Researchers use wireless network to observe breathing, can save lives

PC News Zone — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:21:00 +0000

When Neal Patwari and his team of researchers developed a wireless network capable of seeing through walls, we assumed they were simply looking to domesticate their Alastor Moody-like superpowers. Turns out, they had far more essential matters on their minds. Patwari and his colleagues at the University of Utah have now penned a unused peruse in which they demonstrate how their motion detecting technology could be used to monitor breathing patterns, as well, potentially enabling doctors to maintain closer track of patients with sleep apnea or babies vulnerable to sudden baby demise syndrome (SIDS). To perform this, Patwari reclined on a hospital bed and surrounded himself with 20 wireless transceivers operating at a frequency of 2.4GHz, as pictured above. He then timed his breathing at approximately 15 breaths per small (the average rate for a resting adult), which he measured with his array of nodes and a carbon dioxide monitor. The engineer ultimately build that his system's algorithm could accurately degree respiration within 0.4 to 0.2 breaths per small -- a relatively low mistake rate, since most monitors round off to the nearest widespread breath. Patwari says this development could offer a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to the devices used in most hospitals, and hopes to implement his technology into at-home baby monitors, as well. He acknowledges, however, that it will likely conclude at least five years before any of that happens -- so don't retain your breath. Full PR after the break.

NC State discovery finds optimal connections 10,000 times more quickly, ResNet admins do a double take

PC News Zone — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:46:00 +0000

Ever wondered how just one message in an average Chatroulette session finds its way to whatever destination fate may deem suitable? Sure you have. As it stands, every single pulse from your Ethernet socket starts its initial journey by hunting for an optimal connection path; in some cases, that involves routing through massive ring networks crossing over untold miles of fiber optic cabling. Using traditional techniques, nailing down an optimal solution for a ring can take eons (or days, whichever you prefer), but there's a new methodology coming out of NC State's den that could enable the same type of scenario to reach its natural conclusion 10,000 times faster. Dr. George Rouskas, a computer science professor and proud Wolfpacker, has just published a new paper describing the scheme, with the focal point being a "mathematical model that identifies the exact optimal routes and wavelengths for ring network designers." More technobabble surrounding the discovery can be found in the source link below, but unfortunately, there's no telling how long it'll take your impending click to be addressed using conventional means. Here's to the future, eh?

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Researchers use wireless network to observe breathing, can save lives

NC State discovery finds optimal connections 10,000 times more quickly, ResNet admins do a double take