This book highlights the growing applications of THz technology and various modules used for their successful realization. The enormous advantages of THz devices like higher resolution, spatial directivity, high-speed communication, greater bandwidth, non-ionizing signal nature and compactness make them useful in various applications like communication, sensing, security, safety, spectroscopy, manufacturing, bio-medical, agriculture, imaging, etc. Since the THz radiation covers frequencies from 0.1THz to around 10THz and highly attenuated by atmospheric gases, they are used in short-distance applications only. The book focuses on recent advances and different research issues in terahertz technology and presents theoretical, methodological, well-established and validated empirical works dealing with the different topics.

How should we understand the experience of encountering and interpreting images? What are their roles in science and medicine? How do they shape everyday life? Postphenomenology and Imaging: How to Read Technology brings together scholars from multiple disciplines to investigate these questions. The contributors make use of the "postphenomenological" philosophical perspective, applying its distinctive ideas to the study of how images are experienced. These essays offer both philosophical analysis of our conception of images and empirical studies of imaging practice. The contributors analyze concrete examples from a variety of fields of science and medicine, including radiology, neuroscience, cytology, physics, remote sensing, and space science. They also include examples of imaging in everyday life, from smartphone apps to animated GIFs. Edited by Samantha J. Fried and Robert Rosenberger, this collection includes an extensive "primer" chapter introducing and expanding the postphenomenological account of imaging, as well as a set of short pieces by "critical respondents": prominent scholars who may not self-identify as doing postphenomenology but whose adjacent work is illuminating.

This book presents practical optimization techniques used in image processing and computer vision problems. Ill-posed problems are introduced and used as examples to show how each type of problem is related to typical image processing and computer vision problems. Unconstrained optimization gives the best solution based on numerical minimization of a single, scalar-valued objective function or cost function. Unconstrained optimization problems have been intensively studied, and many algorithms and tools have been developed to solve them. Most practical optimization problems, however, arise with a set of constraints. Typical examples of constraints include: (i) pre-specified pixel intensity range, (ii) smoothness or correlation with neighboring information, (iii) existence on a certain contour of lines or curves, and (iv) given statistical or spectral characteristics of the solution. Regularized optimization is a special method used to solve a class of constrained optimization problems. The term regularization refers to the transformation of an objective function with constraints into a different objective function, automatically reflecting constraints in the unconstrained minimization process. Because of its simplicity and efficiency, regularized optimization has many application areas, such as image restoration, image reconstruction, optical flow estimation, etc. Optimization plays a major role in a wide variety of theories for image processing and computer vision. Various optimization techniques are used at different levels for these problems, and this volume summarizes and explains these techniques as applied to image processing and computer vision.

Modeling, Simulation, Design and Engineering of WDM Systems and Networks provides readers with the basic skills, concepts, and design techniques used to begin design and engineering of optical communication systems and networks at various layers. The latest semi-analytical system simulation techniques are applied to optical WDM systems and networks, and a review of the various current areas of optical communications is presented. Simulation is mixed with experimental verification and engineering to present the industry as well as state-of-the-art research. This contributed volume is divided into three parts, accommodating different readers interested in various types of networks and applications. The first part of the book presents modeling approaches and simulation tools mainly for the physical layer including transmission effects, devices, subsystems, and systems), whereas the second part features more engineering/design issues for various types of optical systems including ULH, access, and in-building systems. The third part of the book covers networking issues related to the design of provisioning and survivability algorithms for impairment-aware and multi-domain networks. Intended for professional scientists, company engineers, and university researchers, the text demonstrates the effectiveness of computer-aided design when it comes to network engineering and prototyping.

This book is useful both for those who want to get initial information on the measurement of the antenna parameters, and for specialists directly involved in the experimental determination of the antenna parameters from the results of measuring the amplitude-phase distribution in the near zone of the antennas. Currently, the near-field method is the most common one for antenna measurements. In most books, an academic approach is given to the issue under consideration and it is difficult to use them for the direct organization of measurements. In many others, specific narrow issues are considered that are accessible to understanding only by highly qualified engineers/readers. The purpose of this book is to get rid of the above disadvantages by offering the reader a more accessible exposition and formulas by which appropriate computer programs can be written with minimal effort. The contents of this book allow interested specialists to be not only users of the near-field measuring facilities, but also help in understanding the principles of their work. This book is intended for engineers and specialists whose activities are related to experimental testing of radio characteristics of complex antenna systems, especially near-field measurements, and is also useful as a textbook for senior students in the field of "radioelectronics" and "radiophysics."

This book examines non-invasive, electrical-based methods for disease diagnosis and assessment of heart function. In particular, a formalized signal model is proposed since this offers several advantages over methods that rely on measured data alone. By using a formalized representation, the parameters of the signal model can be easily manipulated and/or modified, thus providing mechanisms that allow researchers to reproduce and control such signals. In addition, having such a formalized signal model makes it possible to develop computer tools that can be used for manipulating and understanding how signal changes result from various heart conditions, as well as for generating input signals for experimenting with and evaluating the performance of e.g. signal extraction methods. The work focuses on bioelectrical information, particularly electrical bio-impedance (EBI). Once the EBI has been measured, the corresponding signals have to be modelled for analysis. This requires a structured approach in order to move from real measured data to the model of the corresponding signals. This book proposes a generic framework for this procedure. It can be used as a guide for modelling impedance cardiography (ICG) and impedance respirography (IRG) signals, as well as for developing the corresponding bio-impedance signal simulator (BISS).

This book provides anyone needing a primer on random signals and processes with a highly accessible introduction to these topics. It assumes a minimal amount of mathematical background and focuses on concepts, related terms and interesting applications to a variety of fields. All of this is motivated by numerous examples implemented with MATLAB, as well as a variety of exercises at the end of each chapter."

The counter-intuitive aspects of quantum physics have been for long illustrated by thought experiments, from Einstein's photon box to Schroedinger's cat. These experiments have now become real, with single particles - electrons, atoms or photons - directly unveiling the weird features of the quantum. State superpositions, entanglement and complementarity define a novel quantum logic which can be harnessed for information processing, raising great hopes for applications. This book describes a class of such thought experiments made real. Juggling with atoms and photons confined in cavities, ions or cold atoms in traps, is here an incentive to shed a new light on the basic concepts of quantum physics. Measurement processes and decoherence at the quantum-classical boundary are highlighted. This volume, which combines theory and experiments, will be of interest to students in quantum physics, teachers seeking illustrations for their lectures and new problem sets, researchers in quantum optics and quantum information.

The book reports on the author's original work to address the use of today's state-of-the-art smartphones for human physical activity recognition. By exploiting the sensing, computing and communication capabilities currently available in these devices, the author developed a novel smartphone-based activity-recognition system, which takes into consideration all aspects of online human activity recognition, from experimental data collection, to machine learning algorithms and hardware implementation. The book also discusses and describes solutions to some of the challenges that arose during the development of this approach, such as real-time operation, high accuracy, low battery consumption and unobtrusiveness. It clearly shows that it is possible to perform real-time recognition of activities with high accuracy using current smartphone technologies. As well as a detailed description of the methods, this book also provides readers with a comprehensive review of the fundamental concepts in human activity recognition. It also gives an accurate analysis of the most influential works in the field and discusses them in detail. This thesis was supervised by both the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya (primary institution) and University of Genoa (secondary institution) as part of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate in Interactive and Cognitive Environments.

This book systematically addresses the quantification of quality aspects of multimodal interactive systems. The conceptual structure is based on a schematic view on human-computer interaction where the user interacts with the system and perceives it via input and output interfaces. Thus, aspects of multimodal interaction are analyzed first, followed by a discussion of the evaluation of output and input and concluding with a view on the evaluation of a complete system.

This volume focuses on fundamental aspects of nano-electro-optics. Starting with fiber probes and related devices for generating and detecting the optical near-field with high efficiency and resolution, the next chapter addresses the modulation of an electron beam by optical near-fields. Further topics include: fluorescence spectroscopy, in which sample molecules are excited by the evanescent surface plasmon field close to metallic surfaces; spatially resolved near-field photoluminescence spectroscopy of semiconductor quantum dots, which will become an essential issue in future electro-optical devices and systems; and, finally, the quantum theory of the optical near-field. This latter theory accounts for all the essential features of the interaction between optical near-fields and nanomaterials, atoms and molecules. Together these overviews will be a valuable resource for engineers and scientists working in the field of nano-electro-optics.

Biophotonics for Medical Applications presents information on the interface between laser optics and cell biology/medicine. The book discusses the development and application of photonic techniques that aid the diagnosis and therapeutics of biological tissues in both healthy and diseased states. Chapters cover the fundamental technologies used in biophotonics and a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

This book chiefly addresses the analysis and design of geosynchronous synthetic aperture radar (GEO SAR) systems, focusing on the algorithms, analysis, methods used to compensate for ionospheric influences, and validation experiments for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Further, it investigates special problems in the GEO SAR context, such as curved trajectories, the Earth's rotation, the 'non-stop-and-go' model, high-order Doppler parameters, temporal-variant ionospheric errors etc. These studies can also be extended to SAR with very high resolution and long integration time. Given the breadth and depth of its coverage, scientists and engineers in SAR and advanced graduate students in related areas will greatly benefit from this book.

This textbook is unique because of its in-depth treatment of the applications of wavelets and wavelet transforms to many areas, across many disciplines. The book is written to serve the needs of a one or two semester course at either the undergraduate or graduate level. The author uses a very simplified, accessible approach that de-emphasizes mathematical rigor. The presentation includes many diagrams to illustrate points being discussed and uses MATLAB for all of application code. The author reinforces concepts introduced in the book with easy to grasp review questions and problems, tailored to each specific chapter for better mastery of the subject matter. This book enables students to understand the fundamental concepts of wavelets and wavelet transforms, as well as how to use them for problem solutions in digital signal and image processing, mixed-signal testing, space applications, aerospace applications, biomedical, cyber security, homeland security and many other application areas.

This textbook is a concise yet precise supplement to traditional books on Signals and Systems, focusing exclusively on the continuous-time case. Students can use this guide to review material, reinforce their understanding, and see how all the parts connect together in a uniform treatment focused on mathematical clarity. Readers learn the "what", "why" and "how" about the ubiquitous Fourier and Laplace transforms encountered in the study of linear time-invariant systems in engineering: what are these transforms, why do we need them, and how do we use them? Readers will come away with an understanding of the gradual progression from time-domain analysis to frequency-domain and s-domain techniques for continuous-time linear time-invariant systems. This book reflects the author's experience in teaching this material for over 25 years in sophomore- and junior-level required engineering courses and is ideal for undergraduate classes in electrical engineering.

This book presents essential perspectives on digital convolutions in wireless communications systems and illustrates their corresponding efficient real-time field-programmable gate array (FPGA) implementations. FPGAs or generic all programmable devices will soon become widespread, serving as the "brains" of all types of real-time smart signal processing systems, like smart networks, smart homes and smart cities. The book examines digital convolution by bringing together the following main elements: the fundamental theory behind the mathematical formulae together with corresponding physical phenomena; virtualized algorithm simulation together with benchmark real-time FPGA implementations; and detailed, state-of-the-art case studies on wireless applications, including popular linear convolution in digital front ends (DFEs); nonlinear convolution in digital pre-distortion (DPD) enabled high-efficiency wireless RF transceivers; and fast linear convolution in massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. After reading this book, students and professionals will be able to: * Understand digital convolution with inside-out information: discover what convolution is, why it is important and how it works. * Enhance their FPGA design skills, i.e., enhance their FPGA-related prototyping capability with model-based hands-on examples. * Rapidly expand their digital signal processing (DSP) blocks: to examine how to rapidly and efficiently create (DSP) functional blocks on a programmable FPGA chip as a reusable intellectual property (IP) core. * Upgrade their expertise as both "thinkers" and "doers": minimize/close the gap between mathematical equations and FPGA implementations for existing and emerging wireless applications.

This book comprises a collection of papers by international experts, presented at the International Conference on NextGen Electronic Technologies (ICNETS2-2017). ICNETS2 encompassed six symposia covering all aspects of electronics and communications engineering domains, including relevant nano/micro materials and devices. Featuring the latest research on computational signal processing and analysis, the book is useful to researchers, professionals, and students working in the core areas of electronics and their applications, especially signal processing, embedded systems, and networking.

< p="" style=""> This highly informative and carefully presented book focuses on the fields of ergonomics/human factors and discusses the future of the community vis-a-vis health problems, productivity, aging, etc. Ergonomic intercession must be seen in light of its effect on productivity because ergonomic solutions will improve productivity as the reduction of environmental stressors, awkward postures and efforts lead to a reduction in task execution time. The book provides promising evidence that the field of ergonomics continues to thrive and develop deeper insights into how work environments, products and systems can be developed to meet needs, demands and limitations of humans and how they can support productivity improvements. Some of the themes covered are anthropometry and workplace design, biomechanics and modelling in ergonomics, cognitive and environmental ergonomics, ergonomic intervention and productivity, ergonomics in transport, mining, agriculture and forestry, health systems, work physiology and sports ergonomics, etc. This book is beneficial to academicians, policymakers and the industry alike. ^

Industrial Tomography: Systems and Applications thoroughly explores the important tomographic techniques of industrial tomography, also discussing image reconstruction, systems, and applications. The text presents complex processes, including the way three-dimensional imaging is used to create multiple cross-sections, and how computer software helps monitor flows, filtering, mixing, drying processes, and chemical reactions inside vessels and pipelines. Readers will find a comprehensive discussion on the ways tomography systems can be used to optimize the performance of a wide variety of industrial processes.

This book illustrates the commonly used and novel approaches of audio watermarking for copyrights protection. The author examines the theoretical and practical step by step guide to the topic of data hiding in audio signal such as music, speech, broadcast. The book covers new techniques developed by the authors are fully explained and MATLAB programs, for audio watermarking and audio quality assessments and also discusses methods for objectively predicting the perceptual quality of the watermarked audio signals.Explains the theoretical basics of the commonly used audio watermarking techniquesDiscusses the methods used to objectively and subjectively assess the quality of the audio signalsProvides a comprehensive well tested MATLAB programs that can be used efficiently to watermark any audio media

The concepts represented in this textbook are explored for the first time in assistive and rehabilitation robotics, which is the combination of physical, cognitive, and social human-robot interaction to empower gait rehabilitation and assist human mobility. The aim is to consolidate the methodologies, modules, and technologies implemented in lower-limb exoskeletons, smart walkers, and social robots when human gait assistance and rehabilitation are the primary targets. This book presents the combination of emergent technologies in healthcare applications and robotics science, such as soft robotics, force control, novel sensing methods, brain-computer interfaces, serious games, automatic learning, and motion planning. From the clinical perspective, case studies are presented for testing and evaluating how those robots interact with humans, analyzing acceptance, perception, biomechanics factors, and physiological mechanisms of recovery during the robotic assistance or therapy. Interfacing Humans and Robots for Gait Assistance and Rehabilitation will enable undergraduate and graduate students of biomedical engineering, rehabilitation engineering, robotics, and health sciences to understand the clinical needs, technology, and science of human-robot interaction behind robotic devices for rehabilitation, and the evidence and implications related to the implementation of those devices in actual therapy and daily life applications.

Images are all around us The proliferation of low-cost, high-quality imaging devices has led to an explosion in acquired images. When these images are acquired from a microscope, telescope, satellite, or medical imaging device, there is a statistical image processing task: the inference of something--an artery, a road, a DNA marker, an oil spill--from imagery, possibly noisy, blurry, or incomplete. A great many textbooks have been written on image processing. However this book does not so much focus on images, per se, but rather on spatial data sets, with one or more measurements taken over a two or higher dimensional space, and to which standard image-processing algorithms may not apply. There are many important data analysis methods developed in this text for such statistical image problems. Examples abound throughout remote sensing (satellite data mapping, data assimilation, climate-change studies, land use), medical imaging (organ segmentation, anomaly detection), computer vision (image classification, segmentation), and other 2D/3D problems (biological imaging, porous media). The goal, then, of this text is to address methods for solving multidimensional statistical problems. The text strikes a balance between mathematics and theory on the one hand, versus applications and algorithms on the other, by deliberately developing the basic theory (Part I), the mathematical modeling (Part II), and the algorithmic and numerical methods (Part III) of solving a given problem. The particular emphases of the book include inverse problems, multidimensional modeling, random fields, and hierarchical methods.

This textbook covers the fundamental concepts of analog communications with a Q&A approach. It is a comprehensive compilation of numerical problems and solutions covering all the topics in analog communications. Richly illustrated with figures, this book covers the important topics of signals and systems, random variables and random processes, amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, pulse code modulation and noise in analog modulation. It has numerical questions and their solutions clearing the concepts of Fourier transform, Hilbert transform, modulation, synchronization, signal-to-noise ratio analysis and many more. All the solutions have step-by-step approach for easy understanding. This book will be of great interest to the students of electronics and electrical communications engineering.

This book deals with the topic of biomechanical biofeedback systems and applications that are primarily aimed at motor learning in sports and rehabilitation. It gives a comprehensive tutorial of the concepts, architectures, operation, and exemplary applications of biomechanical biofeedback systems. A special section is dedicated to various constraints in designing biomechanical biofeedback systems. The book also describes the technologies needed for the adequate operation of biofeedback systems, such as motion tracking, communication, processing, and sensor technologies. In regard to technologies, the emphasis is on the assurance of the requirements of the real-time system operation. The application focus is on the usage in sport and rehabilitation, particularly in the field of accelerated motor learning and injury prevention. We include several examples of operational (real-time) biofeedback applications in golf, skiing, and swimming. The book is in the first place intended for the professional audience, researchers, and scientists in the fields connected to the topics of this book.