Home networks are evolving vigorously and are also becoming more and more heterogeneous and complex. Home networks contain new services and numerous devices with wired and wireless links. At the same time, users demand high levels of quality of service for many new applications. Hence, the supervision of links quality tends to be mandatory in emergent home networks, to trigger QoS mechanisms. In this context, this dissertation proposes the utilization of the available bandwidth as a performance indicator in hybrid home networks (e.g. for remote service-evaluation, diagnosis and fault detection) and as link-state metric for a number of QoS mechanisms (e.g., admission control, path selection and load balancing). In this dissertation, we firstly explain why available bandwidth probing is a fundamental tool in the new QoS architectures for hybrid home networks and we explore different use cases. We investigate the networking constraints that affect bandwidth probing in hybrid home networks. We explain why most tools to measure available bandwidth on Internet paths are not very efficient on home networks. We make a taxonomic study of a number of state-of-the-art probing techniques and probing tools for available bandwidth. At that aim, we propose a functional framework, called Metrics Profile Capture Filter and Feedback (MPCFF). Based on these studies, we choose Iperf in TCP mode as an attractive tool to estimate available bandwidth. Then, we conduct a performance evaluation on an experimental test bed, to compare Iperf in lightweight TCP-mode vs. various state-of-the-art tools (Wbest, Pathchirp, Pathload and IGI/PTR). We show that Iperf in lightweight TCP mode is superior in terms of accuracy and speed of convergence. Finally, we integrate Iperf in lightweight TCP mode into a path selection protocol using the Inter-MAC software (developed in the Omega European project). We show, on a test bed, how Iperf in lightweight TCP mode enhances the Inter-MAC path selection by eliminating performance deterioration due to time-varying capacity links. Our results show that Iperf in lightweight TCP mode, accurately, triggers path selection and load balancing mechanisms, to adapt the network resources to the strong degradation of WiFi and PLC links. Available bandwidth probing detects and helps to control real-time deviations of the quality of experience, associated of sensitive applications. At the same time, available-bandwidth probing helps the service provider to isolate failures and to monitor the end-to-end residential service, on demand or on long-term periodicity basis.

No description available.

The Mobile Electronic Dispensary System (MEDS) is an indoor medical dispensary system where robots locate and travel to patients within a grid in order to deliver medication or other medical supplies based on a predefined schedule. For older people or individuals with physical or mental disabilities, it is important to ensure that medications are taken as prescribed. Missing or mixing dosages can cause unwanted and even harmful consequences. As individuals grow older or battle disabilities, it is expected that adhering to their medicine regimen will be a daily challenge without the assistance of a fulltime caregiver. Therefore, to assist individuals in maintaining their independence, MEDS ensures the proper medicine is dispensed to the patient at the prescribed time and dosage. At the core of MEDS is a scheduler that maintains the medicines to be dispensed, including the times and dosages. Once a scheduled time arrives to deliver medicine to a patient, MEDS instructs the appropriate robot to wake up, locate the patient within a defined grid, and then travel to the patient and deliver the medicine. Upon receiving the delivery, the patient will accept the medicine physically and then update their mobile device, informing MEDS that the medicine was successfully delivered. At this time, the robot will return to its home base within the grid. The patients are within the confines of a building where GPS is not a viable solution to track items to pinpoint accuracy. Therefore, an indoor location based system with beacons and listeners are required in order to define a grid and enable robots to locate and travel to the patient. This paper defines and details the programs, database, algorithms, and hardware of MEDS using the Cricket Indoor Location System and iRobot Creates. / text

Cette thèse est consacrée à la modélisation de la formation spontanée de chemins préférentiels par des marcheurs déposant des traces attractives sur leurs trajectoires. Plus précisément, par une démarche pluridisciplinaire couplant modélisation et expérimentation, elle vise à dégager un ensemble de règles minimales individuelles permettant l'apparition d'un tel phénomène. Dans ce but, nous avons étudié sous différents angles les modèles minimaux que sont les marches aléatoires renforcées (MAR).Ce travail comporte deux parties principales. La première démontre de nouveaux résultats dans le domaine des probabilités et statistiques. Nous avons généralisé le travail publié par M. Benaïm et O. Raimond en 2010 afin d'étudier l'asymptotique d'une classe de MAR auxquelles les demi-tours sont interdits. Nous avons également développé une procédure statistique permettant, sous certaines conditions adéquates de régularité, d'estimer les paramètres de MAR paramétrées et d'évaluer des marges d'erreur.Dans la seconde partie, sont décrits les résultats et analyses d'une étude comportementale et expérimentale de la fourmi Linepithema humile. Une partie de notre réflexion est centrée sur le rôle et la valeur des paramètres du modèle proposé par J.-L. Deneubourg et al. en 1990. Nous nous sommes aussi demandés dans quelle mesure une MAR peut reproduire les déplacements d'une fourmi dans un réseau. Dans ces objectifs, nous avons mené des expériences confrontant des fourmis à des réseaux à une ou plusieurs bifurcations. Nous avons appliqué aux données expérimentales les outils statistiques développés dans cette thèse. Nous avons aussi effectué une étude comparative entre les simulations de plusieurs modèles et les expériences. / This thesis is devoted to the modelisation of the spontaneous formation of preferential paths by walkers that deposit attractive trails on their trajectories. More precisely, through a multidisciplinary approach, which combines modelisation and experimentation, this thesis aims to bring out a set of minimal individual rules that allow the apparition of this phenomena. In this purpose, we study in several ways the minimal models, which are the Reinforced Random Walks (RRW).This work contains two main parts. The first one proves some new results in the field of probability and statistics. We have generalized the work published by M. Benaïm and O. Raimond in 2010 in order to study the asymptotics of a class of RRW, to which U-turns are forbidden. We developped also a statistical procedure that allows under some appropriate regularity hypotheses to estimate the parameters of parametized RRW and to evaluate margins of error.In the second part, we describe the results and the analyses of a experimental and behavioral study of the Linepithema humile ants. One part of our reflection is centered on the role and the value of the parameters of the model defined by J.-L. Deneubourg et al. in 1990. We investigated also the extent to which RRW could reproduce the moving of an ant in a network. To these purposes, we performed experiments that confront ants to a network of one or several forks. We applied to experimental data the statistical tools developed in this thesis and we performed a comparative study between experiments and simulations of several models.

Nous assistons ces dernières années à une émergence constante de nouvelles applications, notamment pour les services audiovisuels. Ces applications imposent au réseau un certain nombre de contraintes pour qu’elles puissent fonctionner correctement. Le développement de mécanismes permettant d’offrir une garantie à ces contraintes, est donc devenu un objectif crucial. La norme IEEE 802.16j est l’une des solutions sans fil qui propose plus de ressources afin de supporter les nouveaux services de télécommunications. Dans la présente thèse, nous focalisons notre étude sur la problématique de la qualité de service dans les réseaux WiMAX relais. Nos contributions se regroupent à travers les étapes ci-dessous : Nous proposons un protocole de routage multicast pour les services IPTV (HDTV, SD-TV, Web-TV et Mobile-TV). Ce protocole repose d’une part sur un nouveau mécanisme de construction de l’arbre multicast basé sur les nombres premiers et d’autre part, sur une nouvelle méthode d’agrégation basée sur le standard de compression Vidéo «SVC». L’objectif est de supporter l’hétérogénéité des utilisateurs tout en optimisant la consommation des ressources. Par ailleurs, nous étudions le problème d’ordonnancement dans les réseaux WiMAX. Nous proposons un algorithme d’ordonnancement adaptatif AWRR, ce dernier se base sur une technique à charge pondérée. L’objectif est d’ajuster dynamiquement le poids de chaque classe de service, en prenant en compte la charge de la file d’attente et les contraintes de la QoS. Enfin, nous nous intéressons à l’étude de la problématique du chemin optimal contraint. Nous proposons une solution déterministe basée sur une fonction de coût. Notre fonction permet aussi d’assurer le contrôle d’admission, elle se base sur deux fonctions de coût élémentaires qui prennent en compte quatre critères de QoS. / Over recent years, new applications steadily developed in a tremendous space, especially in audiovisual services area. The present applications have some of constraints to work properly. The developments of mechanism which enable to overcome these constraints become a critical issue in this area. The IEEE 802.16j standard is one of wireless communication technology which offering more resources to support new telecommunication services. In this thesis, we focus our research on the problem of quality of service (QoS) inWiMAX relay networks. Our contributions are classified as follows : we proposed a multicast routing protocol for IPTV services (such as HD-TV, SD-TV, Web-TV and Mobile-TV). This proposed protocol used a new multicast tree construction mechanism based-on prime numbers. We also developed a new aggregation method based on standard video compression called Scalable Video Coding (SVC). Our goal is to support user’s heterogeneity while optimizing resources consumption. In addition, we studied the problem of scheduling inWiMAX networks.We proposed an adaptive scheduling algorithm AWRR for IPTV services. The aim of this method is to support QoS constraints by using two schedulers, and assigning a dynamic value to each service queue. Finally, we interested to study about the problem of path selection. We proposed a solution based on a deterministic cost function. This function also ensures admission control based on two basic cost functions which include four QoS criteria. This thesis has been prepared in the MIPS/GRTC laboratory, University of Haute Alsace, under a research contract external (CRE) framework with France Telecom R&D. All proposed mechanisms were evaluated by the simulator QualNet, Matlab and mathematical analysis.

This dissertation is to obtain an overall understanding of the crack path selection in adhesively bonded joints. Using Dow Chemical epoxy resin DER 331® with various levels of rubber concentration as an adhesive, and aluminum 6061-T6 alloy with different surface pretreatments as the adherends, both symmetric and asymmetric double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens are prepared and tested under mixed mode fracture conditions in this study. Post-failure analyses conducted on the failure surfaces indicate that the failure tends to be more interfacial as the mode II component in the fracture increases whereas more advanced surface preparation techniques can prevent failure at the interface. Through mechanically stretching the DCB specimens uniaxially until the adherends are plastically deformed, various levels of T-stress are achieved in the specimens. Test results of the specimens with various T-stresses demonstrate that the directional stability of cracks in adhesive bonds depends on the T-stress level. Cracks tend to be directionally stable when the T-stress is compressive whereas directionally unstable when the T-stress is tensile. However, the direction of crack propagation is mostly stabilized when more than 3% mode II fracture component is present in the loading regardless of the T-stress levels in the specimens. Since the fracture sequences in adhesive bonds are closely related to the energy balance in the system, an energy balance model is developed to predict the directional stability of cracks and the results are consistent with the experimental observations. Using the finite element method, the T-stress is shown to be closely related to the specimen geometry, indicating a specimen geometry dependence of the directional stability of cracks. This prediction is verified through testing DCB specimens with various adherend and adhesives thicknesses. By testing the specimens under both quasi-static and low-speed impact conditions, and using a high-speed camera to monitor the fracture sequence, the influences of the debond rate on the locus of failure and the directional stability of cracks are investigated. Post-failure analyses suggest that the failure tends to be more interfacial when the debond rate is low and tends to be more cohesive when the debond rate is high. However, this rate dependence of the locus of failure is greatly reduced when more advanced surface preparation techniques are used in preparing the specimens. The post-failure analyses also reveal that cracks tend to be more directionally unstable as the debond rate increases. Finally, employing interface mechanics and extending the criteria for the direction of crack propagation to adhesively bonded joints, the crack trajectories for directionally unstable cracks are predicted and the results are consistent with the overall features of the crack paths observed experimentally. / Ph. D.

As redes atuais de telecomunicações utilizam tecnologias de comutação de pacotes para integração de voz, dados, imagens e outros serviços. O tráfego nessas redes costuma ser feito por meio de tecnologias como o MPLS-TP e com regras heurísticas para a determinação dos melhores caminhos. O uso de boas regras afeta diretamente o desempenho e a segurança da operação. Este trabalho propõe o uso de simulação de baixo custo para prever o comportamento e avaliar regras de escolha de caminhos. Para isso, este trabalho avalia três métodos de seleção de caminhos de LSPs, combinados com duas heurísticas de recuperação, usados em redes MPLS-TP em malha com mecanismos de proteção em malha compartilhada. Os resultados das simulações medem o impacto dos métodos e heurísticas utilizados, demonstrando o quanto uma melhor seleção de caminhos pode contribuir para a redução do uso dos recursos da rede e do número máximo de LSPs afetados em caso de falhas na rede. Os resultados deste trabalho, bem como a técnica de análise proposta, almejam ser uma contribuição para a padronização de regras de seleção de LSPs em redes heterogêneas. / The telecommunications networks nowadays use packet-switching technologies for integration of voice, data, images and other services. The traffic on these networks is usually done through technologies such as MPLS-TP and with heuristic rules to determine the best paths. The use of good rules directly affect the performance and security of operation. This paper proposes the inexpensive use of simulation to predict the behavior and evaluate rules for choosing paths. For this, this study evaluates three methods of selection of LSPs paths, combined with two recovery heuristics, used in MPLS-TP mesh networks with shared mesh protection mechanisms. The results of the simulations measure the impact of the methods and heuristics used, demonstrating how much better path selection can contribute to reducing the use of network resources and the maximum number of LSPs affected in the event of network failures. These results and the proposed analysis technique yearn to be a contribution to the standardization of LSPs selection rules in heterogeneous networks.

As redes atuais de telecomunicações utilizam tecnologias de comutação de pacotes para integração de voz, dados, imagens e outros serviços. O tráfego nessas redes costuma ser feito por meio de tecnologias como o MPLS-TP e com regras heurísticas para a determinação dos melhores caminhos. O uso de boas regras afeta diretamente o desempenho e a segurança da operação. Este trabalho propõe o uso de simulação de baixo custo para prever o comportamento e avaliar regras de escolha de caminhos. Para isso, este trabalho avalia três métodos de seleção de caminhos de LSPs, combinados com duas heurísticas de recuperação, usados em redes MPLS-TP em malha com mecanismos de proteção em malha compartilhada. Os resultados das simulações medem o impacto dos métodos e heurísticas utilizados, demonstrando o quanto uma melhor seleção de caminhos pode contribuir para a redução do uso dos recursos da rede e do número máximo de LSPs afetados em caso de falhas na rede. Os resultados deste trabalho, bem como a técnica de análise proposta, almejam ser uma contribuição para a padronização de regras de seleção de LSPs em redes heterogêneas. / The telecommunications networks nowadays use packet-switching technologies for integration of voice, data, images and other services. The traffic on these networks is usually done through technologies such as MPLS-TP and with heuristic rules to determine the best paths. The use of good rules directly affect the performance and security of operation. This paper proposes the inexpensive use of simulation to predict the behavior and evaluate rules for choosing paths. For this, this study evaluates three methods of selection of LSPs paths, combined with two recovery heuristics, used in MPLS-TP mesh networks with shared mesh protection mechanisms. The results of the simulations measure the impact of the methods and heuristics used, demonstrating how much better path selection can contribute to reducing the use of network resources and the maximum number of LSPs affected in the event of network failures. These results and the proposed analysis technique yearn to be a contribution to the standardization of LSPs selection rules in heterogeneous networks.

Syftet med denna studie är att ta reda på hur vi ska belysa vår bebyggda utomhusmiljö, genom att ta reda på vilken ljusfördelningsprincip utav av vertikal-, horisontal- eller målpunktsbelysning som är den mest effektiva för att leda människor. För att uppfylla studiens syfte utfördes ett fullskaligt experiment i verklig utomhusmiljö där de tre ljusfördelningprinciperna ställdes mot varandra i tre scenarion. De 29 deltagarna utvärderade sina känslomässiga upplevelser genom The Discrete Emotions Questionnaire (DEQ) efterföljt av vägval och semistrukturerade intervjuer. De olika datainsamlingsmetoderna gav oss möjlighet att undersöka ljusfördelningsprinciperna i förhållande till varandra genom triangulering. Studiens hypotes om att människor väljer att gå mot den ljusfördelningsprincip som inger mest positiva känslor bekräftas, bland annat av resultatets signifikanta skillnader. Av vilka det även framgår att människan blir olika känslomässigt påverkad av olika ljusfördelningsprinciper, samt att målpunktsbelysning är den ljusfördelningsprincip som människor helst vill gå mot. Det visade sig även att det är viktigt att kunna avläsa omgivningen, rummets gränser och att ha en siktlinje, vilket kan påverka den känslomässiga upplevelsen och den upplevda tryggheten. Samt att resultatet tyder på att den känslomässiga reaktionen är mer relaterad till upplevelsen av ljuset än platsens utseende. Med denna kunskap skapas större förståelse för hur belysning kan planeras i bebyggd utomhusmiljö. Vår moderna livsstils skapar ett behov av att kunna vistas fritt i stadsrummet även under dygnets mörka timmar, därigenom har utformningen av belysningsanläggningarna blivit viktiga då dessa belysningsanläggningar måste tillfredsställa människans behov av att känna trygghet. Eftersom dessa belysningsanläggningar påverkar den sociala, ekonomiska och ekologiska hållbarheten finns det ett behov av att ta reda på hur man effektivt kan leda människor med ljus. Studiens resultat visar på goda möjligheter att kunna leda människor till vissa vägar genom att använda sig av målpunktsbelysning. Detta kan i förlängningen ge möjlighet att reducera klimatpåverkan via minskad energikonsumtion då man kan minska den totala belysningen genom att leda människor via vägar där man koncentrerat belysningen på valda objekt. / The purpose of this study is to find out how to illuminate our built outdoor environment, by finding out which light distribution principle of vertical, horizontal or visual objective lighting is the most effective for guiding people. To fulfill the purpose of the study, a full-scale experiment was conducted in a real outdoor environment where the three light distribution principles were set against each other in three scenarios. The 29 participants evaluated their emotional experiences through The Discrete Emotions Questionnaire (DEQ) followed by choice of paths and semi-structured interviews. The different data collection methods allowed us to investigate the light distribution principles in relation to each other through triangulation. The study's hypothesis that people choose to go against the light distribution principle that gives rise to the most positive emotions is confirmed, among other things, by the significant differences in the results. From which it is also evident that people is variously emotionally influenced by different light distribution principles, and that visual objective lighting is the light distribution principle that people prefer to go against. It was also found that it is important to be able to read the surroundings, the boundaries of the room and to have a line of sight, which can affect the emotional experience and the perceived security. The result suggests that the emotional reaction is more related to the experience of the light than the appearance of the place. This knowledge creates a greater understanding of how lighting can be planned in a built outdoor environment. Our modern lifestyle creates a need to be able to reside freely in the urban space even during the dark hours, which is why lighting design has become a crucial aspect of satisfying peoples need to feel secure. As these lighting systems affect social, economic and ecological sustainability, there is a need to find out how to effectively manage people with light. The study's results show good opportunities to be able to lead people to certain paths by using visual objective lighting. This can, in the long run, give the opportunity to reduce the climate impact through reduced energy consumption, since it is possible to reduce the total illumination by directing people through selected roads where the lighting is concentrated on selected objects.

Structural adhesives are widely used with great success, and yet occasional failures can occur, often resulting from improper bonding procedures or joint design, overload or other detrimental service situations, or in response to a variety of environmental challenges. In these situations, cracks can start within the adhesive layer or debonds can initiate near an interface. The paths taken by propagating cracks can affect the resistance to failure and the subsequent service lives of the bonded structures. The behavior of propagating cracks in adhesive joints remains of interest, including when some critical environments, complicated loading modes, or uncertainties in material/interfacial properties are involved. From a mechanics perspective, areas of current interest include understanding the growth of damage and cracks, loading rate dependency of crack propagation, and the effect of mixed mode fracture loading scenarios on crack path selection. This dissertation involves analytical, numerical, and experimental evaluations of crack propagation in several adhesive joint configurations. The main objective is an investigation of crack path selection in adhesively bonded joints, focusing on in-plane fracture behavior (mode I, mode II, and their combination) of bonded joints with uniform bonding, and those with locally weakened interfaces. When removing cured components from molds, interfacial debonds can sometimes initiate and propagate along both mold surfaces, resulting in the molded product partially bridging between the two molds and potentially being damaged or torn. Debonds from both adherends can sometimes occur in weak adhesive bonds as well, potentially altering the apparent fracture behavior. To avoid or control these multiple interfacial debonding, more understanding of these processes is required. An analytical model of 2D parallel bridging was developed and the interactions of interfacial debonds were investigated using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. The numerical solutions to the analytical results described the propagation processes with multiple debonds, and demonstrated some common phenomena in several different joints corresponding to double cantilever beam configurations. The analytical approach and results obtained could prove useful in extensions to understanding and controlling debonding in such situations and optimization of loading scenarios. Numerical capabilities for predicting crack propagation, confirmed by experimental results, were initially evaluated for crack behavior in monolithic materials, which is also of interest in engineering design. Several test cases were devised for modified forms of monolithic compact tension specimens (CT) were developed. An asymmetric variant of the CT configuration, in which the initial crack was shifted to two thirds of the total height, was tested experimentally and numerically simulated in ABAQUS®, with good agreement. Similar studies of elongated CT specimens with different specimen lengths also revealed good agreement, using the same material properties and cohesive zone model (CZM) parameters. The critical specimen length when the crack propagation pattern abruptly switches was experimentally measured and accurately predicted, building confidence in the subsequent studies where the numerical method was applied to bonded joints. In adhesively bonded joints, crack propagation and joint failure can potentially result from or involve interactions of a growing crack with a partially weakened interface, so numerical simulations were initiated to investigate such scenarios using ABAQUS®. Two different cohesive zone models (CZMs) are applied in these simulations: cohesive elements for strong and weak interfaces, and the extended finite element method (XFEM) for cracks propagating within the adhesive layer. When the main crack approaches a locally weakened interface, interfacial damage can occur, allowing for additional interfacial compliance and inducing shear stresses within the adhesive layer that direct the growing crack toward the weak interface. The maximum traction of the interfacial CZM appears to be the controlling parameter. Fracture energy of the weakened interface is shown to be of secondary importance, though can affect the results when particularly small (e.g. 1% that of the bulk adhesive). The length of the weakened interface also has some influence on the crack path. Under globally mixed mode loadings, the competition between the loading and the weakened interface affects the shear stress distribution and thus changes the crack path. Mixed mode loading in the opposite direction of the weakened interface is able to drive the crack away from the weakened interface, suggesting potential means to avoid failure within these regions or to design joints that fail in a particular manner. In addition to the analytical and numerical studies of crack path selection in adhesively bonded joints, experimental investigations are also performed. A dual actuator load frame (DALF) is used to test beam-like bonded joints in various mode mixity angles. Constant mode mixity angle tracking, as well as other versatile loading functions, are developed in LabVIEW® for use with a new controller system. The DALF is calibrated to minimize errors when calculating the compliance of beam-like bonded joints. After the corrections, the resulting fracture energies ( ) values are considered to be more accurate in representing the energy released in the crack propagation processes. Double cantilever beam (DCB) bonded joints consisting of 6061-T6 aluminum adherends bonded with commercial epoxy adhesives (J-B Weld, or LORD 320/322) are tested on the DALF. Profiles of the values for different constant mode mixity angles, as well as for continuously increasing mode mixity angle, are plotted to illustrate the behavior of the crack in these bonded joints. Finally, crack path selection in DCB specimens with one of the bonding surfaces weakened was studied experimentally, and rate-dependency of the crack path selection was found. Several contamination schemes are attempted, involving of graphite flakes, silicone tapes, or silane treatments on the aluminum oxide interfaces. In all these cases, tests involving more rapid crack propagation resulted in interfacial failures at the weakened areas, while slower tests showed cohesive failure throughout. One possible explanation of this phenomenon is presented using the rate-dependency of the yield stress (commonly considered to be corresponding to the maximum traction) of the epoxy adhesives. These experimental observations may have some potential applications tailoring adhesive joint configurations and interface variability to achieve or avoid particular failure modes. / Ph. D.