Debugging Of Algorithms Research Articles

Development and Initial Testing of a Virtual Laboratory for the Build up and Testing of Microgrid Management Algorithms

n a bid of facilitating the increasing penetration of intermittent and random renewable energies, microgrids along with their management algorithms are becoming crucial assets. To prove their effectiveness, these algorithms need to be tested in real environments and/or laboratories, which can be very difficult in many cases, especially at the initial development stages. To solve this issue, this article proposes the use of a laboratory digital twin, i.e., a virtual laboratory with a behaviour that is similar to that of real installations, aimed at facilitating the development, testing and debugging of microgrids management algorithms. The proposed solution is demonstrated to be safe and completewhen it comes to test these algorithms.

Имитационная модель беспроводной ad-hoc сети для исследования алгоритмов маршрутизации трафика

Communication network simulators are software designed to model, explore, test and debug network technologies, including wireless decentralized self-organizing networks or ad-hoc networks. They greatly simplify the research, development and optimization of routing protocols in these networks. However, the well-known simulators have a number of disadvantages, including the difficulty of adding custom extensions to ad-hoc network routing protocols, the lack of the necessary network stack, the lack of routing algorithm visualization modes, low performance, and difficulty in debugging communication protocols. The purpose of this work is to create a simulation model of a wireless network that would allow us to explore, debug and evaluate the developed algorithms and routing protocols for ad-hoc networks. At the same time, the requirements for interface ergonomics and the ability to visualize the operation of algorithms, ensure the collection of statistics, and create various scenarios for the operation of the network come to the fore. The article proposes the structure of the simulation model, which includes the modules of the network subscriber, application software, network layer of the OSI data transmission model, radio module, radio transmission environment, statistics collection, visualization and scenario management. To solve the tasks set, the approach of discrete-event modeling was used. To create a simulator of wireless decentralized networks and routing algorithms, a set of classes was developed that implement the modules of the simulation model. Based on the proposed structure, module classes and discrete event simulation algorithm, a software implementation of the simulation model was created using the C++ programming language and the Qt framework. The developed simulation model was used in the course of an experimental study of the effectiveness of the network routing algorithm. The proposed software will simplify the development and debugging of algorithms and routing protocols for ad-hoc networks.

Компактный аппаратно-программный комплекс для диагностики электронных регуляторов САУ ГТД в эксплуатации

The relevance of creating a compact hardware and software complex is analyzed to ensure a full check of the operability of electronic regulators of gas turbine engines, in particular, the AI-35 engine, developed by SE "Ivchenko-Progress". The article describes the composition and functionality of the device developed by Element JSC, which was named “Complex of software and hardware for imitation of actuators and engine sensors”. The complex under consideration is intended both for autonomous use and for work as part of an automated workstation (AWS), which in turn is a part of the AI-35 engine semi-natural simulation stand. A feature of the complex is that it contains built-in mathematical models of the engine, electric drive pump-fuel regulator, as well as sensors installed on the engine. Based on the results of processing digital signals from an automated workstation or a touchscreen display, the complex generates output analog and frequency signals – rotor speed, pressure at the compressor outlet, the temperature at the compressor inlet, temperature of gases at the outlet of the turbine. The complex also generates control signals for the imitation of igniting pyro plugs and a fuel pyrovalve, in particular, it provides an imitation of their "combustion" by breaking the circuit. The built-in touchscreen display makes it easy for the operator conducting the governor and engine tests to use the complex as intended. With the help of the display, without using a PC, the operator can manually control the process of simulating the issuance of a command to start the engine by changing the values of the rotor speed, form various modes of engine operation, setting the appropriate parameters, simulate engine surge, etc. The functionality of the developed complex provides debugging of GTE control algorithms and subsequent tests of the regulator.

Simulation Complex for Debugging of Control Algorithms of the Test Bench

The object of research and development is an air heating and delivery automatic control system of the test bench for testing of gas turbine engines. It is based on a test bench equipped with a gas turbine engine, a long air duct with dampers regulating the airflow, and the tested mechanism. It must maintain the required airflow characteristics and the air charge motor’s operating mode line. To debug the algorithms of the object of research, a simulation complex was developed, which can reproduce all the features of the test bench’s behavior. The combination of the automatic control system and a simulation complex is a semi-natural model. Purpose is to develop a simulation complex for the debugging of the control algorithms and a mathematical model of the stand and the engine under test. As result, a simulation model based on the implementation of VeriStand technology was created. The program provides a uniform way to access heterogeneous models executed in Simulink. These models display different ways of describing the processes and features of the behavior of the modelled object. The simulation results can be compared to the behavior of a real system, which allows to debug the algorithms of the automatic control system. The developed simulation complex is currently used by specialists to make the mathematical models of the test bench components and the tested product more precise, as well as to debug the control algorithms.

Modern methods of field tests of driver assist systems

In view of stringent vehicle safety requirements the automakers are urged to develop and implement electronic driver assist systems (ADAS). However, before starting the mass production, one has to make sure that these systems function correctly and efficiently. The current level of technologies, the simulation modelling allows debugging and testing of operation algorithms for electronic ‘assistants’ in laboratory conditions thereby reducing the costs of the prototype production. This approach is employed at intermediate development stages of the system. At the final stage the ‘traditional’ approach (field tests) is used by the automobile manufacturers, the reason being that the algorithm operation has to be tested in real conditions, and the certification of vehicles with ADAS functionality using methods of simulation modelling is not provided in current state standards. Keeping this in view, the problem arises of creating a measuring unit for geolocation of the vehicle with precision accuracy and synchronized video recording from multiple cameras simultaneously. This article presents the solution developed by employees from NNSTU n.a. R. E. Alekseev as regards the development of such a test system: a schematic diagram of the system is developed; the system is installed on a light commercial vehicle being tested; the system efficiency is checked. The system performance was checked when testing blind spot detectors, lane departure warning system and parking assistant.

Компьютерная модель системы динамического позиционирования судна

Object and purpose of research. The object of the research is the dynamic positioning system of a vessel with electric propulsion, the purpose is to create a computer tool for debugging the algorithms for the operation of control system for the ship’s dynamic positioning. Materials and methods. The indigenous simulation environment SimInTech is used. The model of vessel’s plane-parallel motion and methods of complex technical objects computer modeling are used. Main results. The concept and computer model of the ship technical means control system in the domestic modeling environment, mathematical and circuit models of the control object for conducting computational studies of ship control modes, developing and debugging algorithms for controlling the dynamic positioning of the ship, taking into account the optimal use of electric power system resources. Conclusion. The developed computer model of ship with the dynamic positioning system is a flexible tool for creating and debugging ship control systems and control algorithms. It provides a large number of computational studies of ship control modes for the creation and debugging of algorithms for controlling ship movement during its positioning, taking into account the optimal use of the resources of the ship's electric power system, which reduces the complexity of development and debugging of control algorithms, minimizes the number of physical experiments necessary to create ship’s dynamic positioning systems.

Creating of an individual modeling environment in a hybrid high-performance computing system

The article is devoted to the problem of solving scientific problems in the field of high-performance computing systems. An approach to solving a certain kind of problems in materials science is the use of mathematical modeling technologies implemented by specialized modeling systems. The greatest efficiency of the modeling system is shown when deployed in hybrid high-performance computing systems (HHPC), which have high performance and allow solving problems in an acceptable time with sufficient accuracy. However, there are a number of limitations that affect the work of the research team with modeling systems in the HHPC computing environment: the need to access graphics accelerators at the stage of development and debugging of algorithms in the modeling system, the need to use several modeling systems in order to obtain the most optimal solution, the need to dynamically change settings modeling systems for solving problems. The solution to the problem of the above limitations is assigned to an individual modeling environment functioning in the HHPC computing environment. The optimal solution for creating an individual modeling environment is the technology of virtual containerization. An algorithm for the formation of an individual modeling environment in a hybrid high-performance computing complex based on the «docker» virtual containerization system is proposed. An individual modeling environment is created by installing the necessary software in the base container, setting environment variables, installing custom software and licenses. A feature of the algorithm is the ability to form a library image from a base container with a customized individual modeling environment. In conclusion, the direction for further research work is indicated. The algorithm presented in the article is independent of the implementation of the job management system and can be used for any high-performance computing system.

The control system for a mobile robot using Arduino mega 2560 with GPS and obstacle detection systems

This research shows the implemented software and hardware solutions of the remote control systems for a robotic vehicle. This paper partially solves the problem of rapid prototyping and debugging of motion algorithms of the robotic vehicle. The composition and brief characteristics of the main components used in this system are also given in this paper. The methods (the programming languages that were used to create the software of this vehicle) are also described in this research. The results and the basic goals for the further modernization of this vehicle are also given in this paper. Main conclusions also described in this paper.

Simulation software and virtual environments for acceleration of agricultural robotics: Features highlights and performance comparison

Research efforts for development of agricultural robots that can effectively perform tedious field tasks have grown significantly in the past decade. Agricultural robots are complex systems that require interdisciplinary collaborations between different research groups for effective task delivery in unstructured crops and plants environments. With the exception of milking robots, the extensive research works that have been carried out in the past two decades for adaptation of robotics in agriculture have not yielded a commercial product to date. To accelerate this pace, simulation approach and evaluation methods in virtual environments can provide an affordable and reliable framework for experimenting with different sensing and acting mechanisms in order to verify the performance functionality of the robot in dynamic scenarios. This paper reviews several professional simulators and custom-built virtual environments that have been used for agricultural robotic applications. The key features and performance efficiency of three selected simulators were also compared. A simulation case study was demonstrated to highlight some of the powerful functionalities of the Virtual Robot Experimentation Platform. Details of the objects and scenes were presented as the proof-of-concept for using a completely simulated robotic platform and sensing systems in a virtual citrus orchard. It was shown that the simulated workspace can provide a configurable and modular prototype robotic system that is capable of adapting to several field conditions and tasks through easy testing and debugging of control algorithms with zero damage risk to the real robot and to the actual equipment. This review suggests that an open-source software platform for agricultural robotics will significantly accelerate effective collaborations between different research groups for sharing existing workspaces, algorithms, and reusing the materials. Keywords: agricultural robotics, precision agriculture, virtual orchards, digital agriculture, simulation software, multi-robots DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181104.4032 Citation: Shamshiri R R, Hameed I A, Pitonakova L, Weltzien C, Balasundram S K, Yule I J, et al. Simulation software and virtual environments for acceleration of agricultural robotics: Features highlights and performance comparison. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(4): 15–31.

Quintuple: A Tool for Introducing Quantum Computing Into the Classroom

In May 2016 IBM released access to its 5-qubit quantum computer to the scientific community, its “IBM Quantum Experience” since acquiring over 60,000 users from students, educators and researchers around the globe. In the time since the “IBM Quantum Experience” became available, a flurry of research results on 5-qubit systems has been published derived from the platform hardware. Quintuple is an open-source object-oriented Python module implementing the ideal simulation of “IBM’s Quantum Experience” hardware. Quintuple quantum algorithms can be programmed and run via a custom language fully compatible with the “IBM’s Quantum Experience” or in pure Python. Over 40 example programs are provided with expected results, including Grover’s Algorithm and the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm. Quintuple’s implementation is aimed at students and educators wishing to incorporate quantum computing into the classroom and enables students to follow a quantum computing calculation step-by-step and to verify hand calculations. For these students and educators, Quintuple contributes to the study of 5-qubit systems and the development and debugging of quantum algorithms for deployment on the “IBM Quantum Experience” hardware.

Modular Mobile Robotic Kit for Prototyping and Debugging of Control Algorithms

Modular Mobile Robotic Kit for Prototyping and Debugging of Control Algorithms

Simulation software and virtual environments for acceleration of agricultural robotics: Features highlights and performance comparison

Research efforts for development of agricultural robots that can effectively perform tedious field tasks have grown significantly in the past decade. Agricultural robots are complex systems that require interdisciplinary collaborations between different research groups for effective task delivery in unstructured crops and plants environments. With the exception of milking robots, the extensive research works that have been carried out in the past two decades for adaptation of robotics in agriculture have not yielded a commercial product to date. To accelerate this pace, simulation approach and evaluation methods in virtual environments can provide an affordable and reliable framework for experimenting with different sensing and acting mechanisms in order to verify the performance functionality of the robot in dynamic scenarios. This paper reviews several professional simulators and custom-built virtual environments that have been used for agricultural robotic applications. The key features and performance efficiency of three selected simulators were also compared. A simulation case study was demonstrated to highlight some of the powerful functionalities of the Virtual Robot Experimentation Platform. Details of the objects and scenes were presented as the proof-of-concept for using a completely simulated robotic platform and sensing systems in a virtual citrus orchard. It was shown that the simulated workspace can provide a configurable and modular prototype robotic system that is capable of adapting to several field conditions and tasks through easy testing and debugging of control algorithms with zero damage risk to the real robot and to the actual equipment. This review suggests that an open-source software platform for agricultural robotics will significantly accelerate effective collaborations between different research groups for sharing existing workspaces, algorithms, and reusing the materials. Keywords: agricultural robotics, precision agriculture, virtual orchards, digital agriculture, simulation software, multi-robots DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181104.4032 Citation: Shamshiri R R, Hameed I A, Pitonakova L, Weltzien C, Balasundram S K, Yule I J, et al. Simulation software and virtual environments for acceleration of agricultural robotics: Features highlights and performance comparison. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(4): 15–31.

GRAPE: a graphical pipeline environment for image analysis in adaptive magnetic resonance imaging.

We present a platform, GRAphical Pipeline Environment (GRAPE), to facilitate the development of patient-adaptive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols. GRAPE is an open-source project implemented in the Qt C++ framework to enable graphical creation, execution, and debugging of real-time image analysis algorithms integrated with the MRI scanner. The platform provides the tools and infrastructure to design new algorithms, and build and execute an array of image analysis routines, and provides a mechanism to include existing analysis libraries, all within a graphical environment. The application of GRAPE is demonstrated in multiple MRI applications, and the software is described in detail for both the user and the developer. GRAPE was successfully used to implement and execute three applications in MRI of the brain, performed on a 3.0-T MRI scanner: (i) a multi-parametric pipeline for segmenting the brain tissue and detecting lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS), (ii) patient-specific optimization of the 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI scan parameters to enhance the contrast of brain lesions in MS, and (iii) an algebraic image method for combining two MR images for improved lesion contrast. GRAPE allows graphical development and execution of image analysis algorithms for inline, real-time, and adaptive MRI applications.

RATIONALE FOR DEVELOPING A UNIVERSAL PLATFORM OF DATA MINING USING SCALABLE COMPUTING RESOURCES FOR HEALTH MANAGEMENT IN THE NAVY

The article explains the issues of implementation, upgrade and support of algorithms for analysis of large data sets, which are hidden from the end user. It is shown that, to create a universal platform of data mining using scalable computing resources for health management in the Navy requires the development of information-analytical core of intelligent system of high-performance analysis of large amounts of data that will successfully work as a developer of services for the creation of the health management system in the Navy (providing the environment and processing power for debugging and research of parallel and distributed versions of the algorithm, as well as a framework and a development tool for local development and debugging of algorithms) and analysts (providing services of data mining by various methods, data processing (conversion, cleaning, etc. etc.) to «unlimited» computing resources.

MPI–Delphi: an MPI implementation for visual programming environments and heterogeneous computing

The goal of a parallel program is to reduce the execution time, compared to the fastest sequential program solving the same problem. Parallel programming is growing due to the widespread use of network of workstations (NOWs) or powerful PCs in high-performance computing. Because the hardware components are all commodity devices, NOWs are much more cost-effective than custom machines with similar technology. In this environment, the typical programming model used has been message-passing and the MPI library has become the standard in the distributed-memory computing model. On the other hand, visual programming environments try to simply the task of developing applications. They provide programmers with several standard components for creating programs. Delphi constitutes one of the most popular visual programming environments nowadays in the Windows market place. In this paper, we present MPI–Delphi, an implementation of MPI for writing parallel applications using Delphi visual programming environment. We show how MPI–Delphi has been developed, and how it makes possible to manage a cluster of homogeneous/heterogeneous PCs. Two examples of use of MPI–Delphi in a heterogeneous cluster of workstations with a mixture of Windows and Linux operating systems are also included. The MPI–Delphi interface is suitable for some specific kinds of problems, such as monitoring parallel programs of long execution time, or computationally intensive graphical simulations. In addition, MPI–Delphi has proven to be a good tool for research, as the development of new algorithms can be carried out quickly and, therefore, time spent on the debugging of such algorithms is reduced. Finally, we conclude by explaining some of the tasks we think MPI–Delphi is suitable for.

Tools for Web-based sorting animation

There is a long and rich tradition of sort algorithm animations that have been used effectively in instruction. This paper describes a new tool that combines the best of this tradition with the advantages of being in the form of an applet for use on the World Wide Web and of animating the code of the algorithm in concert with the animation of the data. In addition, this tool facilitates student-designed animations that are useful for the debugging of student-written sort algorithms. Recursive sort algorithms are made more accessible through the use of a special feature of the tool that animates the recursion.

EDULAN, a tool for teaching synchronization

Parallelism in software is rapidly gaining importance. Parallel machines proliferate; an increasing number of applications are done in parallel (either centralized or distributed). The availability of computer networks creates facilities to design distributed applications. However, parallel programming causes a number of specific problems, such as the parallel decomposition and debugging of algorithms for a multiprocessor, synchronization and communication between processes, load balancing, and fair scheduling strategies for shared resources. EDULAN is an educational package, aimed at demonstrating a number of fundamental issues in writing concurrent applications. It has been in use for three years in the computer science curriculum at the State University of Ghent, and has shown its effectiveness.

An Integrated Automated Layout Generation System for DSP Circuits

An integrated CAD system for the automated design of digital signal-processing (DSP) circuits for audio and telecommunication applications is described. The system uses as unique input a symbolic description of algorithm. This representation is translated into an actual layout using a two-step process. First, the symbolic input is mapped into the target architecture, which consists basically of a set of concurrent processors and dedicated I/O circuitry. The resulting hardware configuration is compiled into a layout description through a full exploitation of the hierarchy and the modularity of the architecture, calling consecutively a tiler, a floorplanner, and a global placement and routing tool. All these layout generation tools are able to support a wide range of technologies. The provision of a dedicated register transfer level simulator allows for the efficient debugging and algorithmic checking of the real-time operating signal-processing algorithms. The efficiency and the usefulness of this design methodology has been demonstrated by multiple examples. Experiments have shown that the use of these techniques can reduce the complete design process to a few months.