Configuration Sharing Optimized Placement and Routing

Reconfigurable systems have been shown to achieve very high computational performance. However, the overhead associated with reconfiguration of hardware remains a critical factor in overall system performance. This paper discusses the development and evaluation of a technique to minimize the delay associated with reconfiguration based upon optimized sharing of configuration bit streams between design contexts. This is achieved through modified placement and routing algorithms

A Comparison of Video and Accelerometer Based Approaches Applied to Performance Monitoring in Swimming.

The aim of this paper is to present a comparison of video- and sensor based studies of swimming performance. The video-based approach is reviewed and contrasted to the newer sensor-based technology, specifically accelerometers based upon Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. Results from previously published swim performance studies using both the video and sensor technologies are summarised and evaluated against the conventional theory that upper arm movements are of primary interest when quantifying free-style technique. The authors conclude that multiple sensor-based measurements of swimmers’ acceleration profiles have the potential to offer significant advances in coaching technique over the traditional video based approach

Apparatus and method for real-time full field thermal imaging of the sole of the foot.

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal thermography (LCT) system for assessment of the lower extremities, preferably the sole of the feet. The invention is particularly relevant for use in the healthcare sector, such as, within GP clinics and specialised podiatric medicine centres. It would also find application in research labs to further understanding of foot dysfunction and in particular the diabetic foot with neuropathy. The important advantage of the present system over the prior art is the capability to obtain real time full field images during dynamic changes in skin temperature. Furthermore the system is compatible with existing sensory testing modalities used to assess foot function preferably for diabetic patients with loss of sensation (diabetic neuropathy)

Development of a low profile laser Doppler probe for monitoring perfusion at the patient – mattress interface

The clinical importance of pressure ulcers is reviewed confirming the need for continuous monitoring of skin blood perfusion at the patient – mattress interface. The design of a low profile (H≈1mm) laser Doppler probe is then described together with the experimental setup used for evaluation. The results show that the performance of the new sensor does not vary significantly from that of currently available probes over a wide range of operating parameters. The authors conclude that the sensor design provides a low cost perfusion monitoring solution with potential to significantly reduce the risk of bed sores in hospital patients

A novel audio based approach to game control to encourage musical instrument practice.

A technical summary is presented of work in progress that aims to develop an applied educational game for improving engagement with the learning of a musical instrument. The proposed system is novel through its use of the audio signal from an electroacoustic guitar as the control mechanism for game interaction. The interface mechanism is described together with an outline of the signal processing required to convert the audio signals into game control signals. Some examples, of simple prototype games targeted at novice child musicians in the 8 to 12 years age group are described to demonstrate the educational concept

A novel ZVS full-bridge converter

Conventional soft switching techniques are promising for improvement of efficiency in full bridge converters. However, efficiency of converters with employing such techniques is restricted due to narrow range of zero voltage switching (ZVS). In such situation, several methods have been proposed in the literature to cope with wide range of ZVS from no load to maximum load. The extra circuitry added to achieve a wide range of ZVS generates more conduction losses in a converter and increase cost of converter. In this paper, a novel ZVS full bridge converter is proposed to eliminate limitations of narrow range ZVS, improved efficiency and reduced cost. The circuit diagram, operation principle of proposed converter is explained and analyzed theoretically in detail. In addition, the proposed converter is built and experimental results are provided to verify the novel ZVS full bridge converter

Mitigation of Common mode Noise for PFC Boost Convertor by Balancing Technique

The PFC Boost Converter is an integral part of modern power supplies to improve power factor in electronic devices. The inherent problem associated with it is common mode (CM) Electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise arising due to the higher switching transition rate (dv/dt). The main coupling path for the CM noise is provided by parasitic capacitance occurring between the switching node and ground. In this scenario, it is important to identify feasible solutions for CM noise reduction. This paper therefore develops a circuit model for a boost PFC converter allowing detailed analyses of the performance of this type of converter. It includes all parasitic components along the CM noise path. Using this CM noise model, a novel balancing approach is proposed that mitigates CM noise in a PFC boost converter. Validation of the new design approach is supported by experimental results demonstrating substantial noise reduction for a balanced PFC boost converter

An In-Shoe Laser Doppler Sensor for Assessing Plantar Blood Flow in the Diabetic Foot

An in-shoe laser Doppler sensor for assessing plantar blood flow in the diabetic foot. Jonathan Edwin Cobb Plantar ulceration is a complication of the diabetic foot prevalent in adults with type 11 diabetes mellitus. Although neuropathy, microvascular disease and biornechanical factors are all implicated, the mechanism by which the tissue becomes pre-disposed to damage remains unclear. Recent theories suggest that the nutritional supply to the tissue is compromised, either by increased flow through the arteriovenous anastomoses ('capillary steal' theory) or through changes in the micro vascu I ature (haemodynamic hypothesis). Clinical data to support these ideas has been limited to assessment of the unclad foot under rest conditions. A limitation of previous studies has been the exclusion of static and dynamic tissue loading, despite extensive evidence that these biornechanical factors are essential in the development of plantar ulceration. The present study has overcome these problems by allowing assessment of plantar blood flow, in-shoe, during standing and walking. The system comprises a laser Doppler blood flux sensor operating at 780nm, load sensor, measurement shoe, instrumentation, and analysis software. In-vitro calibration was performed using standard techniques. An in-vivo study of a small group of diabetic subjects indicated differences in the blood flux response between diabetic neuropaths, diabetics with vascular complications and a control group. For example, following a loading period of 120s, relative increases in response from rest to peak were: Control (150% to 259%), Vascular (-70% to 242%), Neuropathic (109%-174%) and recovery times to 50% of the peak response were: Control (33s to 45s), Vascular (43s to >120s), Neuropathic (>120s). Dynamic re-perfusion rates (arbitrary units per millisecond) obtained for the swing phase of gait were: Control (6.1 a. u/ms to 7.9 a. u/ms), Vascular (4 a. u/ms to 6.2 a. u/ms), Neuropathic (2.3 a. u/ms to 4.5 a. u/ms)

CM noise reduction of isolated converter by balancing technique

Common mode (CM) EMI noise in an isolated converter is mainly due to parasitic capacitance occurring within the SMPS. It flows through the transformer coupling capacitance and the parasitic capacitance of switching MOSFETs and rectification diodes. Several techniques have been proposed in the literature to reduce CM noise. The most common techniques are compensation, shielding, and the balancing-shielding technique. In this paper, a new balancing technique is described to reduce the noise of both parasitic capacitances of MOSFETs and transformer inter-winding capacitance. Analysis is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the compensation method and the resultant reduction in EMI noise. Finally, the practical measurement results obtained from a practical implementation of the new technique in a flyback converter topology, are presented as verification of the benefits of the approach in comparison to the conventional method

Sensors for triggering practical Functional Electrical Stimulation walking systems

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) techniques have shown significant improvement in mobility and functionality to many patients with pathological gait resulting from upper motor neurological injuries such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), etc. Effective functioning of FES walking systems relies on accurate and reliable detection of gait events (i.e heel rise and heel strike) which depends on the type of sensors and the detection algorithm used