GREENSPACE: Virtual Reality Interface for Combine Operator Training

The complexity of operating a farm combine has increased dramatically in recent years with the introduction of features including automatic guidance, precision farming, and sophisticated implements with specialized controls. In this work, we describe the development of a virtual reality interface for use in operating a combine while harvesting virtual crops. Using the actual combine cab hardware for control input commands and operational displays, we provide a virtual farm that allows the operator to operate every aspect of the combine while using the true set of buttons, levers, and switches for a realistic driving experience. This simulator is designed primarily for operator training on the adjustment and operation of the machine controls, the use of automatic guidance systems, and interaction with the precision farming automation systems. However, the simulator is also applicable for engineering design development, where new control modes and hardware could be assessed in a virtual environment

Design, Development, and Testing of an Automated Window Sliade Controller

An approach to the design of active window shades is developed to control the direct solar gain through a window. Using simple actuation hardware and sensors, a control strategy is presented that automatically adjusts window shades to save HVAC energy by controlling direct solar radiation passing through a window. The control algorithm is based on a simple approach that admits direct light in the winter and blocks the direct light in the summer, while providing shade adjustment that affords maximum visibility through the window. Cloudy skies or indirect sun result in horizontal placement of the shades, and the shades close at night. The implementation uses two thin-film photovoltaic cells as sensors and a control algorithm that is independent of the window orientation, latitude, or solar time, so that it operates properly in any installation location. Preliminary analytic and test results show significant energy savings when the automatic window shades are compared with a window without shades, and with a window outfitted with fixed horizontal shades

Modeling and Designing a Hydrostatic Transmission With a Fixed-Displacement Motor

This study develops the dynamic equations that describe the behavior of a hydrostatic transmission utilizing a variable-displacement axial-piston pump with a fixed-displacement motor. In general, the system is noted to be a third-order system with dynamic contributions from the motor, the pressurized hose, and the pump. Using the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, the stability range of this linearized system is presented. Furthermore, a reasonable control-gain is discussed followed by comments regarding the dynamic response of the system as a whole. In particular, the varying of several parameters is shown to have distinct effects on the system rise-time, settling time, and maximum percent-overshoot

Hub-mounted actuators for blade pitch collective control

Blade collective pitch control is provided for a rotor system by rotary actuators located between adjacent blades. Each actuator is connected to the leading edge of one adjacent blade and the trailing edge of the other adjacent blade

Vibrations Levels Assessment of a Robotic Intra-Row Weeder Using Low-Cost Data Acquisition System

Automated weeding is a way to increase efficiency in the control of invasive plants. Soil characteristics can influence the performance of weeder mechanisms. The objective of this work was to determine the vibrations levels of a robotic intra-row weeder mechanism for different operating conditions and provide information to correlate with soil conditions. The data acquisition system was composed of a single-board computer and a triaxial MEMS accelerometer. The computer was programmed in C++ to acquire vibration measurements. The accelerometer was mounted to the bearing housing of the rotary tine shaft. Vibrations of the weeder mechanism were first measured without soil contact for different angular velocities of the rotary tine disk. Then, vibrations were monitored in different soils (dry and moist loam soil and sand) for three angular velocities of rotary tines (25, 50 and 100 rev/min) and two tine depths (25 and 50 mm). RMS accelerations and the frequency spectrum were used to evaluate the vibrations levels. Moist loam soil and sand had the highest and lowest increases in accelerations, respectively. The analysis showed it is possible to correlate vibrational characteristics with soil conditions that may exist during intra-row weeding. In addition, mechanical vibrations in an intra-row weeder can be monitored using a low-cost and user-friendly system

A Wearable Body Controlling Device for Application of Functional Electrical Stimulation

In this research, we describe a new balancing device used to stabilize the rear quarters of a patient dog with spinal cord injuries. Our approach uses inertial measurement sensing and direct leg actuation to lay a foundation for eventual muscle control by means of direct functional electrical stimulation (FES). During this phase of development, we designed and built a mechanical test-bed to develop the control and stimulation algorithms before we use the device on our animal subjects. We designed the bionic test-bed to mimic the typical walking gait of a dog and use it to develop and test the functionality of the balancing device for stabilization of patient dogs with hindquarter paralysis. We present analysis for various muscle stimulation and balancing strategies, and our device can be used by veterinarians to tailor the stimulation strength and temporal distribution for any individual patient dog. We develop stabilizing muscle stimulation strategies using the robotic test-bed to enhance walking stability. We present experimental results using the bionic test-bed to demonstrate that the balancing device can provide an effective sensing strategy and deliver the required motion control commands for stabilizing an actual dog with a spinal cord injury

A Technical Review on Development of an Advanced Electromechanical System

Development of an advanced electromechanical system requires a blend of technical expertise and knowledge, from electrical and mechanical engineering to software and system engineering. Engineers working in this field must be able to understand and analyze the interrelated electrical and mechanical components, as well as computer controlling programs, to communicate with each system part. In this paper, we aim to review the requirements and technical knowledge for development of these new technologies

Molecular assessment of Indian Hedgehog and type II collagen in mandibular condyles

published_or_final_versionDentistryMasterMaster of Orthodontic