Visual Programming Language Research Articles

BIM-based retrofit method (RBIM) for building envelope thermal performance optimization

Retrofitting building envelope thermal performance is crucial to ensure adequate interior thermal comfort of the building, minimize cooling load rate and, therefore, reduce overall building energy consumption. The retrofit process of an existing building envelope involves the design team selecting the best performing building materials and components based on various design variables and predefined design objectives. Worldwide, an overall thermal transfer value (OTTV) metric has been developed and used for assessing heat transfer through the building envelope. However, the application of OTTV implicates dealing with many design variables and much information, which makes the design decision-making process time-consuming and complicated. Furthermore, selecting the most appropriate design alternative in terms of OTTV performance while considering the most cost-effective design option could be a very challenging task. Therefore, this research proposes a method for retrofitting building information modelling (RBIM) to achieve a tradeoff design set between two conflicting objectives, namely minimizing OTTV and minimizing the retrofit cost. The prototype system derived from this method integrates BIM authoring tools (e.g., Autodesk Revit®), visual scripting (e.g., Dynamo), and a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) customized in MATLAB®. The applicability of the proposed system is validated with a case study of an office building. The results show that the developed system provides a valuable design decision support system for retrofitting building envelope thermal performance while considering the retrofit cost. Additionally, the system shows an improved level of automation in terms of data management compared to the conventional methods.

Implementation of digital automated control systems at electrolytic copper refining plants in Vietnam

The work aims to develop digital control and management systems of copper electrolytic refining processes when addressing energy efficiency issues. Thermal imaging scanners can be used to monitor the process state of an electrolytic cell. In this regard, the experience in the automation and control systems of OJSC Novgorod Metallurgical Plant was considered. Mathematical research methods and a stochastic model developed in the MatLab software were used. This model was applied at the Lao Cai copper-smelting plant (Vietnam). The proposed algorithm is based on the temperature variation in electrolyte depending on the heating of cathode and anode sections during short circuits due to dendritic growth, as well as process disturbance time. The algorithm was developed using the Visual BasicScript programming languages. The temperature rise in short circuit areas was recorded using a thermal imaging scanner immediately after the colour change of the cathode surface. It was shown that the duration of a short circuit depends on the amount of sludge deposited in an electrolytic cell. The sludge formed following the destruction of intergrown dendrites contains precious metals. The developed measures, along with those of digitisation, are necessary for effective management, taking into account the functional and kinetic characteristics of the copper refining process. The proposed solutions and control algorithms will allow remote access systems with augmented reality elements when creating a digital twin. This will reduce the specific power consumption by 20 –25% while decreasing the number of electrode short circuits. Controlling the composition and level of electrolyte and sludge will reduce material losses and maintain the concentration of noble metals in the electrolyte. To improve the control quality of automation during the electrolytic production of cathode copper, a number of technical measures were proposed that provide additional points of control to expand the process database. Furthermore, the proportion of manual periodic measurements of process parameters is reduced.

SISTEM PAKAR PENYELEKSIAN KULIT ULAR UNTUK EKSPOR MENGGUNAKAN METODE FORWARD CHAINING PADA CV. ALONA JAYA

Snake skin is one type of reptile skin that has now been used as a commodity trade with a fairly
 high price. Snake skin that is ripe for export certainly experienced some process first, one of the
 process is the selection to know the skin into the category class I, II or III. CV. Alona Jaya is a
 company engaged in the export of reptile skin. Human resources owned CV. Alona Jaya not all
 experts in the field of skin selection, so still need the help of experts in handling the process.
 Expert system applications capable of imitating the work of an expert in various fields, one of
 them is snake skin selection. This expert system is built using forward chaining method, as a
 search technique that starts from a known fact to reach a goal. The design of this application
 using UML and Visual Basic programming language with Microsoft Access database as its
 application. This research produces an expert system application that can be used in snake skin
 selection for export, so it can help human resources who are not experts at the time of skin selection

The Role of Crossover in Genetic Algorithms to Solve Optimization of a Function Problem

The genetic algorithm is an adaptive search method that has the ability for a smart search to find the best solution and to reduce the number of trials and time required for obtaining the optimal solution.The aim of this paper was to study the behavior of different types of crossover operators in the performance of GA. We have also studied the effects of the parameters and variables (crossover probability, mutation rate, population size and number of generation) for controls the algorithm. This work accumulated some types of crossover operators to be a reference to all researchers; it was implemented on Optimization of a function. We investigate to explore the role of crossover in GAs with respect to this problem, by using a comparison study of the iteration results obtained from change the parameters values (crossover probability, mutation rate, population size and number of generation).The experimental results reported will show more light into how crossover effects the GAs search power in the context of optimization problems.The work explains the role of crossover operators in GAs and it shows the iteration results obtained with implementation in Delphi version 6.0 visual programming language exploiting the object oriented tools of this language.

Finite State Machine in Game Development

Finite State Machine is one of the oldest techniques in gaming where it was used in old games like PACMAN and new games like TOM RAIDER also. In all these games one major goal was to make non player characters more intelligent. There are some advance types also available but FSM still is one of the most used technique for non-player characters. The main goal of this paper is to explain how FSM works, how to create FSM and implement it in games using scripting or visual scripting. Hierarchical Finite State Machine is also discussed in this paper as it overcomes the limitations of older simple FSM. Using FSM, we can create intelligent AI agents. We can implement FSM and HFSM in games to make NPS’s behave like AI.

The Evolution of Interactivity, Immersion and Interoperability in HBIM: Digital Model Uses, VR and AR for Built Cultural Heritage

Today, a building is not just a “body” or a “machine” as defined by modern architecture, but rather an immaterial entity immersed in a digital world where not only its components but also the information associated with it are accounted for. In recent decades, building information modelling (BIM) has made it possible to move from 2D CAD drawings to 3D models capable of supporting different processes and interacting with different disciplines in the AEC industry for storing, documenting and sharing heterogeneous content. It has thus become possible to direct these techniques towards built heritage to investigate new forms of communication and share heritage building information modelling (HBIM) models. This research investigates this evolution in both generative terms (scan-to-BIM process) and cultural and historical terms in order to orient BIM uses towards novel forms of interactivity and immersion between users and models. The author proposes the use of a digital process and the development of VR and AR environments based on a visual programming language (VPL) to improve access to a deeper knowledge of HBIM models and the artefacts and information contained therein.

Applying software design patterns to graph-modelled robotic workflows

Visual Programming Language (VPL) is utilized with increasing frequency in Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries to accomplish tasks relating to advanced geometry and complex designs. In recent developments, VPLs have gained traction in robotic research, where they are being explored as a good tool for robotic programming. While visual programming holds several key advantages justifying this attention, it comes with key limitations for developing commercial-grade robotic applications. Such applications need to be easily maintainable, stable and performance optimal to be able to succeed in the market. In this paper, we argue that the situation with regard to visual programming is similar to that of textual programming from 1960s. The universally adopted strong abstraction mechanisms vastly improved the condition for the latter. We then proceed to propose the utilization of software design patterns as a method to overcome some of the existing challenges faced by adopters of VPLs. Six novel design patterns are introduced, and their application is exemplified by industrial software development case studies.

Prototype of a remotely controlled model of a tugboat with an azimuth rudder and a hazard identification function

The author’s approach, based on the technology of control actions, is proposed for the interface display of the algorithm for the operation of an automatic tugboat with an azimuth rudder and a hazard assessment function. To define the object as presumably dangerous, the article used the formulas of the direct and inverse navigation problems. To compare the coordinates of the vessel and the perceived “hazard”, one first needs to enter data, process the information, and display information that is understandable for the decision-maker. To eliminate the misunderstanding of this situation, the operation of the danger prevention algorithm was demonstrated using the visual basic programming language as an example. When constructing an algorithm for the safe movement of the vessel and the existing danger, each object, even a stand-alone one, has many coordinate points. Knowing the number of points of coordinates of the vessel and “danger”, they were taken as n and m, respectively. The algorithm searches for the optimal point-object. The scheme of interaction of the components of the automatic tug azimuth model (ABA) is proposed. It is based on a Raspberry Pi single-board computer with an Arduino Mega board connected to it. A program has been written to control the ABA model using omnidirectional wheels to simulate maneuvering on water.

Cross information and BIM interoperability tools for energy retrofit analysis

In recent years the Building Energy Modelling (BEM) has emerged. It is based on BIM technology, that uses pre-designed BIM models to create an input for BEM tools, providing an opportunity to make BEM a time-saving, practical and accurate process. This format works quite efficiently for geometric information, while it presents interoperability issues due technical data loss. This study aims at creating a tool that collects and imports information in the BIM model in order to be exported by the IFC standard and read by the energy analysis software, crossing from BIM to BEM model. Considering the complexity of historic buildings’ energy retrofit design, it is crucial to find and develop a fluid method that can automatically transfer the needed information, reducing considerably the time spent on preparing the BEM model. To achieve this goal, an open source Visual Programming Language tool and a specific Property Set for IFC exportation have been used. It was possible to transfer the needed parameters, while restricting as much as possible the human’s transcription mistakes. This approach has been applied to the energy preliminary analyses of an historic farmstead near Milan, proving the decrease in time spent on transcribing, exporting and checking parameters. Due to the possibility of saving and reproducing VPL scripts in different BIM projects, the results of this study will be easily replicable and could be a usable tool for designers.

Exploration or Multipurpose Electric Vehicle for Agriculture Using IOT

Objectives: Objective: In this paper suggests a multipurpose portable type agricultural vehicle which can perform many functions of agriculture like seed sowing, water sprinkling and fertilizer spraying using a single agricultural vehicle. In the present scenario the agriculture is becoming of less interest even for the skilled people due to the increase in capital cost and decrease in the selling price. It is the time for introducing different machines with less human interference and also better with automated vehicles. There are different modern machines/tools that are accessible to farmers in order to perform various functions in agriculture. Each machine/tool can perform its own intended function. Methods: This agricultural vehicle is an automated vehicle where the control is based on IOT and can be controlled remotely. The proposed system involves PMDC motors as a driving mechanism and servomotor is used for controlling the output. The entire mechanism is controlled by NImyRIO embedded system. The programming of NImyRIO is developed using LabVIEW which is a visual programming language for easy user interface. Results & Conclusions: This exploration of multipurpose unmanned electric vehicle surely paves the ways to smart implementation scheme to the agriculture society including tobacco plantations.

EGG+: A graph grammar formalism with uncertain structure processing mechanism

Abstract Extended from string grammars, graph grammar is a 2D formal method, which could specify the syntax structures of visual programming languages intuitively yet formally. However, the graph matching conditions in most graph grammars are too strict in specified applications, influencing the flexibility and fault tolerant capability of graph grammar. To solve the problems, this paper introduces an uncertain structure processing mechanism into graph grammar formalism and proposes a new graph grammar named EGG+. Different from traditional graph grammars, EGG+ defines a class of special edges named uncertain edges to specify the uncertain relationships between graphical elements. Each graph with uncertain edge is defined an uncertain graph, as a prototype of a set of graphical structures. By the new terms and definitions, EGG+ productions are divided into two categories: certain productions and uncertain productions, where certain productions specify the structures with strict matching requirements and uncertain productions are used to ignore specified syntactical errors during derivation and reduction, providing fault tolerant capability for the accessible non-isomorphic structures. Moreover, a redex searching algorithm with polynomial time complexity is designed for the convenience of grammatical application in the new formalism.

INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL OBJECTS (IVOs) FOR NEXT GENERATION OF VIRTUAL MUSEUMS: FROM STATIC TEXTURED PHOTOGRAMMETRIC AND HBIM MODELS TO XR OBJECTS FOR VR-AR ENABLED GAMING EXPERIENCES

Abstract. Virtual museums should not live on the internet through traditional applications sharing collections through simple panoramas or static images and descriptions but reach novel innovative and interactive forms of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), providing a more creative, intimate, personal learning experience. For this reason, the authors propose a method based on advanced Information Technologies (IT) to fully return the tangible and intangible values of different type of works of art. The primary purpose of this study is to create a system of virtual environments through which the digital user, mainly the visitor of an unconventional museum, will be able to physically interact, through visual and tactile methods, with 3D digital models of sculptures, information, and art objects. Thanks to the integration of the latest 3D modelling and digital survey techniques with the Visual Programming Language (VPL) and eXteded Reality (XR) development platforms, authors propose new levels of interactivity between users and Interactive Virtual Objects (IVOs) capable of coming to life, sharing new forms of real-time human-computer interaction for VR-AR enabled gaming experiences and virtual museums, using multiple devices such VR headset, web-based AR platforms, mobile phones, tablets, and PC workstation.

Multi-objective building design optimisation using acoustics and daylighting

Daylighting and acoustics parameters are related to each other in terms of material usage, specifically for window openings. However, no study has included acoustics and daylighting as objectives in the multi-objective optimisation models. In this study, this relationship was included to the optimisation process of generating building conceptual form. A model was developed to optimise the form of a building using acoustics, daylighting and floor area as the objectives. Daylight autonomy parameter for daylighting performance and C50 (speech clarity), reverberation time, Speech Transmission Index parameters for acoustic performance were used in the model which was created with visual programming language. Case studies were conducted with the model, and the results were discussed. Maximising speech clarity and maximising annual daylighting in the space were determined as objectives for the building form optimisation process in the case studies.

Coordinated Movement of Multiple Robots in Outdoor Environment with Obstacles Pages

This article mainly focuses on the proposal of the program that coordinates the movement of multiple robots in outdoor environment. The emphasis of the proposed algorithm is on collision free movement. Simulation with four robots that are controlled in an environment with obstacles is the result of these experiments. The formation of robots consists of a leader and three following robots, which are trying to copy leader¢‚¬„¢s movement. Robots use GPS, laser rangefinder, as well as bumpers sensors for the environment scanning. GPS is used as positioning sensor and other sensors are used for reactive navigation. Besides that, simulation uses virtual reality from Microsoft Robotics Studio 4 (MRS). In addition, programming language used for this simulation is called Visual Programming Language. Advantage of MRS usage is that the final code can be simply transferred into real robots.

Human–Computer Interaction Based on Scan-to-BIM Models, Digital Photogrammetry, Visual Programming Language and eXtended Reality (XR)

In recent years, the advent of the latest-generation technologies and methods have made it possible to survey, digitise and represent complex scenarios such as archaeological sites and historic buildings. Thanks to computer languages based on Visual Programming Language (VPL) and advanced real-time 3D creation platform, this study shows the results obtained in eXtended Reality (XR) oriented to archaeological sites and heritage buildings. In particular, the scan-to-BIM process, digital photogrammetry (terrestrial and aerial) were oriented towards a digitisation process able to tell and share tangible and intangible values through the latest generation techniques, methods and devices. The paradigm of the geometric complexity of the built heritage and new levels of interactivity between users and digital worlds were investigated and developed to favour the transmissibility of information at different levels of virtual experience and digital sharing with the aim to archive, tell and implement historical and cultural baggage that over the years risks being lost and not told to future generations.

HYBRID GIS-BIM APPROACH FOR THE TORINO DIGITAL-TWIN: THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A FLOOR-LEVEL 3D CITY GEODATABASE

Abstract. The research tries to present a preliminary work into geo-spatial management of public administration assets thanks to interoperability of BIM-GIS models, related to urban scale scenarios. The strategy proposed tries to deepen the management, conversion and integration of databases related to public assets and particularly schools building, and related them into city-related geo-databases. The methodology, based on the real scenario of Torino Municipality and their needs addressed in recent studies in collaboration with FULL – Future Urban Legacy Lab from Politecnico di Torino, take advantage from the availability of two test dataset at different scale, with different potential and bottlenecks. The idea of developing a 3D digital twin of Torino actually stop long before the 3D city modelling only, but rather we have to deal with the integration and harmonization of existing databases. These data collections are often coming from different updating and based on non-homogeneous languages and data models. The data are often in table format and managed by different offices and as many management systems. Moreover, recently public administrations as the one of Torino, have increase availability of BIM models, especially for public assets, which need to be known, archived, and localized in a geographic dimension in order to benefit from the real strategic potential of a spatial-enabled facility management platform as Digital Twin. Combining the use of parametric modeler software (Revit) and visual programming language (Dynamo), the proposed methodology tries to elaborate rules on a set of shared language parameters (characterizing the buildings as attributes in both datasets: ID; address; construction; floors; rooms dimensions, use, floor; height; glass surfaces). This is tested as conversion workflow between the Municipality DB and the BIM model. This solution firstly allows the interaction and query between models, and then it proposes open issues once the enriched BIM model is imported into the geographical dimension of the Torino 3D city model Digital Twin (ArcGIS Pro platform), according to LOD standards, and enriched with semantic components from municipality DB.

Design of Waste Treatment Applications at PT. Rifansi Dwi Putra Using Visual Basic.Net and MySQL Database

<p class="Abstract">PT. Rifansi Dwi Putra is a company that operates in the Oil and Gas Industry, especially in the Waste Handling Transportation (WHT) Project regarding Waste Transportation. PT. Rifansi Dwi Putra especially at the Sand Management Facility (SMF) in processing waste volume data already uses a computer and is supported by Microsoft Excel software. However, doing data input, searching, processing, and reporting takes a relatively long time. So that the resulting information is less accurate, thus requests for fast and accurate information are often late in presenting their reports. In this regard, to facilitate the process of data accuracy, it is better to create an application for data collection of waste volumes using Visual Basic Programming Language and MySQL database. To facilitate the operations department, especially in recording the volume of waste transported to the Sand Management Facility (SMF) and making reports on the volume of waste to control, repair, and process data based on information technology and help the obstacles faced. To produce applications in waste volume data collection to facilitate structured data input in the data entry process, make it easier to search waste volume data, and help the management team produce accurate waste volume reports, making it easier to make decisions. The user of this application is only owned by one person because it is still a single user or stand alone (desktop-based) and this application produces three reports, namely reports per day, reports per month and reports per unit.</p>

Design of An Expert System for Early Diagnosis of Intestinal Tuberculosis

<p class="Abstract">WHO in 2013 released data in the Global Tuberculosis Report that 8.6 million more people were positive for TB, and 15.12% of them died. One of the causes of death due to tuberculosis is too late to know when it is infected and too late to get treatment. For an initial diagnosis of whether someone has TB, they can immediately go to a hospital or use a computer application that has an expert's ability. This study aims to design an expert system for the early diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis using the Forward Chaining method. Expert System is one part of Artificial Intelligence that can create a computer program to provide decisions and analysis like an expert or expert in a particular field. The research method used in this study is the Research and Development method with the ADDIE approach. The expert system for early diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis is designed by making a decision tree diagram to find out the rules needed to diagnose whether a person has intestinal tuberculosis from the symptoms experienced. The formulation of the problem or the rules needed for the initial diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis in this study was built using the Forward Chaining method. The output of this research is an Expert System in the form of a Stand-Alone application that is built with the Visual Basic Programming Language, which can provide diagnostic results whether a person suffers from intestinal tuberculosis from the symptoms entered into the Expert System Interface.</p>

DECAY CLASSIFICATION USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Abstract. The paper presents DECAI - DEcay Classification using Artificial Intelligence, a novel study using machine learning algorithms to identify materials, degradations or surface gaps of an architectural artefact in a semi-automatic way. A customised software has been developed to allow the operator to choose which categories of materials to classify, and selecting sample data from an orthophoto of the artefact to train the machine learning algorithms. Thanks to Visual Programming Language algorithms, the classification results are directly imported into the H-BIM environment and used to enrich the H-BIM model of the artefact. To date, the developed tool is dedicated to research use only; future developments will improve the graphical interface to make this tool accessible to a wider public.

Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Untuk Menentukan Pelanggan Terbaik Pada Pizza Oei-Oei Medan Menggunakan Metode SAW

The management of Pizza Oei-Oei Medan does not yet have a standard system in determining the best customer.m So far, this has been done randomly and without a structure in determining the best customer. Not fair to other customers. It takes a decision support system to determine the best customers who can make decisions from various alternatives and existing criteria in determining the best customers fairly. The method used is SAW (Simple Additive Weighting). SAW is a method that can determine the weight value for each attribute, then proceed with a ranking process that will select the best alternative from a number of alternatives. SAW method can be implemented to find out the best customers based on the criteria and weights that are determined correctly. This research is to determine the best customers at Pizza Oei-Oei Medan. The system is built with Visual Basic Studio programming language with Microsoft Access database.