Fuzzy Logic and Regression Approaches for Adaptive Sampling of Multimedia Traffic in Wireless Computer Networks

Organisations such as hospitals and the public are increasingly relying on large computer networks to access information and to communicate multimedia-type data. To assess the effectiveness of these networks, the traffic parameters need to be analysed. Due to the quantity of the data packets, examining each packet’s transmission parameters is not practical, especially in real time. Sampling techniques allow a subset of packets that accurately represents the original traffic to be examined and they are thus important in evaluating the performance of multimedia networks. In this study, an adaptive sampling technique based on regression and a fuzzy inference system was developed. The technique dynamically updates the number of packets sampled by responding to the traffic’s variations. Its performance was found to be superior to the conventional nonadaptive sampling methods. Keywords: computer network traffic sampling; multimedia transmission; quality of service; network performance evaluatio

Noncontact Respiration Rate Monitoring: An Evaluation of Four Methods

Respiratory rate (RR) is an important diagnostic indicator of deterioration in critically ill patients, therefore an accurate method for its measurement is needed. The existing methods for RR measurement are typically contact-based, ie the sensing unit is attached to the patient's body. Some young children do not tolerate contact-based methods. Contact-based methods may also cause stress, affecting RR value. The operations of four non-contact RR measurement methods were compared. These were: infrared thermal imaging; airflow sensing; vision-based chest movement tracking and respiratory airflow sensing. The study showed that all four methods could measure RR. The strengths and limitations of each method are explained

Child-friendly wireless remote health monitoring system

A wireless child-friendly health monitoring system that records photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals has been built. It uses low cost LEDs as optical receivers. It was shown that the recorded PPG signals are larger in magnitude by nearly five times when using four LEDs in a suitable formation as photo detectors. The PPG signals were transmitted wirelessly and stored on a PC. The signals were processed to extract heart beat rate, respiration rate and SpO2 blood oxygen saturation level. The results that demonstrated the effectiveness of the device's operation are presented