Volume 67 (2016): Issue 1 (January 2016)

The Depth-Image-Based-Rendering (DIBR) algorithms used for 3D video applications introduce geometric distortions affecting the edge coherency in the synthesized images. In order to better deal with specific geometric distortions in the DIBR synthesized images, we propose full-reference metric based on multi-scale pyramid decompositions using morphological filters. The non-linear morphological filters used in multi-scale image decompositions maintain important geometric information such as edges across different resolution levels. We show that PSNR has particularly good agreement with human judgment when it is calculated between detailed images at higher scales of morphological pyramids. Consequently, we propose reduced morphological pyramid peak signal-to-noise ratio metric (MP-PSNR), taking into account only mean squared errors between pyramids’ images at higher scales. Proposed computationally efficient metric achieves significantly higher correlation with human judgment compared to the state-of-the-art image quality assessment metrics and compared to the tested metric dedicated to synthesis-related artifacts.

Presented research introduces active filtering circuits which allow change of the transfer type without necessity of reconnection of the input or output terminal that can be very useful for on-chip applications. Our attention is focused on simple first-order filters that allow high-pass response (HP), all-pass response (AP) and also direct transfer (DT) with constant magnitude and phase characteristics between two terminals (input and output) by adjusting of one controllable parameter (current gain B in our case). Useful modification of the well-known current follower transconductance amplifier (CFTA), the so-called Z-copy current-controlled current follower differential input transconductance amplifier (ZC-CCCFDITA) and adjustable current amplifier were utilized in these circuits. Interesting possibilities (crossing between several transfer functions) of presented circuits require different values of B to obtain desired transfer function that is very important for practice and selection of specific way of control. Requirements on value of this continuously controllable gain B differ among presented structures. Theory is supported by simulation and measurement results with behavioral models utilizing commercially available active elements and simulation results with active elements based on CMOS models.

In recent years, there have occurred system failures in many power systems all over the world. They have resulted in a lack of power supply to a large number of recipients. To minimize the risk of occurrence of power failures, it is necessary to perform multivariate investigations, including simulations, of power system operating conditions. To conduct reliable simulations, the current base of parameters of the models of generating units, containing the models of synchronous generators, is necessary. In the paper, there is presented a method for parameter estimation of a synchronous generator nonlinear model based on the analysis of selected transient waveforms caused by introducing a disturbance (in the form of a pseudorandom signal) in the generator voltage regulation channel. The parameter estimation was performed by minimizing the objective function defined as a mean square error for deviations between the measurement waveforms and the waveforms calculated based on the generator mathematical model. A hybrid algorithm was used for the minimization of the objective function. In the paper, there is described a filter system used for filtering the noisy measurement waveforms. The calculation results of the model of a 44 kW synchronous generator installed on a laboratory stand of the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science of the Silesian University of Technology are also given. The presented estimation method can be successfully applied to parameter estimation of different models of high-power synchronous generators operating in a power system.

Multifunctional logic continuously becomes an important way how to implement compact and cheap circuits with intrinsic reconfiguration features. Polymorphic electronics concept with its substantial technological independency opens a way to fulfil this objective through the adoption of emerging semiconductor technologies and advanced synthesis methods. The paper comes with a proposal of a novel synthesis method oriented on the exploitation of polymorphic electronics principles. Key part of it is based on Boolean divisor identification and function kernelling technique. The proposed method is evaluated with several test circuits.

This paper presents the automatic system for the processing of the signals from the frequency modulated interrupted continuous wave (FMICW) radar and describes methods for the primary signal processing. Further, we present methods for the detection of the targets in strong noise. These methods are tested both on the real and simulated signals. The real signals were measured using the developed at the IAP CAS experimental prototype of FMICW radar with operational frequency 35.4 GHz. The measurement campaign took place at the TU Delft, the Netherlands. The obtained results were used for development of the system for the automatic detection and analysis of the targets measured by the FMICW radar.

In this paper, a high-performances microstrip antenna for UHF (ultra high frequency) RFID (radio frequency identification) tag is designed, prototyped and tested. The antenna consists of two main components: a 1.52 mm RT/duroid 5880 laminate substrate on which the antenna is designed and a 10 mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dielectric material placed as a separator between the antenna and the reference ground plane for the microstrip antenna. With this structure, the RFID tag can reach a maximum reading distance of 19 m, although the antenna has a compact size of 80 mm × 50 mm. The long reading distance is obtained by attaching to the antenna an RFID chip that can provide a reading sensitivity of −20.5 dBm. The high bandwidth from 677 MHz to 947 MHz measured at −10 dB, makes the tag being usable worldwide especially for cargo container identification, the main purpose of this research.

Wavelet Transform (WT) is a powerful technique of signal processing, its applications in power systems have been increasing to evaluate power system conditions, such as faults, switching transients, power quality issues, among others. Electromagnetic transients in power systems are due to changes in the network configuration, producing non-periodic signals, which have to be identified to avoid power outages in normal operation or transient conditions. In this paper a methodology to develop a new adaptive mother wavelet for electromagnetic transient analysis is proposed. Classification is carried out with an innovative technique based on adaptive wavelets, where filter bank coefficients will be adapted until a discriminant criterion is optimized. Then, its corresponding filter coefficients will be used to get the new mother wavelet, named wavelet ET, which allowed to identify and to distinguish the high frequency information produced by different electromagnetic transients.

Modular reduction in extended finite fields and polynomial rings is presented, which once implemented works for any random reduction polynomial without changes of the hardware. It is possible to reduce polynomials of whatever degree. Based on the principal defined, two example RTL architectures are designed, and some useful features are noted furthermore. The first architecture is sequential and reduce whatever degree polynomials, taking 2 cycles per term. The second one is Parallel and designed for reduction of polynomials of 2(t −1) degree at most, taking 1 cycle for the whole reduction.

the paper presents fabrication and characterization of a Quartz Crystal Microbalance based gas sensor with a diamond powder sensitive layer deposited using the ink-jet printing technique. The sensor was exposed to a low concentration of ammonia, acetone vapors and different levels of humidity. Impedance characteristics close to the natural resonant frequency of 10 MHz were examined. The sensor exhibits significant shifts in serial resonant frequency under different gas environments.

wireless communication eliminates obtrusive cables associated with wearable sensors and considerably increases patient comfort during measurement and collection of medical data. Wireless communication is very popular in recent years and plays a significant role in telemedicine and homecare applications. Bluetooth technology is one of the most commonly used wireless communication types in medicine. This paper describes the design of a universal wireless communication device with excellent price/performance ratio. The said device is based on the low-cost RN4020 Bluetooth module with Microchip Low-energy Data Profile (MLDP) and due to low-power consumption is especially suitable for the transmission of biological signals (ECG, EMG, PPG, etc.) from wearable medical/personal health devices. A unique USB dongle adaptor was developed for wireless communication via UART interface and power consumption was evaluated under various conditions.