Proposed System Design Research Articles

Runway Incursion Monitoring, Detection and Alerting System (RIMDAS): A Proposed System Design for Reducing Runway Incursions

Runway Incursion Monitoring, Detection and Alerting System (RIMDAS): A Proposed System Design for Reducing Runway Incursions

Runway Incursion Monitoring, Detection and Alerting System (RIMDAS): A Proposed System Design for Reducing Runway Incursions

Runway incursions are a persistent problem that has resulted in some of the most catastrophic aviation accidents in history. Several systems have been proposed previously, but many of these systems are expensive and can only be justified for the busiest airports. Recent advances in wireless sensors provide a method for deploying an inexpensive detection network that can directly warn pilots of potential runway incursions. This system could prove to be an effective low-cost alternative for small to medium-sized airports who can not justify the cost of more expensive detection systems.

SU-GG-BRC-02: Theoretical Analysis of Fiber-Optic Scintillation Glass Arrays for High Quantum Efficiency Megavoltage Imaging and Image Guided Radiotherapy

Purpose: In this work, we present a comprehensive theoretical analysis of a high performance megavoltage imager based on a fiber-optic scintillation glass array (FOSGA), a potential candidate for megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) as part of image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). The FOSGA imager was studied in several prototype configurations using Monte Carlo simulations and linear cascaded systems analyses, and imaging performance was characterized by its modulation transfer function (MTF) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE). Method and Materials: Our imager consists of Tb-doped scintillation glass fibers inserted into a polymer-tungsten grid-housing. Material and structural specifications of the array are specially geared towards patented fabrication technologies for automated mass production and cost-benefit. Radiation detection characteristics were modeled using radiation transport simulations and coupled to a custom-written optical transport simulation program developed to specifically model the fiber-optic coupling mechanism in our detector. A linear cascaded systems analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of all proposed system components, design parameters, and imaging performance metrics (MTF & DQE) were determined for these configurations. Results: Radiation transport calculations indicated high intrinsic imaging performance typical of thick high-Z scintillators with > 40% quantum efficiency for 5 cm thick arrays. Light transport simulations indicated limited coupling loss and optical cross-talk from scatter as optical conduction was dominated by Fresnel and total-internal-reflection events. Cascaded systems analyses revealed no significant quantum sinks while indicating that detector thickness was the limiting parameter affecting overall performance [DQE(0) > 0.25 and MTF > 0.5 at 1 cy/mm, significantly improved over current megavoltage detectors with DQE(0) ∼ 0.01]. Conclusions: With high DQE and significant cost-benefit compared to current megavoltage detectors and contemporary prototypes, a FOSGA imager can provide high portal image quality at low dose, which facilitates its extension to 3D verification via MVCT as a cost-effective IGRT solution.

Electronic power transformer with supercapacitors storage energy system

An electronic power transformer (EPT) with supercapacitors storage energy system is proposed in this paper. The proposed system consists of an EPT, a supercapacitor bank and a bidirectional dc–dc converter. The supercapacitor bank is connected to the dc link in EPT through the dc–dc converter. The advantage of the proposed system over the EPT is to provide added ability to ride voltage momentary interruptions, as well as the voltage sags and voltage swells. Furthermore, the main circuit parameters design and controller design of proposed system are presented in detail. The performance of proposed system is analyzed using simulations based on MATLAB/SIMULINK, and the proposed system is also implemented in laboratory based on DSP TMS320F2812. Simulation and experimental results have verified the ability of the proposed system and the validity of the design.

Economic Analysis of Simulation Selection Problems

Ranking and selection procedures are standard methods for selecting the best of a finite number of simulated design alternatives based on a desired level of statistical evidence for correct selection. But the link between statistical significance and financial significance is indirect, and there has been little or no research into it. This paper presents a new approach to the simulation selection problem, one that maximizes the expected net present value of decisions made when using stochastic simulation. We provide a framework for answering these managerial questions: When does a proposed system design, whose performance is unknown, merit the time and money needed to develop a simulation to infer its performance? For how long should the simulation analysis continue before a design is approved or rejected? We frame the simulation selection problem as a “stoppable” version of a Bayesian bandit problem that treats the ability to simulate as a real option prior to project implementation. For a single proposed system, we solve a free boundary problem for a heat equation that approximates the solution to a dynamic program that finds optimal simulation project stopping times and that answers the managerial questions. For multiple proposed systems, we extend previous Bayesian selection procedures to account for discounting and simulation-tool development costs.

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MICROPROCESSOR-BASED DIGITAL SIGNATURE FOR MOBILE-CARE DEVICE

It is important to ensure the data security of biosignals transmitted by a wireless network. This paper proposes a mobile-care device using Tame Transformation Signatures (TTS), which is a digital signature scheme from the family of asymmetric public key systems to encrypt the electrocardiogram (ECG) data. TTS has the advantages of high security, fast key generation, complex algorithm, less calculations and low signature delay. The proposed system consists of a mobile-care device to measure ECG signal, a key center to generate key pair, and a monitor center. The proposed ECG mobile-care device adopts the TI MSP430F449 microprocessor as the kernel and generates 8-byte hash codes and 10-byte signatures to sign the data. And the mobile-care device transmits the signed data through a wireless network to the server to decrypt. This paper describes the design and implementation of the proposed system in detail and also completely verifies the validity of the proposed system.

M3PS: A JXTA‐based Multi‐platform P2P System and its Web Application Tools

Peer‐to‐Peer computing offers many attractive features, such as collaboration, self‐organization, load balancing, availability, fault tolerance and anonymity. However, it also faces many serious challenges. In our previous work, we implemented a synchronous P2P collaboration platform called TOMSCOP. However, the TOMSCOP was implemented only in Windows XPOS. In this work, we extend our previous work and present a multi‐platform Peer‐to‐Peer system. The proposed system operates very smoothly in UNIX Solaris 9 OS, Linux Suse 9.1 OS, Mac OSX, and Windows XP. In this paper, we present the design of proposed system and four web application tools: info, joint draw pad, shared web browser and subaru avatar.

Neuro-cognitively inspired haptic user interfaces

Haptic systems and devices are a recent addition to multimodal systems. These devices have widespread applications such as surgical simulations, medical and procedural training, scientific visualizations, assistive and rehabilitative devices for individuals who have physical or neurological impediments and assistive devices for individuals who are blind. While the potential of haptics in natural human machine interaction is undisputable, the realization of such means is still a long way ahead. There are considerable research challenges to development of natural haptic interfaces. The study of human tactile abilities is a recent endeavor and many of the available systems still do not incorporate the domain knowledge of psychophysics, biomechanics and neurological elements of haptic perception. Development of smart and effective haptic interfaces and devices requires extensive studies that link perceptual phenomena with measurable parameters and incorporation of such domain knowledge in the engineering of haptic interfaces. This paper presents design, development and usability testing of a neuro-cognitively inspired haptic user interface for individuals who are blind. The proposed system design is inspired by neuro-cognitive basis of haptic perception and incorporates the computational aspects and requirements of multimodal information processing system. Usability testing of the system suggests that a biologically inspired haptic user interfaces may form a powerful paradigm for haptic user interface design.

FPGA Design Methodology for Industrial Control Systems—A Review

This paper reviews the state of the art of field- programmable gate array (FPGA) design methodologies with a focus on industrial control system applications. This paper starts with an overview of FPGA technology development, followed by a presentation of design methodologies, development tools and relevant CAD environments, including the use of portable hardware description languages and system level programming/design tools. They enable a holistic functional approach with the major advantage of setting up a unique modeling and evaluation environment for complete industrial electronics systems. Three main design rules are then presented. These are algorithm refinement, modularity, and systematic search for the best compromise between the control performance and the architectural constraints. An overview of contributions and limits of FPGAs is also given, followed by a short survey of FPGA-based intelligent controllers for modern industrial systems. Finally, two complete and timely case studies are presented to illustrate the benefits of an FPGA implementation when using the proposed system modeling and design methodology. These consist of the direct torque control for induction motor drives and the control of a diesel-driven synchronous stand-alone generator with the help of fuzzy logic.

Fissile material detection using a prompt fission neutron chamber system

The calculations supporting the design of a chamber system to detect and verify fissile material in items such as mail packages or luggage are described. Stimulated neutrons from fission are separated from those produced by the system 14 MeV neutron generators by time delay. The proposed system design has a chamber volume of 60×60×90 cm. It is anticipated that at least 1 g of fissile material could be detected in as little as 5 s of interrogation.

Design of distribution transformers based on a knowledge-based system and 2D finite elements

This paper presents the development of a hybrid system for the design of distribution transformers. It is based on a knowledge-based system (KBS) and two-dimensional (2D) finite-element (FE) models, which are used to compute the electromagnetic fields within the transformer. A KBS is a software product based on established artificial intelligence techniques that has been successfully applied in many areas, whereas the FE method is a sound numerical technique for solving partial differential equations. Both methods are combined to offer transformer designers a computational tool for designing distribution transformers. First order elements are employed in two FE models, an axi-symmetric one is used to compute leakage reactance and eddy losses in transformer windings and a 2D cartesian model is used to calculate the iron loss and magnetizing current. The KBS mimics the designers experience through the representation of heuristic, procedural and graphical knowledge. The proposed design system is applied to the design of a 1500 kVA, 13.2 kV–220 V, delta-star, oil-filled distribution transformer.

3705 CT画像を用いた人工股関節の設計システムに関する研究(G12 最適・協調設計とシステム,G12 設計工学・システム)

As a total hip arthroplasty stem of cementiess is fixed to femur, the applied load by weight ourself transfers stem to femur directly. Though it is very important that the stem fits the femur closely, we have some difficulties to design and to make the suitable shape of the stem. We have developed a design system of a stem which has shape suitability with individual femur by using CT images, and designed a shape of stem by pullout-simulation considering an insertion procedure of stem at surgery. And we have also proposed an evaluation method of shape suitability of the stem. In this paper, the proposed design system and the evaluation procedure are described.

Evolutionary design and re-design using design parameters and goals

Design parameters and goals play important roles in design. Design goals are the required functions of the design elements and are explicitly expressed by design parameters. Design parameters also indicate the relations among design elements, by which a constraint network can be constructed and some useful information can be induced. In this study, the mechanical design process is viewed to be the assignment of design goals and their realization through the evolutionary refinement of the design parameters. The design activities are processed on traditional computer-aided design systems by specifying the shapes of the design elements. Thus, an integrated design system based on the computer-aided design system is proposed to assign the design goals and refine the values of the design parameters along the design process. The proposed design system also provides some useful facilities to a designer such as the construction of a constraint network, an evolutionary design method and a re-design plan.

Predicting the performance of middleware-based applications at the design level

In this paper, we present an approach to predict the performance of middleware-based applications at the design level. We develop a quantitative performance model for a proposed system design. The inputs needed to produce this performance prediction are a state diagram showing the main waiting and resource usage aspects of the proposed system architecture, and measurements taken on the middleware infrastructure using a simple benchmark application which is much cheaper to implement than the full system. The performance model allows the system designer to evaluate the architecture and implementation approaches in term of their ability to achieve required performance. We show our method in action using a J2EE application, Stock-Online, and validate the predictions by implementing the design and measuring its performance. The modeling approach is applicable to applications built on common middleware technologies such as CORBA, J2EE and COM+/.NET.

Undrained Shear Behaviour of Some UK Mudrocks Explained by Petrology

Abstract Implementing a merged, corporate-wide portfolio management and resource survey system requires a rigorous approach to integrating volume and value assessments. In the proposed system design, a single database thoroughly documents a company's current hydrocarbon assets with associated risks and uncertainties; stochastic applications are then used to project future year changes to this asset portfolio, and compute economic performance under alternative capital investment scenarios. Introduction Energy companies are increasingly adopting stochastic-based portfolio management applications to improve long term planning. However, the resource inventory systems that document the underlying hydrocarbon assets are often deterministic-based, and incompletely populated. Typically reserve reporting is a perfunctory annual regulatory disclosure process, and is not well integrated with the portfolio planning process. Dynamic Resource Tracking Resource volumes inventories must accommodate the dynamics of industry activities (Figure 1). In addition to the annual reductions through production, there are a number of potential additions (exploration discoveries, acquisitions) and deletions(property sales). Moreover, the internal uncertainty distribution of the inventory changes as developments proceed. These distributions can be characterized both stochastically and by resource classes; for example, a drilling program may transfer probable to proved (developed and undeveloped) reserves. Many financial performance metrics (cost of finding, reserves replacement ratio, reserves/production ratio) require integration of field level proved reserve volumes with production and cash flow profiles without the "portfolio effect" inherent in stochastic aggregation. Resource Classification A modified version of the SPE petroleum resource classification(1) (Figure 2) provides a framework for characterizing hydrocarbon opportunities in terms of their technical and commercial uncertainty. Note that the horizontal axis represents a continuous uncertainty distribution, while the vertical axis is modelled as a series of chance nodes. A contingent resource is a discovered volume that has a commercial constraint (e.g., lack of gas pipeline). A contingent resource may transfer to a reserve, given a funding commitment based on improvements in project economics and/or technology; the chance of overcoming the commercial contingency is termed "Pct." The chance of converting exploration prospective resources to discovered volumes, i.e., the chance of prospect success, is termed "Pg." Technical certainty subdivisions for undiscovered prospective resources use the SPE terminology low/best/high estimate. The SPE recommended correlation of resource classes to stochastic distributions is that a proved volume is greater than 90% probability (> P90), proved plus possible > P50, and proved plus probable plus possible is > P10. Oil and gas opportunities cover a wide spectrum of upstream projects, from mature producing fields to poorly defined exploration leads. The portfolio may include potential projects on acreage owned by others or not currently leased. For portfolio aggregation, each non-owned opportunity must be discounted by an associated chance of capture ("Pcp"). In addition to the "identified projects," the portfolio projection includes a series of yet "unidentified opportunities;" these are represented using production and resource volume uncertainty profiles taken from identified analog entities. Deterministic-Probabilistic Integration

Integrating Resource Surveys and Portfolio Management

Abstract Implementing a merged, corporate-wide portfolio management and resource survey system requires a rigorous approach to integrating volume and value assessments. In the proposed system design, a single database thoroughly documents a company's current hydrocarbon assets with associated risks and uncertainties; stochastic applications are then used to project future year changes to this asset portfolio, and compute economic performance under alternative capital investment scenarios. Introduction Energy companies are increasingly adopting stochastic-based portfolio management applications to improve long term planning. However, the resource inventory systems that document the underlying hydrocarbon assets are often deterministic-based, and incompletely populated. Typically reserve reporting is a perfunctory annual regulatory disclosure process, and is not well integrated with the portfolio planning process. Dynamic Resource Tracking Resource volumes inventories must accommodate the dynamics of industry activities (Figure 1). In addition to the annual reductions through production, there are a number of potential additions (exploration discoveries, acquisitions) and deletions(property sales). Moreover, the internal uncertainty distribution of the inventory changes as developments proceed. These distributions can be characterized both stochastically and by resource classes; for example, a drilling program may transfer probable to proved (developed and undeveloped) reserves. Many financial performance metrics (cost of finding, reserves replacement ratio, reserves/production ratio) require integration of field level proved reserve volumes with production and cash flow profiles without the "portfolio effect" inherent in stochastic aggregation. Resource Classification A modified version of the SPE petroleum resource classification(1) (Figure 2) provides a framework for characterizing hydrocarbon opportunities in terms of their technical and commercial uncertainty. Note that the horizontal axis represents a continuous uncertainty distribution, while the vertical axis is modelled as a series of chance nodes. A contingent resource is a discovered volume that has a commercial constraint (e.g., lack of gas pipeline). A contingent resource may transfer to a reserve, given a funding commitment based on improvements in project economics and/or technology; the chance of overcoming the commercial contingency is termed "Pct." The chance of converting exploration prospective resources to discovered volumes, i.e., the chance of prospect success, is termed "Pg." Technical certainty subdivisions for undiscovered prospective resources use the SPE terminology low/best/high estimate. The SPE recommended correlation of resource classes to stochastic distributions is that a proved volume is greater than 90% probability (> P90), proved plus possible > P50, and proved plus probable plus possible is > P10. Oil and gas opportunities cover a wide spectrum of upstream projects, from mature producing fields to poorly defined exploration leads. The portfolio may include potential projects on acreage owned by others or not currently leased. For portfolio aggregation, each non-owned opportunity must be discounted by an associated chance of capture ("Pcp"). In addition to the "identified projects," the portfolio projection includes a series of yet "unidentified opportunities;" these are represented using production and resource volume uncertainty profiles taken from identified analog entities. Deterministic-Probabilistic Integration

Calculation of drain spacings for optimal rainstorm flood control

In many parts of the world the frequency of river floods (flash floods) seems to have increased during the past half century. Intensified agriculture is considered as a possible cause for the changed peak flow behavior. It is believed that a large-scale, narrowly designed subsurface drainage reduces the soil water retention in periods with excessive precipitation or snow melt. To increase the soil water retention, it may be necessary to reconsider conventional drain spacing design. The present study deals with the calculation of drain spacings for optimal rainstorm runoff control. A semi-analytical procedure is developed with which for a given extreme rainfall event the drain spacing is calculated that provides the highest possible soil water retention, but no surface runoff. The model considers two-dimensional unsteady water flow between parallel tile drains, with a rising water table. It combines an analytical rising water table model with an empirical spreading water table model. A comparison of the new and a conventional drain design system (Hooghoudt–Ernst) shows that with the newly designed system a considerable temporary soil water retention during heavy rainfall can be achieved. For example, for a soil with a hydraulic conductivity of 0.5 m d −1 that is underlain by an impervious barrier at the 2.0 m depth, and that is drained by tiles with a radius of 0.1 m at the 1.0 m soil depth, an additional soil water retention of 38 mm is obtained when the drain spacing is 46.0 m instead of 13.5 m for a rainfall event of 80 mm in a 4-day period. The newly proposed design system may help to reduce the flood threat in areas with large-scale agricultural drainage in periods with excessive rainfall or snow melt.

A simple design of a highly tolerable dispersion managed soliton system for trans-oceanic distance transmission

We present a design for a dispersion managed (DM) soliton system, which is based on two primary parameters; the dispersion compensation period (DCP), which is defined by the number of DSF spans between dispersion compensation fiber, and pulse width. We designed the optimum value of these two parameters to achieve the widest system margins for both repeater output power and signal wavelength for trans-oceanic distance transmission. We checked this analysis by experiments for both 10 and 20 Gb/s DM soliton systems having 53 km repeater spacing. Experimental results confirm the validity of proposed system design.

Framework of an evolutionary design system incorporating design information and history

In this paper, we propose an integrated design system that incorporates the design history, information and intent to support an improved design. Current CAD systems are powerful in representing the shape of a product, but they do not carry the design information that has been used or created in designing the product. We propose an integrated design system to enable the storage and usage of design information in addition to shape manipulation. We define an entity called Element Object that could represent a mechanical element, a sub-assembly or an assembly by using object-oriented methodology together with the related design information. The Element Object can represent a variety of information such as design parameters, documents, catalogues, functions, and behaviors. A mailing system is constructed among Element Objects to assist a collaborative design. We also introduce an Evolutionary Design Method using a genetic algorithm. By using the proposed design system, we could manage design information and relation systematically. This contributes to an improved design. It reduces design time and errors at both initial design and re-design. Its capability and efficacy is observed particularly during the re-design process.

自律分散遊泳ロボットの障害物回避行動の獲得

This paper describes a design method of a robot system which consists on mechanically linked plural agents, so as to realize autonomous robots which can adaptively behave in the real world. A difficulty in designing distributed autonomous systems, is how to embed a dynamics for self organizing environment-oriented-action-rules in the systems. So, we propose a robot system which controlled by a decision making method that has oscillator and learning method based on same object functions, and which has a structure of mechanically linked agents that are identically designed, in order that each agent actively interacts with other agents and the outer world. For verifying an usefulness of the system, behavioral acquiring tests in target approaching and obstacle avoidance were implemented by using Distributed Autonomous Swimming Robot that was constructed by the proposed way. Moreover, for learning efficiency in complex tasks such as obstacle avoidance, we proposed Switching Q-learning in which previously obtained action rules were effectively used As a result, the robot acquired simple obstacle avoidance behavior, and time-sequential connections between acquired action rules were observed by interaction-based learning in a distributed autonomous system. That is, it was verified that the proposed system design method was one of the solutions of adaptive systems to complex environments.