Computer Engineering Commons^™

Efficient Logarithmic Function Approximation, Amjad F. Hajjar, Mohammad H. Awedh

Innovative Research Publications IRP India

A criteria is developed for the approximations of a logarithmic function to piecewise straight lines at multiple segments such that the maximum absolute error is minimized.The optimum cutting points for segmentation are estimated numerically with an exhaustive search. Our hardware implementation is restricted to integer operations (addition and shifting).

Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (Scada) Control Optimization, Garrett Johnson, Jeremy Straub, Eunjin Kim

Jeremy Straub

SCADA systems are generally used to monitor and control multiple systems of the same type to allow them to be remotely controlled and monitored. Water plants, for example, could be controlled and monitored by a SCADA system. This project seeks to optimize a SCADA system using Artificial Intelligence. A constraint satisfaction / optimization algorithm is used to maximize performance relative to weighted system goals.

A Software Defined Radio Communications System For A Small Spacecraft, Michael Hlas, Jeremy Straub, Ronald Marsh

Jeremy Straub

Software defined radios (SDRs) are poised to significantly enhance the future of small spacecraft communications. They allow signal processing to be performed on a computer by software rather than requiring dedicated hardware. The OpenOrbiter SDR (discussed in [1] and refined in [2]) takes data from the flight computer and converts it into an analog signal that is transmitted via the spacecraft antenna. Because the signal processing is done in software, the radio can be easily reconfigured. This process is done in reverse for incoming transmissions, which are received by the SDR and decoded by software. Figures 1 and 2 provide …

Creating A Low-Cost Radio For An Open Cubesat, Michael Wegerson, Jeremy Straub, Ronald Marsh

Jeremy Straub

A reliable communication system is key to the success of a CubeSat mission, allowing for data to be trans-mitted to the ground station and commands to be up-loaded to the satellite. To satisfy this need, the OpenOrbiter satellite (a 1-U CubeSat [1], being devel-oped with a target parts budget of under $5,000 [2]) is leveraging previously space-tested [3], low-cost trans-ceiver design which is based on the SI 4463 IC unit. This board design will be included in the publically available Open Framework for Educational Nanosatel-lites (OPEN) allowing others to modify, enhance and/or make use of the design in the future.

Design Of An Onboard Distributed Multiprocessing System For A Cubesat, Michael Wegerson, Jeremy Straub, Ronald Marsh

Jeremy Straub

The OpenOrbiter program aims to develop a low-cost framework to facilitate the development of CubeSat-class spacecraft (small spacecraft with nominal dimensions of 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm) for a parts cost of less than $5,000. To validate the framework that has been developed, a prototype unit will also be fabricated and tested in low-Earth orbit. In addition to validating the development of Open Prototype for Educational Nanosats (OPEN) framework, the spacecraft will perform on-orbit science. One aspect of the science mission will be to demonstrate and characterize the efficacy of two types of image processing. To this …

Fundamentals And Applications Of Transducers Technology And Sensors In Measuring Methodology, Innovative Research Publications Irp India, Nwosu, A.W., Eke, V.O.C.

Innovative Research Publications IRP India

This paper deals on fundamentals and application of transducer technology and sensors in measuring techniques. Emphasis are laid on the principles of sensors and transducer technology, its application in measurement and their significance in data acquisition for micro-computer data based machine or automatic control systems .More so, the discussion exclusively appended improved applications of technology, expect and remote control systems.

Analysis Of A ‘Turn-Key’ No Hardware Space Mission Using The Orbital Services Model, Jeremy Straub

Jeremy Straub

Many applications that would benefit from access to space cannot afford the cost of spacecraft development, launch and operations. Other operations require only a fraction of a spacecraft or complete use of a spacecraft for a limited period of time. This paper considers the value of a ‘turn-key’ style space mission. It considers what types of missions could be reasonably conducted using this approach. The economics of being a service provider are considered. Then, a prospective mission concept for one OSM ‘turn-key’ mission is presented. The value proposition of this mission is assessed and the hardware and other capabilities required …

Introduction To Anti-Collision Algorithms And Estimation Methods In Rfid Systems, Masoud Shakiba

Masoud Shakiba

The main objective of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems is to provide fast identification for tagged objects. The noteworthy advantage of RFID technology, is its capability to identify objects simultaneously. However, when radio frequency signals are emitted simultaneously, there is a probability of collision occurrence, and thereby resulting in a waste of resources. Collision is a time-consuming event that reduces the performance of RFID systems. Consequently, several anti-collision algorithms have been proposed in the literature, attempt to decrease the collision occurrence probability. In almost all the existing anti-collision algorithms, a prior knowledge of the number of tags has a significant …

Introduction To Rfid Technology And Collision Problem, Masoud Shakiba

Masoud Shakiba

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system is a new communication technology to identify the objects using electromagnetic waves. The main superiority of RFID systems in comparison with other identification systems, such as barcodes, is its ability in simultaneous identification process, but when more than one tag wants to communicate with the reader, collision problem occurs and wastes time and increases energy consumption. This reduces efficiency of the identification process in RFID systems. Collision problem happens when the reader has to identify more than one tag at the same time. Consequently, it is essential to develop an efficient anti-collision algorithm to save …

Enabling Interplanetary Small Spacecraft Science Missions With Model Based Data Analysis, Jeremy Straub

Jeremy Straub

Small spacecraft operating outside of Earth orbit are significantly constrained by the communica- tions link available to them. This is particularly true for stand-alone craft that must rely on their own antenna and transmission systems (for which gain and available power generation are limited by form factor); it is also applicable to ‘hitchhiker’-style missions which may be able to utilize (quite likely very limited amounts of) time on the primary spacecraft’s communications equip- ment for long-haul transmission.

This poster presents the adaptation of the Model-Based Transmission Reduction (MBTR) frame- work’s Model-Based Data Analysis (MBDA) component for use on an interplanetary …

The Development Of Payload Software For A Small Spacecraft, Kyle Goehner, Christoffer Korvald, Jeremy Straub, Ronald Marsh

Jeremy Straub

The OpenOrbiter project is a multi-department effort to design and build a small spacecraft which will demonstrate the feasibility of the Open Prototype for Educational NanoSats (OPEN) framework. This framework will reduce cost of small spacecraft creation by providing design plans for free. The focus of the payload software group is to design and implement an onboard task processing and image processing service. Currently the project is in the development phase and most large design decisions have been made. This poster presents the major design decisions that have been made for the payload software and how they will affect the …

Cfp: Handbook Of Research On Technological Applications And Innovation For Economic Development, Deogratias Harorimana Mr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

The innovation in the 21st century goes significantly beyond the high-tech picture driven by small or large industry clusters in a specific region-typically Silicon Valley and M4Corridor. The future of innovation will lie within knowledge management and seamless technological applications. These will be supported by planned funding strategies, possibly with clients as drivers of the innovation. This view seems to be supported by the UK government “Technology and Innovation Futures” (2011); the USA government (2011), study into which leading scholars concede that the future innovation and technological applications for economic growth will include products and processes, improvements in areas such …

A Human Proximity Operations System Test Case Validation Approach, Justin Huber, Jeremy Straub

Jeremy Straub

A Human Proximity Operations System (HPOS) poses numerous risks in a real world environment. These risks range from mundane tasks such as avoiding walls and fixed obstacles to the critical need to keep people and processes safe in the context of the HPOS’s situation-specific decision making. Validating the performance of an HPOS, which must operate in a real-world environment, is an ill posed problem due to the complexity that is introduced by erratic (non-computer) actors. In order to prove the HPOS’s usefulness, test cases must be generated to simulate possible actions of these actors, so the HPOS can be shown …

Exposing Multiple User-Specific Data Denominated Products From A Single Small Satellite Data Stream, Atif F. Mohammad,, Emanuel Grant, Jeremy Straub, Ronald Marsh, Scott Kerlin

Jeremy Straub

This paper presents a research work on small satellite data stream and related distribution to associated stakeholders, which is a field that needs to get explored in more detail. The algorithm that is presented to extract USDDP (User-Specific Data Denominated Products) is a self managing body, which will be within as Open Space Box environment or OSBE as a novel idea. It contains an individual stream transmitted by the small satellite, which later is to be converted into USDDP. The context defined here deals with area in detail. Contexts are vitally important because they control, influence and affect everything within …

Model-Based Software Engineering For An Imaging Cubesat And Its Extrapolation To Other Missions, Atif Mohammad, Jeremy Straub, Christoffer Korvald, Emanuel Grant

Jeremy Straub

Small satellites with their limited computational capabilities require that software engineering techniques promote efficient use of spacecraft resources. A model-driven approach to software engineering is an excellent solution to this resource maximization challenge as it facilitates visualization of the key solution processes and data elements.

The software engineering process utilized for the OpenOrbiter spacecraft, which is a remote sensing technology demonstrator, is presented. Key challenges presented by the Open Orbiter project included concurrent operation and tasking of five computer-on-module (COM) units and a flight computer and the associated data marshaling between local and general storage. The payload processing system (consisting …

Greek Patent Protection System And The Impacts Of Information Technology Industry, Emmanouil Alexander Zografakis Ez

Emmanouil Alexander Zografakis EZ

Our era can be characterized as the era of knowledge proliferation and bountifulness. That has marked our era as the era following the pace of the Information Society Development. Information Society has also brought about a remarkable IT development pace over countries. Thereby, it is greatly important all that raw knowledge to become mind figments, ideas and even inventions and innovations. It is also essential to highlight that such a beneficial process will ensure the continuity of the IT development. The only way to achieve that goal is to find a way to secure all that aforementioned knowledge which is …

Open Space Box Model: Service Oriented Architecture Framework For Small Spacecraft Collaboration And Control, Atif F. Mohammad, Jeremy Straub

Jeremy Straub

A Cubesat is a small satellite with very less competence to compute, it requires software engineering techniques, which can enhance the computational power for this small box. A model-driven approach of software engineering, which is called OSBM or Open Space Box Modeling technique, is an excellent solution to this re-source maximization challenge. OSBM facilitates apparition of the key solution pro-cesses computation and satellite related data elements using Service Oriented Ar-chitecture 3.0 (SOA 3.0) as base to work on to design services. The key challenges that can be handled by utilizing OSBM include concurrent operation and tasking of few as five …

How Can Pacific Island Economies Benefits From The Advent Of Ict’S – Review Of Best Practices In Education, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

This paper explored implementation and use of information and communication technologies in Fiji, in order to gain insight into recent government initiatives to introduce computers and other ICTs for the community of Fiji. The focus of this paper in that it provided the framework for an in-depth exploration of e-learning centers around the country and the benefits from the advent of ICT’s in e-learning community centers in Fiji. Areas concentrated on are outcome of ICT’s in formal education to students and community as a whole in areas of agriculture, health, environment and infrastructure etc. The research sought understanding from the …

Technical Assistance, Knowledge Gatekeeping And Indigenous Knowledge: Re-Thinking The International Development Practice, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

This paper presents results from a multi-disciplinary conceptual analysis of development theory and practice. It reviews issues raised and proposes a shift in the epistemology of possession towards an epistemology of practice which is guided by the following aspects (1) The consideration of the learning culture of parties involved, (2) the ability and willingness for decontextualisation of the knowledge by the source and (3) the ability to embedded it by recipients (embededness ), (4) the importance that is attached to knowledge of the host country as reflected through (5) Similarity in culture, values, understanding of context and knowledge bases; (6) …

Mis Mock Questions (Why Mis In Corporate Turbulant Times), Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

With corporate strategy becoming more and more dependent on speed,focus, innovation and strategy, what can MIS do? and what should be MIS role ? what is the relationship between Corporate Strategy KPI and MIS? These questions are answered in an MBA Management Information Systems at USP. This programme is delivered across the entire Pacific region through the Graduate School of Business. It is my privilege to post here few questions that students who attended one of the course in Nadi, at Tanoa International Hotel had to answer in one of the Quiz test.

Economic Benefits Analysis Of Mining Industries In Png And Solomon Islands, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

This paper discusses mining and mineral operations in the two countries Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands with regards to its contribution to the overall Gross domestic Product and the economic development of each country.

Our finding shows that mining is an excellent contributor to economic growth and development as in the case of Papua New Guinea.Tax revenue from PNG Mining industries contributions to the PNG fiscal basket remains strong and growing steadily. The mining and minerals tax revenue remains an important contributor to the government fiscal budget over the last 10 years. This has been a strong contributor to …

Understanding Economics Of The Pacific Island Nations: Issues And Cases, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

No abstract provided.

Job Creation In The Tuna Industry Of The Solomon Islands- A Tentative Strategic Analysis, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

The principal objective of this paper is to review the current Tuna Fisheries Policies in the Solomon Islands with a view to proposing strategies that will maximize Job creation while at the same time address the issues that currently exist in this sector. Although the Tuna Industry’s contribution to GDP is quite significant, the Solomon Island Government (SIG) gets little or close to nothing out of it in the form of revenue and Job creation with the majority of vessels being foreign owned and fishing license fees amongst the lowest in the Pacific. SOLTAI which is partly owned by the …

Review Of Solomon Islands’ Policies And Programs To Promote Private Sector Development And Small Business, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

Solomon Islands is a nation with vast resources with huge potential to excel economically if proper business atmosphere is provided for both private sector development and small and medium enterprises entrepreneurship. Conducive policies that, not only, a mere statement but is broken down to workable strategies with quantitative expected outcome with a strong mentoring mechanism is very important. Previous governments have continuously ignored the importance of having small business policies until lately when NCRA government came up with a set of policies that strategically addresses the significance of small and medium businesses. However, notwithstanding foreign investment is very important in …

Using The Case Study Methodology In Teaching, Deogratias Harorimana Mr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

This paper reviews the Why, How, to use the Case Study Methods in MBA teaching. The Presentation was prepared for and delivered as part of MBA students induction Programme in the Graduate School of Business.

Pss And Tcsc Damping Controller Coordinated Design Using Gsa, Mahdiyeh Eslami, Hussain Shareef, Azah Mohamed, Mohammad Khajehzadeh

Dr. Mahdiyeh Eslami (مهدیه اسلامی)

No abstract provided.

The Gatekeeper And The Knowledge Environment-Who They Are, How They Work Empirical Evidences From High-Tech Manufacturing And R&D Firms, Deogratias Harorimana

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to critically study the role of the Knowledge Gatekeeper within the manufacturing and high tech selected case studies and by explaining who they are, how they work and identify and analyse the barriers to knowledge creation and knowledge sharing. Methodology: The research was guided by an inductive approach with a multiple case study strategy. Research instruments included a questionnaire and interviews from respectively 105 and 40 respondents. Findings: In the African Manufacturing context, and in absence of sophisticated technologies and highly qualified personnel, technical knowledge can be obtained from organizational …

Review Of Economics Of Manamagement Information Systems, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

“Information technology is the "digital nervous system" of any business.” (Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation, 1997)

The way business is conducted in this era is phenomenal. Almost everything is a “click” away. The customers are satisfied, businesses are satisfied, Government is satisfied and the entire globe is gratified by the work of information technology (IT). This research discloses the several returns and shortcomings of IT, and how businesses use IT to realize their strategic goals.

The report presents discussion on two organisations, Dell Computer Corporation and Sydney Waters, which had a prosperous and disastrous implementation of IT systems respectively. The …

Using Mis To Deliver Essential Services:Case Of Healthcare Provision Support In Fiji, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

In comparison to other Pacific Island countries, Fiji’s health system is the most developed amongst Pacific Island countries (UNDP 2006) and has undergone significant change in the last decade. From 1999 – 2009, AusAid, a major donor to Fiji’s health system, has supported two stage health sector improvement programs. The first stage (1999 - 2003) was a management reform program designed to improve decision making by supporting a new model of decentralized management. The second phase (2004 – 2009) looked at improving governance, health systems performance, clinical outcomes and supported public health and infrastructure initiatives at the divisional level (WHO …

Impact Of Crm Systems On Organisational Performance: A Case Study Of Anz Bank, Deogratias Harorimana Sr

Dr Deogratias Harorimana

This paper reports case study results analysis of the ANZ Bank in the Pacific Region. The case study results show that ANZ has a well-established CRM system supporting its marketing and sales activities, but equally the results indicate mixed scenarios. A positive relationship between CRM to performance was established. That is, it has a positive contribution to the bank’s performance, both financial and non-financial. There is also negative feedback on the bank’s CRM system which illustrates that CRM system can also have negative consequences. CRM success is questionable from a stand-alone perspective. Although there are encouraging results from the use …