Real-time Module Research Articles

Modular Closed-Loop Control of Diabetes

Modularity plays a key role in many engineering systems, allowing for plug-and-play integration of components, enhancing flexibility and adaptability, and facilitating standardization. In the control of diabetes, i.e., the so-called "artificial pancreas," modularity allows for the step-wise introduction of (and regulatory approval for) algorithmic components, starting with subsystems for assured patient safety and followed by higher layer components that serve to modify the patient's basal rate in real time. In this paper, we introduce a three-layer modular architecture for the control of diabetes, consisting in a sensor/pump interface module (IM), a continuous safety module (CSM), and a real-time control module (RTCM), which separates the functions of insulin recommendation (postmeal insulin for mitigating hyperglycemia) and safety (prevention of hypoglycemia). In addition, we provide details of instances of all three layers of the architecture: the APS© serving as the IM, the safety supervision module (SSM) serving as the CSM, and the range correction module (RCM) serving as the RTCM. We evaluate the performance of the integrated system via in silico preclinical trials, demonstrating 1) the ability of the SSM to reduce the incidence of hypoglycemia under nonideal operating conditions and 2) the ability of the RCM to reduce glycemic variability.

A Real-Time Conductor Sag Measurement System Using a Differential GPS

A real-time and “direct” method of measuring the absolute value of sag on a transmission-line conductor using a differential global positioning system (DGPS) is presented. The method includes a real-time data-processing module integrated into the DGPS system. The GPS signals corresponding to physical movement of the midspan of a transmission-line conductor were obtained so that conductor-to-ground clearance could be recorded in real time. Several field tests were designed and implemented to test the DGPS method under varying conditions of the transmission-line current. A comparison of results obtained from the DGPS method with those from a laser-range finder indicates an accuracy of 1 in.

Enhancing the Accuracy of Subcutaneous Glucose Sensors: A Real-Time Deconvolution-Based Approach

Minimally invasive continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors can greatly help diabetes management. Most of these sensors consist of a needle electrode, placed in the subcutaneous tissue, which measures an electrical current exploiting the glucose-oxidase principle. This current is then transformed to glucose levels after calibrating the sensor on the basis of one, or more, self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) samples. In this study, we design and test a real-time signal-enhancement module that, cascaded to the CGM device, improves the quality of its output by a proper postprocessing of the CGM signal. In fact, CGM sensors measure glucose in the interstitium rather than in the blood compartment. We show that this distortion can be compensated by means of a regularized deconvolution procedure relying on a linear regression model that can be updated whenever a pair of suitably sampled SMBG references is collected. Tests performed both on simulated and real data demonstrate a significant accuracy improvement of the CGM signal. Simulation studies also demonstrate the robustness of the method against departures from nominal conditions, such as temporal misplacement of the SMBG samples and uncertainty in the blood-to-interstitium glucose kinetic model. Thanks to its online capabilities, the proposed signal-enhancement algorithm can be used to improve the performance of CGM-based real-time systems such as the hypo/hyper glycemic alert generators or the artificial pancreas.

Smart Home Energy Saving Switch Controller

With advances in technology, intelligent energy saving control technology in the life and production are widely used. The system control module by the MCU, LCD display module, real-time clock module, the keyboard module, infrared receiver module, Darlington driver module and relay switch modules, sockets can not solve the traditional switch and remote control automatic operation, allowing families to use power safer, more energy efficient.

An Ftp Implementation with Arm Processor and Gprs for Real Time Applications

In this paper, we present the principles of a low-cost Internet-based data processing system. The main h e a r t of the system is an embedded hardware (ARM 9) running with a Linux OS. The embedded device communicates through General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) module, which makes it accessible from anywhere in the world. The GPRS module provides a bidirectional real-time data transfer between the server and client. The proposed system will provide no need for server software and maintenance. This project can be implemented to any real time application so as to retrieve information from a data source of the server system using GPRS module, and send a file to the remote server through any GPRS enabled mobile device. Based on certain limitations this project may involve in transmitting, receiving a request/ file to and fro from server and the mobile device A new approach is introduced to reduce the operational a nd m a i n t e na nc e costs when dealing with real time or large amount of data. The system is suitable for different embedded applications by attaching several real-time modules through appropriate interfaces. Keywords - ARM, GPRS, GSM, FTP Server ,Data-acquisition, embedded system, interaction, Internet, Linux, real time.

Fpga Modelling and Real-Time Embedded Control Design Via Labview Software: Application for Swinging-Up a Pendulum

Abstract In this paper, Real-Time embedded control is designed via LabVIEW software for swinging-up a pendulum from its pending position to its upright position. Since the pendulum system has a typical nonlinear instable model, the control problem is achieved using the Astrom-Furuta energy control strategy. To overcome the complexities for the design and the real-Time implementation of the controller of the nonlinear system, FPGA and Real-Time Modules of LabVIEW software are used. A validation test is finally achieved using Proteus software via its Virtual Simulation Models (VSM). Simulation results show the capabilities of LabVIEW FPGA and Real-Time modules to customize control applications with flexible time control without VHDL coding or board design.

In vessel characterization and first power tests on plasma of the Real-Time controllable EC launcher on FTU Tokamak

The Electron Cyclotron (EC) fast launcher for real time control experiments has been installed on FTU and characterized to be fully integrated in a real-time MHD control module under development. The launcher scheme is based on a two module sys- tem, symmetric with respect to the equatorial plane of FTU, with a front steering concept and the launched beams are real-time controllable both in poloidal and toroidal directions. Specific design parameters, defined by the FTU MHD dynamics (typically island size and q profile changes), are the beam dimensions with zooming capabilities, the steering range and mirror speed with the most demanding requirement on poloidal speed of the Steering Mirror (SM) = 1 in 10 ms. A set of tests has been done to verify the system perfor- mance. High power tests of the launcher have been done on a 500 kA, 0.5 10 20 m -3 and 5.3 T plasma with 2 300 kW of EC power delivered to the plasma. The steering mechanism was tested under the automatic control system and showed a dynamic response in line with the requirements. Results of these tests will be presented in the paper.

Problems of SITL: Testing the Simulink model by CompactRIO

This article describes the testing of the Matlab model using NI CompactRIO real-time embedded controllers. If workplace has MATLAB and LabVIEW, the realization of testing becomes much cheaper than buying the Matlab real-time modules. The paper describes how to install all the programs and how to connect these programs each other, so we could easily test and debug MATLAB model using CompactRio and Labview.

Multi-span digital non-linear compensation for dual-polarization quadrature phase shift keying long-haul communication systems

We have numerically investigated a method to reduce the complexity of the digital backward propagation algorithm (DBP). A filtered logarithmic step-size based split-step Fourier method (SSFM) is investigated in this paper to digitally compensate chromatic dispersion (CD) and non-linearities (NL) in dual-polarization quadrature phase shift keying (DP-QPSK) systems. The algorithm was evaluated for coherently-detected multiple channel DP-QPSK system over un-compensated transmission links with diverse baud-rates i.e. 14GBaud, 28GBaud and 56GBaud. The results depict efficient mitigation of CD and NL, therefore improving the non-linear threshold point (NLT) by 4dB. Furthermore by implementing a low-pass-filter (LPF) in each DBP stage, the required number of DBP stages are significantly reduced (multi-span DBP) by 75%. The results delineate improved system performance of logarithmic step size based filtered DBP (FL-DBP) both in terms of efficiency and complexity which will be helpful in future deployment of DBP algorithm with real-time signal processing modules for non-linear compensation.

Software for Biomechanical Performance Analysis of Force Plate Data

Abstract Background: Force plates have been used in sports biomechanics since the 1960's. However, extracting useful information related to performance from curve analysis is a complicated process. It requires a combined knowledge in signal processing (filtering), mechanical equations, testing protocols, biomechanics, and discrete mathematical analysis to properly process the data. Objectives: The aim is to provide a practical and accurate tool to analyze force curves from select standard biomechanical performance tests (e.g., counter movement jump, drop jump). Methods The software is a tool built using Microsoft.Net framework. Key features of the software include: * Real-time data acquisition module able to acquire data from third-party 8 channel 3D force plates with real-time results for immediate feedback during tests. * Digital filtering module where the signal is treated for best fit for the analysis. * Analysis module able to calculate Force, Power, Velocities, Trajectories, Mechanical Impulse and Timing during the different phases of the tests using discrete analysis algorithms. * Reporting module for plotting and exporting selected variables. Results The software has been used by ASPIRE Academy Sport Scientists in performance assessments of professional and semi-professional athletes from Qatar and other countries. Currently, the software can analyze Counter Movement Jump, Drop Jump, Isometric Pulls and Squat Jump. It contains automatic algorithms to detect specific points for each test type, but allows the user to change these suggestions when needed. Feedback is immediate, in both graphical and numerical form. Conclusions: This novel software has proven to be a useful tool for immediate and accurate analysis and reporting of select field and lab based biomechanical tests. Going forward, further feedback from the applied users can lead to more features added. Considering the architecture of the software, adding more analysis modules is relatively simple. For example work is currently underway on a sprint running analysis module.

Implementation of Real-time Wheel Order Recognition System Based on the Predictive Parameters for Speaker's Intention

In this paper new enhanced post-process predicting the speaker's intention was suggested to implement the real-time control module for ship's autopilot using speech recognition algorithm. The parameter was developed to predict the likeliest wheel order based on the previous order and expected to increase the recognition rate more than pre-recognition process depending on the universal speech recognition algorithms. The values of parameter were assessed by five certified deck officers being good at conning vessel. And the entire wheel order recognition process were programmed to TMS320C5416 DSP so that the system could recognize the speaker's orders and control the autopilot in real-time. We conducted some experiments to verify the usefulness of suggested module. As a result, we have confirmed that the post-recognition process module could make good enough accuracy in recognition capabilities to realize the autopilot being operated by the speech recognition system.

A Multiscale Centennial Morphodynamic Model for the Southern Baltic Coast

Abstract The Darss-Zingst Peninsula on the southern Baltic Sea was formed after the Littorina transgression onset about 8000 cal. y BP. It originated from several discrete islands, has been reshaped by littoral currents and wind-induced waves during the last 8000 y, and evolved into a complex lagoon system as seen today; thus, it may serve as an example to study coastal evolution under long-term climate change. A methodology for developing a multiscale process-based morphodynamic model for simulation of decadal to centennial evolution of a wave-dominated coastal environment is presented here. The model consists of eight main modules. The two-dimensional vertically integrated current module, the wave module, the bottom boundary layer module, the sediment transport module, the cliff erosion module, and the nearshore storm module are real-time calculation modules that aim to solve the short-term processes. A bathymetry update module and a long-term control function set, in which the “reduction” concepts and ...

Novel Method for ELISA Traces Pipetting System by Air Displacement Pipetting

In the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, many steps need traces pipetting. The ELISA test results will be different when we use different pipetting ways. Our traces pipetting system is based on the air displacement pipetting principle, comparable to the functioning of hand pipettes. It is applied pressure sensor to realize pressure-based liquid level detection (pLLD) and aspiration monitoring. The monitored system can distinguish the following situations: (1) a correct aspiration; (2) cup empty; (3) tip-blocked; (4) bubbles. Using the air displacement principle into traces pipetting can avoid contamination or dilution by system liquids, and problems with corroded tubing, pumps, etc. It applied pressure sensor to realize pLLD and aspiration monitoring. The results of the real-time monitor module on air displacement pipetting show that the traces pipetting system can agilely distinguish the different liquid pipetting situations. The method of air displacement pipetting offered an effective way for ELISA traces pipetting system.

Application of the Modular Approach to an In-House Validation Study of Real-Time PCR Methods for the Detection and Serogroup Determination of Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli

European Commission regulation 2073/2005 on the microbiological criteria for food requires that Escherichia coli is monitored as an indicator of hygienic conditions. Since verocytotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC) strains often cause food-borne infections by the consumption of raw food, the Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended their monitoring in food as well. In particular, VTEC strains belonging to serogroups such as O26, O103, O111, O145, and O157 are known causative agents of several human outbreaks. Eight real-time PCR methods for the detection of E. coli toxin genes and their variants (stx(1), stx(2)), the intimin gene (eae), and five serogroup-specific genes have been proposed by the European Reference Laboratory for VTEC (EURL-VTEC) as a technical specification to the European Normalization Committee (CEN TC275/WG6). Here we applied a "modular approach" to the in-house validation of these PCR methods. The modular approach subdivides an analytical process into separate parts called "modules," which are independently validated based on method performance criteria for a limited set of critical parameters. For the VTEC real-time PCR module, the following parameters are being assessed: specificity, dynamic range, PCR efficiency, and limit of detection (LOD). This study describes the modular approach for the validation of PCR methods to be used in food microbiology, using single-target plasmids as positive controls and showing their applicability with food matrices.

The Development of a Novel Control System of Solid Desiccant Dehumidifier for Air Conditioning in Low Carbon Emission Buildings

The development of a control system of solid desiccant dehumidifier for air-conditioning is reported in this paper. The system is applied to monitor and control the internal conditions of air-conditioned buildings with a view to reducing carbon emissions. The system provides the following major functions: data acquisition, data processing and decision-making. The data acquisition module is built up within this system based on signal recognition and sensory technology to detect the operating status of the air-conditioned air. The real-time data processing module is implemented using data I/O communication to process received data and to transmit control commands to a controller interface. An experimental investigation was carried out by monitoring and controlling working conditions of the dehumidifier used in the air conditioning. Process control for solid desiccant dehumidification was performed by tuning NI-DAQ controller parameters to regulate humidity, temperature, flow rates, and other conditions of the air condition. Experimental result proves that the system has been successfully developed and applied for controlling/monitoring the operation of solid desiccant dehumidifier for air conditioning.

Using a custom-FPGA architecture to extend the scale of atomistic magnetic spin simulations

New computational solutions are required to understand how atomic-scale properties affect magnetic behaviour at micrometer dimensions. We describe a field-programmable-gate-array (FPGA) based simulation of a dilute antiferromagnet with a large number of Ising spins using Glauber dynamics. The simple atomic model qualitatively reproduces experimental findings when scaled up to sufficiently large spatial dimensions, and provides insight into the finite size thresholds separating nanoscale from microscale behaviour. A real-time visualisation module was used to study the dynamics of the fractal domain structure and non-exponential relaxation mechanism. A performance comparison with contemporary GPU and CPU implementations suggests that a FPGA route is a competitive alternative.

Spotted words recognition system based on Kalman filter and HMM (hidden Markove model) models to control the movement of the manipulator arm

The main objective of this paper is to implement a real-time speech recognition module to use it in controlling the movements of a five degree of freedom (FOD) manipulator arm using a Kalman filter as a selector in noisy environment and HHM model to recognise 12 Arabic spotted words. The adopted methodology is based on detecting and spotting vocabulary words within a phrase generated by user. The system recognises the spotted words using Kalman filter to select these spotted words then a robust HMM (hidden Markove model) technique with cepstral coefficients is used to improve the recognition rate. To implement the approach on a real-time application, a “personal computer parallel port interface” was designed to control the movement of a set of stepper motors. The user can control the movements of five degree of freedom (DOF) for a robot arm using a vocal phrase containing spotted words. Key words: Hidden Markove model, kinematics, Kalman filter, recognition, manipulator, robot, degree of freedom, artificial intelligence.

Multi-element synthetic aperture focusing photoacoustic imaging system with real-time digital beamformer technique

Photoacoustic imaging takes the merits of simultaneous high optical contrast and low acoustical scattering, and has been proven to be a potential tool for noninvasive diagnosis of cancer tumors in an early stage. An integrated prototype multi-element synthetic aperture focusing photoacoustic imaging system using real-time digital beamformer (96 scan lines of each frame image) is designed, fabricated and tested. The combined system with multi-channel signal acquisition and real-time digital beam-formation module implements real-time dynamic receiving focus and apodization technique to process the photoacoustic signal, which is captured by a 128-element linear ultrasonic transducer array. The data acquisition and synthesis time can be accelerated in less than 4 s of each view without data average. The in vivo experiments were performed with a clear view of the blood vessels network of mouse tumor. The results demonstrate that the multi-element synthetic aperture focusing photoacoustic imaging system with real-time digital beamformer technique has the potential in the practical fast photoacoustic imaging for clinical diagnosis.

How to Make AADL Specification More Precise

Architectural Analysis and Design Language) is a textual and graphical language used to design and analyze software architecture of embedded real time systems. Many tools and models provide semantics and precise meaning for AADL architecture behavior. However, they are not supported by a well defined formal semantics. This paper suggets Rewriting Logic via its practical language Maude as an adequate formalism for modeling behavior concepts in an AADL architectural description. Besides, RT-Maude system offers a natural support to execute and prototype real-time object-oriented modules formalizing AADL architecture behavior composed of several communicating threads.

Design of Multi-Channel Data Acquisition System Based on PXI 6281

The paper designed a multi-channel data acquisition system based on PXI 6281. It used DAQmx technology in LabVIEW for synchronous analog channel data acquisition. It realized multi-channel real-time data acquisition, processing, display and data auto-saving. Data acquisition system consists of three major modules: the pressure measurement module, the motor speed measurement modules and real-time temperature measurement module. It has advantage of short cycle of technological upgrading, development and low maintenance costs. It has some reference value for other data acquisitions.