131 research outputs found

    Intelligent distributed process monitoring and management system

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    Monitoring systems represent an important tool to support efforts aimed at improving productivity and quality, reducing waste and enhancing safety in manufacturing. Modern technologies including electronic devices, communication technology, the Internet, database systems and modern computer technology represent resources that can provide flexible and cost accessible attractive and efficient solutions for the implementation of distributed and intelligent monitoring systems. A new generation of microcontrollers offer a high level of integrated devices and operate at low power, making them the ideal choice for many embedded industrial applications. However, the development of application software for microcontroller- based implementations has normally been a restrictive factor. Before this work this has resulted in most process and condition monitoring systems being PC based. This research presents an intelligent and distributed monitoring system based on microcontroller technology, specifically the PIC18C452. The system uses a flexible architecture that can be adapted to the necessities of different monitoring applications. "Monitoring Modules" that can be deployed according to the application requirements were developed. Industrial networks and Internet technologies are employed to enhance communication, therefore allowing monitoring records to be made available in a remote database. The Petri-net concept is used to represent the monitoring task in such a way as to provide independence from the system's hardware and software. Extensions to the original Petri-net theory and new modelling elements, including the acquisition of analogue signals, required to support the use of this method in a microcontroller-based environment, are presented. These enhancements represent a major contribution of this research. Finally, the benefits of the system are considered by means of three application examples a simple Press Rig to illustrate the general features and use of the system, a more complicated Assembly Process Rig to show the flexibility of the modelling approach, and finally a CNC Milling Machine tool changer is used to demonstrate the system in a real manufacturing application

    Compact information technology enabled systems for intelligent process monitoring

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    The use of computers in industrial process applications is ever-increasing. Initially used to provide help to the machine operator, their application has evolved through automatic process control to monitoring of process health and performance. The latter, together with the quality control of the end product directly affect plant economics and ultimately the financial viability of the company. The research reported in this thesis is a contribution towards providing a cost-effective method of calculating a measure of the current health of a process and predicting any maintenance issues that may arise in the near future. Embedded systems are utilised and the monitoring system is designed to work automatically with a minimal input from the operator. This eliminates the need for peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and monitors thus reducing the overall system price and footprint. User interfaces are provided via the Internet and mobile phones giving remote access to multiple users. Single chip microcontrollers are at the heart of the embedded system rather than microprocessors, thereby reducing the relative system cost and size at the expense of localised processing power. The microcontrollers are distributed in a hierarchical network to attain the required processing power whilst minimising data storage and communications and to improve signal-to-noise ratios. The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus was selected, and used for the inter-microcontroller communications, for its robust performance in noisy environments. In the developed system architecture, each microcontroller node acquires one of the required process sensor signals and applies initial signal processing. A novel sweeping filter technique is developed to perform frequency analysis using the microcontrollers. The processed data from all nodes are then combined using situation-based criteria to reach conclusions often not evident from single sensor data. The Internet-based system is provided with the capability to upload any monitoring software or updates. Plug & play capability of the monitoring nodes is also provided so that the system can be seamlessly adapted to new or changed applications. The design and development of the system are detailed along with its deployment on various applications. Fault detection, isolation, and prediction were achieved on batch and continuous processes. A machine tool application proved the frequency analysis and network traffic reduction capabilities. On-line monitoring of an industrial valve was also performed

    dsPIC-based signal processing techniques and an IT-enabled distributed system for intelligent process monitoring and management

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    dsPIC Technology employs a powerful 16-bit architecture into single-chip devices that seamlessly integrate the diverse attributes of a microcontroller with the computation and throughput capabilities of a digital signal processor in a single core. The key element of this dissertation is to explore how dsPIC has influenced the applicability of research in e-Monitoring systems. At the same time dsPIC has offered the opportunity to develop methodologies which were previously not even considered. The dsPIC devices are used, in this research, for front end data acquisition, signal processing and communication tools within a proposed monitoring architecture. In this work, novel digital signal processing (DSP) techniques are developed for the monitoring of an example application, namely the challenging one of tool breakage in milling operations. The monitoring regime is implemented on the dsPIC and its capabilities for real-time frequency analysis using overlap FFT and Multiband IIR Filters with dynamic coefficient selection techniques is explored. The developed systems are tested for various cutting conditions using existing machine tool signals and tool breakage is detected reliably in real-time. In attempting to enhance the accuracy of tool monitoring it is evident that the depth of cut (DOC) is an important parameter and achieving its on-line monitoring provides valuable information for condition monitoring. A systematic approach is adopted for the analysis and selection of ultrasonic sensors for distance measurement. A DOC monitoring system is developed using the dsPIC as the data acquisition and processing core. To achieve reliable results, various DSP algorithms are developed, implemented and verified for their effectiveness. The system integration stage combines the above elements for robust and reliable decision making and provides communication of the generated information to support management function using the internet and GSM connectivity. This integration enables an enhanced process management system which is capable of identifying all significant events, for offline analysis and subsequent diagnosis in addition to the real time diagnostic mode

    Microcontroller-based transient signal analysis and distributed system for intelligent process monitoring

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    The research presented in this thesis considers the feasibility of utilising dsPICs (digital signal controllers) in the development of effective monitoring systems which have the capability to adapt to changes in operating conditions and can be quickly calibrated to suit a range of applications, thus helping to reduce the development time constraint. The capability of these monitoring solutions to detect and isolate faults occurring in pneumatic processes is investigated and their effectiveness verified. Three applications are considered gas pipe leakage, linear actuator operations and gripper action. In each case, solutions are developed based upon the dsPIC. The solutions utilise the analysis of pressure transients to overcome the limitation in the dsPIC memory. The deployment of minimal sensors and electronics was essential to optimise the cost of the system. Leak detection techniques are developed with application to gas fitting pipes. The speed at which correct decisions are determined was the essence of this work. The solutions are tested, compared and their capability validated using pipes which had been rejected according to industrial standards. In this application a dsPIC digital signal controller and a pressure sensor were deployed, thus ensuring a low cost monitoring solution. Linear actuator "end of stroke" monitoring has, previously, largely been possible using limit switches. A more challenging method based upon the deployment of a pressure sensor is outlined. Monitoring model surfaces were obtained and their capability to determine the health of the process was proved, at various supply pressures. With regard to the gripper monitoring, a performance surface by which the gripper action can be monitored is generated and embedded within the dsPIC. Various faults are simulated and their effect on the gripper performance investigated. Leakage and blockage are also investigated at various places in the pneumatic circuit to allow for an algorithm to be devised. Faults may be detected and isolated, and their locations identified to allow for timely recovery treatment, thus supporting an enhanced process monitoring strategy.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

    Tangible user interfaces : past, present and future directions

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    In the last two decades, Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs) have emerged as a new interface type that interlinks the digital and physical worlds. Drawing upon users' knowledge and skills of interaction with the real non-digital world, TUIs show a potential to enhance the way in which people interact with and leverage digital information. However, TUI research is still in its infancy and extensive research is required in or- der to fully understand the implications of tangible user interfaces, to develop technologies that further bridge the digital and the physical, and to guide TUI design with empirical knowledge. This paper examines the existing body of work on Tangible User In- terfaces. We start by sketching the history of tangible user interfaces, examining the intellectual origins of this field. We then present TUIs in a broader context, survey application domains, and review frame- works and taxonomies. We also discuss conceptual foundations of TUIs including perspectives from cognitive sciences, phycology, and philoso- phy. Methods and technologies for designing, building, and evaluating TUIs are also addressed. Finally, we discuss the strengths and limita- tions of TUIs and chart directions for future research

    Microcontroller-based transient signal analysis and distributed system for intelligent process monitoring

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    The research presented in this thesis considers the feasibility of utilising dsPICs (digital signal controllers) in the development of effective monitoring systems which have the capability to adapt to changes in operating conditions and can be quickly calibrated to suit a range of applications, thus helping to reduce the development time constraint. The capability of these monitoring solutions to detect and isolate faults occurring in pneumatic processes is investigated and their effectiveness verified. Three applications are considered gas pipe leakage, linear actuator operations and gripper action. In each case, solutions are developed based upon the dsPIC. The solutions utilise the analysis of pressure transients to overcome the limitation in the dsPIC memory. The deployment of minimal sensors and electronics was essential to optimise the cost of the system. Leak detection techniques are developed with application to gas fitting pipes. The speed at which correct decisions are determined was the essence of this work. The solutions are tested, compared and their capability validated using pipes which had been rejected according to industrial standards. In this application a dsPIC digital signal controller and a pressure sensor were deployed, thus ensuring a low cost monitoring solution. Linear actuator 'end of stroke' monitoring has, previously, largely been possible using limit switches. A more challenging method based upon the deployment of a pressure sensor is outlined. Monitoring model surfaces were obtained and their capability to determine the health of the process was proved, at various supply pressures. With regard to the gripper monitoring, a performance surface by which the gripper action can be monitored is generated and embedded within the dsPIC. Various faults are simulated and their effect on the gripper performance investigated. Leakage and blockage are also investigated at various places in the pneumatic circuit to allow for an algorithm to be devised. Faults may be detected and isolated, and their locations identified to allow for timely recovery treatment, thus supporting an enhanced process monitoring strategy

    Measuring the Effects of High-Altitude Flight and Upper Atmospheric Radiation on Muscle Cells

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    There are several physiological barriers to long-term space travel, including the effects of launch, landing, and microgravity on muscle cells. A payload capsule was designed to maintain cell growth during a high altitude balloon flight to model some of these physiological processes. Murine muscle cells (strain C2C12) were cultured and launched in a capsule on a balloon satellite in November 2016. Cells were monitored for changes due to temperature, flight motion, radiation, and gravity differences by quantifying cell characteristics before and after the flight using physical measurements and cell viability. Instruments were selected to monitor flight data, and a payload capsule was designed for cell survival by maintaining a constant temperature of 37°C and redistributing impact forces
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