IDT-3D: Identification and tracking in controlled environments using a 3D unified user interface

Identification and tracking of objects in specific environments such as harbors or security areas is a matter of great importance nowadays. With this purpose, numerous systems based on different technologies have been developed, resulting in a great amount of gathered data displayed through a variety of interfaces. Such amount of information has to be evaluated by human operators in order to take the correct decisions, sometimes under highly critical situations demanding both speed and accuracy. In order to face this problem we describe IDT-3D, a platform for identification and tracking of vessels in a harbour environment able to represent fused information in real time using a Virtual Reality application. The effectiveness of using IDT-3D as an integrated surveillance system is currently under evaluation. Preliminary results point to a significant decrease in the times of reaction and decision making of operators facing up a critical situation. Although the current application focus of IDT-3D is quite specific, the results of this research could be extended to the identification and tracking of targets in other controlled environments of interest as coastlines, borders or even urban areas.

Caracterizaci��n de colectores para sistemas de concentraci��n fotovoltaica

Este proyecto, titulado ���Caracterizaci��n de colectores para concentraci��n fotovoltaica���, consiste en una aplicaci��n en Labview para obtener las caracter��sticas de los elementos ��pticos utilizados en sistemas de concentraci��n fotovoltaica , atendiendo a la distribuci��n espacial del foco de luz concentrado que generan. Un sistema de concentraci��n fotovoltaica utiliza un sistema ��ptico para transmitir la radiaci��n luminosa a la c��lula solar aumentando la densidad de potencia luminosa. Estos sistemas ��pticos est��n formados por espejos o lentes para recoger la radiaci��n incidente en ellos y concentrar el haz de luz en una superficie mucho menor. De esta manera se puede reducir el ��rea de material semiconductor necesario, lo que conlleva una importante reducci��n del coste del sistema. Se pueden distinguir diferentes sistemas de concentraci��n dependiendo de la ��ptica que emplee, la estructura del receptor o el rango de concentraci��n. Sin embargo, ya que el objetivo es analizar la distribuci��n espacial, diferenciaremos dos tipos de concentradores dependiendo de la geometr��a que presenta el foco de luz. El concentrador lineal o cil��ndrico que enfoca sobre una l��nea, y el concentrador de foco puntual o circular que enfoca la luz sobre un punto. Debido a esta diferencia el an��lisis en ambos casos se realizar�� de forma distinta. El an��lisis se realiza procesando una imagen del foco tomada en el lugar del receptor, este m��todo se llama LS-CCD (Difusi��n de luz y captura con CCD). Puede utilizarse en varios montajes dependiendo si se capta la imagen por reflexi��n o por transmisi��n en el receptor. En algunos montajes no es posible captar la imagen perpendicular al receptor por lo que la aplicaci��n realizar�� un ajuste de perspectiva para obtener el foco con su forma original. La imagen del foco ofrece informaci��n detallada acerca de la uniformidad del foco mediante el mapa de superficie, que es una representaci��n en 3D de la imagen pero que resulta poco manejable. Una representaci��n m��s sencilla y ��til es la que ofrecen los llamados ���perfiles de intensidad���. El perfil de intensidad o distribuci��n de la irradiancia que representa la distribuci��n de la luz para cada distancia al centro, y el perfil acumulado o irradiancia acumulada que representa la luz contenida en relaci��n tambi��n al centro. Las representaciones de estos perfiles en el caso de un concentrador lineal y otro circular son distintas debido a su diferente geometr��a. Mientras que para un foco lineal se expresa el perfil en funci��n de la semi-anchura del receptor, para uno circular se expresa en funci��n del radio. En cualquiera de los casos ofrecen informaci��n sobre la uniformidad y el tama��o del foco de luz necesarios para dise��ar el receptor. El objetivo de este proyecto es la creaci��n de una aplicaci��n software que realice el procesado y an��lisis de las im��genes obtenidas del foco de luz de los sistemas ��pticos a caracterizar. La aplicaci��n tiene una interfaz sencilla e intuitiva para que pueda ser empleada por cualquier usuario. Los recursos necesarios para realizar el proyecto son: un PC con sistema operativo Windows, el software Labview 8.6 Professional Edition y los m��dulos NI Vision Development Module (para trabajar con im��genes) y NI Report Generation Toolkit (para realizar reportes y guardar datos de la aplicaci��n). ABSTRACT This project, called ���Characterization of collectors for concentration photovoltaic systems���, consists in a Labview application to obtain the characteristics of the optical elements used in photovoltaic concentrator, taking into account the spatial distribution of concentrated light source generated. A concentrator photovoltaic system uses an optical system to transmit light radiation to the solar cell by increasing the light power density. This optical system are formed by mirrors or lenses to collect the radiation incident on them and focus the beam of light in a much smaller surface area. In this way you can reduce the area of semiconductor material needed, which implies a significant reduction in system cost. There are different concentration systems depending on the optics used, receptor structure or concentration range. However, as the aim is to analyze the spatial distribution, distinguish between two types of concentrators depending on the geometry that has the light focus. The linear or cylindrical concentrator that focused on a line, and the circular concentrator that focused light onto a point. Because this difference in both cases the analysis will be carried out differently. The analysis is performed by processing a focus image taken at the receiver site, this method is called ���LS-CCD��� (Light Scattering and CCD recording). Can be used in several mountings depending on whether the image is captured by reflection or transmission on the receiver. In some mountings it is not possible to capture the image perpendicular to the receivers so that the application makes an adjustment of perspective to get the focus to its original shape. The focus image provides detail information about the uniformity of focus through the surface map, which is a 3D image representation but it is unwieldy. A simple and useful representation is provided by so called ���intensity profiles���. The intensity profile or irradiance distribution which represents the distribution of light to each distance to the center. The accumulated profile or accumulated irradiance that represents the cumulative light contained in relation also to the center. The representation of these profiles in the case of a linear and a circular concentrator are different due to their distinct geometry. While for a line focus profile is expressed in terms of semi-width of the receiver, for a circular concentrator is expressed in terms of radius. In either case provides information about the uniformity and size of focus needed to design the receiver. The objective of this project is the creation of a software application to perform processing and analysis of images obtained from light source of optical systems to characterize.The application has a simple and a intuitive interface so it can be used for any users. The resources required for the project are: a PC with Windows operating system, LabVIEW 8.6 Professional Edition and the modules NI Vision Development Module (for working with images) and NI Report Generation Toolkit (for reports and store application data .)

Novel Inductor���less Conversion Strategy Based on Multiphase Transformer���Coupled Converters: Analysis, Design and Applications

There are many the requirements that modern power converters should fulfill. Most of the applications where these converters are used, demand smaller converters with high efficiency, improved power density and a fast dynamic response. For instance, loads like microprocessors demand aggressive current steps with very high slew rates (100A/mus and higher); besides, during these load steps, the supply voltage of the microprocessor should be kept within tight limits in order to ensure its correct performance. The accomplishment of these requirements is not an easy task; complex solutions like advanced topologies - such as multiphase converters- as well as advanced control strategies are often needed. Besides, it is also necessary to operate the converter at high switching frequencies and to use capacitors with high capacitance and low ESR. Improving the dynamic response of power converters does not rely only on the control strategy but also the power topology should be suited to enable a fast dynamic response. Moreover, in later years, a fast dynamic response does not only mean accomplishing fast load steps but output voltage steps are gaining importance as well. At least, two applications that require fast voltage changes can be named: Low power microprocessors. In these devices, the voltage supply is changed according to the workload and the operating frequency of the microprocessor is changed at the same time. An important reduction in voltage dependent losses can be achieved with such changes. This technique is known as Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS). Another application where important energy savings can be achieved by means of changing the supply voltage are Radio Frequency Power Amplifiers. For example, RF architectures based on ���Envelope Tracking��� and ���Envelope Elimination and Restoration��� techniques can take advantage of voltage supply modulation and accomplish important energy savings in the power amplifier. However, in order to achieve these efficiency improvements, a power converter with high efficiency and high enough bandwidth (hundreds of kHz or even tens of MHz) is necessary in order to ensure an adequate supply voltage. The main objective of this Thesis is to improve the dynamic response of DC-DC converters from the point of view of the power topology. And the term dynamic response refers both to the load steps and the voltage steps; it is also interesting to modulate the output voltage of the converter with a specific bandwidth. In order to accomplish this, the question of what is it that limits the dynamic response of power converters should be answered. Analyzing this question leads to the conclusion that the dynamic response is limited by the power topology and specifically, by the filter inductance of the converter which is found in series between the input and the output of the converter. The series inductance is the one that determines the gain of the converter and provides the regulation capability. Although the energy stored in the filter inductance enables the regulation and the capability of filtering the output voltage, it imposes a limitation which is the concern of this Thesis. The series inductance stores energy and prevents the current from changing in a fast way, limiting the slew rate of the current through this inductor. Different solutions are proposed in the literature in order to reduce the limit imposed by the filter inductor. Many publications proposing new topologies and improvements to known topologies can be found in the literature. Also, complex control strategies are proposed with the objective of improving the dynamic response in power converters. In the proposed topologies, the energy stored in the series inductor is reduced; examples of these topologies are Multiphase converters, Buck converter operating at very high frequency or adding a low impedance path in parallel with the series inductance. Control techniques proposed in the literature, focus on adjusting the output voltage as fast as allowed by the power stage; examples of these control techniques are: hysteresis control, V 2 control, and minimum time control. In some of the proposed topologies, a reduction in the value of the series inductance is achieved and with this, the energy stored in this magnetic element is reduced; less stored energy means a faster dynamic response. However, in some cases (as in the high frequency Buck converter), the dynamic response is improved at the cost of worsening the efficiency. In this Thesis, a drastic solution is proposed: to completely eliminate the series inductance of the converter. This is a more radical solution when compared to those proposed in the literature. If the series inductance is eliminated, the regulation capability of the converter is limited which can make it difficult to use the topology in one-converter solutions; however, this topology is suitable for power architectures where the energy conversion is done by more than one converter. When the series inductor is eliminated from the converter, the current slew rate is no longer limited and it can be said that the dynamic response of the converter is independent from the switching frequency. This is the main advantage of eliminating the series inductor. The main objective, is to propose an energy conversion strategy that is done without series inductance. Without series inductance, no energy is stored between the input and the output of the converter and the dynamic response would be instantaneous if all the devices were ideal. If the energy transfer from the input to the output of the converter is done instantaneously when a load step occurs, conceptually it would not be necessary to store energy at the output of the converter (no output capacitor COUT would be needed) and if the input source is ideal, the input capacitor CIN would not be necessary. This last feature (no CIN with ideal VIN) is common to all power converters. However, when the concept is actually implemented, parasitic inductances such as leakage inductance of the transformer and the parasitic inductance of the PCB, cannot be avoided because they are inherent to the implementation of the converter. These parasitic elements do not affect significantly to the proposed concept. In this Thesis, it is proposed to operate the converter without series inductance in order to improve the dynamic response of the converter; however, on the other side, the continuous regulation capability of the converter is lost. It is said continuous because, as it will be explained throughout the Thesis, it is indeed possible to achieve discrete regulation; a converter without filter inductance and without energy stored in the magnetic element, is capable to achieve a limited number of output voltages. The changes between these output voltage levels are achieved in a fast way. The proposed energy conversion strategy is implemented by means of a multiphase converter where the coupling of the phases is done by discrete two-winding transformers instead of coupledinductors since transformers are, ideally, no energy storing elements. This idea is the main contribution of this Thesis. The feasibility of this energy conversion strategy is first analyzed and then verified by simulation and by the implementation of experimental prototypes. Once the strategy is proved valid, different options to implement the magnetic structure are analyzed. Three different discrete transformer arrangements are studied and implemented. A converter based on this energy conversion strategy would be designed with a different approach than the one used to design classic converters since an additional design degree of freedom is available. The switching frequency can be chosen according to the design specifications without penalizing the dynamic response or the efficiency. Low operating frequencies can be chosen in order to favor the efficiency; on the other hand, high operating frequencies (MHz) can be chosen in order to favor the size of the converter. For this reason, a particular design procedure is proposed for the ���inductorless��� conversion strategy. Finally, applications where the features of the proposed conversion strategy (high efficiency with fast dynamic response) are advantageus, are proposed. For example, in two-stage power architectures where a high efficiency converter is needed as the first stage and there is a second stage that provides the fine regulation. Another example are RF power amplifiers where the voltage is modulated following an envelope reference in order to save power; in this application, a high efficiency converter, capable of achieving fast voltage steps is required. The main contributions of this Thesis are the following: The proposal of a conversion strategy that is done, ideally, without storing energy in the magnetic element. The validation and the implementation of the proposed energy conversion strategy. The study of different magnetic structures based on discrete transformers for the implementation of the proposed energy conversion strategy. To elaborate and validate a design procedure. To identify and validate applications for the proposed energy conversion strategy. It is important to remark that this work is done in collaboration with Intel. The particular features of the proposed conversion strategy enable the possibility of solving the problems related to microprocessor powering in a different way. For example, the high efficiency achieved with the proposed conversion strategy enables it as a good candidate to be used for power conditioning, as a first stage in a two-stage power architecture for powering microprocessors.

Neighborhood-corrected interface discontinuity factors for multi-group pin-by-pin diffusion calculations for LWR

Performing three-dimensional pin-by-pin full core calculations based on an improved solution of the multi-group diffusion equation is an affordable option nowadays to compute accurate local safety parameters for light water reactors. Since a transport approximation is solved, appropriate correction factors, such as interface discontinuity factors, are required to nearly reproduce the fully heterogeneous transport solution. Calculating exact pin-by-pin discontinuity factors requires the knowledge of the heterogeneous neutron flux distribution, which depends on the boundary conditions of the pin-cell as well as the local variables along the nuclear reactor operation. As a consequence, it is impractical to compute them for each possible configuration; however, inaccurate correction factors are one major source of error in core analysis when using multi-group diffusion theory. An alternative to generate accurate pin-by-pin interface discontinuity factors is to build a functional-fitting that allows incorporating the environment dependence in the computed values. This paper suggests a methodology to consider the neighborhood effect based on the Analytic Coarse-Mesh Finite Difference method for the multi-group diffusion equation. It has been applied to both definitions of interface discontinuity factors, the one based on the Generalized Equivalence Theory and the one based on Black-Box Homogenization, and for different few energy groups structures. Conclusions are drawn over the optimal functional-fitting and demonstrative results are obtained with the multi-group pin-by-pin diffusion code COBAYA3 for representative PWR configurations.

A systematic mapping study on the open source software development process.

Abstract?Background: There is no globally accepted open source software development process to define how open source software is developed in practice. A process description is important for coordinating all the software development activities involving both people and technology. Aim: The research question that this study sets out to answer is: What activities do open source software process models contain? The activity groups on which it focuses are Concept Exploration, Software Requirements, Design, Maintenance and Evaluation. Method: We conduct a systematic mapping study (SMS). A SMS is a form of systematic literature review that aims to identify and classify available research papers concerning a particular issue. Results: We located a total of 29 primary studies, which we categorized by the open source software project that they examine and by activity types (Concept Exploration, Software Requirements, Design, Maintenance and Evaluation). The activities present in most of the open source software development processes were Execute Tests and Conduct Reviews, which belong to the Evaluation activities group. Maintenance is the only group that has primary studies addressing all the activities that it contains. Conclusions: The primary studies located by the SMS are the starting point for analyzing the open source software development process and proposing a process model for this community. The papers in our paper pool that describe a specific open source software project provide more regarding our research question than the papers that talk about open source software development without referring to a specific open source software project.

Perfect imaging of point sources with positive refraction

The capability of a device called the Spherical Geodesic Waveguide (SGW) to produce images with details below the classic Abbe diffraction limit (super-resolution) is analyzed here. The SGW is an optical system equivalent (by means of Transformation Optics) to the Maxwell Fish Eye (MFE) refractive index distribution. Recently, it has been claimed that the necessary condition to get super-resolution in the MFE and the SGW is the use of a Perfect Point Drain (PPD). The PPD is a punctual receptor placed in the focal point that absorbs the incident wave, without reflection or scattering. A microwave circuit comprising three elements, the SGW, the source and the drain (two coaxial lines loaded with specific impedances) is designed and simulated in COMSOL. The super-resolution properties have been analyzed for different position of the source and drain and for two different load impedances: the PPD and the characteristic line impedance. The results show that in both cases super-resolution occurs only for discrete number of frequencies. Out of these frequencies, the SGW does not show SR in the analysis carried out.

Dise��o de una interfaz de representaci��n gr��fica de la base de datos de HRTF

El actual proyecto consiste en la creaci��n de una interfaz gr��fica de usuario (GUI) en entorno de MATLAB que realice una representaci��n gr��fica de la base de datos de HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function). La funci��n de transferencia de la cabeza es una herramienta muy ��til en el estudio de la capacidad del ser humano para percibir su entorno sonoro, adem��s de la habilidad de ��ste en la localizaci��n de fuentes sonoras en el espacio que le rodea. La HRTF biaural (terminolog��a para referirse al conjunto de HRTF del o��do izquierdo y del o��do derecho) en s�� misma, posee informaci��n de especial inter��s ya que las diferencias entre las HRTF de cada o��do, conceden la informaci��n que nuestro sistema de audici��n utiliza en la percepci��n del campo sonoro. Por ello, la funcionalidad de la interfaz gr��fica creada presenta gran provecho dentro del estudio de este campo. Las diferencias interaurales se caracterizan en amplitud y en tiempo, variando en funci��n de la frecuencia. Mediante la transformada inversa de Fourier de la se��al HRTF, se obtiene la repuesta al impulso de la cabeza, es decir, la HRIR (Head-Related Impulse Response). La cual, adem��s de tener una gran utilidad en la creaci��n de software o dispositivos de generaci��n de sonido envolvente, se utiliza para obtener las diferencias ITD (Interaural Time Difference) e ILD (Interaural Time Difference), com��nmente denominados ���par��metros de localizaci��n espacial���. La base de datos de HRTF contiene la informaci��n biaural de diferentes puntos de ubicaci��n de la fuente sonora, formando una red de coordenadas esf��ricas que envuelve la cabeza del sujeto. Dicha red, seg��n las medidas realizadas en la c��mara anecoica de la EUITT (Escuela Universitaria de Ingenier��a T��cnica de Telecomunicaci��n), presenta una precisi��n en elevaci��n de 10�� y en azimut de 5��. Los receptores son dos micr��fonos alojados en el maniqu�� ac��stico llamado HATS (Hats and Torso Simulator) modelo 4100D de Br��el&Kjaer. ��ste posee las caracter��sticas f��sicas que influyen en la percepci��n del entorno como son las formas del pabell��n auditivo (pinna), de la cabeza, del cuello y del torso humano. Ser�� necesario realizar los c��lculos de interpolaci��n para todos aquellos puntos no contenidos en la base de datos HRTF, este proceso es sumamente importante no solo para potenciar la capacidad de la misma sino por su utilidad para la comparaci��n entre otras bases de datos existentes en el estudio de este ��mbito. La interfaz gr��fica de usuario est�� concebida para un manejo sencillo, claro y predecible, a la vez que interactivo. Desde el primer boceto del programa se ha tenido clara su filosof��a, impuesta por las necesidades de un usuario que busca una herramienta pr��ctica y de manejo intuitivo. Su dise��o de una sola ventana re��ne tanto los componentes de obtenci��n de datos como los que hacen posible la representaci��n gr��fica de las HRTF, las HRIR y los par��metros de localizaci��n espacial, ITD e ILD. El usuario podr�� ir alternando las representaciones gr��ficas a la vez que introduce las coordenadas de los puntos que desea visualizar, definidas por phi (elevaci��n) y theta (azimut). Esta faceta de la interfaz es la que le otorga una gran facilidad de acceso y lectura de la informaci��n representada en ella. Adem��s, el usuario puede introducir valores incluidos en la base de datos o valores intermedios a estos, de esta manera, se indica a la interfaz la necesidad de realizar la interpolaci��n de los mismos. El m��todo de interpolaci��n escogido es el de la ponderaci��n de la distancia inversa entre puntos. Dependiendo de los valores introducidos por el usuario se realizar�� una interpolaci��n de dos o cuatro puntos, siendo ��stos lim��trofes al valor introducido, ya sea de phi o theta. Para a��adir versatilidad a la interfaz gr��fica de usuario, se ha a��adido la opci��n de generar archivos de salida en forma de imagen de las gr��ficas representadas, de tal forma que el usuario pueda extraer los datos que le interese para cualquier valor de phi y theta. Se completa el presente proyecto fin de carrera con un trabajo de investigaci��n y estudio comparativo de la funci��n y la aplicaci��n de las bases de datos de HRTF dentro del marco cient��fico y de investigaci��n. Esto ha hecho posible concentrar informaci��n relacionada a trav��s de revistas cient��ficas de investigaci��n como la JAES (Journal of the Audio Engineering Society) o la ASA (Acoustical Society of America), adem��s, del IEEE ( Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) o la ���Web of knowledge��� entre otras. Adem��s de realizar la b��squeda en estas fuentes, se ha optado por v��as de informaci��n m��s comunes como Google Acad��mico o el portal de acceso ���Ingenio��� a los todos los recursos electr��nicos contenidos en la base de datos de la universidad. El estudio genera una ampliaci��n en el conocimiento de la labor pr��ctica de las HRTF. La mayor��a de los estudios enfocan sus esfuerzos en mejorar la percepci��n del evento sonoro mediante su simulaci��n en la escucha est��reo o multicanal. A partir de las HRTF, esto es posible mediante el an��lisis y el c��lculo de datos como pueden ser las regresiones, siendo ��stas muy ��tiles en la predicci��n de una medida bas��ndose en la informaci��n de la actual. Otro campo de especial inter��s es el de la generaci��n de sonido 3D. Mediante la base de datos HRTF es posible la simulaci��n de una se��al biaural. Se han dise��ado algoritmos que son implementados en dispositivos DSP, de tal manera que por medio de retardos interaurales y de diferencias espectrales es posible llegar a un resultado ��ptimo de sonido envolvente, sin olvidar la importancia de los efectos de reverberaci��n para conseguir un efecto cre��ble de sonido envolvente. Debido a la complejidad computacional que esto requiere, gran parte de los estudios coinciden en desarrollar sistemas m��s eficientes, llegando a objetivos tales como la generaci��n de sonido 3D en tiempo real. ABSTRACT. This project involves the creation of a Graphic User Interface (GUI) in the Matlab environment which creates a graphic representation of the HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function) database. The head transfer function is a very useful tool in the study of the capacity of human beings to perceive their sound environment, as well as their ability to localise sound sources in the area surrounding them. The binaural HRTF (terminology which refers to the HRTF group of the left and right ear) in itself possesses information of special interest seeing that the differences between the HRTF of each ear admits the information that our system of hearing uses in the perception of each sound field. For this reason, the functionality of the graphic interface created presents great benefits within the study of this field. The interaural differences are characterised in space and in time, varying depending on the frequency. By means of Fourier's transformed inverse of the HRTF signal, the response to the head impulse is obtained, in other words, the HRIR (Head-Related Impulse Response). This, as well as having a great use in the creation of software or surround sound generating devices, is used to obtain ITD differences (Interaural Time Difference) and ILD (Interaural Time Difference), commonly named ���spatial localisation parameters���. The HRTF database contains the binaural information of different points of sound source location, forming a network of spherical coordinates which surround the subject's head. This network, according to the measures carried out in the anechoic chamber at the EUITT (School of Telecommunications Engineering) gives a precision in elevation of 10�� and in azimuth of 5��. The receivers are two microphones placed on the acoustic mannequin called HATS (Hats and Torso Simulator) Br��el&Kjaer model 4100D. This has the physical characteristics which affect the perception of the surroundings which are the forms of the auricle (pinna), the head, neck and human torso. It will be necessary to make interpolation calculations for all those points which are not contained the HRTF database. This process is extremely important not only to strengthen the database's capacity but also for its usefulness in making comparisons with other databases that exist in the study of this field. The graphic user interface is conceived for a simple, clear and predictable use which is also interactive. Since the first outline of the program, its philosophy has been clear, based on the needs of a user who requires a practical tool with an intuitive use. Its design with only one window unites not only the components which obtain data but also those which make the graphic representation of the HRTFs possible, the hrir and the ITD and ILD spatial location parameters. The user will be able to alternate the graphic representations at the same time as entering the point coordinates that they wish to display, defined by phi (elevation) and theta (azimuth). The facet of the interface is what provides the great ease of access and reading of the information displayed on it. In addition, the user can enter values included in the database or values which are intermediate to these. It is, likewise, indicated to the interface the need to carry out the interpolation of these values. The interpolation method is the deliberation of the inverse distance between points. Depending on the values entered by the user, an interpolation of two or four points will be carried out, with these being adjacent to the entered value, whether that is phi or theta. To add versatility to the graphic user interface, the option of generating output files in the form of an image of the graphics displayed has been added. This is so that the user may extract the information that interests them for any phi and theta value. This final project is completed with a research and comparative study essay on the function and application of HRTF databases within the scientific and research framework. It has been possible to collate related information by means of scientific research magazines such as the JAES (Journal of the Audio Engineering Society), the ASA (Acoustical Society of America) as well as the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and the ���Web of knowledge��� amongst others. In addition to carrying out research with these sources, I also opted to use more common sources of information such as Academic Google and the ���Ingenio��� point of entry to all the electronic resources contained on the university databases. The study generates an expansion in the knowledge of the practical work of the HRTF. The majority of studies focus their efforts on improving the perception of the sound event by means of its simulation in stereo or multichannel listening. With the HRTFs, this is possible by means of analysis and calculation of data as can be the regressions. These are very useful in the prediction of a measure being based on the current information. Another field of special interest is that of the generation of 3D sound. Through HRTF databases it is possible to simulate the binaural signal. Algorithms have been designed which are implemented in DSP devices, in such a way that by means of interaural delays and wavelength differences it is possible to achieve an excellent result of surround sound, without forgetting the importance of the effects of reverberation to achieve a believable effect of surround sound. Due to the computational complexity that this requires, a great many studies agree on the development of more efficient systems which achieve objectives such as the generation of 3D sound in real time.

Distributed Web Interface for Real-Time Spatial Audio Reproduction System

SSR es el acr��nimo de SoundScape Renderer (tool for real-time spatial audio reproduction providing a variety of rendering algorithms), es un programa escrito en su mayor��a en C++. El programa permite al usuario escuchar tanto sonidos grabados con anterioridad como sonidos en directo. El sonido o los sonidos se oir��n, desde el punto de vista del oyente, como si el sonido se produjese en el punto que el programa decida, lo interesante de este proyecto es que el sonido podr�� cambiar de lugar, moverse, etc. Todo en tiempo real. Esto se consigue sin modificar el sonido al grabarlo pero s�� al emitirlo, el programa calcula las variaciones necesarias para que al emitir el sonido al oyente le llegue como si el sonido realmente se generase en un punto del espacio o lo m��s parecido posible. La sensaci��n de movimiento no deja de ser el punto anterior cambiando de lugar. La idea era crear una aplicaci��n web basada en Canvas de HTML5 que se comunicar�� con esta interfaz de usuario remota. As�� se solucionar��an todos los problemas de compatibilidad ya que cualquier dispositivo con posibilidad de visualizar p��ginas web podr��a correr una aplicaci��n basada en est��ndares web, por ejemplo un sistema con Windows o un m��vil con navegador. El protocolo deb��a de ser WebSocket porque es un protocolo HTML5 y ofrece las ���garant��as��� de latencia que una aplicaci��n con necesidades de informaci��n en tiempo real requiere. Nos permite una comunicaci��n full-d��plex as��ncrona sin mucho payload que es justo lo que se ven��a a evitar al no usar polling normal de HTML. El problema que surgi�� fue que la interfaz de usuario de red que ten��a el programa no era compatible con WebSocket debido a un handshacking inicial y obligatorio que realiza el protocolo, por lo que se necesitaba otra interfaz de red. Se decidi�� entonces cambiar a JSON como formato para el intercambio de mensajes. Al final el proyecto comprende no s��lo la aplicaci��n web basada en Canvas sino tambi��n un servidor funcional y la definici��n de una nueva interfaz de usuario de red con su protocolo a��adido. ABSTRACT. This project aims to become a part of the SSR tool to extend its capabilities in the field of the access. SSR is an acronym for SoundScape Renderer, is a program mostly written in C++ that allows you to hear already recorded or live sound with a variety of sound equipment as if the sound came from a desired place in the space. Like the web-page of the SSR says surely better explained: ���The SoundScape Renderer (SSR) is a tool for real-time spatial audio reproduction providing a variety of rendering algorithms.��� The application can be used with a graphical interface written in Qt but has also a network interface for external applications to use it. This network interface communicates using XML messages. A good example of it is the Android client. This Android client is already working. In order to use the application should be run it by loading an audio source and the wanted environment so that the renderer knows what to do. In that moment the server binds and anyone can use the network interface. Since the network interface is documented everyone can make an application to interact with this network interface. So the application can have as many user interfaces as wanted. The part that is developed in this project has nothing to do neither with audio rendering nor even with the reproduction of the spatial audio. The part that is developed here is about the interface used in the SSR application. As it can be deduced from the title: ���Distributed Web Interface for Real-Time Spatial Audio Reproduction System���, this work aims only to offer the interface via web for the SSR (���Real-Time Spatial Audio Reproduction System���). The idea is not to make a new graphical interface for SSR but to allow more types of interfaces and communication. To accomplish the objective of allowing more graphical interfaces this project is going to use a new network interface. By now the SSR application is using only XML for data interchange but this new network interface support JSON. This project comprehends the server that launch the application, the user interface and the new network interface. It is done with these modules in order to allow creating new user interfaces that can communicate with the server or new servers that can communicate with the user interface by defining a complete network interface for data interchange.

A comparison of the two most popular word processors from the point of view of their conviviality

In this paper, we aim to prove, firstly, that the argument of the excess of complexity is not a whim. We will focous our attention on a particular and widespread case within the Tool Box, word processors, and on the most widely sold products inside this category respectively, the one a few years ago, the other at the present moment: WordStar y WordPerfect. The aspect of their complexity we are interested in is their user interface, because in the first place it is the aspect that most influences the human job.

An open-source simulation tool of grid-connected PV systems.

This paper will present an open-source simulation tool, which is being developed in the frame of an European research project1. The tool, whose final version will be freely available through a website, allows the modelling and the design of different types of grid-connected PV systems, such as large grid-connected plants and building-integrated installations. The tool is based on previous software developed by the IES-UPM2, whose models and energy losses scenarios have been validated in the commissioning of PV projects3 carried out in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, whose aggregated capacity is nearly 300MW. This link between design and commissioning is one of the key points of tool presented here, which is not usually addressed by present commercial software. The tool provides, among other simulation results, the energy yield, the analysis and breakdown of energy losses, and the estimations of financial returns adapted to the legal and financial frameworks of each European country. Besides, educational facilities will be developed and integrated in the tool, not only devoted to learn how to use this software, but also to train the users on the best design PV systems practices. The tool will also include the recommendation of several PV community experts, which have been invited to identify present necessities in the field of PV systems simulation. For example, the possibility of using meteorological forecasts as input data, or modelling the integration of large energy storage systems, such as vanadium redox or lithium-ion batteries. Finally, it is worth mentioning that during the verification and testing stages of this software development, it will be also open to the suggestions received from the different actors of the PV community, such as promoters, installers, consultants, etc.

MIA - a free and open source software for gray scale medical image analysis

Background Gray scale images make the bulk of data in bio-medical image analysis, and hence, the main focus of many image processing tasks lies in the processing of these monochrome images. With ever improving acquisition devices, spatial and temporal image resolution increases, and data sets become very large. Various image processing frameworks exists that make the development of new algorithms easy by using high level programming languages or visual programming. These frameworks are also accessable to researchers that have no background or little in software development because they take care of otherwise complex tasks. Specifically, the management of working memory is taken care of automatically, usually at the price of requiring more it. As a result, processing large data sets with these tools becomes increasingly difficult on work station class computers. One alternative to using these high level processing tools is the development of new algorithms in a languages like C++, that gives the developer full control over how memory is handled, but the resulting workflow for the prototyping of new algorithms is rather time intensive, and also not appropriate for a researcher with little or no knowledge in software development. Another alternative is in using command line tools that run image processing tasks, use the hard disk to store intermediate results, and provide automation by using shell scripts. Although not as convenient as, e.g. visual programming, this approach is still accessable to researchers without a background in computer science. However, only few tools exist that provide this kind of processing interface, they are usually quite task specific, and don���t provide an clear approach when one wants to shape a new command line tool from a prototype shell script. Results The proposed framework, MIA, provides a combination of command line tools, plug-ins, and libraries that make it possible to run image processing tasks interactively in a command shell and to prototype by using the according shell scripting language. Since the hard disk becomes the temporal storage memory management is usually a non-issue in the prototyping phase. By using string-based descriptions for filters, optimizers, and the likes, the transition from shell scripts to full fledged programs implemented in C++ is also made easy. In addition, its design based on atomic plug-ins and single tasks command line tools makes it easy to extend MIA, usually without the requirement to touch or recompile existing code. Conclusion In this article, we describe the general design of MIA, a general purpouse framework for gray scale image processing. We demonstrated the applicability of the software with example applications from three different research scenarios, namely motion compensation in myocardial perfusion imaging, the processing of high resolution image data that arises in virtual anthropology, and retrospective analysis of treatment outcome in orthognathic surgery. With MIA prototyping algorithms by using shell scripts that combine small, single-task command line tools is a viable alternative to the use of high level languages, an approach that is especially useful when large data sets need to be processed.