2015
Authors
Rodrigues, P; Oliveira, A; Sinogas, P; Taing, S; Eisner, J; Watts, S; Boissinot, V; Salgado, HM; Ferreira, JC; Pessoa, L; Da Silva, JM;
Publication
Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
Abstract
Spectrum allocation for current wireless communication systems is performed by the regulatory and licensing bodies, who allocate spectrum bands for given applications. This strict allocation severely limits the effectiveness and flexibility of the spectrum use. Cognitive radio (CR) has been demonstrated as a key emerging technology to provide flexible and efficient use of the available spectrum by allocating frequency bands dynamically, and to improve the performance of radio systems in congested or jammed environments. Frequencies that are reserved or usually occupied can be exploited if the cognitive radio system identifies them as being free. Such a system is also able to monitor and deal with degrading communication performance or regulatory constraints. It automatically adjusts radio settings to use the best wireless channels in its environment, ensuring appropriate quality of service, efficiency and versatility. The SCREEN project proposes to extend the concept of cognitive radio to space and particularly to SatCom applications. This is an on-going project funded by the Horizon 2020 European Union programme. CR has never been used or tested in space, since previous research has been focused in terrestrial technologies. By addressing this topic and demonstrating its capabilities and benefits for space applications, SCREEN will contribute to a better management of this scarce resource that is bandwidth. While it has already been demonstrated that CR technology radically improves the performance for terrestrial applications at many different levels, the same benefits also apply in Space and especially in the SatCom segment, where the services provided need to ensure quality to the clients, for market competitiveness. CR has the potential to enable different approaches for managing the growing satellite communication demands and provides flexibility to explore new types of hybrid networks. SatCom operators will benefit from having the flexibility to allocate frequency slots dynamically, according to the instantaneous traffic patterns, instead of reserving fixed bands within regulatory constraints. Additionally, by optimising the spectrum management, SatCom operators can accommodate more users at the same time, without sacrificing the network performance. In this paper we will describe the overall concept behind the SCREEN project and present the results of a complete framework analysis, consisting of technical conclusions, market and impact analyses, regulatory considerations/constraints and requirements. Based on this analysis we further present functional, performance and test requirements for the project, which will show the project direction and outcome, together with the expected benefits that this technology will bring to Space applications. Copyright
2015
Authors
Trindade, IG; Martins, F; Dias, R; Oliveira, C; da Silva, JM;
Publication
2015 37TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY (EMBC)
Abstract
In this article we present a smart textile system for the continuous monitoring of cardiorespiratory signals, produced and integrated with an industrial embroidery unit. The design of a T-shirt system, having embedded textile sensors and interconnects and custom designed circuit for data collection and Bluetooth transmission is presented. The performance of skin-contact textile electrodes, having distinctive electrical characteristics and surface morphologies, was characterized by measurements of signal to noise ratio, under dry and moisture conditions. The influence of the electrodes size and the wear resistance were addressed. Results of an electrocardiogram acquisition with a subject wearing the T-shirt and display on a smartphone are also shown. The presented smart textile systems exhibit good performance and versatility for custom demand production.
2014
Authors
Catarino, A; Rocha, AM; Abreu, MJ; Derogarian, F; Da Silva, J; Ferreira, J; Tavares, V; Correia, M; Dias, R;
Publication
Journal of Textile Engineering
Abstract
Human motion capture systems help clinicians to detect and identify mobility impairments, early stages of pathologies and evaluate the effectiveness of surgical or rehabilitation intervention. Although there is a considerable number of solutions presently available, these systems are often expensive, complex, difficult to wear, and uncomfortable for the patient. With the purpose of solving the formerly mentioned problems, a new wearable locomotion data capture system for gait analysis is being developed. This system will allow the measurement of several locomotion-related parameters in a practical and non-invasive way, also reusable, that can be used by patients from light to severe impairments or disabilities. © 2013 The Textile Machinery Society of Japan.
2014
Authors
Salazar Escobar, AJS; da Silva, JM; Correia, M;
Publication
2014 19TH INTERNATIONAL MIXED-SIGNALS, SENSORS AND SYSTEMS TEST WORKSHOP (IMS3TW)
Abstract
The framework being proposed addresses the test and measurement of circuits and systems populated with varying types of sensors and functional blocks, among which one can find embedded test instruments. Its conceptual functionality is based on four types of operations: setup, capture, process, and scan (SCPS), and aims to provide a unifying methodology for managing and synchronizing test operations and instruments. The generalized physical structure and examples of operating commands are described. An application illustrates its use in a particular case.
2014
Authors
Oliveira, CC; da Silva, JM;
Publication
IFMBE Proceedings
Abstract
An aneurysm is a life-threatening condition,which left untreated may burst or rupture, causing massive blood loss. One of the currently available treatments for aortic aneurysms is endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, in spite of major advances in the surgical techniques, complications are still likely to occur making it recommendable to maintain lifelong surveillance. In order to reduce and even eliminate current surveillance imaging exams, as well as to reduce follow-up costs, new technological solutions are being pursued. The work presented herein aims to develop a novel and dependable non- invasive coronary stent-graft monitoring system based on RFID technology. The monitoring system uses an inductive coupling interface to capture the pressures given by a cluster of sensors placed on the stent-graft's wall. The application of multimodal data fusion techniques enables the improvement of the surveillance system performance in terms of accuracy, robustness and reliability. The processing of the pressure signalsmeasured inside the aneurysm sac with other physiological signals - electrocardiogram (ECG) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) - will allow obtaining better monitoring resolution and reliability. The techniques utilized to diagnose deviations fromthe normal operation or faults in the flexible pressure sensors are described and tested, showing promising results for achieving a highly reliable system. © 2014, Springer International Publishing Switzerland.
2013
Authors
Catarino, A; Rocha, AM; Abreu, MJ; da Silva, JM; Ferreira, JC; Tavares, VG; Correia, MV; Zambrano, A; Derogarian, F; Dias, R;
Publication
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HYGIENE
Abstract
Human motion capture systems are used by medical staff for detecting and identifying mobility impairments, early stages of certain pathologies and can also be used for evaluation of the effectiveness of surgical or rehabilitation intervention. Other applications may involve athlete's performance, occupational safety, among others. Presently there is a considerable number of solutions available, however these systems present some drawbacks, as they are often expensive, considerably complex, difficult to wear and use in a daily basis, and very uncomfortable for the patient. With the purpose of solving the above mentioned problems, a new wearable locomotion data capture system for gait analysis is under development. This system will allow the measurement of several locomotion-related parameters in a practical and non-invasive way, comfortable to the user, which will also be reusable that can be used by patients from light to severe impairments or disabilities. The present paper gives an overview of the research that is being developed, regarding the design of the wearable equipment, textile support, and communications.
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