Honors Thesis Proposal:
Development of MATLAB® GUI for Signal Processing Methods
for the Extraction of Non-Stationary Sinusoids
by
Diana L. Matcovich
Advisor: Dr. A. K. Ziarani
Abstract
Two new signal-processing techniques, the APM and the APFM, have recently been
developed. This thesis proposes to create a MATLAB GUI (Graphical User Interface) to
demonstrate the potential uses of these algorithms. MATLAB is a matrix-based technical
computing program widely used throughout the scientific, engineering and mathematical
communities. GUI’s provide a pictorial interface between a user and program code,
facilitating ease and frequency of use. The applications of the APM and APFM are
widespread, from testing the hearing of newborns to improving computer disk drives.
Development of a MATLAB GUI for these algorithms will increase awareness of these
algorithms, to the benefit of their creators and potential users.
Introduction
Within this thesis the creation of a single MATLAB GUI (Graphical User Interface) for
two newly developed signal-processing algorithms, APM and APFM is proposed. The
development of the GUI will increase exposure for these new methods, which will help to
spread valuable information throughout the engineering, mathematical and scientific
communities. It will also provide an intuitive, easy-to-use interface to demonstrate these
algorithms.
Graphical User Interfaces are a common sight in the digital age. They have
become ubiquitous to the point of being invisible. They are used every day without
being noticed, on ATM’s, websites and PC’s. GUI’s provide a pictorial faceplate that
allows users to call various functions and edit their parameters without ever touching a
program’s actual code. GUI’s are the bridge that connects computer code to something
everyday users can utilize.
MATLAB, a product of The MathWorks, Inc., is a program widely used
throughout the target community. MATLAB, or Matrix Laboratory, is used for
“mathematical computation, analysis, visualization, and algorithm development.”
(www.mathworks.com/products) The use of MATLAB to develop the GUI will allow its
use on multiple operating platforms, including Windows and Linux, thereby increasing
its versatility.
The GUI will provide an interface between the MATLAB user and the
application of the algorithms. Thus, the user will not need to have a complete knowledge
of command-line level MATLAB programming to effectively utilize the algorithms. In
this way, knowledge and use of these algorithms will greatly increase, to the benefits of
both their creators and users.
Within this thesis, a GUI will be created for two signal processing algorithms
developed by M. Karimi-Ghartemani and A.K. Ziarani. Both are “non-linear adaptive
filters” which are designed to extract “a desired signal and estimate its amplitude, phase
angle and frequency.” The first of these filters is the Amplitude Phase Model (APM)
which is capable of tracking an input signal that varies in amplitude and phase. The
second is the Amplitude Phase Frequency Model (APFM), which is capable of tracking
an input signal that varies in amplitude, phase and frequency. The mathematical
derivations of both filters can be seen in “Periodic orbit analysis of two dynamical
systems for electrical engineering applications.” [2]
The GUI will take an input signal, a non-stationary sinusoid, from the user, decide
which of the two algorithms to implement and then process the signal in the most timeeffective manner possible. Thus, the user will need to have no knowledge of the
algorithms to successful extract the input signal.
Previous filters were not able to track signals that varied in amplitude, phase or
frequency without a change in their internal structure, severely limiting their usefulness
in real-world applications. Thus, the new algorithms provide a vast improvement over
their predecessors. Wider awareness of these new methods will be of great benefit to
those who work in the area of signal processing.
Methodology
Within this thesis, it is proposed that a single GUI be developed. It would determine
from the nature of the input signal whether to utilize the APM or the APFM signal
processing algorithm and determine the parameter values that would lead to the fastest
extraction possible for any given input signal. The GUI is to be intuitive, adaptive, and
fully demonstrate the power of these two new algorithms.
These goals are to be accomplished partly with the use of MATLAB GUIDE.
GUIDE is the internal GUI-building software for the MATLAB program.
Understanding of the algorithms will be acquired though references “Periodic orbit
analysis of two dynamical systems for electrical engineering applications” [1] and
“Performance characterization of a non-linear system as both an adaptive notch filter and
a phase-locked loop”[2]. From these, the features necessary for the GUI will be
determined. Using the resources of www.mathworks.com [3] and Mastering MATLAB 6
[4], as well as online GUIDE references, several iterations of the GUI will be
constructed. After each draft, consultation with the advisor, Professor Ziarani [1,2], will
be sought. Further references and examples will be found and the GUI revised
accordingly.
Analysis of the final work will be the evaluation of Professor Ziarani, The
MathWorks, Inc., as well as that of several other users with a range of familiarity with the
algorithms. This will provide a spectrum of analyses from users ranging from
professional to amateur, thus giving a full evaluation of the GUI’s.
Future Work
Future work falls into two categories, that relating to GUI creation in general and that
relating to the APM and APFM algorithms in particular. GUI creation will continue as
long as new methods of any sort are being produced. As mentioned above, GUI’s
provide a bridge between the creators and users of any given method.
Future work involving the APM and APRM algorithms in particular will include
continued revision of the MATLAB GUI’s as well as development of GUI for platforms
other than MATLAB.
Schedule
January 2004
Draft Thesis Proposal and begin GUI
-define project, write first draft introduction
-begin literature search, identify all main sources
-create tentative schedule
-draft proposal outline, research required format
-acquire familiarity with GUIDE
-become familiar with the APM and APFM
February 2004
Revise and Redefine GUI
-complete and submit funding request form
-create sample GUI to investigate techniques
-revise introduction
-draft methodology section
March 2004
First Draft GUI
-outline basic functions and features that are needed/desired
-complete first draft GUI
-reevaluate and revise GUI with mentor
-update thesis proposal
-consult with Professor Shen re. progress
April 2004
Thesis Proposal
-complete thesis proposal
-submit thesis proposal
-continue GUI revision
-definition of μ1 within GUI complete
Summer 2004
Continue Progress as Summer Internship Allows
-continue GUI revision
-definition of μ2 within GUI complete
-create Thesis outline
-July 1, 2004: submit communication about Thesis progress
September 2004
Begin first draft thesis
Revise GUI
-APM vs. APFM within GUI complete
October 2004
November
Revise GUI
Submit draft of up-to-date Thesis
Revise GUI
-definition of μ3 within GUI complete
December 2004
Complete first draft Thesis
Submit Thesis comments
Submit first draft Thesis
January 2005
End-February 2005
March 2005
March 2005
April 2005
Complete final draft GUI
Submit review of First Draft Thesis comments
Revise GUI
Compete Thesis Final Draft
Submit Thesis Final Draft
Submit review comments
Prepare Oral Presentation
Present Oral Thesis Presentation
Complete Final Thesis
Oral Thesis Presentation
Submit Final Thesis
References
1.
M. Karimi-Ghartemani and A. K. Ziarani, “Performance characterization of a
non-linear system as both an adaptive notch filter and a phase-locked loop,”
International Journal of Adaptive Control and Signal Processing, Vol. 18, 2004,
pp. 23-53.
2.
Karimi-Ghartemani, M., Ziarani, A.K. (2003) “Periodic orbit analysis of two
dynamical systems for electrical engineering applications”, Journal of
Engineering Mathematics 45: 135-154.
3.
http://www.mathworks.com
4.
Hanselman, Duane, Littlefield, Bruce. Mastering MATLAB 6 A Comprehensive
Tutorial and Reference. Prentice Hall (2001).