University of Southern Queensland

About: University of Southern Queensland is a education organization based out in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Higher education. The organization has 3037 authors who have published 11241 publications receiving 234781 citations. The organization is also known as: USQ.

Monocular vision, optical blur and visual looming as a basisfor mobile robot obstacle avoidance

Abstract: Avoidance of obstacles is a fundamental problem for mobile robots. In recent times, a rapid increase in computing power combined with an equally steep decrease in size, electrical requirements and cost in computers has led to the increase in the use of cameras and vision as a realistic means of achieving real time avoidance. In this paper, we investigate a means by which a machine vision system could utilise optical blur as an avoidance indicator. The methods used are intended for monocular systems and employ the blur recovery methods of Hu and de Haan to find optical blur and optical blur and the looming method described by Raviv and Joarder and Sahin and Gaudiano to relate this to object approach. It was intended that this system be relatively simple in hardware and software implementation. To verify the success of the design, we conducted tests in a controlled environment. It was found that obstacle approach could reliably be computed through this method, but its success depended on the camera lens properties.

Advanced Energy Storage Devices: Principles and Potential Applications in Sustainable Energetics

Abstract: Organic conjugated polymer based flexible sustainable storage devices have potential future applications in battery electric vehicles, rechargeable batteries, fuel cell vehicles due to their remarkable conductivity, low cost, easy fabrication in the industrial scale, stability (chemical, thermal and environmental), optical property, electroluminescence, doping-dedoping characteristics and controlling dimension (size and morphological structures) of electrode materials in the nanoscale from zero dimension (0D) to three dimension (3D). However, their application is limited due to low energy density, and loss of electrochemical properties at high temperatures. This can be overcome by functionalization of various metal oxides (e.g. TiO2, MnO2, ZnO, Fe3O4, SiO2, etc.), and nanocarbons (e.g. 3D graphene nanosheets, 1D carbon nanotubes, 0D graphene quantum dots, carbon nanofibers, etc.) with novel organic conjugated polymers by using various synthesis methodologies. It is due to well-defined structures, large surface area, excellent electrical and mechanical properties of nanostructured metal oxides or nanocarbons-functionalized conducting polymer hybrids.

Game development tools for simulating robots and creating interactive learning experiences

Abstract: There are several different ways to create and control virtual 3D (three-dimensional) models of robots, however, most of these methods can only be implemented or understood by experts with years of extensive experience in 3D graphics programming, 3D mathematics and a plethora of advanced skills in the areas of solid modelling and 3D animation. This paper presents a brief history and summary of the state-of-the-art in 3D game development tools and technologies which can be used to develop realistic looking graphics for developing user interfaces and robot control programming tools. It also presents a simple and easy-to-learn kinematic modelling and 3D simulation process using a 4 degree of freedom (4-dof) articulated robot leg for an amphibious walking and swimming robot that is currently being designed by the authors. This 4-dof robot leg will be used as an example or case study to demonstrate an effective method for motion control, animation and simulation. Also described are popular software tools and essential skills needed to create a simple 3D simulation program. The source code of the 3D simulation software for the 4-dof robot leg is listed and described to help readers apply such methods to other robot designs, devices and complex machinery.

Changing the LAB Experience in Undergraduate Engineering: How an Online Approach Can Improve Formative Assessment Practices and Learning

Abstract: The use of technology to enhance formative assessment in higher education continues to be a challenge regardless of advances in digital capabilities; yet research has shown its potential regardless of discipline. In undergraduate electrical and electronic engineering, which is the discipline focus in this chapter, lab work is an area that can be enhanced in this way but with such an enhancement comes a change in pedagogy from the conventional approach of in-lab physical practical work conducted by the individual student alone or in a group with limited support to one of working collaboratively in remote access laboratories scattered far and wide through an online learning systems that provides access to laboratory infrastructure and learning environments through the internet. In a collaborative learning environment, students work together to solve problems and need to become involved in dialogue to achieve a common goal where they depend on and are accountable to each other. This chapter explores students’ experience of a collaborative approach to lab work regarding mastery of the voltage division rule and its relevance to formative assessment using remote access laboratories that depend on technology and internet access. The implications for task design and formative assessment are discussed based on the results of interviews with participating students. The nature of change in pedagogical practice is highlighted as are the implications for the design of formative assessment and the need to work at the level of “feedback markers” that are able to feed forward to progress learning. Changing the LAB Experience in Undergraduate Engineering: How an Online Approach Can Improve Formative Assessment Practices and Learning