In this paper, the spatial smoothing (SS) method is extended to the wideband multipath case. By reordering the array input signal and the weight vector, the corresponding covariance matrix of each subarray can be constructed conveniently. Then, a novel wideband beamforming algorithm, based on the SS method (SS-WB), can be achieved by linearly constrained minimum variance (LCMV). Further improvement of the output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) for SS-WB can be obtained by removing the desired signal in the observed array data with the reconstruction of covariance matrix, which is denoted as wideband beamformer based on modified SS method (MSS-WB). Both proposed algorithms can reduce the desired signal cancellation due to the super decorrelation ability of SS method and MSS-WB can lead to a significantly improved output SINR. The simulations verify their effectiveness in the multipath environment.

This paper presents a spatial division (SD) transmission method based on two-ray fading that dispenses with the high signal processing cost of multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) detection and antennas with narrow beamwidth. We show the optimum array geometries as functions of the transmission distance for providing a concrete array design method. Moreover, we clarify achievable channel capacity considering reflection coefficients that depend on the polarization, incident angle, and dielectric constant. When the ground surface is conductive, for two- and three-element arrays, channel capacity is doubled and tripled, respectively, over that of free space propagation. We also clarify the application limit of this method for a dielectric ground by analyzing the channel capacity's dependency on the dielectric constant. With this method, increased channel capacity by SD transmission can be obtained merely by placing antennas of wireless transceiver sets that have only SISO (single-input and single-output) capability in a two-ray propagation environment. By using formulations presented in this paper for the first time and adding discussions on the adoption of polarization multiplexing, we clarify antenna geometries of SD transmission systems using polarization multiplexing for up to six streams.

Network selection is one of the hot issues in the fusion of heterogeneous wireless networks (HWNs). However, most of previous works only consider selecting single-access network, which wastes other available network resources, rarely take account of multi-access. To make full utilization of available coexisted networks, this paper proposes a novel multi-access selection algorithm based on joint utility optimization for users with multi-mode terminals. At first, the algorithm adopts exponential smoothing method (ESM) to get smoothed values of received signal strength (RSS). Then we obtain network joint utility function under the constraints of bandwidth and number of networks, with the consideration of trade-off between network benefit and cost. At last, Lagrange multiplier and dual optimization methods are used to maximize joint utility. Users select multiple networks according to the optimal association matrix of user and network. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can optimize network joint utility, improve throughput, effectively reduce vertical handoff number, and ensure Quality of Service (QoS).

A path loss model for low antenna heights below surrounding buildings in residential areas is presented to contribute to the construction of VHF band wireless systems. The model is constructed on the basis of measurement results at 167.65MHz, near center frequency at VHF band. Path loss characteristics in the middle VHF band are compared to those in bands above UHF. The dominant paths in bands above UHF include propagation paths below surrounding buildings, such as paths along roads. However, in the middle VHF band, these paths are instantly attenuated because their 1st Fresnel zone radius is larger than the average building height or road width. The dominant path in the middle VHF band is the over-roof propagation path, and the 1st Fresnel zone of the path is shielded by the buildings and the ground surface. The proposed path loss model has two features. First, it derives the effective height of the ground surface from the terrain profile of the buildings and the ground surface. Second, it uses formulas of a two-path model to take the shielding of the 1st Fresnel zone into account. Finally, it is shown that the proposed model is able to predict the path loss measurement results more accurately than the conventional model.

The performance in terms of the user separation of multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) depends on not only the spatial correlation but also the location of the mobile stations (MSs). In order to take into account the performance in terms of the user separation, we need to consider the granularity of the beam and null width of the precoded antenna pattern in addition to the spatial correlation to determine the base station (BS) antenna configuration. In this paper, we propose Smart Vertical MIMO (SV-MIMO) as the best antenna configuration that achieves both spatial correlation and granularity of the beam and null width of the precoded antenna pattern. We evaluate SV-MIMO in a field experiment using a downlink 4-by-2 MU-MIMO configuration focusing on the dependency of the location of the MSs in Yokosuka, Japan. The majority of the measurement course is under line-of-sight (LOS) conditions in a single cell environment. The MSs are almost uniformly set 30 to 60 degrees in azimuth and 12 to 30 degrees in elevation and the distance from the BS antennas is approximately 150m at maximum. We also evaluate the performance of 4-by-2 MU-MIMO using the conventional type of horizontal array antenna and show the difference. The field experimental results show that throughput of greater than 1Gbps is achieved at the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) of 14% by employing SV-MIMO for Rank-4 MU-MIMO. The throughput of SV-MIMO is 30% higher than that for the horizontal array antenna configuration at the CDF of 50%.

A coherent combining-based initial ranging scheme is proposed for multiple-input multiple-output and orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems. The proposed algorithm utilizes the correlation properties of the ranging codes to resolve the multipath components, coherently combines the initial ranging signal of resolved path on each receiving antenna to maximize the output signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio, and then collects the power of the multipath signals to detect the states of the ranging codes. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme has much better performance than the available noncoherent combining method, and can accommodate more active ranging users simultaneously in each cell.

When ultra-high-frequency (UHF) method is applied in partial discharge (PD) detection for GIS, the propagation process and rules of electromagnetic (EM) wave need to be understood clearly for conducting diagnosis and assessment about the real insulation status. The preceding researches are mainly concerning about the radial component of the UHF signal, but the propagation of the signal components in axial and radial directions and that perpendicular to the radial direction of the GIS tank are rarely considered. So in this paper, for a 252,kV GIS with T-shaped structure (TS), the propagation and attenuation of PD-induced EM wave in different circumferential angles and directions are investigated profoundly in time and frequency domain based on Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method. The attenuation rules of the peak to peak value (Vpp) and cumulative energy are concluded. By comparing the results of straight branch and T branch, the influence of T-shaped structure over the propagation of different signal components are summarized. Moreover, the new circumferential and axial location methods proposed in the previous work are verified to be still applicable. This paper discusses the propagation mechanism of UHF signal in T-shaped tank, which provides some referential significance towards the utilization of UHF technique and better implementation of PD detection.

Energy harvesting technology was introduced into wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to solve the problem of the short lifetimes of sensor nodes. The technology gives sensor nodes the ability to convert environmental energy into electricity. Sufficient electrical energy can lengthen the lifetime and improve the quality of service of a WSN. This paper proposes a novel use of mutual information to evaluate data transmission behavior in the energy harvesting WSNs. Data at a sink for a node deteriorates over time until the next periodic transmission from the node is received. In this paper, we suggest an optimized intermittent transmission method for WSNs that harvest energy. Our method overcomes the problem of information deterioration without increasing energy cost. We show that by using spatial correlation between different sensor nodes, our proposed method can mitigate information deterioration significantly at the sink.

This paper presents a novel filter to keep from over-smoothing the edges and corners and rectify the outliers in the flow field after each incremental computation step, which plays a key role during the process of estimating flow field. This filter works according to the spatial-temporal derivatives distance of the input image and velocity field distance, whose principle is more reasonable in filtering mechanism for optical flow than other existing nonlinear filters. Moreover, we regard the spatial-temporal derivatives as new powerful descriptions of different motion layers or regions and give a detailed explanation. Experimental results show that our proposed method achieves better performance.

Differential games are considered an extension of optimal control problems, which are used to formulate centralized control problems in smart grids. Optimal control theory is used to study systems consisting of one agent with one objective, whereas differential games are used to formulate systems consisting of multiple agents with multiple objectives. Therefore, a differential-game-theoretic approach is appropriate for formulating decentralized demand-side energy management systems where there are multiple decision-making entities interacting with each other. Moreover, in many smart grid applications, we need to obtain information for control via communication systems. To formulate the influence of communication availability, differential game theory is also promising because the availability of communication is considered as part of an information structure (i.e., feedback or open-loop) in differential games. The feedback information structure is adopted when information for control can be obtained, whereas the open-loop information structure is applied when the information cannot be obtained because of communication failure. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for evaluating the performance of demand-side actors in a demand-side management system using each control scheme according to both communication availability and sampling frequency. Numerical analysis shows that the proposed comprehensive framework allows for an analysis of trade-off for decentralized and centralized control schemes.

Earlier attempts to deploy two units of parametric loudspeakers have shown encouraging results in improving the accuracy of spatial audio reproductions. As compared to a pair of conventional loudspeakers, this improvement is mainly a result of being free of crosstalk due to the sharp directivity of the parametric loudspeaker. By replacing the normal parametric loudspeaker with the steerable parametric loudspeaker, a flexible sweet spot can be created that tolerates head movements of the listener. However, spatial aliasing effects of the primary frequency waves are always observed in the steerable parametric loudspeaker. We are motivated to make use of the spatial aliasing effects to create two sound beams from one unit of the steerable parametric loudspeaker. Hence, a reduction of power consumption and physical size can be achieved by cutting down the number of loudspeakers used in an audio system. By introducing a new parameter, namely the relative steering angle, we propose a stereophonic beamsteering method that can control the amplitude difference corresponding to the interaural level difference (ILD) between two sound beams. Currently, this proposed method does not support the reproduction of interaural time differences (ITD).

We design a full-order observer for discrete-time linear time-invariant systems with constant output delays. The observer design is based on the output delay model expressed by a two-dimensional state variable, with discrete-time and space independent variables. Employing a discrete-time state transformation, we construct an explicit strict Lyapunov function that enables us to prove the global exponential stability of the full-order observer error system with an explicit estimate of the exponential decay rate. The numerical example demonstrates the design of the full-order observer and illustrates the validity of the exponential stability.

Digital map systems can be categorized, based on the support they provide, into map navigation systems and map touring systems. Map navigation systems put more focus on helping travelers finding routes or directions instantly. By contrast, map touring systems such as Google Maps running on desktop computers are built to support users in developing their routes and survey knowledge before they go for travel. In this paper, traveler conceptual models are proposed as an interaction paradigm to enhance user immersion and interaction experience on map touring systems. A map touring system, MapXplorer, is also introduced as a proof of concept with its system design and implementation explained in detail. Twenty participants were invited to join the user study that investigates users' performance and preferences on navigation and exploration tasks. The results of experiments show that the proposed system surpasses traditional map touring systems on both navigation and exploration tasks for about 50 percent on average, and provides better user experience.

Coalition Structure Generation (CSG) is a main research issue in the domain of coalition games. A majority of existing works assume that the value of a coalition is independent of others in the coalition structure. Recently, there has been interest in a more realistic settings, where the value of a coalition is affected by the formation of other coalitions. This effect is known as externality. The focus of this paper is to make use of Maximum Satisfiability (MaxSAT) to solve the CSG problem where externalities may exist. In order to reduce the exponentially growing number of possible solutions in the CSG problem, we follow the previous works by representing the CSG problem as sets of rules in MC-nets (without externalities) and embedded MC-nets (with externalities). Specifically, enlightened by the previous MC-net-based algorithms exploiting the constraints among rule relations to solve the CSG problem, we encode such constraints into weighted partial MaxSAT (WPM) formulas. Experimental results demonstrate that an off-the-shelf MaxSAT solver achieves significant improvements compared to the previous algorithm for the same set of problem instances.

Blur distortion is a common artifact in image communication and affects the perceived sharpness of a digital image. In this paper, we capitalize on the mathematical knowledge of Gaussian convolution and propose a strategy to minimally reblur test images. From the reblur algorithm, synthetic reblur images are created. We propose a new blind blur metric which makes use of the reblur images to produce blur scores. Compared to other no-reference blur assessments, the proposed method has the advantages of fast computation and training-free operation. Experiment results also show that the proposed method can produce blur scores which are highly correlated with human perception of blurriness.

In this study, we address the problem of salient region detection. Recently, saliency detection with contrast based approaches has shown to give promising results. However, different individual features exhibit different performance. In this paper, we show that the combination of color uniqueness and color spatial distribution is an effective way to detect saliency. A Color Adaptive Thresholding Watershed Fusion Segmentation (CAT-WFS) method is first given to retain boundary information and delete unnecessary details. Based on the segmentation, color uniqueness and color spatial distribution are defined separately. The color uniqueness denotes the color rareness of salient object, while the color spatial distribution represents the color attribute of the background. Aiming at highlighting the salient object and downplaying the background, we combine the two characters to generate the final saliency map. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing salient object detection methods.

In this paper, we propose a representation method based on local spatial strokes for scene character recognition. High-level semantic information, namely co-occurrence of several strokes is incorporated by learning a sparse dictionary, which can further restrain noise brought by single stroke detectors. The encouraging results outperform state-of-the-art algorithms.

Fault tolerant methods using dynamically reconfigurable devices have been studied to overcome wear-out failures. However, quantitative comparisons have not been sufficiently assessed on device lifetime enhancement with these methods, whereas they have mainly been evaluated individually from various viewpoints such as additional hardware overheads, performance, and downtime for fault recovery. This paper presents quantitative lifetime evaluations performed by simulating the fault-avoidance procedures of five representative methods under the same conditions in wear-out scenarios, applications, and device architecture. The simulation results indicated that improvements of up to 70% mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) in comparison with ideal fault avoidance could be achieved by using methods of fault avoidance with ‘row direction shift’ and ‘dynamic partial reconfiguration’. ‘Column shift’, on the other hand, attained a high degree of stability with moderate improvements in MTTF. The experimental results also revealed that spare basic elements (BEs) should be prevented from aging so that improvements in MTTF would not be adversely affected. Moreover, we found that the selection of initial mappings guided by wire utilization could increase the lifetimes of partial reconfiguration based fault avoidance.

Coalition Structure Generation (CSG) means partitioning agents into exhaustive and disjoint coalitions so that the sum of values of all the coalitions is maximized. Solving this problem could be facilitated by employing some compact representation schemes, such as marginal contribution network (MC-net). In MC-net, the CSG problem is represented by a set of rules where each rule is associated with a real-valued weights, and the goal is to maximize the sum of weights of rules under some constraints. This naturally leads to a combinatorial optimization problem that could be solved with weighted partial MaxSAT (WPM). In general, WPM deals with only positive weights while the weights involved in a CSG problem could be either positive or negative. With this in mind, in this paper, we propose an extension of WPM to handle negative weights and take advantage of the extended WPM to solve the MC-net-based CSG problem. Specifically, we encode the relations between each pair of agents and reform the MC-net as a set of Boolean formulas. Thus, the CSG problem is encoded as an optimization problem for WPM solvers. Furthermore, we apply this agent relation-based WPM with minor revision to solve the extended CSG problem where the value of a coalition is affected by the formation of other coalitions, a coalition known as externality. Experiments demonstrate that, compared to the previous encoding, our proposed method speeds up the process of solving the CSG problem significantly, as it generates fewer number of Boolean variables and clauses that need to be examined by WPM solver.

We demonstrate an all-optical non-return-to-zero differential phase shift keying (NRZ-DPSK) to return-to-zero differential phase shift keying (RZ-DPSK) format conversion with wavelength-shift-free and pulsewidth tunable operations by using a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based switch. An NRZ-DPSK signal is injected into the SOA-based switch with an RZ clock, and is converted to RZ-DPSK signal owing to the nonlinear effects inside the SOA. In this scheme, the wavelength of the converted RZ-DPSK signal is maintained as the original wavelength of the input NRZ-DPSK signal during the format conversion. Moreover, the pulsewidth of the converted signal is tunable in a wider operating range from 30 to 60 ps. The format conversion with pulsewidth tunability is based on cross-phase modulation (XPM) and cross-gain modulation (XGM) effects in the SOA. The clear eye diagrams, optical spectra and the bit-error-rate (BER) characteristics show high conversion performance with the wide pulsewidth tuning range. For all cases of the converted RZ-DPSK signal with different pulsewidths, the receiver sensitivities at a BER of 10$^{-9}$ for the converted RZ-DPSK signal were 0.7 to 1.5 dB higher than the receiver sensitivity of the input NRZ-DPSK signal.