoding. And this is equally to integrate a Kalman filter in our algorithm. We tested our algorithm on the practical temperature network, and the results turn out it achieved better performance than the algorithm without temporal correlation.

Continuous Wireless Monitoring of the Cervical Dilation of a Pregnant Woman

A novel electronic sensor system is designed to continuously monitor the dilation of the cervix of a pregnant female approaching labor and delivery. The system is capable of wirelessly transmitting the progress of dilation to a central monitoring agency that can get in touch with the attending physician and/or the hospital of the pregnant female. Using wireless telephony, the monitoring agency and/or the physician can advise the female about the medical care she needs at that moment, even though the female might be at her home, or away from home and away from the medical facility.

X-band performance of three-dimensional, selectively laser sintered waveguides

In this paper, the feasibility of using selective laser sintering to create high-frequency metallic structures is investigated. Two WR90 waveguides are fabricated directly from a CAD drawing using an automated laser sintering tool from e-Manufacturing Solutions (EOS). The waveguide performance is measured from 8 GHz to 12 GHz and compared to a standard commercially available brass waveguide and the differences in loss performance will be used to extract an effective conductivity of the laser fabricated parts, both prior to and after polishing the critical surfaces. Polishing the inside of the waveguides demonstrates the available performance of the casting alloy used and the impact of the natural surface roughness on the performance of parts fabricated using the EOS powder-based laser sintering process. Overall, a performance comparable to the brass waveguide is achieved.

High-speed communications enabling real-time video for battlefield commanders using tracked FSO

Free Space Optics (FSO) technology is currently in use to solve the last-mile problem in telecommunication systems by offering higher bandwidth than wired or wireless connections when optical fiber is not available. Incorporating mobility into FSO technology can contribute to growth in its utility. Tracking and alignment are two big challenges for mobile FSO communications. In this paper, we present a theoretical approach for mobile FSO networks between Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), manned aerial vehicles, and ground vehicles. We introduce tracking algorithms for achieving Line of Sight (LOS) connectivity and present analytical results. Two scenarios are studied in this paper: 1 - An unmanned aerial surveillance vehicle, the Global Hawk, with a stationary ground vehicle, an M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, and 2 - a manned aerial surveillance vehicle, the E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), with an unmanned combat aerial vehicle, the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS). After initial vehicle locations have been coordinated, the tracking algorithm will steer the gimbals to maintain connectivity between the two vehicles and allow high-speed communications to occur. Using this algorithm, data, voice, and video can be sent via the FSO connection from one vehicle to the other vehicle.

Challenges facing mobile free-space optical communications

Significant research efforts are underway to investigate the application of Free-Space Optics (FSO) for the provision of high-bandwidth communications links between mobile platforms. The use of FSO between mobile platforms introduces several interesting challenges in addition to those found in traditional fixed link FSO systems. In this paper, some of the major hurdles facing fixed FSO communications that carry over into links between mobile platforms are analyzed. These topics include: issues with alignment and tracking, an investigation into the weather and its affect on the link, and a study of the feasibility of having uninterrupted communications links. Other topics presented unique to mobile applications include: the security risks during link alignment, maintaining the link while tracking and optical power and beam divergence variations that are introduced into the system. In this paper the results from simulation work performed on some of these issues along with proposed solutions to the challenges are presented.

Designing a wireless sensor system for continuous monitoring of the cervical dilation of a pregnant woman

A novel electronic sensor system is designed to continuously monitor the dilation of the cervix of a pregnant female approaching labour and delivery. The system is capable of wirelessly transmitting the progress of dilation to a central monitoring agency that can get in touch with the attending physician and/or the hospital of the pregnant female. Using wireless telephony, the monitoring agency and/or the physician can advise the female about the medical care she needs at that moment, even though the female might be at her home or away from home, and away from the medical facility. This is an expanded version of a paper presented at the 3rd IEEE International Workshop on Medical Measurements and Applications, 9 10 May 2008, Ottawa, ON, Canada.