Software Design Research Articles

Static Loading Simulation on Temporary Platform and Ladder Absorbent Chamber Design

This study utilizes SolidWorks software to thoroughly examine the structural layout and static load simulation of a temporary platform and ladder in an adsorbent chamber. SolidWorks, a computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software, offers robust tools for 3D modeling, simulation, and analysis, making it ideal for this type of structural assessment. Finite element analysis (FEA), a simulation model within SolidWorks, is employed to determine stress distribution and safety factors. The results demonstrate the platform's maximum stress at 198.65 MPa, below the yield strength of ASTM A36 Steel, leading to a safety factor of 1.3. These findings validate the design's safety and reliability for industrial use.

Analyze quantum security in software design using fuzzy-AHP

Analyze quantum security in software design using fuzzy-AHP

Design and Implementation of Intelligent Robot Control System Integrating Computer Vision and Mechanical Engineering

With the rapid development of science and technology and industry, robot technology has become a key pillar in many fields, especially in industrial manufacturing, robots have been widely used in automated operations. However, in the face of the complex and changeable demands of modern industry, simple mechanized operation can no longer be satisfied, and intelligence has become the inevitable trend of robot technology development. By combining computer vision technology, this study provides robots with powerful environmental awareness and target recognition capabilities, thus achieving higher-level autonomous operation and decision-making. Aiming at the intelligent sorting system, this research adopts XYZ mechanical arm as the execution platform, equipped with TCS34725 color sensor to identify the color of articles, and integrates Hikvision industrial camera and NVIDIA Jetson TX2 image processor to capture and process image data, so as to achieve accurate positioning of articles. In the aspect of software design, this research realizes the function of accurately sorting different color items from the conveyor belt by combining color recognition algorithm and image processing technology with mechanical engineering control. The test results of the system show that the system has high accuracy and stability in color recognition and object positioning, and the trajectory accuracy of the manipulator meets the requirements, which verifies the realization of the research goal. The intelligent robot control system designed in this paper not only improves the level of industrial automation and reduces labor costs, but also broadens the application fields of robots in complex environments.

Comparative Analysis of CMOS-based D-type Flip-Flop Architectures for High-Performance VLSI Applications Using 45-nm CMOS Technology

High performance VLSI (very large-scale integration) is an essential electronic technology required for space missions and scientific advancements. The only source of reliance for the VLSI designer is the data storage devices designated as flip-flops, which are widely used in semiconductor memory devices as well as for data processing and storage in the telecommunication fields. In this paper, the four D-type flip-flop architectures of CMOS-based D-type flip-flops, such as D-type flip-flops using traditional technology (DFF-T), D-type flip-flops with Demorgan’s law (DFF-DL), D-type flip-flops with transmission gates (DFF-TG), and D-type flip-flops with five transistors (DFF-F), have been designed and constructed. The analytical simulations of the schematics and equivalent layouts of these four architectures are implemented using 45-nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. With cadence virtuoso design software, the performance investigation of the four D-type flip-flop architectures is compared in terms of layout area, transistor counts, average power consumption, rise time, fall time, and propagation delay. The DFF-F technologies have modestly compact design goals in order to reduce production costs and achieve faster processing speeds with fewer transistors.

Using a three-dimensional natural head position precise recording and transferring device to translate the natural head position into a 3-dimensional virtual patient: A dental technique

As computer-assisted surgical design becomes increasingly popular in maxillofacial surgery, the integration of the natural head position (NHP) of a 3-dimensional virtual patient has become a primary problem that orthognathic surgeons have to solve during virtual surgical planning. The present technique describes a way of transferring the horizon orientation of the NHP into a computer-aided design software program with a recently developed NHP recording and transferring device (Patent No. ZL202110992198.6 China). The device can record NHP using 5 marked points which can be visualized radiographically.

Providing healthcare shopping advice through knowledge-based virtual agents

Knowledge-based virtual shopping agents, that advise their users about which products to buy, are well used in technical markets such as healthcare e-commerce. To ensure the proper adoption of this technology, it is important to consider aspects of users’ psychology early in the software design process. When traditional adoption models such as UTAUT-2 work well for many technologies, they overlook important specificities of the healthcare e-commerce domain and of knowledge-based virtual agents technology. Drawing upon health information technology and virtual agent literature, we propose a complementary adoption model incorporating new predictors and moderators reflecting these domains’ specificities. The model is tested using 903 observations gathered through an online survey conducted in collaboration with a major actor in the herbal medicine market. Our model can serve as a basis for many phases of the knowledge-based agents software development. We propose actionable recommendations for practitioners and ideas for further research.

Uncertainty-integrating, automated design of gripper jaws for robust grasping of electrical connectors

AbstractFor robust grasping of workpieces with complex surface geometries such as the plugs of electrical connectors (ECs), individually designed gripper jaws are commonly required. The manual design of the latter is time-consuming, iterative, expensive, and requires expert knowledge. Therefore, automating the design process offers the potential to increase efficiency and reduce costs. However, the plugs of ECs often involve interference contours which pose a high risk for a grasp to fail. Thus, this paper introduces an approach for the automated design of gripper jaws that considers complex surface geometries with interference contours. Thereby, expected geometric uncertainties in the relative pose between a plug and a gripper system can be parameterized by a user. The key steps of our approach are to automatically simulate collision volumes between the gripper jaws and the workpiece to map geometric uncertainties in software for computer-aided design (CAD) and to adapt the gripper jaws accordingly within minutes and without manual design. The results of the experimental validation using three different high-voltage plugs show that the presented approach is suitable for robust grasping of such workpieces. In summary, our work intends to contribute to a more efficient design process of gripper systems for workpieces with complex surface geometries such as plugs of ECs.

Optimization of Laser Micro/Nano Processing of Silicon and Quartz

This research paper explores the application of three laser systems, namely the Nd:YAG laser, fiber laser, and CO2 laser, for the micro/nano machining of silicon and quartz materials. The experimental results demonstrate the successful formation of stable silicon nanoparticles with reduced dimensions. Additionally, a quartz sheet was utilized to create a microlens array. The laser microprocessing technique was enhanced through the implementation of design of experiments (DOE) analysis. A Box-Behnken design (BBD) software was employed to conduct 17 tests, investigating the influence of laser parameters on the microprocessing outcomes. The COMSOL software was utilized for theoretical calculations to determine the distribution of surface temperatures and subsurface temperatures of silicon and quartz. The maximum temperatures achieved were approximately 5700 K for silicon and 2630 K for quartz. Numerical optimization using DOE software improved the production of silicon nanoparticles and quartz microlens, producing silicon nanoparticles wavelength peak and absorption peak values of 318.2 nm and 0.39, respectively. Additionally, quartz microlens numerical aperture and surface roughness improved to 0.494 and 4.64 nm, respectively. Due to the precise control offered by the laser micro/nano machining process, the findings of this study hold potential for diverse applications in optoelectronics and biological imaging that can leverage the unique characteristics of silicon nanoparticles and microlens arrays.

Codesign of reactor-oriented hardware and software for cyber-physical systems

Modern cyber-physical systems often make use of heterogeneous systems-on-chip with reconfigurable logic to provide adequate computing power and flexible I/O. However, modeling, verifying, and implementing the computations spanning CPUs and reconfigurable logic is still challenging. The hardware and software components are often designed by different teams and at different levels of abstraction, making it hard to reason about the resulting computation. We propose to lift both hardware and software design to the same level of abstraction by using the Lingua Franca coordination language. Lingua Franca is based on a sparse synchronous model that allows modeling concurrency and timing while keeping a sequential model for the actual computation. We define hardware reactors as a subset of the reactor model of computation underlying Lingua Franca. We also present and evaluate reactor-chisel, a hardware runtime implementing the semantics of hardware reactors, and an extension to the Lingua Franca compiler enabling reactor-oriented hardware-software codesign.

Gas Concentration Measuring-System (CH4, NH3, CO2) Upon Cow Feces in an Encased-Space Based on Arduino Uno

The goal of this exploration is to fabricate an estimating instrument for perceiving Methane, Smelling salts, and Carbon Dioxide gas concentrations in cow feces within a confined space. The feasibility of gas concentration detection devices using MQ-2 sensors, MQ-4 sensors, and Arduino Uno-based MQ-135 sensors will also be tested. This research relates to physics, particularly instrument physics. The research will employ hardware design, software design, and testing methodologies. The gas used for testing was produced from 500 grams of cow feces through three treatments: no treatment, addition of 50 grams of activated charcoal, and addition of 50 milliliters of EM4. The tool validation test was conducted by three experts, and the typical worth acquired was 95.8%, classified as entirely achievable. The experiment yielded the highest concentrations of CH4, NH3, and CO2 gases at 11:30 AM (plus EM4), 03:00 AM (plus EM4), and 24:00 AM (without treatment), respectively, with readings of 9.49 ppm, 26.89 ppm, and 4.57 ppm.

Integrating Small Team Project-Based Learning in Introductory Manufacturing Engineering Technology: Design, Manufacture, and Race Hot Wheels-Type Cars

We propose a compelling session for the ICONEST Conference 2023 that explores the innovative integration of small team project-based learning into introductory manufacturing engineering technology related courses. Our focus is on a hands-on project: designing, manufacturing, and racing Hot Wheels-type cars. This engaging project encompasses various facets of manufacturing engineering technology that includes simple design, manufacturing and assembly planning travelers, scheduling, budgeting, bill of materials, quality inspection, assembly and testing. Educators will gain insights into effective approaches, bridging the gap between theory and practice while equipping students with practical skills. We will explore the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, fundamental tools in modern engineering, as well as explore simple machining, water jet cutting, and additive manufacturing. By incorporating project-based learning into our course curriculum, we not only foster a deep understanding of manufacturing principles but also cultivate problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity among students. The Hot Wheels-type car project is an ideal vehicle for teaching the entire manufacturing process, from conceptualization to execution and the students enjoy the competition. We believe that our proposal will make a valuable contribution to the conference's mission of advancing engineering technology education, and we look forward to engaging with colleagues and experts to further enhance the quality of manufacturing engineering technology and similar technology programs.

Intaglio surface trueness of dentures bases fabricated with 3D printing vs. conventional workflow: a clinical study

The latest generation of intraoral scanners can record the prosthetic field with relative ease, high accuracy and comfort for the patient, and have enabled fully digital protocols for designing and manufacturing complete dentures. The present study aims to examine the intaglio surface trueness of 3D printed maxillary dentures produced by fully digital workflow in comparison with dentures produced by analogue clinical and laboratory prosthetic workflow. The edentulous maxillary arch of 15 patients was scanned with an intraoral scanner as well as the intaglio of the delivered conventional denture. The scan of the edentulous arch was imported into a dental design software to produce the denture base which was then 3D printed. The intaglio surface of the finished 3D printed denture bases was digitized and used to assess the trueness of the printed denture bases compared to the intaglio surface of the conventional dentures as well as performing a trueness comparison in relation to the scanned edentulous arches. The dataset (n = 30) was subjected to Kruskal-Wallis test analysis, the significance level being established at α = 0.05. The results of the study showed that the printed group displayed better trueness values with a median of 176.9 μm while the analogue group showed a median of 342 μm. Employing a fully digital workflow to produce 3D-printed denture bases yields a consistent and precise manufacturing method when accounting for the intaglio surface of the denture.

Seismic Performance Analysis of Multi-Span Simply Supported Bridges

Multi-span simply supported (MSSS) bridges are extensively utilized worldwide, yet they often suffer damage or failure during earthquakes. This study employs three-dimensional bridge analysis and design software, CSiBridge, to analyze the seismic response of bridge. The investigation focuses on an existing concrete bridge subjected to the El Centro earthquake ground acceleration. Three distinct underlying soil conditions are considered to assess soil-structure interaction (SSI). Analysis of pier top displacements reveals that bridges with linear horizontal layouts may exhibit minimal displacements and limited impact from soil-structure interaction. However, configurations with irregular horizontal layouts result in notable displacements. This research sheds light on the dynamic behavior of bridges and emphasizes the significance of considering geometric variations in seismic analysis.

Topological and lattice-based AM optimization for improving the structural efficiency of robotic arms

The robotic arm is one of the vital components of robot assembly. The purpose of the robotic arm is to transmit power and conduct the desired motion, i.e., translation or rotation. Robotic limbs are designed and constructed to execute certain tasks with a high degree of speed, accuracy, and efficiency. This research focuses on to enhancing the strength-to-weight ratio of robotic arm using certain techniques of additive manufacturing, i.e., topology optimization and lattice structure. Employing the finite element analysis, the impact of weight reduction optimization on structural parameters such as stress and deformation in the current design is assessed using ANSYS R18.1 for FE analysis and Creo parametric 7.0 design software for computer-aided design modeling. Observations reveal that the 0.5 and .4 scale lattice structure designs have deformation of 0.01453mm and 0.01453 mm respectively though the generic design has 0.01043 mm deformation. Notably, the 0.5 scale lattice of the robotic arm exhibits a 31.08% higher equivalent stress than the generic design with 29.3%. reduction in mass of the robotic arm. These findings highlight the efficacy of lattice structures for optimizing the robotic arm’s performance, contributing to advancements in power-efficient robot assembly processes.

Development and validation of an ex vivo porcine model of functional tricuspid regurgitation

Background and Aim: Ex vivo models of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) are needed for pre-clinical testing of novel surgical and interventional repair strategies, but current options are costly or have not been formally validated. The objective of this research was to create and validate an ex vivo model to test novel repair methods for FTR. Methods: In explanted porcine hearts, the right atrium was excised to visualize the tricuspid valve. The pulmonary artery and aorta were clamped and cannulated, the coronary arteries ligated, and the right and left ventricles statically pressurized with air to 30 mmHg and 120 mmHg, respectively. FTR was induced by increasing right ventricular pressure to 80 mmHg for 3 h, which resulted in progressive tricuspid annular enlargement, right ventricular dilation, papillary muscle displacement, and central tricuspid malcoaptation. A structured light scanner was used to image the 3D topography of the tricuspid valve in both the native and FTR state, and images were exported into scan-to-computer-aided design software, which allowed for high-resolution 3D computational reconstruction. Relevant geometric measurements were sampled including annular circumference and area, major and minor axis diameter, and tenting height, angle, and area. Geometric measurements from the ex vivo model were compared to clinical transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) measurements using two-sample t-tests. Results: A total of 12 porcine hearts were included in the study. Annular measurements of the native valve were comparable to published TTE data, except for the minor axis diameter, which was shorter in the ex vivo model (2.5 vs. 3.1 cm, P = 0.007). Induction of FTR in the ex vivo model resulted in annular enlargement (FTR vs. native: circumference 13.7 vs.11.8 cm, P = 0.012; area 14 vs. 11 cm2, P = 0.011). Ex vivo leaflet measurements in both the native and FTR model differed from published TTE data, but demonstrated comparable directional changes between the native and regurgitant states, including increased tenting height, area, and volume. Conclusion: The ex vivo pneumatically-pressurized porcine model closely recapitulates the geometry of both the native and regurgitant tricuspid valve complex in humans and holds promise for testing novel FTR repair strategies. Relevance for Patients: Currently available interventions for the tricuspid valve have a risk of permanent conduction abnormalities and are insufficient in addressing tricuspid disease for a subset of patients. This ex vivo model provides a platform for testing of novel interventions that address the deficiencies of current tricuspid therapies.

Modelling the Color and Microbial Properties of Canned Ngu by Response Surface Method

Background: Ngu is an African salad dressing used to improve the stability and shelf life of African salad. The aim of this study was to produce canned Ngu using three stabilizers at various concentrations, constant sterilization temperature, and varied sterilization times. Methods: Ngu (50 L) was prepared from potash using three stabilizers at various concentrations. A three-level factorial response surface design was applied to generate the experimental runs for the production of the canned Ngu. The Ngu emulsion was filled inside 250 ml bottle jars, sterilized at 121 oC at various times, and canned. The color of the canned Ngu was evaluated using the Comission Internationale de l'Eclairage color scale, and its microbiological attributes, Total Viable Count (TVC) and Total Fungal Count was determined with standard procedures. The effect of the stabilizers (Akparata, Ofo, and Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose), stabilizer concentration, and sterilization time on the color and microbial properties of the canned Ngu was assessed. The Statistical Software Design Expert version 8.0.7 was utilized for response surface analysis and derivation of model equation. Results: Increase in sterilization time increased the a* value and decreased the b* value of the canned Ngu. The quadratic effect of stabilizer, stabilizer concentration, and sterilization time indicated that the alteration of stabilizer from Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose to Akparata and then to Ofo increased the L* value, of the canned Ngu. An increase in the quadratic effect of stabilizer concentration increased the a* value but decreased the L* and b* values of the canned Ngu. However, the TVC and b* value of the canned Ngu reduced as the quadratic effects of the sterilization time increased. Conclusion: Total Fungal Count and TVC value of all the canned Ngu samples were within acceptable limits, ensuring the samples safe for human consumption.

Improving the enzymatic activity and stability of N-carbamoyl hydrolase using deep learning approach

BackgroundOptically active D-amino acids are widely used as intermediates in the synthesis of antibiotics, insecticides, and peptide hormones. Currently, the two-enzyme cascade reaction is the most efficient way to produce D-amino acids using enzymes DHdt and DCase, but DCase is susceptible to heat inactivation. Here, to enhance the enzymatic activity and thermal stability of DCase, a rational design software “Feitian” was developed based on kcat prediction using the deep learning approach.ResultsAccording to empirical design and prediction of “Feitian” software, six single-point mutants with high kcat value were selected and successfully constructed by site-directed mutagenesis. Out of six, three mutants (Q4C, T212S, and A302C) showed higher enzymatic activity than the wild-type. Furthermore, the combined triple-point mutant DCase-M3 (Q4C/T212S/A302C) exhibited a 4.25-fold increase in activity (29.77 ± 4.52 U) and a 2.25-fold increase in thermal stability as compared to the wild-type, respectively. Through the whole-cell reaction, the high titer of D-HPG (2.57 ± 0.43 mM) was produced by the mutant Q4C/T212S/A302C, which was about 2.04-fold of the wild-type. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that DCase-M3 significantly enhances the rigidity of the catalytic site and thus increases the activity of DCase-M3.ConclusionsIn this study, an efficient rational design software “Feitian” was successfully developed with a prediction accuracy of about 50% in enzymatic activity. A triple-point mutant DCase-M3 (Q4C/T212S/A302C) with enhanced enzymatic activity and thermostability was successfully obtained, which could be applied to the development of a fully enzymatic process for the industrial production of D-HPG.

Efficiency Analysis of a Passive Daylighting System Based on Northern Malaysia’s Climate

Daylighting design strategy is important in order to have adequate lighting source in a room and necessary to decrease energy consumption for artificial lighting. Passive daylighting system utilizes daylight by collecting, reflecting and diffusing the natural light throughout a given area. The purpose for this study is to monitor, compare and analyse an optimum light pipe system design that can scatter daylight into a room based on three case studies. Lighting analysis was conducted using Autodesk 3ds Max Design software throughout the project based on the actual geographical parameters of Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia and also using the real sun azimuth on working hours. The results were compared according to the respective designs in order to observe the maximum internal illuminance and the average internal illuminance. The results show that the straight geometry with low aspect ratio produces the highest interior light intensity among other light pipe systems and the average internal illuminance values in the room was able to reach the minimum requirement of a small room which is 200 – 500 lux.

Problem Faced During the Software Development Cycle

The software development cycle cover a series of stages , each compelling to the successful design of software products. Though each stage illustrates eccentric challenges that can block progress and impact the final product’s quality. This paper examines the common problems faced during the software development cycle , including issues in requirements gathering , design , implementation , testing , and maintenance. Through a precise analysis of these stages , we recognize basic interference such as unclear requirements , scope creep , inappropriate structure , coding errors , integration challenges , insufficient testing ,and technical liability. The paper also proposes methods to ease these concern , aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of software development processes. By understanding and addressing these problems , software development teams can enhance the project outcomes and deliver higher-quality software products. Keywords— Software development , requirements gathering , software design , coding errors , integration challenges , software testing , scope creep , inappropriate structure , technical liability , software cycle .

Hardware and Software Design of Programmable Medium and High-Speed Data Acquisition (DAQ) Board of Fiber Optic Signal for Partial Discharge Acquisition

The anti-electromagnetic interference capability of partial discharge (PD) acoustic signal conversion and collection circuits severely restrict the sensitivity of PD detection. The data acquisition (DAQ) systems available in the current market are costly and have limited functionality, making it difficult to satisfy the acquisition requirements for PD detection. This paper proposes a medium to high-speed fiber optic signal acquisition board with an adjustably controlled sampling rate and filter cutoff frequency. The circuit achieves a higher signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio by distributing the noise in each part of the signal acquisition chain reasonably. The temperature characteristics of the acquisition module are improved by utilizing the programmable T-type structure for transimpedance amplification of photocurrent. The DAQ card performs data acquisition and processing using STM32H743 internal ADC and caches data in bulk with an SRAM and SD card. A data uploading method based on time reference has been proposed, which enables full, effective information signal upload through a low-cost transmission interface. The research ultimately achieves a stable sampling of three channels at 1 MSps, SNR of 63 dB, and programmable gain amplification of the photocurrent with 0–60 dB. Finally, the system is used for PD acoustic signal acquisition in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 100 kHz.