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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

E. Menegatti, G. Gatto, E. Pagello, Takashi Minato and Hiroshi Ishiguro

Image‐based localisation has been widely investigated in mobile robotics. However, traditional image‐based localisation approaches do not work when the environment appearance…

283

Abstract

Purpose

Image‐based localisation has been widely investigated in mobile robotics. However, traditional image‐based localisation approaches do not work when the environment appearance changes. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new system for image‐based localisation, which enables the approach to work also in highly dynamic environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed technique is based on the use of a distributed vision system (DVS) composed of a set of cameras installed in the environment and of a camera mounted on a mobile robot. The localisation of the robot is achieved by comparing the current image grabbed by the robot with the images grabbed, at the same time, by the DVS. Finding the DVS's image, most similar to the robot's image, gives a topological localisation of the robot.

Findings

Experiments reported in the paper proved the system to be effective, even exploiting a pre‐existent DVS not designed for this application.

Originality/value

Whilst, aware that DVSs, as the one used in this work, are not diffuse nowadays, this work is significant because a novel idea is proposed for dealing with dynamic environments in the image‐based localisation approach and the idea is validated with experiments. Camera Sensor networks currently are an emerging technology and they may be introduced in several daily environments in the future.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Kuniaki Kawabata, Kanako Saitoh, Mutsunori Takahashi, Hajime Asama, Taketoshi Mishima, Mitsuaki Sugahara and Masashi Miyano

The purpose of this paper is to present classification schemes for the crystallization state of proteins utilizing image processing.

380

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present classification schemes for the crystallization state of proteins utilizing image processing.

Design/methodology/approach

Two classification schemes shown here are combined sequentially.

Findings

The correct ratio of experimental result using the method presented here is approximately 70 per cent.

Originality/value

The paper is a contribution to automated evaluation crystal growth, combining two classifiers based on specific visual feature, sequentially.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

James Hunt

The purpose of this paper is to look at fibreoptic sensing techniques and applications.

618

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at fibreoptic sensing techniques and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides information on fibreoptic sensing technologies, instrumentation, advantages and applications.

Findings

Fibreoptic sensing, especially fibreoptic Bragg gratings, provide a highly effective means of monitoring internal changes in structural and other components that were previously impossible or very difficult to detect. Such systems are now approaching full commercialisation.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful overview of how fibreoptic sensors work, and the advantages they provide when used in instrumentation applications ranging from compact devices to large and complex structures, where they may be structurally integrated.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Robert Bogue

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief review of sensing with neutrons.

326

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief review of sensing with neutrons.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses neutron sources, sensing techniques and a number of established and emerging applications.

Findings

The paper shows that neutron‐based sensing is used to determine a range of physical and chemical variables in the process, minerals, chemicals, security and military industries.

Originality/value

The paper provides a concise overview of the technology and uses of neutron‐based sensing.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Christine Connolly

The purpose of this paper is to present improvements in X‐ray equipment, which are leading to wider use.

691

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present improvements in X‐ray equipment, which are leading to wider use.

Design/methodology/approach

Developments in X‐ray sources and detectors are described. This is followed by a review of the more innovative equipment available for security and industrial applications.

Findings

Technological developments have produced smaller, lighter X‐ray systems and extended their applications to on‐site work. Multiple wavelength systems distinguish between different materials, and stereo systems remove ambiguities from X‐ray security imaging and allow 3D gauging of industrial components.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the availability of portable X‐ray systems and explains the underlying technology.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Manuchehr Soleimani

Electronic textiles are a major new development in the field of smart technology. There are many potential applications for electrically active textiles (EAT). The purpose of this…

943

Abstract

Purpose

Electronic textiles are a major new development in the field of smart technology. There are many potential applications for electrically active textiles (EAT). The purpose of this paper is to present state‐of‐the‐art knitted switches based on EAT technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The switches operate with double electrodes, and they are designed to be operated by a human finger, with or without a glove. In this study, these switches were manufactured based on EAT technology by generating conductive areas as electrodes.

Findings

A custom‐made impedance analyzer was developed to identify the electrical characteristics of the switches. The deriving circuits were designed to operate the switches according to their impedance characteristics.

Originality/value

The switch working with glove and bare hand is novel.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Jon P. Edgcombe

The purpose of this paper is to examine existing radar sensor results, techniques for through‐wall radar and current applications for the technology.

718

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine existing radar sensor results, techniques for through‐wall radar and current applications for the technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides information on sensing through a high‐attenuation obstacle and the associated pitfalls and considerations. Results from ultra‐wide‐band (UWB) impulse radar, micro‐Doppler radar, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) targeted at this area are presented. Discussion of radar clutter classification is given and also observations on presenting a system with a non‐zero false alarm rate to a user to give best confidence and maximum decision capability.

Findings

There are significant new requirements for through‐wall radar which a combination of UWB, continuous wave, and SAR techniques with recent signal processing advances and the advent of low‐cost radio and image processing can meet in distributed markets. Risk of a poor user level decision in a non‐zero‐false‐alarm‐rate system can be mitigated by increasing the number of inputs into the decision.

Originality/value

The paper lists challenges that have been overcome in the area of through‐wall sensing and presents results from novel radar sensors.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Robert Bogue

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the industrial sensing applications of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with an emphasis on wavelengths other than visible…

484

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the industrial sensing applications of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with an emphasis on wavelengths other than visible light. The paper is in two parts. This, the first, considers radiations with shorter wavelengths than visible light, i.e. γ radiation, X‐rays and ultra‐violet (UV).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the sensing applications of short wavelength EMR through reference to the techniques employed, products and their uses.

Findings

The paper shows that γ radiation, X‐rays and UV radiation are used in a wide range of industrial sensors for the measurement of physical variables, chemical compounds and gases. The phenomena employed include absorption, backscatter, photoionisation, fluorescence and reflection. Applications are extremely varied and embrace a diversity of industries.

Originality/value

The paper provides a detailed, technical review of the sensing uses of short wavelength EMR.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Alejandro Gonzalez‐Nakazawa, Wuqiang Yang and Kathleen Hennessey

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical model and implementation of a prototype electro‐magnetic tomography (EMT) sensor system. Sensitivity maps for an EMT sensor…

425

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical model and implementation of a prototype electro‐magnetic tomography (EMT) sensor system. Sensitivity maps for an EMT sensor are usually calculated using a numerical approach, such as the finite element method (FEM). While FEM can produce accurate results for any geometrical layout, intensive computation is needed to solve the forward problem and to obtain the sensitivity maps. An alternative approach is to develop an analytical model for the same purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

Although the applicability of the analytical model is limited to certain geometrical cases, it provides a much faster means, in particular for calculating sensitivity maps, than FEM. The paper gives brief insight into the calculations and some details on its implementation. The results obtained with the analytical model are compared with FEM.

Findings

The results having been obtained with the analytical model and compared with FEM, it has been shown that the differences are as small as 6 per cent and that the prototype EMT sensor system can reconstruct images with an error under 10 per cent (of the object size) in the true position.

Originality/value

This is the first time an analytical model has been used to calculate sensitivity maps for EMT.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Y‐J. Lin and Suresh V. Venna

The purpose of this paper is to propose an effective and novel methodology to determine optimal location of piezoelectric transducers for passive vibration control of…

686

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an effective and novel methodology to determine optimal location of piezoelectric transducers for passive vibration control of geometrically complicated structures and shells with various curvatures. An industry‐standard aircraft leading‐edge structure is considered for the actuator placement analysis and experimental verification.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method is based on finite element analysis of the underlying structure having a thin layer of piezoelectric elements covering the entire inner surface with pertinent boundary conditions. All the piezoelectric properties are incorporated into the elements. Specifically, modal piezoelectric analysis is performed to provide computed tomography for the evaluations of the electric potential distributions on these piezoelectric elements attributed by the first bending and torsional modes of structural vibration. Then, the outstanding zone(s) yielding highest amount of electric potentials can be identified as the target location for the best actuator placement.

Findings

Six piezoelectric vibration absorbers are determined to be placed alongside both of the fixed edges. An experimental verification of the aluminum leading edge's vibration suppression using the proposed method is conducted exploiting two resistive shunt circuits for the passive damping. A good agreement is obtained between the analytical and experimental results. In particular, vibration suppression around 30 and 25 per cent and Q‐factor reduction up to 15 and 10 per cent are obtained in the designated bending and torsional modes, respectively. In addition, some amount of damping improvement is observed at higher modes of vibration as well.

Research limitations/implications

The frequency in the proposed approach will be increased slowly and gradually from 0 to 500 Hz. When the frequency matches the natural frequency of the structure, owing to the resonant condition the plate will vibrate heavily. The vibrations of the plate can be observed by connecting a sensor to an oscilloscope. Owing to the use of only one sensor, not all the modes can be detected. Only the first few modes can be picked up by the sensor, because of its location.

Practical implications

This method can also be used in optimizing not only the location but also the size and shape of the passive vibration absorber to attain maximum amount of damping. This can be achieved by simply changing the dimensions and shape of the piezoelectric vibration absorber in the finite element model on an iterative basis to find the configuration that gives maximum electric potential.

Originality/value

The determination of optimal location(s) for piezoelectric transducers is very complicated and difficult if the geometry of structures is curved or irregular. Therefore, it has never been reported in the literature. Here an efficient FEA‐based electric potential tomography method is proposed to identify the optimized locations for the PZT transducers for passive vibration control of geometrically complicated structures, with minimal efforts. In addition, this method will facilitate the determination of electric potentials that would be obtained at all the possible locations for piezoelectric transducers and hence makes it possible to optimize the placement and configurations of the candidate transducers on complex shape structures.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

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