Exploiting information theory for adaptive mobility and resource management in future cellular networks

We utilize tools from information theory to develop adaptive algorithms for two key problems in cellular networks: location tracking and resource management. The use of information theory is motivated by the fundamental observation that overheads in many aspects of mobile computing can be traced to the randomness or uncertainty in an individual user's movement behavior. We present a model-independent information-theoretic approach for estimating and managing this uncertainty, and relate it to the entropy or information content of the user's movement process. Information-theoretic mobility management algorithms are very simple, yet reduce overhead by /spl sim/80 percent in simulated scenarios by optimally adapting to each individual's movement. These algorithms also allow for flexible tradeoff between location update and paging costs. Simulation results demonstrate how an information-theory-motivated resource provisioning strategy can meet QoS bounds with very small wastage of resources, thus dramatically reducing the overall blocking rate.     

System Test Planning of Software: An Optimization Approach

This paper extends an exponential reliability growth model to determine the optimal number of test cases to be executed for various use case scenarios during the system testing of software. An example demonstrates a practical application of the optimization model for system test planning.     

Target Location Estimation in Sensor Networks With Quantized Data

A signal intensity based maximum-likelihood (ML) target location estimator that uses quantized data is proposed for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The signal intensity received at local sensors is assumed to be inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the target. The ML estimator and its corresponding Crameacuter-Rao lower bound (CRLB) are derived. Simulation results show that this estimator is much more accurate than the heuristic weighted average methods, and it can reach the CRLB even with a relatively small amount of data. In addition, the optimal design method for quantization thresholds, as well as two heuristic design methods, are presented. The heuristic design methods, which require minimum prior information about the system, prove to be very robust under various situations     

A touch of the future: contact-expressive devices

Contact-expressive devices could improve our lives-from practical improvements that let us interact with devices when other modalities are impossible, inappropriate, or inadequate to devices that have important consequences for physical well-being. We can also imagine using contact expressions in devices that are pleasurable, playful, artistic, or otherwise important to a human's experience. This paper discusses the technical development of sensor-motor systems, tactile interfaces, and technologies that can embody and understand affect. Contact-expressive devices are technologies that understand and use touch in meaningful ways-that can distinguish between a press and a caress. Also discussed are the following issues: technical requirements and the nature of contact expressions. Although a fairly large body of research exists regarding nonverbal communication, the majority of this work is on visual expression (facial expressions, physical appearance, direction of gaze, physical posture, and other visible forms of body language) and paralinguistics (such as vocal inflection, pitch, volume, and speech rate). Work needs to begin on studies of human contact with the goal of leveraging those insights for the design of contact-expressive devices-and work needs to begin on the implementation of technologies that have rich contact-expressive range and appeal.     

Surface characterization of sprayed CuGa x In1−x Se2 layers

Small-area polycrystalline CuGa _x In_1–x Se₂-based solar cells produced in the laboratory have been reported with efficiencies up to 18.8%. This success at achieving high-efficiency devices has stimulated a parallel research effort to produce large-area modules based on the use of CuGa _x In_1–x Se₂ with reduced cost of production. One method that has potential to achieve these objectives is chemical spray pyrolysis. Preliminary studies have resulted in devices with efficiencies of 4–5%. Further improvements toward implementing higher-efficiency devices are expected to result from a better understanding of the physical and chemical properties of the chalcopyrite layers produced. In this work we have investigated, for the first time, the properties of these layers using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to identify the secondary phases and residual impurities present. The layers studied were for In/Ga mole ratios of x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 in CuGa _x In_1–x Se₂. The layers were also profiled by sputter etching away the surface of the layers and repeating the XPS measurements. The effects of annealing the layers in air, vacuum, and selenium vapor were also investigated.     

Plastic deformation of bcc metal thin foils without dislocation

Heavy plastic deformation of fcc metal thin foils to fracture has been found recently to proceed without involving dislocations, and it results in the formation of high density of vacancy clusters. Thin foil specimens of bcc metals such as V and Mo were plastically deformed to fracture in in situ elongation experiments under an electron microscope. Morphology of thinning and fracture was found to be similar to fcc metals, and no dislocation was observed during heavy deformation. Electron diffraction analysis at the tip of a crack during deformation confirmed a large elastic deformation of up to 5%. Unlike in fcc metal thin foil specimens, point defect clusters were not observed near fractured tips. This difference is attributed to the difference in vacancy reaction, though the deformation in bcc metals without dislocation most likely does produce vacancies.     

Nanoscale Crystallization in the Amorphous Alloy Fe79P14.2Si4.4Mn2.2V0.2 upon Pulsed Photon Annealing

The effect of pulsed photon annealing with energy densities from 1.4 to 42 J/cm² for various lengths of time on the structure of the amorphous alloy Fe₇₉P_14.2Si_4.4Mn_2.2V_0.2 was studied by x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that short-term irradiation with low energy densities leads to surface relaxation of the amorphous alloy, increases the strength of the surface layer, and reduces the internal-friction peak. Longer term photon annealing leads to crystallization of the alloy throughout the sample thickness.     

Cost estimates to guide pre-selection of processes

A process is a method of shaping, joining or surface-treating a material. Process selection has three steps. The first is to identify from the ‘menu’ of all available processes, the subset, which can give a chosen material the desired shape with the desired detail, precision and finish. The second is to choose, from among these, the ones that will do so at the lowest cost. The final step is to investigate the most promising processes in depth, exploring considerations such as availability, in-house experience, safety and environmental issues. The first two steps can be thought of as process pre-selection. Components have to be assembled and finished to create products. Here too, the ability to rank by cost, however crudely, helps guide pre-selection. Cost models are reviewed from the perspective of material and process selection. An approximate model is useful provided it has generality—that is, it must allow comparison of very different processes. Many approaches fail in this. One that works, based on resource consumption, is developed here and its use for selection is illustrated. It has been implemented as part of a tool that allows rapid pre-selection from a database of 112 processes.     

Reliability assessment of polysilicon MEMS structures under mechanical fatigue loading

This paper examines the current status and methodologies of study of material and system reliability in Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). This includes: a review of the current literature in the area of MEMS regarding failure analysis experimental investigations; testing methods and philosophies for material characterization and possible mechanistic analytical solutions for estimating material properties. The paper proposes a reliability framework that encompasses all the available information. This statistical platform will enable the MEMS design engineer to distill all the available information in the literature into a stand-alone semi-empirical material reliability model, and a holistic system-level model for a complete system.