Abstract: To locate and correct design errors that escape pre-silicon verification, silicon debug has become a necessary step in the implementation flow of digital integrated circuits. Embedded logic analysis, which employs on-chip storage units to acquire data in real time from the internal signals of the circuit-under-debug, has emerged as a powerful technique for improving observability during in-system debug. However, as the amount of data that can be acquired is limited by the on-chip storage capacity, the decision on which signals to sample is essential when it is not known a priori where the bugs will occur. In this paper, we present accelerated algorithms for restoring circuit state elements from the traces collected during a debug session, by exploiting bitwise parallelism. We also introduce new metrics that guide the automated selection of trace signals, which can enhance the real-time observability during in-system debug.

Abstract: Recently a new imaging technique called magnetic particle imaging was proposed. The method uses the nonlinear response of magnetic nanoparticles when a time varying magnetic field is applied. Spatial encoding is achieved by moving a field-free point through an object of interest while the field strength in the vicinity of the point is high. A resolution in the submillimeter range is provided even for fast data acquisition sequences. In this paper, a simulation study is performed on different trajectories moving the field-free point through the field of view. The purpose is to provide mandatory information for the design of a magnetic particle imaging scanner. Trajectories are compared with respect to density, speed and image quality when applied in data acquisition. Since simulation of the involved physics is a time demanding task, moreover, an efficient implementation is presented utilizing caching techniques.

Abstract: The advances in wireless communication, microelectronics, digital electronics, and highly integrated electronics and the increasing need for more efficient controlled electric systems make the development of monitoring and supervisory control tools the object of study of many researchers. This paper proposes a digital system for energy usage evaluation, condition monitoring, diagnosis, and supervisory control for electric systems applying wireless sensor networks (WSNs) with dynamic power management (DPM). The system is based on two hardware topologies responsible for signal acquisition, processing, and transmission: intelligent sensor modules (ISMs) and remote data acquisition units (RDAUs). The gateway function of the wired network is carried out by remote servers (RSs) based on the Soekris architecture, which is responsible for receiving the data collected and transmitting it to the supervisory controller (SC). To extend the WSN lifetime, sensor nodes implement a DPM protocol. The basic characteristics of the presented system are the following: 1) easy implementation; 2) low-cost implementation; 3) easy implementation of redundant routines (security); 4) portability/versatility; and 5) extended network lifetime.

Abstract: This paper presents the development of a low-cost real-time ultrawideband (UWB) see-through-wall (STW) imaging radar system. The designs of the microwave front end, the UWB data acquisition, and the system integration are discussed in detail. As for the most challenging task, the UWB data acquisition, we introduce a custom low-cost module based on commercial field-programmable gate array (FPGA) boards and low-speed analog-to-digital converters. The introduced module does not require a custom implementation of high-speed wideband mixed-signal circuitry but only depends on the FPGA firmware design, which favors a rapid system prototyping. The data acquisition module accomplishes a 100-ps equivalent-time sampling resolution at 100-Msamples/s real-time rate, while the developed STW system provides a 2-D real-time view of motion with a 1.5-ms speed behind walls. The system allows for an easy reconfiguration to support multiple operating frequency ranges, pulse sampling resolutions, and array deployments, thus providing a tremendous experimental flexibility. Our studies indicate that utilizing available technologies and off-the-shelf components could produce a practical stand-alone STW system at reasonable design effort and cost, which will lead to a better understanding of the challenging problems associated with STW technology.

Abstract: The PermaSense project has set the ambitious goal of gathering real-time environmental data for high-mountain permafrost in unattended operation over multiple years. This paper discusses the specialized sensing and data recovery architecture tailored to meet the precision, reliability and durability requirements of scientists utilizing the data for model validation. We present a custom sensor interface board including specialized sensors and redundancy features for end-to-end data validation. Aspects of high-quality data acquisition, design for reliability by strict separation of operating phases and analysis of energy efficiency are discussed. The system integration using the Dozer protocol scheme achieves a best-in-class average power consumption of 148µA considerably exceeding the lifetime requirement.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing force data with touch data and a portable electronic device configured to perform the same are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method of synchronizing data acquisition in a portable electronic device, the method comprising: detecting touch events on a touch-sensitive display and storing touch data for each touch event with a time stamp for the touch event; detecting force events on the touch-sensitive display and storing force data for each force event with a time stamp for the force event; matching touch data for a particular touch event with force data for a force event corresponding to the particular touch event; and outputting the matched touch data and force data for input processing operations.

Abstract: The real-time application of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging requires both short acquisition times for a single ARFI image and repeated acquisition of these frames. Due to the high energy of pulses required to generate appreciable radiation force, however, repeated acquisitions could result in substantial transducer face and tissue heating. We describe and evaluate several novel beam sequencing schemes which, along with parallel-receive acquisition, are designed to reduce acquisition time and heating. These techniques reduce the total number of radiation force impulses needed to generate an image and minimize the time between successive impulses. We present qualitative and quantitative analyses of the trade-offs in image quality resulting from the acquisition schemes. Results indicate that these techniques yield a significant improvement in frame rate with only moderate decreases in image quality. Tissue and transducer face heating resulting from these schemes is assessed through finite element method modeling and thermocouple measurements. Results indicate that heating issues can be mitigated by employing ARFI acquisition sequences that utilize the highest track-to-excitation ratio possible.

Abstract: IceCube is a km-scale neutrino observatory under construction at the South Pole with sensors both in the deep ice (InIce) and on the surface (IceTop). The sensors, called Digital Optical Modules (DOMs), detect, digitize and timestamp the signals from optical Cherenkov-radiation photons. The DOM Main Board (MB) data acquisition subsystem is connected to the central DAQ in the IceCube Laboratory (ICL) by a single twisted copper wire-pair and transmits packetized data on demand. Time calibration is maintained throughout the array by regular transmission to the DOMs of precisely timed analog signals, synchronized to a central GPS-disciplined clock. The design goals and consequent features, functional capabilities, and initial performance of the DOM MB, and the operation of a combined array of DOMs as a system, are described here. Experience with the first InIce strings and the IceTop stations indicates that the system design and performance goals have been achieved.

Abstract: IceCube is a km-scale neutrino observatory under construction at the South Pole with sensors both in the deep ice (InIce) and on the surface (IceTop). The sensors, called Digital Optical Modules (DOMs), detect, digitize and timestamp the signals from optical Cherenkov-radiation photons. The DOM Main Board (MB) data acquisition subsystem is connected to the central DAQ in the IceCube Laboratory (ICL) by a single twisted copper wire-pair and transmits packetized data on demand. Time calibration is maintained throughout the array by regular transmission to the DOMs of precisely timed analog signals, synchronized to a central GPS-disciplined clock. The design goals and consequent features, functional capabilities, and initial performance of the DOM MB, and the operation of a combined array of DOMs as a system, are described here. Experience with the first InIce strings and the IceTop stations indicates that the system design and performance goals have been achieved.

Abstract: A real-time wireless sensor network platform capable of maintaining lossless data transmission over several minutes of continuous, high-rate sampling is presented in this paper. The platform was designed specifically to provide the capability to enable expeditious system identification, as well as load rating of highway bridges without compromising the typical data acquisition parameters employed in comparable cable-based tests. Consequently, the hardware signal conditioning interface permits data collection from a variety of sensors typical to structural health monitoring, including accelerometers, strain transducers, and temperature sensors. The embedded software features a proprietary network transmission protocol capable of lossless, real-time delivery of up to 40 measurement channels at an effective sampling rate of 128 samples per second per channel. Documented in this paper is a field study on an end-of-service highway bridge in which ambient vibration monitoring was performed using 60 accelerometers interfaced with 30 wireless sensor nodes operating within one of two simultaneously operating star topology networks. In addition, an experimental load rating of the entire structure was performed through large-scale strain measurement facilitated by the same wireless sensor network platform.

Abstract: High quality, high contrast images of an iris and the face of a person are acquired in rapid succession in either sequence by a single sensor and one or more illuminators, preferably within less than one second of each other, by changing the data acquisition settings or illumination settings between each acquisition.

Abstract: A compressive sensor array (CSA) system and method uses compressive sampling techniques to acquire sensor data from an array of sensors without independently sampling each of the sensor signals. In general, the CSA system and method uses the compressive sampling techniques to combine the analog sensor signals from the array of sensors into a composite sensor signal and to sample the composite sensor signal at a sub-Nyquist sampling rate. At least one embodiment of the CSA system and method allows a single analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and single RF demodulation chain to be used for an arbitrary number of sensors, thereby providing scalability and eliminating redundant data acquisition hardware. By reducing the number of samples, the CSA system and method also facilitates the processing, storage and transmission of the sensor data.

Abstract: A positioning, communication, and detection system designed to provide a three dimensional location of an object, navigation tools, and bidirectional surface-to-subsurface communications, and methods of using the system. The system can include one or multiple transmitters comprising electromagnetic beacons, software defined radio receivers with an associated processing unit and data acquisition system, and magnetic antennas. The system may use theoretical calculations, scale model testing, signal processing, and sensor data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for asynchronously acquiring seismic data are described, one system comprising one or more seismic sources, a plurality of sensor modules each comprising a seismic sensor, an A/D converter for generating digitized seismic data, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a sensor module clock; a seismic data recording station; and a seismic data transmission sub-system comprising a high precision clock, the sub-system allowing transmission of at least some of the digitized seismic data to the recording station, wherein each sensor module is configured to periodically receive from the sub-system an amount of the drift of its clock relative to the high precision clock This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract to ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims 37 CFR 172(b)

Abstract: An AMR(Automatic Meter Reading) system is used to automatically collect data from meters. In this paper we design and implement a Wireless Automatic Meter Reading System to solve the problem in existing AMR system. The system consists of wireless modules, measure meters and management center. A general wireless module, is developed to transfer the data gotten from traditional analogue meters or digital meters by using ZigBee communication network. We describe a system framework including the hardware of wireless module and software design of data acquisition. We also develop the operator interface on management center. Finally, we build up a Wireless Automatic voltage Meter Reading System as a case study. The proposed system has board application foreground in industry.

Abstract: People specialised in or in contact with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at administrative or user level have been looking for economical and productive means for data acquisition tasks since the advent of GIS. Because the data acquisition constitutes major part of any GIS, scientific community, especially geodetic surveyors, have come up with a solution of real time kinematic (RTK) GPS. This paper investigates the performance (internal and external accuracy) of RTK GPS. For this purpose, two separate tests are conducted. In the first test three cases are taken in consideration for internal accuracy, namely, identical satellite configuration, different satellite configuration and different reference station. In the second test, two cases are put into study in which RTK GPS results are compared with static GPS and conventional terrestrial method. The results from all the tests have proved that this modern technique is very much suitable for data acquisition of GIS’s as well as it is efficient and economical.

Abstract: A system for making real-time predictions about power usage efficiency (PUE) and/or data center infrastructure efficiency (DCiE) of an electrical system comprises a data acquisition component communicatively connected to a sensor configured to acquire real-time data output from the electrical system; an analytics server communicatively connected to the data acquisition component and comprising a virtual system modeling engine configured to generate predicted data output for the electrical system using a virtual system model of the electrical system, an analytics engine configured to monitor the real-time data output and the predicted data output of the electrical system, and a PUE/DCiE simulation engine configured to use the virtual system model updated based in the real-time data to forecast the PUE/DCiE.

Abstract: An electronics system employing a high-speed network for the readout of linear position-sensitive 3He gas detector (PSD) has been developed at KEK. It will be widely used in neutron scattering instruments at the Material and Life Science Facility at Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). This system consists of a new neutron encode—(NEUNET) module and a large-scale data acquisition (DAQ) system. The NEUNET module has not only the previous present histogram mode but also the event mode that allows offline-analysis after experiments. The module has a high-speed network (SiTCP), which introduces the flexibility and the scalability to the DAQ system. The NEUNET module is based on a Versa module Europe (VME) system; it converts PSD signals to digital data by front-end ADCs and transmits the data to the DAQ system that stores them in large storage spaces. We perform a preliminary experiment using the NEUNET modules and the DAQ system at Japan Research Reactor No. 3 at JAEA. Five NEUNET modules process the data of forty PSDs. This paper reports on the details of the NEUNET module and the event mode.

Abstract: Today's sensor technology provides the increased opportunities for automation and improvement in data acquisition and construction processes. However, many current field practices at construction sites still rely on manual processes for asset tracking and information handling. Previous technologies, such as radio frequency identification and global positioning systems, do not provide a solution to automated asset tracking because of their limitations in terms of applicability and performance in a typical construction environment. This paper introduces a new development of an embedded sensor system for construction asset tracking by combining radio and ultrasound signals. We present the detailed hardware and software architecture and have implemented outdoor experiments to examine the accuracy and performance of the designed system. The results obtained showed the accurate distance and position estimation with enhanced networking flexibility. The findings and lessons learned from this research demonstrate the potential for future practical deployment of similar systems in many civil engineering applications.

Abstract: Electronic data capture systems are utilized to collect, document, and process research data for clinical trials. Ideally, the workflow of collecting the data could be simplified by using mobile clients that enable for data acquisition at the point-of-care. Mobile phones provide a range of features to act as data acquisition unit for clinical trials. A novel approach towards an automated solution is the combination of mobile phones with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This technology enables for easy-to-use data acquisition just by touching items. The aim of this work has been to design and develop an additional path for clinical data acquisition based on mobile phones and NFC technology. The system was utilized in a pilot trial and evaluated regarding usability and feasibility for clinical application.

Abstract: Purpose – The objective of this paper is to develop a tracking and control system that automates the process of data collection from construction sites for fast and accurate measurement of work progress.Design/methodology/approach – The proposed system integrates different data acquisition hardware and software technologies including barcoding, radio frequency identification (RFID), laser distance and ranging (LADAR), digital images, and a tablet PC as integrating media.Findings – The paper briefly highlights the advantages and limitations associated with each technology, and presents a methodology that best utilizes these technologies in an integrated system. At the core of the developed system is its database, which is designed to organize and store data collected from construction sites in a way that supports the developed methodology in progress reporting.Practical implications – The accuracy and timeliness of these reports are crucial for management teams to take corrective actions, if needed, so as ...

Abstract: The invention provides a method for acquiring and analyzing performance data of a server. The method uses data acquisition and analysis as core, forms standardized operation through the sorting and standardization of an acquisition method and a target, acquires key data capable of reflecting server performance, uses the data as evidence and analyzes each subsystem of the server, thereby finding the performance bottleneck of the server and providing evidence for solving test or promoting the server performance in practical application.

Abstract: The formation of a crack is accompanied by the generation of an electromagnetic field. A differential equation was derived and solved to describe the transformation of the field parameters into an electric signal, provided capacitive sensors are used. In the next stage, an analysis of spurious external electromagnetic and acoustic fields was carried out, and measures to suppress their effects were designed. The issue of amplifying extremely low electromagnetic signals generated during the crack formation was dealt with, too. The mentioned analyses resulted in the design of a method to detect and evaluate electromagnetic emission (EME) signals and acoustic emission (AE) signals, which accompany mechanical stressing of materials and structures. Based on the results of such analyses, an automated double-channel measuring apparatus was used for signal data acquisition, saving and processing. The operation of the apparatus was successfully tested by processing a large set of measurement results obtained from a composite material called 'extren'. Our experimental results confirmed the correctness of both the EME and AE measurement methods, and measuring apparatus design. Our measurement results make it possible to track the behaviour of cracks, localize them and evaluate some of their basic parameters.

Abstract: A method for processing optical imaging data is provided. The method includes performing a phase error calibration procedure, performing a data acquisition procedure, and performing an imaging computation & analysis procedure. A reference clock signal and an A-scan signal are both received by a data acquisition unit during the phase error calibration procedure while only the A-scan signal is received by the data acquisition unit during the data acquisition procedure. A SS-OCT system for performing the above-mentioned method is provided also. Furthermore, a SS-OCT system having synchronization processing unit therein is provided.

Abstract: This paper describes a novel high-speed wireless data acquisition system (WDAS) developed at the University of Western Australia for operation onboard a geotechnical centrifuge, in an enhanced gravitational field of up to 300 times Earth's gravity. The WDAS system consists of up to eight separate miniature units distributed around the circumference of a 0.8 m diameter drum centrifuge, communicating with the control room via wireless Ethernet. Each unit is capable of powering and monitoring eight instrument channels at a sampling rate of up to 1 MHz at 16-bit resolution. The data are stored within the logging unit in solid-state memory, but may also be streamed in real-time at low frequency (up to 10 Hz) to the centrifuge control room, via wireless transmission. The high-speed logging runs continuously within a circular memory (buffer), allowing for storage of a pre-trigger segment of data prior to an event. To suit typical geotechnical modelling applications, the system can record low-speed data continuously, until a burst of high-speed acquisition is triggered when an experimental event occurs, after which the system reverts back to low-speed acquisition to monitor the aftermath of the event. Unlike PC-based data acquisition solutions, this system performs the full sequence of amplification, conditioning, digitization and storage on a single circuit board via an independent micro-controller allocated to each pair of instrumented channels. This arrangement is efficient, compact and physically robust to suit the centrifuge environment. This paper details the design specification of the WDAS along with the software interface developed to control the units. Results from a centrifuge test of a submarine landslide are used to illustrate the performance of the new WDAS.