scholarly journals A Smart Walker for People with Both Visual and Mobility Impairment

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 3488
Author(s):  
Nafisa Mostofa ◽  
Christopher Feltner ◽  
Kelly Fullin ◽  
Jonathan Guilbe ◽  
Sharare Zehtabian ◽  
...  

In recent years, significant work has been done in technological enhancements for mobility aids (smart walkers). However, most of this work does not cover the millions of people who have both mobility and visual impairments. In this paper, we design and study four different configurations of smart walkers that are specifically targeted to the needs of this population. We investigated different sensing technologies (ultrasound-based, infrared depth cameras and RGB cameras with advanced computer vision processing), software configurations, and user interface modalities (haptic and audio signal based). Our experiments show that there are several engineering choices that can be used in the design of such assistive devices. Furthermore, we found that a holistic evaluation of the end-to-end performance of the systems is necessary, as the quality of the user interface often has a larger impact on the overall performance than increases in the sensing accuracy beyond a certain point.

Author(s):  
Juan Alfredo Lino-Gamiño ◽  
Carlos Méndez-González ◽  
Eduardo José Salazar-Araujo ◽  
Pablo Adrián Magaña-Sánchez

In the value chain it is important to keep in mind the core business of the company, since it depends largely on the competitiveness of the company and its overall performance, bearing in mind that all business indicators depend on it. In this work we will study the washing process within the company WASH CONTAINERS SA DE CV, to improve the washing processes and in this way reduce times and movements in the process leading the company to reduce costs considerably within the operations company daily, having a more competitive operation and with greater profit margin in its business process. Goals: It Improve the logistics of the movement of containers for washing and with it the core business of the company. Methodology: The action research will be applied applying Business Process Management for the improvement of processes in situ, it will be developed in a certain period of time and with that it will establish an improvement projection. Contribution: The improvement of the times for the disposal of the containers and their subsequent use, allows a better competitiveness and with it the income of the company, on the other hand, the transport companies improve in performance in quantity, quality of disposition and with it their income.


Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 567
Author(s):  
Donghun Yang ◽  
Kien Mai Mai Ngoc ◽  
Iksoo Shin ◽  
Kyong-Ha Lee ◽  
Myunggwon Hwang

To design an efficient deep learning model that can be used in the real-world, it is important to detect out-of-distribution (OOD) data well. Various studies have been conducted to solve the OOD problem. The current state-of-the-art approach uses a confidence score based on the Mahalanobis distance in a feature space. Although it outperformed the previous approaches, the results were sensitive to the quality of the trained model and the dataset complexity. Herein, we propose a novel OOD detection method that can train more efficient feature space for OOD detection. The proposed method uses an ensemble of the features trained using the softmax-based classifier and the network based on distance metric learning (DML). Through the complementary interaction of these two networks, the trained feature space has a more clumped distribution and can fit well on the Gaussian distribution by class. Therefore, OOD data can be efficiently detected by setting a threshold in the trained feature space. To evaluate the proposed method, we applied our method to various combinations of image datasets. The results show that the overall performance of the proposed approach is superior to those of other methods, including the state-of-the-art approach, on any combination of datasets.


Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 687
Author(s):  
Salman Sakib ◽  
Dawit Ghebreyesus ◽  
Hatim O. Sharif

Tropical Storm Imelda struck the southeast coastal regions of Texas from 17–19 September, 2019, and delivered precipitation above 500 mm over about 6000 km2. The performance of the three IMERG (Early-, Late-, and Final-run) GPM satellite-based precipitation products was evaluated against Stage-IV radar precipitation estimates. Basic and probabilistic statistical metrics, such as CC, RSME, RBIAS, POD, FAR, CSI, and PSS were employed to assess the performance of the IMERG products. The products captured the event adequately, with a fairly high POD value of 0.9. The best product (Early-run) showed an average correlation coefficient of 0.60. The algorithm used to produce the Final-run improved the quality of the data by removing systematic errors that occurred in the near-real-time products. Less than 5 mm RMSE error was experienced in over three-quarters (ranging from 73% to 76%) of the area by all three IMERG products in estimating the Tropical Storm Imelda. The Early-run product showed a much better RBIAS relatively to the Final-run product. The overall performance was poor, as areas with an acceptable range of RBIAS (i.e., between −10% and 10%) in all the three IMERG products were only 16% to 17% of the total area. Overall, the Early-run product was found to be better than Late- and Final-run.


2011 ◽  
Vol 121-126 ◽  
pp. 1744-1748
Author(s):  
Xiang Yang Jin ◽  
Tie Feng Zhang ◽  
Li Li Zhao ◽  
He Teng Wang ◽  
Xiang Yi Guan

To determine the efficiency, load-bearing capacity and fatigue life of beveloid gears with intersecting axes, we design a mechanical gear test bed with closed power flow. To test the quality of its structure and predict its overall performance, we establish a three-dimensional solid model for various components based on the design parameters and adopt the technology of virtual prototyping simulation to conduct kinematics simulation on it. Then observe and verify the interactive kinematic situation of each component. Moreover, the finite element method is also utilized to carry out structural mechanics and dynamics analysis on some key components. The results indicate that the test bed can achieve the desired functionality, and the static and dynamic performance of some key components can also satisfy us.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Greenhalgh ◽  
Hailee Kulich ◽  
Eline Blaauw ◽  
Rose Turner ◽  
Sara Peterson ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction Novel rehabilitation methods, including distribution and adoption of assistive technology for lower extremity impairments, are becoming crucial to ensure positive quality of life in all individuals. The quality of life of post-9/11 combat veterans is not well understood, in comparison to research on other populations. The following essay describes a review on health outcomes used to determine health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) among combat-injured service members who require mobility-related assistive technology. Materials and Methods Reviews pooled data from research on PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO published after September 11, 2001, and included service members who sustained a mobility impairment because of involvement in a post-9/11 combat operation. Basic descriptors were extracted in addition to health outcomes used, which were then categorized and summarized by six domains for HR-QoL as defined by the World Health Organization. Results This review found health outcomes that fit in the pain and discomfort, negative emotions, mobility, social relations, access to and quality of healthcare services, and religious/spiritual/personal beliefs subdomains. The categorized results detailed their application to track and model HR-QoL health states in those with mobility impairments using mobility-based assistive technology. Conclusions The research on combat-induced mobility impairments indicates assistive technology improves otherwise poor health states. The results model these domains and subdomains to determine overall HR-QoL and the quality of a healthcare intervention, though additional research is needed as only one study was identified to be experimental in design.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bambang Parmanto ◽  
Allen Nelson Lewis, Jr. ◽  
Kristin M. Graham ◽  
Marnie H. Bertolet

Current telehealth usability questionnaires are designed primarily for older technologies, where telehealth interaction is conducted over dedicated videoconferencing applications. However, telehealth services are increasingly conducted over computer-based systems that rely on commercial software and a user supplied computer interface. Therefore, a usability questionnaire that addresses the changes in telehealth service delivery and technology is needed.  The Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) was developed to evaluate the usability of telehealth implementation and services.  This paper addresses: 1) the need for a new measure of telehealth usability, 2) the development of the TUQ, 3) intended uses for the TUQ, and 4) the reliability of the TUQ. Analyses indicate that the TUQ is a solid, robust, and versatile measure that can be used to measure the quality of the computer-based user interface and the quality of the telehealth interaction and services.    


Author(s):  
Ezequiel Saretta ◽  
Antonio P. de Camargo ◽  
Tarlei A. Botrel ◽  
Marinaldo F. Pinto ◽  
Geancarlo T. Katsurayama ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Current meters are equipment widely used for estimating flow velocity in rivers and streams. Periodic calibrations of current meters are important to ensure the quality of measurements, but the required testing facilities are complex and only available in a few institutions. However, advances in electronics and automation may contribute to developing simple and reliable calibration systems. Thus, this study aimed to develop an automated system for testing current meters, which consisted of a trapezoidal channel, a step motor, a tow car and a management system, composed of a supervisory application and microprocessed modules to control the motor and the data acquisition. Evaluations of the displacement velocity showed that it matched the reference value up to 1.85 m s-1 for a vertical-axis current meter and 2.3 m s-1 for a horizontal-axis one. The developed system showed reliability during tests, for both current meter movement and data acquisition. The management of the system based on the developed modules and the supervisory application improved its user interface, turning all the procedure into a simple task.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
M H Rahman ◽  
M M Alam Patwary ◽  
H Barua ◽  
S Nahar ◽  
Abu Noman Faruq Ahmmed

Yield and quality performances of three jackfruit genotypes were studied at the Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Pahartali, Chittagong during 2013-2014. Age, growth, maturity period, yield potential and also qualitative characteristics were compared among them.  Based on overall performance with respect to bearing potential, maturity period, fruit and bulb characters, the genotypes AHPah-1 have been found promising for table purpose followed by AHPah-2 and AHPah-3. Minimum days (117) to 1st harvest were observed in AHPah-1. The number of fruits per plant was exceedingly higher (73) in AHPah-1 whereas minimum number (41) was found in AHPah-2. Maximum weight (8.40 kg) per fruit was observed in AHPah-2 and minimum was in AHPah-1(3.40 kg).  The highest single fruit length (37.25cm) was found in AHPah-2 and breadth (27.00cm) was produced by AHPah-3. Maximum number of bulbs (116) was produced in AHPah-1, whereas minimum (63.00) was in AHPah-3. Maximum weight of bulbs per fruit (4.24 kg) was produced in AHPah-2. Individual bulb weight was higher (54.42g) in AHPah -2 whereas, the lowest (16.71) was in AHPah-1. Edible portion was higher (69.27%) in AHPah-1 whereas, the lowest (53.43%) was in AHPah-3. The TSS was the highest (21.00%) in AHPah-1. The highest bulb length and breadth was found in AHPah-3. Highest seeds weight (639g) was produced in AHPah-2. Individual seed weight (8.19 g) was higher in AHPah-2. Therefore, the genotypes can be included in the variety development program after comparing with the already BARI released jackfruit variety.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 107-111


Techno Com ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 348-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peby Wahyu Purnawan ◽  
Yuni Rosita

Smart Home System bertujuan memaksimalkan pengawasan, pemantauan, keamanan dan sebagainya. sistem ini terintegrasi dari telekomunikasi dan sistem pengendali dari mikrokontroller, sehingga  tercipta Internet Of Things. Pada Penelitian ini dilakukan perancangan sistem Smart Home, dengan sistem client-server berbasis NodeMCU ESP8266 v3 dengan user interface Telegram Messenger yang melakukan komunikasi data melalui wireless. Tahapan perancangan terdiri dari perancangan server, interface, serta sistem kendali Smart Home nya. Hasil akhir pengujian tersebut dapat disimpulkan Aplikasi Telegram Messenger sangat cocok untuk pengontrol dan monitoring Smart Home  jarak jauh, berdasarkan Jarak yang diukur dari 1,7 km sampai 151 km area beda wilayah didapatkan delay rata-rata 20,66 detik, Pada pengujian kinerja Quality of Service dalam sistem komunikasi data ini, berdasarakan standarisasi paramater hasil pengujian bekerja dengan sangat baik. Pada  pengujian nilai RSSI indoor didapat bahwa  kekuatan  komunikasi  wireless  lebih  baik  dibanding outdoor, sehingga RSSI nya lebih kuat. Nilai RSSI  yang tertinggi berada pada -28 dBm dan yang terkecil pada -88 dBm. Berdasarkan pengujian terhadap obstacle, dengan karakteristik redaman yang berbeda - beda dari tiap obstacle nya menghasilkan pengaruh terhadap RSSI dari sinyal wirelessnya.  Obstacle RSSI terkuat dihasilkan oleh pintu kayu dengan nilai -33dbm dBm , serta RSSI terkecil pada obstacle 2 bangunan rumah dengan nilai -78 dBm.  


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