Remote Master Research Articles

A step to the decentralized real-time timekeeping network

The composite time scale (CTS) provides an accurate and stable time-frequency reference for modern science and technology. Conventional CTS always features a centralized network topology, which means that the CTS is accompanied by a local master clock. This largely restricts the stability and reliability of the CTS. We simulate the restriction and analyze the influence of the master clock on the CTS. It proves that the CTS’s long-term stability is also positively related to that of the master clock, until the region dominated by the frequency drift of the H-maser (averaging time longer than ∼105 s). Aiming at this restriction, a real-time clock network is utilized. Based on the network, a real-time CTS referenced by a stable remote master clock is achieved. The experiment comparing two real-time CTSs referenced by a local and a remote master clock respectively reveals that under open-loop steering, the stability of the CTS is improved by referencing to a remote and more stable master clock instead of a local and less stable master clock. In this way, with the help of the proposed scheme, the CTS can be referenced to the most stable master clock within the network in real time, no matter whether it is local or remote, making democratic polycentric timekeeping possible.

A Scheme for Distribution Automation Terminal Design Based on ESIM

To realize the operation monitoring and control of distribution network, improve the reliability of power supply and reduce the intensity of operation and maintenance, a design scheme of distribution automation terminal based on eSIM card is proposed. Based on the analysis of eSIM technology and its characteristics, the basic workflow of eSIM card is provided in combination with the remote configuration requirements of power system. Then the main control function and communication module design of the distribution network system are analyzed and explained in detail, with emphasis on the communication interface circuit and software design. The system also integrates AngularJS and SpringBoot to make the platform have the technical characteristics of separation of front and back stations and strong reliability. At the same time, the dial-up and positioning information are integrated into one module to realize real-time monitoring and control of the remote master station. The experimental analysis results show that the scheme has certain advantages in the reliability of distribution automation terminals and the simplification of operation and maintenance management, which increases the integration and functional diversity of power equipment.

Hybrid-active e-learning techniques in remote master level astronautics courses: Using technology to enhance student learning

Hybrid-active e-learning techniques in remote master level astronautics courses: Using technology to enhance student learning

Transmission Optimization and Resource Allocation for Wireless Powered Dense Vehicle Area Network With Energy Recycling

The wireless-powered communication paradigm brings self-sustainability to the on-vehicle sensors by harvesting the energy from radiated radio frequency (RF) signals. This paper proposes a novel transmission and resource allocation strategy for the scenario where multiple wireless powered vehicle area networks (VAN) co-existed with high density. The considered multi-VAN system consists of a remote master access point (MAP), multiple on-vehicle hybrid access points (HAPs) and sensors. Unlike previous works, we consider that the sensors can recycle the radiated radio frequency energy from all the HAPs when HAPs communicate with MAP, so the dedicated signals for energy harvesting (EH) are unnecessary. The proposed strategy can achieve simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) without complex receiver architecture requirements. The extra EH and interference caused by the dense distribution of VANs, which are rarely explored, are fully considered. To maximize the sum throughput of all the sensors while guaranteeing the transmission from HAPs to the MAP, we jointly optimize the time allocation, system energy consumption, power allocation, and receive beamforming. Due to the non-convexity of the formulated problem, we address the sub-problems separately through the Rayleigh quotient, Frobenius norm minimization and convex optimization. Then an efficient iterative algorithm to obtain sub-optimal solutions. The simulation results and discussions illustrate the proposed scheme's effectiveness and advantages.

The Timbre Relationship between Piano Performance Skills and Piano Combined with Opera Music Elements in the Context of the Internet of Things

The “quintessence of the nation” Peking Opera is a highly comprehensive form of opera, which has a high artistic status in traditional Chinese culture. At present, the combination of the Internet of things and music can be embodied in smart devices, through a computing device that can perceive and exchange data for the purpose of music. In the more than 100 years of development of the piano art in China, many composers have used Peking Opera singing and board styles, or absorbed the essence and connotation of Peking Opera, taking Peking Opera elements as the core material and source of creation and presenting them instrumentally through piano works. For example, in terms of smart musical instruments, the Internet of things and Internet technology are combined to realize the real-time connection between the remote piano and the piano and accurately reproduce all the touch and pedal movements of the player, so that teachers and students in different spaces can listen to the course. Audiences had an immersive course experience. Taking this as an opportunity, we will carry out a series of “remote art education” such as remote master classes and remote concerts, to realize the sharing of educational resources around the world. The piano as the king of musical instruments has been loved by people. During piano performance, touch key techniques and pedaling techniques have a very important influence on the piano’s performance sound effects. Chinese opera is the essence of Chinese national art and one of the treasures of China’s traditional national music. The composers of our country also constantly apply the opera elements to the piano creation and create many kinds of piano works that conform to the traditional Chinese opera style and reflect the characteristics of the piano. Pedal skills are also an important technique in piano performance. The pedaling method is based on thinking about history and showing the player’s intentions. Only using the correct playing skills can make the music more expressive. This study briefly introduces the development of piano in China and the playing skills of the piano, and at the same time, it briefly describes the principle of piano sounding and the sound of piano. Based on the previous studies, the effects of touch key techniques and pedaling techniques on the sound of the piano are discussed. I hope to provide some references for the piano performers. The average similarity between the final music and the original music is 60% and around 70%. This article provides a reference direction for the diversified dissemination and promotion of theatrical art and provides theoretical and technical reference suggestions for the future creation, performance, and teaching of Chinese piano music.

Conveyor Belt Speed Control Through CAN BUS in CoppeliaSim using Arduino Mega2560

Purpose: CAN Bus is a robust way to communicate inter-device Communication. Primarily it is used in the vehicle. But now, it is also used in various industrial automation fields. Among different branded robots, they use CAN-bus to control the robot movement. When the new researchers integrate the can bus into their project, they need to spend time running and handling the device through the CAN bus. This research work is basically for those trying to integrate the CAN bus into their project in a short period. Here, we briefly describe the CAN bus protocol first, then go through a practical experiment to better understand it. In our experiment, we feed the Analog value as a speed profile through the CAN bus to the CoppeliaSim virtual environment to see the speed variation of the simulated conveyor belt upon rotating the potentiometer. The complete project code and demo video are available on Github. The interested researcher can download and experiment on it. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research work demonstrates how to exchange data through CAN bus between a virtual and a natural environment. We created a virtual environment using the CoppeliasSim robot simulator. Inside the simulator, we add a conveyor belt. Using c#, we created a bridge application that translates the data between the simulator and the natural environment outside it. We used two Arduino Mega 2560 boards and two MCP2515 based TJA1050 popular CAN driver modules. The CoppeliaSim requests data to the remote master through the bridge application and CAN bus. The remote master reads the analog value and sends it back to the simulator through the local master. CoppeliaSim changes its conveyor belt speed by parsing the data and converting it to the speed value. Findings/Result: We can find some concepts and procedures to control the virtual elements from the external world through the CAN bus. We can convert any environmental analog parameter into digital form and display it locally or remotely inside the simulator. We can build the digital twins used to process monitoring in the industrial automation field following this experiment. Originality/Value: Most CAN bus-related documents lack a practical approach or an accumulation of workable summaries. We demonstrate the CAN bus differently in this research work. This paper is an entirely practical-oriented demonstration. This is the unique approach to controlling the virtual element from the real world through the CAN bus. The new researcher can get helpful references to integrate the CAN bus into their project. Paper Type: Experimental-based Research.

Remote Learning with Virtual Reality Technologies: Student Mastery, Community and Agency

The affordances of virtual reality (VR), including a strong sense of spatial and social presence, could make it a useful tool to improve learning and social connection in remote learning, yet little research has examined its effectiveness in authentic learning environments. This mixed-methods case study of a remote Master’s in Education course asked how using VR repeatedly and with varying implementations impacted students’ learning, and how synchronized or shared experiences in VR impacted their sense of community. Students completed weekly surveys of their sense of presence in VR applications, sense of class community, and learning experience, and also participated in a post-course interview. Surveys revealed students’ sense of presence remained high over time, indicating little evidence of a “novelty effect,” but that it varied based on features of the VR applications. Interview results pointed to students’ increased mastery of the technology and its affordances for learning, and highlight how connecting with classmates via videoconference while using VR can create a shared experience. Students’ sense of agency in VR emerged as an important consideration for learning design. These findings suggest fruitful ways to use VR to increase educators’ mastery of immersive technology and provide remote students a sense of shared experience and raise questions about the impact of VR implementation and instructional design in authentic learning environments to promote exploration and community.

Design and real-time implementation of a wireless autopilot using multivariable predictive generalized minimum variance control in the state-space

The contribution of this work is the numerical simulation and the experimental assessment of a network distributed control system using an unmanned aerial vehicle and a remote master controller connected by a wireless network. A novel multi-input multi-output long-range predictive horizon minimum variance control approach is developed and implemented in altitude, heading, lateral and longitudinal velocities control problems under the influence of process noise, measurement noise and time-delay. The proposed autopilots exhibited damped and fast response speeds with optimal control and output variance minimization, outperforming a classic model predictive control approach in convincing experimental field tests in real-world environments and scenarios.

PD08-04 BIO-ENGINEERING OF A NOVEL BLUETOOTH TELEMETRICALLY CONTROLLED ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) for post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (PPI) has become the gold standard treatment. Precision Medical Devices (PMD) has developed a new AUS. The Politano-Sayet-Sutherland Flow Control Device (PSS-FCD) has undergone 6 previous prototypes before establishing this current model. The current working model is composed of 3 elements: 1) Control/Battery Pack (CBP) 2) Valve assembly with separate Anvil Cap piece; 3) Remote Master Control Module (MCM).METHODS:The CBP consists of electronic and drive components. A printed circuit board, stepper motor and a lithium cell array are contained in the fully, hermetically-sealed waterproof titanium casing.The valve assembly consists of a cable link, a plunger and two shell halves. The cable link connects the cuff and plunger to the CBP. The CBP opens and closes the plunger via the drive assembly and has the ability to adjust the magnitude of closure force with 10 different settings based on co...

Novel Operation Support Robot with Sensory-Motor Feedback System for Neuroendovascular Intervention

Robotic technology is rapidly developing in the medical field, particularly contributing to support operative intervention using the da Vinci system during endoscopic surgery. Neuroendovascular intervention robot surgery is preferred when aiming to reduce radiation exposure among surgeons. We developed a prototype of a support robot with 2 independent slaves manipulating both the microcatheter and microguidewire connected with the remote master driver with 2 joysticks. This design simulates usual catheterization with both hands. The slave manipulator has a sufficient output force >1 N to reproduce the exact master intervention without slip and delay. This machine has a unique function that indicates the reaction force of the resistance on wire stuck using the sensor system. We investigated the master-slave response, reliability of the force gauge, and degree of slippage of the slave motion on the table and checked the controllability, safety, and reproducibility of microcatheterization and insertion maneuver into the experimental aneurysm in the invivo silicone vessel model. We realized the well master-slave response with a stable driving speed of the microguidewire at approximately 1 mm/s and with linear correlation between the output voltage and driving force. Also, we confirmed the well safety function to avoid the overloading to the vascular wall with the slippage of the slave roller on loading >1 N pushing force. Successful microcatheterization and insertion into the aneurysm model was performed in the wet vascular model corresponding to the 3-dimensional handling without excessive stress to the vascular or aneurysmal wall. Neuroendovascular intervention requires delicate power adjustment with fine finger control. Our support robot for neuroendovascular interventions demonstrated the accurate reproducibility of the operator's maneuver and safe operation in the vascular model using the sensor system. This system will realize the neurointervention without human operators in the AngioSuite and may facilitate telesurgery with remote control in the near future.

A Master–Slave Integrated Surgical Robot With Active Motion Transformation Using Wrist Axis

In this paper, a master–slave integrated surgical robot system for the laparoscopic surgery is proposed. Instead of commanding the manipulator from the remote master console, the proposed system integrates the master controller into the proximal end of the slave manipulator. The slave has a flexible wrist joint, whose bending angle is operated by a joystick on the master. Focusing on suturing of a curved needle, which is a common task in laparoscopic surgery, we developed an active motion transformation method that allows the surgeon to insert the needle easily. When inserting the needle, the proposed system transforms the surgeon's wrist rotation into the rotation about the bent forceps gripper. Positioning performance of the proposed system is evaluated by an experiment. Furthermore, we compared the suturing task performance between the proposed system and conventional forceps. The experimental results show that the proposed system reduces the contact force against an organ model.

Long-Range WindScanner System

The technical aspects of a multi-Doppler LiDAR instrument, the long-range WindScanner system, are presented accompanied by an overview of the results from several field campaigns. The long-range WindScanner system consists of three spatially-separated, scanning coherent Doppler LiDARs and a remote master computer that coordinates them. The LiDARs were carefully engineered to perform user-defined and time-controlled scanning trajectories. Their wireless coordination via the master computer allows achieving and maintaining the LiDARs’ synchronization within ten milliseconds. The long-range WindScanner system measures the wind field by emitting and directing three laser beams to intersect, and then scanning the beam intersection over a region of interest. The long-range WindScanner system was developed to tackle the need for high-quality observations of wind fields on scales of modern wind turbine and wind farms. It has been in operation since 2013.

A Mechatronic System for Robot-Mediated Hand Telerehabilitation

This paper presents a novel mechatronics master-slave setup for hand telerehabilitation. The system consists of a sensorized glove acting as a remote master and a powered hand exoskeleton acting as a slave. The proposed architecture presents three main innovative solutions. First, it provides the therapist with an intuitive interface (a sensorized wearable glove) for conducting the rehabilitation exercises. Second, the patient can benefit from a robot-aided physical rehabilitation in which the slave hand robotic exoskeleton can provide an effective treatment outside the clinical environment without the physical presence of the therapist. Third, the mechatronics setup is integrated with a sensorized object, which allows for the execution of manipulation exercises and the recording of patient's improvements. In this paper, we also present the results of the experimental characterization carried out to verify the system usability of the proposed architecture with healthy volunteers.

An Autonomous Satellite Time Synchronization System Using Remotely Disciplined VC-OCXOs

An autonomous remote clock control system is proposed to provide time synchronization and frequency syntonization for satellite to satellite or ground to satellite time transfer, with the system comprising on-board voltage controlled oven controlled crystal oscillators (VC-OCXOs) that are disciplined to a remote master atomic clock or oscillator. The synchronization loop aims to provide autonomous operation over extended periods, be widely applicable to a variety of scenarios and robust. A new architecture comprising the use of frequency division duplex (FDD), synchronous time division (STDD) duplex and code division multiple access (CDMA) with a centralized topology is employed. This new design utilizes dual one-way ranging methods to precisely measure the clock error, adopts least square (LS) methods to predict the clock error and employs a third-order phase lock loop (PLL) to generate the voltage control signal. A general functional model for this system is proposed and the error sources and delays that affect the time synchronization are discussed. Related algorithms for estimating and correcting these errors are also proposed. The performance of the proposed system is simulated and guidance for selecting the clock is provided.

Development of a Wireless Sensor Network for Monitoring Environmental Condition on a Farmland

In recent time, the wireless sensor network technology has found its implementation in precision agriculture as a result of the need for high productivity. This paper focuses on the development of a wireless sensor network on agricultural environment to monitor environmental conditions and deduce the appropriate environmental parameters required for the high yield of crop production on a given farmland. The developed wireless sensor network is built around sensor nodes and a master microcontroller (PI16F648A) that takes in the data sent from the nodes for upload into a personal computer (PC). Each node has sensors to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity and light intensity which are important environmental factors in an agricultural set-up. The DHT11 sensor is used to sense and provide calibrated digital outputs for the measured temperature and relative humidity while a calibrated light dependent resistor (LDR) is configured to the light intensity sensor unit. The outputs from these sensors are processed by the microcontroller and sent wirelessly, using low-power radio frequency transceivers, to a remote master controller for storage. The deployment of the developed wireless sensor network on a named farmland shows that the aforementioned could be efficiently utilized to provide an up-todate and accurate measurement of agricultural environmental parameters necessary for plant protection and sustainable crop production. Thus, the developed wireless sensor network replaces the traditional method of predicting environmental parameters required on a given farmland.

Using learning sets to support UK delivery of off-shore learning in Africa

This account of practice focuses on the delivery of Action Learning Sets in Swaziland and Malawi as part of a UK university's remote Master's degree teaching programme. It draws upon the experience of an Academic delivering the programme and the efforts made to refine the approach to action learning given time, understanding and resource challenges. The outcome of limited research on the benefits of Action Learning Sets is shared within this context.

Implementation of IEEE-1588 timing and synchronization for ATCA control and data acquisition systems

Control and data acquisition (C&DA) systems for Fusion experiments are required to provide accurate timing and synchronization (T&S) signals to all of its components. IPFN adopted PICMG's Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) industry standard to develop C&DA instrumentation. ATCA was chosen not only for its high throughput characteristics but also for its high availability (HA) features which become of greater importance in steady-state operation scenarios. However, the specified ATCA clock and synchronization interface may be too limited for the timing and synchronization needs in advanced Physics experiments. Upcoming specification extensions, developed by the “xTCA for Physics” workgroups, will contemplate, among others, a complementary timing specification, developed by the PICMG xTCA for Physics IO, Timing and Synchronization Technical Committee. The IEEE-1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) over Ethernet is one of the protocols, proposed by the Committee, aiming for precise synchronization of clocks in measurement and control systems, based on low jitter and slave-to-slave skew criteria.The paper presents an implementation of IEEE-1588 over Ethernet, in an ATCA hardware platform. The ATCA hardware consists of an Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) quad-carrier front board with PCI Express switching. IEEE-1588 is to be implemented on a Virtex-6 FPGA. Ethernet connectivity with the remote master clock is located on the rear transition module (RTM). The generated synchronized clock and absolute time in IRIG-B format are distributed to all systems endpoints by a cross-point switch which is also implemented on the FPGA.

The RAVEN: Design and Validation of a Telesurgery System

The collaborative effort between fundamental science, engineering and medicine provides physicians with improved tools and techniques for delivering effective health care. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques have revolutionized the way a number of surgical procedures are performed. Recent advances in surgical robotics are once again revolutionizing MIS interventions and open surgery. In an earlier research endeavor, 30 surgeons performed 7 different MIS tasks using the Blue Dragon system to collect measurements of position, force, and torque on a porcine model. This data served as the foundation for a kinematic optimization of a spherical surgical robotic manipulator. Following the optimization, a seven-degree-of-freedom cable-actuated surgical manipulator was designed and integrated, providing all degrees of freedom present in manual MIS as well as wrist joints located at the surgical end-effector. The RAVEN surgical robot system has the ability to teleoperate utilizing a single bi-directional UDP socket via a remote master device. Preliminary telesurgery experiments were conducted using the RAVEN. The experiments illustrated the system’s ability to operate in extreme conditions using a variety of network settings.

Developing an integrated Web engine for online Internetworking education: a case study

An integrated Web engine (IWE) has been developed by the Internetworking program at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada to deliver remote learning experience to geographically remote Master's students. The University intends to increase its student base through online education, retaining the same quality of interactions as the onsite program. To this end, the IWE accommodates three technology‐enabled learning environments that correlate with the three pedagogical approaches and types of onsite interaction. Discusses the e‐learning metrics, pedagogical and technical considerations that influence the design and implementation of the IWE environment. The IWE uses de facto networking standards, commercial and broadband Internet connectivity to ensure real‐time secure interaction with equipment and deliver lectures respectively. A four‐tier role architecture, consisting of faculty, local, remote facilitators, and students, has been determined to be appropriate and adapted to maintain academic integrity and offer the same quality of interaction as the onsite program.

Remote provisioning of a reconfigurable WDM multichannel add/drop multiplexer

Remote provisioning of a nonblocking reconfigurable multichannel wavelength-division-multiplexed add-drop multiplexer (ADM) is experimentally demonstrated. The ADM add/drop multiplexer supports many features required by the ITU optical channel layer including lightpath routing, signal conditioning and network/channel monitoring. Specifically, the node supports multichannel optical bypass and add/drop functions as well as optoelectronic 2R regeneration and channel drop-and-continue with wavelength translation. Provisioning of a slave node from a remote master node is achieved via a subcarrier encoded control channel. The control channel can set the full state of the ADM and demonstration of switching between two states is reported. A reconfiguration time of the order of 10 μs and BER below 10/sup -9/ are shown in both configurations. This performance meets the requirements of next-generation reconfigurable/restorable optical networks.