Microcontroller-based Control System Research Articles

Web Integrated Continuous Positive Airway Pressure System

Keywords: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP) 1, Sleep Apnea 2, Neonatal 3, Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) 4, Premature baby 5, Transpiration medical device 6, Internet of Things 7 CPAP, a non-invasive ventilation method crucial in neonatal care, has significant implications for the survival of very low birth weight preterm infants. However, its widespread adoption is hindered by cost constraints and the need for additional features like Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) monitoring. This study seeks to overcome these challenges by developing an affordable CPAP device for Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). By incorporating sensors for data collection and a microcontroller-based control system, this device aims to optimize CPAP function while minimizing energy consumption. Furthermore, the collected data will be securely stored on a cloud platform, potentially benefiting both neonatal care and sleep apnea management. Recognizing the vital role of sleep in human health, this innovation underscores the importance of restorative rest for physical and mental well-being. Highlights: · Web-integrated CPAP devices often come with remote monitoring capabilities. This allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients' CPAP usage data, including compliance and efficacy metrics, without requiring in-person visits. This feature facilitates better patient management and allows for timely intervention if issues arise. · These devices typically track and record various parameters such as usage hours, mask leaks, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and pressure settings. The data can be accessed by both patients and healthcare providers, providing insights into treatment progress and effectiveness over time. · Many web-integrated CPAP devices offer cloud connectivity, allowing users to sync their data to secure online platforms. This feature enables seamless access to CPAP usage data from multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, enhancing convenience and flexibility for users. · Some modern CPAP machines offer wireless connectivity options, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, enabling users to connect their devices to compatible accessories or smartphone apps. This connectivity allows for features like remote control of device settings, automatic software updates, and integration with health tracking apps for a more comprehensive health management experience. · The integration of web-based CPAP platforms with telemedicine services allows for virtual consultations between patients and healthcare providers. This feature enhances access to care, particularly for patients in remote or underserved areas, and enables real-time adjustments to CPAP settings based on patient feedback and data analysis.

Performance and Emission Characteristics Using Dual Injection System of Gasoline and Ethanol

This study successfully investigated the engine performance and emission characteristics of a dual injection system that uses both gasoline and ethanol fuels. The study utilized a microcontroller-based control system (PGM-FI) to substitute ethanol fuel injection for gasoline injection. Ethanol fuel was injected at the inlet with three different pressures: 1.0 bar, 1.2 bar, and 1.4 bar, while gasoline injector pressure was fixed at 2 bar. Results showed that substituting ethanol injection with a pressure of 1 bar resulted in a slight decrease in torque and power, but it was the best compared to the other pressures tested. The study found that the use of ethanol injection resulted in improved fuel economy at an ethanol injector pressure of 1 bar with a reduction in SFC of 8.89%. Exhaust emissions were also reduced, with a maximum reduction in CO emissions of 42.54% occurring at a pressure of 1 bar. Similarly, the lowest HC content in exhaust gas was observed at a pressure of 1 bar, which was reduced by 44.48%. However, the results highlighted that ethanol injection pressure could significantly reduce fuel consumption for case A-04 and increase the air-fuel ratio.

Automation of Microcontroller-Based Control System for Ph, Temperature, and Turbidity of Aquarium Water

This research is an experimental study to know the effectiveness of the control system for pH, temperature, and turbidity of aquarium water in ornamental fish cultivation. The method used is by assembling an automation tool for controlling the pH, temperature, and turbidity of the aquarium water based on a microcontroller, which is then compared with an aquarium without a control system. This tool is designed using the Arduino Uno as a system controller, the pH sensor E-201-C as a measuring tool for pH levels with a solenoid valve to drain pH up and pH down as a stabilizer for water pH levels, the DS18B20 sensor as a temperature measurement tool by utilizing a heater and DC fan as a water temperature stabilizer, and the turbidity sensor as a turbidity measurement tool with a clean water replacement system as a water turbidity stabilizer. Based on the experiments carried out, it was found that there were significant differences between aquariums using a control system automation tool compared to aquariums without a control system tool. This means that the system that is made is effective and proven to be able to maintain the environmental conditions of ornamental fish with measurement results of pH ranging from 7–7.5, the temperature of 24°–27°C, and water turbidity of 10 NTU.

A Supermarket Anti-Theft Scanner : digiSCAN

Supermarket shopping is an essential part of the livelihood of most people around the world. Consumers can acquire items essential for their daily activities. However, in an ever-evolving world with an increasing population and increasing crime rates, supermarket theft is becoming a prevalent problem with supermarket owners spending large sums of money on hiring security often with little effect. Organized Retail Crime (ORC) costs the retail industry approximately $30 billion each year, with 71.3% of retailers reporting an increase in ORC year-over-year. With the current global economic conditions, high labor costs are longer feasible. Consumers also face the issue of paying for items they did not select. Advanced camera systems, for some, may be an escape however, this approach is not feasible for all aspects of shopping and in underdeveloped countries that have technical constraints. The advent of digitization has helped improve the livelihood of consumers in Ghana. Currently, many large-scale retailers are oblivious to some of these advancements. The oblivion of the management of such retail services results in the loss of products, customer dissatisfaction, and the mismanagement of untracked products by employees. To reduce theft and the mismanagement of products by employees, a smart antitheft system should be deployed in supermarkets; at the till and before the exit of supermarkets to ensure all products leaving the store are paid for and accounted for. The system consists of a deactivation and theft detection system. The product is deactivated by the store attendant at the till when the customer pays for the product. However, if a customer crosses the initial warning zone without paying, a warning sound is triggered and after the customer crosses the final warning zone, the alarm is triggered indicating an attempted theft by the customer. A log of products is also kept ensuring employees are not stealing products. This paper presents a smart way of detecting theft during supermarket shopping using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and tags, a microcontroller-based control system, a database server, and an Integromat.

A Supermarket Anti-Theft RFID Scanner : digiSCAN

Supermarket shopping is an essential part of the livelihood of most people around the world. Consumers can acquire items essential for their daily activities. However, in an ever-evolving world with an increasing population and increasing crime rates, supermarket theft is becoming a prevalent problem with supermarket owners spending large sums of money on hiring security often with little effect. Organized Retail Crime (ORC) costs the retail industry approximately $30 billion each year, with 71.3% of retailers reporting an increase in ORC year-over-year. With the current global economic conditions, high labor costs are longer feasible. Consumers also face the issue of paying for items they did not select. Advanced camera systems, for some, may be an escape however, this approach is not feasible for all aspects of shopping and in underdeveloped countries that have technical constraints. The advent of digitization has helped improve the livelihood of consumers in Ghana. Currently, many large-scale retailers are oblivious to some of these advancements. The oblivion of the management of such retail services results in the loss of products, customer dissatisfaction and the mismanagement of untracked products by employees. To reduce theft and the mismanagement of products by employees, a smart antitheft system should be deployed in supermarkets; at the till and before the exit of supermarkets to ensure all products leaving the store are paid for and accounted for. The system consists of a deactivation and theft detection system. The product is deactivated by the store attendant at the till when the customer pays for the product. However, if a customer crosses the initial warning zone without paying, a warning sound is triggered and after the customer crosses the final warning zone, the alarm is triggered indicating an attempted theft by the customer. A log of products is also kept ensuring employees are not stealing products. This paper presents a smart way of detecting theft during supermarket shopping using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and tags, microcontroller-based control system, a database server and an Integromat

A Smart Pest Control System Based on Automated Reverse Aerodynamics and Suction Technology

Abstract: Many diseases (including malaria, one of the deadliest diseases especially to those living in developing nations which kills hundreds on daily basis) are transmitted by household insects. Mosquitoes, one of these insects, bites humans and sucks their blood and are pathogens of several diseases (especially malaria) which causes ill health and many times lead to death if it is not well treated. This necessitates the need to smartly eliminate them without chemicals, which may be harmful to human health. This research aims at the design and development of a smart insect trap which attracts and contains household insects and pests automatically. The device incorporates a dual power supply that powers and charges the system, sensors which detects the presence of insects and triggers the vacuum suction mechanism automatically, a charge controller for controlling the charging of the installed battery, an ultraviolet light emitting section that lures the insects to the device, a chamber for containment and dehydration of the insect, and a smart microcontroller based control system. The developed design is smart, environmentally safe, portable and highly cost effective yet very efficient in eliminating household pathogen-transmitting insects and pests Keywords: reverse aerodynamics, pest control, smart systems, insect trap, vacuum suction, mosquitoes.

Development of an Automated Nebulizer Spray Pyrolysis System and Its Application in the P-N junction Diode Fabrication

An automated nebulizer spray pyrolysis (ANSP) system is developed for fabricating p-Zn:CuO/n-Si junction diode. The mechanical carriage for the X-Y movement and the proposed ANSP system is designed using the Solid Works design software tool. ATmega-328 microcontroller-based control system was developed to control and move the spray nozzle in the X and Y-axis direction. Zn:CuO (p-type) precursor solution is sprayed on the silicon wafer (n-type) using this ANSP system to form p-Zn:CuO/n-Si junction diode. The process parameters and operating conditions were optimized. The fabricated p-Zn:CuO/n-Si junction diode parameters such as ideality factor (η) and barrier height (φb) were studied under dark and light conditions using Keithley electrometer. The investigation results revealed that the junction diode has the lowest ideality factor and barrier height.

Performance Analysis of Fuzzy Logic Controller Applied on Portable Roaster

Roaster is a device commonly used to roast various products, especially for food processing. In the roasting process, temperature parameter plays a major role in determining the final quality of the roasted product. In real-world applications, some products must be roasted at low temperatures such as cocoa products and others must be roasted at high temperatures such as coffee products. In addition, roasting is sometimes not always carried out at a constant temperature, but sometimes it must be done at various roasting temperature levels for the purpose of forming the optimal flavour. Thus, a roaster must be able to operate at the desired operating temperature, not only a constant operating temperature but also able to work with varying operating temperatures. For this purpose, a roaster must be equipped with a reliable temperature controller. Several control models have been developed by many researchers, including fuzzy logic control. This research was conducted to design, implement, and evaluate the performance of a control system based on fuzzy logic on a laboratory scale portable roaster. For this study, a fuzzy control system with two input variables, namely the difference in temperature and changes in temperature difference as well as one control signal output variable, had been designed to regulate the roasting temperature on the roaster. To evaluate its performance, the domain membership function of the input and output variables was varied. The design was then applied to the microcontroller-based control system hardware attached to the portable roaster. The test results show that the fuzzy logic control was able to regulate the roast temperature stably. With a varied roast temperature setpoint, the control system can follow and maintain the target with small temperature variation.

Microcontroller-based control system design using step counter method in drilling fixture

Automation in the manufacturing process in the industry today is absolutely needed. Advances in technology has changed the characteristics of the manufacturing industry. The development of robotics, visualization technology and collaborative automation has increased the development of the manufacturing industry, enabling automation to be applied not only in the mass production process but also in low volume production. This is done to pursue the benefits of investing in industrial automation machines: productivity, accuracy, safety, cost savings, quality improvement, and repeatability. Industrial automation is the main key in following the development of technology into industry 4.0. This study aims to propose a new pneumatic system using the microcontroller by implementing the step counter methods. In this research, it is used to control a drilling fixture that has 3 (three) DACs. The Arduino microcontroller system used in this study to perform the step counter methods. Arduino type Mega 2560 control system has 10 inputs and 10 outputs for the 5/2 directional control valve (5/2 directional control valve – DCV. Through the application of this method, the preparation of microcontroller-based control circuits can be done in a structured and easier way, both the steps of preparation, control, and troubleshooting.

Peripheral interface controller-based maximum power point tracking algorithm for photovoltaic DC to DC boost controller

A method of developing a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) utilizing a peripheral interface controller (PIC) is presented in this paper. The efficiency and adequacy of a PV depend on the temperature and the exposed position to the sun. Thus, there is an optimum point at which the operating power is at maximum. The goal is to operate the PV module at this point (MPP). It can be accomplished by using the MPPT algorithm designed with a DC-DC boost converter. The boost converter, MPPT circuit, PIC18F4550 microcontroller and PV panel are the main components used in this design. The current and voltage produced by the solar panel are observed continuously by a closed-loop control system. The microcontroller-based control system adjusts the duty cycle of the converter to extract the maximum power. With a DC input voltage of 15 V, the boost converter is capable of generating an output voltage of an approximately 60 Vdc at a maximum power of 213.42 W with minimum voltage ripple as compared to 84 W without the MPPT. It proved the effectiveness of the developed algorithm.

Microcontroller-based control system for safe grain storage in silo

This study developed a control system that could continuously monitor temperature and relative humidity, measure moisture content non-destructively, and control storage condition to a safe level. The developed control system used Arduino program because it is an open source and the components of the hardware are locally available. It was evaluated using small-scale metal silo during wet season at the University of the Philippines - Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. During the evaluation, the average temperature, relative humidity, and dewpoint temperature of the ambient air were 27 °C, 87 %, and 24 °C respectively. These parameters are not favourable for safe grain storage, however, the developed control system monitors the storage condition inside the silo and regulate the environment by switching on and off a fan and heater. The average temperature and water activity of the stored grains were 34°C and 0.65 respectively. Though there was an increase in relative humidity and decrease of temperature inside the silo, the condition was still within the safe level for storage. This was proven by the low moisture content (12.0%) of the stored grains in the controlled silo. During the evaluation period, the moisture content of the grains stored in the conventional silo was maintained at its initial 14% moisture however, it showed a fluctuation trend. The developed device which also reads moisture content with a mean difference value of 0.25% meets the acceptable tolerance of 0.5% for a meter to like-type meter standard. Hence, this confirms the acceptable reading of the device.

Development of a Microcontroller Based DC Motor Speed Control System

This work reports the development of a microcontroller based control system to change the speed of a DC motor. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique was used to control the amount of power delivered to the load (the DC motor) without dissipating any wasted power. The components and assembly of this microcontroller circuit are highlighted in this paper, and the constructed circuit tested. This device was used to control the speed of a rotating fan attached to a DC motor. The DC motor speed variations were read from a Tachometer connected to this motor and the results obtained show good agreement with our expectations. DC Motor speed microcontroller devices find applications in many areas of life, and its applications in small scale industrial settings will no doubt enhance the quest for development in a developing nation like ours.

AUTOMATION IN GEAR SHIFTING MECHANISM

For the vehicle to move forward the engine has to be connected to driving wheels so as to propel the vehicle. The engine rotates at relatively high speeds, while the wheels are required to turn at slower speeds. The torque requirements of the vehicle vary as per the prevailing conditions of load, terrain etc. Gear box provides different gear ratios between the engine and the driving wheels, to suit the varying road conditions such as when climbing hills, traversing rough road or sandy road or pulling a load. The required gear shift for providing varying torque requirements can be obtained either manually or automatically. Automatic gear shifting mechanism is a concept implementing an embedded control system for actuating the gears automatically without human intervention. The automation is achieved by using a microcontroller and suitable sensor and actuator hardware. Whenever the speed of the vehicle increases or decreases beyond a pre-defined set of values, the microcontroller based control system actuates the clutch as well as the gear and helps maintain a steady operation of the automobile.

Energy Flow Control with Using Arduino Microcontroller in Off-Grid Hybrid Power Generation System Including Different Solar Panels and Fuel Cell

This study included a practice for efficient and effective energy use when control algorithms related to energy flow of hybrid energy generation system consisting of different types of solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film) and fuel cell were performed. An Arduino microcontroller–based control system was designed in order to use the energy generated efficiently and effectively in hybrid power generating systems which consist of solar panels, battery packs, fuel cell and direct current and alternating current loads. Routing of energy was performed by relays, and the processes such as monitoring and saving of data belonging to the energy generating system and manual control of the relays optionally were performed via a LabVIEW program on the computer. The electrical energy produced by each solar panel, energy demand of the load and charge–discharge conditions of the batteries were monitored through the control system designed for energy flow control. The data were analyzed and the performances of these three control algorithms were compared. It was determined which of these three different control algorithms had the most effective and efficient energy usage.

Investigation Efficiency and Microcontroller-Based Energy Flow Control for Wind-Solar-Fuel Cell Hybrid Energy Generation System with Battery Storage

In this proposal, microcontroller-based energy flow control was designed in order to effectively and efficiently enable the use of energy sources in a hybrid energy generation system including wind, solar, and hydrogen energy. It was assumed that the hybrid energy generation system is dynamic during the design of the microcontroller-based energy flow control. A wind–solar energy generation system was determined as the base load power plant. Depending on the demand, the battery group and fuel cell were activated effectively. If an energy surplus occurred, it was stored in battery groups and transformed into hydrogen energy via a hydrogen generator simultaneously. In addition to providing energy sustainability, a constant active status of the energy storage group was prevented and the physical life of the group was prolonged by means of the microcontroller-based control system. If consumer demand could not be met by the main energy sources including wind and solar energy, the battery groups and fuel cell were activated and provided the energy sustainability. After a certain level of charge was reached in the battery group, it was deactivated via the control system in order to prevent unnecessary use of energy. By means of the microcontroller-based control system, the usage of energy generated with the hybrid energy generation system was analysed according to its efficiency.

SOPHIA: Soft Orthotic Physiotherapy Hand Interactive Aid

This work describes the design, fabrication and initial testing of a Soft Orthotic Physiotherapy Hand Interactive Aid (SOPHIA) for stroke rehabilitation. SOPHIA consists of: 1.) A soft robotic exoskeleton, 2.) A microcontroller based control system driven by a Brain-Machine Interface (BMI), and 3.) A sensorised glove for passive rehabilitation. In contrast to other rehabilitation devices, SOPHIA is the first modular prototype of a rehabilitation system that is capable of three tasks: aiding extension based assistive rehabilitation, monitoring patient exercises, and guiding passive rehabilitation. Our results show that this prototype of the device is capable of helping healthy subjects to open their hand. Finger extension is triggered by a command from the BMI, while using a variety of sensors to ensure a safe motion. All data gathered from the device will be used to guide further improvements to the prototype, aiming at developing specifications for the next generation device, which could be used in future clinical trials.

Online Inspection and Output Control Communication Tools in Machine Vision based Application

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to develop online inspection of the quality of the machined components using Machine Vision (MV) and the tools required for its implementation in real time with low budget. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In this online inspection study, a belt conveyor model is fabricated for the movement of the machined component and their images are taken using a web camera connected to a PC through the USB port. These images are analyzed using MATLAB software and outputs a signal to the PIC microcontroller based control system in order to allow/eject the good or bad components with the help of pneumatic control systems. Findings: Applications of Machine vision were utilized in various automation processes. In this study, low cost automation tools are implemented for online inspection of machined components. A PIC16F870 microcontroller based control system was connected to a PC through the serial port. A separate serial port MAX 232 communication board was interfaced between PC and microcontroller. The image of the standard quality machined component geometry was taken and compared with machined components using Matlab software. Before implementing the whole set up, image processing output signals were simulated, verified using virtual port driver software and protest circuit design software. Only quality components are passed to the other end of the conveyor where as the faulty components are ejected by the pneumatic control system. Application/Improvements: The accuracy of the images can be improved by taking images using a CCD camera. The time required for analyzing the images of machined components should be reduced by using high processor speed computers.

Optimization of the Operation and Frequency Control of Electromagnetic Vibratory Feeders

A realized frequency and amplitude controlled power converter for driving electromagnetic vibratory feeders is presented. By using a microcontroller-based control system designed for the converter, it was possible to accomplish continuous variation of the frequency and amplitude of vibrations, perform search of the resonant frequency of the mechanical vibratory system, and maintain the system in the state of resonance. Operation in the resonance mode is convenient since consumption of the system is kept at minimum. Finally, the corresponding experimental results are presented. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.22.1.14095

Comparative Experimental Analysis with and without Proposed Algorithm for MPPT using a DC-DC Converter for PV Array

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) array is an enormous source of green energy generation. Low efficiency and high cost is the great challenge of the solar systems. Various power electronic converter and algorithms are design to mitigate this challenge, Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm is one of them. In this paper a proposed algorithm is implemented through DC-DC converter. This proposed algorithm allows the PV array to work at its highest efficiency. Results from experiments show that the proposed MPPT algorithm improves overall system efficiency which is 89.37% higher compared to non MPPT System. To maximize the efficiency of the PV panel from zero to the maximum output, the entire range of the duty cycle needs to be used for the implementation of the proposed MPPT algorithm. In addition to this, a microcontroller based control system has been used in this work.

Microcontroller based Control System for Ultrasound NDT in Wood

This work presents a microcontrolled system for transmission, acquisition and processing of ultrasound signals developed for the nondestructive testing (NDT) of wood samples. The developed system is able to generate high amplitude pulses (up to 500 Vpp) to excite an ultrasonic transducer and, after the ultrasound waves have propagated through the wood sample, the signal is received, amplified and then acquired using the microcontroller. The system was implemented with the TMDXDOCKH52C1 Concerto Experimenter Kit - F28M35H52C1 microcontroller (Texas Instruments) and a pair of ultrasound transducers (GE 67038, 50kHz central frequency). Tests showed that the developed prototype meets the NDT application requirements. The data provided by the system can be used to determine the velocity, attenuation and other parameters of the ultrasound waves in wood samples for material characterization.