Computer Engineering Commons^™

In Need Of A Domain-Specific Language Modeling Notation For Smartphone Applications With Portable Capability, Hamza Ghandorh, Luiz Fernando Capretz Dr., Ali Bou Nassif Dr.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

The rapid growth of the smartphone market and its increasing revenue has motivated developers to target multiple platforms. Market leaders, such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft, develop their smartphone applications complying with their platform specifications. The specification of each platform makes a platform-dedicated application incompatible with other platforms due to the diversity of operating systems, programming languages, and design patterns. Conventional development methodologies are applied to smartphone applications, yet they perform less well. Smartphone applications have unique hardware and software requirements. All previous factors push smartphone developers to build less sophisticated and low-quality products when targeting multiple smartphone platforms. Model-driven …

Dna Based Electrolyte/Separator For Lithium Battery Application, Jitendra Kumar, Fahima Ouchen-Bouchendouka, Devin A. Smarra, Guru Subramanyam, James Grote

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

In this study, we demonstrated the use of DNA-CTMA (DC) in combination with PolyVinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) as a host matrix or separator for Lithium based electrolyte to form solid polymer/gel like electrolyte for potential application in Li-ion batteries.

The addition of DC provided a better thermal stability of the composite electrolyte as shown by the thermos-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The AC conductivity measurements suggest that the addition of DC to the gel electrolyte had no effect on the overall ionic conductivity of the composite. The obtained films are flexible with high mechanical stretch-ability as compared to the gel type electrolytes only.

Survivable Cloud Network Mapping For Disaster Recovery Support, Feng Gu, Khaled B. Shaban, Nasir Ghani, Samee Khan, Mahshid R. Naeini, Majeed M. Hayat, Chadi Assi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Network virtualization is a key provision for improving the scalability and reliability of cloud computing services. In recent years, various mapping schemes have been developed to reserve VN resources over substrate networks. However, many cloud providers are very concerned about improving service reliability under catastrophic disaster conditions yielding multiple system failures. To address this challenge, this work presents a novel failure region-disjoint VN mapping scheme to improve VN mapping survivability. The problem is first formulated as a mixed integer linear programming problem and then two heuristic solutions are proposed to compute a pair of failure region-disjoint VN mappings. The solution …

Improved Terahertz Modulation Using Germanium Telluride (Gete) Chalcogenide Thin Films, A. H. Gwin, C. H. Kodama, T. Laurvick, Ronald A. Coutu Jr., P. F. Taday

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

We demonstrate improved terahertz (THz) modulation using thermally crystallized germanium telluride (GeTe) thin films. GeTe is a chalcogenidematerial that exhibits a nonvolatile, amorphous to crystalline phase change at approximately 200 °C, as well as six orders of magnitude decreased electrical resistivity. In this study, amorphous GeTe thin filmswere sputtered on sapphire substrates and then tested using THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). The test samples, heated in-situ while collecting THz-TDS measurements, exhibited a gradual absorbance increase, an abrupt nonvolatile reduction at the transition temperature, followed by another gradual increase in absorbance. The transition temperature was verified by conducting similar thermal tests while …

Compiling Collapsing Rules In Certain Constructor Systems, Sergio Antoy, Andy Jost

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

The implementation of functional logic languages by means of graph rewriting requires a special handling of collapsing rules. Recent advances about the notion of a needed step in some constructor systems offer a new approach to this problem. We present two results: a transformation of a certain class of constructor-based rewrite systems that eliminates collapsing rules, and a rewrite-like relation that takes advantage of the absence of collapsing rules. We formally state and prove the correctness of these results. When used together, these results simplify without any loss of efficiency an implementation of graph rewriting and consequently of functional logic …

Secure Transmission And Retrieval Of Images In Conjunction With Steganography Using Chaos In Nonlinear Acousto-Optic Feedback, Monish Ranjan Chatterjee, Fares S. Almehmadi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Digital images are encrypted onto a chaotic carrier in a Bragg cell under hybrid nonlinear feedback and secure data is embedded into the system via steganography. System robustness (with and without channel noise) is analyzed vis-a-vis information security.

Reducing Multiple Access Interference In Broadband Multi-User Wireless Networks, Ali Nayef Alqatawneh

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation is devoted to developing multiple access interference (MAI) reduction techniques for multi-carrier multi-user wireless communication networks.

In multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) systems, a full multipath diversity can be achieved by transmitting one symbol over multiple orthogonal subcarriers by means of spreading codes. However, in frequency selective fading channels, orthogonality among users can be destroyed leading to MAI. MAI represents the main obstacle to support large number of users in multi-user wireless systems. Consequently, MAI reduction becomes a main challenge when designing multi-carrier multi-user wireless networks. In this dissertation, first, we study MC-CDMA systems with different existing …

Characterization And Decoding Of Speech Representations From The Electrocorticogram, Shreya Chakrabarti

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Millions of people worldwide suffer from various neuromuscular disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), brainstem stroke, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and others, which adversely affect the neural control of muscles or the muscles themselves. The patients who are the most severely affected lose all voluntary muscle control and are completely locked-in," i.e., they are unable to communicate with the outside world in any manner. In the direction of developing neuro-rehabilitation techniques for these patients, several studies have used brain signals related to mental imagery and attention in order to control an external device, a technology known as a brain-computer …

Improving Engagement Assessment By Model Individualization And Deep Learning, Feng Li

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation studies methods that improve engagement assessment for pilots. The major work addresses two challenging problems involved in the assessment: individual variation among pilots and the lack of labeled data for training assessment models.

Task engagement is usually assessed by analyzing physiological measurements collected from subjects who are performing a task. However, physiological measurements such as Electroencephalography (EEG) vary from subject to subject. An assessment model trained for one subject may not be applicable to other subjects. We proposed a dynamic classifier selection algorithm for model individualization and compared it to other two methods: base line normalization and similarity-based …

Object Tracking From Multiple Multi-Axis Platforms In Four Dimensions, Theodore A. Teates

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Object handoff in free space requires a sound framework between at least two optical sensors and one object. Previous work developed an algorithm that can determine the ap­ propriate time to initiate handoff of object tracking responsibilities from one optical sensor with an object in view to another optical sensor with the same object in view. In order to maintain persistent tracking of objects in this work, gimbal movements of optical sensors are determined by calculations using the Lagrange method to determine the trackability measures between the moving object and the handoff cone for the appropriate optical sensor. The rotation …

Classification Of Digital Communication Signal Modulation Schemes In Multipath Environments Using Higher Order Statistics, Meena Sreekantamurthy

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Automatic identification and classification of modulation schemes in communication signals and decoding of information from the captured signals has assumed great importance recently in the wireless communication industry. Advancements in communications have introduced a large variety of modulation schemes in the transmitted signals; consequently, reliable detection of the modulation scheme in the intercepted signal has become an important issue in communications. It is the aim of this thesis to address this issue of reliable detection. Therefore, this research is focused on modeling and simulation of an automatic modulation classifier and, in particular, on the development of algorithms to use higher …

Vocal Classification Of Vocalizations Of A Pair Of Asian Small-Clawed Otters To Determine Stress, Peter M. Scheifele, Michael T. Johnson, Michelle Fry, Benjamin Hamel, Kathryn Laclede

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Asian Small-Clawed Otters (Aonyx cinerea) are a small, protected but threatened species living in freshwater. They are gregarious and live in monogamous pairs for their lifetimes, communicating via scent and acoustic vocalizations. This study utilized a hidden Markov model (HMM) to classify stress versus non-stress calls from a sibling pair under professional care. Vocalizations were expertly annotated by keepers into seven contextual categories. Four of these—aggression, separation anxiety, pain, and prefeeding—were identified as stressful contexts, and three of them—feeding, training, and play—were identified as non-stressful contexts. The vocalizations were segmented, manually categorized into broad vocal type call types, and analyzed …

Establishing The Relative Merits Of Interior And Spoke-Type Permanent-Magnet Machines With Ferrite Or Ndfeb Through Systematic Design Optimization, Peng Zhang, Gennadi Y. Sizov, Dan M. Ionel, Nabeel Demerdash

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

In this paper, a multiobjective design optimization method combining design-of-experiments techniques and differential-evolution algorithms is presented. The method was implemented and utilized in order to provide practical engineering insights for the optimal design of interior and spoke-type permanent-magnet machines. Two combinations with 12 slots and 8 poles and 12 slots and 10 poles, respectively, have been studied in conjunction with rare-earth neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) and ferrites. As part of the optimization process, a computationally efficient finite-element electromagnetic analysis was employed for estimating the performance of thousands of candidate designs. Three optimization objectives were concurrently considered for minimum total material cost, power …

Pilot-1: Autonomous Fixed-Wing Aircraft Control System, Chris Millsap, Nathan Garvey, Faisal Hayat

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

In the past decade, the personal ownership of unmanned aerial vehicles has exploded in the US and around the world. The rapidly declining size and cost of integrated circuits, sensors and embedded micro-controllers has lead to a flourishing community of hobbyists designing flight controllers with levels of sophistication approaching those for government and military applications. The typical flight assisted controllers integrate data from the user's control system and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in order to keep the craft level and on course. Deriving mostly from the radio controlled (RC) hobby industry, the flight control technologies for both rotary and …

Rsl Autonomous Rover, Cris Madrigal, Jiachi Zhang, Nicholas Peacock, Brogan O'Hara

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

Autonomous vehicles are useful for a variety of applications such as military, urban, and agricultural environments. This paper discusses adding an autonomous navigation system to an all-terrain vehicle by implementing controllers that interface with its current system, installing sensors on the vehicle for obstacle detection, and developing effective safety mechanisms to prevent injury to others. The result is a vehicle capable of waypoint navigation and obstacle avoidance. Testing the vehicle showed that the LIDAR and the autonomous navigation system were integrated seamlessly, and that the sensor output signals were successfully translated into vehicle commands the existing system uses. This system …

Uavino, Matthew Belesiu, Aaron Chung, Kirby Linvill, Nathan Carlson, Phillip Coyle, Megan Peekema

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

UAVino is a drone solution that uses aerial imagery to determine the overall plant health and water content of vineyards. In general, the system focuses on automating crop inspection by taking aerial imagery of a vineyard, conducting post-processing, and outputting an easily interpreted map of the vineyard's overall health. The project's key innovation is an auto-docking system that allows the drone to automatically return to its launch point and recharge in order to extend mission duration. Long term, UAVino is envisioned as a multi-year, interdisciplinary project involving both the Santa Clara University Robotics Systems Laboratory and local wineries in order …

Aquasift: Point-Of-Use Microfluidic Detection System, Daniel Beyers, Jasper Tan, Brandon Young

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

AquaSift is a portable, affordable, point-of-use system that performs microfluidic detection of contaminants in drinking water. It comprises four main components: a three-electrode sensor, a potentiostat circuit device, an Android application, and an online database. It utilizes three-electrode voltammetry by applying a voltage stimulus across the electrodes and reading the induced current on the water sample. Testing has shown that our system is able to detect arsenic in solution samples. The Android application serves as the user interface to the system, and the online database allows the mapping of test results on an easy-to-use website.

A Transfer Function Based Frequency Model For Propagation Of A Chaos Wave Through Modified Von Karman Turbulence Under Various Chaos And Turbulence Conditions, Monish Ranjan Chatterjee, Fathi H.A. Mohamed

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Complex phasor fields for electromagnetic wave propagation through von Karman turbulence and acousto-optic RF chaos are derived en route to the effective transfer function between chaos and narrow turbulence. Results are tested for several turbulence and chaos conditions.

Emergence Of Negative Index In A Lossy Chiral Metamaterial Under First-Order Material Dispersion, Monish Ranjan Chatterjee, Tarig A. Algadey

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

For a lossless dispersive chiral material, negative index (NIM) occurred only by use of parametric analysis (and not via practical models) to first-order. These findings are re-visited for the lossy problem and the results are compared.

Universal Uav Payload Interface, Nolan Reker, David Troy Jr, Drew Troxell

Computer Engineering

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology is becoming increasingly accessible for civilian use. Both open-source and commercial-purpose UAVs can be obtained affordably or even built. However, the platforms available are very segmented in their customization to a specific application (i.e. land surveying, payload delivery). This project aims to create a Universal Payload Interface (UPI) mounted to the underside of multi-rotors or other UAVs to enable the attachment of customizable sensor payloads. These payloads allow a single UAV to be rapidly reconfigured to perform a multitude of tasks.

The Universal Payload Interface facilitates communication between the payload, onboard flight controller, and operator …

Performance Analysis Of Distance Relay On Shunt/Series Facts-Compensated Transmission Line, Ahmed Kareem Lafta Al-Behadili

Masters Theses

Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) are increasingly being used to enhance the efficiency and reliability of power system networks. FACTS devices can influence the performance of existing protective system components (specifically distance relays) due to the fact that FACTS change power system quantities such as line impedances, voltages, and currents. Distance relay may mal-operate when FACTS devices are connected since they cause some of the tripping characteristics to change. This thesis investigates the impact on distance relay performance due to compensations using two types of FACTS controllers: Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) and Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC). Analytical study …

Forest Sign Maker, Victor Espinosa Iii, Kevin Ly, Lisa Yip

Mechanical Engineering

Executive Summary:

The Inyo National Forest is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in California, containing natural masterpieces such as Mount Whitney and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Despite its magnificence, the Inyo National Forest can be a treacherous region. The Friends of the Inyo take pride in being able to facilitate the viewing experience for all outdoorsmen by maintaining the mountain trails, which includes providing adequate trail signage.

Unfortunately, there is a fundamental issue with the recent state of trail signage in the Inyo National Forest: the rate at which signs are being vandalized or naturally destroyed is …

Power Supply For Driving High Power Leds With Wireless Control, Joshua C. Avery

Computer Engineering

This project is the design of a power supply for driving high power light emitting diodes (LEDs) with wireless control. The project is divided into two sections, the power supply for driving the LED lights, and the wireless control and fan power supply.

A Modular Approach For Key-Frame Selection In Wide Area Surveillance Video Analysis, Almabrok Essa, Paheding Sidike, Vijayan K. Asari

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper presents an efficient preprocessing algorithm for big data analysis. Our proposed key-frame selection method utilizes the statistical differences among subsequent frames to automatically select only the frames that contain the desired contextual information and discard the rest of the insignificant frames.

We anticipate that such key frame selection technique will have significant impact on wide area surveillance applications such as automatic object detection and recognition in aerial imagery. Three real-world datasets are used for evaluation and testing and the observed results are encouraging.

Innovative Connectivity Ensuring Education (I.-C.E.E.), Luke Cole, Andrew Ma, Nicholas Ross, Daniel Williams

Electrical Engineering

This is the critical design review for the Telepresence/Telerobotic Technology for Children with Disabilities Project by team I.- C.E.E. (Innovative Connectivity Ensuring Education). This report details our telepresence system design for our client (Nathan Stilts) including design choices/justification, testing verification and procedures, and chosen components for implementation. There are seven chapters in total starting with introductory/background information followed by hardware and software design, verification, and testing and concludes with the current status of the project and what future work may need to be included.

Wireless Sensor Mesh Network For Irrigation Systems, Rosana Cheruvelil, Oswaldo Garcia, Nabil Haque, Justin Ignacio, Stanley Thomas

Electrical Engineering

Pepper Oak Farms, a company that grows their own olives for olive oil and has approximately 40,000 olive trees, is in need of an efficient way to monitor the soil and atmospheric conditions that are critical to the cultivation of their trees. The company at the moment only has two sensors and has to manually place the sensors at different locations to collect data on soil moisture and temperature. This is expensive, time consuming, and a lot of effort on the owner’s part to go out on the fields to collect this data. As a solution, the company would like …

Pier2pier: Final Report, Kevin Nelson, Anthony Miller, Paul Maalouf, Chahan Shah

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Telepresence: Design, Implementation And Study Of An Hmd-Controlled Avatar With A Mechatronic Approach, Darren Michael Chan

Master's Theses

Telepresence describes technologies that allow users to remotely experience the sensation of being present at an event without being physically present. An avatar exists to represent the user whilst in a remote location and is tasked to collect stimuli from its immediate surroundings to be delivered to the user for consumption. With the advent of recent developments in Virtual Reality technology, viz., head-mounted displays (HMDs), new possibilities have been enabled in the field of Telepresence. The main focus of this thesis is to develop a solution for visual Telepresence, where an HMD is used to control the direction of a …

Relating The Experimental Ionization Coefficients In Semiconductors To The Nonlocal Ionization Coefficients, Jeng Shiuh Cheong, Majeed M. Hayat, Xinxin Zhou, John P.R. David

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The experimentally determined impact ionization coefficients, , include intrinsically the presence of a dead-space, where carriers cannot impact ionize as they do not have sufficient energy. These, therefore, cannot be used by nonlocal ionization models, which require the enabled ionization coefficients, which describe the ionization probability after the dead-space. A relatively simple relationship is shown to exist between α'(β') and , which requires only the knowledge of the carrier threshold energies. This allows conventionally limited to the local model framework, to be used to give a very good prediction of the avalanche multiplication and excess noise for a wide range …

Investigation Of The Surface Adhesion Phenomena And Mechanism Of Gold-Plated Contacts At Superlow Making/Breaking Speed, Wanbin Ren, Cheng Chang, Yu Chen, Shengjun Xue, Ronald A. Coutu Jr.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Surface adhesion phenomena of gold-plated copper contact materials are studied in conditions of nonarc load (5/15/25 V and 0.2/0.5/1 A) and superlow speed (25 and 50 nm/s) realized by a piezoactuator during the making and breaking processes. It is shown that softening and melting of local asperities leads to interface adhesion, which results from the joule heat generated by the contact resistance; it is determined that the change of contact force with time obeys the negative exponential distribution and the time constant is associated with the adhesion force directly. Based on the fitting experimental data, the relationship between the adhesion …