Smart Transducer Research Articles

A silk-fibroin-based transparent triboelectric generator suitable for autonomous sensor network

In recent years, a new electrification-based mechanism called triboelectric generator (TEG) has been demonstrated as a stable and renewable power source to convert ambient energy into remarkable electrical output. Various TEG configurations have been proposed to enhance the output performance focusing on improvements to its working principle and structural geometry. In order for TEG to make an impact in real life applications, further improvement is needed in particular in the choice of the pair of electrification materials beyond the choice of traditional materials that have been employed in the construction of TEGs. Here, we investigate silk fibroin as a novel material for TEG that occupies a top-tier position in the triboelectric series and possesses the outstanding ability of losing electrons easily. Several technical challenges have been successfully addressed and are shown herein. For instance, an oxygen plasma process is employed to improve the interfacial energy between silk fibroin film and substrate by chemical modification and nanoscale roughness increase, which allows for the reliable switching mechanism needed to generate the electric power. The comprehensive study and the systematical measurement were carried out to study the fabricated TEG, including electrical output test, stability and reliability, humidity effect, and performance comparison with traditional materials. The silk fibroin is proven to be a promising material to construct TEG, and the fabricated TEG exhibits stable high-output performance, with maximum voltage, current, and power density of 268V, 5.78μA, and 193.6μW/cm2, respectively, to a load of 40MΩ. Furthermore, this silk fibroin film has two advantageous potentials for the development of TEGs: higher than 90% transmittance in the visible spectrum region and controllable solubility in aqueous solutions. The former property preserves the intrinsic optical property of TEG and enables the realisation of an ultra-transparent device, while the latter moves us closer to the attractive future vision of realising TEG systems that biodegradable for environmental sensing or implantable for biomedical applications. Additionally, we demonstrate that this silk-fibroin-based TEG can directly produce energy to power two 4-bit liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and to actuate a microscale cantilever. As the first demonstration of TEG applied to power a mechanical micro-device, this TEG-micro-cantilever microsystem shows an attractive potential to realise fully integrated smart transducers that are needed for autonomous sensor networks.

Use of TEDS to Improve Performances of Smart Biomedical Sensors and Instrumentation

This paper aims to highlight the advances and the latest novel and emergent technologies, implementations, and applications in the field of biomedical smart transducers and sensors according to the guidelines of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451 Standards. I focus attention on the use of transducer electronic data sheet (TEDS) to suggest new features and ideas in order to improve performances of biomedical sensors and instrumentation. The final aim is to address the design and development of smart transducers and sensors using the guidelines of the above-mentioned family of Standards. ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-x (previously known as IEEE 1451.x) is a family of Standards, which allows designer to project smart transducers and sensors with reference to protocols, extensible messaging and presence protocol, TEDS, signal treatment, networks, Web services, radio frequency identification, and so on. In detail, this paper proposes the use of TEDS to store information concerning patient clinical history and diagnostic criteria in order to project learned and patient-adapting devices. In this way, the sensing system uses the built-in information to optimize the data processing by adapting the diagnostic algorithm to the specific patient. Such a new approach in designing biomedical sensors allows to improve reliability and accuracy of final diagnosis. Three application cases are proposed and discussed to guide designers and developers in projecting smart biomedical sensors.

Technical Advancements to Mobile Mammography Using Nonlinear Polynomial Filters and IEEE 21451-1 NCAP Information Model

Mobile mammography programs provide a vast access to breast cancer screening and also ensure participation from remote areas, which are generally deprived of fixed centers. However, there exists limitations to provide on the spot analysis and diagnosis by experienced radiologists. The rapid development of ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-x Standards has lead to the emergence of smart biomedical devices for screening and detection of life threatening diseases. IEEE 21451-1 provides for networking of these smart transducers, yielding economical and reliable solutions for diverse measurements, control, and clinical applications. This paper proposes the technical advancements to mobile mammography by integrating smart transducer interface and network capable application processor (NCAP) information modules with digital mammography (X-ray) units. The digital data extracted by the hardware interface is processed using Type-0 and Type-I nonlinear polynomial filters (NPF) for improving the contrast of the region-of-interest as well as signal-to-noise ratios. The NPF serves as a postprocessing module, providing enhancement of mammograms for the purpose of precise analysis and diagnosis by radiologists. The enhanced mammograms are then transmitted to a remote monitoring station via NCAP through an optical fiber or satellite communication link. The proposed model yields a network as well as vendor-independent transducer interfaces for remote screening/diagnosis of breast cancer patients.

Guest Editorial Special Issue on Advancing Standards for Smart Transducer Interfaces

The scope of this Special Issue is to present and highlight the advances and the latest novel and emergent technologies, implementations and applications in the field of smart transducers and sensors according to the guidelines of the family of standards. Therefore, it provides an overview of the current standards features and the related state of the art. The final aim of the Special Issue is to stimulate the international scientific community and industry to suggest new features and ideas addressing the design and development of smart transducers and sensors.

Using Algorithms on Smart Transducer: An IEEE Standard Perspective

This paper describes the role of algorithm development in the IEEE standard 21451.001. The purpose is to promote and enhance the computational capabilities of smart transducers and facilitate the flow from sensor raw data processing to sensor knowledge fusion. A case study on real-time segmentation and labeling is conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the first layer algorithm. The key role of the IEEE 21451.001 standard is to standardize the data structure for user-defined application code and pattern learning algorithms and regulate the protocols for data sharing and exchange. The considerations for the standard development are illustrated and discussed. The foreseeable impact of the standard for algorithms is highlighted as well.

ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451 Smart Sensor Network for the Evaluation of Motorcycle Suspension Systems

Smart sensors and transducers are being widely employed in the development of electronically controlled systems, such as advanced suspensions, to improve the performance guaranteed by terrestrial vehicles. Nevertheless, a standard reference for the full exploitation of the smart features is not yet extensively adopted. The CAN-bus is only used for the communication functionalities within a sensor network, resulting in cost-effective and more reliable connections. An original data-driven approach, based on both the CAN-bus and the IEEE ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451 standard, is proposed for the characterization of suspension systems of two-wheel vehicles with regard to the comfort and vehicle handling. Because of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451, the data acquired from sensor are sent by means of a GPS-General Packet Radio Service module to PC software that implements the processing algorithm. The proposed methodology includes a low-cost measurement setup, data processing algorithms in both time and frequency domain, and the introduction of model-free synthetic indices to experimentally compare the on-road behavior influenced by different damping characteristics for the suspension system. The method is applied to the on-road verification of the riding comfort assured by different control strategies for semiactive suspensions.

Smart Transducer Interface—From Networked On-Site Optimization of Energy Balance in Research-Demonstrative Office Building to Smart City Conception

This paper reviews the development and technical infrastructure of an energy-efficient research-demonstrative office building created by the Center for Energy Technology [in polish: Centrum Technologii Energetycznych (CTE)] in Swidnica. This modern structure offers multiple solutions for relevant research topics, such as energy generation, distribution, and preservation. The key contribution of the CTE team was to craft a fusion algorithm that could identify the optimal temporal system conditions, translate them into control system settings, and, through feedback, monitor the energy management processes for the site. Although exemplary results have been observed for the single year depicted in this paper, several years of future installation monitoring are planned. The conclusions obtained from this paper will be formulated as recommendations for researchers, designers, installers, and users of energy-efficient office buildings. The prospective initiatives of the CTE team have also been outlined. The implementation of ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-x standards has been proposed as an effective tool for scaling this system from the smart-building level up to a smart-city platform.

A Reduced Reference Distortion Measure for Performance Improvement of Smart Cameras

Application specific information processing (ASIP) unit in smart cameras requires sophisticated image processing algorithms for image quality improvement and extraction of relevant features for image understanding and machine vision. The improvement in performance as well as robustness can be achieved by intelligent moderation of the parameters both at algorithm (image resolution, contrast, compression, and so on) as well as hardware levels (camera orientation, field of view, and so on). This paper discusses the employment of ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451 smart transducer standards for performance improvement of smart cameras. The standardized transducer electronic data sheets (TEDS-by IEEE 21450) provide the self description of sensors, of which the calibration details are of vital importance to yield a smart and reconfigurable imaging system. This is possible by exercising intelligent control over the TEDS (smart camera) calibration details as well as automated tuning of algorithm parameters (in ASIP) based on decisions by perceptually efficient image quality assessment (IQA) tool. Estimation of distortion based on reduced reference IQA has been highlighted as a reliable methodology for this purpose. The proposed IQA approach uses wavelets for features extraction followed by estimation of luminance, contrast, and divergence parameters to obtain the proposed distortion measure (Q). The computational complexity in the process has been catalyzed using integral image and gradient magnitude approaches. The validation of Q metric is carried out by evaluating the image quality for various types of distortions on images from Content-based Strategies of Image Quality assessment (CSIQ) and Information Visualization CyberInfrastructure (IVC) databases. Simulation results yield a healthy correlation of Q and the subjective human opinions.

An ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451 Compliant Algorithm for Detecting Sensor Faults

Preservation of metrological properties of any measuring and sensing system is an important issue to assure reliable measurements. So, in particular, calibration is the confirmation process used in the practice to verify the metrological properties of any transducer and sensor. Nevertheless, calibration needs specific procedures, measurement instrumentation, and skills. It involves the use of resources and costs to be supported. Therefore, preliminary tests are suggested to define when calibration is needed. In this sight, a transducer or sensor can be smart by verifying its status so to detect possible faults and estimate autonomously the next calibration time. As a result, the development of algorithms for automated fault detection and maintenance is an important target for developers engaged to project smart transducers and sensors. In particular, built-in algorithms can allow the same sensor to check its reliability before performing any measurement. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for detecting sensor faults. The aim is to provide a sensor-friendly algorithm for detecting failures by performing intermediate tests in view of the next calibration. The algorithm has been developed to be in compliance with ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451 standard. In detail, the algorithm allows sensor to estimate its accuracy and the repeatability of measurement so to get information on measurement reliability. Depending on the specific sensor, few points of calibration curve are checked and compared with reference values. If the estimated accuracy or repeatability are below the specification reported in the last calibration data, sensor apprises that a new calibration is required. Based on the general features, the algorithm can be used for any sensor.

Research and Implementation on Networked Smart Sensor Based on IEEE1451 Standard

Firstly, the background and significance of IEEE1451 standard are introduced. Secondly, each protocol, especially the IEEE1451.2 standard of IEEE1451 family standards, is described respectively, including Smart Transducer Interface Module(STIM), Network Capable Application Processor (NCAP) and Transducer Electronic Data Sheet(TEDS). Then, a new design idea and implementation of a kind of networked smart sensor based on the IEEE451.2 is introduced in detail. Finally, the advantages and trends of the smart sensor based on IEEE1451 standard are summarized.

IEEE 1451 STANDARD ADAPTATION FOR FREQUENCY OUTPUT SENSORS

An effort to simplify the IEEE 1451 standards family extension for adding smart, plug-and-play and self-adaptation capabilities to frequency output sensors is describe in the paper. It was shown that due to the use of one universal component – the universal frequency-to-digital onverter (UFDC-1), any frequency output sensor can be transformed into a smart transducer compatible to the IEEE 1451 standard. This gives strong benefits to both: customer and manufacturers, increases the level of commercial adoption of the standard in industry and smart sensors market up to 15-20 %.

Service-oriented implementation model for smart transducers network

This paper describes a new implementation model for the service-oriented smart transducers network based on the IEEE 1451 Web Services. The model enables simple service dislocation and addition of new functionalities in Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) network. Presented architectural organization supports new service-oriented network entities in addition to standard IEEE 1451 smart transducers. The entities such as particular transducer services and functionalities, processing applications and algorithms, and set of I/O devices are supported in the form of service providers managed by a central server. The entities are modeled as virtual transducers incorporated in the service-oriented network, and analysis on how this architectural change affects the smart transducer design constraints is given. The case study of a smart transducer network design in form of automated configuration and data exchange between ARM-based smart transducer interface module, central server and dislocated virtual transducer is presented.

Development Of Smart Detachable Wireless Sensing System For Environmental Monitoring

abstract We present the work on development of Smart Detachable Wireless Sensing System for environment monitoring (SDWSS) complying with the IEEE 1451 standard. Barometric and alcohol two different detachable smart sensor have been developed by incorporating generic transducer, customized peripheral interface controller (PIC) 18LF2550 microcontroller and with other peripherals. Detachable smart transducer interface module (DSTIM) implemented using centralized PIC 18F4550 microcontroller based embedded platform, and wireless communication is achieved by 2.4 GHZ XBEE, and CC2500 based wireless module. Various intelligent power management protocols have been implemented on the detachable sensors. This is a flexible cost effective smart system ideal for distributed environment monitoring application.

IEEE 1451.2-BASED SENSOR SYSTEM WITH JAVA-TEDS SOFTWARE TOOL

This work presents the implementation of a microcontroller-based Smart Transducer Interface Module based on the IEEE 1451.2 standard and a Java-TEDS software tool development to generate the electronic data for each transducer channel implemented in the smart module. The module, with two transducer channels was implemented with a PIC16F876A® microcontroller and programmed in C language. A software support resource has been developed in order to generate the data for the Transducer Electronic Data Sheet descriptive memory. This software resource is fully based on Java language. When generated, the TEDS data blocks can be stored in the program memory module of the microcontroller. Methodology and results are presented and discussed.

Energy Efficient Environment Monitoring System Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Standard for Low Cost Requirements

Power consumption, portability, and system cost are important parameters in designing pervasive measurement systems. With these parameters in mind, wireless environment monitoring system with a capability to monitor greenhouse gases, such as CO, CO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> , SO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">x</sub> , NO <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">x</sub> , O <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> with environmental parameter is developed. In order to achieve the target design goals, the communication module, the wireless smart transducer interface module, and wireless network capable application processor module were developed based on the IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 1451.2, and IEEE 1451.1 standards, respectively. The low cost and energy efficient gas sensing modules were successfully developed with improved tolerance to EMF/RFI noise. We defined recalibration of the system at time intervals to ensure that the desired accuracy is maintained. This paper presents the undertaken design detailing solutions to issues raised in previous research.

Decentralized vibration control of a multi-link flexible robotic manipulator using smart piezoelectric transducers

The work in this paper is aimed to investigate the use of a decentralized control system for suppressing vibration of a multi-link flexible robotic manipulator using embedded smart piezoelectric transducers. To achieve this, a non-linear dynamic model of a flexible robotic manipulator with smart piezoelectric actuators/sensors, is developed based on the co-rotational finite element method. The method incorporates multiple co-ordinate (co-rotational) systems which rotate and translate with each element, so that the geometric non-linearity present in rotating manipulator system can be dealt with efficiently. The placement of piezoelectric actuators and sensors over the flexible links are considered for the application of decentralized control system. A numerical study shows that the developed co-rotational finite element method can be utilized to investigate the piezoelectric actuator/sensor placement and vibration control performances for a multi-link flexible manipulator undertaking complicated motion.

IEEE 1451-Based Sensor Interfacing and Data Fusion for Fire Smoke Detection

The performance of a fire sensor has a significant effect on fire detection. Today’s fire alarm systems, such as smoke and heat sensors, however are generally limited to a close proximity to the fire; and cannot provide additional information about fire circumstances. Thus, it is essential to design a suite of low-cost networked sensors that provide the capability of performing distributed measurement and control in real time. In this work, a wireless sensor system was developed for fire detection. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the integration of traditional fire sensors into intelligent fire management systems by using the smart transducer concept. An automated video processing sensor for fire smoke monitoring applications is integrated into an surveillance network as a case study and supported sensor fusion assessment to improve the resistance to nuisance alarms. The proposed sensor system for fire detection was developed to reconcile issues related to proliferation and interoperability, and the architecture can support a smart transducer interface (IEEE 1451). The proposed embedded system for STIM (smart transducer interface module) and NCAP (network capable application processor) will be implemented with DSP. To realize the self-identification of transducers and plug-and-play connections, a transducer electronic data sheet (TEDS) is also stored inside the DSP. The acquired sensor data are pre-processed and applied to discriminate nuisance sources. The IEEE 1451 standard has been integrated into an automatic video-based fire smoke detection system. The proposed architecture has been tested on an experimental setup with the purpose of monitoring fire incidents successfully.

System for monitoring microclimate conditions in greenhouse

Monitoring microclimate parameters in different kind of environments has significant contribution to many areas of human activity and production processes. One of them is vegetable production in greenhouses where measurement of its microclimate parameters may influence the decision on taking appropriate action and protect crops. It is also important to preserve optimal condition in greenhouses to facilitate the process of transpiration, plant mineral nutrition and prevent of a variety physiological damage caused by a deficit of some specific nutrients. Systems for monitoring have wide application in the last years thanks to development of modern computer technology. In this paper model of the monitoring system based on smart transducer concept was introduced. Within the system components are based on MSP430 ultra low power micro controllers. They are using wireless communication to exchange data within the system that was structured according to smart transducer concept. User applications from the network could access to system interface using HTTP protocol where web server could be running on the computer or it could be an embedded web server running on micro controller based device.

Special issue on advancing standards for smart transducer interfaces

Special issue on advancing standards for smart transducer interfaces

Special issue on advancing standards for smart transducer interfaces

Special issue on advancing standards for smart transducer interfaces