Java Simulations of Embedded Control Systems

This paper introduces a new Open Source Java library suited for the simulation of embedded control systems. The library is based on the ideas and architecture of TrueTime, a toolbox of Matlab devoted to this topic, and allows Java programmers to simulate the performance of control processes which run in a real time environment. Such simulations can improve considerably the learning and design of multitasking real-time systems. The choice of Java increases considerably the usability of our library, because many educators program already in this language. But also because the library can be easily used by Easy Java Simulations (EJS), a popular modeling and authoring tool that is increasingly used in the field of Control Education. EJS allows instructors, students, and researchers with less programming capabilities to create advanced interactive simulations in Java. The paper describes the ideas, implementation, and sample use of the new library both for pure Java programmers and for EJS users. The JTT library and some examples are online available on http://lab.dia.uned.es/jtt

Using Augmented Reality in Remote Laboratories

This paper introduces the concept of “augmented reality” as a novel way to enhance visualization in remote laboratories for engineering education. In a typical remote experimentation session, students get access to a remote real plant located at the laboratory to carry out their assignments. Usually, the graphical user interface allows users to watch the equipment by video stream in live. However, in some cases, visual feedback by video stream could be enhanced by means of augmented reality techniques, which mix together in one image, the video stream and computer generated data. Such mixture produces an added value to remote experimentation, increasing the sense of presence and reality, and helping to understand much better the concepts under study. In this work, a Java-based approach to be used in the remote experimentation context for pedagogical purposes is presented. Firstly, a pure Java example is given to readers (including the source code) and then, a more sophisticated example using a Java-based open source tool known as Easy Java Simulations is introduced. This latter option takes advantage of a new developed component, called camimage, which is an easy-to-use visual element that allows authors to capture video stream from IP cameras in order to mix real images with computer generated graphics

Laboratorio de prácticas para la enseñanza de sistemas de control de tiempo real

El presente trabajo describe el diseño y desarrollo de un laboratorio de prácticas especialmente concebido para apoyar el aprendizaje en sistemas de control de tiempo real. La herramienta desarrollada permite realizar experiencias de control de tiempo real sobre un motor de corriente continua tanto en modo simulación (basado en el modelo del proceso) o bien realizando pruebas prácticas usando el motor físico. Así, mediante la asignación de periodos de muestreo, tiempos de cómputo de tareas y prioridades de ejecución, el usuario final de la aplicación (profesores y estudiantes) puede observar el comportamiento correcto o incorrecto del sistema de control permitiendo, por contraste, reafirmar los aspectos teóricos de la metodología de implementación de sistemas de tiempo real.Postprint (published version