Innovative Measurement System Research Articles

Research on bridge spatial deformation monitoring using light poles and displacement-relay theory

The growing traffic on municipal bridges demands effective methods for monitoring spatial deformations to ensure structural safety. Traditional measurement techniques often fall short in terms of efficiency and precision. This study presents an innovative bridge deformation measurement system that employs light poles and displacement-relay theory, integrated with high-resolution optical cameras, sub-pixel image recognition algorithms, and IMU data. Laboratory experiments involved chain camera units and multiple data processing methods, including sub-pixel recognition and wavelet denoising. Results showed that sub-pixel recognition with four-layer wavelet denoising achieved the highest accuracy, aligning closely matching the performance of commercial equipment. Field tests on the Xinwuyi and Dinghuaimen Bridges under varying traffic conditions confirmed the system’s reliability. The study concludes that the system effectively captures dynamic load variations, enhancing the accuracy of spatial deformation measurements. Future work will refine error analysis and data processing methods to further enhance the system’s practical applicability.

The Effect of Annotation Quality on Wear Semantic Segmentation by CNN.

In this work, we investigate the impact of annotation quality and domain expertise on the performance of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for semantic segmentation of wear on titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium carbonitride (TiCN) coated end mills. Using an innovative measurement system and customized CNN architecture, we found that domain expertise significantly affects model performance. Annotator 1 achieved maximum mIoU scores of 0.8153 for abnormal wear and 0.7120 for normal wear on TiN datasets, whereas Annotator 3 with the lowest expertise achieved significantly lower scores. Sensitivity to annotation inconsistencies and model hyperparameters were examined, revealing that models for TiCN datasets showed a higher coefficient of variation (CV) of 16.32% compared to 8.6% for TiN due to the subtle wear characteristics, highlighting the need for optimized annotation policies and high-quality images to improve wear segmentation.

Innovative measurement system for saber curvature observation in straightening processes

High-strength wire materials are usually available as strip material and are subjected to a forming process such as punch-bending to produce parts for the electronics industry, for example. During the manufacturing process of the semi-finished product, residual stresses and plastic deformations are introduced into the wire by rolling and drawing processes. Straightening machines are used in the production lines to compensate for these. To increase the sustainability of these production lines, the straightening process is an essential step. Before the continuous manufacturing process starts, the straightening process must be set up and the optimal roller positions must be found. Once the process is set up, the roller position settings are usually not changed. Due to missing measurement systems for the straightening quality, it is not possible to react to fluctuations in the material properties. This leads to deviations in the dimensional accuracy of the components to be produced and thus to an increase in the rejection rate in the manufacturing processes.This paper presents two innovative measuring systems that can detect changes in saber curvature in flat wire during the straightening process. With the help of this information, the quality of the straightening process can be recorded during the running process. This enables the chance to build a control structure for the straightening quality and thus to implement demand-oriented straightening of semi-finished products. On the one hand, this means that the flat wire no longer must be overbent, which means that the strength of the material is not reduced anymore. On the other hand, the sensor information collected can be passed on to downstream processes. This creates the possibility of networking for the individual processes in a production line. This makes an important contribution to the development of intelligent manufacturing processes in line with the guiding principle of Industry 4.0.

Geomembrane displacement monitoring system installed in a multilayered cover at the Aldermac mine site

The abandoned Aldermac mine site, located in the Abitibi- Témiscamingue region of Québec, Canada, is a former polymetallic mine that operated in the 1930s. Over the decades, the sulfidic mine wastes produced by the mine have been exposed to atmospheric conditions, leading to the generation of acid mine drainage (AMD) and contamination of the surrounding environment. In 2008–2009, reclamation works were initiated by the Québec government with the implementation of different techniques based on the characteristics of the different sectors of the mine site. In the southern sector, the production of AMD from the mine wastes pile is controlled by a multilayered cover system, including a 1.5 mm-thick textured high-density polyethylene geomembrane, aimed at limiting ingress of water and oxygen. In 2021, work was carried out to instrument the cover system with an innovative displacement measurement system that was developed and applied to the geomembrane along a sloping transect. The system allows continuous measurements of geomembrane displacement at three locations. This article discusses the installation of these instruments and presents preliminary results. Displacements over a 1-year monitoring period ranged from approximately 4 mm downslope to 32 mm upslope. This corresponded to strains ranged from approximately 0.01% contraction to 0.05% tension.

Comparison of stereopsis thresholds measured with conventional methods and a new eye tracking method.

Stereopsis is the ability to perceive depth using the slightly different views from two eyes. This study aims to conduct innovative stereopsis tests using the objective data outputted by eye tracking technology. A laptop and an eye tracker were used to establish the test system. Anaglyphic glasses were employed to execute the stereopsis assessment. The test symbol employed was devised to emulate the quantitative measurement component of the Random Dot 3 Stereo Acuity Test. Sub-pixel technology was used to increase the disparity accuracy of test pages. The tested disparities were: 160″, 100″, 63″, 50″, 40″, 32″, 25″, 20″, 16″, and 12.5″. The test was conducted at a distance of 0.65m. Conventional and eye tracking stereopsis assessments were conducted on 120 subjects. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test the difference, while the Bland-Altman method was used to test the consistency between the two methods. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no significant difference between conventional and eye tracking thresholds of stereopsis (Z = -1.497, P = 0.134). There was a high level of agreement between the two methods using Bland- Altman statistical analysis (The 95 per cent limits of agreement were -0.40 to 0.47 log arcsec). Stereoacuity can be evaluated utilizing an innovative stereopsis measurement system grounded in eye tracking technology.

Lean performance measurement system for an Indian automotive supply chain

PurposeThis paper aims to present a simple and innovative fuzzy methodology-based lean performance measurement system (L-PMS) for an Indian automotive supply chain. The paper also enlightens the influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on supply chains and the practical implications of the unprecedented disruptions on the performance measurement systems.Design/methodology/approachThe L-PMS is divided into three phases. In the first phase, the key performance indicator (KPI) list, as deemed fit by the organization, is prepared using literature and suggestions from the case organization. The list contains 61 KPIs measuring 24 performance dimensions in seven functional areas of the supply chain. In the second phase, the KPI performance data (actual, best and worst) are collected using the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. In the last phase, the leanness score of the case organization is calculated at four levels – KPI, dimension, functional area and overall organization.FindingsThe overall leanness score of the case organization is 60%. The case organization uses KPIs from all seven functional areas, but it needs to improve the number of KPIs in administration and supplier management functional areas. The case organization uses only quantitative KPIs. However, the performance dimensions at the middle level are adequate. The leanness level of the case organization in different areas is highly variable (ranges from 45% to 91%).Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation of the study is that the case study is done at a single organization.Practical implicationsThe managers at the different levels of the hierarchy can use the lean performance measurement score to leverage the better performing areas/dimensions/KPIs and improve poor performing areas/dimensions/KPIs. The lean performance measurement at functional area level can help leadership to give responsibility to different people for the improvement of leanness with respect to different dimensions/functional areas. The disruptive impact of COVID-19 should clearly be understood by the managers to make appropriate decisions based on the severity as measured at different levels.Originality/valueAccording to the authors' best knowledge, this is the first lean performance measurement application at the four hierarchical levels (KPI, performance dimension, functional area and overall organization).

Non-destructive verification of materials in waste packages using QUANTOM®

The nuclear and non-nuclear industry has produced a considerable amount of low and intermediate-level radioactive wastes during the last decades. The material characterization of waste packages recently became more and more important in order to dispose of these waste packages in a final underground repository. Material characterization remains an indispensable criterion to prevent pollution of the groundwater with toxic materials and is usually required by the national licensing and supervisory authorities. Information on the nature of waste materials can be obtained based on existing documentation or, if the documentation is insufficient, on further destructive or non-destructive analysis. Non-destructive methods are to be preferred to minimize radiation exposures of operating personnel as well as costs. Existing non-destructive techniques (Gamma scanning, X-ray, active/passive neutron counting, muon tomography) do not allow the identification of non-radioactive hazardous substances. An innovative non-destructive measurement system called QUANTOM® (QUantitative ANalysis of TOxic and non-toxic Materials) has been developed. It is based on the prompt and delayed gamma neutron activation analysis (P&DGNAA). This technology is able to identify and quantify the elemental composition (Cd, Cu, B, Pb, Hg, Fe, Al, …) in radioactive packages such as 200-l radioactive drums. This information helps waste producers verify the content of their radioactive wastes, especially regarding the presence of hazardous substances. Different reference materials have been analysed by means of the same technology (P&DGNAA) at the research reactor of BUDAPEST. A comparison of those results for five reference materials is presented. The results show a very good agreement between QUANTOM® and standardized reference analyses.

Effective transport width—A methodology to describe the spatial variability of bedload transport

The monitoring of bedload transport processes in rivers is a still challenging task in research and the parameter effective transport width (ETW) allows, for the first time, a process description of the local variability of the bedload transport. In this paper, the distribution of bedload transport over a river cross-section was studied by statistically analyzing long-term monitoring data. Using an innovative integrated measurement system, combining geophones distributed over the river width with bedload traps and basket sampling, allows for continuous, high-resolution, long-term monitoring data of bedload transport characteristics to be generated. Geophone data can be used to record and describe bedload transport processes such as intensity, temporal variability, and local variability. One parameter observed was the ETW, which describes the width where bedload transport is taking place for different discharge classes in gravel bed rivers. With the help of a data series recorded over more than a decade, it is now possible, for the first time, to statistically describe the continuously and directly measured ETW. Hence, it became evident that the effective bedload transport width depends on the discharge rate and local transport capacity, and that bedload transport over the entire river width only occurs at high flows that prevail a few days a year.

Интеграция иммигрантов в Испании: особенности, государственная политика, возможности использования в России

The high proportion of the immigrants from Russia characterized by the ethnic and religious diversity actualizes the economic and socio-cultural integration of immigrants to ensure the security and stability of society. To develop migrant integration programs in Russia at the national and regional levels and evaluate their effectiveness, it is important to analyze the experience of Spain, a country with the similar structure of migration flows and regional aspects of integration. The article presents the results of the analysis of the migrant integration policy in Spain. The key issues are: the assessment of migration flows to Spain and identification of the regional features of integration; the review of the measurement methods for evaluating the results of integration policies based on the system of indicators and indices. Particular attention is paid to investigating the possibility of using the Spanish experience of the integration in Russia. The empirical basis for the analysis includes the results of the 2010 Zaragoza Declaration, as well as the results of the Spanish investigations is to monitor the integration of migrants, statistical data from the Eurostat agency and the National Institute of Statistics of Spain. The study of the possibility of using the innovative measurement system regarding the integration of immigrants in Spain and its regions proposed by the team of authors led by D. Godenau was revealed. This proposal is relevant especially for the assess of the integration of migrants in Russia, especially in the field of labor relations, which is the most sensitive area of integration, due to the most pronounced discrimination in it.

The Problem of Monitoring Activities of Older People in Multi-Resident Scenarios: An Innovative and Non-Invasive Measurement System Based on Wearables and PIR Sensors.

This paper presents an innovative multi-resident activity detection sensor network that uses the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal emitted by tags worn by residents and passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors deployed in the house to locate residents and monitor their activities. This measurement system solves the problem of monitoring older people and measuring their activities in multi-resident scenarios. Metrics are defined to analyze and interpret the collected data to understand daily habits and measure the activity level (AL) of older people. The accuracy of the system in detecting movements and discriminating residents is measured. As the sensor-to-person distance increases, the system decreases its ability to detect small movements, while still being able to detect large ones. The accuracy in discriminating the identity of residents can be improved by up to 96% using the Decision Tree (DT) classifier. The effectiveness of the measurement system is demonstrated in a real multi-resident scenario where two older people are monitored during their daily life. The collected data are processed, obtaining the AL and habits of the older people to assess their behavior.

Dual-field measurement system for real-time material flow on conveyor belt

In this paper, an innovative dual-field measurement system is proposed for measuring the real-time material flow on the conveyor belt. The system consists of two light sources to illuminate the upper and the lower surface of the conveyor belt, respectively, and two binocular cameras to capture the dual-field contour images. The contour curves are extracted from the images by the contour acquisition algorithm and fitted with linear interpolation functions for the calculation of instantaneous cross-sectional area of material flow. Then the real-time volume of material flow is obtained according to the belt speed. Compared with conventional visual methods, the proposed method is no need to preliminarily acquire the data of the empty belt as well as hardly affected by belt deformation. Some measured objects are prepared for both sectional area and volume measurement. The results show that the accuracy of the proposed system can achieve up to 96.3% and 96.05% for the volume measurement of regular materials and coals, respectively, which is superior to the conventional visual method. The proposed measurement method has strong robustness and low construction cost, which is expected to generalize and apply in the bulk material transport field.

ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS OF ATHLETES-JUMPERS EMPLOYING BIOMECHANICS CONTROL SYSTEM

Modern equipment based on computer technology can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of control procedures for physical fitness and technical performance of long jumpers. The study focuses on the development of control methods for technical performance and physical fitness of athletes-jumpers on the basis of «OptoJump Next» innovative measurement system. The purpose – to test the efficiency of modern technologies for assessing technical performance and physical fitness of athletes-jumpers employing biomechanics control system. Methods and organization of research. The main method of research is to assess the technical performance and physical fitness of athletes-jumpers using the "Optojump Next" measuring system, video recording and photodiode chronometry of the run-up speed (the "Brower" system). The survey took place at the track and field arena of the Novogorsk sport center (Moscow region), as well as at the stadium of ‘Iug-Sport’ sport center, Sochi in 2016-2018. The study involved 15 qualified long jumpers (Candidates Master of Sports – Masters of Sports of International Class). Results of the study and their discussion. The obtained results of the study enable identification of the model characteristics of the Special physical training control tests of qualified long jumpers in the range of results from 7.25 to 8.25 m. We have also developed model characteristics of technical performance for male jumpers in the range of results from 6.60 to 7.80 m. We used the chart of technical performance for jumpers (Master of Sports E. A-va) to reveal the lagging indicators of special sprint fitness: speed on the 5th step away from the bar; speed on the 4th step away from the bar; speed on the 3rd step away from the bar; pace of running step on the 3rd step away from the bar; average speed on the 3rd – 4th steps away from the bar; average speed on the 1st – 2nd steps away from the bar; average tempo activity of running steps. Conclusion. The results obtained enable identification of lagging and strong points of technical performance and physical fitness of qualified jumpers, and consequently, adjustment of training program for the upcoming training cycle.

Feasibility Investigation for Online Elemental Monitoring of Iron and Steel Manufacturing Processes using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

The metallurgical industries are very important for social development. In order to improve the metallurgical techniques and quality of products, the real-time analysis and monitoring of iron and steel manufacturing processes are very significant. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been studied and applied for the contents measurement of iron and steel. In this paper, the remote open-path LIBS measurement was studied under different sample temperature, lens to target distance (LTD), sample angle conditions to clarify its online measurement features. The 3D profile measurement system of parallel laser beam fringes projection was also developed to measure the sample profile at different sample temperature. The measurement results demonstrated the robustness of remote open-path LIBS system and 3D profile measurement system. However, the correction is necessary to enhance the detection ability of LIBS online measurement. In order to improve the precision and accuracy of real-time elemental measurement, an innovative co-axial laser beam measurement system combining LIBS and 3D profile techniques is proposed to automatically adjust the focus unit and measure the sample components. The further study of this promising method will be developed for online application of iron and steel manufacturing processes.

Measuring the maintenance performance through fuzzy logic and analytical hierarchy process

The paper presents an innovative maintenance performance measurement system that organisations can adopt to identify those predictors that better contribute to achieve higher maintenance standards. Adopting a multi-level, multi-criteria decomposition technique designed to identify and classify key indicators, the study aims to support firms in their decision-making process. Using the fuzzy logic technique, the elementary performance measurement is quantified. Afterwards, by implementing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the weighted arithmetic mean, these measures are aggregated to a holistic measure that quantifies the overall maintenance performance and identifies precisely the requirements to improve continuously and effectively the maintenance performance. Finally, the proposed model was applied to a Moroccan company leader in the chemical sector. The results show that the model effectively allows maintenance managers to properly measure and improve their maintenance performance and support managers in identifying the key actions to enhance their organisations' performance.

Measuring the maintenance performance through fuzzy logic and analytical hierarchy process

The paper presents an innovative maintenance performance measurement system that organisations can adopt to identify those predictors that better contribute to achieve higher maintenance standards. Adopting a multi-level, multi-criteria decomposition technique designed to identify and classify key indicators, the study aims to support firms in their decision-making process. Using the fuzzy logic technique, the elementary performance measurement is quantified. Afterwards, by implementing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the weighted arithmetic mean, these measures are aggregated to a holistic measure that quantifies the overall maintenance performance and identifies precisely the requirements to improve continuously and effectively the maintenance performance. Finally, the proposed model was applied to a Moroccan company leader in the chemical sector. The results show that the model effectively allows maintenance managers to properly measure and improve their maintenance performance and support managers in identifying the key actions to enhance their organisations' performance.

Development of an innovative measurement system for audible noise monitoring of OHL

Austrian Power Grid (APG), the main TSO of Austria, uses different approaches to face challenges arising from stricter requirements regarding environmental issues, where audible noise (AN) is one of the important topics in this context. A innovative approach is pursued with a newly developed measurement system for audible noise monitoring of OHL. The main component of this system is an “optical microphone”. The main benefit compared to a conventional capacitive-microphone, is the lack of any metal and moving parts. Thus, it can operate in the proximity of high electric fields without interferences. This opens up new possibilities for AN measurement on energized OHL. That facilitates the direct measurement of the acoustic immissions and not only the emissions. This is an advantage due to the fact, that measuring AN with conventional microphones has several limitations. The emitted noise from OHL is low compared to other emitters in the surroundings (cars, animals, farming, airplanes) and dependant on wind strength and direction and hence difficult to measure. Furthermore, there is the need for a place on the ground to set up the microphones and the power supply. An agreement with the landowners is mandatory. For the operation of the optical microphone additional components are necessary. A special suspension system was developed to mount the sensor head in the direct vicinity of a conductor. One requirement for the suspension is to keep the sensor head at an exact position underneath the conductor. In a close distance to the conductor, noise emissions vary in a wide range if the relative position is not properly fixed. The second requirement is that the suspension system itself doesn’t influence the measurement. This means, that the electric field strength, which is a main parameter for AN, remains unchanged in the presence of the suspension system. The paper will present the solutions and innovations that have been developed, laboratory tests and installation methods to mount the optical microphone on a conductor.

Effectiveness of Noise-Attenuating Headphones for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Date Presented 4/19/2018 Children with autism spectrum disorder often demonstrate atypical responses to auditory stimuli that impact stress and arousal levels. This study examined the efficacy of two types of noise-attenuating headphones on electrodermal responses in natural environments using an innovative measurement system. Primary Author and Speaker: Beth Pfeiffer Additional Authors and Speakers: Leah Stein Duker, Chengshi Amory Shiu

Analysis of Powered Roof Support Operation Based on a Virtual Driver

Abstract The article presents the results of tests and analyses of control functions performed by a powered roof support which is the basic part of a powered longwall system. The research was based on an innovative registration and measurement system dedicated to this specific range of tests. The basic element of this system is a virtual driver. It is equipped with input and output systems to connect standard physical voltage signals. The tests were carried out on a prototype powered roof support type ZPR- 15/35-POz. The presented research methodology and obtained results are an element of new research methods developed for powered support based on virtual controllers. The applied solution generates less costs than the devices currently used, while its functionality is significantly greater. The system developed by the Authors supports innovative and, to a certain extent, intelligent IT solutions for testing control elements. This developed system is suitable to be applied in a wide range of research such as diagnosis of mining machinery control elements and other industries in the near future.

Experimental Study on Flow Measurement in Corrugated Metal Pipes Used in Irrigation Turnouts

AbstractAn innovative measurement system using submerged ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry (SUDV) has been adopted by the Lower Neches Valley Authority (LNVA) in Texas to measure flow velocity in corr...

The relationship regulator: a buyer-supplier collaborative performance measurement system

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an innovative buyer-supplier performance measurement system (PMS) (called relationship regulator – RelReg), aimed at stimulating collaboration on mutual performance. The RelReg is described all throughout the phases of its lifecycle: first, design features and visual representation of the new measurement framework are reported; second, guidelines on how to implement, use and review the system are provided, highlighting the role of the buyer and the supplier at each step.Design/methodology/approachA theory building and testing approach is applied. The RelReg developed features primarily ground on previous scientific contributions matched with empirical evidence collected through case studies, workshops and focus groups. The resulting conceptual model is then validated through a dyadic buyer-supplier case study.FindingsTwo conceptual frameworks are provided: the RelReg dashboard – a multidimensional PMS; and the RelReg lifecycle – set of activities to be performed by both the buyer and the supplier all along the adoption process. Moreover, empirical insights on relevant issues to be considered when adopting the RelReg are reported.Originality/valueThe RelReg represents an innovative and smart tool, allowing buyer-supplier dyads to collaborate on relationship performance.