3-D Interactive Control Laboratory for Classroom Demonstration and Online Experimentation in Engineering Education

Abstract

Contribution: A 3-D interactive learning environment, from which students of different levels in the control engineering background can benefit regarding classroom demonstration and online experimentation, is present. The findings support that students can benefit from the application of the online laboratory. Background: Control system design is vital in control engineering education. Conventionally, lectures on control system design are difficult for students to comprehend. Some online laboratories can be used for remote and virtual experiments on control system design. However, little attention has been paid to the possible classroom demonstration using online laboratories. Intended Outcomes: Students in a course on control system design are expected to be able to: 1) comprehend theories and concepts better from improved classroom teaching with online interactive demonstrations; 2) customize control algorithms in after-class experimentation; and 3) tailor monitoring interfaces with rich interactive features. Application Design: Education-oriented technologies are provided to offer both remote and virtual experimental services. 3-D visualization and interaction are achieved which enable great flexibility and interactivities for users. The proportional-integral (PI) control of a remote fan speed control test rig has been used to teach the design of integral anti-windup. Teaching and learning scenarios have been demonstrated regarding students at four different levels, which can help students to comprehend different concepts in control related modules. Findings: The multiyear evaluation results show that there is an improvement in student performance with the application of Networked Control System Laboratory (NCSLab). Students obtained a higher final score in the two class modules on average. Moreover, there is a boost regarding the assessment of the two class modules.