Abstract

Unlike CPUs and GPUs, it is possible to use custom fixed-point data types, specified as a tuple (α, β), on FPGAs. The parameters α and β denote the number of integral and fractional bitwidths respectively. The power and area savings while performing arithmetic operations on fixed-point data types are well known to be significant over using floating-point data types. In this paper, we propose a hybrid approach involving interval analysis and SMT solvers, for estimating integral bitwidths at different compute stages, in an image processing pipeline, specified using a domain-specific language (DSL) such as PolyMage. The DSL specification facilitates the compiler analysis to infer the underlying computational structure with ease. We also propose a simple and practical profile-driven greedy heuristic search technique for fractional bitwidth analysis. Using the Horn-Schunck Optical Flow benchmark program, we demonstrate where the conventional range analysis approaches fail, and how we overcome them using the hybrid technique proposed in this paper. The integral bitwidth estimates provided by the hybrid technique on the optical flow benchmark are up to 3x times better when compared with interval analysis.

Abstract

Proteresis, a complementary effect to well-known hysteresis, is an interesting phenomenon to be explored. As we know, the hysteric device is a bistable switch whose states depend on the system's history whereas the proteretic device states' depend on the future. Though an all-optical implementation of the hysteric device has been demonstrated but its complementary behavior has yet to be contrived. Therefore, this work presents the design and development of an all-optical proteretic system using semiconductor ring lasers. The design was achieved by providing a constraint feedforward path to a hysteric feedback system. Additionally, the role of various parameters was studied in order to achieve proteresis. It is observed that the proteretic effect can be achieved only for specific conditions otherwise the system behaves as a traditional hysteric device. The experimental results match well with the theoretical Simulink results.

Abstract

Pre-detection of hypertension mostly considers the measurement of Brachial Artery Blood Pressure (BABP). Although being a standard vital, it is still considered a poor alternative for Central Blood Pressure (CBP). However, CBP is measured invasively during the process of cardiac catheterization (Cath). Though cuff-less techniques to estimate BABP are widely employed, CBP estimation has not been explored yet. Moreover, to best of our knowledge intermittent CBP estimation has not been proposed earlier. Therefore, we present a cuff-less and beat-by-beat CBP estimation technique using linear regression analysis on features extracted from continuous Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Photoplethysmograph (PPG) signals. Unlike for BABP estimation, 30 supplementary features to conventional pulse transit time such as ST-interval, P-systolic peak interval, etc., were extracted to enhance CBP accuracy. This extraction was done using Haar wavelet along with modulus maxima. Feature selection has been done using the wrapper technique and reduced using principal component analysis. Segregation of each beat was achieved with the help of constraints developed based on iteration and backtracing. This model estimates Systolic CBP with a validation error of 0.109±2.37 mmHg and Diastolic CBP with an error of 0.031±2.102 mmHg for 33 Cath lab patients.

Abstract

Since the eminent work of J. S. Bell, spatial correlations in quantum mechanics have gained much progress. Nevertheless, up to now, there is no agreement on the nature of temporal correlations. In this paper, based on the entangled-history theory, we prove that temporal correlations are just quantum channels. Moreover, by using the state tomography technology, the quantum channel can be uniquely determined. What is more, through the entanglement of formation, temporal correlations can be quantified. Cases when the temporal correlation is strongest and weakest are investigated, too.

Abstract

Quantum states that possess negative conditional von Neumann entropy provide quantum advantage in several protocols including superdense coding, state merging, distributed private randomness distillation and one-way entanglement distillation. While entanglement is an important resource, only a subset of entangled states have negative conditional von Neumann entropy. Despite this utility, a proper resource theory for conditional von Neumann entropy has not been developed, unlike that of entanglement. We pave the way for such a resource theory by characterizing the class of density matrices having non-negative conditional von Neumann entropy as convex and compact. This allows us to prove the existence of a Hermitian operator (a witness) for the detection of states having negative conditional entropy for bipartite systems in arbitrary dimensions. We show constructions of this witness and explicate its utility in the detection of useful states in the above-mentioned protocols. We provide a local decomposition of the witness and probe its implications in the context of the uncertainty principle.

Abstract

Windows whose transmittance can be modified by an applied voltage have previously been fabricated from soft, transparent elastomers sandwiched between ITO coated glass and a compliant, silver nanowire top electrode.1 In this contribution we extend the capabilities of the tunable window so that the optical transmittance can be varied spatially over the window according to voltage signals applied to different segments of the back electrode of the window, defined by patterning of individually addressable electrodes. The actuation signals are controlled using TTL-level input signals applied to high voltage switches. We also show that the spatially tunable window can be fabricated on a flexible substrate, such as PET, and the optical transmittance is not affected by bending of the substrate. The use of a polymer substrate not only increases possible applications of this class of voltage controlled light modulation device but also has the potential of reducing cost at an industrial scale by replacing more costly ITO coated glass substrate.

Abstract

We present detailed shape-based analyses to compare the performance of metal foil-based capacitive pressure sensors based on the shape of the diaphragm (top electrode). We perform a detailed analysis on the use of new material and deflection in various shaped diaphragms to act as a performance indicator for pressure-based capacitive sensors. A low-cost, recyclable, and readily available material is used to present an alternative to the expensive materials used in conventional pressure sensors. Diaphragms of five different shapes (circle, ellipse, pentagon, square, and rectangle) are fabricated and analyzed. Mathematical, FEM, and experimental tests are performed for capacitive sensors fabricated in five different shapes. The mathematically calculated deflection for each shaped diaphragm is compared with the results of the corresponding FEM simulations. Two different experiments are performed to verify …

Abstract

Various examples are provided for stretchable antennas that can be used for applications such as wearable electronics. In one example, a stretchable antenna includes a flexible support structure including a lateral spring section having a proximal end and at a distal end; a metallic antenna disposed on at least a portion of the lateral spring section, the metallic antenna extending along the lateral spring section from the proximal end; and a metallic feed coupled to the metallic antenna at the proximal end of the lateral spring section. In another example, a method includes patterning a polymer layer disposed on a substrate to define a lateral spring section; disposing a metal layer on at least a portion of the lateral spring section, the metal layer forming an antenna extending along the portion of the lateral spring section; and releasing the polymer layer and the metal layer from the substrate.

Abstract

A sensor system includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one environmental parameter, a processor coupled to the at least one sensor, and a dissolvable polymer encasing the sensor system.

Abstract

Cantilevers are one of the most utilized mechanical elements for acoustic sensing. In comparison to the edge clamped diaphragms of different shapes, a single edge clamped cantilever makes an acoustic sensor mechanically sensitive for detection of lower pressure. The aspect ratio of cantilevers is one of the most important parameters which affect sensitivity. Herein, we present a mathematical, finite element method and experimental analysis to determine the effect of the aspect ratio on the resonant frequency, response time, mechanical sensitivity, and capacitive sensitivity of a cantilever-based acoustic pressure sensor. Three cantilevers of different aspect ratios (0.67, 1, and 1.5) have been chosen for sound pressure application to detect capacitance change. The cantilever with the smallest aspect ratio (0.67) has the highest response time (206 ms), mechanical sensitivity, and capacitive sensitivity (22 fF), which …