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Article
Publication date: 7 November 2016

Nawaf Alharbe and Anthony S. Atkins

Expert knowledge is an important organisational resource, and organisations need to retain the knowledge learned by experience, which can be shared as part of inter-professional…

Abstract

Purpose

Expert knowledge is an important organisational resource, and organisations need to retain the knowledge learned by experience, which can be shared as part of inter-professional learning. In a healthcare context, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and ZigBee technologies can be used together, to provide real-time information for decision support and to create a secure and reliable smart hospital management information system (SHMIS) that allows the dynamic control of objects and transforms operational processes, while minimising any potential risks to patients and staff. Currently, the RFID technology in Saudi Arabia is being solely used for the monitoring of newborn infants, and some difficulties have been encountered during the different stages of tagging and monitoring. The current system in Medina Maternity and Children’s Hospital (MMCH) uses battery-powered active RFID tags, which are expensive and require routine maintenance. This study aims to discuss the way in which the MMCH in Medina, Saudi Arabia, could be transformed into an SHMIS.

Design/methodology/approach

The extraordinary growth of RFID and ZigBee technologies has made it possible to identify, locate and track objects in various environments in real time. The RFID technology is a non-contact identification technology that is cheap and reliable but has limited range in the case of passive tags. ZigBee has greater range and lower power consumption, giving more precise location of the object’s movements (0.6 m). Passive RFID when combined with ZigBee technology can be used to improve services provided by healthcare organisations through continuous data collection and supporting real-time decision-making, by applying expert knowledge of domain experts to data produced by communication from electronic and sensor technologies.

Findings

A prototype object-tracking system using RFID and ZigBee was developed to support the knowledge transformation for knowledge reasoning for decision support (KRDS), and the outcome of this research was validated with domain experts in hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Two feasibility case studies were conducted at MMCH in Saudi Arabia, to evaluate the proposed system. A survey was also conducted to address the requirements at MMCH, and the researcher adopted a range of strategy techniques, including interviews and meetings with staff, and the setting up of communities of practise (CoPs) at the target hospital.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has investigated the transformation process of an automatic healthcare tracking and monitoring systems for the purpose of developing a smart system in Saudi hospitals. For the scope of the project, the prototype implementation was restricted to a laboratory environment, to demonstrate the proposed proof of concept. The next phase will include conducting a scale up of the system, with implementation and testing done in a real hospital environment.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a prototype application of an (SHMIS that allows the dynamic control of objects and transforms operational processes, while minimising any potential risks to patients and staff.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2014

Nawaf Alharbe and Anthony S. Atkins

This paper aims to outline the results of a study of the potential use of sensor technology such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and/or ZigBee technology in providing…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to outline the results of a study of the potential use of sensor technology such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and/or ZigBee technology in providing real-time tracking and tracing of patients and equipment in hospitals. The government of Saudi Arabia has given high priority to providing the best practice in patients’ care. However, the growing requirement of the healthcare industry to obtain real-time information and data from various applications that can improve the performance and accuracy of management systems has not been addressed seriously in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

ZigBee and RFID are both emerging technologies and have become important topics in recent years. RFID technology is a non-contact identification technology that does not require direct eyesight to the target object. It is cheap and reliable, but its coverage zone is limited. ZigBee is another communication technology, which has a larger coverage and can also be used as an automatic identification technology with the benefits of lower power consumption.

Findings

This paper proposes a smart hospital management system that can be used to detect, locate and monitor patients and track assets and equipment using modern sensor technologies in a real-time environment for e-health systems in Saudi Arabia.

Originality/value

A novel management information system/knowledge management system framework based on sensor technologies for supporting and speeding up development of healthcare systems.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Wen‐Tsai Sung and Chia‐Cheng Hsu

This study aims to analyze the inertial weight factor value in the (PSO) algorithm and propose non‐linear weights with decreasing strategy to implement the improved PSO (IPSO…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the inertial weight factor value in the (PSO) algorithm and propose non‐linear weights with decreasing strategy to implement the improved PSO (IPSO) algorithm. Using various types of sensors, combined with ZigBee wireless sensor networks and the TCP/IP network. The GPRS/SMS long‐range wireless network will sense the measured data analysis and evaluation to create more effective monitoring and observation in a regional environment to achieve an Internet of Things with automated information exchange between persons and things.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a wireless sensor network system using ZigBee (PSoC‐1605A) chip, sensor and circuit boards to constitute the IOT system. The IOT system consists of a main coordinator (PSoC‐1605A), smart grid monitoring system, robotic arm detection warning system and temperature and humidity sensor network. The hardware components communicate with each other through wireless transmission. Each node collects data and sends messages to other objects in the network.

Findings

This study employed IPSO to perform information fusion in a multi‐sensor network. The paper shows that IPSO improved the measurement preciseness via weight factors estimated via experimental simulations. The experimental results show that the IPSO algorithm optimally integrates the weight factors, information source fusion reliability, information redundancy and hierarchical structure integration in uncertain fusion cases. The sensor data approximates the optimal way to extract useful information from each fusion data and successfully eliminates noise interference, producing excellent fusion results.

Practical implications

Robotic arm to tilt detection warning system: Several geographic areas are susceptible to severe tectonic plate movement, often generating earthquakes. Earthquakes cause great harm to public infrastructure, and a great threat to high‐tech, high‐precision machinery and production lines. To minimize the extent of earthquake disasters and allow managers to deal with power failures, vibration monitoring system construction can enhance manufacturing process quality and stability. Smart grid monitoring system: The greenhouse effect, global energy shortage and rising cost of traditional energy are related energy efficiency topics that have attracted much attention. The aim of this paper is that real‐time data rendering and analysis can be more effective in understanding electrical energy usage, resulting in a reduction in unnecessary consumption and waste. Temperature and humidity sensor network system: Environmental temperature and humidity monitoring and application of a wide range of precision industrial production lines, laboratories, antique works of art that have a higher standard of environmental temperature and humidity requirements. The environment has a considerable influence on biological lifeforms. The relative importance of environmental management and monitoring is acute.

Originality/value

This paper improves the fixed inertial weight of the original particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. An illustration in the paper indicates that IPSO applies the Internet of Things (IOT) system in monitoring a system via adjusted weight factors better than other existing PSO methods in computing a precise convergence rate for excellent fusion results.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2011

Reinhard Müllner and Andreas Riener

Conventional street lighting systems in areas with a low frequency of passersby are online most of the night without purpose. The consequence is that a large amount of power is…

2471

Abstract

Purpose

Conventional street lighting systems in areas with a low frequency of passersby are online most of the night without purpose. The consequence is that a large amount of power is wasted meaninglessly. With the broad availability of flexible‐lighting technology like light‐emitting diode lamps and everywhere available wireless internet connection, fast reacting, reliably operating, and power‐conserving street lighting systems become reality. The purpose of this work is to describe the Smart Street Lighting (SSL) system, a first approach to accomplish the demand for flexible public lighting systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This work presents the SSL system, a framework developed for a dynamic switching of street lamps based on pedestrians' locations and desired safety (or “fear”) zones. In the developed system prototype, each pedestrian is localized via his/her smartphone, periodically sending location and configuration information to the SSL server. For street lamp control, each and every lamppost is equipped with a ZigBee‐based radio device, receiving control information from the SSL server via multi‐hop routing.

Findings

This research paper confirms that the application of the proposed SSL system has great potential to revolutionize street lighting, particularly in suburban areas with low‐pedestrian frequency. More important, the broad utilization of SSL can easily help to overcome the regulatory requirement for CO2 emission reduction by switching off lampposts whenever they are not required.

Research limitations/implications

The paper discusses in detail the implementation of SSL, and presents results of its application on a small scale. Experiments have shown that objects like trees can interrupt wireless communication between lampposts and that inaccuracy of global positioning system position detection can lead to unexpected lighting effects.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the novel SSL framework, a system for fast, reliable, and energy efficient street lamp switching based on a pedestrian's location and personal desires of safety. Both safety zone definition and position estimation in this novel approach is accomplished using standard smartphone capabilities. Suggestions for overcoming these issues are discussed in the last part of the paper.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2012

Antonio Liotta, Daniël Geelen, Gert van Kempen and Frans van Hoogstraten

At present the energy generation and distribution landscape is changing rapidly. The energy grid is becoming increasingly smart, relying on an information network for the purposes…

1078

Abstract

Purpose

At present the energy generation and distribution landscape is changing rapidly. The energy grid is becoming increasingly smart, relying on an information network for the purposes of monitoring and optimization. However, because of the particularly stringent regulatory and technical constraints posed by smart grids, it is not possible to use ordinary communication protocols. The purpose of this paper is to revisit such constraints, reviewing the various options available today to realize smart‐metering networks.

Design/methodology/approach

After describing the regulatory, technological and stakeholders' constraints, the authors provide a taxonomy of network technologies, discussing their suitability and weaknesses in the context of smart‐metering systems. The authors also give a snapshot of the current standardization panorama, identifying key differences among various geographical regions.

Findings

It is found that the field of smart‐metering networks still consists of a fragmented set of standards and solutions, leaving open a number of issues relating to the design and deployment of suitable systems.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the need to better understand state‐of‐the‐art and open issues in the fast‐evolving area of smart energy grids, with particular attention to the challenges faced by communication engineers.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2016

Chien-Hsing Chen and Ming-Chih Chen

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel position estimation method to accurately locate an object. An accelerometer-based error correction method is also developed to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel position estimation method to accurately locate an object. An accelerometer-based error correction method is also developed to correct the positioning error caused by signal drift of a wireless network. Finally, the method is also utilized to locate cows in a farm for monitoring the action of standing heat.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method adopts the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a wireless sensor network (WSN) to compute the position of an object. The RSSI signal can be submitted from an endpoint device. A complex environment destabilizes the RSSI value, making the position estimation inaccurate. Therefore, a three-axial accelerometer is adopted to correct the position estimation accuracy. Timer and acceleration are two major factors in computing the error correction value to adjust the position estimate.

Findings

The proposed method is tested on a farm management system for positioning dairy cows accurately. Devices with WSN module and three-axial accelerometer are mounted on the cows to monitor their positions and actions.

Research limitations/implications

If cows in a crowded farm are close to each other, then the position estimation method is unable to position each cow correctly because too many close objects cause interference in the wireless network.

Practical implications

Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method improves the position accuracy, and monitor the heat action of the cows effectively.

Originality/value

No position estimation method has been utilized to locate cows in a farm, especially for monitoring their actions via WSN and accelerometer. The proposed method adopts an accelerometer to efficiently improve the position error caused from the signal drift of WSN.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Intelligent Agriculture
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78973-843-8

Article
Publication date: 2 July 2018

Wojciech Grzesiak, Piotr Guzdek, Piotr Maćków, Krzysztof Zaraska, Michal Zbieć, Mariusz Jakubowski, Dariusz Obrębski, Piotr Boguszewicz, Dariusz Solnica, Pawel Iwanicki, Sebastian Linke and Adrian Mahlkow

The purpose of this paper is to present issues related to the design of a modern lighting system based on LED technology. The developed system provides lighting with a high colour…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present issues related to the design of a modern lighting system based on LED technology. The developed system provides lighting with a high colour rendering index (up to 98); it also has many innovative functions, which make its implementation bring significant energy savings and increase the comfort of work.

Design/methodology/approach

In contrast to typical solutions, the dynamic synthesis of white light from six component colours was used in the presented project. This process is controlled by a microcontroller, and there is a colour temperature sensor in the feedback loop. The communication between smart luminaires and sensor modules is provided by means of a ZigBee wireless network.

Findings

The correctness of the proposed methodology has been proved by measurements and laboratory tests.

Research limitations/implications

The process of improving the lighting system is continued and significant changes in the spectrum of used sensors are expected.

Practical implications

The proposed system based on mixing light from six components is an innovative solution that besides undoubted advantages entails a more elaborate electronic circuitry. However, good characteristics of the obtained light, as well as the possibility of compensating for changes in colour temperature of natural light and reducing the impact of aging of LEDs, in the authors’ opinion, make the proposed solution find its place on the market.

Originality/value

The proposed solution is original, both in terms of the light mixing technique and advanced functionality offered by the system.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2020

Victor Adetunji Arowoiya, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa and John Aliu

The purpose of this paper is to assess the adoption of internet of things (IoT) element with the view of increasing usage so that benefits of convenience, increased performance…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the adoption of internet of things (IoT) element with the view of increasing usage so that benefits of convenience, increased performance and timely completion of work can be improved. This research was conducted so that there can be increase in the usage of IoT elements for construction performance and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted survey design and various construction professionals were used to assessing the level of adoption of IoT elements. Convenience sample was used by distributing the structured questionnaire to registered professionals. Mean score, bar chart, Kruskal–Wallis H test, one-sample t-test and Shapiro–Wilk were used for analyzing the data gathered.

Findings

The findings revealed that wireless fidelity, visualization, wireless sensor networks, Bluetooth, electronic product code and internet protocol are the most adopted element of IoT in the industry. The study also shows that there are areas where there is no significance attached by construction professionals in the usage of IoT elements. These are data storage and analytics, barcode, Zigbee, gateway, near field communication and actuators. It is recommended that less significant areas can be improved through training and educating professionals about the whole concept of IoT and other design professionals. When the importance of IoT elements are understood it will help in the level of adoption.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the possible ways of increasing the adoption of IoT elements with a view to achieving better usage for convenience, high productivity of workers and easy access to information.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2013

François Maeght, Désiré D. Rasolomampionona, Pierre‐Yves Cresson and Patrick Favier

The aim of this paper is to assemble an experimental solar‐based charging station for electric vehicles. This global system integrates a photovoltaic station, electric vehicles…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to assemble an experimental solar‐based charging station for electric vehicles. This global system integrates a photovoltaic station, electric vehicles and a supervision base. The communication has been set up through a wireless network. This paper presents this project realized by different groups of foreign students working through an International Collaboration in Engineering Education.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on connecting technical research with engineering education. For a few years, the need of further research on renewable energies has leaded to the initiation of several student projects at the university. A group of co‐operating foreign students working together within the framework of a technically innovative subject has been created through the international relations activity of the University of Artois, at IUT of Bethune (Institut Universitaire de Technologie), situated in the northern region of France.

Findings

A prototype of the recharging station has been built. The measures of the energetic performances showed a good efficiency. The data exchange through the wireless network is operating properly and a computer‐based supervising unit is responsible for the coordination of the station/vehicle control. The established international collaboration has demonstrated the possibility of carrying out common students' projects.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is coming from the major subjects of sustainability such as renewable energies and transportation. A solar‐based station has been built and supplies electric vehicles. The wireless communication has been applied in order to perform control on long distances. This international collaboration is an innovative way for enhancing the collaboration performance in engineering education.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

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