Digital Commons Network^™

Pulse Patency And Oxygenation Sensing System Development To Detect G-Induced Loss Of Consciousness, Herman Pretorius

Master's Theses and Capstones

A fighter pilots greatest strength is the weakness of his or her opponent. Commonly, this strength comes down to the maneuverability of the aircraft, particularly the ability to out-climb. Since the 1980's, the thrust produced by these engines have the ability to drain the pilots head of blood causing a state of unconsciousness due to the overwhelming forces of gravity for upwards of 30 seconds; often times having fatal outcomes.

This thesis explores the feasibility of detecting of blood flow by means of arterial wall expansion (pulse patency) and blood oxygenation using a microprocessor to continually monitor the signals from …

Image Pre-Processing To Improve Data Matrix Barcode Read Rates, Nathan P. Brouwer

Master's Theses and Capstones

The main goal of this study is to research image processing methods in attempts to develop a robust approach to image pre-preprocessing of Data Matrix barcode images that will improve barcode read rates in an open source fashion. This is demonstrated by element state classification to re-create the ideal binary matrix corresponding to the intended barcode layout through pattern recognition theory.

The research consisted of implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of many image processing algorithms types, as well as evaluating key features that clearly delineate different element states. The algorithms developed highlight the use of morphological erosion and region growing …

Comparing And Contrasting Manual Direct Touch Interaction With Tangible User Interfaces For Mapping Applications, Timothy G. April

Master's Theses and Capstones

Multi-touch interfaces are growing in popularity for many forms of computing devices, including mobile devices, as well as personal and shared workstations. There has been limited exploration into the use of tangible user interfaces in conjunction with multi-touch displays for extracting data from geocoded data. Specifically, it is not known if tangible user interfaces are faster, easier or more intuitive to use than existing touch based controls. We hypothesize that tangible user interfaces will be faster, more satisfying and more desirable than touch based controls for extracting data from geocoded data. We set out to explore one tangible user interface …

Theory And Evaluation Of A Wireless Capacitive Strain Sensor At Ultra High Frequencies (Uhf) For Cnc Applications, Kyle Francis Shaughnessy

Master's Theses and Capstones

A low cost, non-intrusive interdigitated comb capacitive strain sensor for wireless monitoring of CNC tool cutting forces was designed. Wireless resonant strain sensors were fabricated using the capacitive strain sensor and an inductive trace printed on a flexible film. A parallel-plate capacitance model matched experimental results of capacitive sensors tested in bending and torsion. An optimal sensor design of 12 fingers and a 2.54 mm grid length resulted in an average sensor gauge factor of 0.6910 +/- 0.0646 in bending and 0.9091 +/- 0.1406 in torsion. The wirelessly measured resonant strain sensor was measured to have an average gauge factor …

Interfacing With A Capacitance Based Strain Sensor For Use In Cnc Milling Applications, Christopher George Dean

Master's Theses and Capstones

"Smart machining" provides feedback to the machine in an attempt to avoid pushing the cutting tool beyond its capability or lifetime, potentially ruining the tool or workpiece. This thesis details the process of designing a circuit board for communication with a capacitance-based wireless strain sensor to achieve a target strain resolution of 10muepsilon, at a target measurement rate of 100 kHz. The sensor resonates at a particular frequency, which varies as a function of strain on the tool. The strain is calculated as a function of the change in the resonant frequency. The results of this research are presented in …

Intelligent Aerial Store & Foreword Packet Repeater, William P. Mcdonnell

Master's Theses and Capstones

A communication framework capable of rapid deployment and adaptive wireless support was designed and implemented using an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a 900 MHz, frequency- hopping transceiver configured as a store and forward packet repeater. Users with or without line of sight propagation between one another can automatically connect through the packet repeater and employ the aerial platform for extended data transfer. The airborne vehicle accommodates dynamic re-positioning in response to varying radio link conditions, thus supporting communication between highly mobile and/or line of sight-obstructed users even as the network topology evolves. Using open source and custom written software …