The Birnbaum-Saunders (BS) distribution is a positively skewed distribution and is a popular model for analyzing lifetime data. In this thesis, we first develop an improved method of estimation for the BS distribution and the corresponding inference. Compared to the maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) and the modified moment estimators (MMEs), the proposed method results in estimators with smaller bias, but having the same mean squared errors (MSEs) as these two estimators. Next, the existence and uniqueness of the MLEs of the parameters of BS distribution are discussed based on Type-I, Type-II and hybrid censored samples. In the case of five-parameter bivariate Birnbaum-Saunders (BVBS) distribution, we use the distributional relationship between the bivariate normal and BVBS distributions to propose a simple and efficient method of estimation based on Type-II censored samples. Regression analysis is commonly used in the analysis of life-test data when some covariates are involved. For this reason, we consider the regression problem based on BS and BVBS distributions and develop the associated inferential methods. One may generalize the BS distribution by using Laplace kernel in place of the normal kernel, referred to as the Laplace BS (LBS) distribution, and it is one of the generalized Birnbaum-Saunders (GBS) distributions. Since the LBS distribution has a close relationship with the Laplace distribution, it becomes necessary to first carry out a detailed study of inference for the Laplace distribution before studying the LBS distribution. Several inferential results have been developed in the literature for the Laplace distribution based on complete samples. However, research on Type-II censored samples is somewhat scarce and in fact there is no work on Type-I censoring. For this reason, we first start with MLEs of the location and scale parameters of Laplace distribution based on Type-II and Type-I censored samples. In the case of Type-II censoring, we derive the exact joint and marginal moment generating functions (MGF) of the MLEs. Then, using these expressions, we derive the exact conditional marginal and joint density functions of the MLEs and utilize them to develop exact confidence intervals (CIs) for some life parameters of interest. In the case of Type-I censoring, we first derive explicit expressions for the MLEs of the parameters, and then derive the exact conditional joint and marginal MGFs and use them to derive the exact conditional marginal and joint density functions of the MLEs. These densities are used in turn to develop marginal and joint CIs for some quantities of interest. Finally, we consider the LBS distribution and formally show the different kinds of shapes of the probability density function (PDF) and the hazard function. We then derive the MLEs of the parameters and prove that they always exist and are unique. Next, we propose the MMEs, which can be used as initial values in the numerical computation of the MLEs. We also discuss the interval estimation of parameters. / Thesis / Doctor of Science (PhD)

Les réseaux corporels (WBAN) se réfère aux réseaux de capteurs (WSN) "portables" utilisés pour collecter des données personnelles, telles que la fréquence cardiaque ou l'activité humaine. Cette thèse a pour objectif de proposer des algorithmes coopératifs (PHY/MAC) pour effectuer des applications de localisation, tels que la capture de mouvement et la navigation de groupe. Pour cela, nous exploitons les avantages du WBAN avec différentes topologies et différents types de liens: on-body à l'échelle du corps, body-to-body entre les utilisateurs et off-body par rapport à l'infrastructure. La transmission repose sur une radio impulsionnelle (IR-UWB), afin d'obtenir des mesures de distance précises, basées sur l’estimation du temps d'arrivée (TOA). Ainsi, on s’intéresse au problème du positionnement à travers de la conception de stratégies coopératives et en considérant la mobilité du corps et les variations canal. Notre première contribution consiste en la création d'une base de données obtenue avec de scénarios réalistes pour la modélisation de la mobilité et du canal. Ensuite, nous introduisons un simulateur capable d'exploiter nos mesures pour la conception de protocoles. Grâce à ces outils, nous étudions d’abord l'impact de la mobilité et des variations de canal sur l'estimation de la distance avec le protocole "three way-ranging" (3-WR). Ainsi, nous quantifions et comparons l'erreur avec des modèles statistiques. Dans un second temps, nous analysons différentes algorithmes de gestion de ressources pour réduire l'impact de la mobilité sur l'estimation de position. Ensuite, nous proposons une optimisation avec un filtre de Kalman étendu (EKF) pour réduire l'erreur. Enfin, nous proposons un algorithme coopératif basé sur l'analyse d’estimateurs de qualité de lien (LQEs) pour améliorer la fiabilité. Pour cela, nous évaluons le taux de succès de positionnement en utilisant trois modèles de canaux (empirique, simulé et expérimental) avec un algorithme (basé sur la théorie des jeux) pour le choix des ancres virtuelles. / Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN) refers to the family of “wearable” wireless sensor networks (WSN) used to collect personal data, such as human activity, heart rate, sleep sequences or geographical position. This thesis aims at proposing cooperative algorithms and cross-layer mechanisms with WBAN to perform large-scale individual motion capture and coordinated group navigation applications. For this purpose, we exploit the advantages of jointly cooperative and heterogeneous WBAN under full/half-mesh topologies for localization purposes, from on-body links at the body scale, body-to-body links between mobile users of a group and off-body links with respect to the environment and the infrastructure. The wireless transmission relies on an impulse radio Ultra-Wideband (IR-UWB) radio (based on the IEEE 802.15.6 standard), in order to obtain accurate peer-to-peer ranging measurements based on Time of Arrival (ToA) estimates. Thus, we address the problem of positioning and ranging estimation through the design of cross-layer strategies by considering realistic body mobility and channel variations. Our first contribution consists in the creation of an unprecedented WBAN measurement database obtained with real experimental scenarios for mobility and channel modelling. Then, we introduce a discrete-event (WSNet) and deterministic (PyLayers) co-simulator tool able to exploit our measurement database to help us on the design and validation of cooperative algorithms. Using these tools, we investigate the impact of nodes mobility and channel variations on the ranging estimation. In particular, we study the “three-way ranging” (3-WR) protocol and we observed that the delays of 3-WR packets have an impact on the distances estimated in function of the speed of nodes. Then, we quantify and compare the error with statistical models and we show that the error generated by the channel is bigger than the mobility error. In a second time, we extend our study for the position estimation. Thus, we analyze different strategies at MAC layer through scheduling and slot allocation algorithms to reduce the impact of mobility. Then, we propose to optimize our positioning algorithm with an extended Kalman filter (EKF), by using our scheduling strategies and the statistical models of mobility and channel errors. Finally, we propose a distributed-cooperative algorithm based on the analysis of long-term and short-term link quality estimators (LQEs) to improve the reliability of positioning. To do so, we evaluate the positioning success rate under three different channel models (empirical, simulated and experimental) along with a conditional algorithm (based on game theory) for virtual anchor choice. We show that our algorithm improve the number of positions estimated for the nodes with the worst localization performance.

A utilização de eletrônica embarcada na agricultura tem crescido rapidamente, tornando necessária a utilização de diversos módulos a bordo da máquina (trator e implemento). Considerando-se os impactos relacionados a esta tendência, alternativas tecnológicas devem ser geradas e devidamente exploradas, especialmente sobre os sistemas de controle e o cabeamento requeridos. As arquiteturas eletro-eletrônicas devem garantir o mínimo de custo de implementação e tempo de manutenção. Os sistemas de controle devem operar maximizando a disponibilidade das informações, o que implica a necessidade de troca de dados entre estes diversos sistemas de controle e, portanto, a existência de um protocolo de comunicação serial internacionalmente padronizado. Neste contexto, este trabalho aborda os diversos protocolos de comunicação serial - como o RS232, o RS485 e o CAN (Controller Area Network) - e as suas normas específicas, voltadas às aplicações agrícolas, como a ISO11783 e a DIN 9684, comparando-as. Dessa análise resulta a indicação da ISO11783, norma baseada no protocolo CAN, como a mais interessante para as aplicações agrícolas. Essa norma é estudada em detalhes, o que permite a criação de um roteiro de estudo e implementação do referido protocolo. Finalmente, é desenvolvida uma aplicação deste protocolo, considerando-se uma rede de comunicação de dados de um Monitor de Semeadora, a fim de demonstrar sua aplicação prática. / The use of on-board electronics in agriculture has grown quickly, requiring many electronic modules on-board machines (tractor and implement). Considering the trend related impacts, alternative technologies should be developed and used properly, especially on control systems and on the required wiring harness. Electro-electronic architectures should provide minimum implementation cost and maintenance related time. Control systems should operate maximizing the availability of information that implies on the necessity of data exchange among these variety of control systems and also, on the existence of an international standardized serial communication protocol. Considering that, this documentation covers many serial communication protocols - as RS232, RS485 and CAN (Controller Area Network) - and the agricultural applications related standards as ISO11783 and DIN 9684, comparing them. This analysis results in the indication of ISO11783, a CAN Bus based standard, as the most interesting to agricultural applications. This standard is analyzed in details, making possible the development of a protocol related study and implementation guideline. Finally, a protocol related application is developed for a Planter Monitor implement bus network, looking forward to demonstrating an ISO11783 real implementation.

A utilização de eletrônica embarcada na agricultura tem crescido rapidamente, tornando necessária a utilização de diversos módulos a bordo da máquina (trator e implemento). Considerando-se os impactos relacionados a esta tendência, alternativas tecnológicas devem ser geradas e devidamente exploradas, especialmente sobre os sistemas de controle e o cabeamento requeridos. As arquiteturas eletro-eletrônicas devem garantir o mínimo de custo de implementação e tempo de manutenção. Os sistemas de controle devem operar maximizando a disponibilidade das informações, o que implica a necessidade de troca de dados entre estes diversos sistemas de controle e, portanto, a existência de um protocolo de comunicação serial internacionalmente padronizado. Neste contexto, este trabalho aborda os diversos protocolos de comunicação serial - como o RS232, o RS485 e o CAN (Controller Area Network) - e as suas normas específicas, voltadas às aplicações agrícolas, como a ISO11783 e a DIN 9684, comparando-as. Dessa análise resulta a indicação da ISO11783, norma baseada no protocolo CAN, como a mais interessante para as aplicações agrícolas. Essa norma é estudada em detalhes, o que permite a criação de um roteiro de estudo e implementação do referido protocolo. Finalmente, é desenvolvida uma aplicação deste protocolo, considerando-se uma rede de comunicação de dados de um Monitor de Semeadora, a fim de demonstrar sua aplicação prática. / The use of on-board electronics in agriculture has grown quickly, requiring many electronic modules on-board machines (tractor and implement). Considering the trend related impacts, alternative technologies should be developed and used properly, especially on control systems and on the required wiring harness. Electro-electronic architectures should provide minimum implementation cost and maintenance related time. Control systems should operate maximizing the availability of information that implies on the necessity of data exchange among these variety of control systems and also, on the existence of an international standardized serial communication protocol. Considering that, this documentation covers many serial communication protocols - as RS232, RS485 and CAN (Controller Area Network) - and the agricultural applications related standards as ISO11783 and DIN 9684, comparing them. This analysis results in the indication of ISO11783, a CAN Bus based standard, as the most interesting to agricultural applications. This standard is analyzed in details, making possible the development of a protocol related study and implementation guideline. Finally, a protocol related application is developed for a Planter Monitor implement bus network, looking forward to demonstrating an ISO11783 real implementation.

De nos jours, les services Web sont très utilisés notamment par les entreprises pour rendre accessibles leurs métiers, leurs données et leurs savoir-faire via le Web. L'émergence des services Web a permis aux applications d'être présentées comme un ensemble de services métiers bien structurés et correctement décrits, plutôt que comme un ensemble d'objets et de méthodes. La composition automatique de services est une tâche complexe mais qui rend les services interopérables, ainsi leur interaction permet d’offrir une valeur ajoutée dans le traitement des requêtes des utilisateurs en prenant en compte des critères fonctionnels et non fonctionnels de la qualité de service. Dans ce travail de thèse, nous nous intéressons plus précisément aux services à base de localisation (LBS) qui permettent d'intégrer des informations géographiques, et de fournir des informations accessibles depuis des appareils mobiles via, les réseaux mobiles en faisant usage des positions géographiques de ces appareils. L'objectif de ce travail est de proposer une approche orientée modèles pour spécifier, valider et mettre en œuvre des processus de composition automatique de services à des fins de sécurité routière dans les transports. Cette approche est basée sur deux outils formels à savoir les Réseaux de Petri (RdP) et l'algèbre (max,+). Pour cela, nous préconisons l'utilisation des workflow patterns dans la composition, où chaque pattern est traduit par un modèle RdP et ensuite par une équation mathématique dans l'algèbre (max,+). Les modèles formels développés ont conduits, d'une part, à la description graphique et analytique des processus considérés, et d'autre part, à l'évaluation et la vérification quantitatives et qualitatives de ces processus. Une plateforme, appelée TransportML, pour la collaboration et l'interopérabilité de services à base de positionnement a été implémentée. Les résultats obtenus par la simulation des modèles formels sont comparés à ceux issus des simulations du fonctionnement de la plateforme et des expérimentations sur le terrain.Cette thèse est effectuée dans le cadre des projets Européens FP7 ASSET (2008-2011) et TeleFOT (2008-2012). / Web services are widely used by organizations to share their knowledge over the network and facilitate business-to-business collaboration. The emergence of Web services enabled applications to be presented as a set of business services well structured and correctly described. However, combining Web services and making them interoperable, to satisfy user requests taking into account functional and non-functional quality criteria, is a complex process. In this work, we focus specifically on location-based services (LBS) that integrate geographic information and provide information reachable from mobile devices, through wireless network by making use of the geographical positions of the devices. The aim of this work is to develop a model driven approach to specify, validate and implement service composition process in an automatic fashion for road security. This approach is based on two formal tools namely Petri nets (PN) and (max, +) algebra used to model, to verify and to evaluate the performance of service composition process. Workflow patterns are used to represent service composition processes. The behavior of each pattern is modeled by a PN model and then by a (max,+) state equation. The developed formal models allow the graphical and analytical description of the considered processes. Also, these models enable to evaluate some quantitative and qualitative properties of the considered processes. A platform, called TransportML, has been developed for collaboration and interoperability of different LBS. The obtained simulation results from the formal models are compared, on one hand, to those obtained from trials of the platform, and on the other hand, to those obtained from the real experimentations on the field.This work is a part of the FP7 European projects ASSET (2008-2011) and TeleFOT (2008-2012).

本計劃因應台灣地區大量適婚年齡男女未嫁娶與少子化，所以許多人將寵物視為家庭的一份子，讓台灣寵物市場穩定成長，因此計劃打造一個以寵物為主題的行動平台，本平台將建立一個結合交友、社群與電子商務的綜合產業生態圈。 本計劃規劃的執行方式為藉由App的方式，讓會員免費使用交友與社團服務，建立以寵物為共同興趣的大型社群；再透過大數據與LBS機制（Location-Based Service基於位置的服務）進行寵物用品與食品相關的電子商務與廣告媒合。 本計劃預期效益為三年內產生8千萬元台幣營收與締造會員30萬人；針對個人方面，本計劃為對寵物有興趣的男女進行交友媒合，並為其建立實體與線上的交流社團；針對廠商方面，本計劃為大型寵物食品用品廠商建立行銷廣告通路，為小型寵物食品用品與文創商品廠商建立銷售通路。在商家方面，本計劃為寵物用品店、寵物醫院、寵物旅館、寵物美容院、寵物餐廳等等建立與客戶連絡與溝通管道。

Der Paradigmenwechsel zur Entwicklungsmethodik innerhalb verteilter Kommunikationssysteme schlägt sich auch in der Telematik zum Anwendungspotential und Systemkomplexität nieder. Dies liefert eine neue Auffasung dessen, was den transparenten Datenkanal ausmacht.

Der Paradigmenwechsel zur Entwicklungsmethodik innerhalb verteilter Kommunikationssysteme schlägt sich auch in der Telematik zum Anwendungspotential und Systemkomplexität nieder. Dies liefert eine neue Auffasung dessen, was den transparenten Datenkanal ausmacht.