The performance of a visible light communication (VLC) system based on power domain non-orthogonal multiple access (PD-NOMA) is experimentally evaluated in this paper. The simplicity of the adopted non-orthogonal scheme is provided by the fixed power allocation method at the transmitter and the single one-tap equalization executed before the successive interference cancellation at the receiver. The experimental results proved the successful transmission of the PD-NOMA scheme with three users in VLC links of up to 2.5 m, after a proper choice of the optical modulation index. All users achieved error-vector magnitude (EVM) performances below FEC limits in all evaluated transmission distances. At 2.5 m, the user with the best performance reaches an EVM = 2.3 %.
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The transmission of constant-envelope orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CE-OFDM) signals, based on electrical phase modulation, was shown to improve the tolerance to noise and the nonlinearity introduced by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in visible light communication (VLC) systems. This allows the application of larger signal amplitudes despite the LED-nonlinearities and, thus, data transmission over larger distances. The performance of a 9.51 Mb/s CE-OFDM based system, with 16-QAM subcarrier mapping in a bandwidth of 5 MHz, was compared to the efficiency of a conventional OFDM system. The error vector magnitude (EVM) was reduced from 17.5% to 10% (which is below the FEC limit), an improvement around 43%, when the CE-OFDM scheme was applied in the VLC link of 6 m. A good performance was achieved by the CE-OFDM based VLC system in a link of 8 m, when 4-QAM was used as subcarrier mapping.
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This paper describes the concept of a new algorithm to control an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for accurate autonomous indoor flight. Inside a greenhouse, Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are not reliable and not accurate enough. As an alternative, Ultra Wide Band (UWB) is used for localization. The noise is compensated by combining the UWB with the delta position signal from a novel optical flow algorithm through a Kalman Filter (KF). The end result is an accurate and stable position signal with low noise and low drift.
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In this paper, we experimentally compare orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and on-off keying (OOK) modulation in the context of the IEEE 802.15.13-2023 standard at bandwidths up to 50 MHz across a Li-Fi link with distances up to 5 m and a lateral offset up to 51°. Error vector magnitude (EVM) and bit error rate (BER) evaluations confirm that the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of OFDM limits the achievable transmission distance, but it offers higher data rates due to its higher spectral efficiency. Due to the lower PAPR, OOK-based Pulsed Modulation PHY (PM-PHY) shows a significantly higher link range. As the structure of the PM-PHY is based on OFDM symbols, the two solutions may also be combined to open a wider range of use cases for optical wireless communications.
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A modified genetic algorithm (MGA) optimization procedure, alongside time series machine learning (ML) classifiers, is proposed to minimize handovers in a digital twin-based visible light communication (VLC) system. Frequent handovers have a direct impact on the overall performance of the VLC system due to the inherent connection downtime of a handover process. The handover scheme proposed in this article considers the receiver trajectory information to minimize handovers, maintaining the system performance below the forward error correction limit. Simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme outperforms a power-based handover scheme, achieving handover reductions of 42.47%. Therefore, the MGA combined to the ML models approach is an effective means of minimizing handovers, as well as improving overall VLC system performance.
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In this paper, artificial intelligence tools are implemented in order to predict trajectory positions, as well as channel performance of an optical wireless communications link. Case studies for industrial scenarios are considered to this aim. In a first stage, system parameters are optimized using a hybrid multi-objective optimization (HMO) procedure based on the grey wolf optimizer and the non-sorting genetic algorithm III with the goal of simultaneously maximizing power and spectral efficiency. In a second stage, we demonstrate that a long short-term memory neural network (LSTM) is able to predict positions, as well as channel gain. In this way, the VLC links can be configured with the optimal parameters provided by the HMO. The success of the proposed LSTM architectures was validated by training and test root-mean square error evaluations below 1%.
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This research paper looks at a selection of science-fiction films and its connection with the progression of the use of television, telephone and print media. It also analyzes statistical data obtained from a questionnaire conducted by the research group regarding the use of communication media.
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Background: Children with difficulties in listening and understanding speech despite normal peripheral hearing, can be diagnosed with the diagnosis Auditory Processing Disorder (A). However, there are doubts about the validity of this diagnosis. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between the listening difficulties of children between 8 and 12 years with suspected A and the attention, working memory, nonverbal intelligence and communication abilities of these children.Material and methods: In this case-control study we examined 10 children who reported listening difficulties in spite of normal peripheral hearing (3 referred by speech-language pathologist in the Northern Netherlands, 6 by an audiological center in the Southern Netherlands and one by parental concern) and 21 typically developing children (recruitment through word of mouth and by the website Taalexpert.nl), ages 8;0 to 12;0 years. The parents of all children completed three questionnaires about history, behavioral symptoms of ADHD, and communication skills (Children’s Communication Checklist). Teachers of the children completed the Children’s Auditory Processing Performance Scale (CHAPPS). Children were assessed for auditory processing abilities (speech-in-noise, filtered speech, binaural fusion, dichotic listening), nonverbal intelligence (Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices), and working memory (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals). Auditory and visual attention was studied with four behavioral tests of the WAFF battery of the Vienna Test System (Schuhfried).Results: Preliminary analysis shows no differences between groups on the auditory processing tests and nonverbal intelligence quotient. Children in the experimental group have poorer communication performance (parent report), poorer listening skills (teacher report), and poorer working memory and attention skills (behavioral tests).Conclusions: The results of this study showed that there is a difference between children with listening complaints and typically developing children, but that the problems are not specific to the auditory modality. There seems to be no evidence for the validity of an auditory deficit.
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In wheelchair sports, the use of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) has proven to be one of the most accessible ways for ambulatory measurement of wheelchair kinematics. A three-IMU configuration, with one IMU attached to the wheelchair frame and two IMUs on each wheel axle, has previously shown accurate results and is considered optimal for accuracy. Configurations with fewer sensors reduce costs and could enhance usability, but may be less accurate. The aim of this study was to quantify the decline in accuracy for measuring wheelchair kinematics with a stepwise sensor reduction. Ten differently skilled participants performed a series of wheelchair sport specific tests while their performance was simultaneously measured with IMUs and an optical motion capture system which served as reference. Subsequently, both a one-IMU and a two-IMU configuration were validated and the accuracy of the two approaches was compared for linear and angular wheelchair velocity. Results revealed that the one-IMU approach show a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.10 m/s for absolute linear velocity and a MAE of 8.1◦/s for wheelchair angular velocity when compared with the reference system. The twoIMU approach showed similar differences for absolute linear wheelchair velocity (MAE 0.10 m/s), and smaller differences for angular velocity (MAE 3.0◦/s). Overall, a lower number of IMUs used in the configuration resulted in a lower accuracy of wheelchair kinematics. Based on the results of this study, choices regarding the number of IMUs can be made depending on the aim, required accuracy and resources available.
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Interactive design is an emerging trend in dementia care environments. This article describes a research project aiming at the design and development of novel spatial objects with narrative attributes that incorporate embedded technology and textiles to support the wellbeing of people living with dementia. In collaboration with people with dementia, this interdisciplinary research project focuses on the question of how innovative spatial objects can be incorporated into dementia long-term care settings, transforming the space into a comforting and playful narrative environment that can enhance self-esteem while also facilitating communication between people living with dementia, family, and staff members. The research methodologies applied are qualitative, including Action Research. Participatory design methods with the experts by experience—the people with dementia—and health professionals have been used to inform the study. Early findings from this research are presented as design solutions comprising a series of spatial object prototypes with embedded technology and textiles. The prototypes were evaluated primarily by researchers, health professionals, academics, and design practitioners in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and their potential to stimulate engagement. The research is ongoing, and the aim is to evaluate the prototypes by using ethnographic and sensory ethnography methods and, consequently, further develop them through co-design workshops with people living with dementia.
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