Control Interface Research Articles

Construction of a 2D/2D Vs-ZnIn2S4/Zn-TCPP heterojunction for effective charge transfer to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The integration of inorganic and organic semiconductor components in composites has tremendous potential in photocatalysis, owing to the ultrafast photogenerated exciton dissociation and slow carrier recombination kinetics at their interfaces, which can result in enhanced photocatalytic performances. By exploiting the synergy among morphology modulation, sulfur vacancy (Vs) engineering, and close interface control, a novel inorganic–organic Vs-ZnIn2S4/ tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) zinc porphyrin (Zn-TCPP) composite for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) was successfully synthesized via microwave-assisted solvothermal and self-assembly methods. The cocatalyst-free PHE rate of Vs-ZnIn2S4/Zn-TCPP (ZZT-20 %) reaches 8.997 mmol h−1 g−1 under visible light irradiation, which is 10.9, 2.2, and 67.1 times that of ZnIn2S4, Vs-ZnIn2S4, and Zn-TCPP, respectively. Moreover, the apparent quantum yield of ZZT-20 % under 420 nm monochromatic light (1.11 %) clearly exceeds that of Vs-ZnIn2S4. Testing experiments and DFT calculations revealed that the significantly enhanced PHE activity can be mainly attributed to the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism, which greatly improves the visible light response range and redox potentials. Remarkably, Vs sites act as electron traps, inducing the vertical transport of electrons within the bulk phase and their accumulation at the surface Zn–S bonds. Simultaneously, van der Waals forces and weak hydrogen bonds between Vs-ZnIn2S4 and the Zn-TCPP interface cause the rapid migration of photogenerated electrons to Zn-TCPP. This work not only reveals new insights into the structure–property relationships of inorganic–organic Vs-ZnIn2S4 and Zn-TCPP composites, but also provides an appropriate strategy for cleaner water resourcelization and sustainable solar energy conversion.

Effects of Glass Transmittance, Font Brightness and Font Size on Text Legibility in LCD Home Appliance Interface

This study experimentally investigated the impacts of major design variables of a liquid crystal display (LCD) home appliance control interface on interface text legibility. The home appliance of interest was a washing machine. The experimental setup simulated a real-world washing machine usage condition challenging in terms of visual information processing. Independent variables were surface glass transmittance (25%, 50%, and 75%), font brightness (60%, 75%, and 100% at 25, 44, and 90 cd/m²), and font height (3, 5, and 7 mm). Response time (RT) and proportion of errors (PE) were employed as the dependent measures. Regression analysis was conducted to analyze data. The results showed that: (a) an increase in the font height resulted in decreases in RT and PE, and (b) increasing glass transmittance and font brightness reduced RT and PE for the 3 and 5 mm font heights. The study findings would inform the design of home appliance control interfaces.

Usability of personalized thermal control systems by people with intellectual disabilities in energy poverty

This study assessed the usability of three readily available Personalized Thermal Control Systems (PECS)—an electric blanket, a small personal fan, and a large pedestal fan—among individuals with intellectual disabilities living independently in energy poverty conditions in Chile. The research aimed to identify the primary usability challenges that affect the adoption and operational effectiveness of these technologies and, consequently, their potential to enhance thermal comfort. Results indicated that devices with more advanced control features, i.e. the large pedestal fan, presented the most significant usability challenges, followed by the electric blanket and the small personal fan. Key usability issues included poor visibility, inadequate material choice, ineffective communication, bad affordance, and inadequate levels of touch sensitivity of the control interface in these PECS. The study also showed a large variance in the level of adoption of the PECS among participants, thereby indicating that users have different individual attitudes, ranging from passive acceptance to proactive exploration and use. To conclude, this study advocates for the necessity of developing easily operable PECS that cater to the specific needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities, thereby supporting their autonomy and improving their quality of life in thermally comfortable environments.

Wideband 2×2 antenna-in-package based on magneto-electric dipole array antenna for 5G mmWave applications

This paper presents an antenna-in-package (AiP) design realised with the conventional multi-layer printed circuit board manufacturing method. The design consists of a wideband 2×2 magneto-electric dipole array antenna operating from 24.25−29.5 GHz and a wideband transition from the analogue beamformer integrated into the proposed MED array antenna (IMED). The IMED array antenna has been fabricated with two distinct NXP analogue beamformer chips, i.e., MMW 9004 KC and MMW 9002 KC covering the N257 and the N258 band, respectively. The measured effective isotropic radiated power at P1dB was 35.3 dBm and 35.1 dBm for the IMED with the MMW 9004 KC and the MMW 9002 KC analogue beamformer chip, respectively. Our proposed antenna demonstrates the feasibility of designing a single wideband AiP that can be integrated with different analogue beamformers operating within the frequency band of the proposed antenna. This is true, provided the RFIC used for integration has the same footprint for RF ports, serial peripheral interface control ports, and DC power supply ports. The primary benefit of the proposed technique is the design antenna can adapt the operating frequency to different frequency standards by incorporating additional analogue chips without increasing the design complexity. This feature enables the antenna manufacturer to tailor the antenna products to different frequency standardisations depending on where the antenna will be employed. The AiP operates at 5G millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies, with the potential for Internet of Things applications. Furthermore, from our simulation results, the proposed IMED can potentially be extended as a phased array antenna with 2D scanning.

Applying MBSE to Optimize Satellite and Payload Interfaces in Early Mission Phases

The use of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) has been increasingly explored recently in industries that require multi-discipline engineering coordination. In the European space industry, applying MBSE for the engineering of space systems has been an ongoing undertaking on many missions. In the following paper, the MBSE activities in CAMEO conducted during the A/B1 phases of a typical Earth observation satellite engineered by Airbus are discussed in detail in the form of a case study. The analyses shown are based around the modeling of the spacecraft electrical interfaces in CAMEO. This model was used to automate electrical interface control documents (EICDs) and enable the control of electrical interface development. These methodologies were further put in the context of Airbus’ satellite design processes to assess the benefits of an MBSE approach to the current electrical interface engineering procedure and the potential for the reuse of CAMEO models between satellite projects. The reduction in system engineering effort through the reuse of models to modularly create similar satellite systems for efficient concept evaluation and comparison is a clear benefit.

Functional Electrical Stimulation and Brain-Machine Interfaces for Simultaneous Control of Wrist and Finger Flexion.

Brain-machine interface (BMI) controlled functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a promising treatment to restore hand movements to people with cervical spinal cord injury. Recent intracortical BMIs have shown unprecedented successes in decoding user intentions, however the hand movements restored by FES have largely been limited to predetermined grasps. Restoring dexterous hand movements will require continuous control of many biomechanically linked degrees-of-freedom in the hand, such as wrist and finger flexion, that would form the basis of those movements. Here we investigate the ability to restore simultaneous wrist and finger flexion, which would enable grasping with a controlled hand posture and assist in manipulating objects once grasped. We demonstrate that intramuscular FES can enable monkeys with temporarily paralyzed hands to move their fingers and wrist across a functional range of motion, spanning an average 88.6 degrees at the metacarpophalangeal joint flexion and 71.3 degrees of wrist flexion, and intramuscular FES can control both joints simultaneously in a real-time task. Additionally, we demonstrate a monkey using an intracortical BMI to control the wrist and finger flexion in a virtual hand, both before and after the hand is temporarily paralyzed, even achieving success rates and acquisition times equivalent to able-bodied control with BMI control after temporary paralysis in two sessions. Together, this outlines a method using an artificial brain-to-body interface that could restore continuous wrist and finger movements after spinal cord injury.

(Invited) Biofabricated Carbon Nanotube Electronics: Toward Energy-Efficient Switches in Multi-Dimensional Integration

High-performance Si devices are approaching their physical boundaries during the continuous miniaturization following Moore's Law. New semiconductor materials are in urgent necessity, among which, carbon nanotubes（CNTs）are suggested by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors（ITRS）as potential candidate to continue Moore's Law due to its quasi-one-dimensional structure and excellent electrical properties.To unleash the advantages of CNTs in the post-Moore era, optimizing materials morphology, interfaces composition, and integrated structure proves to be pivotal, which constitutes the basic idea of our research. Regarding material morphology, we have fabricated evenly spaced parallel CNT materials with a spacing down to 10nm, by employing the DNA-directed high-precision assembly method. At CNT interface, we have realized fast on/off switching high-performance switches by engineering the interfacial compositions. Individual CNT displays 1G0 conductance with subthreshold swing superior to conventional Si transistors. Furthermore, we built the preliminary foundation to integrate CNT transistors into multi-dimensional circuits. Based on the control of material, interface, and integration structure, our work elucidates the potential of constructing energy-efficient computing circuit using carbon nanotube electronics.

Solid-State Electrolytes: Probing Interface Regulation from Multiple Perspectives.

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), as the heart of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), are recognized as the next-generation energy storage solution, offering high safety, extended cycle life, and superior energy density. SSEs play a pivotal role in ion transport and electron separation. Nonetheless, interface compatibility and stability issues pose significant obstacles to further enhancing ASSB performance. Extensive research has demonstrated that interface control methods can effectively elevate ASSB performance. This review delves into the advancements and recent progress of SSEs in interfacial engineering over the past years. We discuss the detailed effects of various regulation strategies and directions on performance, encompassing enhancing Li+ mobility, reducing energy barriers, immobilizing anions, introducing interlayers, and constructing unique structures. This review offers fresh perspectives on the development of high-performance lithium-metal ASSBs.

Optimization of electrical control equipment interface layout with cognitive load based on pso algorithm

Abstract Addressing the complexity of current impregnation machine electrical control interfaces, this study proposes optimization methods for their layout design. It incorporates factors affecting cognitive load during interface interaction, formulating three principles: highlighting essential elements, operation sequence, and element relevance. These principles guide the construction of a mathematical model for the optimization of electrical equipment control interface layouts. The Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is applied to solve the model’s objective function, producing optimized layouts, which are then validated through eye-tracking experiments. The results demonstrate the method’s effectiveness in optimizing control interface layouts, aligning with operators’ intuitive logic.

Gesture recognition technology: a new dimension in human-computer interaction interface

Development of an interface for intelligent gesture control to improve user experience and increase the efficiency of interaction with a computer. This paper proposes a gesture recognition system based on artificial intelligence using convolutional neural networks (CNN). The system comprises three stages: pre-processing, optimal frame determination, and gesture category identification. The extracted features used are independent of movement, scaling, and rotation, providing greater flexibility to the system. The suggested gesture control technology, known as Kazakh Sign Language (KSL) for Kazakh alphabets, eliminates the need for additional devices, enabling users to interact with the system naturally. Experiments demonstrated that the proposed KSL system can accurately recognize Kazakh language alphabet letters with a high precision of 97.3%, owing to the utilization of artificial intelligence and CNN to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of gesture control. Gestures, a type of visual formation, are perceivable by computers through machine learning models. The selection of methods and systems for recognizing Kazakh sign language gestures was accompanied by addressing various challenges related to language-specific orthographic and gestural features. The developed gesture control interface for human-computer interaction is applied in the field of inclusive education, aiming to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing children in learning sign language.

The interfacial synergistic catalysis effect within Cu/ZrO2 heterogeneous catalyst for highly efficient and selective electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4

Highly selective production of valuable methane from electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR) is a highly attractive yet particularly challenging route for CO2 utilization. Constructing Cu/metal-oxide (MOx) heterogeneous interface is a feasible strategy for efficient catalyst design, which can realize the electronic control of the surface interface by utilizing the synergistic effect between Cu and metal-oxide. Here we constructed Cu/ZrO2 heterogeneous interface to synthesize a new Cu2+ catalyst. The XPS measurements confirmed that the appropriate ratio of Cu/ZrO2 can effectively stabilize Cu2+ at Cu-O-Zr interface against reduction. The CO temperature-programmed desorption experiments (CO-TPD) showed that the high relative content of Cu2+ in 0.2Cu/ZrO2 can significantly strengthen the adsorption stability of the *CO, which in turn promotes the protonation of the *CO intermediate instead of dimerization, further favoring the generation of methane. The activity data showed the distinctly superior reactivity of 0.2Cu/ZrO2 catalyst, which exhibits an ultra-high faradaic efficiency (FE) of CH4 of 72.0 % and a low FEC2H4 of 2.9 %. This work unravels the valence state and performance relationship of Cu/ZrO2 catalysts and provides a new insight into the electrosynthesis of CH4 as product.

The cerebellum computes frequency dynamics for motions with numerical precision and cross-individual uniformity.

Cross-individual variability is considered the essence of biology, preventing precise mathematical descriptions of biological motion1-7 like the physics law of motion. Here we report that the cerebellum shapes motor kinematics by encoding dynamic motor frequencies with remarkable numerical precision and cross-individual uniformity. Using in-vivo electrophysiology and optogenetics in mice, we confirmed that deep cerebellar neurons encoded frequencies via populational tuning of neuronal firing probabilities, creating cerebellar oscillations and motions with matched frequencies. The mechanism was consistently presented in self-generated rhythmic and non-rhythmic motions triggered by a vibrational platform, or skilled tongue movements of licking in all tested mice with cross-individual uniformity. The precision and uniformity allowed us to engineer complex motor kinematics with designed frequencies. We further validated the frequency-coding function of the human cerebellum using cerebellar electroencephalography recordings and alternating-current stimulation during voluntary tapping tasks. Our findings reveal a cerebellar algorithm for motor kinematics with precision and uniformity, the mathematical foundation for brain-computer interface for motor control.

Modulating charge distribution of MIL@CuFe-Se by in-situ interface engineering for high performance supercapacitors

Designing hybrid materials with ideal interfacial interactions derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) remains significant but challenging for the realm of energy storage. Herein, a controllable dual interface engineering concept is proposed with the objective of eliminating the non-ideal effects by augmenting the interfacial contact area, enhancing the efficacy of charge transfer across interfaces. Specifically, electrode materials with dual interface (FeSe/Cu2Se and MIL/CuFe-Se) were well-designed by co-precipitation and in-situ selenide, where the FeSe/Cu2Se heterogeneous interface by in-situ selenitisation of CuFe prussian blue analogue (PBA) increases the surface roughness of nanocubes, enlarging the dual interfacial contact area of MIL/CuFe-Se and eliminating non-interfacial effects. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations confirm that the prepared electrodes exhibit both excellent rate performance and the ability to regulate interfacial charge transfer. Based on these advantages, the synthesised nanomaterials have a specific capacity of 913C/g at 1 A/g and a capacity retention of 86 % after 10,000 charge/discharge tests at 20 A/g. In addition, a hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) made of MIL@CuFe-Se (cathode) and activated carbon (AC, anode) has an energy density of 90 Wh kg−1 at 800 W kg−1 and a capacitance retention of 85.24 % after 10,000 cycles at 20 A/g. Remarkably, two MIL@CuFe-Se//AC HSC in series can illuminate a light emitting diode (LED) lamp, implying the potential application prospects. This study aims to identify a viable method for advancing the development of high-performance supercapacitor applications.

Toward next generation mixed reality games: a research through design approach

Mixed reality (MR) games refer to games that integrate physical entities with digitally mediated contents. Currently, it entails game creators to integrate heterogeneous virtual and physical components, which is often time-consuming and labor-intensive, without the support of a coherent technology stack. The underlying technodiversity manifested by the research corpus suggests a complicated, multi-dimensional design space that goes beyond merely technical concerns. In this research, we adopted a research-through-design approach and proposed an MR game technology stack that facilitates flexible, low-code game development. As design grounding, we first surveyed 34 state-of-the-art studies, and results were synergized into three different spectra of technological affordances, respectively activity range, user interface and feedback control, to inform our next design process. We then went through an iterative prototyping phase and implemented an MR game development toolset. A co-design workshop was conducted, where we invited 15 participants to try the prototype tools and co-ideate the potential use scenarios for the proposed technology stack. First-hand user feedback was collected via questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. As a result, four conceptual game designs with three major design implications were generated, which conjointly reflect a broader understanding on MR gameful experience and contribute fresh insights to this emerging research domain.

A Human-Computer Interaction Strategy for An FPGA Platform Boosted Integrated "Perception-Memory" System Based on Electronic Tattoos and Memristors.

The integrated "perception-memory" system is receiving increasing attention due to its crucial applications in humanoid robots, as well as in the simulation of the human retina and brain. Here, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform-boosted system that enables the sensing, recognition, and memory for human-computer interaction is reported by the combination of ultra-thin Ag/Al/Paster-based electronic tattoos (AAP) and Tantalum Oxide/Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (Ta2O5/IGZO)-based memristors. Notably, the AAP demonstrates exceptional capabilities in accommodating the strain caused by skin deformation, thanks to its unique structural design, which ensures a secure fit to the skin and enables the prolonged monitoring of physiological signals. By utilizing Ta2O5/IGZO as the functional layer, a high switching ratio is conferred to the memristor, and an integrated system for sensing, distinguishing, storing, and controlling the machine hand of multiple human physiological signals is constructed together with the AAP. Further, the proposed system implements emergency calls and smart homes using facial electromyogram signals and utilizing logical entailment to realize the control of the music interface. This innovative "perception-memory" integrated system not only serves the disabled, enhancing human-computer interaction but also provides an alternative avenue to enhance the quality of life and autonomy of individuals with disabilities.

Re-imagining the future state of the ventricular assist device controller interface through human-centered design.

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are effective therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure. Current VAD controllers offer improved interactivity, yet limitations of the visual, tactile, and auditory interface persist that impact patient experience and quality of life (QoL). This study explores how VAD controllers can be redesigned using a human-centered design approach to enhance the emotional and functional experience of the device for patients. VAD patients (n = 21), caregivers (n = 4) and healthcare practitioners (n = 24) were interviewed to uncover design opportunities. From this, a series of realistic scenarios to design for emerged. A "design by analogy" method took inspiration from existing consumer products to ideate new functionality for the VAD wearable system, creating concepts for a controller interface and paired wearable device. An additional 15 patients and 2 caregivers were engaged to explore current VAD controller experiences and evaluate the future-state concepts. This research validated the need for increased automation and emergency functionality in VAD controllers, including remote monitoring of data, accurate communication of battery status, and automated medical alerts for critical device alarms. "Manage my health," "Feeling normal," "Social belonging," "Feeling safe," and "Sense of control" emerged as key patient concerns to be met by future VAD controller designs. The study demonstrated an innovative and relevant approach to improve usability of future VAD peripherals. By considering both emotional and functional perspectives in the design of lifesaving medical devices such as VADs, device manufacturers can uncover new opportunities to improve patient QoL through improved user experiences.

Design analysis and development of a gantry robot for multi-layer 3-D concrete printing with simulation and experimental validation

The present study investigates the design analysis and development of a framed gantry robot (FGR) for 3-D concrete printing. Finite element simulations are performed for design validation and parameter estimation to conduct detailed analysis of the concrete printer. The kinematic and dynamic models of FGR are used for workspace analysis, motion control study, and motor sizing for printer development. The motion trajectory of the printer nozzle tip is evaluated using MATLAB simulations. An integrated programmable logic controller (PLC) with an in-built human-machine interface (HMI) through control algorithms has been implemented for interactive, user-friendly, and precise motion control. A separate control system is developed to monitor the pumping power and feed rate of mortar mix during printing. The simulated control scheme is validated experimentally using trajectory tracking for various input printing paths through HMI, with a maximum tracking error of 1 mm. Successful concrete printing trials have been conducted using various mix-design, following extensive evaluation of different printer and material parameters at the laboratory scale. The proposed design concept, mechanisms, interactive control interface, and tracking accuracy have been validated through simulation and experimental results, for ensuring quality concrete prints by the developed printer. Material testing parameters have been evaluated experimentally for modeling various mix-designs. To further evaluate printing performance, simulations of layer deformation in printed structures are conducted using finite element analysis, incorporating non-linear material models and various contact layer interactions. The simulated results of printed layers of different shapes of structures show a close resemblance with the experimental concrete printing trials.

Liquid-liquid reactions performed by cellular reactors

Liquid-liquid reactions play a significant role in organic synthesis. However, control of the phase interface between incompatible two-phase liquids remains challenging. Moreover, separating liquid acid, base and oxidants from the reactor takes a long time and high cost. To address these issues, we draw inspiration from the structure and function of cells in living organisms and develop a biomimetic 3D-printed cellular reactor. The cellular reactor houses an aqueous phase containing the catalyst or oxidant while immersed in the organic phase reactant. This setup controls the distribution of the phase interface within the organic phase and increases the interface area by 2.3 times. Notably, the cellular reactor and the aqueous phase are removed from the organic phase upon completing the reaction, eliminating additional separation steps and preventing direct contact between the reactor and acidic, alkaline, or oxidizing substances. Furthermore, the cellular reactor offers the advantages of digital design feasibility and cost-effective manufacturing.

Continuous reach-to-grasp motion recognition based on an extreme learning machine algorithm using sEMG signals.

Recognizing user intention in reach-to-grasp motions is a critical challenge in rehabilitation engineering. To address this, a Machine Learning (ML) algorithm based on the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) was developed for identifying motor actions using surface Electromyography (sEMG) during continuous reach-to-grasp movements, involving multiple Degrees of Freedom(DoFs). This study explores feature extraction methods based on time domain and autoregressive models to evaluate ELM performance under different conditions. The experimental setup encompassed variations in neuron size, time windows, validation with each muscle, increase in the number of features, comparison with five conventional ML-based classifiers, inter-subjects variability, and temporal dynamic response. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed ELM-based method, an openly available sEMG dataset containing data from 12 participants was used. Results highlight the method's performance, achieving Accuracy above 85%, F-score above 90%, Recall above 85%, Area Under the Curve of approximately 84% and compilation times (computational cost) of less than 1ms. These metrics significantly outperform standard methods (p < 0.05). Additionally, specific trends were found in increasing and decreasing performance in identifying specific tasks, as well as variations in the continuous transitions in the temporal dynamics response. Thus, the ELM-based method effectively identifies continuous reach-to-grasp motions through myoelectric data. These findings hold promise for practical applications. The method's success prompts future research into implementing it for more reliable and effective Human-Machine Interface (HMI) control. This can revolutionize real-time upper limb rehabilitation, enabling natural and complex Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like object manipulation. The robust results encourages further research and innovative solutions to improve people's quality of life through more effective interventions.

Realization of modularized corrector magnet power supply with N+1 redundancy for TPS facilities

This paper delves into implementing multi-module parallel current output using the existing TPS storage ring correction magnet power supply. We have devised a control interface card with N+1 redundancy to facilitate bipolar high-current parallel module output. To achieve this, we have employed various current feedback methods, including external DC Current Transducer (DCCT) and internal module current feedback signals. Following PI compensation, these feedback signals are amalgamated with reference current signals to compute compensation values for each module, which are subsequently disseminated to each Corrector Magnet Power Supply (CMPS) for modulation, thereby enabling closed-loop current control. A single CMPS module can deliver ± 48 V/± 10 A output, while up to eight CMPS modules can be interconnected, yielding a maximum output of ± 80 A. Through numerous experimental measurements, the long-term output current stability remains within 0.6 mA, or 7.5 ppm, with the output current spectrum predominantly maintained within 500 μA. Furthermore, the system boasts N+1 redundancy functionality and bipolar output current characteristics. These exemplary performance attributes underscore the criticality of our design for future applications of TPS magnet power supplies.