Special Measurement Device Research Articles

Accelerated construction of stress relief music datasets using CNN and the Mel-scaled spectrogram.

Listening to music is a crucial tool for relieving stress and promoting relaxation. However, the limited options available for stress-relief music do not cater to individual preferences, compromising its effectiveness. Traditional methods of curating stress-relief music rely heavily on measuring biological responses, which is time-consuming, expensive, and requires specialized measurement devices. In this paper, a deep learning approach to solve this problem is introduced that explicitly uses convolutional neural networks and provides a more efficient and economical method for generating large datasets of stress-relief music. These datasets are composed of Mel-scaled spectrograms that include essential sound elements (such as frequency, amplitude, and waveform) that can be directly extracted from the music. The trained model demonstrated a test accuracy of 98.7%, and a clinical study indicated that the model-selected music was as effective as researcher-verified music in terms of stress-relieving capacity. This paper underlines the transformative potential of deep learning in addressing the challenge of limited music options for stress relief. More importantly, the proposed method has profound implications for music therapy because it enables a more personalized approach to stress-relief music selection, offering the potential for enhanced emotional well-being.

Deep particle diffusometry: convolutional neural networks for particle diffusometry in the presence of flow and thermal gradients

Diffusion coefficient measurement is a helpful tool in revealing various properties of a fluid such as viscosity and temperature. However, determining the diffusion coefficient often requires specialized equipment. Particle-based techniques allow the use of conventional cameras to determine flow properties without any specialized measurement devices. However, the performance of existing methods such as single-particle and correlation-based measurements degrade drastically in the presence of real-world scenarios such as flow and thermal gradients. This work introduces a new method of estimating diffusion coefficient in the presence of flow and thermal gradients named deep particle diffusometry (DPD). The technique uses temporally averaged particle images as inputs and uses convolutional neural networks to predict the underlying diffusion coefficient. The results show that a high fit coefficient R 2 value of 0.99 was achieved with no or known fluid flow conditions and an R 2 value of 0.95 was achieved if the fluid had an arbitrary flow. Next, the generalization ability of the network was shown by training the DPD models on no gradient datasets and testing on datasets with a diffusion coefficient gradient. The networks maintained comparably high R 2 values of 0.96. Next, the DPD models were tested against three conventional methods on various simulated datasets, showing their superior performance in situations where an arbitrary flow was present along with diffusion. Finally, the networks were tested on experimental data and the predictions were compared with conventional methods which resulted in R2 values of 0.97 under the no-flow condition. The results show that the proposed method provides performance similar to existing methods on datasets with no flow or with a known flow and can surpass their performance on datasets that have an arbitrary flow.

Intraoperative Measurement of Crystalline Lens Diameter in Living Humans.

There are no reports on accurate measurement of lens equatorial diameter of the living human eye. This study aimed to measure lens equatorial diameter with a special measurement device during cataract surgery and examine the relationships with preoperative parameters. From April 7 to December 1, 2019, the equatorial diameters of 24 eyes from 24 patients who underwent cataract surgery at Kushimoto Arita Hospital were measured with a loop shaped measurement device during cataract surgery. Correlations between the value of the diameters and various preoperative parameters measured by CASIA2® were evaluated. The average value of the measured equatorial diameter using the device was 10.5 ± 0.4 mm and the value estimated by circular approximation using the CASIA2®️ was 10.1 ± 0.7 mm. A significant difference was observed between these two groups (P = 0.016), and only a weak correlation was observed (γ = 0.31). A positive correlation was observed between equatorial diameter and anterior chamber depth (ACD) or anterior chamber width (ACW) (γ = 0.57 and 0.47, respectively). No significant correlation was found between other parameters and the value measured by the device. Our method is a completely new approach to measuring the living human lens equatorial region of the eye. No complications were observed in any of the cases. One new finding was the values of the lens equatorial diameters are actually longer than those reported previously. The results suggest that the values of the equatorial diameter measured by the loop device and those estimated by CASIA2® measurement were closer than those reported previously by other methods, although both were slightly different. We conclude that it is still difficult to estimate the equatorial diameter of the living human lens using preoperative examination parameters. This research will greatly contribute to the development of accommodative intraocular lenses in the future.

Relationship between mobility and strain in CVD graphene on h-BN

This study examines the relationship between the electrical properties and Raman spectra of field effect transistors (FETs) produced using chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene transferred onto hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) structures. Carrier mobility values were calculated based on the electrical properties of the fabricated FETs, where the highest carrier mobility was 39 989 cm2/Vs. Carrier mobility increased with a decrease in the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the 2D-band peak of CVD graphene. A linear relationship with a slope of 2.18 between the G-band and 2D-band peak positions was detected, indicating that a uniaxial strain existed in the CVD graphene FETs. Based on the peak shifts in the 2D-band, it was determined that both compressive and tensile strains were responsible for limiting carrier mobility. Ultimately, the analysis of peak positions and FWHMs of 2D-bands enabled us to evaluate the uniformity of electrical properties of CVD graphene without fabricating specialized measurement devices.

Development of a UV Index Sensor-Based Portable Measurement Device with the EUVB Ratio of Natural Light.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are electromagnetic waves that account for about 5% of solar light, and when overexposed, they pose malevolent effects on human skin and health. However, with recent reports on the beneficial effects of some wavelength bands of UV rays, people’s interest in UV information has increased. This has resulted in requiring not just simple information, such as the amount of UV or UV index (UVI), but detailed UV information that directly affects health, such as EUVB (erythemally weighted UVB). However, calculating EUVB, which can be done by applying the erythemal weighted function on the intensity value in wavelength, requires specialized optical measurement devices, which cannot be easily accessed by the general public; furthermore, public institutions’ UV information services do not offer EUVB information for individuals. Therefore, the present study proposes a UVI sensor-based portable measurement device, with which the general public can have easy access to UV-related information. The proposed device comprises a UVI sensor that can measure the intensity of erythemal UV radiation, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module that supports communication, and a micro controller unit (MCU) for key operations. In addition, it applies the ratio of EUVB by month/time, resulting from the actual analysis of natural light to calculate the EUVB and provides the amount of UVI and EUVB to check if they meet conditions required for outdoor activities through the device and smartphone applications. The applicability of the proposed device was verified by the measurement performance comparison test with the standard device, a spectrometer (CAS 140 CT), which showed an average error of 0.045 for UVI and 0.0014 W/m2. The proposed device’s offering of UV-related information such as UVI and EUVB to the user is expected to prevent potential damage due to exposure to UV and to support healthy outdoor activities.

Temperature and moisture distribution in a highway in south-eastern Kazakhstan

The matters of investigation for water thermal regime of pavement and subgrade structures of the highways are especially important as the moisture and temperature distribution in pavement and subgrade layers impact greatly on their deformation and strength indicators. Experimental results, which can be obtained by special measurement devices, are primary ones for establishing of peculiarities and regularities for distribution and migration of heat and moisture in the mentioned structural elements of the highways. Special measurement devices are required to obtain such experimental data. The paper shows the results for analysis of temperature and moisture variation in points of pavement and subgrade of “Almaty-Bishkek” highway. Temperature measurement has been performed by set of special sensors. Regular temperature and moisture measurement have been performed for the period from September 18, 2015 to June 2, 2016. Regularities for temperature regime variation in points of pavement for 24 hours are coordinated with air temperature variations. Amplitude of vibration for temperature is decreased with the depth increase. Moisture in subgrade points is gradually decreased with the reduction of daily average air temperature.

Development of an automatic orbital welding system with robust weaving width control and a seam-tracking function for narrow grooves

From a broad point of view, seam tracking has been one of the main challenges with respect to welding automation. Several attempts at automation have been successful in seam tracking with a fixed weaving width. As a solution for seam-tracking methods for varying groove widths, visual sensors such as CCD cameras have been adopted. Although these vision-sensing techniques can achieve high accuracy, their weakness is that a well-prepared vision sensor environment is needed to obtain high-quality visual measurements and that these measurements can be easily affected by the significant noises present in industrial areas. This paper presents an alternative approach using an arc sensor to measure weld widths and positions for weld seam tracking. Arc sensing is less sensitive than vision sensors, which are susceptible to environmental noises, and requires no additional costs except for the measurement apparatus for detecting the arc voltage or welding current. In this study, a special measurement device for the arc voltage is also developed to enhance the reliability of the seam-tracking sensor. Based on a well-known seam-tracking algorithm, an automatic weaving width control algorithm is proposed which can predict weld position more accurately. The usefulness of the weaving width control is verified through an example in which it is applied to gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).

Evaluation method of pavement surface characteristics for rolling resistance

Pavement technology intended to reduce tyre-pavement rolling resistance is a new technology for establishing the future low-carbon society. Reduction of rolling resistance leads to reduce vehicle CO2 emission and to improve fuel efficiency. However, the relation between rolling resistance and pavement surface characteristics is complex and there are some issues to be solved including clarifying the evaluation methods. The evaluation method for rolling resistance generally involves measuring the rolling resistance coefficient directly; however this direct measurement requires special measurement devices. Indirect evaluation methods will make measurements easier and help put low-rolling resistance pavement technologies to practical use. This paper reports the results on determining the contact pressure distribution between tyre and pavement surfaces using a pressure measurement film to evaluate the rolling resistance indirectly. The results of analyses the relations between the rolling resistance and pavement surface characteristics, it were revealed that the contour map of contact pressure distribution were fully different depending on the pavement surface texture and it would be useful to evaluate the negative texture that lead to the low-rolling resistance pavement surface.

A multi-criteria computer package for power transformer fault detection and diagnosis

A package in Maple that helps users in power transformers fault detection and diagnosis has been developed. Transformers are required throughout modern interconnected power systems. Their range comprises from a few kVA to over a few hundred MVA, both in low voltage and in high voltage electrical network. As they are considered the key element in such systems, several maintenance methods have been reported in the literature: dissolved gas analysis (DGA) technique, short-circuit impedance (SCI) measurement, frequency response analysis (FRA) and power factor testing among others. All of them have as main goal to increase its useful life; normally reduced from aging process, stress conditions or electrical faults. Besides, they require special measurement devices and the experience of engineers, in order to make a proper diagnosis. This paper firstly determines the requirements of these tests to be applied and coordinate their input data and their output (diagnoses and recommendations). Afterwards, the package developed, that guides the users throughout the diagnosis processes, automatizes data processing and returns of the different tests (underlining if any contradiction between them arises) is summarized. The method is extensible/scalable by means of adding new techniques on this field of application.

Electrode and electrodeless impedance measurement for determination of orange juices parameters

AbstractElectrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a non-destructive, rapid and real-time measurement method which does not require special high-tech measurement devices and can be applied to food quality assessment. This method is rapid, effective and affords low-cost investigation of the product. The conventional EIS method requires a set of metal electrodes in direct contact with the medium to be measured. The complicated electrochemical processes on the electrodes-electrolyte interface could substantially affect the value of the impedance measured. The present study sought to explore the possibilities of using the impedance method for quality control in orange juices, to introduce the electrodeless method of electrolyte impedance measurement and to compare this with the conventional impedance methods. The electrical properties of the orange juices were described with the help of an equivalent circuit. An equivalent circuit was designed with constant phase element approximation. The values of the equivalent circuit components were fitted using a non-standard algorithm inspired by the behaviour of actual ant colonies. Implementing the electrodeless method obviated the electrodes phenomena effects and the behaviour of the electrolyte is similar to inductance. The proposed electrodeless method is generally applicable to measuring the electrochemical properties of electrolytes.

Comparison of AC Transport Current Loss in Different YBCO Coated Conductor Tapes Measured at 4.2K

Abstract The YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) superconducting tapes are promising candidates for using in applications at liquid helium temperature. Their parameters have not been adequately explored in these conditions by now. This work deals with AC transport current loss comparison of different YBCO coated conductors in self field in liquid helium (LHe). For experiments we used YBCO tapes of different widths, both with and without ferromagnetic substrate and stabilizing layer. The measurements are based on the lock-in technique using a special measurement device working on the principle of a current transformer. The device enables to measure up to high currents (order of kA). The heating of current leads and LHe evaporation is minimized. The experimental data show very good transport properties of YBCO tapes in LHe (high critical currents and corresponding transport current loss). This contribution is completed by AC transport current losses of used YBCO samples measured in liquid nitrogen (LN2)

Measurement of AC transport current loss in different kinds of superconducting tapes andwires in liquid helium

Low-temperature and high-temperature superconductors are used in liquid helium (LHe) asmagnets and in other applications. AC transport current loss study is important for the useof these superconductors in alternating current regimes. The measurement of AC transportcurrent loss under LHe conditions requires a measurement system with a specialmeasurement device. A possible way to carry out the measurement is presented in thispaper. The device described in this paper is based on the principle of a currenttransformer. The transport current is induced into one secondary turn formedby a superconducting sample. The LHe evaporation caused by the heating ofthe current leads at high currents and the measurement system dimensions areminimized. Our experimental setup enables us to determine the AC transportcurrent loss of a superconducting tape or a wire in the self-field, in LHe up to acurrent of 2000 A at a frequency up to 300 Hz. The measurements are based ona lock-in technique. This paper presents and compares AC transport losses ofYBa2Cu3O7 − x (YBCO) coatedconductor, Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 (BSCCO)tape, NbTi wire and Nb3Sn tape measured up to their quench currents in LHe.

Study of the Problems Related to Dynamic Measurement of Axial Force of Water Pump

The axial force is an important index of rotating machinery, and real axial force can only be obtained through practical measurement in the operation. Some problems related to axial force measurement of water pump is studied in the paper and a special measurement device is designed. The data of real axial force vs. flow are measured during the pump operation and a measurement curve is sorted out by use of reasonable axial force transfer structure and optimized force measuring element. The relative non-linearity error of the measurement device is less than 0.3FS by calibration. The actual measurement results of axial force are consistent with the theoretical curves.

The Difference in Output Properties Between Dominant and Nondominant Limbs as Measured by Various Muscle Function Tests

Recently, right and left output properties exerted from specific muscle groups have been evaluated using special measurement devices such as an isokinetic dynamometer. However, it remains unclear whether the coach can properly evaluate muscle function corresponding to lateral specificity in athletes. This study aimed to examine the different output properties between the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) upper limbs as measured by muscle function tests with various muscle contraction patterns. Fifteen right-handed young men participated in this study. Each subject carried out isometric, isokinetic, and isotonic muscle power tests by elbow flexion with right and left arms. When calculating the laterality index, the laterality of the isotonic test (1.17) was the highest. In all tests, significant correlations were found between the measurements of the D and ND limbs. The isometric test was the highest (r = 0.93), followed by the isokinetic test (r = 0.66-0.83) and the isotonic test (r = 0.55). To examine the ratio of the laterality of measurements provided by each muscle function test, each measurement was converted to a standard score (Z-score). There were significant differences between D and ND limbs in the isometric (D:ND = 55.0:45.0) and the isotonic (54.1:45.9) tests but not in the isokinetic test (60°·s⁻¹, 51.4:48.6; 180°·s⁻¹, 50.7:49.2; 300°·s⁻¹, 51.8:48.2). Particularly, the D (right) limb exerted greater muscle power in the isometric and the isotonic tests than in the isokinetic test. Occupational therapists or strength and conditioning professionals should understand that the D-ND differences shown by these muscle function tests may differ because of measurement conditions.

MO‐E‐204B‐01: JUNIOR INVESTIGATOR WINNER: A New Simple, Accurate, and Quantitative Approach for Routine Quality Assurance in Digital Radiography

Purpose: We report on a new approach for measuring the MTF, instrumentation‐noise‐equivalent exposure (INEE), and DQE that is easily implemented, highly accurate, and does not require specialized measurement devices. No slits, edges, alignment devices, or other costly accessories are needed. Method and Materials: A method has been developed to obtain the MTF, INEE, and DQE using only the noise characteristics in dark‐ and flat‐field images. For demonstration, measurements were done on three different detector technologies: an x‐ray image intensifier, a flat‐panel detector, and a solid‐state x‐ray image intensifier. Ten dark‐field and flat‐field images (obtained at one exposure level using RQA 5) were acquired according to standard guidelines and the NPS was measured for each set of images. The electronic part of the NPS (constant, irrespective of exposure) and the quantum part of the NPS (proportional with exposure) could then be separated. MTFs were determined from the quantum part of the NPS using the new noise‐response (NR) method. Frequency‐dependent INEEs were measured by determining the exposure where quantum and electronic noise would be equivalent, thereby quantifying the quantum‐limited operating range of the detector. DQEs were determined from the measured MTFs and NPSs. A software package was written to automate the analysis. Results: Using this simplified approach, we observed agreement within 5% at the detector Nyquist frequency (even better agreement at lower spatial frequencies) with the most rigorous metric measurement methods. Measurements took less than 10 minutes per detector and were stable over a three‐month period, indicating no changes in, or problems with, detector performance. Conclusions: This work describes a simple technique for quantitative measurement of detector performance in terms of resolution (MTF), noise (INEE), and signal‐to‐noise ratio (DQE) that can be practically implemented into routine QA programs to assist in the verification of proper imaging system performance. (Support: NIH Grant RO1EB008425)

Fabrication of free-form surfaces using a long-stroke fast tool servo and corrective figuring with on-machine measurement

Fabrication of free-form surfaces that are frequently demanded for the construction of optical imaging systems is described. To obtain a tool motion with large amplitude and high bandwidth, a novel long-stroke fast tool servo is proposed and installed on the Z-axis of a diamond turning machine as an additional synchronized axis. In addition, a special on-machine measurement device is used to measure the optical parameters of the machined surface and to compensate for the residual form of errors that are commonly produced in the diamond turning process. Actual machining test results show that the proposed procedures are capable of generating the copper free-form mirrors of 50 mm diameter to a form accuracy of 0.15 μm in peak-to-valley value error.

Distortion‐free fusion of multiple video camera images using EPI analysis

AbstractThis paper presents a method that uses an Epipolar Plane Image (EPI) to calibrate multiple video cameras and obtain distortion‐free fusion of these images. Generally speaking, the optical center of a camera exists inside its body making it physically difficult to focus these images at one point in multiple cameras. When fusing these types of camera images, distortion will occur unless three‐dimensional shape information is used. In this paper we perform distortion‐free image fusion by bringing these optical centers into agreement in a spatiotemporal field based on conditions in which multiple video cameras are installed on a movable object. The agreement points of the optical centers are automatically calculated by means of EPI matching. Because this process utilizes time‐variant redundancy of each camera image, a stable corresponding relationship is obtained even when there is no spatial overlap of the photographic range making it possible to install cameras with comparative freedom. In addition, because it is possible to ensure sufficient quality without using special external synchronization devices or position measurement devices, this method is also suitable for acquiring textures of large‐scale real scenes, such as urban spaces. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(11): 85–98, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20396

Fast model–image registration using a two-dimensional distance map for surgical navigation system

This paper presents a new registration algorithm of two-dimensional (2-D) color images and 3-D geometric models for the navigation system of a surgical robot. A 2-D–3-D registration procedure is used to precisely superimpose a tumor model on an endoscopic image and is, therefore, indispensable for the surgical navigation system. Thus, the performance of the 2-D–3-D registration procedure influences directly the usability of the surgical robot operating system. One of the typical techniques that has been developed is the use of external markers. However, the accuracy of this method is reduced by the breathing or heartbeat of the patient, as well as other unknown factors. For precise registration of 3-D models and 2-D images without external markers or special measurement devices, a new registration method is proposed that utilizes the 2-D images and their distance maps as created by the Fast Marching Method. Here, we present results of fundamental experiments performed using simulated models and actual images of the endoscopic operation.

Friction measurement in dense phase plug flow analysis

Pneumatic conveying, employing the dense phase plug flow regimen, is largely used to transport bulk solids. This process permits the conveying of large amounts of material in economical manner with less particle and pipe degradation compared to dilute phase conveying. By using an experimental system with special measurement devices and different materials of construction and transport, the friction between the material being transported and the pipe wall, the actual motion of the particles was determined, and the degree of fluidization were estimated. This information permits more accurate modeling of dense phase plug flow providing basic parameters to insert in existing and developing models.

EV-Web Scanner

Machine speeds of the new generation of paper machines have increased significantly in recent years. The speed of the old machines has also risen so that sheet runnability at the press and dryer sections has become a bottleneck reducing machine efficiency and productivity.Because of this information on the sheet moisture profile after the press section has become of increasing interest to several paper mills. Sometimes runnability and moisture profile problems have been so critical that special sheet-moisture measurement devices have been installed near the press section to measure the sheet moisture profile/trend occurring there.EV Web Scanner is a totally new concept for on-line measure of web moisture profile, moisture and temperature level just after the press section. With the EV Web Scanner, the mill personnel are able to find a variety of production bottlenecks in an early stage and thus improve web moisture controe.