NEWSLETTER
A
House Journal of
IEEE
Kerala Section
Volume
13 Number 3
July
- September 2004
Contents
Chairman's Message
Dairy of Events
Fourthcoming Events
Section Activities
Students Activities
IEEE Structure
Human Skin as Data Transmission Medium
Editorial
Trends 2004 - A Report
Global News
Dear fellow professionals,
By the time this newsletter reaches your hands there would be less than ninety days for our earth to complete one more orbit around the sun. It is time to reflect whether we are ready for another new beginning. You would have seen from our reports that our Section is doing quite well. Various technical events are being regularly conducted to keep our members well informed. Our arrangement to hold programs in places other than the capital city of Kerala is also effective. The number of our student branches has almost doubled this year. But are we doing enough? Could we have accomplished more? If so, how are we to proceed? These are some of the questions all of us need to think about.
You would have all received the ballots for the annual elections in the IEEE. Please exercise your right before the deadline. May the best and most suitable persons be elected to the positions of responsibility!
Just one more thing before I close! I had requested you earlier to visit our Section web site www.ieee.org/kerala and spend the few minutes it takes to enter your interest profile. All those who are sincerely complying with this request before 30th November 2004 would receive an attractive and useful gift during January 2005.
Looking forward to meeting you in the annual general body meeting, tentatively scheduled for the second Saturday of January 2005. The meeting would begin at 10:30 AM to facilitate the participation of members from all over Kerala.
Yours Sincerely,
E.E.Rajakumar
| 07-07-2004 | “Paleo-astronomy in India”, a talk by Satish Babu, InApp, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 14-07-2004 | ”Hearing Technology for the Handicapped”, K.N. Pavithran, Director, NISH, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 19-07-2004 | Executive Committee Meeting of IEEE Kerala Section at 18.00 Hrs, at Harmonieee, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 21-07-2004 | “New Media Initiatives of C-DIT”, Achuth Sankar.S.Nair, Director, C-DIT, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 24-07-2004 | “TRENDS 2004”, a seminar on recent trends in computing at Hotel International, Kochi organized by IEEE Kerala Section and CSI Cochin Chapter. |
| 28-07-2004 | “Transit of Venus”, a talk by V.Rajasekhar, Engineer, Mechanical Integrate Division, VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 30-07-2004 | “System Thinking”, a workshop organized at Amphitheatre, C-DAC, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 04-08-2004 | “Type Design and Reduction in Gasoline (Petrol) Consumption”, a talk by S. Padmanabha Pillai, Director Technology, MTI Associates, Ohio, USA at Amphi Theatre, C-DAC, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 14-08-2004 | “Frontiers in Computing Practice”- first two talks organized by IEEE Computer Society at C-DAC Amphi Theatre, Thiruvananthapuram. Speakers: Venkatesh Chopella, Associate Professor, IIITM-Kerala and Satish Babu, Vice President, InApp Technologies, Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 08-09-2004 | “Ethics for Engineers”, M.Somasekharan, Manager(Admin) TCS, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 11to21-09-2004 | “ELIXIR – 2004” and “IEEE Student Professional Awareness Venture (SPAVe) ”, State Level programme organized by IEEE Student branch of College of Engineering, Chengannur |
| 15-09-2004 | “Engineers in Environmental Protection”, a talk by K.Divakaran Nambudiripad organized by IE, Kerala Centre in connection with Engineer’s Day Celebrations. |
| 22-09-2004 | “Malayalam Text to Speech System”, a talk by Jose Stephen, Senior Research Fellow, CDAC, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 25-09-2004 | Executive Committee Meeting of IEEE Kerala Section at 18.00 Hrs, at Harmonieee, Thiruvananthapuram. |
| 29-09-2004 | “Project Performance based on Earned Value”, a talk by Brajesh, Head of Project Performance & Learning Group, NeST, Thiruvananthapuram. |
|
ALCOHOL AND HEALTH
On 23-06-2004 V.S.S. Nair, Engineering Consultant gave a talk on “Alcohol And Health”. Ethyl Alcohol is the most commonly used and misused drug. Alcohol as an aqueous solution is readily absorbed and the body excretes only 2 % of the ingested alcohol. Major fraction is oxidized in the liver. Several metabolic adaptations occur due to the oxidation of alcohol inside the body: Based on the Blood Alcohol content (B.A.C), behaviour differs, feeling of euphoria and exhilaration starts beyond 5 mg up to 50 mg/dL. At higher levels of BAC, hypothermia, stertorous breathing is a stage of comatose results. Death may result, if unattended.
Most of the chronic effects of alcoholism are due to accumulation of fat in liver cells and accumulated toxicity culminating in cellular death, replacement by fibrous tissue in liver, termed Cirrhosis. Alcohol causes dysfunction of almost all major organs. Foetal alcohol syndrome of birth defects in children results from drinking alcohol during pregnancy. In India, chronic alcoholism is the most leading cause for morbidity and consequent loss of man-hours.
DATA WAREHOUSING – CONCEPTS AND TOOLS
On 30-06-2004 V.S.Raghunathan, National Informatics Centre, Kerala presented the topic “Date Warehousing – Concepts and Tools”. In brief, the warehousing life cycle consists of Operational Data Systems, Data Warehouse Architecture, Data W. Design, and Metadata Repository. Multidimensional Data Mode. On Line Analytical Processing/Relational OLAP, Multidimensional OLAP systems, W.Implementation and W.Maintenance.
In the database, one looks for scalability, parallel processing support, performance, right hardware and operating systems. Data analysis provides future directions to business organizations for effective management observation and collection of data, verification and assimilation (Information); synthesize and analyse (knowledge); Evaluation (Decision) and this results in Direction. For OLAP High End Tools and Low end Tools could be used.
PALEOASTRONOMY IN INDIA
On 07-07-2004 Satish Babu, In App Technopark delivered a talk on “Paleoastronomy In India”. Celestial bodies have fascinated human beings from the early times of evolution of the race. In a world of change, astronomy offered a constant temporal reference for the early human beings, which evolved into measures of time such as seasons and years.
The time “markers” of early human beings included the solstices and equinoxes, after which they identified stellar objects that related to seasons and terrestrial events. Thus in the Egyptian civilization, priests learnt to correlate the heliacal rising of Sirius with the flooding of the Nile. We have evidence to believe that the early civilizations in India, including the Indus Valley and Vedic cultures, knew of several astronomical phenomena including planets, stars, eclipses and comets. The talk examined and explored the evolution of astronomy in India-inextricably connected with religion and astrology-resulting in the 27/28 – ‘star’ system that is prevalent even today, as well as Mesopotamian concept of the signs of the Zodiac that gained currency in India.
HEARING TECHNOLOGY FOR THE HANDICAPPED
On 14-07-2004 K.N.Pavithran, Director, National Institute for Speech & Hearing, Thiruvananthapuram delivered a talk on Hearing Impairment (HI) may be classified as conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. The handicap due to HI is delayed of defective development of speech as well as poor language capability. For any individual, the first 3 years of life is the most critical period as regards acquisition of language. It is imperative that intervention to tackle HI be done at the earliest. Hearing loss is represented with Audiogram. There are different hearing aids such as Behind The Ear, In The Ear, In the Canal and Completely In The Canal. The new attempt to help the hearing impaired is the Surgical Cochlear Implant.
NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES OF C-DIT
On 21-07-2004 Achuth Sankar S Nair, Director, Centre for Development of Imaging Technology gave a talk on New Media Initiatives Of C-Dit. The Speaker gave elaborate details of the visual and audio products of C-DIT which include user friendly and appropriate computer lessons for those with primary-level education; detailed lessons in Malayalam of all the subjects for the 8th standard as per State syllabus; a well documented study on the works of Swatitirunal Maharajah etc.
TRANSIT OF VENUS
On 28-07-2004 V.Rajasekhar, Engineer (MID) Launch Vehicle Group, VSSC presented the topic ‘Transit of Venus’. After a long wait of 122 years, Venus, our sister planet passed directly between the sun’s face and us on 8th June 2004. Only four transits happen every 243 years. Our Earth, Venus and the Sun are lined up every 1.6 years. Because the planes of the orbits of the Earth and Venus differ by 3.4o transits can only occur when the orbit planes cross, which makes it a much rarer event. Because a transit of Venus is barely visible to the naked eye, astronomers have observed the phenomenon only five times before, in the 18th and 19th centuries to determine the distance between the sun and the Earth from a Venus transit.
Venus has no surface water, a toxic heavy atmosphere made up almost entirely of Carbon dioxide with clouds of Sulphuric acid and at the surface the atmospheric pressure is over 90 bars. The topography consists of vast plains covered by lava flows and mountainous regions. The surface of Venus is the hottest in the solar system at a searing 750 K (477oC). This high temperature has been caused by runaway greenhouse effect due to the Carbon dioxide rich atmosphere.
Despite several Russian and American missions to Venus, there is still much that is unknown about our celestial neighbour. European Space Agency (ESA)’s ‘Venus Express’ set for launch in 2005 will study the Venusians atmosphere and clouds in detail and make global maps of the surface temperatures.
TYRE DESIGN AND REDUCTION IN GASOLINE CONSUMPTION
S.Padmanabha Pillai, Director (Technology), MTI Associates, Ohio, had delivered a talk on ‘Tyre Design and Reduction in Gasoline Consumption’ on 04-08-2004. He emphasized that the effect of tyre rolling loss (resistance) R, on automobile fuel consumption was presented. A model equation for R has been developed using the conservation of Energy approach. Fuel efficiency factor and the relation between ‘rolling loss decrease’ versus ‘fuel saving’ were discussed. Lower the tyre rolling resistance, lower would be the fuel consumption. Tyre design can be modified by (i) material / chemical compounding method; (ii) Physical properties and geometrical parameters change. Effect tof tyre over load and inflation pressure on rolling loss and fuel consumption was also discussed and a possible method of optimizing the same suggested.
HOW TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A PATENT IN INDIA
On 11-08-2004 the topic ‘How to obtain and maintain a patent in India’ was presented by R.S.Praveenraj, Examiner of Patents and Designs, Patent Office, Chennai. The significance of ‘Patent’, its origin and the administration of the system in India were narrated. The definition of an ‘invention’ and whether it is patentable was explained. Gave details about where to get the information regarding ‘State of the art search’ and ‘novelty search’ essential before filing and application for patent. What is meant by ‘Specification’ and claims and how to draft to satisfy ‘unity of invention’, ‘sufficiency of disclosure’ and ‘clarity and validity of claims’ were clarified. The rights and obligation of the patentee as well as how to commercially work the patent and the consequences, if not done were elucidated.
ENGINEERING CAREER – IN TRANSITION
T.R.Gopalakrishnan Nair, Professor of Computer Science on 18-08-2004 presented the topic ‘Engineering Career – in Transition’. Engineering as a career is centuries old. In very decade it undergoes transformation in its profile though not explicitly visible. The recent changes in global economy and liberalization policies in various parts of the world had really made an impact on professional practices like Engineering. Cultural, geographical and ethnic limitations are dissolving in the challenges of complexity and cost performance values. Opportunities in the field of Science and Technology have become global and the young and trained mind need to orient themselves to tap such opportunities with vision. Tools methods and styles are provided in every field, which enables such migration. Those in ‘excellence’ need to climb upto to ‘pre-eminence’. Leadership values must demand the best from the most important asset-the people. Individuals need to be motivated to achieve, lead and mentor others. Nano technology, Biotechnology and I.T. are expected to be lead-systems of the 21st century.
Students ActivitiesPrijoe Philip, Gigin Jose and Seen Chrispin from College of Engineering, Chengannur and Visan Koshy Varghese from Federal Institute of Science and Technology, Angamaly, attended the Region 10 Student Congress 2004, held at Hong Kong.
The IEEE Student Branch of College of Engineering Chengannur received a grant of US $ 3,000 to establish an IEEE Student Branch Center of Excellence. The award was granted for a proposal to provide students with access to IEEE publications, online and technical books, an opportunity to meet and share information with other students, faculty and colleges and to work in teams in the Centers laboratory.
The IEEE Foundation and Life Member’s Committee provide funding for the student Branch Center of Excellence program with the primary goal to provide a focal point for student activities, a central location for Student Branch Activities and a resource center emphasizing opportunities for leadership development, enhancement of interpersonal and communication skills and creating an environment where students work in teams The IEEE foundation realizes that a premium is placed on these skills in the professional marketplace.
The IEEE Student Branch of College of Engineering, Chengannur is the first in Asia and the third in Region -10 to receive this prestigious title from the IEEE. The student branch is among the most active in the region and this award is a feather in the hat of the student branch, the IEEE Kerala Section and the IEEE India Council.
The Office bearers of the IEEE Student Branch of College of Engineering Chengannur for the year 2004 –2005 took charge on 19 th August 2004. The handing over ceremony was presided by the Student Branch Counselor Nisha Kuruvilla. The Office bearers are as follows:
Student Branch Counsellor |
|
|---|---|
| Chairman | Prijoe Philips Komattu |
| Vice Chairman | Githin F. Alapatt githin@ieee.org |
| General Secretary | Gigin Jose gigin_jose@ieee.org |
| Treasurer | Soby Mathew snapsoby@hotmail.com |
Asst. Treasurer ..........................................: Sooraj C.G.
Public Relations Officer ............................: Jaison Abey Sabu
Activities Co-ordinator .............................: Revin Joseph Phiip
Technial Co-ordinator ...............................: Vishnu O.
Asst. Activities Co-ordinator ....................: Anoop Abraham Mammen
Asst. Technical Co-ordinator ....................: Pramod P.
Asst. General Secretary ...........................: Kanmoni Ravi
Lady Secretary ..........................................: Roshni Philip
Local Integrated Network of IEEE Students of Kerala - one of the greatest initiatives from the student community of IEEE was initiated in the last year with a motto to bring together all the branches to coordinate the interaction between several branches, provide any possible means of help to sister-branches and to add value for being an IEEE member, by cross sharing of Knowledge. As part of LINK, a few students from the Chengannur student branch took initiative to move across different new engineering colleges, spreading the message and vision of IEEE and its Membership benefits. The group was effective enough to set-up 4 IEEE Student Branches.
As the first technical program of LINK, IEEE Student Branch of College of Engineering, Adoor organized a seminar on “Real-Time Systems” by S. Gopakumar, Student Activities Chair, and IEEE Kerala Section. An informal meeting of the different student representatives of other colleges followed this. Discussions on better implementation of LINK had been taken place. On September 11 th, 2004 there held another informal meeting at FISAT. S.Gopakumar, Student Activities Chair, IEEE Kerala Section presided the meeting. IEEE Kerala Section Student Representative, Prijoe Philips Komattu, also attended the meeting. Members from different colleges participated actively in the meeting. This followed by discussions on how to start hubs at NSS College Palakadu and FISAT.
On September 21 st, 2004 first formal meeting was organized at College of Engineering, Chengannur. The meeting was presided by S. Gopakumar, Student Activities Chair, IEEE Kerala Section. Region 10 IEEE WIE student representatives, Seenu Chrispin and IEEE Kerala Section Student Representative, Prijoe Philips Komattu were also present in the meeting. An open forum was organized where the members and officials were given time to sort out their doubts and clarifications.
Suggestions that were raised from the open forum
The meeting concluded by formation of the Executive committee of LINK
Convener |
Prijoe Philips Komattu Student Representative,IEEE Kerala Section |
|---|---|
Representatives College of Engineering Chengannur |
Jaison Abey Sabu |
College of Engineering Adoor |
Madhu |
Sree Narayana Gurukulam |
Rajesh M |
College of Engineering Kidagnoor |
Anish V.R |
| Federal Institute of Sc and Technology | Mathews Joseph |
| NSS, Palakadu | Jithesh |
Reported by: Prijoe, Convener
All Kerala Students Congress 2004 - A report
Noorul Islam College of Engineering (NICE), Thuckalay witnessed an overwhelming response from the IEEE Student Branches of various institutions all over Kerala for ‘The All Kerala Students Congress 2004 (AKSC’04)’ held on 3 rd and 4 th of September ’04
The inaugural function included welcome address by Sajam E.S, Student Branch Chair, NICE followed by presentation of Annual Report by Arockia Selva Saroja, staff in charge, NICEIEEE, Inaugural Address by T. Krishnaswamy, Branch Counselor, NICE, Presidential Address by Thyagarajan, Principal, NICE. N.T. Nair, Vice President, CMS Computers and Editor- All India News Letter, IEEE presided the function as Chief Guest.
A good deal of students from various renowned colleges all over Kerala presented their papers for Technical Paper Presentation, which was the major event for AKSC’04. The paper presentation was held at two sessions. Presentations include: Biometrics and Bioinformatics, Signal or Image Processing, Nano-technology, Wireless Communication, Artificial Intelligence.
Satheesh Kumar, IEEE professional Activities, former Kerala Section Chair undertakes the event to its peak by his effective leadership training. The training was particularly meant to enhance and augment the leadership qualities in the budding engineers with participants of 30 students. The discussion session saw various issues being raised by students. He enriched the participants Group Discussion Master Tips and stressed the importance of communication skills, team skills, situation handling and listening skills. The participants were interactive throughout the session. They felt that it was an opportunity to identify the leadership skills hidden in each one of them. The leadership training was parallel to the paper presentation – session 1. Session-2 was commenced after the lunch.
The WIE (Women in Engineering), an affinity group of IEEE was formed in the college to encourage the interests of women IEEE members, and to provide them a platform to work aside from the other programs of IEEE. An informal inauguration was made with a speech by Udaya.V, Secretary, Student Branch, NICE.
S-PAC - A Report
IEEE Student Branch of Noorul Islam college of Engineering organized S-PAC on the second day of AKSC’04. The second day of the AKSC began with a welcome address by Sajam E.S, Student Branch Chair, NICE. Apart from the technical topics, the day was flourished with professional, personality development talks.
The morning session of conference commenced with an auspicious talk by Aju Thomas, IEEE GOLD Chair, Kerala Section & faculty TCS on “ Aspects of career development”. The session continued with another fabulous talk by Philip John, IEEE Vice Chair, Kerala Section & Managing Director, Ushustech Pvt.Ltd. on “Entrepreneurship in IT domain”. The morning session ended with the presentation on Career Crossroads- Personal Positioning for Engineers- Aspects of career development“ by Anil Kumar, Vice President, HR, Ushustech Pvt Ltd.
The afternoon session began with the presentation on “An Engineer in Congress and involvement in professional society” by Sathish Babu, IEEE Chair, Computer Society Chapter & Vice President InAPP. The session ended with an amazing talk by S. Gopakumar, Head Computer Division, VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram & IEEE Students activities Chair, Kerala Section on “Professional Communication”.
The Congress came to a grand finale with a valediction that included distribution of certificates to the delegates by Aju Thomas and S.Gopakumar in the presence of Thyagarajan, the Principal of NICE and the Branch Councilor T. Krishnaswamy. Different feedbacks received later proved that the Congress had achieved its objective. Office bearers especially of new branches felt relieved and glad to know what and how they need to do things to make their branch full-fledged.
Reported by: SAJAM E.S
IEEE Organization structure
– some disruptive thoughts
R.Narayanan, Tata Consultancy Services
I read with interest the responses of IEEE President-elect candidates to certain questions posed by IEEE Computer Society (IEEE Computer, Sep 2004). In this context, I would like to plant some disruptive thoughts in addressing the concerns of IEEE. I have believed and propagated volunteerism in my Section, but I find that the volunteer mindset is not scalable. The longevity of any business or professional body depends on its agility to adapt and its customer-centricity. It may not be inappropriate for professional bodies such as IEEE to adopt the Business paradigm because both Business and a professional body have global reach and exist to maximize benefits for their stakeholders. What constitutes “benefit” could differ.
The President of IEEE should be renamed as CEO. Members are shareholders of IEEE. The CEO and Board of Directors are answerable to the members. Business houses today are paying more and more attention to their Corporate Social Responsibility. In a similar vein IEEE will continue to fulfill its obligations to Industry, Academia, Governments and the Society at large. The post of CEO could carry a reasonable remuneration. The Strategy map and Balanced Score Card (BSC) of IEEE will reflect IEEE’s commitments to its stakeholders. The BSC will contain objectives / goals and a set of tangible measures.
Large Business houses (General Electric for example), comprise Strategic Business Units with sufficient autonomy but part of a large federation. In a similar manner, IEEE’s societies can be called Strategic Professional Units (SPU). Each SPU will independently pursue IEEE’s entire horizontal suite of services and initiatives – Publications, Standards, Conferences, Certification of professionals. IEEE Corporate will lay down processes, guidelines and metrics for these services. Reporting from SPUs will be on these lines. The current reporting formats need to be revised to include more of “lag” parameters in terms of the effect of activities. Each SPU can have its own Board of Directors and the Chairperson of every SPU would be a member in the IEEE Corporate Board. The geographic structure in terms of Sections will be used as channels of distribution of services from SPUs.
The existing societies will be regrouped into a small number (say, six) of SPUs in order to make them viable. Just as some Strategic Business Units will be more “profitable” than others in a Business context, some of the relatively higher profile IEEE SPUs will subsidize their poorer cousins in a suitable manner. Every IEEE member will automatically become a member of ONE of the SPUs, without paying an additional fee. IEEE will pay the rebate to the SPUs based on their membership strength. Each SPU will then devolve the funds to the geographic Sections based on past performance and future plans. A member can opt to be a part of additional SPUs by paying a fee directly to the SPU(s) of choice. This would depend on the member’s career ambition - whether the member wishes to specialize or broad base his / her horizon.
The Board of Directors of IEEE will comprise a representative from each SPU plus nominees from Industry, Academia and five major Regions (Americas, Europe, Middle East & Africa, South Asia and Asia-Pacific)
It would be worthwhile to conduct a simple one-question customer satisfaction survey among IEEE members.
Membership in IEEE has had a significant effect on my education /career/life
◘ YES ◘ NO
The performance of IEEE as a body would be evaluated on the following metric:
Not less than 80% members should answer “YES” to the above question and not more than 5% members should answer “NO”.
Sections should publicize and mount a campaign to get at least 75% members to answer the survey; else it would mean that the section has indifferent members. This could be used to weed away passive sections.
Human Skin as Data Transmission Medium- SkinplexHuman Skin as Data Transmission Medium - Skinplex
Compiled by: N.T.Nair, Editor, IEEE India Bulletin
There are certain electrical specifics inherent to human skin, which could be used for data transmission. A German startup company, Ident Technology AG, has developed a possible alternative to short-range communications technologies such as RFID, Bluetooth and Near Field Communications (NFC). In contrast to those processes, the company's Skinplex technology uses human skin as a transmission medium.
"Skin's resistance includes a real part and an imaginary part," stated Stefan Donat, Ident’s chief operating officer. "For our data transfer, we use a frequency with which the imaginary part disappears." Skinplex transmissions operate at 195 kHz, which is one of several of these kinds of license-free frequencies.
Skinplex technology could be used between an identifier worn on the user's body and a receiver integrated into a car, for example. A distinct code is transmitted through touch, the receiver recognizes its dedicated, authorized sender, and the car door is opened, for example.
In operation, when the bearer of the identifier touches the receiver, the transmission is activated. A current of 30 nanoamperes flows across the bearer's skin — a process, which Donat asserted, is completely safe for the bearer. Despite the signal's low level, the security of the transmission using Skinplex technology is better than that of competing transmission processes. Prototypes have transmitted a 128-bit code at 9600 baud clearly identifying the bearer.
Devices can also be set so that they respond not only during direct contact, but also if they are simply in the vicinity — via a capacitive link. The maximum distance that could be bridged is about 50 to 100 centimeters, which is a clear "range advantage" over RFID and NFC, Donat says.
"Essentially, all applications that require the presence of a certain authorized person can be implemented with it," Donat explained.
Some examples include unlocking car doors; car anti-theft devices; clearance for computer use; theft protection for cell phones, cameras, or other portable electronic devices; and the unlocking of security devices of all kinds.
In another application, the system is incorporated into a pair of safety goggles and sends a signal to a corresponding electric drill. This means the drill only switches on if the operator is wearing the protective goggles.
Medical technology applications, such as the wireless implementation of ECG devices, are also being contemplated.
The company has already applied for 16 patents. "Soon there will be a couple more of them," Donat announced.
In contrast to RFID technology, the receiver does not obtain its energy from the sender's electrical field. The devices are fitted with a small battery that is designed to last for three years. Nevertheless, Donat sees a cost advantage over popular solutions based on RFID. "Our technology is 30 to 50 percent less expensive than any other transponder reader — and ours is more convenient," Donat promises.
The company is already holding talks with a number of possible European partners regarding high-volume implementation. U.S. companies are also interested. A number of car manufacturers in Europe and the US are testing the technology.
Microsoft is working on developing a similar solution and has recently revealed that it holds a patent for using the human body as a data network, for connecting a number of wearable devices. However, “Ident Technology already has the key patents in hand," noted Donat. He claims that their plans are sufficiently different from Microsoft’s to avoid any dispute. This is because it involves sending information in only one direction.
Skinplex, the skin-mediated transmissions, could perhaps be the sought-after technology to allow confederations of personal devices to coordinate their activities, in the coming days.
NIT CALICUT
IEEE Student Branch
Office bearers for the Year 2004-2005
Chairman:
Hari Gonogunta
Eicy3p041@nitc.ac.in
Vice-Chairman:
Sree Satya Tara
Sreesatya_248@yahoo.com
Secretary:
Arun Singh
Eey2216@nitc.ac.in
Treasurer:
Nirav Anupam Desai
Exe. Members:
Ajay Gopalakrishnan
Rose Catherine
Branch Counselor:
K P Mohandas
kpmdas@ieee.org
Editorial
Editorial
When we dig through the history of mankind from side to side of the relics of ancient centuries, we could see that e very region has its own claim to fame. We are familiar with the historic expedition of Christopher Columbus who sailed from Europe to chart out a new route to capture the wealth of rich Indian spices. Similarly, China silk, Dhaka muslin, Venetian glass - all much sought after treasures. We could see many similar examples from the annuls of history. Each incident or even war was with the same motive. Each reputation was carefully built up and meticulously maintained by the masters of that region, combining the best of Nature and Man. Recognition by peers and society served as both motivation and reward. This is handed over from one generation to the next, traditionally.
Gradually, a specific link between the goods and the place of production evolved, resulting in growth of geographical indications. This lead to the idea of intellectual property and its right is not a new predicament. Also it has wide discussion in the current time. Intellectual property refers to the creations of the mind, including artistic works, literary works, inventions, names, images, symbols, and designs used in commerce. In other words, the intellect in the possession of an organization or an individual is considered as intellectual property. "Everything under the sun, made by man, is patentable provided it meets the basic requirements of novelty, inventiveness and utility."
If we examine the term ‘Intellectual Property’, it covers two categories; copyrights and industrial property. Copyrights give ‘the authors of an exclusive work, elite rights to that work for a limited amount of time’. It covers such literary and artistic works as novels, plays, films, songs and other musical works, artistic works (drawings, paintings, sculptures and photographs) and architectural designs. It must be renewed periodically, allow the creators of a piece of work, the opportunity to benefit from that piece of work. At the same time, industrial property includes patents, trademarks, industrial designs and geographic indications of source. Patents give ‘the inventors of a new product, a certain limited amount of time in which that person may prevent others from making, selling or using the invention without authorization’.
The trademark is an intellectual property protection, used to protect the distinctive features that differentiate one product from another. Those features can include such things as symbols, colors, brands, names, sounds, smells, shapes and signs. Intellectual property laws benefit the creator of such property, by rewarding that creator for his innovation and creativity. Also, society benefits from intellectual property laws, by the fact, that these laws encourage creativity. Therefore, it will allow the rest of us to benefit from the wide range of products and services that are produced.
Any violation of a trademark, patent or copyright would constitute the grounds for an intellectual property lawsuit. Internationally, e fforts were made to bring the laws of different countries under the umbrella of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In the international level new laws called ‘international intellectual property right (IPR) protection laws’ are formulated by the developed countries, particularly the US. Initially, India showed signs of resistance for quick enforcement of these laws. But being a member, it has to comply u nder the terms of the WTO and required to implement WTO-standard IPR protection laws by 2005.
India's general argument was that it does acknowledge in principle the case for strict IPR protection. But this can be done only in phases, suited by its own ground reality. However, under pressure from its own domestic industry and that from the United States, India strengthened its copyright law in May 1994, placing it in par with international practice. India's patent protection is weak and has, indeed, adverse effects on international level. Now, India has a firm determination to emerge as a power in the global software industry. This will definitely force to institute all IPR protection laws and to enforce it by 2005. Globally, India is distinguished as a most promising base for software development. This may not mean that India's IPR scene is not a deterrent to foreign companies. Earlier, the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs, 1947 (GATT) was served as the basis for rules relating to free trade in goods only. But later Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is formed as one of the agreements to which countries belonging to the WTO are signatories.
Moreover, the patenting or owning of life forms as anathema to the values of indigenous people. Multinational companies have capitalised on the situation by patenting such knowledge without much opposition from indigenous people. Indigenous knowledge is not well situated to stake a claim against the modern patent system. This is mainly because of its non-documentation. The non-recognition of such undocumented knowledge as ‘prior art’ means that the patents granted in recent years prevail over centuries-old traditional indigenous knowledge. Developing countries are, therefore, justified in demanding protection for indigenous knowledge under the agreement in order to prevent further misappropriation of indigenous knowledge.
Another area of interest is the copyright, which has been emerged to provide a balance between providing incentives to authors of original works on the one hand and ensuring a free flow of information on the other. In recent times, there has been a tilt in the balance in favour of owners of copyright. It is not entirely a private law matter as there are a number of important public considerations that have always been a part of copyright doctrines. The task is to revitalize some of these doctrines that relate to the desirability of the free flow of information.
In this context, we have to note that ‘patents began in a world of machines and chemical processes -- a substantial, tangible, nuts-and-bolts world -- but now they have spread across a crucial boundary, into the realm of thought and abstraction’. Also, ‘ that, as we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours; and this we should do freely and generously ’ . But its sincerity is questioned due to the superiority and dominance over the prevailing situations. In many areas, especially in IT industry, ‘ it can make exploitation appear a noble purpose’. Besides this, the ‘new genetic commerce raises more troubling issues than any other economic revolution in history’. It is pertinent to note the words of an eminent administrator - ‘ my ideas of a better-ordered world is one in which medical discoveries would be free of patents and there would be no profiteering from life or death’. But in the real world, these discoveries and inventions are profit-oriented business only. Then how these ideas could be put in reality! Whatsoever it may be, 2005 is near to nose. The coming days are very crucial during which we, the professionals have important role in extending ideas and suggestions while formulating Government policies in intellectual properties and its rights.Trends 2004 - A Report
Trends 2004
- A Report
The program started at 14:00 hrs with registration of delegates. Abraham of IEEE Ernakulam team assisted by Sumod Mohan, the Student Branch Vice Chairman, FISAT and his team, handled the registration desk. There were 112 delegates, which include 62 students and 50 non-students. The function started at 14:30 hrs as per the schedule with Prem Kumar, on behalf of IEEE Ernakulam team, welcoming the guests and delegates and inviting Rajakumar, Chairman - IEEE Kerala Section to preside over the function. The Chairman has then invited the Chief Guest Chander, Director NPOL, Antony Joseph, Chairman, CSI – Kochi Chapter and Ms. Mini, Vice-Chairperson, CSI- Kochi Chapter to the dais.
Chairman in his presidential address has emphasized the need of inculcating volunteerism among the professional community. While congratulating the Ernakulam team, comprises of core committee members from both IEEE and CSI, for organizing such an event, he has also expressed his hope that there will be much more quality programs in Ernakulam in future.
Antony Joseph, Chairman, CSI-Kochi Chapter, during his felicitation address, has expressed happiness at the IEEE’s decision to hold such programs in Ernakulam. He has assured full support from CSI for all such programs, which will be conducted in future.
Chander has inaugurated the program and also the operations of IEEE in Ernakulam by lighting the lamp. The Chairman of IEEE Kerala Section, The Chairman of CSI Kochi Chapter, Vice – Chairperson of CSI Kochi Chapter and Prem Kumar joined him in lighting the lamp. During his inaugural address, Chander has called up on the professional community in Ernakulam to organize more such programs to enhance the knowledge. He has also congratulated the Ernakulam team for organizing such an event.
The function ended with vote of thanks by Ms. Mini.
The sessions started with Satish Babu giving a feel of the recent trends in computing to the participants. He was seen taking the entire audience through the latest advancements in computing.
The second session was a presentation from Amarnath Raja on the Free Software. He has touched up on the relevance of free software movement in Kerala during his presentation.
A delicious high tea was followed, which was enjoyed by every body.
The post tea session has seen two presentations. Prem Kumar has explained the recent advancement in Mobile computing by taking the delegates through the evolution of data in GSM as well as CDMA phones. It was followed by a presentation on the capabilities of Wi-Fi technology by Poulose Jacob, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, CUSAT.
The seminar ended with Prem Kumar extending thanks to the distinguished guests as well as delegates with an assurance to conduct more such quality programs in future.
Global News – News Around IEEE
1. VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT TOOL KIT
Are you frustrated with the effort to recruit members to participate in your IEEE local activities? Do your present volunteers have less and less time to give to IEEE activities? Do you recognize the efforts and talents of your volunteers at events attended by their peers? If you have questions about recruiting volunteers, or just need a few tips, there is a new resource available to you.
A web-based volunteer recruitment tool kit has been developed to provide IEEE geographic units (Regions, Sections, Societies, Chapters, or Affinity Groups) with ideas for recruiting local IEEE members who may be interested in volunteering time to help lead or participate in IEEE activities. The tool kit is composed of several components that will assist in recruiting, recognizing, and identifying the responsibilities of volunteer positions.
The components include:
* Tips for recruiting volunteers
* Job descriptions for Section and Subunit officer positions
* The importance of recognizing the efforts of volunteers
* Customizable volunteer recruitment brochure
* One-page handout or flyer (suitable for bulletin boards)
* Help to survey local members about volunteering
* A presentation based on the recruitment tips.
Volunteerism is the core value of the IEEE! For more details see:
http://www.ieee.org/vol-recruit.
2. NEURAL NETWORKS SOCIETY
The IEEE Computational Intelligence Society is the new name for the former IEEE Neural Networks Society. The new name will be listed on the 2005 membership renewals. In addition, if your Section formerly had a Neural Networks Society Chapter, please note the new name when using SAMIEEE or looking for submitted meeting, financial and officer reports. For more information visit http://www.ieee-cis.org.
3. IEEE FOUNDATION GRANTS SUPPORT ENGINEERS AROUND THE WORLD
Some of the important functions of the IEEE Foundation are to bring the exhilaration of scientific discovery to young students, foster technological innovation, preserve history, and promote public awareness of the long-reaching effects of engineering. At its June 2004 meeting, the IEEE Foundation Board of Directors awarded US$36,950 in new grants to projects that will * develop a continuing education resource kit in bioinformatics for engineers worldwide; * provide resources and learning tools to Student Branch leaders in Latin America; and * bring Internet access to engineers and engineering students in Nigeria.
To learn more at: http://www.ieee.org/organizations/foundation/html/2004grants.html
4. CALL FOR FELLOW NOMINATIONS
Nominations are being accepted for the 2006 class of IEEE Fellows. For the second year, nominations, references and endorsements may be submitted electronically. The deadline is 1 March 2005.
At its June 2003 meeting, the IEEE Board of Directors approved changes to the process for nominating and electing IEEE members to Fellow grade. The change established a new nomination category for individual contributions, with the goal of increasing nominations for members in industry and encouraging nominations of application engineers or engineering practitioners who have made contributions of unusual distinction to the profession.
The board also established a Fellow Nomination Resource Center to help nominators locate the required number of references to support a nomination. Visit www.ieee.org/fellows
5. GETTING A HANDLE ON HYDROGEN
Is hydrogen, and a hydrogen economy, the answer to air pollution and the world's dwindling reserves of fossil fuels? The industrialized countries are committing billions of dollars to find out, which is why four IEEE societies have united to help policymakers with accurate, objective information about the technology in the hope that they will be better equipped to make sound decisions. Find out more at <http://www.theinstitute.ieee.org/portal/index.jsp?pageID=institute_level1_article&TheCat=
2201&article=tionline/legacy/inst2004/sep04/9w.fhydro.xml>
6. COMPANIES PLAY NEW ROLE IN STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
When a new IEEE standard for rechargeable batteries was announced in April, few people realized it represented a new way of doing things. For the first time, the IEEE Standards Association had opened its standards development process to include formal participation by companies, instead of by individuals alone. Find out why at
<http://www.theinstitute.ieee.org/portal/legacy/inst2004/sep04/9w.stand.xml>
7. TWO NEW IEEE JOURNALS DEBUT IN 2005
Next year two new publications will be introduced that focus on emerging technologies: IEEE Journal of Display Technology and IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics. Find out more at <http://www.theinstitute.ieee.org/portal/sep04/9w.newjournals.xml>
8. WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE AT CONFERENCE
Technical and social issues share the spotlight this year in Kobe, Japan, where the Oceans and Techno-Ocean 2004 conferences will be held together from 9 to 12 November at the Kobe Convention Center. Whether the subject is optical sensors or underwater vehicles, coastal management or Earth observations, participants will enjoy a strong undercurrent of international cooperation and interdisciplinary research. Learn more at
<http://www.theinstitute.ieee.org/portal/9w.conf.xml>
9. NEW PROCEEDINGS
The proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Parallel and Distributed Systems are now available. Finite state processes, spatial data, database resource binding, and heterogeneous computing environments were just some of the research topics presented. To purchase, visit Shop IEEE at <http://shop.ieee.org/store/product.asp?prodno=PR2152>