Wireless and Mobile Communications
Key researchers: Professor Bahram Honary
Experts at InfoLab21 are internationally recognised in this field for their cutting-edge contributions to communications theory and mobile applications. They have concentrated on developing their acknowledged expertise in high-performance error control codes, channel modelling, reconfigurability and multiple-access technologies. A major research objective is the application of the techniques developed to practical systems in ground, air, sea and space environments. Experts at InfoLab21 have developed sophisticated communication systems to support agencies ranging from the utilities industries to the emergency services covering a wide frequency range. Their work on short-range indoor radio data links and HF communication systems is mostly supported by EPSRC and QinetiQ. InfoLab21 has a unique facility for research on the distribution of data via power lines for marine and in-house applications in the form of a dedicated laboratory which is partly funded by industry.
The coding aspects of a European project in software radio is being sponsored by HW Communications, with the development of expertise in the FPGA hardware implementation of advanced communication circuits. Their expertise also extends to the coding, channel modelling and signal processing technologies of optical storage as applied to the revolutionary Two Dimensional Optical Storage disc with 50GB capacity in an EU project.
Case Study
COMBUS - COMmunity information for BUSes
COMBUS is a DTI-funded project which uses specially designed sensors on buses to gather and distribute diverse data from traffic volume to pollution levels as the bus travels along its usual route. As the bus stops at one of many 'hotspots' or information gathering stations (placed along the bus route) information gathered by the bus will be transferred to a main archive. This data can later be shared with the public via Websites or WAP servers. Trials are now taking place on Lancaster buses with hotspots in InfoLab21 and the underpass at the University.
Case Study
Mountain Rescue
Communications experts are currently developing a powerful new device for rescue workers.
By using special equipment, patients who wear sensors to measures bio-signals, can transmit medical and multimedia information (i.e. video, audio, image, location information, text) in real time over several wireless communication networks (GSM, GPRS, TETRA, 3G, SATELLITE, and WLAN).
Through the device photographs of injuries, videos, heart rate read outs and other detailed medical information can be transmitted in real time from an accident site to emergency services enabling them to gain crucial minutes. This Remote Medical Telemetry was featured on the BBC's Tomorrow's World programme and will make it possible for hospital-based doctors to carry out a virtual assessment on patients in isolated areas. Successful trials of the handsets - manufactured by Simoco Digital Systems - have been completed in the Lake District by Langdale-Ambleside Mountain Rescue.
