Ryszard J. Katulski

An Off-Body Channel Model for Body Area Networks in Indoor Environments

This paper presents an off-body channel model for body area networks (BANs) in indoor environments. The proposed model, which is based on both simulations and measurements in a realistic environment, consists of three components: mean path loss, body shadowing, and multipath fading. Seven scenarios in a realistic indoor office environment containing typical scatterers have been measured: five were static (three standing and two sitting) and two dynamic (walk in a fixed place and real walk). The measurement equipment and measurement procedures are described. The mean path loss component is modeled as a log function of distance, the path loss exponent being in the range between 0.4 and 1.6, while a statistical perspective is taken for the other two components, i.e., body shadowing is found to be well modeled by a log normal distribution and multipath fading by Rice or Nakagami-m distributions, depending on body motion characteristics. The correlation between the selected distributions and empirical data is not lower than 0.95, typically being greater than 0.98. The novelty of this model is that it takes the statistical influence of various parameters and features present in BANs into account, such as body influence, placement of the wearable antennas, user orientation in the environment, dynamism of the BAN scenario, and propagation conditions.

The State of the Art in the Field of Non-Stationary Instruments for the Determination and Monitoring of Atmospheric Pollutants

The growing interest in obtaining rapid and more reliable data on air quality indicates a need for non-stationary (transportable and portable) instrumentation. This trend results in the designing and manufacturing of new instruments that are more sensitive, selective, precise and accurate. This paper presents some examples of new instrumentation based on different principles. In the first part, a general classification of devices used for air monitoring and analysis is presented. Finally, the mobile monitoring system (MMS) proposed by the authors for air monitoring along communication lanes is briefly described.

Empirical formulas for determination of the propagation loss in the urban radio access links

The problem of the propagation loss calculation in the radio access links working in urban areas has been analyzed. The analysis is based on the measurement investigations of the radio signal loss made in different propagation conditions. Four main types of the urban propagation environment have been proposed. In the classification both LOS and NLOS conditions and degree of first Fresnel zone clearance of the radio access links have been taken into account. New empirical formulas for the propagation loss calculations appropriate to these types of the propagation environment have been proposed. To obtain these formulas the measurement investigations have been made and the multidimensional regression analysis has been applied. The new propagation model has been verified by use of the measurement investigations. Finally, practical usefulness of the model for design procedures of the urban radio access links has been concluded.

Mobile system for on-road measurements of air pollutants

The paper presents a prototype of a mobile monitoring system for measuring the levels of the main traffic air pollutants (C(6)H(6), NO(2), NO(x), CO, and CO(2),) in cities. The novelty of the proposed system lies in the fact that it can be utilized to monitor emissions from urban traffic along roads and areas where traditional monitoring stations cannot be placed. In the proposed system, the monitoring device can be mounted on any moving vehicle (such as a car, bus, or truck) rather than be attached to a dedicated van, as most systems of this kind found in literature are. Analyzers used in this system are small portable structures that contain an electronic instrument to measure, record, and transmit relevant data on concentrations of the pollutants to a website. The model outcome for carbon monoxide obtained in functional tests in real conditions is also presented here. Data on temporal changes of carbon monoxide concentration are compared against meteorological parameters and speed of the vehicle. Spatial interpolation techniques are applied to obtain a nonplanar visualization of carbon monoxide and benzene concentrations in the main arteries of a city.

Propagation Path Loss Modeling in Container Terminal Environment

This paper describes novel method of path loss modeling for radio communication channels in area of container port. Multi-variate empirical model is presented, based on multidimensional regression analysis of real path loss measurements from container terminal environment. The measure instruments used in propagation studies in port area are also described.

Accuracy of differential phase delay estimation for GPS spoofing detection

GPS spoofing is an attack based on transmission of false signals to target receivers, in order to force the computation of incorrect time, position or velocity information. It is a threat which is recently considered with continuously growing awareness. There is a need for effective way of GPS spoofing detection. Many groups of methods are proposed in the literature. Spatial processing methods are considered to be robust in a wide range of scenarios and may fail only when a very sophisticated device is used for spoofing. In this article, a spoofing detection method, based on phase delay measurements, is proposed. Accuracy and precision of phase delay estimation is assessed for various qualities of received signal. Spoofing detection thresholds are determined. Efficiency of this method is evaluated in terms of probability of false alarm and probability of detection.

An Empirical Propagation Model for Mobile Radio Links in Container Terminal Environment

In this paper, a novel empirical propagation model for mobile radio links in a container terminal environment is presented. Measurement propagation research carried out in the Deepwater Container Terminal (DCT) in Gdańsk, Poland is described, and the investigated environment is characterized. The results of the statistical evaluation of the new model are discussed. In addition, statistical tuning of the Walfisch-Ikegami model for the investigated environment is presented.

Self-organizing wireless monitoring system for cargo containers

Self-organizing wireless monitoring system for cargo containers This paper presents a description of new global monitoring system for containers with its layer-modular structure, as a solution for enhance security and efficiency of container transport with particular emphasis on the practical implementation of that system for maritime container terminals. Especially the Smart Container Module (SCM) architecture and its operation as a part of the Self-Organizing Container Monitoring Network is presented.

Measurements of path loss in off-body channels in indoor environments

The main goal of the paper is to investigate the influence of body orientation and on-body antenna placement on the path loss in off-body communications. In addition, the influence of different bodies is analysed.

Research study on reception of GNSS signals in presence of intentional interference

The article focuses on performance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers in environment where intentional interference is present. First part is a general description of the GNSS systems. Secondly, types of positioning service disturbances are specified. Next, a scheme of measurement setup, which is used to evaluate the influence of interference disturbances on reception of navigation signals, is presented. Subsequently, research methodology with obtained results have been described. Finally, summarized conclusion has been done.