Reduction of interior noise in modern automobiles is an important issue in the automobile industry. Textiles are one solution, as they can provide passive sound absorption in upholstery, headliners and other interior parts. Nonwovens have also been used, but they have a lesser aesthetic appearance and drapability compared with woven and knitted structures, which can provide a 3D seamless fabric and have a pleasing appearance. In this paper we test the sound absorption of plain knitted fabrics and compare this with a theoretical model.

Textiles used in automotive interiors can be used to provide localized illumination if made to illuminate. In this study a novel electroluminescent (EL) yarn has been developed that can be integrated with knitted and woven fabrics. An EL yarn construction and an appropriate EL coating have been studied; moreover, a novel automated single yarn coating system has also been developed. An analytical model of the luminance of this yarn was also created based on alternating current thin-film EL technology. An automated EL yarn driver system, which electrically drives the yarn to provide illumination, and an illuminance measurement system to detect its illumination have been explained. The luminescence of the EL yarn has been analyzed based on the luminance derived by the analytical model and the illuminance detected by the measurement system. Finally, knitted fabrics integrated with this yarn are described with possible applications in automotive or aerospace interiors.

Abstract-The research presented here is an attempt to use a very basic, low cost and non-specialized microcontroller for image processing tasks. The applications emanating from such an attempt will result in inexpensive face detection, intelligent motion sensors to low cost vehicle counting systems. We have been able to develop a system based on Microchip dsPIC microcontroller that implements edge detection of still images.Hardware-based signal processors such as Texas Instrument DSP (Digital Signal Processing) or Field Gate Arrays (FPGA) are generally an expensive solution for image processing applications. On the other hand a conventional 8-bit microcontroller doesn't have enough capability to handle memory intensive DSP algorithms. In this regard, Microchip offers a tradeoff between cost and performance. Although performance does not compete with TI DSPs or FPGAs, the proposed system yet provides a sound platform to perform Signal processing directly on embedded hardware. Our research presents a preliminary approach to perform any type of image processing task using microchip 16-bit Microcontrollers and 16-bit digital signal controllers. Even though this attempt is aimed at Edge Detection, the research opens up possibilities for numerous other algorithms of signal and image processing that can be implemented using the same low cost hardware.

Abstract-We have developed a dynamic hand gesture recognition system that can simplify the way humans interact with computers and many other non-critical consumer electronic equipment. The proposed system is based on the well-known "Wave Controller" technology developed at the University of Wollongong [1--3] and will revolutionize video gaming and consumer electronics control interfaces. Currently, computer interfacing mainly involves keyboard, mouse, joystick or gaming wheels and occasionally voice recognition for user input. These modes of interaction have restrained the artistic ability of many users, as they are required to respond to the computer through pressing buttons or moving other apparatus. Voice recognition is seen as unreliable and impractical in areas where more than one user is present. All these drawbacks can be tackled by using a reliable hand gesture recognition system that facilitates interaction between users and computers and other consumer electronic equipment in real time. This will further enhance the user experience as users no longer have any physical connection to the equipment being controlled. This system can also be extended to a sign language system for the benefit of the disabled including those with speech disabilities.