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The purpose of this research was to develop an algorithm for a wearable device that would prevent people from drowning in swimming pools. The device should detect pre-drowning symptoms and alert the rescue staff. The proposed detection method is based on analyzing real-time data collected from a set of sensors, including a pulse oximeter. The pulse oximetry technique is used for measuring the heart rate and oxygen saturation in the subject’s blood. It is an optical method; subsequently, the measurements obtained this way are highly sensitive to interference from the subject’s motion. To eliminate noise caused by the subject’s movement, accelerometer data were used in the system. If the acceleration sensor does not detect movement, a biosensor is activated, and an analysis of selected physiological parameters is performed. Such a setup of the algorithm allows the device to distinguish situations in which the person rests and does not move from situations in which the examined person has lost consciousness and has begun to drown.

In this paper, we demonstrate enhancing of the paper-based packaging by printing structures with inkjet printer. The most popular substrate within the logistic or grocery market is paper. Such printer can manufacture electroconductive or dielectric areas on paper type substrate. Due to low cost and high recyclability it is the most desired substrate for making improvements. We report on a significant increase of the quality of mentioned printouts by using Peltier Cell. Such structures can be printed on surface of the package or on special layer of the hydrophilic paper. Such porous paper can be implemented into box and be combined into sensing areas.

This paper presents flexible humidity sorption sensors, its construction and impedance measurement results. Based on the obtained results and models applied to various humidity sensors, a model with two resistors and two constant phase elements is chosen as the most appropriate. Fitting procedure is described and its results are presented. The dependence of model parameters on relative humidity is discussed and conclusions on model applicability are drawn.

This paper demonstrates hardware and software used for 24 hour long audio recording in real sanitary sewer. Experiment setup is also described. Applications for recording and for its analysis were developed using LabVIEW. Analysis of audio recording were performed in time and frequency domains. Results of the analysis were used to characterize use of sanitary sewer during a day. Determined day patterns can be used to detect malfunction, blockage or leakage in sewer. Day characteristics can also be used to schedule maintenance works when sewer is the least used.

In this work brief introduction to inertial sensors types and their errors is conducted. Two types of the sensors - gyroscopes and accelerometers are described. Main part of the work is concentrated on the measurement errors. They are divided into two categories: deterministic where it is possible to model and compensate error and stochastic one. Stochastic error can be considered as a probabilistic variable. Additionally main components of both types are described.

Contemporary achievements in the inertial systems technology puts the question how precise consumer grade sensors are and are they sufficient to use in the navigation. The hypothetical subsonic sounding rocket will be examined, since these objects need accurate and not expensive sensors. Following types of the inertial navigation systems will be examined: based on optical gyroscope, high grade and low-grade MEMS systems. Additionally, the individual constituents of the navigation error will be examined.

This paper presents skydiver flight parameters recorder named SKYBOX and data which can be acquired by it. It is unique device which can measure not only height profile and GPS track but body orientation also. The device can collect not only height and geographic position but also inertial information – accelerations and rotational speeds. Basic information about metrological specification of the device are presented. Additionally, sample data like height profile, GPS track and movement parameters are shown. It is shown that individual phases of the skydiver flight can be discriminated.

This article presents a new method of estimation of a blood oxygen saturation, designed for use in high distorted photoplethysmography (PPG) signals in case of movement artefacts. This method is named Scaling Method (SM) and it is based on a calculated scaling factor between two PPG signals with various absorption coefficient. The SM method was designed to be used in wearable devices.

Curling is a winter Olympic sport, in which athletes slide 20-kilogram granite stones on the surface of ice to the target called “house”. An inertial measurement unit was attached to a curling stone handle in order to measure acceleration and rotation during a delivery. In this paper, we present the measurement system that consisted of accelerometers and a gyroscope as well as the results. Obtained results show that the movement of a curling stone has a high-frequency noise-like nature, which is likely to be caused by the stick-slip mechanism between the granite stone and the pebbled ice surface.

In this article, we demonstrate a manufacture of the lab-on-paper device. The paper presents a technology of laser thermal transfer of stearine, into a porous paper often used in chemistry. Such a rapid, one-step technology was developed to obtain a paper-based analytical device with using only paper, stearine disc and CO2 laser plotter. Melted in stearine makes hydrophobic surface which is microfluidic wall for analyzed fluids. The results show that paper-based analytical device is a cheap pH tester for a one-time use. Moreover, the whole device can be integrated with much more advanced chemicals or simple electronic for image analysis.

Numerical simulations made with use of COMSOL and experimental studies of a new type signal connection of thermoelectrically cooled IR detector to associated electronics are reported. Flexible coplanar line was designed and used for RF signal transmission and DC detector supply as well. The comparison of thermal properties of the connections made by fabricated flexible coplanar line and a pair of typical 25 μm gold wires were described. Modeling and measurements of cooled IR detector surface temperature proved significantly lower heat load of flexible coplanar line than gold wires. Applying designed coplanar line assures lower operation temperature of IR detector and as a consequence lowers intrinsic electronic noise of the detector.

In this paper, we demonstrate an automatic image analysis for Micro Total Analysis Systems (μTAS) or Lab-on-Paper (LoP). By placing fiducial markers on μTAS, application can crop image and remove bending distortions, also it can perform colorimetric analysis. With previously taken photo of μTAS device with applied reagents, user can determine ie. illness presence by uploading photo into the program. In the paper was prepared μTAS sheet, algorithm for finding fiducial points and software for colorimetric analysis written in Matlab.

This paper demonstrates system constructed and deployed to check possible impact of shale gas well preparation and exploitation on groundwater quality. Used sensors, measurement station construction and process of deployment of system are described. Additionally measured groundwater parameters are presented. Results of preliminary analysis of measurement results show good status of groundwater on every phase of life of shale gas well.

In this paper, we demonstrate a combination of foil and InkJet printed structures in Lab-on-Paper device. Such a device can be used to analyze a concentration of salt in water (or any other substance) by measuring the impedance of the analyte. Lab-on-Paper can perform an analysis on a microscopic volume of substances. Their advantages is low price, small size or can be easy disposable or stored. In the paper was presented manufacturing and testing of device with colorimetric pH testers and impedance measurement.

This paper presents flexible wearable humidity sorption sensors. After the introduction of sensor construction and its coating, a presentation of the measurement system and obtained results are provided. Sensor's long term stability is analyzed. The results are then used in sensor calibration. Finally, the results of validation tests, which determine if the sensor is applicable as a wearable sensor, are presented.

This paper presents humidity sorption sensors with eight different polymer coatings. After the introduction of sensor construction, a presentation of tested sorption laters and measurement system is provided. Finally, the results are presented and discussed as well as validation tests are described. Two most suitable coatings are chosen.

In this paper, we demonstrate a manufacture of the Lab-on-Foil device used to analyze a composition or concentration of fluid by measuring an electrical capacitance of flowing analyte. Lab-on-Foil devices allow to perform a full-fledged action on a very small volume of the substance. Their popularity is due to the low production cost, small size and short production time. In the paper it will be presented technology of the manufacturing, testing and implementation of components in the complete device.

In this paper, we demonstrate a manufacture of the tapered optical fiber used to analyze the composition or quality of fluid by measuring the external refractive index of the desired analyte. They were made in two ways: using a laser plotter and professional station to do such a tapered fibers. The results prove that utilization of the tapered fiber is really useful to microfluidic domain.

The paper presents a humidity sensor which was directly printed on textile using the ink-jet printing technology. Fabricated sensors were tested in a controlled environment at 25 °C and 5-95% of RH. The measured impedance modulus versus humidity for the Nafion sensitive layer shows a non-linear distribution over the range from 40 to 95% of RH with dependence on measurement frequency. Obtained results show sensor potential for gas humidity monitoring as integrated sensors with “smart” textiles.

Wireless sensors are fabricated on flexible plastic films by means of screen printing and via-hole filling. The wireless sensors are battery free with data and power transmission functions. The sensors, fabricated on polyethylene terephtalate films, are designed based on RFID technology. Using an additive patterning process known as screen printing, metallization on polymer films is created. Both sides of a polymer film are printed with metallic patterns and connected with micro vias filled with conductive paste. One side of the film consists of printed electrical traces for discrete components like resistors and transistors that would be mounted onto it; the other side consists of a printed inductive coil used for wireless data and power transmission. The micro vias, which have a diameter of 120 μm, are formed by mechanical punching and filled with conductive silver paste. The size of one sensor unit is approximately 2 cm × 1.5 cm; an array of 4 × 7 sensor units are printed over an area of 15 cm × 15 cm on a PET film. Details of manufacturing processes, component assembly and functionality test are presented in this paper.

The paper presents empirical results of wireless and battery less smart sensor system made with three different techniques. The system has been both designed and fabricated to meet harsh environment requirements for sensor operation. In this work FR4 laminate (PCB), Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) and Polyethylene Terephthalate foil (PET) were used as a sensor electronic board. According to the substrates three different techniques and materials were used to fabricate conductive traces. The paper reports comparison of electrical parameters obtained during tests for each type of board.

In dew point hygrometers, the condensed-water-layer thickness as well as the morphology can modify the detector signal value that gives unreliable detections. The classic impedance dew/frost point detector measures the mean impedance of the whole active detector area; therefore, in the case of the simultaneous presence of both forms of water (liquid supercooled water and ice) or in the case of various morphologies of water droplets or crystals, it is difficult to distinguish those situations from regular operations. The new idea of dew/frost point detector construction based on impedance matrix measurement was described. To test the idea of an impedance matrix dew/frost point detector, the finite-element simulations were done. Then, a commercially available fingerprint sensor was successfully applied.

Summary Aim Aim of this study was to check at the hospital the dew point hygrometer for fast measurement of air humidity in upper airways. The nose ability to humidification of inspired air and partially recover moisture from expired air was evaluated. Measurements from respiration through the nose and oral cavity were compared. Material and methods The study was carried out in a group of 30 people (8 female and 22 male), age group 18 to 70 (mean age: 37 years old). In 22 of the participants there were no deviation from normal state in laryngologic examination, while in 4 participants nasal septum deviation without imaired nasal; oatency was found, in other 3 – nasal vonchae hyperthrophy and in 1 – nasal polips (grade I). The measurements of air humidity in upper air ways was done using specially designed and constructed measurement system. Results The air inspired through the nose and oral cavity is humidified. For typical external conditions (T = 22°C i RH = 50%) the nose humidifies inspired air two times better then oral cavity (short time range of measurement ∼1 min). Moisture from expired air through the nose is partially recovered (for patients with regular patency is 25% of the value of humidifying of inspired air). The oral cavity does not have ability to partially recovery moisture form expired air. Conclusion The paper presented fast dew point hygrometer based on semiconductor microsystems for measurement humidity in inspired and expired air through the nose and oral cavity. Presented system can be a proper instrument for evaluation of nasal functions.

Summary Aim Aim of this study was to check at the hospital the electronic thermometer for fast measurement of air temperature in upper airways. The nose ability of heating of inspired air and heat recovering from expired air was evaluated. Measurements from respiration through the oral cavity were compared. Material and methods The study was carried out in a group of 30 people (6 female and 24 male), age group 18 to 62 (mean age: 33.5 years old). Almost the half of participants had no deviation from normal state in laryngologic examination. The rest of participants had nasal septum deviation (7 persons), nasal vonchae hyperthrophy (3 persons) and grade I nasal polips (2 persons). The measurements of air temperature in upper air ways was done using specially designed and constructed measurement system. Results The air inspired through the nose and oral cavity is heated during respiration. For typical external conditions (T = 22°C i RH = 50%) the nose heats inspired air 1,5 times better then oral cavity (short time range of measurement ∼1 min.). Heat from expired air is recovered for both nasal cavities and oral cavity. Nasal cavities respiration ability for heat recovery from expired air is 3 times higher then oral cavity respiration. Conclusion The paper concerns the system for inspired and expired temperature measurements by miniature thermometer in different places of upper airways. Presented system can be a useful instrument for evaluation of thermal nasal cavities function.

Some biomedical applications require fast and accurate humidity measurements. These requirements can be met by dew point hygrometers with both special construction and special algorithm of temperature control for dew detection. The hygrometer construction described in the paper is based on integrated semiconductor structure combining the impedance dew detector, the thermoresistor and the heater. An adaptive type algorithms with number of dew detections per minute, minimal temperature over-regulations and low power consumption as a criterions for optimization have been designed to control the detector temperature. Finally, experimental results of optimal heater and Peltier couple currents set up for fast dew point temperature measurements are discussed in the report.

The new optical method of supercooled water recognition in dew-point hygrometer is presented in this paper. The physical phenomenon of supercooled water and its influence on the hygrometer accuracy are described. A hypothesis relating to light scattering of water and ice layers is proposed. The new type of dew-point hygrometer based on the silicon mirror with the embedded capacitive detector and multisection optical detector is presented. Measurement data from the experimental hygrometer are provided

A new idea of moisture content in human skin measurement with use of fast dew point hygrometer sensor is presented in the report. The hygrometer construction based on integration in the single semiconductor sensor structure with the impedance detector, the thermoresistor and the heater is described in the paper. Both the experimental results of the dew point hygrometer tests as well as initial empirical results from the measurements of TransEpidermal Water Loss (TEWL) are shown.

This paper presents a new method of super-cooled water recognition in dew point hygrometers. The developed method is based on morphological analysis of the hygrometer detector (semiconductor mirror) image. This method of great efficiency (some 96%) is universal and can be applied to hygrometers of either copper or semiconductor mirror for automatic correction of the measurement error.

This paper presents the construction and a new complex model of the fabricated silicon dew point hygrometer. The model describes the behavior of water vapor contained in the measured gas (saturated vapor partial pressure, super cooled water phenomenon), water mass transport (condensation and evaporation processes), heat transport across measurement head, silicon dew detector, and regulator characteristics. The model was created in the SIMULINK environment. Finally, a comparison of measured data and model responses is discussed.

The temperature homogeneity on the dew point hygrometer mirror is one of the most important factor effected on measurement accuracy. The semiconductor mirror structure facilitated with thermoresistor, two heaters and with additional dew/frost detector has been computer simulated for recognition of temperature distribution on its surface. Two detector structures, the first one located on silicon membrane and the second placed on bulk materials have been compared in the paper. The analysis of optimal heating power applied to heaters to achieve homogenous detector surface temperature distribution has been presented in the report. Finally, the simulation results have been compared with measurement results.

A new type of silicon dew point detector is presented in this paper. The fabricated detector structures contain a thermometer, two heaters, a capacitive interdigitated sensor for the detection of water, sub-cooled water, as well as ice. The test results of sub-cooled water recognition are carefully described. The theoretical model of the capacitive interdigitated sensor describing the principle of detection is also discussed.

This paper presents a non-contact passive electromagnetic interface especially dedicated to capacitive sensors. In contrast to radio transmitters cooperating with remote sensors, our interface is extremely simple and requires integration only for the single plane coil with the capacitive semiconductor sensor structure. The interface structure and theoretical calculations done with the use of the Grover method are discussed in the paper. Presented data from interface tests proved that the interface can successfully operate with the frequency of some 11 MHz obtaining sensitivity of some 15 Ω/pF in the range of 0–22 pF.

In this paper the application of the ink-jet printing technology to microstrip line fabrication on tunable ferroelectric ceramic-polymer composites for devices operating at sub-terahertz range have been presented. Measurement results shown that the designed material is usable for creating structures able to tune some their electromagnetic characteristics. Relatively low temperature technology process (ink-jet printing technology) is able to deposit conductive lines on the ceramic polymer. The ink-jet printed silver microstrip lines can operate at sub-terahertz range.

This paper reports the interface designed for wireless data and power transmission to RFID sensor. The interface hardware was realized on four different substrates: PCB (Printed Circuit Board), LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer), LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). Different techniques and materials were used to fabricate conductive traces adequately on each substrate. Presented techniques and materials for antenna fabrication were compared and tested in RFID application. Fabricated RFID antennas work at 13.56 MHz and measure 20.7×18.9 mm2 in size and have 4 turns of coil winding. Achieved measurement results show that sensors can be wirelessly powered in distance from 2 to 5 cm depending on used substrate.

The paper presents the interface designed for wireless data and power transmission. The interface operation idea was tested using build up hardware and software. The sample construction of the temperature sensor embedded with this type interface was designed. Measurements show that the sensor can be wirelessly supplied with energy and is capable to sent data (temperature readings) in 5 cm distance. The interface is universal and can be used after some modifications with any type of sensors.

Aim of this study was to check at the hospital the electronic thermometer for fast measurement of air temperature in upper airways. The nose ability of heating of inspired air and heat recovering from expired air was evaluated. Measurements from respiration through the oral cavity were compared.The study was carried out in a group of 30 people (6 female and 24 male), age group 18 to 62 (mean age: 33.5 years old). Almost the half of participants had no deviation from normal state in laryngologic examination. The rest of participants had nasal septum deviation (7 persons), nasal vonchae hyperthrophy (3 persons) and grade I nasal polips (2 persons). The measurements of air temperature in upper air ways was done using specially designed and constructed measurement system.The air inspired through the nose and oral cavity is heated during respiration. For typical external conditions (T = 22 degrees C i RH = 50%) the nose heats inspired air 1,5 times better then oral cavity (short time range of measurement approximately 1 min.). Heat from expired air is recovered for both nasal cavities and oral cavity. Nasal cavities respiration ability for heat recovery from expired air is 3 times higher then oral cavity respiration.The paper concerns the system for inspired and expired temperature measurements by miniature thermometer in different places of upper airways. Presented system can be a useful instrument for evaluation of thermal nasal cavities function.

Aim of this study was to check at the hospital the dew point hygrometer for fast measurement of air humidity in upper airways. The nose ability to humidification of inspired air and partially recover moisture from expired air was evaluated. Measurements from respiration through the nose and oral cavity were compared.The study was carried out in a group of 30 people (8 female and 22 male), age group 18 to 70 (mean age: 37 years old). In 22 of the participants there were no deviation from normal state in laryngologic examination, while in 4 participants nasal septum deviation without imaired nasal; oatency was found, in other 3--nasal vonchae hyperthrophy and in 1--nasal polips (grade I). The measurements of air humidity in upper air ways was done using specially designed and constructed measurement system.The air inspired through the nose and oral cavity is humidified. For typical external conditions (T = 22 degrees C i RH = 50%) the nose humidifies inspired air two times better then oral cavity (short time range of measurement approximately 1 min). Moisture from expired air through the nose is partially recovered (for patients with regular patency is 25% of the value of humidifying of inspired air). The oral cavity does not have ability to partially recovery moisture form expired air.The paper presented fast dew point hygrometer based on semiconductor microsystems for measurement humidity in inspired and expired air through the nose and oral cavity. Presented system can be a proper instrument for evaluation of nasal functions.

A new system of dew point temperature hygrometer, based on semiconductor MEMS detector is presented in the paper. Many details of MEMS detector construction are given with details in the report. Basic idea of algorithms of detector control is also discussed. More attention is devoted to subalgorithm for self-adjusted detector threshold operation. Excellent dynamic parameters of the new hygrometer (i.e. 2÷5 dew point detections and temperature measurements per second), proved by the hygrometer tests, will be presented and described in the report. It means that presented hygrometer is 10÷100 times faster than conventional hygrometers. In the end of the paper two medical applications are demonstrated with clinical test results. The first application is for dermatology for TransEpidermal Water Loss (TEWL) factor of human skin. The second is focused on measurement of humidity in human nose cavity and human throat during breathing. In both case fast humidity measurements, with time constant of some 0.5s, have been required.Copyright © 2008 by ASME

The paper describes design and construction of a two stream humidity generator with embedded electronic control unit. To achieve maximum device performance mass flow controllers and digital control were used. By this way it was possible to obtain higher accuracy, stability and repeatability than possible in generator with mechanical control. © (2007) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

This article describes the design and construction of diagnostic medical system for air temperature measurement in nasal cavity. Concept of three-point thermometer is connected with single point electronic thermometer for air temperature measurement in nasal cavity that was previously constructed [1]. Researches were done in Microsystems and Sensors Research Group (WUT) with cooperation of physicians and laryngologists from Otolaryngology Department, Military Medical Institute, Warsaw. Measurement system consist of microprocessor module which periodically collects samples of air temperature from different part of nasal cavity, measurement head with three temperature sensors, and computer software presenting on-line results, calculating breathing parameters and storing data in database. Air temperature is measured in nasal cavity, middle part cavity and nasopharynx during regular respiration process.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are currently very popular area of development. It can be suited in many applications form military through environment monitoring, healthcare, home automation and others. Those networks, when working in dynamic, ad-hoc model, need effective protocols which must differ from common computer networks algorithms. Research on those protocols would be difficult without simulation tool, because real applications often use many nodes and tests on such a big networks take much effort and costs. The paper presents Graphical User Interface (GUI) for simulator which is dedicated for WSN studies, especially in routing and data link protocols evaluation. © (2007) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Sensor networks are commonly used in a wide area of possible applications. In such network there is a great demand for data transmission. Data can be transmitted either by cable or wireless. This paper presents possible solution for data transmission - a wireless platform which consists of devices providing data acquisition, transmission and processing. The paper includes also construction and potential functions of the network node.© (2007) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

The medicine still requires new, more advanced tools for better human body diagnoses. The great developments in electronics let to construct more and more sophisticated instruments. The system described in the paper lets to check functionality of one of human body subsystems - the breathing system. It can measure dynamic changes of temperature and dew point temperature (absolute value of humidity) of inspired and expired air in different places of human nose and throat. Some example results of dew point hygrometer and temperature measurements during respiration are presented. New factors describing condition and capability of human breathing system are. described.