New Software Tool for Modelling and Control of Discrete-Event and Hybrid Systems Using Petri Nets

The main aim of the proposed paper is to design a new software tool for modelling and control of discrete-event and hybrid systems using Arduino and similar microcontrollers. To accomplish these tasks a new tool called PN2ARDUINO based on Petri nets is proposed which is able to communicate with the microcontroller. Communication with the microcontroller is based on the modified Firmata protocol hence the control algorithm can be implemented on all microcontrollers that support this type of protocol. The developed software tool has been successfully verified in control of laboratory systems. It can also be used for education and research purposes as it offers a graphical environment for designing control algorithms for hybrid and mainly discrete-event systems. The proposed tool can improve education and practice in the field of cyber-physical systems (Industry 4.0)

Using Entropy for Welds Segmentation and Evaluation

In this paper, a methodology based on weld segmentation using entropy and evaluation by conventional and convolution neural networks to evaluate quality of welds is developed. Compared to conventional neural networks, there is no use of image preprocessing (weld segmentation based on entropy) or data representation for the convolution neural networks in our experiments. The experiments are performed on 6422 weld image samples and the performance results of both types of neural network are compared to the conventional methods. In all experiments, neural networks implemented and trained using the proposed approach delivered excellent results with a success rate of nearly 100%. The best results were achieved using convolution neural networks which provided excellent results and with almost no pre-processing of image data required

Low-Cost Method for 3D Body Measurement Based on Photogrammetry Using Smartphone

This paper is focused on the possibilities of data collection via photogrammetry methods, using smartphone cameras and post-processing. The aim of this paper is to refer to progressive technologies that are part of smartphone devices, which bring more performance and variability of usage year by year. The theoretical part starts with looking to the past, describing problems of measurements and solutions invented by famous mathematicians, which we use nowadays. The following section deals with the background of measuring the human body and photogrammetry. The next section is about measuring and using calibration methods. The results section presents the architecture design of the system and a visual representation of how the application works. The result of processing a 3D person is a data object with measurements in real world metric units with minimum deviation. The conclusion is that we created our own low-cost method for 3D body measurement which partially or completely removes the shortcomings that were identified during the review of similar solutions. Our method is based on the use of open-source libraries, the use of a single smartphone mobile device and the creation of a true 3D human body model

Proposal of IoT Devices Control using Mixed Reality and QR Codes

The Internet of Things (IoT) and mixed reality are now among the most important areas in research or in practice. The aim of this paper is to propose an appropri‐ ate way of connection of these two areas, where is pos‐ sible to control and monitor mechatronic devices using a mobile device with augmented/mixed reality support. The main task will be to explore these options in the area and implement this solution as prototype. The proposed methodology for control and diagnostics of mechatronic devices is modern as it combines hardware management, Unity engine for mixed reality development, and commu‐ nication within the IoT network

Modelling and control of discrete-event systems using petri nets and arduino microcontrollers

The main aim of proposed article is the design of new software system for modelling and control of discrete‐event and hybrid systems using Arduino and similar microcontrollers. In this paper we propose a new tool. It is based on Petri nets and it is called PN2ARDUINO. It offers a capability of communication with the microcontroller. Communication with the microcontroller is based on modified Firmata protocol so control algorithm can be implemented on all microcontrollers that support this type of protocol. The developed software tool was successfully verified for control of laboratory systems. It can also be used for education and also for research purposes as it offers a graphical way for designing control algorithm for hybrid and mainly discrete‐event systems. Proposed tool can enrich education and practice in the field of cyberphysical systems (Industry 4.0)

Modelling and Control of Discrete-Event Systems Using Petri Nets and Arduino Microcontrollers

The main aim of proposed article is the design of new software system for modelling and control of discrete‐event and hybrid systems using Arduino and similar microcontrollers. In this paper we propose a new tool. It is based on Petri nets and it is called PN2ARDUINO. It offers a capability of communication with the microcontroller. Communication with the microcontroller is based on modified Firmata protocol so control algorithm can be implemented on all microcontrollers that support this type of protocol. The developed software tool was successfully verified for control of laboratory systems. It can also be used for education and also for research purposes as it offers a graphical way for designing control algorithm for hybrid and mainly discrete‐event systems. Proposed tool can enrich education and practice in the field of cyberphysical systems (Industry 4.0)

Proposal of IoT devices control using mixed reality and QR codes

The Internet of Things (IoT) and mixed reality are now among the most important areas in research or in practice. The aim of this paper is to propose an appropri‐ ate way of connection of these two areas, where is pos‐ sible to control and monitor mechatronic devices using a mobile device with augmented/mixed reality support. The main task will be to explore these options in the area and implement this solution as prototype. The proposed methodology for control and diagnostics of mechatronic devices is modern as it combines hardware management, Unity engine for mixed reality development, and commu‐ nication within the IoT network

Low-Cost Method for 3D Body Measurement Based on Photogrammetry Using Smartphone

This paper is focused on the possibilities of data collection via photogrammetry methods, using smartphone cameras and post-processing. The aim of this paper is to refer to progressive technologies that are part of smartphone devices, which bring more performance and variability of usage year by year. The theoretical part starts with looking to the past, describing problems of measurements and solutions invented by famous mathematicians, which we use nowadays. The following section deals with the background of measuring the human body and photogrammetry. The next section is about measuring and using calibration methods. The results section presents the architecture design of the system and a visual representation of how the application works. The result of processing a 3D person is a data object with measurements in real world metric units with minimum deviation. The conclusion is that we created our own low-cost method for 3D body measurement which partially or completely removes the shortcomings that were identified during the review of similar solutions. Our method is based on the use of open-source libraries, the use of a single smartphone mobile device and the creation of a true 3D human body model

Educational Case Studies for Pilot Engineer 4.0 Programme: Monitoring and Control of Discrete-Event Systems Using OPC UA and Cloud Applications

The current trend in industry is the digitalisation of production processes using modern information and communication technologies, a trend that falls under the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0. Applications that link the world of information technologies (IT) and operational technologies (OT) are in particular demand. On the basis of information from practice, it can be stated that there is a shortage of specialists in the labour market for the interconnection of PLCs with information and communication technologies (cloud, web, mobile applications, etc.) in Slovakia and neighbouring countries. However, this problem is beginning to affect other countries in Europe as well. The main objective of the work was to prepare case studies suitable for educational purposes, which would address the modelling and control of a virtual discrete-event system using a PLC program and its subsequent interfacing to a cloud application. Within the scope of the work, three case studies were prepared to demonstrate the control of discrete-event system using different programming systems and their communication with the developed cloud applications. These applications are to be used for data monitoring and emergency intervention of the discrete-event system. The characteristics of the prepared case studies, which combine operational and informational technologies, predestines them for use in the sphere of education of engineers for digitalisation of production processes. They can also be helpful in research on the creation of digital twins, which represent a type of symmetry between real and virtual systems

Low-Cost Education Kit for Teaching Basic Skills for Industry 4.0 Using Deep-Learning in Quality Control Tasks

The main purposes of this paper are to offer a low-cost solution that can be used in engineering education and to address the challenges that Industry 4.0 brings with it. In recent years, there has been a great shortage of engineering experts, and therefore it is necessary to educate the next generation of experts, but the hardware and software tools needed for education are often expensive and access to them is sometimes difficult, but most importantly, they change and evolve rapidly. Therefore, the use of cheaper hardware and free software helps to create a reliable and suitable environment for the education of engineering experts. Based on the overview of related works dealing with low-cost teaching solutions, we present in this paper our own low-cost Education Kit, for which the price can be as low as approximately EUR 108 per kit, for teaching the basic skills of deep learning in quality-control tasks in inspection lines. The solution is based on Arduino, TensorFlow and Keras, a smartphone camera, and is assembled using LEGO kit. The results of the work serve as inspiration for educators and educational institutions