Control Software Research Articles

TECHNOLOGY OF QUALITY CONTROL OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS DURING PRINTING OF ELEMENTS OF ENERGY COMPLEXES

Additive manufacturing significantly impacts the energy sector through its ability to form complex geometries and optimize designs, enhancing the performance and reliability of energy systems and complexes. This type of manufacturing allows the creation of optimized parts considering energy efficiency and durability requirements, for example, heat exchangers can be designed and manufactured with a unique structure to improve their efficiency, and new energy devices and systems can be quickly prototyped for testing and optimization before mass production. The use of additive manufacturing can make parts production for energy complexes more localized and flexible, which is particularly beneficial when creating small and medium-sized energy systems. The paper discusses technologies for quality control of additive manufacturing products in the process of printing elements of energy complexes. Describes the state-of-the-art methods and controls used to ensure the high quality of 3D printed parts required for efficient operation of energy systems. Various aspects of inspection are covered, including printing process monitoring, flaw detection, material structure analysis, and geometric inspection. Examples are given of the use of various quality control methods in the context of the production of elements for energy complexes, making the article relevant for specialists in the field of additive manufacturing and energy. An analysis of existing printing technologies was carried out, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technology that is used in the process of serial production of additive manufacturing products for elements of power plants and complexes were highlighted. Keywords: technologies ofadditive manufacturing, additive manufacturing quality control software,artificial intelligence, energy complexes.

TRAJECTORY PLANNING FOR SEARCH-AND-RESCUE UAVs USING A GREEDY ALGORITHM

This article presents a trajectory-planning program for research-and-rescue UAVs based on the use of a local optimization greedy algorithm. Trajectories are generated over a search domain characterized by a probabilistic score map. For multiple-UAV systems, the program can assign each device to a search mission based on the probabilistic property or the geometry of the search domain. Some parameters such as the maximum travelled distance and trajectory resolusion could be input into the program. In this study, the program was tested to run for a two-UAV system over a given probabilistic score map. The input trajectory paremerters were selected based on the properties of each UAV and the requirement of a search-and-rescue mission. The program may be seamlessly integrated with UAV flight control software, enabling a direct translation of the obtained trajectories into autonomous mission execution.

Usability of Mobile Control Room and CCTV Systems for Crowd Control at Large-Scale Events with the Occurrence of a Large Number of People With Focus on the Czech Republic

This article deals with the issue of the use of modern instruments for crowd control, in particular the use of a mobile closed-circuit television system connected directly to the control room during largescale events. The article has two aims: to check the usability of this type of system especially from the perspective of increasing the safety of event visitors, and to identify the optimal technical solution for crowd monitoring and management and possible obstacles for deployment in the field. The article further focuses on the practical usability of the information obtained through the mobile camera system and the control centre for increasing the safety of event visitors from the perspective of security managers. The conducted investigation identified obstacles to the deployment of a mobile camera system as well as described the optimal parameters for the use of a mobile camera system, and it collected feedback from the security team participating in the security management of the event. The results of the contribution enable easier orientation in the selection of suitable hardware and software for crowd control; Key vulnerabilities in deploying mobile CCTV systems were identified, including issues such as data transmission stability over LTE networks and the financial costs of alternative solutions like satellite connections. Based on field testing and feedback from security teams, recommendations were made to improve the system’s effectiveness and adaptability, leading to more precise decision-making and proactive risk management at large-scale events.

WaveFlex: A Smart Surface for Private 5G CBRS Networks

We present the design and implementation of WaveFlex, the first smart surface that enhances Private 5G networks operating under the shared-license framework in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service frequency band. WaveFlex works in the presence of frequency diversity: multiple nearby base stations operating on different frequencies, as dictated by a Spectrum Access System coordinator. It also handles time dynamism: due to the dynamic sharing rules of the CBRS band, base stations occasionally switch channels, especially when priority users enter the network. Finally, WaveFlex operates independently of the network itself, not requiring access to nor modification of the gNB or UEs, yet it remains compliant with and effective on prevailing cellular protocols. We have designed and fabricated WaveFlex on a custom multi-layer PCB, software defined radio based network monitor, and supporting control software and hardware. Our experimental evaluation benchmarks operational Private 5G and LTE networks running at full line rate. In a realistic indoor office scenario, 5G experimental results demonstrate an 8.58~dB average SNR gain, and an average throughput gain of 10.77 Mbps under a single gNB, and 12.84 Mbps under three gNBs, corresponding to throughput improvements of 18.4% and 19.5%, respectively.

Comparative Assessment of Agreement in Uniformity Analyses across Quality Control Software Platforms

Abstract Objective In nuclear medicine, quality control (QC) activities adhere to international standards, yet their complexity can pose challenges. Gamma camera manufacturers have introduced integrated QC software, offering instantaneous results. However, the agreement of these automated processes with established protocols remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify this uncertainty by comparatively analyzing uniformity from various software solutions for a dual-head gamma camera. Methods The study utilized integrated QC analysis software and three free QC analysis tools (IAEA-NMQC Toolkit, NM Toolkit, and Fiji) for uniformity analyses. Following the National Electrical Manufacturers Association standards, NEMA Standards Publication NU 1-2018, the intrinsic uniformity test was performed on a GE Discovery NM/CT 670 Pro system. Ten uniformity QC images underwent analysis with both integrated QC software and alternative software. Data agreements were tested using the Blant–Altman regression-based analysis. Results Significant differences were observed in integral and differential uniformities (p < 0.001). The central field of view (useful field of view) integral uniformity mean differences for NMQC Toolkit, NM Toolkit, and Fiji were 2.46% (2.34%), 2.44% (2.31%), and 2.56% (2.64%), respectively. Conversely, x-differential and y-differential uniformity mean differences were consistently under 2%. Regression-based analysis confirmed good agreement between computed values. Conclusion The integrated QC software of Discovery NM/CT 670 Pro provides reliable uniformity analysis, aligned with the NEMA standards. Variations in computed values may stem from differences in pixel values and applied data corrections.

Control Software Engineering Approaches for Cyber-Physical Systems: A Systematic Mapping Study

Cyber-physical systems (CPS), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and automotive systems are integral to modern technology. They are characterized by their safety criticality, accuracy, and real-time control requirements. Control software plays a crucial role in achieving these objectives by managing and coordinating the operations of various sub-systems. This paper presents a novel systematic mapping study (SMS) for control software engineering, analyzing 115 peer-reviewed papers. The study identifies, classifies, and maps existing solutions, providing a comprehensive and structured overview for practitioners and researchers. Our contributions include (i) a unique classification of literature into six research themes—engineering phases, engineering approaches, engineering paradigms, engineering artefacts, target application domains, and engineering concerns; (ii) insights into the specificity of approaches to target technologies and phases; (iii) the prominence of model-driven approaches for design and testing; (iv) the lack of end-to-end engineering support in existing approaches; and (v) the emerging role of agile-based methods versus the dominance of waterfall-based methods. This paper’s significance lies in its thorough analysis and the high-level mapping of the solution space, offering new perspectives and a detailed roadmap for future research and innovation in control software engineering. The findings will guide advancements and best practices in the field, underscoring the paper’s impact.

Design and building CNC engraving router machine using Arduino Uno with GRBL control system

Computer Numerical Control Machines are one of the advances in automatically operated machining technology that can meet the need for complex and high-precision products. CNC machine parts generally have a mechanical and electrical system, also called a machine controller, that uses a Human Machine Interface at a high price. One of the software used to control the CNC machine is Arduino Uno, a PC-based GRBL System with a low price and the same function. This software is not far from the advantages of the HMI panel. Operating the machine with this software is also not that difficult. In this research, we intend to make a CNC machine using the Arduino Uno control system and software with a PC-based GRBL System, making it easier for operators to operate it. The results of the research that has been carried out show that the CNC has a size of 800x600x50mm with a system that is operated well and precisely

Fast and light-efficient wavefront shaping with a MEMS phase-only light modulator

Over the last two decades, spatial light modulators (SLMs) have revolutionized our ability to shape optical fields. They grant independent dynamic control over thousands of degrees-of-freedom within a single light beam. In this work we test a new type of SLM, known as a phase-only light modulator (PLM), that blends the high efficiency of liquid crystal SLMs with the fast switching rates of binary digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs). A PLM has a 2D mega-pixel array of micro-mirrors. The vertical height of each micro-mirror can be independently adjusted with 4-bit precision. Here we provide a concise tutorial on the operation and calibration of a PLM. We demonstrate arbitrary pattern projection, aberration correction, and control of light transport through complex media. We show high-speed wavefront shaping through a multimode optical fiber – scanning over 2000 points at 1.44 kHz. We make available our custom high-speed PLM control software library developed in C++. As PLMs are based upon micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology, they are polarization agnostic, and possess fundamental switching rate limitations equivalent to that of DMDs – with operation at up to 10 kHz anticipated in the near future. We expect PLMs will find high-speed light shaping applications across a range of fields including adaptive optics, microscopy, optogenetics and quantum optics.

Experimental verification of changes in the control map of a diesel engine operation due to fuel consumption

The paper describes an experiment related to the introduction of changes in the control software of a supercharged diesel engine in order to reduce fuel consumption, as a measure of useful efficiency. The map shaping the torque in the range of low and medium engine speeds was modified. The fuel dose for a specific engine speed at maximum engine load was changed and the boost pressure was increased, without exceeding the permissible values. A vehicle from the age group of 16 years - typical for the automotive market in Poland, was selected for the tests. It meets the EURO 5 standard. The experiment was carried out on a chassis dynamometer and in road traffic conditions. The average fuel consumption was obtained lower by 0.4 dm3 per 100 km than the factory assumed.

Spatiotemporal Moisture Field

For monitoring capillary moisture conduction, the most important parameter is the moisture conductivity coefficient, which is a material characteristic; however, its use in practical calculations is not very common. For further development in the field of liquid moisture propagation, an automated measuring apparatus has been developed and granted a European patent. Its essence lies in detecting the liquid water content based on a well-known physical phenomenon: electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. The determination of the spatiotemporal moisture field is the first and fundamental step for describing transportation phenomena. The moisture field thus created allows for the viewing of the moisture conductivity coefficient, which is one of the most important parameters in describing transportation phenomena as a function of moisture. The presence of water in building materials can significantly affect their physical properties, such as mechanical or thermal–technical characteristics. This may lead to unacceptable consequences, which might only manifest after a certain period of time. In the case of multi-layered structures, moisture can transfer from one material to another. Therefore, it is essential to address this process. The advantage of the software solution described by the methodology is the use of an open communication protocol in the form of a synchronized array, which is not common in typical applications of this type. The principle of separating hardware modules is also unusual for devices of this type, as it requires the independent communication of each module with the control software. Mutual communication is handled exclusively at the software level, making it possible to modify, optimize, or parameterize the procedures as needed. Upon closer examination of the wetting curves of various materials, anomalies were revealed in some of their structures. This can be advantageously utilized in the research of newly developed composite materials. The assembled system of measuring instruments, their software integration, and control provide a foundation for the practical application of the described procedures and methods for determining the moisture field of building materials. The parameterization of individual processes, as well as the open access to data, allows for the optimization of the methodology, as materials of entirely different characteristics may require an individual approach, which will certainly contribute to the advancement of science and research in this area. Currently, this work is being followed by further extensive studies, not yet published by the authors, focusing on the application of the described moisture field to evaluate the moisture conductivity coefficient as a function dependent on the material’s mass moisture content. Their application requires specific mathematical and programming approaches due to the significant volume of data involved.

An instructional lab apparatus for quantum experiments with single nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

Hands-on experimental experience with quantum systems in the undergraduate physics curriculum provides students with a deeper understanding of quantum physics and equips them for the fast-growing quantum science industry. Here, we present an experimental apparatus for performing quantum experiments with single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. This apparatus is capable of basic experiments such as single-qubit initialization, rotation, and measurement, as well as more advanced experiments investigating electron–nuclear spin interactions. We describe the basic physics of the NV center and give examples of potential experiments that can be performed with this apparatus. We also discuss the options and inherent trade-offs associated with the choice of diamond samples and hardware. The apparatus described here enables students to write their own experimental control and data analysis software from scratch, all within a single semester of a typical lab course, as well as to inspect the optical components and inner workings of the apparatus. We hope that this work can serve as a standalone resource for any institution that would like to integrate a quantum instructional lab into its undergraduate physics and engineering curriculum.

The data acquisition system of phenoPET

The PET scanner phenoPET is a system dedicated for plant research developed and used for phenotyping studies at the Research Center in Jülich.The detectors consist of LYSO scintillators and Philips digital silicon photomultipliers.A central processing board collects their data and transfers them through a USB-3 connection to the data acquisition server.The USB-3 restricts the maximum output rate to 380 MB/s, which requires controlled data dropping on the board in order to allow measurements with activities that would exceed this limit.Presently we are developing a new readout system that will eliminate this bottleneck.We will replace the USB-3 by a fiber optics link with a maximum data rate of 2 GB/s.In addition, the new central board will provide an embedded operation system (PetaLinux) that has direct access to the hardware interfaces for configuration and monitoring of the detector modules.This will allow the control software to run directly on the board.

Advancements of the Colombian Air Force space program

This article comprehensively overviews the Colombian Air Force's (FAC) space program, analyzing its policy frameworks, competitive edge, growth prospects, and research endeavors. It delves into the historical roots of the program, assesses its global standing, and details the research conducted by the Aerospace Force. The article also highlights the crucial role of the Aerospace Technologies Research Center (CITAE) in the organizational structure of the FAC. Furthermore, it examines the integration of CubeSats, encryption algorithms, and mission control software within FAC's pioneering space programs. Key milestones such as the launch of the SAT-CHIRIBIQUETE satellite, the development of AI-powered satellite image processing, and the deployment of FACSAT-1 showcase the program's remarkable progress. Additionally, the article explores the program's potential impact on environmental monitoring, resource management, and national communication networks, illustrating its broader contribution to Colombia's social, political, and economic spheres. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis reveals how FAC's space program has transformed from an aspirational vision into a vanguard force poised to propel Colombia onto the global space stage.

Carving Out Control Code: Automated Identification of Control Software in Autopilot Systems

Cyber-physical systems interact with the world through software controlling physical effectors. Carefully designed controllers, implemented as safety-critical control software, also interact with other parts of the software suite, and may be difficult to separate, verify, or maintain. Moreover, some software changes, not intended to impact control system performance, do change controller response through a variety of means including interaction with external libraries or unmodeled changes only existing in the cyber system (e.g., exception handling). As a result, identifying safety-critical control software, its boundaries with other embedded software in the system, and the way in which control software evolves could help developers isolate, test, and verify control implementation, and improve control software development. In this work we present an automated technique, based on a novel application of machine learning, to detect commits related to control software, its changes, and how the control software evolves. We leverage messages from developers (e.g., commit comments), and code changes themselves to understand how control software is refined, extended, and adapted over time. We examine three distinct, popular, real-world, safety-critical autopilots—ArduPilot, Paparazzi UAV, and LibrePilot to test our method demonstrating an effective detection rate of 0.95 for control-related code changes.

Quality control for single-cell analysis of high-plex tissue profiles using CyLinter

Tumors are complex assemblies of cellular and acellular structures patterned on spatial scales from microns to centimeters. Study of these assemblies has advanced dramatically with the introduction of high-plex spatial profiling. Image-based profiling methods reveal the intensities and spatial distributions of 20–100 proteins at subcellular resolution in 103–107 cells per specimen. Despite extensive work on methods for extracting single-cell data from these images, all tissue images contain artifacts such as folds, debris, antibody aggregates, optical aberrations and image processing errors that arise from imperfections in specimen preparation, data acquisition, image assembly and feature extraction. Here we show that these artifacts dramatically impact single-cell data analysis, obscuring meaningful biological interpretation. We describe an interactive quality control software tool, CyLinter, that identifies and removes data associated with imaging artifacts. CyLinter greatly improves single-cell analysis, especially for archival specimens sectioned many years before data collection, such as those from clinical trials.

Amplicon-based long-read sequencing is useful for confirming zygosity of DSG2 variants associated with Japanese ARVC

Abstract Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy mainly caused by desmosomal gene variants. Previously, we reported that DSG2 variants were the most common in 153 Japanese ARVC probands (DSG2 multiple, n=62 and single, n=4; PKP2, n=28; others, n=7). Among the multiple DSG2 variant carriers, 22 probands were compound heterozygous carriers, and 25 were homozygous, which were confirmed by genetic testing for family members (Figure A). On the other hand, 88% of their family members with single DSG2 variant carriers were not diagnosed with ARVC, which meant that recessive DSG2 variants were the major cause of ARVC in Japan. However, zygosities in remaining 15 probands with multiple DSG2 variants were unknown due to the lack of genome data from their parents. Purpose This study aimed to clarify the zygosities of multiple DSG2 variants using amplicon-based long-read sequencing. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood using standard protocols. The range containing multiple variants was amplified by long-range PCR. Sequencing libraries were prepared using ONT Ligation Sequencing Kit. Each library was loaded onto a flow cell for sequencing on ONT GridION Mk1 running MinKNOW control software. FASTQ files were aligned to hg38 using minimap2. Variants were called using Clair3 and phased using WhatsHap. Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV) was used for visualization of the phased variants. Results We successfully phased all the multiple DSG2 variants found in the 15 proband. A typical result of amplicon-based LRS was shown in Figure B. It was IGV screen shot of reads at DSG2 containing c.874C>T (p.R292C) and c.1481A>C (p.D494A). The reads colored in red belonged to one haplotype, while the ones in blue belonged to the other. Each of the two variants was on different color reads, indicating they were compound heterozygous variants. Using LRS, we confirmed all the 15 probands had compound heterozygous variants in DSG2. Overall, the 62 probands (40.5%) with DSG2 variants were recessive variant carriers (Figure A). Conclusions Japanese ARVC was mainly caused by autosomal recessive variants in DSG2. Clarifying the zygosity of causative variants is crucial for the diagnosis in recessive diseases including Japanese ARVC. Amplicon-based LRS was helpful for phasing the multiple DSG2 variants directly without genetic testing of the parents.Figure AFigure B

An Affordable Dual Purpose Spray Setup for Lithium-Ion Batteries Thin Film Electrode Deposition

This work presents a versatile and cost-effective spray setup that integrates both compressed air spray and electrospray techniques, specifically designed for small-scale laboratory use. This setup provides researchers with an accessible tool to explore spray methods for growing battery electrodes. While these techniques hold significant industrial promise, affordable and simple methods for their use in research settings have been limited. To address this, the setup includes custom control software and detailed information on costs and materials, offering an easy-to-implement solution. The system was tested with three samples per technique, using identical settings, to evaluate the repeatability of each method and gain insights into the uniformity and structure of the resulting films. The structural and morphological characteristics of the samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The air-spray samples showed greater consistency and repeatability, whereas the electrospray samples exhibited better deposition results in terms of material coverage and higher crystallinity films. Cracking was observed in the air-spray samples, which was related to thermal stress, and both techniques exhibited solvent evaporation issues. The issues encountered with the setup and samples are summarized, along with possible solutions and the next steps for future upgrades and research.

Development of a digital amplifier system for cut-open oocyte electrophysiology

The cut-open oocyte Vaseline gap technique is a powerful electrophysiological method for the characterization of ion channels. However, traditional amplifiers for cut-open oocyte Vaseline gap are labor intensive and require significant user expertise. We introduce an innovative, open-source digital amplifier system with high-speed digitization and software-controlled electronics for computer-driven automation. This system compares well to existing commercial systems in terms of conventional specifications of step response (current peak at 25μs and decay of 36μs time constant), current noise (1.0 nA at 3-kHz bandwidth), and dynamic range (96.9 dB). Additionally, it unlocks new methods through close integration of the amplifier and software, including machine-learning techniques for tuning capacitive compensation waveforms, achieving a 100-fold suppression of mean-squared transient current, and impedance measurement methods to identify system components such as membrane capacitance and electrode resistances. For future extensions, the design has unique attributes such as real-time digital signal processing for feedback, multiple input and multiple output, and allows for user customization. By providing open-source access to the circuit board designs, control software, and field-programmable gate array code on GitHub, this approach aims to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and facilitate instrument customization enabling previously inaccessible electrophysiology experiments.

Mechanical analysis of polyester resin using digital image correlation and finite element method

The primary objective of this study is to perform a comprehensive mechanical analysis of unsaturated polyester (UP) resin under unidirectional tensile loading. The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique was employed to accurately determine the mechanical properties of the material, with full-field strain measurements used to extract both transverse and longitudinal strains through virtual extensometers. This approach facilitated the precise calculation of the Poisson’s ratio of the UP resin. The results obtained via DIC demonstrated strong correlation with the experimental data obtained through the machine’s control software, particularly in capturing vertical displacement and longitudinal strain with high precision. The Poisson’s ratio was found to be 0.46. To further validate the DIC findings, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted. The FEA results aligned closely with the experimental data, confirming the reliability and accuracy of the DIC method in this context. The values of Young’s modulus determined from experimental tests and FEA data were 3620.02 MPa and 3598 MPa, respectively, with a percentage error of only 0.61%.

Automatic Design of Robot Swarms under Concurrent Design Criteria: A Study Based on Iterated F‐Race

Automatic design is an appealing approach to realizing robot swarms. In this approach, a designer specifies a mission that the swarm must perform, and an optimization algorithm searches for the control software that enables the robots to perform the given mission. Traditionally, research in automatic design has focused on missions specified by a single design criterion, adopting methods based on single‐objective optimization algorithms. In this study, we investigate whether existing methods can be adapted to address missions specified by concurrent design criteria. We focus on the bi‐criteria case. We conduct experiments with a swarm of e‐puck robots that must perform sequences of two missions: each mission in the sequence is an independent design criterion that the automatic method must handle during the optimization process. We consider modular and neuroevolutionary methods that aggregate concurrent criteria via the weighted sum, hypervolume, or ‐norm. We compare their performance with that of Mandarina, an original automatic modular design method. Mandarina integrates Iterated F‐race as an optimization algorithm to conduct the design process without aggregating the design criteria. Results from realistic simulations and demonstrations with physical robots show that the best results are obtained with modular methods and when the design criteria are not aggregated.