Virtual Instrument Technology Research Articles

Construction of Virtual Experiment Teaching Platform based on 5E Teaching Mode and VI Technology

Virtual instruments have many advantages such as low cost, comprehensive functionality, easy scalability, and easy replication. At the same time, they can also meet the special requirements of time and space for remote experiments. Based on Web technology and virtual instrument technology, a virtual experiment system is constructed, which combines data sharing, remote control, and real-time operation. More conducive to utilizing experimental and scientific research resources. At the same time, virtual instruments have high flexibility and are no longer limited by traditional experimental teaching modes, which can save a lot of repeated investment costs. They can also keep the teaching equipment in the laboratory up-to-date and closely follow the development trend of science and technology. As a compulsory course for mechanical engineering majors, although the existing experimental system has achieved certain results, there are still limitations to 'Mechanical Engineering Testing Technology'. This article aims to address the problems of insufficient instrument sets and outdated equipment in the experimental teaching of "Mechanical Engineering Testing Technology", as well as students' poor ability to apply theory to practice and insufficient innovation ability. By integrating the 5E teaching mode, a virtual experimental teaching platform based on VI (Virtual Instrument) technology is established. Students can break through traditional experimental methods and conduct various experiments through the network, obtaining experimental experiences that are very similar to real experiments. At the same time, it can deepen their understanding and recognition of experiments, and better grasp theoretical knowledge.

Design and research of serial communication system based on virtual instrument technology

Abstract In the measurement and automation control system, serial communication has been connected between the acquisition hardware (lower computer) and the upper computer between the easiest to realize and the most economical way. In view of the traditional instrument itself is relatively bulky, inconvenient to carry, this paper adopts the virtual instrument development environment to realize the realization of serial communication, in order to complete the subsequent data acquisition. When compared with other software development environment, LabWindows/CVI platform comes with a function library to make the program writing simple and flexible. In this paper, we designed the realization method of serial communication based on virtual instrument Labwindows/CVI environment, completed the design and realization of serial communication between PC and lower computer (microcontroller) based on Labwindows/CVI environment, and applied it to the example of serial communication with microcontroller to realize the data communication function. Practical results prove that the serial communication system based on virtual instrument technology has the advantages of friendly user interface, high stability, convenience and reliability, and can reliably and accurately complete the communication, and provide strong technical support for the system to follow up data acquisition.

Measurement insights and error analysis of electronic parameters for ultrasonic transducers

Abstract Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers with the function of energy conversation, as well as their numerous advantages in high-power density, quick response, flexible design, and service reliability, are involved in wide applications of industrial processing, precision driving, smart sensing, and medical services. The electromechanical equivalent circuit and Kirchhoff’s law indicate that mechatronics parameters are essential for performance evaluation, reliability analysis, and fault diagnosis of ultrasonic transducers. Importantly, the ultrasonic transducer is a time-variant system, data of one single parameter collected from a certain test cannot match with the data of another single parameter acquired from a different test. So, a synchronous and precise online measurement of electronic parameters is encouraged for performance evaluation and optimization design of ultrasonic transducers. With the combination of virtual instrument technology, an asynchronous measurement system of electrical excitation parameters for the ultrasonic transducers of linear driving motors was established in this study. Furthermore, the systematic measurement methods and error theory were illustrated, including the calculation methods and measuring circuits of electric signals. Experimental results proved that the proposed system and methods for measuring the input electronic power of ultrasonic transducer (e.g. effective value method for voltage and current, energy moment method for frequency, and spectrum analysis method for phase difference) are highly precise, quickly responsive, robust, and reliable for ultrasonic transducers. The findings of this study provide valuable references and suggestions for efficient, accurate, and online performance evaluation of ultrasonic transducers, particularly for piezoelectric transducers utilizing ultrasonic high-voltage exciting signals.

Virtual instrumentation-based data collection and analysis for CNC machining process

Using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools in manufacturing is crucial for exact processing materials. The quality of the machined product heavily relies on the machine's condition. Therefore, monitoring and assessing the machine's status is essential to ensure product quality and enhance its lifespan. However, due to cost, space, and technical limitations, only a few physical variables, such as acceleration, force, displacement, acoustic radiation, temperature, and flow conditions, can be measured. Efficient transfer and extraction of these data are critical for monitoring machine status using statistical methods or valuable signatures. Traditional measurement instruments are complex and numerous, whereas measurement and analysis systems based on virtual instrumentation technology collect necessary data from sensors and data acquisition cards, meeting the needs of test analysis. Virtual instrumentation utilizes computer hardware resources, modularization hardware, and software systems for data analysis, communication, and operation interface, providing greater versatility, flexibility, compatibility, and repeatability. Previous research has shown successful attempts at developing LabVIEW-based systems for monitoring CNC milling machines and analyzing cutting parameters and forces. This project aims to collect and process data from the CNC machining process. The main objectives include writing a LabVIEW software program, recording data from CNC machine programs using the provided hardware (myRIO) and LabVIEW program, processing the data using MATLAB software, and analyzing and discussing the obtained results. The report consists of four parts, starting with an introduction to the project's background and literature review, followed by a description of the project steps, methods, experiments, and data processing. The processed data graphs will be presented and discussed, and recommendations for future research will be provided before concluding with a study summary.

棉秆对夹拉拔试验台设计与试验

In order to explore the relationship between displacement-pulling force and the change of clamping force during the clamping and pulling process of cotton stalks in the field by different types of clamps, a test bench for cotton stalks clamping and pulling was designed. Based on the combination of virtual instrument technology and external hardware, the device is programmed by Gx Works2 and LabVIEW programming software to complete the operation of the test bench clamping and pulling device and the measurement and acquisition of information. From the mapping of the collected information, the average value of the maximum uplift force on the cotton stalks was 500 N, corresponding to an upward movement of 12 mm at the root of the cotton stalks. Through the collected information the effect of two types of clamps on cotton stalks clamping and pulling was analyzed, rigid splints with the clamping force of 750 N and a linear speed of 0.18m/s having the best effect on the cotton stalks clamping and pulling. Rubber splints have the best effect on cotton stalks clamping and pulling when the clamping force is 500 N and the linear speed is 0.36 m/s. Among them, the striped rubber splint has the best effect. The collected information was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the results showed that the coefficient of friction of the clamping plate showed a high influence on both the pull-up force and the reduction of clamping force. Based on the obtained results, it can provide a reference for the design of clamping type cotton stalk harvesting machinery.

Design and Implementation of a Three-phase Asynchronous Motor Intelligent Test System

Background: The locomotive traction motor has gradually shifted from DC motors to AC motors in high-speed railways, and the traction motor needs to be regularly maintained and tested frequently. Objective: The aim of this study was to test the related motor performance by obtaining and analyzing motor data from the test according to the standard "Three-phase Asynchronous Motor Test Method (GB-T 1032-2012)". The performance of the tested motor has been evaluated to meet the relevant requirements of the application. Thus, reasonable and scientific references have been offered for the maintenance and repair of the motor. Methods: A three-phase AC asynchronous motor test system based on LabVIEW and an AC power dynamometer was constructed based on the needs of the factory and type test of a three-phase AC asynchronous motor. Ambient temperature measurement, insulation resistance measurement, DC resistance measurement, no-load characteristics test, overspeed test, blocking characteristics test, load test, and temperature rise test have been carried out. The data on voltage, current, speed, power, and so on, have been collected. A 125 kW three-phase asynchronous motor was tested with the designed system, and the parameters obtained from the system were compared with those from the motor labels. Results: The three-phase AC asynchronous motor test system was designed based on LabVIEW and AC dynamometer operating on an industrial computer with a precision measuring instrument. The most advanced virtual instrument technology was used to combine the powerful data computing and processing ability with the measurement and control ability of instrument hardware. The software proved to be able to acquire data display, control, storage, and analysis simultaneously. In addition, a high degree of intelligence, an automatic motor start and stop control, automatic synchronous acquisition of test data, automatic data processing and calculation, and automatic test report generation and printing function were covered in this system. The simulated results of the system agreed well with the actual performance of the three-phase asynchronous motor, and helped the motor to operate well. Conclusion: The designed testing system exhibited a high automation ability, reliability, and accuracy. It proved to be a time and manpower-saving technical method, improving the actual test efficiency, and helped to reduce labor intensity dramatically.

Modern information technology boosts the teaching reform of mechanical engineering

Abstract Integrating advanced information technology into mechanical engineering education heralds a new era of learning and experimentation. Through the adoption of virtual instrument technology coupled with VRML tools, this paper presents a cutting-edge virtual laboratory system. This system melds virtual simulation with hands-on mechanical testing and encompasses data acquisition and analysis modules, facilitating a comprehensive range of mechanical engineering experiments. By applying this virtual lab to studying acoustic emission sensors, we investigate its efficacy in mechanical engineering education. The outcomes demonstrate a noteworthy independent task completion rate of over 0.8 for experiments 1 to 6, highlighting the virtual lab’s significant role in enriching students’ mastery of experimental concepts and aiding the experimental teaching process.

Retracted: Application of Virtual Instrument Technology in the Teaching of Embedded System Course

Retracted: Application of Virtual Instrument Technology in the Teaching of Embedded System Course

Teaching Reform of Virtual Instrument Technology and Application Course Based on OBE Concept

Teaching Reform of Virtual Instrument Technology and Application Course Based on OBE Concept

Time-domain signal analysis of dielectric response of nonlinear SDBD thruster in near space

The nonlinear time domain response signals of surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) are the basis for studying the energy loss of SDBD thruster. This paper is based on the construction of a double layer lumped parameter circuit model in solid dielectric and discharge plasma regions; based on virtual instrument technology, a test device for AC dielectric characteristics of a nonlinear SDBD thruster was built to obtain the time domain signals of AC voltage and response current. According to the characteristic spectral curve of the voltage and the response current signal in the time domain, the response current is decomposed into resistive current (conduction current) and capacitive current (relaxation current) by an appropriate algorithm. The experimental results show that the response current in the discharge plasma region is mainly the capacitive current, and the peak capacitive current is about 2.9 times of the peak resistance current; Relaxation planned loss is the main form of energy loss in the discharge plasma region. Due to space charge limiting current effect and space charge saturation effect, the static and dynamic resistance of discharge plasma region have platform area and negative resistance characteristics respectively; Both static and dynamic capacitance have negative capacitor characteristics.

Transient measurement of mechatronic multi-parameters and kinetics performances for linear piezoelectric motors

Due to the time-dependent correlations, the measurement and characterization of electronic and mechanical parameters are critical for linear piezoelectric ultrasonic motors (USMs) during the running process. This study constructed a homemade system to measure the electromechanical multi-parameters and kinetics performances agilely, transiently, and synchronously. The principles and structures of the test system were demonstrated based on virtual instrument technology. A signal conditioning circuit is designed and used for physical signal processing, A/D conversion, and transmission. The difference in resonant frequencies was discovered for the synchronization acquisition of mechatronic parameters, and the instantaneous characteristics of electromechanical parameters for SWUM (e.g., driving voltage, input current, thrust force, and speed during the start-up and power-off process) were established based on the experimental data. This study is significant for the measurement/evaluation of the dynamic and transient performances of linear piezoelectric motors and actuators.

Application of Virtual Instrument Technology in the Teaching of Embedded System Course

The development of information technology has brought tremendous changes to our lives. It has applications in industry, agriculture, and other fields, especially in the education industry. Virtual instrument technology is a new technology that combines computer and electronic instruments. It not only has low application cost but also has excellent performance. It can be used for measurement analysis, experimental simulation, and other applications, and it can also play a great role in course teaching. Based on this, this paper proposes the application research of virtual instrument technology in embedded system course teaching. This article adopts the method of literature data, questionnaire survey, and mathematical statistical analysis to design a research experiment of embedded system course teaching application based on virtual instrument technology and compare and analyze the results of the control group and the experimental group. The average score difference between the experimental group and the control group in the embedded system course is 3.62 points, especially in the practice score. The practice score of the control group is 58.34 points, while the practice score of the experimental group is 85.22 points, which fully explains virtual reality. With the aid of instrument technology, the embedded course teaching of the experimental group has obtained more practical opportunities; the students’ hands-on experiment ability is also stronger; and the overall learning effect is better.

基于虚拟仪器技术的中华绒螯蟹养殖监控系统设计与试验

The measurement and control system of Eriocheir sinensis, the Chinese mitten crab, could increase its survival rate and quality effectively. Based on the analysis and design of the system, the parameter ranges for major factors of water quality during crab breeding process were determined. Sensors of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature were used to detect the value of pH, DO, and temperature. LabVIEW, a virtual instrument technology, was used to monitor water quality parameters during crab breeding process, thereby controlling the relay of inlet valve, water valve and oxygen valve by comparing the actual figures with normal parameter. This technology was used to perform the adjustment of water quality parameters respectively to achieve automatic control. In order to test the performance of the system, the monitoring time, stocking density and planting density were taken as experiment factors, and the error rate of the monitoring index was taken as evaluation index. The verification experiment results show that pH, DO and temperature monitoring errors were less than 10%, under the maximum constraint conditions of experiment factors, which meet the design requirements.

Real-time Acquisition and Analysis Test Data of Commercial Vehicle Handling Stability Based on LABVIEW Virtual Instrument

Aiming at the problems of complex time-consuming and heavy data processing workload in the field test of commercial vehicle handling stability, a vehicle handling stability test solution based on virtual instrument technology is proposed. This solution is based on the existing test equipment and conditions, using LABVIEW virtual instrument, integrated application of GPS, AHRS and steering force angle tester to form a set of road test system solutions that can realize vehicle handling and stability. The system can meet the requirements of the national standard Controllability and Stability Test Procedure for Automobile (GB / T 6323-2014) to realize the vehicle handling stability test, and the system test is verified by the real vehicle test data, which provides a more efficient and convenient test method for the study of vehicle handling stability test.

Design of MultiChannel Parallel Dynamic Testing Virtual Instrument Based on Dynamic Measurement

With the rapid advancement of virtual instrument technology, converting the data measurement and control platform to a virtual one has become fashionable. This study focuses on dynamic measurement in order to create a multichannel parallel dynamic testing virtual instrument and then test the instrument’s performance. System login, user management, database storage, query and compression, data processing and real-time display, multifunctional analysis, remote access, and report generation modules have all been designed and implemented. A dynamic measurement uncertainty evaluation method based on quasi-Monte Carlo (MC) method is proposed in light of the common phenomenon that static is used instead of dynamic in the current evaluation process of dynamic measurement uncertainty. For this example, the actual results show that the algorithm produces very reliable and stable calculation results.

Design of the real-time detection system based on LabVIEW for no-till seeder working performance

In order to ensure the working performance of the seeder, reduce the labor intensity of manual testing, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of the detection, a real-time detection system for detecting the performance of no-till seeders was designed based on the LabVIEW software platform of virtual instrument technology and the MCC USB-231 data acquisition card. The detection system can be used to detect the seeding quality index and residue cover index. The detection of the seeding quality index included the middle detection between the metering device and the opener, the end detection between the opener and the furrow. The result of the field test showed that the detection accuracies of seed quantity, multiple index, and miss index were 94.51%, 92.83%, and 91.81%, respectively. The fault position can be accurately determined, and the measurement accuracy of residue cover index was 94.54%. The working performance of the no-tillage seeder can be monitored by the detection system to avoid the occurrence of reseeding and miss-seeding and improve production efficiency. Keywords: LabVIEW, no-tillage seeder, seeding quality, real-time detection, residue cover index DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211405.6208 Citation: Zhu H B, Qian C, Guo Z H, Bai L Z. Design of the real-time detection system based on LabVIEW for no-till seeder working performance. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(5): 100–106.

Virtual Instrument Technology and its Software Development Platform LabVIEW

Virtual Instrument Technology and its Software Development Platform LabVIEW

A point sound source location and detection method based on 19-element hemispheric distributed acoustic pressure sensor array

To solve the key problem of diagnosing the operating condition of an oil transfer pump unit in a 3D closed space, this paper presents an approach for a point sound source location and detection method based on a hemispheric distributed sound pressure sensor array. The array model consists of 19 sound pressure sensors acting in the radial direction and uniformly distributed over the hemispherical surface. A spatial rectangular coordinate system is established by taking the projection point of the central sensor arranged at the apex of the hemisphere to the ground as the origin of the spatial coordinates. With reference to the central sensor, the point sound source is located by selecting the maximum measured sound level and its spatial coordinate in each of the three layers of sensors surrounding it as parameters and using a triangular or a quadrilateral area location algorithm based on virtual instrument technology. According to the location of the source, the A-weighted sound level of the sound source point is derived by the inversion of the sound field distribution law. Results show that the triangular and quadrilateral area location algorithms are both effective. The errors in location become larger for a measured sound source far from the centre.

A Segmentation Model of ECU Excitation Signal Based on Characteristic Parameters.

According to the basic structure and working principle of the excitation signal sensors of a diesel engine electronic control unit (ECU), a segmentation model of an ECU excitation signal based on characteristic parameters (ESCP-SM) is proposed. In the ESCP-SM, the ECU excitation signal is divided into several parts, and each part has its characteristic parameters model. By using the same global parameters and strictly controlling each part’s proportional parameters, the ESCP-SM can achieve signal alignment and dynamic frequency modulation. Based on the simulation experiment, spectrum analysis proves that this modeling method ensures that the original signal’s effective information is not lost. Pearson similarity analysis shows that the similarity between the simulation signal and practical signal reaches 74%, exhibiting strong correlation. In addition, we set up a physical testing environment. ESCP-SM is realized based on virtual instrument technology, and provides excitation signals for a Komatsu 8 ECU. By modifying the parameter configuration, the ECU can drive the injector to work correctly.

Research on Measurement and Control System of Common Parameters of Agricultural Equipment Based on Wireless Transmission

To resolve the limited transmission and complicated layout, the common parameter measurement and control system of agricultural equipment use virtual instrument technology and embedded technology. The research results show that the wireless transmission data of the system is accurate and reliable. The linearity errors of acquisition divestiture (AD) and frequency counting (FI) channel measurements are only 0.38% and 0.006%, respectively, and the resolution is 0.01V and 1 Hz. This performance evaluation fully meets equipment detection in agricultural use. The system is integrated with various wireless transmission platforms, intelligent agricultural equipment, and computer wireless reception and processing. These parameters can significantly improve the automation level and quality of agricultural equipment.