articles+ search results

Keywords: ab initio; electronic structure; FANCI; method development; Python Abstract Fanpy is a free and open-source Python library for developing and testing multideterminant wavefunctions and related ab initio methods in electronic structure theory. The main use of Fanpy is to quickly prototype new methods by making it easier to convert the mathematical formulation of a new wavefunction ansätze to a working implementation. Fanpy is designed based on our recently introduced Flexible Ansatz for N-electron Configuration Interaction (FANCI) framework, where multideterminant wavefunctions are represented by their overlaps with Slater determinants of orthonormal spin-orbitals. In the simplest case, a new wavefunction ansatz can be implemented by simply writing a function for evaluating its overlap with an arbitrary Slater determinant. Fanpy is modular in both implementation and theory: the wavefunction model, the system's Hamiltonian, and the choice of objective function are all independent modules. This modular structure makes it easy for users to mix and match different methods and for developers to quickly explore new ideas. Fanpy is written purely in Python with standard dependencies, making it accessible for various operating systems. In addition, it adheres to principles of modern software development, including comprehensive documentation, extensive testing, quality assurance, and continuous integration and delivery protocols. This article is considered to be the official release notes for the Fanpy library. Article Note: Funding information Canada Research Chairs; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; CANARIE; Compute Canada; Research Board of Ghent University; University of Florida Byline: Taewon D. Kim, M. Richer, Gabriela Sánchez-Díaz, Ramón Alain Miranda-Quintana, Toon Verstraelen, Farnaz Heidar-Zadeh, Paul W. Ayers

Algorithm, Sensors -- Analysis, Wireless sensor networks -- Analysis, and Algorithms -- Analysis

Keywords Tissue P System; Wireless Sensor Network; Multi-Objective problem; Task Assignment; Decision Support System; Parallel computing; Sustainable computing Abstract The contemporary wireless sensor applications employ a Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Network (HeWSN) to achieve its multi-objective missions. Modern wireless nodes constituting the HeWSN are more versatile in terms of its capabilities, functionalities, and applications. Assigning tasks in a dynamic HeWSN environment are challenging due to its inherent heterogeneous properties and capabilities. The investigation of existing task assignment algorithms reveals (i) the majority of the existing task assignment algorithms were designed for the homogeneous environment, (ii) most of the nature-inspired algorithms were built for centralized architecture. Scheduling tasks by existing task assignment algorithms lead to underutilization of resources as well as to the rapid depletion of network resources. To this end, a novel, distributed, heterogeneous task assignment algorithm adhering the modern sensors capabilities, functionalities and sensor application to attain sustainable computing is required. Based on the investigation, Tissue P-System inspired task assignment algorithm for the distributed heterogeneous WSN has been modelled. The experimental analyses of the proposed method have been self-evaluated as well as compared with the corresponding recent benchmark algorithms under various conditions and its performance metrics are analysed. Author Affiliation: Karunya Institute of Technology & Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 114, India * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 18 November 2019; Revised 11 June 2020; Accepted 21 June 2020 (footnote) Peer review under responsibility of King Saud University. Byline: Titus Issac [titusissac@gmail.com] (*), Salaja Silas, Elijah Blessing Rajsingh

Implant dentures -- Methods, Implant dentures -- Usage, Rapid prototyping -- Methods, and Rapid prototyping -- Usage

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcs.1895/abstract Byline: Mohamed Farid Shehab, Nabila Mohammed Abdel Hamid, Nevien Abdullatif Askar, Ahmed Mokhtar Elmardenly Keywords: CAD-CAM, electron beam melting; immediate mandibular reconstruction; patient-specific titanium mesh; rapid prototyping Abstract Background Immediate mandibular reconstruction was performed using a patient-specific titanium mesh tray fabricated by electron beam melting (EBM) /rapid prototyping techniques. Methods Patient-specific titanium trays were virtually designed and fabricated using EBM technology/rapid prototyping for patients requiring mandibular resection and immediate reconstruction using an iliac crest bone graft. Dental implants were placed in the grafted sites and the patients received prosthetic rehabilitation with a follow-up of one year. Clinical data, postoperative bone formation and complications were evaluated. Results A symmetric appearance of facial contours was achieved. The titanium tray incorporated the particulate iliac crest bone graft that provided significant bone formation (mean 18.97 [+ or -] 1.45 mm) and predictable results. Stability of the dental implants was achieved. Conclusion The patient-specific titanium meshes and immediate particulate autogenous bone graft showed satisfactory clinical and surgical results in improving patients' quality of life and decreasing the overall treatment time with adequate functional rehabilitation.

3D printing -- Usage -- Models, Computer-aided design -- Models -- Usage, Mechanical engineering -- Usage, and Vibration -- Models -- Usage

Keywords vibrations; additive manufactoring; computer modeling; rapid prototyping Abstract The emerging concept of mechanical meta-materials has gained increasing attention in recent years, partly due to advances in additive manufacturing techniques (additive manufacturing, 3D printing) that have allowed the fabrication of materials with arbitrarily complex micro / nanostructures. The designed geometry of these structures gives rise to unprecedented or rare mechanical properties that can used to create advanced elements with new, unprecedented functions. This paper presents the method of prototyping a vibro-isolator made of a material that has the properties of storing and disposing of mechanical vibration energy and that can freely be shaped by modern manufacturing techniques. An example of a vibration isolator of the proprietary concept analyzed, using the concept of stepped and adding elements. The method is based on the use of two main tools. Mechanical properties verified by analyzing the frequency and mode of free vibrations of the prototype using the finite element method. The same CAD model of the vibro-isolator prototype produced by 3D printing. The paper presents one of the production techniques, which is 3D printing in SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technology, and the SolidWorks and Comsol Multhiphysics software used in the CAD / CAE prototyping method. Author Affiliation: (a) Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,Koszalin University of Technology, Koszalin 75-453, Poland Byline: Remigiusz Knitter (a), Andrzej Blazejewski (a), Tomasz Królikowski [tomasz.krolikowski@tu.koszalin.pl] (a)

Algorithms -- Analysis and Algorithm

Teaching -- Usage, Teaching -- Methods, and Teaching -- Study and teaching

Given the ubiquity of interfaces on computing devices, it is essential for future Information Systems (IS) professionals to understand the ramifications of good user interface (UI) design. This article provides instructions on how to efficiently and effectively teach IS students about "fit," a Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) concept, through a paper prototyping activity. Although easy to explain, the concept of "fit" can be difficult to understand without repeated practice. Practically, designing "fit" into UIs can be cost-prohibitive because working prototypes are often beyond students' technical skillset. Accordingly, based on principles of active learning, we show how to use paper prototyping to demonstrate "fit" in a hands-on class exercise. We provide detailed stepby-step instructions to plan, setup, and present the exercise to guide students through the process of "fit" in UI design. As a result of this activity, students are better able to employ both theoretical and practical applications of "fit" in UI design and implementation. This exercise is applicable in any course that includes UI design, such as principles of HCI, systems analysis and design, software engineering, and project management. Keywords: Human-computer interaction (HCI), Paper prototyping, Active learning, Constructionism, Teaching tip
1. INTRODUCTION With computing devices peppering nearly every aspect of our lives, how people interact with these technologies is critically important to all computing fields. In fact, failure to properly [...]

Drilling and boring -- Models, Control systems -- Models, Vibration -- Models, and Oil well drilling rigs -- Models

This paper presents a control system design methodology for the drill-string rotary drive and draw-works hoist system aimed at mature drilling rig retrofitting. The rotary drive is equipped with an active damping speed control system featuring a proportional-integral speed controller readily available within modern controlled electrical drives, extended with drill-string back-spinning prevention scheme for the case of stuck tool. The draw-works hoist system features a tool normal force (Weight-on-Bit) controller with tool longitudinal speed (Rate-of-Penetration) limiting functionality. The design of proposed control systems has been based on suitable control-oriented process models and damping optimum criterion which guarantees a desired level of closed-loop system damping. The proposed drilling control systems have been verified on a downscaled laboratory experimental setup, which represents a necessary pre-requirement before these systems are tested in the field. Keywords: active damping; draw-work; laboratory setup; petroleum drilling; proportional-integral controller; retrofitting; top-drive; torsional vibrations
1 INTRODUCTION Diminishing petroleum reserves and related increase in its prices [1] generally stimulate the discovery of new reserves [2], and implementation of advanced drilling technologies [3], especially those aimed [...]

Algorithm, Electric filters -- Usage, Electric filters -- Analysis, Electric filters -- Models, Algorithms -- Analysis, and Algorithms -- Models

Satellite communications, Antennas (Electronics) -- Design and construction, Waveguides -- Design and construction, Sintering, 3D printing, Satellite communications, and Computer-aided design

Keywords: additive manufacturing; fused filament fabrication; phase shifter; reconfigurable; selective laser sintering; waveguide Abstract This work presents the design and manufacturing of a K-band reconfigurable phase shifter completely implemented in waveguide technology for reduced insertion loss, good matching, and large phase shifting range. The device is based on the combination of a short slot coupler and two tunable reactive loads implemented as a section of short-circuited waveguide where an adjustable metallic post is inserted. Three prototypes of this design have been manufactured using different techniques (conventional computer numerical control machining, a low-cost fused filament fabrication technique and direct metal laser sintering) in order to assess its performance for different applications. The prototypes have been characterized experimentally and the achieved results are evaluated and compared. The proposed phase shifter, since it is fully developed in waveguide technology, eliminates the need of adding transitions to planar structures in order to integrate lumped components like pin diodes or varactors. Therefore, this device has a great potential in high-power beam steering phased arrays. Biographical information: Lucas Polo-Lopez received the BSc and MSc degrees in Telecommunication Engineering from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain in 2014 and 2016, respectively. Since 2015 he has been with the Radiofrequency Circuits, Antennas and Systems (RFCAS) group of this same university, where he works toward the PhD degree. His current research interests include the computer-aided design of horn antennas and passive waveguide devices, as well as the application of additive manufacturing techniques to the construction of waveguide devices. Jose L. Masa-Campos received the Master degree in 1999 and the PhD Degree in 2006, from the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Spain. From 1999 to 2003 he developed his professional activity in the R&D department of the company RYMSA with the design of base station antennas for mobile communications and satellite antennas. From 2002 to 2003 he directed the R&D department of RYMSA. From 2003 to 2007, he worked as Researcher for Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, and in 2005 he joined to Universidad Autonoma de Madrid as Associate Professor in the Radiofrequency Circuits, Antennas and Systems (RFCAS) group. His main current research interests are in active and passive planar array antennas. Jorge A. Ruiz-Cruz received the Ingeniero de Telecomunicacion degree and the PhD degree from the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, in 1999 and 2005, respectively. Since 2006, he has been with the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, where he became an Associate Professor in 2009. His current research interests include the computer-aided design of microwave passive devices and circuits (filters, multiplexers, and orthomodes). Byline: Lucas Polo-Lopez,Jose L. Masa-Campos,Jorge A. Ruiz-Cruz

Sensors

Keywords Raspberry Pi; BeagleBone; Sharks Cove; Waspmote Abstract Arduino, an open-source electronics platform, has become the go-to option for anyone working on interactive hardware and software projects. An Arduino board (such as the Uno) connected to a breadboard with plugins such as inputs, sensors, lights, and displays can be controlled by a code written in the Arduino development environment. How to achieve this is by prototyping with Arduino. Prototyping with Arduino has grown in popularity with the increased use of the Arduino platform. Prototyping with Arduino, however, is not an easy task for nonprogrammers with interest in the field. With increased public interest in the field will come a need for accessible information. This paper presents a methodical literature review intended to intensively analyze and compare existing primary studies on prototyping with Arduino. We found about 130 of such studies, all peer-reviewed and published within the last 15 years, including these years (2015--2020). These studies were tediously and carefully chosen through a three-step process. In this paper, a cautious analysis of selected studies was followed by a clear description of the methods applied. The methods were categorized according to the success rate of the studied prototypes. Results obtained can be used in researches on the best technique to adopt while prototyping with Arduino. They can also be used in electronics researches and by individuals who wish to obtain a guide on prototyping with Arduino despite lacking grounded knowledge of the subject matter. Author Affiliation: (a) School of Computer Science & Engineering, VIT-AP University, Beside AP Secretariat, Near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India (b) School of Electronics Engineering, VIT-AP University, Beside AP Secretariat, Near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 22 September 2020; Accepted 13 January 2021 Byline: Hari Kishan Kondaveeti [kishan.kondaveeti@vitap.ac.in] (a,*), Nandeesh Kumar Kumaravelu (b), Sunny Dayal Vanambathina (b), Sudha Ellison Mathe (b), Suseela Vappangi (b)

3D printing and Testing equipment

Purpose of the research was to assess feasibility of fused deposition techniques (3D printing) for development of analytical equipment dedicated for specific dosage forms and for nonstandard applications. Dissolution profiles as well as 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the buccal tablets during hydration in dissolution medium were analyzed. The principal result of the study was the first working example of rapid 3D prototyping of dedicated, MRI-compatible dissolution equipment for mucoadhesive buccal tablets. Rapid prototyping techniques were found to be a fast, inexpensive way to develop a dedicated dissolution testing setup. KEYWORDS: additive manufacturing, 3D printing, solid free-form fabrication, buccal bioadhesive tablets, 3D ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging (3D UTE MRI), pharmaceutical dissolution testing equipment
INTRODUCTION The number of studies concerning application of three dimensional (3D) printing techniques in pharmaceutical technology has grown continuously since 2005, but the main interest in application of these techniques [...]

Rapid prototyping and College teachers

Byline: Michele Basso, Giacomo Innocenti Keywords: LEGO Mindstorms; Simulink; Robotic laboratory; rapid prototyping; bicycle ABSTRACT LEGO.sub.[c] Mindstorms is a widely spread affordable education robotic platform, that has recently gained native support from the Mathworks.sub.[c] simulation environment Simulink. The pros and cons of the integrated Mindstorms/Simulink framework are actually illustrated through a complex model based control design project featuring a self-stabilized bicycle, that represents a proper example of the rapid prototyping capability of the platform. The importance of such an integration is discussed taking into account the history and the results of the LEGO-based learning activities held at the Control Systems Laboratory of the University of Florence for graduate and undergraduate courses. [c] 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:947-958, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21666 Biographical information: Michele Basso received the Master's degree in electronic engineering from the University of Florence, Italy, in 1992, and the PhD degree in systems engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy, in 1997. From 1998 through 2010, he was an assistant professor at the Dipartimento di Sistemi e Informatica, University of Florence. Currently he is an associate professor at Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Florence. He is also affiliated to the Center for Research on Complex Dynamics (CSDC) and a member of the Advisory Board of the Italian Ph.D. School of Information Engineering. He was an Associate Editor for the journal Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulations from 2010 through 2014. His current research interests include nonlinear dynamical systems, scanning probe microscopy, and control education. Giacomo Innocenti graduated in 2004 in Computer Science at the Engineering School of University of Florence, Italy and in 2008 received the PhD in 'Nonlinear Dynamics and Complex Systems' from the same institution. He has been Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Adjunct Lecturer at University of Florence and at University of Siena. Since 2012 he has been Assistant Professor in Automatic Controls at University of Florence, where he teaches Industrial Automation to graduate students of the Engineering School. His scientific interests regard Nonlinear Control Systems and their practical applications.

Biogenic amines, Microfluidics, Polyamines, Dimethylpolysiloxane, and Rapid prototyping

Keywords: electrochemiluminescence; microfluidics; biogenic amines; tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II); carbon electrodes Abstract A simple, sensitive, and rapid electrochemiluminescent (ECL) method was developed for the detection of several polyamines on a microfluidic chip. Rapid prototyping of poly(dimethylsiloxane) was used to fabricate flow channels and carbon paste microelectrodes. These devices are easily fabricated and amenable to ECL detection due to their planar and optically transparent nature. The ECL reaction between tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) and amine-containing co-reactants was used to generate the ECL signal. Experimental parameters were optimized and low micromolar limits of detection (S/N=3) were determined for four different polyamines. The method was successfully used to determine the concentration of spermine in milk samples. Supporting information: Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. CAPTION(S): Supporting Information Byline: Erin M. Gross, Emily R. Lowry, Leah V. Schaffer, Charles S. Henry

Neural networks -- Analysis, Electrical engineering -- Analysis, Neural network, and Electrical engineering

Keywords Convolutional neural network; Hardware acceleration; Rapid system prototyping; Binarization; FPGA Abstract The huge model size and high computational complexity make emerging convolutional neural network (CNN) models unsuitable to deploy on current embedded or edge computing devices. Recently the binary neural network (BNN) is explored to help reduce network model size and avoid complex multiplication. In this paper, a binary network acceleration framework for rapid system prototyping is proposed to promote the deployment of CNNs on embedded devices. Firstly trainable scaling factors are adopted in binary network training to improve network accuracy performance. The hardware/software co-design framework supports various compact network structures such as residual block, 1 x 1 squeeze convolution layer, and depthwise separable convolution. With flexible network binarization and efficient hardware architecture optimization, the acceleration system is able to achieve over 2 TOPS throughput performance comparable to modern desktop GPU with much higher power efficiency. Author Affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 2 December 2019; Revised 19 February 2020; Accepted 8 March 2020 Byline: Zhe Xu [zhexu22-c@my.cityu.edu.hk], Ray C.C. Cheung [r.cheung@cityu.edu.hk] (*)

Machine learning -- Analysis

Keywords Production; Lead Time Prediction; AutoML; Machine Learning Abstract Many Small and Medium Enterprises in the domain of Make-To-Order- and Small-Series-Production struggle with accurately predicting lead times of highly customisable orders. This paper investigates an approach using AutoML integrated into existing enterprise systems in order to enable Lead Time Prediction based on Machine Learning models. This prediction is based on both order data from an ERP system as well as real-time factory state informed by an IIoT platform. We used simulation data to feed the AutoML model generation and developed a lightweight web-based microservice around it to infer lead times of incoming orders during live production. Using industry standards, this microservice can be seamlessly integrated into existing system landscapes. The simplicity of AutoML systems allows for swift (re)training and benchmarking of models but potentially comes at the cost of overall lower model quality. Author Affiliation: (a,b) FZI Research Center for Information Technology, Haid-und-Neu-Strasse 10-14, 76135 Karlsruhe, Germany Byline: Janek Bender [bender@fzi.de] (a), Jivka Ovtcharova (b)

Mobile gaming

Keywords color blind; educational game; gaming experience; mobile game Abstract The purpose of this research was to escalate players' knowledge on color blindness by designing an educational video game which design was oriented to dichromatism color blind. The topic selection was based on the lack of players' deeper knowledge on color blindness. The graphic and gameplay selection on this research was adjusted to the chosen color blind category. Research methods were conducted by analysis, development, and evaluation. Analysis was done by questionnaire. Development was done by game design document, UML, storyboard, and was implemented using Unity Game Engine. Evaluation on 35 players, which are 32 with normal eyes and 3 with color blindness, was done by two approaches, which are t-test and questionnaire. The result of t-test was t(34) = -7.704, p < 0.05 and Enjoyment score on CEGE is 0.763 for normal eyes and 0.651 for colorblind. To conclude, there was an improvement on knowledge from the video game and the design was enjoyable. Author Affiliation: (a,b,c) Computer Science Department, School of Computer Science, Bina Nusantara University, Jl. Kebon Jeruk Raya No. 27 Kemanggisan, Jakarta 11480, Indonesia Byline: Ivan Reinaldo [reinaldoivan30@gmail.com] (a), Nadia Sarah Pulungan [nadiasarahp@gmail.com] (b), Herru Darmadi [hdarmadi@binus.edu] (c)

Energy conservation, Sensors, and Rapid prototyping

Byline: Nicolo Dossi, Fabio Terzi, Evandro Piccin, Rosanna Toniolo, Gino Bontempelli Keywords: Pencil-drawn sensing devices; Pen-drawn sensitive elements; Conductive filament deposition; 3D printed sensors; Direct writing; Contact and non-contact deposition methods Abstract The growing demand for low cost and easy to use analytical devices requires the development of reliable and rapid deposition strategies suitable for changing easily planned designs and applicable to a wide range of materials for assembling conductive tracks and sensitive elements. Further important challenges to be pursued are the possibility of using readily available instrumentation and reducing power consumption and hazardous chemical waste. This review provides an overview of the use of portable day-to-day writing tools, such as pencils and pens, for the rapid and on-demand deposition of conductive patterns on different substrates, with particular emphasis on the assembly of "Do It Yourself" sensors. Moreover, layer-by-layer deposition of simple or even complex three dimensional (3D) circuits, resorting to pressure driven extrusion of conductive filaments is considered. Future perspectives and potentiality of these emerging technologies for assembling sensors are also explored. Author Affiliation: Department of Food Science, University of Udine, via Cotonificio 108, I-33100 Udine, Italy phone : (+39) 0432558835 fax: (+39) 0432558803 Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 183, I-41125 Modena, Italy Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Rapid prototyping

Byline: Sherif Moussa, Ahmed M. Abdel Razik, Adel Omar Dahmane, Claude D'Amours, Habib Hamam Keywords: component; OFDM; MIMO; error-control coding; parity bit selected spreading; block processing; detection; FPGA; implementation; hardware optimization Summary In this paper, a novel MIMO-OFDM transmission scheme is developed to effectively enable multi-access by joint code design across multiple antennas, subcarriers, OFDM frames, and users. It achieves better spectrum efficiency while improving bit error rate performance. The proposed scheme uses either parity bit selected or permutation techniques to assign spreading codes at the transmitter side. As a result, the detection at the receiver is greatly improved because of the fact that identifying the spreading code(s) directly yields the transmitted data symbols. The paper also investigates the field-programmable gate array implementation of the proposed algorithms; optimization techniques are proposed to reduce area, power, and time. These techniques include a pipelined architecture for inverse FFT/FFT blocks, an efficient low complexity algorithm for despreading based on counters and comparators and an optimized architecture for complex matrix inversion using Gauss-Jordan elimination (GJ-elimination). Finally, the fixed-point optimized field-programmable gate array architecture for MIMO-OFDM transceiver is developed, where the maximum allowed performance loss because of quantization is defined, the tradeoffs between BER performance and area reduction are investigated. Copyright [c] 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rapid prototyping -- Usage, Mathematics -- Study and teaching, Mathematics -- Technology application, Technology application, Computers, Education, Mathematics, and Science and technology

Rapid prototyping

Byline: Nancy Wilkins-Diehr, Sandra Gesing, Tamas Kiss, Antonio Tadeu A. Gomes, Bruno F. Bastos, Vivian Medeiros, Vinicius M. Moreira Summary Arguably, an important amount of scientific software development time is likely to be employed on user interfaces. In particular, science gateways have gained increasing interest from the e-Science community. These gateways allow hiding the complexity of the underlying resources that give support to the management of scientific data and to the execution of scientific applications. Based on our previous experience with the development of science gateways for diverse application domains in the Brazilian national high-performance computing network (SINAPAD), we have devised a rapid prototyping strategy to lower the barrier for scientific application developers to launch new science gateways. This strategy is based on two main tools. The first tool implements a gateway engine that can be configured by a small set of XML files. Such files completely define the desired functionality of a specific science gateway in the gateway engine. The gateway engine also offers other features not commonly found in related technologies, such as file sharing, data provenance tracking, and restricted anonymous access to underlying computational resources. The second tool implements both an editor and a packager for the aforementioned engine. This tool allows the developer to rapidly deploy and launch a new science gateway in ordinary Web application containers. In this paper, we present our results with the use of both tools in the SINAPAD network. We also discuss about the current limitations of both tools, as well as how we have been dealing with such limitations to provide a more comprehensive toolset to developers. Copyright [c] 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Virtual reality technology, Virtual reality -- Methods, Rapid prototyping -- Methods, and Video tape editing -- Methods

Byline: Telmo Adao [telmoadao@utad.pt] (a), Luis Padua (b), Miguel Fonseca (b), Luis Agrellos (c), Joaquim J. Sousa (a), Luis Magalhaes (d), Emanuel Peres (a) Keywords Virtual Reality; 360* Videos Editing; Immersive Digital Panoramas; Multimedia; 3D model; 3D text; Spatialized Sound; Prototyping Abstract While VR grows in the range of application contexts -- e.g. entertainment, training, cultural heritage and medicine -- its economic impact is expected to reach around 15bn USD, by the year of 2020. Within VR field, 360* video has been sparking the interest of development and research communities. However, editing tools supporting 360* panoramas are usually expensive and/or demand programming skills and/or advanced user knowledge. Besides, applicational approaches to quickly and intuitively set up such 360* video-based VR environments complemented with diverse types of parameterizable virtual assets and multimedia elements are still hard to find. Thereby, this paper aims to propose a system specification to simply and rapidly configure immersive VR environments composed of surrounding 360* video spheres that can be complemented with parameterizable multimedia contents -- namely 3D models, text and spatial sound --, whose behavior can be either time-range or user-interaction dependent. Moreover, a preliminary prototype that follows a substantial part of the previously mentioned specification and implements the enhancement of 360* videos with time-range dependent virtual assets is presented. Preliminary tests evaluating usability and user satisfaction were also carried out with 30 participants, from which encouraging results were achieved. Author Affiliation: (a) INESC TEC and University of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal (b) University of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro, School of Sciences and Technology, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal (c) GEMA - Digital and Technology Agency, Cais das Pedras N.* 8, 4050-465 Porto, Portugal (d) ALGORITMI Center, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal

Robot and Robots

Environmental monitoring, Drone aircraft, and Sensors

The project proposed in this paper deals with the design and the development of an embedded test system able to characterize both electrical and mechanical performances of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) propulsion subsystems (motor and propeller). The measurement data that can be collected are of great interest for professional applications, as well as for amateur makers. Starting from the measures acquired by the presented system, it will be possible to deliver certificates that guarantee the customer that the performances obtained by the drone are compliant to what declared by the seller. Index terms: UAVs; propulsion; sensors; electric motors; test; certification.
I. INTRODUCTION In the last few years, we have been assisting to the widespread utilization of small and medium size UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), namely drones, and, in somewhat, multicopters. [...]

Digital signal processor, Wireless network, Wireless LAN/WAN system, Computer software industry, Signal processing, Wireless local area networks (Computer networks), and National Instruments Corp.

Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are currently playing an important role in serving the indoor traffic demand. Therefore, there is a need for software-defined radio platforms (SDRs) that can enable the solutions used in these systems to be tested in real environments as well as simulated results. In this paper, we present the SDR-based wireless receiver platform for determining the real-time WLANs performance and provide the comparison of the different channel estimation methods for IEEE 802.11g based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) operations. The implementation of the receiver comprises the universal software radio peripheral and National Instruments LabVIEW. To determine the real-time receiver tool performance, we emphasized necessary signal processing techniques and different channel estimation methods with varying experimental parameters in real wireless environments. Experimental results report that the SDR-based receiver tool with the LabVIEW in real-time provides the throughput of the OFDM wireless network. The captured throughput performance concerning frame error rate by the receiver is also scrutinized with different channel estimation methods. Byline: Kerem Kucuk

Internet, Ubiquitous computing -- Research, Cloud computing -- Research, Mobile devices -- Innovations, and Rapid prototyping -- Research

Signal processing -- Research, Arrays (Data structures) -- Research, Digital signal processor, Business, Electronics, and Electronics and electrical industries

Valentin Goverdovsky ; David C. Yates ; Marc Willerton ; Christos Papavassiliou ; Eric Yeatman

Management science -- Measurement and Rapid prototyping -- Measurement

We propose a platform for the rapid prototyping of active measurement tools to collect network characteristics. Our proposal, named FLAME (Flexible Lightweight Active Measurement Environment), allows the prototyping of active measurement tools that depend or not on cooperative destination nodes. FLAME provides its users with basic active measurement primitives -- corresponding to basic building blocks -- upon which sophisticated active measurement tools can be prototyped quickly, practically, and efficiently through scripts in the Lua scripting language. This platform is based on the distributed deployment of measurement agents in some network nodes. These agents can send and receive probes in response to Lua scripts sent by a user console. Such agents also publish the measurement data in a standardized way in a repository that a central manager keeps, thus simplifying the management and analysis of such data. We validate the FLAME platform as well as show its flexibility and accuracy through experiments on a local testbed and also on Planet-lab. We also evaluate the proposed platform as compared to previous work in terms of the easing of development due to prototype scripting as well as the achieved memory footprint. In conclusion, we discuss different possibilities for further developments built upon the basic functionality of the proposed platform.

Electromagnetic fields, Antennas (Electronics), Wireless sensor networks, and Rapid prototyping

Keywords: metallization; radio frequency performance; SLA reflector; three-dimensional printed Abstract A novel high precision and lightweight reflector antenna is proposed. The fabrication process of the reflector adopted Stereo Lithography Apparatus (SLA) printed and metallization. The proposed SLA Reflector (SLAR) antenna structure adopts three-dimensional-printed, which can design complex geometric shapes flexibly and rapid prototyping. That is a good substitute for the traditional method of millimeter wave reflector processing. In order to realize radio frequency (RF) characteristics perfectly, the metallization process of photosensitive resin was elaborated, which realized by first electroless nickel plating, then copper electroplating, and finally chromium electroplating on the protective layer. For verification, the designed reflector antenna was manufactured and measured. The reflectivity of SLAR was measured well by the bow method, which validates excellent fabrication accuracy and reliability. The gain and pattern were measured in the anechoic chamber. The results show that the proposed reflector antenna achieves the gain of 25dBi and the 3dB gain bandwidth of 43% over the full Ka-band. A good agreement can be observed between measurement and simulation. Biographical information: Liwei Guo received the B.E. degree in from the Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China in 2006. She is currently pursuing the PhD degree in Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China. Her current research interests include metasurfaces, millimeter-wave reflector antenna. Simin Li received the B.S. degree in wireless communication engineering from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, China, in 1984, and the M.S. and PhD degrees in electronics engineering from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China, in 1989 and 2007, respectively. Dr. Li is currently the President and a Professor with Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, China. His current research interests include the design of electrically small antennas, antenna arrays for high-frequency communication systems, and wireless sensor networks. Xing Jiang received the Master's degree in electromagnetic field and microwave technology from Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China, in 1986. Since 2000, she has been a Professor with the Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China. She was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi. Her research interests include smart communication system design, conformal antenna array, and bioelectromagnetics. Xin Liao received the B.E. degree from Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China, in 1990. He is currently a Lecturer with the Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China. His research interests include Electromagnetic Compatibility and antenna measurement. Ying Zhang received the B.E. degree in Harbin Institute of Technology of optical instrument. Now she is a researcher at Beijing Simulation Center. Her research interest is the simulation of visible light/infrared guidance and control systems. Bin Shi is an associate researcher- in Beijing Simulation Center. Her research interest is the simulation of radio frequency target accuracy. Article Note: Funding information Guangxi Innovation Driven Development Special Fund Project, Grant/Award Number: GUIKEAA19254012; Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education, Grant/Award Number: YCBZ2019051; National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant/Award Numbers: 61761012, 61661011 Byline: Liwei Guo, Simin Li, Xing Jiang, Xin Liao, Ying Zhang, Bin Shi

Keywords Rework; Corrective Iteration; Firefighting; Negative Iteration; Product Development; System Engineering Abstract Given the need to develop a systems engineering framework to enable rapid prototyping and rapid fielding capability for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) per Public Law 114-92 and the fact that historically rework has been a problem during product development, a literature survey of engineering and design rework was conducted to better understand its nature and causes. The intent of the survey is to present the current state of research in the understanding of this aspect of development and to articulate future research areas for developing a systems engineering framework during the Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) phase of the DOD life cycle that addresses rework concerns, accelerates iteration and enables rapid prototyping. Since much of the research on rework has been done on information exchange and organizational structure there is a need for future research in systems engineering to develop frameworks to: 1) mitigate the impact of information uncertainty and instability, 2) accelerate information evolution, and 3) reuse knowledge for engineering reasoning. Author Affiliation: (a) Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Armaments Center, Picatinny Arsenal, 07806, USA (b) Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC), Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, USA Byline: Shawn Dullen [shawn.m.dullen.civ@mail.mil] (a), Dinesh Verma (b), Mark Blackburn (b)

Image processor, Image processing software, Algorithm, Image processing -- Equipment and supplies, Image processing -- Computer programs, Image processing equipment industry, Machine vision, and Algorithms

Byline: Maqsood Ahmad, Khalid Bashir Bajwa, Rashid Saleem, F. Umer ABSTRACT Dedicated Hardware for two dimensional (2D) barcodes is used in numerous applications depending on the levels of preserving data in complex format. These modules are complex in their design and also take considerable amount of time for their development, testing and verification both at software and hardware levels. On the other hand, modern android mobile/tablets are ready to use hardware platform that fulfills all the essential hardware requirements to implement the extraction of barcodes. Additionally, they got the capability to run the complex image processing algorithms on application level, which increases the prototyping speed considerably for 2D barcode implementation. In order to reduce the algorithm complexity further, different techniques have been devised on hardware level such as light conditioning and orientation, placement of barcode and distance from the camera. The system has been effectively deployed for the decoding of PDF 417 codes on student university cards at the university. [c] 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:596-602, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21630 Biographical information: Engr. Maqsood Ahmed received Computer Engineering degree (with honors) from University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila in 2004. After it, he is working in the field of embedded Systems as a solution development. His present research interest focused on system designing using various hardware programmable technologies in term of algorithm deployment. Khalid Bashir Bajwa received BS Computer Engineering from National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). He pursued a career in the computer engineering for 4 years (June 2002 to Sep 2006). He received MS from Queen Mary University of London, UK in 2007 and PhD from the same university in 2010. He has worked in signal processing and computer vision. He is working as assistant professor at University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Taxila, Pakistan. Rashid Saleem received BS Electronic Engineering from Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Pakistan, in 1999. He pursued a career in the telecommunication industry for several year while continuing education. He received PhD from The University of Manchester, United Kingdom in 2011. He worked on Ultra Wideband systems during his PhD and was also member of a team designing arrays for the SKA project. He is working as assistant professor at University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Taxila, Pakistan where he is heading the MAP (Microwave, Antennas and Propagation) research group. Engr. Umer Farooq has received MS degree in Embedded Systems for LUMS and is currently working as lecturer in Air University Department of Mechatronics.He has a keen interest in Image processing based hardware system design.

Telematics -- Usage, Cloud computing -- Usage, Business, and Computers and office automation industries

Technology application

Today, technology allows us to produce extensive multimodal systems which are totally under human control. These systems are equipped with multimodal interfaces, which enable more natural and more efficient interaction between man and machine. End users can take advantage of natural modalities (e.g. audio, eye gaze, speech, gestures, etc.) to communicate or exchange information with applications. In this work, we assume that a number of these modalities are available to the user. In this paper, we present a prototype of a multimodal architecture, and show how modality selection and fission algorithms are implemented in such a system. We use a pattern technique to divide a complex command into elementary subtasks and select suitable modalities for each of them. We integrate a context-based method using a Bayesian network to resolve ambiguous or uncertain situations. Index terms: Multimodality, Ontology, Bayesian Network, Pattern, User Interface, Multimodal Fission.
I. INTRODUCTION Computer systems are born of scientific needs, but they owe their success to general public use. This has motivated researchers to develop systems that meet the needs of [...]

Complementary metal oxide semiconductors -- Research, Correlation (Statistics) -- Research, Algebraic topology -- Research, Topology -- Research, Business, Computers, Electronics, and Electronics and electrical industries

Online information services -- Analysis, Information services -- Analysis, Online services -- Analysis, Rapid prototyping -- Analysis, Online information service, and High technology industry

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://www.inderscience.com/search/index.php?action=record&rec_id=72347 Byline: Fabio Paulo Basso, Raquel Mainardi Pillat, Fabricia Roos-Frantz, Rafael Z. Frantz Rapid application prototyping (RAP) is recommended to obtain quick feedback from clients, allowing the validation of software requirements before acceptance tests. In this regard, model-driven engineering (MDE) and agile methods are two important approaches that suggest the use of techniques for RAP. Some fundamental differences between them exist: MDE focuses on software reuse through annotated system models while agile methods recommend the use simpler models to achieve quick feedback from clients. In order to comply with agility principles but still concerned about the future reuse of the developed software, the quick design of annotated models must be considered. This paper presents a MDE-based RAP methodology and tool support to quickly generate web front ends and models based on the MVC architectural pattern. In addition, we report a case study that has joined MDE and Scrum by applying our methodology and tool support for complete development of web information system in a Scrum-based industrial software project. We also present lessons learnt from the case study and point out some issues for future research in software engineering to facilitate the introduction of MDE in target contexts.

Keywords Nano biosensors; FPGA-NOC; Neural network; nanotechnologies; medical applications; algorithm XY Abstract The paper aims to explore the potential offered by nanotechnologies for the development of a new generation of reconfigurable and robust Nano-biosensors for the purpose of implementation in medical applications The subject proposes to make a contribution in the field of Nano-biosensors by organizing itself around several scientific objectives, multidisciplinary technologies * Demonstrate the interface with reconfigurable architectures based on FPGA/NoC to drive the Nano-biosensors * specify Platform model based on neural networks that can be adapted to Nano biosensors experimental context. Author Affiliation: (a) Universite des Sciences et de la Technologie Mohamed Boudiaf Oran USTO-MB 3100, Algeria (b) LIM research laboratory University of Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria Byline: Abdelkrim GHAZI [ghazi-abdou10@hotmail.com] (a), Mostefa BELARBI (b), Abdallah CHOUARFIA (a,b)

Programmable logic array and Digital integrated circuits

Performance evaluation of parallel software and architectural exploration of innovative hardware support face a common challenge with emerging manycore platforms: they are limited by the slow running time and the low accuracy of software simulators. Manycore FPGA prototypes are difficult to build, but they offer great rewards. Software running on such prototypes runs orders of magnitude faster than current simulators. Moreover, researchers gain significant architectural insight during the modeling process. We use the Formic FPGA prototyping board [1], which specifically targets scalable and cost-efficient multi-board prototyping, to build and test a 64-board model of a 512-core, MicroBlaze-based, non-coherent hardware prototype with a full network-on-chip in a 3D-mesh topology. We expand the hardware architecture to include the ARM Versatile Express platforms and build a 520-core heterogeneous prototype of 8 Cortex-A9 cores and 512 MicroBlaze cores. We then develop an MPI library for the prototype and evaluate it extensively using several bare-metal and MPI benchmarks. We find that our processor prototype is highly scalable, models faithfully single-chip multicore architectures, and is a very efficient platform for parallel programming research, being 50,000 times faster than software simulation.

Education, Elementary -- Methods, Classroom management -- Methods, Handicraft -- Educational aspects, and Design -- Educational aspects

To access, purchase, authenticate, or subscribe to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcci.2017.11.002 Byline: Pauline Gourlet [gourletp@newschool.edu] (a,b,*), Francoise Decortis [francoise.decortis@univ-paris8.fr] (a) Keywords Instruments; Conditions; Classroom; Designerly learning; Making; Research through design; CHAT Abstract During six months in a French elementary classroom with pupils aged 6--7 years old, we have looked for ways to progressively transform an instructional classroom environment. Our aim was to develop a sustainable designerly learning through authentic making activities. In this article, we describe the history of this attempt along with our motivations, with an instrumental approach, i.e., through a description of the activities mediated by the artifacts we have prototyped with the schoolteacher and the pupils. First, we explain what we mean by designerly learning, which refers to making activities with a Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) perspective, extending the focus of making beyond digital literacy and digital fabrication. Then, we describe our prototypes: a series of artifacts, which sets conditions for pupils to engage in classroom's making activities, and for the teacher to facilitate them. Finally, we discuss how such conditions can help scaffold and structure authentic making activities in a classroom context, and therefore designing these conditions might be a prime means to foster a transition toward a designerly learning in public schools. Author Affiliation: (a) Universite Paris 8, Paragraphe, Saint-Denis, France (b) EnsadLab, Paris, France * Corresponding author at: Universite Paris 8, Paragraphe, Saint-Denis, France. Article History: Received 6 April 2017; Revised 22 October 2017; Accepted 5 November 2017

CAD/CAM software, CAD software, Market trend/market analysis, Rapid prototyping -- Usage, Coins -- Production management, Coins -- Forecasts and trends, Coins -- Research, CAD-CAM systems -- Computer programs, and CAD-CAM systems -- Usage

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://www.inderscience.com/search/index.php?action=record&rec_id=62425 Byline: Chua Chee Kai, R.K.L. Gay, S.K.F. Cheong, L.L. Chong, H.B Lee The traditional methods of manufacturing coins are studied in three separate projects. In the projects, CAD/CAM, CNC and rapid prototyping technologies are used to upgrade the quality and quantity of coin production. In the first project investigating the use of CAD/CAM and CNC technologies, a case study of an orchid is looked into, while in the second project involving a dragon and Chinese characters design, a relief creation software and a rapid prototyping tool are used. In the last project, a combination of the relief creation software and CNC technology prove feasible as illustrated by an artistic sculpture motif. The projects showed the viability of integrating high technology with traditional practices.

Science fiction -- Research, Molecular design -- Research, Human-machine systems -- Research, and Computers and office automation industries

Chemistry, Physics, and Science and technology

1. Introduction Nanofluidic devices comprise enclosed channels to confine materials and control interactions in fluids and near solid-fluid interfaces at characteristic submicrometer length scales. In this way, nanofluidic devices are [...]

Computer-Aided Design, Rapid Prototyping, New Technique, Models, Prototypes, Engineering -- Design and construction, and Computer industry -- Product information

Companies can produce a prototype from a computer-aided design (CAD) file within one or two days by using the services of one of the approximately 40 rapid prototyping (RP) service bureaus. The CAD system must interface with the RP equipment, the file format being particularly important. An STL file interfaces with most RP systems and can be created with a good CAD system. Alternatively, many software developers now offer STL translators. STL translators can be created only for solid-model CAD systems only, rather than for models that do not close. Surface models work only if they are designed to be watertight. Additionally, supports must be created for any cantilevers or other unsupported structures to develop a CAD model and it is often appropriate to allow the RP service bureau to create the supports themselves. Future alternatives to the STL format will allow users to create smooth, precise surfaces.

Rapid Prototyping, Distributed Systems, Programming Management, Computer Science, and Programming management (Computers) -- Methods

The development of a distributed program is not an easy task. In this paper, we present a set of rapid prototyping tools that can efficiently help the development process of remote procedure call (RPC)-based programs. After some introduction in the first section, we describe the structure of our prototyping tools in the second section. The tool-set consists of three generators: the distributed frame generator, the user interface generator, and the application model generator. Three sections are devoted to describing these generators. The last part of our paper presents a prototyping example using our tool-set and summarizes the paper. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Rapid Prototyping, Service Bureaus, CAD/CAM, Tutorial, and CAD-CAM systems -- Usage

A business can use a rapid prototyping (RP) service bureau instead of buying a RP system, which can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $550,000. The service bureau can not only act as a supplier but can also serve as an active consultant to the design process. A business needs to receive a job cost estimate first from the RP service bureau, providing all necessary design specifications such as tolerances and product use. The best way to transfer computer-aided files to the service bureau is to use the STL file protocol because it is recognized as the standard for hooking RP machines to computer-aided design systems. The cost of using a service bureau depends on the time it takes to convert data, the time to actually build the part on the RP system and the amount of time it takes to detail the finished product. One disadvantage of the system is a lack of security surrounding the product design even when nondisclosure agreements have been signed. The best use of a rapid prototyping system is when it builds complex parts. A directory of RP service bureaus is included.

Rapid Prototyping, Comparison, Manufacturing, Automobile industry, Automobiles, Chrysler Corp. -- Production management, Repetitive manufacturing systems -- Testing, Automobile industry -- Production management, and Automobiles -- Equipment and supplies

When evaluating rapid prototyping systems it is important to measure the accuracy of the process, as well as the safety and durability of materials. Additionally, it is important to consider the cost of installation, training and maintenance. Chrysler's Jeep and Truck Engineering unit decided to produce a single automobile part on five rapid prototyping systems in order to compare them. Chrysler sent an STL of the speedometer adaptor to five companies: DTM, Cubital, Stratasys, Helisys and 3D Systems. Detailed is an overview of the comparisons between the five systems. Areas discussed include quality quantifications, price parameters, and the benchmark bottom line. Skill and experience of the operator can have a significant effect on the accuracy of the part produced.

Rapid Prototyping, Processor Architecture, Algorithm, Miniaturization, Reconfiguration, Circuit Design, Integrated circuit fabrication, Signal processing, Prototypes, Engineering -- Design and construction, Integrated circuit fabrication -- Testing, and Signal processing -- Research

Ageneralized architecture for signal processing, the wafer scale integration architecture for rapid prototyping (WARP), consists of the universal multiply-substract-add (UMSA) cell and the universal nonlinear (UNL) cell. The class of algorithms is broadened by the WARP architecture, using a single rapid-prototyping architecture. FIR filtering algorithms, FFT computation algorithms and L-U decomposition algorithms can be implemented. The high degree of regularity in signal processing algorithms makes them suitable for wafer scale integration (WSI). Mapping of the algorithm to an array of just a few types of cells on the wafer is facilitated. Careful test planning and strict adherence to design-for-test practices are important to testing WSI circuits. The UMSA and UNL cells are discussed in detail with the mapping of the FFT and L-U decomposition algorithms.

To access, purchase, authenticate, or subscribe to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2018.08.202 Byline: Denis Raskin (a), Alexei Vassiliev (a), Vasili Samarin (a), Diego Cabezas (a), Siti Elda Hiererra (b), Yohannes Kurniawan [ykurniawan@binus.edu] (b) Keywords embedded systems; IoT; internet of things; IT education; microcontrollers Abstract As the fastest growing field of information technologies, Internet of Things is the important question for embedded systems developers. The number of embedded systems in the IoT increases steadily and specialists should be able to implement it faster, without losing any quality level. Current research introduces a way to develop a system using ready-made components, configuring and integrating them among themselves, via high level API. These components represent different parts of distributed embedded system, such as control programs, communication nodes, web applications etc. Our approach presents the easy-to-understand development process, used to support students in learning of embedded systems as a part of IoT. Author Affiliation: (a) Interdepartamental Center of Embedded Systems of Automation and Computing, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia (b) Information Systems Department, School of Information Systems, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, Indonesia, 11480

Integrated circuits -- Analysis, Semiconductor chips -- Analysis, Fault tolerance (Computers) -- Analysis, Logic design -- Analysis, Standard IC, Fault tolerance, Business, Computers, and Computers and office automation industries

Embedded system, System on a chip, and Embedded systems -- Usage

Information technology, Cloud computing -- Analysis, and Information technology -- Research

Software engineering, Scientific Research, Program Development Techniques, Database, Programming Language, Rule-Based System, Rapid Prototyping, Object-Oriented Programming, Relational Database, and Software engineering -- Methods

The design and rapid prototyping of data-intensive software applications can be accomplished via the use of Logres and Algres, two advanced database programming languages. Logres, a new-generation programming language, integrates rule-based programming with an object-oriented data model. Algres is a relational system that manages complex database relationships. Algres does not have the necessary programming constructs needed to implement imperative computations. Expressive power and openness to external libraries can be gained by embedding Algres into the C programming language, resulting in the Alice programming interface. THe Logres/Algres software platform allows data-intensive applications to be prototyped rapidly.

Science fiction -- Authorship and Computers and office automation industries

Algorithm, System design, Algorithms -- Research, System design -- Research, and Systems analysis -- Research

1. INTRODUCTION Teaching modeling and requirements analysis in an experiential manner in a systems analysis and design course has its challenges. A typical systems analysis and design course in the [...]
We describe the use of rapid game prototyping as a pedagogic technique to experientially explore and learn requirements discovery, modeling, and specification in systems analysis and design courses. Students have a natural interest in gaming that transcends age, gender, and background. Rapid digital game creation is used to build computer games quickly and easily using game creation software that requires little or no programming knowledge. It enables the developer to build a quick prototype game and to view the effects of changes almost immediately. The process can be seen as learning-by-making and learning-by-design, which are grounded in the learning theories of social constructivism and constructionism. Viewing the game as a system, students worked on an assignment to create a game prototype for a user, determine requirements, and specify the requirements using use-case diagrams and UML class diagrams. Students found this approach innovative, instructive, and entertaining. We describe this approach and outline its benefits. Keywords: Systems analysis and design, Systems thinking, Modeling, Requirements analysis & specification, Teaching tip, Game theory

Modularity, Software architecture, 32-bit operating system, 64-bit operating system, Operating system, Operating systems -- Design and construction, Simulation methods -- Usage, and Mathematical optimization -- Usage

Business and Computers and office automation industries

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2009.07.049 Byline: Henrik BA¦rbak Christensen (a), Klaus Marius Hansen (b) Keywords: Software architecture; Architectural prototyping; Architectural analysis; Architectural evaluation; Empirical software architecture Abstract: Architectural prototyping is the process of using executable code to investigate stakeholders' software architecture concerns with respect to a system under development. Previous work has established this as a useful and cost-effective way of exploration and learning of the design space of a system and in addressing issues regarding quality attributes, architectural risks, and the problem of knowledge transfer and conformance. However, the actual industrial use of architectural prototyping has not been thoroughly researched so far. In this article, we report from three studies of architectural prototyping in practice. First, we report findings from an ethnographic study of practicing software architects. Secondly, we report from a focus group on architectural prototyping involving architects from four companies. And, thirdly, we report from a survey study of 20 practicing software architects and software developers. Our findings indicate that architectural prototyping plays an important and frequent role in resolving problems experimentally, but less so in exploring alternative solutions. Furthermore, architectural prototypes include end-user or business related functionality rather than purely architectural functionality. Based on these observations we provide recommendations for effective industrial architectural prototyping. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Computer Science, Aarhus University, Aabogade 34, 8200 a'rhus N, Denmark (b) University of Iceland, SA¦mundurgotu 2, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland Article History: Received 10 November 2008; Revised 11 June 2009; Accepted 24 July 2009

Algorithm, Rapid prototyping -- Methods, Rapid prototyping -- Analysis, Rapid prototyping -- Models, Algorithms -- Methods, Algorithms -- Analysis, Algorithms -- Models, Hardware industry -- Methods, Hardware industry -- Analysis, and Hardware industry -- Models

To access, purchase, authenticate, or subscribe to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S1793962311000529 Byline: UMAR ASIF, JAVAID IQBAL Formal control design techniques usually rely on the plant model of a desired system. The plant model can be derived from the foundation principles of the system but often includes unidentified parameters. In order to approximate these unknown parameters, experiments are conducted to collect information from the behavior of plant dynamics. Thus, closed-loop feedback control methods can be formulated upon the estimation of an appropriate plant model using simulation techniques. Rapid prototyping techniques support this design paradigm which requires that the rapid prototype operate in real time, interact with real hardware and have supporting control functionality. This paper delivers a study on the modeling and testing of a gait generation method using a rapid prototyping technique. The objective is to develop a method of rapid prototyping to test new walking algorithms on a real-time robotic system. The paper addresses the drawbacks of a non-real-time simulation by evaluating the locomotion of a six-legged robot in terms of tracking errors and signifies the proposed methodology of tuning the gait generation algorithm online through real-time hardware in loop simulation setup. Finally, the paper inspects the improved locomotion of the robot using the proposed methodology and signifies it as a valid prototyping technique for approximating novel gait generation algorithms on real-time robotic systems.

Knowledge-based system, Embedded system, System on a chip, Knowledge-based systems -- Analysis, Decision-making -- Analysis, and Embedded systems -- Analysis

Rapid prototyping methods are in need of autonomous decision making and analysis during the product development stages so that the 'time-to-market' can be reduced faster than traditional product development methodologies. Therefore, new methods of prototyping are inevitably essential. This paper proposes an approach to utilize the benefits of virtual prototyping (VP) and physical prototyping (PP) methodologies by integrating them into knowledge-based systems (KBSs) by providing seamless connection. This approach is termed autonomous integrated prototyping. The main contribution of this paper is the development of an intelligent system architecture to facilitate and guide the product development autonomously and simultaneously in both VP and PP environments. The seamless connection between VP and PP, along with KBSs, enables the exploration of new behaviors of developing systems and analyzing different behaviors. The architecture is applicable to embedded real-time systems (ERTSs), sensor applications, robotics, and ubiquitous applications where system interaction with the external environment is necessary. Index Terms--Embedded systems, evolutionary prototyping (EP), industrial automation, real-time systems, reconfigurable hardware, virtual prototyping (VP).

Prototypes, Engineering -- Usage, Prototypes, Engineering -- Design and construction, Prototypes, Engineering -- Testing, Business planning -- Methods, Business plans -- Methods, Disruptive technology -- Influence, Science fiction -- Influence, and Computers and office automation industries

The prototyping approach has been considered to be a more effective systems development methodology than the traditional systems development life cycle approach. Prototyping provides a framework for meaningful social interaction between system users and developers. This research examines the social contextual factors that determine the performance of information system projects and addresses the social perspectives of system development methodologies within the prototyping development framework. This study suggests that the full mediators of the prototyping approach were organizational technology learning and user-IS interaction effectiveness. Organizations should use prototyping in situations where these mediators are important to the development process and are not achieved through other organizational practice.

CAD/CAM/CIM system, 3D technology, Technology application, CAD-CAM systems -- Usage, Degrees of freedom (Mechanics) -- Analysis, Footwear industry -- Technology application, and Three-dimensional display systems -- Usage

Digital signal processor, Embedded system, System on a chip, Programmable logic array, Quality of service, Technology application, Digital signal processors -- Technology application, Embedded systems -- Design and construction, Digital integrated circuits -- Usage, and Mathematical optimization -- Methods

Accelerometers -- Usage and Data entry -- Analysis

Standard IC, Algorithm, Integrated circuits -- Analysis, Semiconductor chips -- Analysis, and Algorithms -- Analysis

Embedded system, System on a chip, Field programmable gate array, Logic analyzer, Embedded systems -- Usage, Gate arrays -- Design and construction, and Logic analyzers -- Usage

A versatile verification/fast prototyping platform consisting of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) board and the associated System Software is discussed. Versatility, convenient to use and easy verification of designs are the main advantages of the proposed system.

10GB - 14.99GB hard disk drive, 15GB - 19.99GB hard disk drive, 20GB - 25GB hard disk drive, Rapid prototyping -- Analysis, Virtual memory -- Evaluation, and Disk drives -- Evaluation

Byline: Minoru Uehara Recently, the demand of low-cost large-scale storages increases. We developed Virtual Large-Scale Disks (VLSDs) toolkit for constructing virtual disk-based distributed storages, which aggregate free spaces of individual disks. However, to construct such large-scale data grid, we need to understand how to implement more complex RAID. In this paper, we propose Composite RAID (CRAID) that is a design methodology for rapid prototyping complex RAID. CRAID can represent more complex RAID than the conventional methodology. In this paper, we introduce two examples of CRAID-based complex RAIDs and then we show how effective CRAID is.

Algorithm, MatLab (Statistical/mathematical software) -- Usage, Algorithms -- Analysis, and Algorithms -- Usage

Tensors (also known as multidimensional arrays or N-way arrays) are used in a variety of applications ranging from chemometrics to psychometrics. We describe four MATLAB classes for tensor manipulations that can be used for fast algorithm prototyping. The tensor class extends the functionality of MATLAB's multidimensional arrays by supporting additional operations such as tensor multiplication. The tensor_as_matrix class supports the 'matricization' of a tensor, that is, the conversion of a tensor to a matrix (and vice versa), a commonly used operation in many algorithms. Two additional classes represent tensors stored in decomposed formats: cp_tensor and tucker_tensor. We describe all of these classes and then demonstrate their use by showing how to implement several tensor algorithms that have appeared in the literature. Categories and Subject Descriptors: G.4 [Mathematics of Computing]: Mathematical Software--Algorithm design and analysis; G.1.m [Mathematics of Computing]: Numerical Analysis--Miscellaneous General Terms: Algorithms Additional Key Words and Phrases: Higher-order tensors, multilinear algebra, N-way arrays, MATLAB

GUI, Voreen (Application development software) -- Evaluation, Computer graphics -- Usage, Graphical user interface -- Analysis, and Visualization (Computers) -- Analysis

Computer programming, Algorithm, and Algorithms

PROTOMOL is a high-performance framework in C++ for rapid prototyping of novel algorithms for molecular dynamics and related applications. Its flexibility is achieved primarily through the use of inheritance and design patterns (object-oriented programming). Performance is obtained by using templates that enable generation of efficient code for sections critical to performance (generic programming). The framework encapsulates important optimizations that can be used by developers, such as parallelism in the force computation. Its design is based on domain analysis of numerical integrators for molecular dynamics (MD) and of fast solvers for the force computation, particularly due to electrostatic interactions. Several new and efficient algorithms are implemented in PROTOMOL. Finally, it is shown that PROTOMOL'S sequential performance is excellent when compared to a leading MD program, and that it scales well for moderate number of processors. Binaries and source codes for Windows, Linux, Solaris, IRIX, HP-UX, and AIX platforms are available under open source license at http://protomol, sourceforge.net. Categories and Subject Descriptors: D.1.5 [Programming Techniques]: Object-oriented programming; D.2.11 [Software Engineering]: Software Architectures--Domain specific architectures; D.2.13 [Software Engineering]: Reusable Software--Reusable libraries; G.1.7 [Numerical Analysis]: Ordinary Differential Equations--Multistep and multivalue methods; G.4 [Mathematical Software]:Algorithm design and analysis, efficiency, parallel and vector implementations, user interfaces; J.2 [Physical Sciences and Engineering]: Chemistry, Physics; J.3 [Life and Medical Sciences]: Biology and Genetics General Terms: Algorithms, Design, Performance Additional Key Words and Phrases: Fast electrostatic methods, incremental parallelism, molecular dynamics, multigrid, multiple time-stepping integration, object-oriented framework.

Programming language, 32-bit operating system, 64-bit operating system, Operating system, C++ programming language, Programming languages -- Analysis, Programming languages -- Product development, and Operating systems -- Analysis

A translator, namely, vp12cxx, that automatically generates efficient, fully distributed C++ code from high-level system in the VPL design language is presented. The example application reflects superior performance of the generated code, especially for prototyping purposes.

Technology application, Distributed object technology, Reusable code, Object-oriented programming, System on a chip, Embedded system, Object-oriented programming -- Analysis, Transportation equipment industry -- Analysis, Transportation equipment industry -- Technology application, and Embedded systems -- Analysis

A case study is presented of a mechatronic design taken from the automotive industry and the rapid-prototyping procedure of real-time critical control laws is illustrated. An object-oriented structuring approach, which facilitates distributed control units, is used.

To access, purchase, authenticate, or subscribe to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2016.05.467 Byline: Xinchen Guo [Xinchen.Guo@asu.edu] (1), Mukul Dave [Mukul.Dave@asu.edu], Mohamed Sayeed [msayeed@asu.edu] (*) Keywords Parallel Programming; Message Passing Interface; Matlab; MEX Functions; Parallel I/O Abstract The HPCmatlab framework has been developed for Distributed Memory Programming in Matlab/Octave using the Message Passing Interface (MPI). The communication routines in the MPI library are implemented using MEX wrappers. Point-to-point, collective as well as one-sided communication is supported. Benchmarking results show better performance than the Mathworks Distributed Computing Server. HPCmatlab has been used to successfully parallelize and speed up Matlab applications developed for scientific computing. The application results show good scalability, while preserving the ease of programmability. HPCmatlab also enables shared memory programming using Pthreads and Parallel I/O using the ADIOS package. Author Affiliation: ASU Research Computing, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, U.S. * Corresponding author. (footnote)[white star] Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Programme Committee of ICCS 2016. (footnote)1 Current Affiliation: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.

Architecture, Business, and Computers and office automation industries

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sysarc.2015.11.003 Byline: Frank Hannig

Mobile communication systems -- Technology application, Wireless communication systems -- Technology application, Wireless technology, Technology application, Business, Computers, Electronics, and Electronics and electrical industries

Programmable logic array, Circuit designer, Integrated circuit design, Air-turbines -- Design and construction, Digital integrated circuits -- Design and construction, and Circuit design -- Analysis

The development of a complete fully digital flickmeter for grid-connected wind turbines using a C6711 DSP-based starter kit and a filed programmable gate array is focused. Extensive testing of the proposed system shows complete agreement with both the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61000-4-15 and IEC-61400-21 standards.

Embedded system, System on a chip, Embedded systems -- Research, and Programmable logic devices -- Research

A domain-specific approach to virtual prototyping is described and discussed. The approach can reduce risks associated with programmable logic controller (PLC)-based embedded systems programming.

Software development/engineering, Software engineering -- Research, Computer services industry -- Research, and Prototypes, Engineering -- Research

This month, Sep 2002, IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering presents an overview of the status of Rapid System Prototyping (RSP).

Prototypes, Engineering -- Models, Software -- Design and construction, and Specifications

The evolution of software prototyping is a hopeful approach in formulating system requirements that exactly mirrors the needs of the stakeholders. Moreover, providing decision support tools and formal models to help the process of prototyping would make the approach more attractive. However, optimizations, which complicate realistic software designs make software evolution difficult. Optimizations increase the efficiency of the software by giving it additional constraints that confound the implementation.

Research, Computer graphics -- Research, Image processing -- Research, Face -- Research, Perception (Psychology) -- Research, and Perception -- Research

Wavelet-based methods are proposed for prototyping facial textures and for transforming the age of facial images. Transforming facial images has applications in areas such as psychology, medicine, and forensics.

Programming language, Cable television/data services, Online services, Programming languages -- Analysis, Programming languages -- Usage, Online services -- Analysis, and Information services -- Analysis

A prototype based on Integrated Retrieval (IIR) for integrated information gathering system is presented. The system uses CORBA/Java and Web technology and offers a unified interface for querying heterogeneous interfaces or protocols of sources.

Emissions (Pollution), Detectors, and Construction industry

The need for an efficient means of managing emissions and identifying potential hazard black spots in construction processes effectively and at the lowest cost possible has been highlighted in the construction sector. This study illustrates an integrated 5D model developed for quantifying carbon emissions and simulating the pattern of emissions of construction processes as a whole using virtual prototyping technologies. The predicted construction emissions data for each activity is generated and plotted to visually demonstrate the emission rates alongside the integrated four-dimensional VP framework of the construction project. The model also consists of a pro-active construction management system (PCMS), which assist the project team to detect sources of danger to on-site workers and provide pro-active warnings to them so as to avoid fatal accidents that are often caused by falling from heights and being struck by moving objects. A Hong Kong high-rise housing development project is used to exhibit the application of the carbon emission visualisation and potential accident detection system. This tool aims to encourage construction industry practitioners to become more environmentally conscious and pro-active in carbon mitigation and safety performance. Keywords Carbon, Accident, Safety, Construction Process, Virtual Prototyping
1. Introduction Site environmental and safety performance are now considered critical performance indicators of modern construction projects, in addition to the concerns of cost, time and quality [1]. With the [...]

Technology application, Company systems management, Health care industry, Online education -- Technology application, Health care industry -- Information management, Health care industry -- Study and teaching, Medicine, Experimental -- Study and teaching, and Medical research -- Study and teaching

Description of Virtual Medial Campus Graz's e-learning process is given. It is now possible to make human medicine curriculum digitally accessible to a target population of 4500 students and teachers.

Computer software industry -- Product development and Software engineering -- Methods

Software development practitioners were surveyed to gain insights on the prototyping and waterfall software development approaches. Results showed an awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Practitioners rated prototyping better than the waterfall approach in communication with users, flexibility of the design produced and early problem detection. Prototyping was shown to have the greatest use in the design phase and the least use in the implementation phase.

Java (Computer program language) -- Usage, Embedded systems -- Design and construction, and Prototypes, Engineering -- Design and construction

Designing networked embedded system prototypes should take into consideration a key feature of next-generation embedded systems which is the ability to communicate over networks and adapt to various operating conditions. Thus, dynamically reconfigurable hardware components are employed in the complete design environment for an embedded system based on Java. A prototyping board connected to a PC through a PCI bus, which has a DPGA chip and local memory, is used. One of the key benefits of using a Java-based prototype is that it permits system-level testing of new designs.

Software development/engineering, Network software, Open system, Middleware, Benchmark, Embedded system, Software engineering -- Research, Network software -- Research, Computer software industry -- Research, Benchmarks -- Research, and Embedded systems -- Research

A new specification and design methodology (SDM) called MAGIC (methodology applying generation, integration, and continuity) is presented and discussed.

Thomas C. Spence (*) Many significant strides have been made over the past quarter century in developing new corrosion-resistant casting alloys such as the super austenitics and super duplex stainless [...]

Stereolithography -- Evaluation and Stereolithography -- Usage

The purpose of this article is to explore the advantages and limitations of the major prototyping technologies. It provides process descriptions and discusses material properties of parts produced by each. [...]

Computers -- Research, Software engineering -- Research, Software -- Product development, Petri nets -- Usage, System design -- Models, Systems analysis -- Models, and Systems engineering -- Models

Computer systems in today's society require an increasing amount of embedded software and hardware systems. Their application has introduced new problems for the software engineer combined with the complexity of such systems. Especially the early stages of the software development process are vital for the successful implementation of computer systems. High-order Petri nets are introduced and extended as a powerful formalism for the specification and analysis of concurrent systems. A tool called SystemSpecs has been applied that supports rapid system prototyping with such nets. This survey article provides techniques for early systems analysis that can be used as a real-time system prototype for customer presentations. Small examples are extracted from industrial applications to indicate how the described techniques can be used. While the major disadvantage of typical net descriptions is their visual complexity that makes them useless for large distributed systems, the paper also describes how to find overly complex structures, and describes selected methods of how to refine such structures. Index Terms - Complexity reduction, executable specification, Petri nets, systems analysis, systems engineering.

Computer networks -- Analysis and Computer network protocols -- Usage

The rapid prototyping of high-speed network technologies can be achieved by using the Data Link Control (DLC) emulation technique. This approach allows the formation of two DLC protocols using the original protocol stack. Applications can therefore utilize network technologies at minimal development costs without changing protocols or system software that are interfaced to high-speed network adapters.

Embedded systems -- Research and Prototypes, Engineering -- Usage

Virtual prototyping, a design methodology, is used in the hardware-software codesign process. Integration of VHDL models of hardware components and rapidly prototype complex, multiboard, embedded microcontroller-based DSP systems is done using the process. A VHDL model consists of application, control and diagnostic software. Reduction of hardware-software integration and system test times, from 10-24 months to less than a month, is achieved in virtual prototyping of a demonstration avionics system.

Signal processing -- Innovations and Engineering models -- Evaluation

Graphical Rapid Prototyping Environment (grape-II) is used for rapid prototyping in digital signal processing applications. This approach facilitates resource estimation, partitioning, allocation, routing, scheduling, code generation and parameter alteration. This structured approach limits programming effort and uses general-purpose reusable hardware to restrict development cost. Grape-II has been used for a consumer audio processor, for a sender, receiver and channel simulator for digital audio broadcasting and for video encoder for mobile utility.

Multiprocessors -- Design and construction and Prototypes, Engineering -- Evaluation

The Rapid Prototyping engine for Multiprocessors (RPM) facilitates rapid prototyping of diverse multiprocessor architecture. RPM project aims to develop a common, configurable hardware platform for the precise emulation of multiple-instruction, multiple-data systems having nearly eight execution processors. Rapid prototyping of multiprocessors is based on hardware emulation to facilitate design verification and performance assessment.

Prototypes, Engineering -- Usage and Software -- Product development

Several case studies of organizations using software projects which use rapid prototyping as a planning tool show that most of them considered it as a reliable tool and that most of them use the prototype for the actual product. The findings show that improved case of use and greater satisfaction of end-users were among the positive product effects while poor design quality and performance were some of the stated and potential problems. Prototyping also decreased development time and increased end-user participation in many cases.

Product development -- Methods, Virtual computer systems -- Product development, and Software -- Product development

A fast and effective technique for prototyping distributed virtual environment applications is introduced. The flexible methodology accommodates changing computer systems architecture. It supports a wide range of display and maintenance processes and network communications. It can accommodate a high rendering frame rate and high image quality. A logical system architecture diagram is given.

Computer architecture -- Study and teaching and Programmable logic devices -- Usage

Sophisticated new computer techniques enable students to actually design, construct and test computer architecture devices. Computer architecture education has taken a huge step forward with this use of field programmable logic devices.

Production processes, Methods, Engineering prototypes -- Production processes, Engineering prototypes -- Methods, Biomedical engineering -- Methods, Prototypes, Engineering -- Production processes, and Prototypes, Engineering -- Methods

Rapid prototyping is a technology originally developed approximately twenty years ago for the preparation of machine tool prototypes. It involves fabrication of three-dimensional structures by selective joining of materials in [...]

Software engineering -- Methods and End-user computing -- Research

An analysis of the prototyping process reveals that prototyping is an essential constituent of any development strategy with end user involvement. Prototyping is a method used in software engineering to assist in the calculation of new projects that have significant risk factors. Prototyping terminology and concepts reveal that it includes more features than the rapid development of user interfaces. The construction of a new prototype by neglecting the type of prototype being used in a program yields defective results. Any industrial software development process can be improved by locating the right combination of prototypes.

Timing, System Design, Models of Computation, Scientific Research, Prototype, Program Development Techniques, Synchronization, Object-oriented languages, Concurrent programming, Object-oriented languages -- Design and construction, and Concurrent programming -- Methods

RAPIDE is a concurrent, object-oriented language specifically designed for prototyping large concurrent systems. One of the principle design goals has been to adopt a computation model in which the synchronization, concurrency, data flow, and timing aspects of a prototype are explicitly represented and easily accessible both to the prototype itself and to the prototyper. This article describes the partially ordered event set (poset) computation model and the features of RAPIDE for using posets in reactive prototypes and for automatically checking posets. An example prototyping scenario illustrates uses of the poset computation model, with and without timing. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Software Design, Prototype, Specifications, Methods, Software engineering, and Software engineering -- Methods

Use of software transformations for software evolution is examined. The effects of software transformations on program synthesis and program optimization have been studied extensively, but it remains difficult to specify the desired behavior of a software system before the implementation is developed. The use of software transformations for developing requirements based on software prototyping is explored. Emphasis is placed on transformations that change a system's behavior. A new, general classification of transformations is presented. The transformations are based on their effects on system interfaces, externally observable behavior and the abstraction level of a system description. A process model for software evolution is described that utilizes prototyping techniques and utilizes the new class of transformations to support the process.

Robot, Computer-based entertainment system, Computer entertainment systems, Social distancing (Public health), Rapid prototyping, Child behavior, Robots, Educational assessment, Distance education, Project-based learning, Data collection, Video game equipment, Children -- Behavior, Video games -- Equipment and supplies, Data entry, and Educational evaluation

Keywords Design Tools; Smart toys; Social robots; Rapid prototyping; Remote learning Highlights * Design tools to prototype toy user interfaces following privacy by design principles. * Design tools cover human-centered design stages, including data collection planning. * Qualitative project-based learning evaluation with interdisciplinary stakeholders. * 255 stakeholders implemented 67 paper-based, functional, and digital prototypes. * Adapted tools for remote teamwork and education during the social distancing context. Abstract A Toy User Interface (ToyUI) is a setup combination of one or more toy components with other hardware or software components. As part of new technologies that permeate the Child--Computer Interaction (CCI) domain, a ToyUI can combine physical toy components with social robots, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, among other computing artifacts. This paper compiles a collection of design tools that we develop to support interdisciplinary creators in prototyping innovative ToyUI setups. The design tools aim to help the CCI community understand the benefits of hardware and software integration while delivering solutions that can meet privacy by design principles. We apply the Design Science framework to assess the problem context and propose and evaluate the design tools following a Human-Centered Design (HCD) perspective. The tools cover steps from inspiration to ideation and implementation, including user research, brainstorming, data collection planning, and low to high-fidelity prototyping tools. We detail the current version of the design tools and six years of results through qualitative evaluation in an educational setting (with 255 creators in seven different institutions). We also propose novel versions of the tools to support remote teamwork and education, and we highlight training challenges during the social distancing context.

Prototype, Software Design, Program Development Techniques, New Technique, Enhancements, Computer programming -- Methods, and Prototypes, Engineering -- Design and construction

Prototyping is the construction and analysis of an executable model that approximates a proposed system. Hardware prototypes are used to measure and evaluate aspects of proposed designs that are difficult to determine analytically, while software prototypes usually focus on evaluating the accuracy of problem formulation, studying the range of solutions available, and determining the interactions required between the system and its environment. The three primary benefits of prototyping are improved communication through demonstration, reduced risk through more certain communication between users and developers, and easier specification validation. Prototypes must be built quickly and designed for easy and fast modification; computer-aided prototyping environments should be integrated with tools for measuring, optimizing, and refining the prototype design into a production-quality product. Prototyping approaches are examined.