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Showing papers in "International Journal of Online Engineering (ijoe) in 2016"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The experimental results show that the harvesting efficiency significantly improves and the degree of crushing cherry tomato greatly reduces after using the cherry tomato harvesting robot.
Abstract: To improve the efficiency of harvesting cherry tomato and reduce its breakage rate, we design a harvesting robot base on image recognition and modular control. After image acquisition with IOT technology, the binary processing and expansion and corrosion processing of original image can effectively increase the fruit recognition rate. In addition, the use of fuzzy control technology processes the response error of manipulator. We test the performance of cherry tomato harvesting robot through harvesting experiment. The experimental results show that the harvesting efficiency significantly improves and the degree of crushing cherry tomato greatly reduces after using the cherry tomato harvesting robot.

67 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Case studies based on deployment of 20 web-based virtual labs with more than 170+ online experiments in Biotechnology and Biomedical engineering discipline with content for undergraduate and postgraduate education report the role of remote lab experiments as learning and teaching tools.
Abstract: ICT-enabled virtual and remote labs have become a platform augmenting user engagement in blended education scenarios enhancing University education in rural India. A novel trend is the use of remote laboratories as learning and teaching tools in classrooms and elsewhere. This paper reports case studies based on our deployment of 20 web-based virtual labs with more than 170+ online experiments in Biotechnology and Biomedical engineering discipline with content for undergraduate and postgraduate education. Via hands-on workshops and direct feedback using questionnaires, we studied the role of remote lab experiments as learning and teaching tools. Although less reliable than direct feedback, we also included online feedback to perceive blended and remote learning styles among various users. Student and teacher user groups suggested significant usage adaptability of experimental process and indicated usage of remote labs as supplementary tools for complementing laboratory education. Usage analysis implicated the role of online labs as interactive textbooks augmenting student interaction and positive correlates to learning.

31 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Based on a grid concept of an interactive hybrid online laboratory, students are able to design control algorithms with different specification techniques to control electro-mechanical hardware models in the online lab using the GOLDi system.
Abstract: Based on a grid concept of an interactive hybrid online laboratory we will describe different fields of applications in different learning scenarios. This infrastructure guaranties a reliable, flexible as well as robust usage of this online lab. By using GOLDi, students are able to design control algorithms with different specification techniques to control electro-mechanical hardware models in the online lab. Additionally, the reconfigurable rapid prototyping platform of the GOLDi system can be used to test all the taught topics of a given lectures in the field of digital system design. Finally, a special demonstration platform (a ball in a labyrinth on a balance plate) can be used to give the students a better feeling about the possibilities and limitations of remote control and observation via Internet and to evaluate these technologies critically.

31 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Arduino Uno, Arduino Due and Arduino Galileo were selected as typical representatives of Arduino boards’ family, with justification that all other not mentioned boards are somewhere between those selected, according to official hardware specifications.
Abstract: Standard SBCs (Single Board Computer) with number of standard shields and sensors can be used as building blocks for rapid development of network of intelligent devices with sensing, control and Internet access. Arduino family of boards having high popularity and large number of sold units featuring open access, reliability, robustness, standard connections and low prices, possesses large potential for implementation of autonomous remote measurement and control systems of various levels of complexity. As Arduino boards can function independently, they are complete small computer platforms that can perform various tasks requiring some kind of interaction with the outer world. Arduino boards can be used and programmed in various ways, and can be arranged in various combinations forming some typical implementation architectures that this paper discusses. Starting from basic and simple configurations, more advanced are gradually considered from the aspects of chosen way of programming and combining with other boards. Special attention is devoted to NodeJS as programming platform for Arduino boards and considerations of libraries used with Arduino boards like Johnny-Five, Galileo-io firmata equivalent, mraa library and other ways of program access to GPIO like Linux Sysfs. As typical representatives of Arduino boards’ family, the Arduino Uno, Arduino Due and Arduino Galileo were selected, with justification that all other not mentioned boards are somewhere between those selected, according to official hardware specifications.

26 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A scheme of virtualization of the infrastructure and an adaptive scheme of assisted remote laboratories where part of the experience is carried out by the user and part is assisted by the system that is able to act as a team mate for the students during the experimentation process are proposed.
Abstract: Development of remote laboratories in academic settings has been held back because of the lack of standardization of technology, processes, operation and their integration with formal educational environments. Remote laboratories are used in educational settings for a variety of reasons, for instance, when the equipment is not available in the physical laboratory; when the physical laboratory space available is not sufficient to, either, set up the experiments or permit access to all on-site students in the course; or when the teacher needs to provide online laboratory experiences to students taking courses via distance education. Centers have been forming platforms that grant remote access to a collection of physical experiments that provide alternatives to educational institutions to reduce budgets of not only equipment purchases but also other expenses, such as, people, space, maintenance, and electricity consumption. This paper offers a taxonomy and examples of types of laboratories and hybrid combinations, and proposes Unified Modeling Language (UML) models for remote laboratories incorporating access models for collaborative user roles in the educational context that support synchronous and asynchronous formats in learning environments. The need for development of adaptive interfaces for remote laboratories based on difficulty level and demonstrated user knowledge is presented. Finally, the paper proposes a scheme of virtualization of the infrastructure and an adaptive scheme of assisted remote laboratories where part of the experience is carried out by the user (student) and part is assisted by the system (teacher avatar) that is able to act as a team mate for the students during the experimentation process.

24 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A novel routing algorithm called Multi-Group based LEACH (MG-LEACH) that has been utilized the redundant deployed sensor nodes to improve the network life time by suppressing the correlated data gathered by the sensor nodes by monitoring the similar event.
Abstract: This paper covers a novel routing algorithm called Multi-Group based LEACH (MG-LEACH) that has been utilized the redundant deployed sensor nodes to improve the network life time. It has been suppressing the correlated data gathered by the sensor nodes by monitoring the similar event. Thus reduces not only the data transmission inside the clusters but also conserve the energy of deployed sensor nodes consequently improve the overall network lifetime. This is a simple idea that has been implemented over LEACH protocol however it is valid for almost all clustering based routing algorithms/protocols specially those variants based upon frame work of LEACH. The proposed routing algorithm has been simulated using MATLAB to verify the efficiency in enhancing network life time. A critical evaluation of routing algorithm is conducted to determine the relevance and applicability in increasing network life time. Simulation results confirmed that it has performed better than LEACH and enhanced network life time up to approximately 90%.

14 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: To increase the students’ learning support in remote laboratories a development of an intelligent tutoring system based on the learning analytics is proposed and outlined in this paper.
Abstract: In this paper we report on current and future developments in the remote laboratory NetLab. After a short review of real, virtual and remote laboratories, NetLab – a remote laboratory created and operated at the University of South Australia since 2002, is introduced. Experiments conducted in 2015 using real laboratory and NetLab are presented and student feedback on those reported. Increasingly, both academics and students accept that properly structured, documented and supported remote laboratories constitute a valid complementation to and/or replacement of real laboratories. To increase the students’ learning support in remote laboratories a development of an intelligent tutoring system based on the learning analytics is proposed and outlined in this paper.

13 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A Virtual Reality based laboratory experience is presented that can be used to demonstrate the effect that emotions may play in the authors' bodies and help the students be able to analyze their own physiological data and understand the correlation between data patterns and experienced situation.
Abstract: In this paper we present a Virtual Reality based laboratory experience that can be used to demonstrate the effect that emotions may play in our bodies. For attaining this purpose, a Virtual Reality-based system is presented where three different virtual environments aim at inducing specific sensations and emotions on the students participating in a classroom experiment. The objective is that the students be able to analyze their own physiological data and understand the correlation between data patterns and experienced situation.

11 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Simulation result shows that the proposed algorithm has high dynamic adaptability and can address the problem of blind zone maximally and also reduces the network energy consumption, optimizes network coverage control and exhibits high convergence.
Abstract: To reduce the blind zone in network coverage, we propose a coverage optimization algorithm of wireless sensor network based on mobile nodes. This algorithm calculates the irregularity of blind zone in network coverage and obtains the minimum approximate numerical solution by utilizing the quantitative relationship between energy consumption of related nodes and the position of the mobile nodes. After determining the optimal relative position of the mobile nodes, the problem of blind zone between the static nodes is addressed. Simulation result shows that the proposed algorithm has high dynamic adaptability and can address the problem of blind zone maximally. Besides increasing the network coverage, the algorithm also reduces the network energy consumption, optimizes network coverage control and exhibits high convergence.

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: With the PLC as an I40 component, process data can be transferred directly from the controller to an IP network without additional delays, and the achieved result forms the basis for outsourcing parts of the control program to a cloud.
Abstract: This paper focuses in three main subjects; the first one and the most important is the presentations and implementation of a concept to use an standard PLC as an Industry 4.0 (I40) component following the specification defined by the Industry 4.0 architecture RAMI 4.0. With this realization those industrial controllers can be easily integrated in Industry 4.0 production environments using the service paradigm. The next subject of this work involves some tests to evaluate the developed concept based on a prototype implementation. As result, the transmission time for the process data from the PLC to the IP network was determined for two use cases. The last part of the paper presents a practical implementation using a laboratory installation intendent to educational applications. With the PLC as an I40 component, process data can be transferred directly from the controller to an IP network without additional delays. The achieved result forms, amongst other things, the basis for outsourcing parts of the control program to a cloud. The prototype applications are available for learning and training purposes.

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper presents models of studied objects with the help of remote laboratories containing physical and software components described as an integrated system with a hierarchy of controls formalized using set theory.
Abstract: This paper present models of studied objects with the help of remote laboratories containing physical and software components. These hybrid models were described as an integrated system with a hierarchy of controls. The functional structure of hybrid models was formalized using set theory. There are described examples of hybrid models, which software component contains subsystems of virtual models, models of the “hidden” part, the technical state models and environment models of the studied object. There are considered teaching scenarios of hybrid models application. It was given an example of design teaching scenario of diagnostic subsystem of a traffic light.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this work, a fully-functional example of the integration of service-oriented remote laboratories into a LMS is presented, where the Moodle platform has been chosen as a representative LMS.
Abstract: Remote practical experiences are nowadays essential in the context of distance education, because students cannot use face-to-face traditional laboratories. These remote laboratories can be used by faculty within virtual classrooms, so that students can carry out their on-line experiments in a ubiquitous way – from anywhere and at any time. But these activities cannot be isolated from the learning process of students. Therefore, the services provided by a remote laboratory must be integrated into the institutional Learning Management System (LMS), in order to be employed during the whole learning process. In this work, a fully-functional example of the integration of service-oriented remote laboratories into a LMS is presented, where the Moodle platform has been chosen as a representative LMS

Journal ArticleDOI
Yiwang Wang1, Houjun Tang, Shuki Fan, Hai Chen, Rui Wang 
TL;DR: A novel energy-saving intelligent wireless agricultural detecting system combined with technologies green power supply, wireless transmission and digital control that can achieve collection of a large amount of parameters in terms of modern agricultural cultivation.
Abstract: In order to meet the needs of modern intelligent agricultural detection, this paper designs and develops a novel energy-saving intelligent wireless agricultural detecting system combined with technologies green power supply, wireless transmission and digital control. This system can be powered by green energy resources such as solar energy or wind power and combined with digital control and wireless communication technologies it can achieve collection of a large amount of parameters in terms of modern agricultural cultivation, which will meet the needs of different application scenarios. Results of repeated experiments have shown that it has such advantages as being green and environment-friendly, flexible and reliable.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study investigates the feasibility of a low cost mobile robot in conveying the knowledge of PID control theory by modifying an inexpensive open-source mobile robot so that the position of the robot can be recorded and visualized wirelessly.
Abstract: A proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is a classical controller that has been applied in numerous applications. One learning lesson of PID control theory is to tune its proportional, integral, and derivative parameters so that the performance of system is optimal. Besides, teaching PID control theory verbally is challenging especially when transient response characteristics e.g. overshoot, rise time, and settling time are introduced. Thus, this study investigates the feasibility of a low cost mobile robot in conveying the knowledge of PID control theory. First, an inexpensive open-source mobile robot was modified so that the position of the robot can be recorded and visualized wirelessly. Second, a graphical user interface was built to visualize the movement of the robot. Lastly, the PID parameters were tuned and their effects were recorded and analyzed quantitatively. Findings show that the proposed method is capable of demonstrating the effects of P and D parameters correctly.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new pressure vessel design system based on Chinese 3D CAD system named SINOVATION was developed to improve design efficiency and accuracy and has been highly commended by customers in Chinese pressure vessel industry, especially in petrochemical industry.
Abstract: The design of pressure vessel is an extremely professional job which has heavy workload, repeated work, and rich accumulated knowledge, and it has good characteristics of serialization, generalization, standardization. Generic 3D CAD systems are not suitable for pressure vessel design. On the contrary, customized development based on 3D CAD system is needed. In this paper, a new pressure vessel design system based on Chinese 3D CAD system named SINOVATION was developed to improve design efficiency and accuracy. First, the functions and construction of pressure vessel design system were presented with the analysis of the traditional design process of pressure vessels. Second, related design specifications were managed and used flexibly in pressure vessel design system, and general parts library and standard parts library were established to improve parts reuse and accumulation. Finally, a guiding design mode was accepted for typical vessels and components to design same product series while direct modeling function was used for atypical pressure vessels. The results show that this method is helpful for embedded use of design specifications, standards and knowledge, and also provides an extensive interface for product updates and diversification. Statistical data reports and accurate engineering drawings are generated automatically based on 3D models. The quality, efficiency, and consistence are greatly improved. With the implementation and application, the system has been highly commended by customers in Chinese pressure vessel industry, especially in petrochemical industry.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The paper deals with the design of the intelligent processing of experimental data measured in the remote laboratories, where the measurements are performed by connected clients via the finite-state machine residing at an advanced server.
Abstract: The paper deals with the design of the intelligent processing of experimental data measured in the remote laboratories, where the measurements are performed by connected clients via the finite-state machine residing at an advanced server. As physical hardware and software is used the Internet School Experimental System (ISES). This platform is intended for educational purposes at schools and universities to provide the suitable measuring environment for students using computers. It is especially suitable for distance students who cannot attend regular courses during their studies of physics, chemistry or electro-engineering. At present, the remote laboratory does not dispose of any data processing technique. This results in excessive demands on storing capacity. The suggested solution solves this drawback by processing and archiving techniques to store measured data after their organizing in predetermined structures and concomitant data volume reduction. The paper is organized in the following manner. In the first section, Introduction, the ISES remote laboratory concept is introduced, following, State of the art, describing present stage of its ISES physical hardware development. The description of ISES physical software is concentrated at the Measureserver core unit realized as the finite-state machine. The next section deals with the design and implementation of the intelligent data processing component, which is focused on the extracting, filtering and archiving of measured data coming from the Measureserver unit communicating with a physical experiment. Finally, all the functional benefits are summarized for interested, who are involved in the remote experiments construction.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper outlines a demonstration of a few remote and virtual laboratories at Labicom platform that were built with accordance to main IEEE P1876™ ideas, and a few standardization approaches at these laboratories are briefly discussed.
Abstract: This paper outlines a demonstration of a few remote and virtual laboratories at Labicom platform that were built with accordance to main IEEE P1876™ ideas. A few standardization approaches at above mentioned remote and virtual laboratories are briefly discussed. These laboratories were presented at interactive Labicom demo session during REV'16 conference and published in conference proceedings under title "Labicom Labs: Remote and Virtual Solid-State Laser Lab, RF&Microwave Amplifier Remote and Virtual Lab. Interactive demonstration of Labicom labs in winter 2016".

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The paper presents the structural components and API of remote laboratory RELDES, proposed for reuse in other projects for creation of mobile applications, new clients or services, and open questions of RESTful API documenting are discussed.
Abstract: Parkhomenko, A. Implementation of Reusable Solutions for Remote Laboratory Development / A. Parkhomenko, O. Gladkova, A. Sokolyanskii, V. Shepelenko, Y. Zalyubovskiy // International Journal of Online Engineering (iJOE). – 2016. – Vol.12. – No. 7. – PP.24-29.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The on-line monitoring system of mining safety based on Internet of Things technology can help mine personnel, equipment and environment comprehensive management, enrich the mine safety production management means, and improve the ability of mine to resist various risks and disasters.
Abstract: Safety production is a major problem faced by mining enterprises. In view of the requirements of mine safety production and the development of information technology, the application of Internet of Things technology to the mining process can not only improve the safety management technology of mine enterprises, The steady growth of the national economy and the sustainable and healthy development of mining have a profound impact. The on-line monitoring system of mining safety based on Internet of Things technology can help mine personnel, equipment and environment comprehensive management, enrich the mine safety production management means, and improve the ability of mine to resist various risks and disasters. In this paper, combined with the actual situation of the mine, focusing on the Internet of Things technology-based mine safety inspection and protection system construction of the necessity, and based on the three-tier architecture of the open architecture of the network, based on mine safety on-line detection support system Of the application model structure. For the construction of mine networking provides the experience and technology .

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The issues related to the applications ofAR in RAL, the levels of AR in context of RAL and their effect on the learning tools are focused on, as well as the challenges of integrating a Natural User interface into the AR for RAL experiments.
Abstract: Augmented Reality (AR) is the process of overlaying meaningful interactive information in a live video stream for creating an enriched visual experience for users. Within Remote Access Laboratories (RAL) this enables users to gain design experience along with gaining knowledge about the particular experiment in question and potentially collaborate on design experiences. This paper focuses on the issues related to the applications of AR in RAL, the levels of AR in context of RAL and their effect on the learning tools. This paper also discusses the challenges of integrating a Natural User interface into the AR for RAL experiments. Finally it presets two example applications for AR in RAL experiment - Virtual Objects Creation and Object Identification and Tagging.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Open modular hardware and software system “iSES Remote Lab SDK” designed for easy creation of real remotely controlled laboratories (RCL) that are accessible from PC, tablets and mobile phones are introduced.
Abstract: The goal of this paper is to introduce open modular hardware and software system “iSES Remote Lab SDK” (iSES – internet School Experimental Studio) designed for easy creation of real remotely controlled laboratories (RCL) that are accessible from PC, tablets and mobile phones. Open modular system “iSES Remote Lab SDK” consists of approx. 20 freely distributable JavaScript objects in a commented source code. Widgets are highly configurable and provide many well documented options and allow to build a complex measurement and control interface with data and video transfer. Open modular system “iSES Remote Lab SDK” can communicate with different measurement platforms (ISES, Arduino are ready; CMA CoachLab, Vernier etc. are tested), and also common universal measurement devices with a COM or USB port, further universal rotation and linear motion stepper motors, etc.). We will introdukce our 18 online advanced remote labs. Any user may have an access to the RCL on PC and mobile devices (iPad, smart phone, etc.) as well. Even non-programmers can build up a simple RCL and publish it in 15 minutes on the Internet! System “iSES Remote Lab SDK“ has obtained the GOLC Online Laboratory Award 2016 in the category Remote Controlled Lab [1].

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study proposes a triangular fuzzy number weight method to calculate the index weight based on the analysis of the existing fuzzy algorithm and the security of a power information system.
Abstract: With the development of information and communications technology, communication technology has been widely used in the electric power industry and has brought threats to the safe operation of power systems. Things can not only connect people; things can also connect other things. Therefore, the Internet of things plays an important role in power information system security. This study proposes a triangular fuzzy number weight method to calculate the index weight based on the analysis of the existing fuzzy algorithm and the security of a power information system. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model is established in accordance with matrix theory, statistical theory, and other methods after experimental data are analyzed. Results show that this algorithm can accurately evaluate system status and provide reference for managing power systems. The fuzzy algorithm for power information system security level ensures the safe operation of the power system and promotes its healthy development. This algorithm can significantly promote economic development in China.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The 3D dynamic accounting information platform based on IOT technology implements accounting work and supervision, as well as promotes the development of accounting information work for enterprise management services.
Abstract: The development of the Internet of things (IOT) is changing our lives by making the objects we used every day convenient and “intelligent.” The application and development of IOT also have far-reaching effects on enterprise accounting information. A radio frequency technology accounting information platform is proposed by introducing the characteristics of IOT technology and accounting information. The overall design of the intelligent 3D dynamic accounting information platform includes data acquisition, cost accounting, and accounting document generation and report output. The subsystem design includes hardware and software designs. The 3D dynamic accounting information platform based on IOT technology implements accounting work and supervision, as well as promotes the development of accounting information work for enterprise management services.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The paper reports the applicablity of open source simulation software called GreenCloud to assist a novel Problem Based Learning in a laboratory environment and the actual case of Indonesia government plan to deploy cloud based data center infrastructure was picked up.
Abstract: The paper reports the applicablity of open source simulation software called GreenCloud to assist a novel Problem Based Learning in a laboratory environment. The actual case of Indonesia government plan to deploy cloud based data center infrastructure was picked up as the actual case. In such case, cloud economics analysis is required along with technical one. An open source software called GreenCloud is suitebale to perform the simulation and analysis of cloud computing from economics perspective. It was applied into three models of cloud architecture namely Two-Tier, Three-Tier and Three-Tier High Speed and then analyzed in terms of their energy consumptions based on three options of cloud economics scheme, namely i) non energy savings, ii) Dynamics Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) and iii) Dynamics Shutdown (DNS).

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A wireless sensor network greenhouse-monitoring system based on third-generation network communication for the real-time monitoring of the temperature, humidity, light, and CO 2 concentration in a greenhouse.
Abstract: A greenhouse provides a stable and suitable environment for the growth of plants. Temperature and humidity are closely related to plant growth. These factors directly affect the water content of plants and the quality of fruits. To solve the problems in the current monitoring system of greenhouse cultivation, such as complicated wiring, large node power consumption, and so on, this study proposes a wireless sensor network greenhouse-monitoring system based on third-generation network communication for the real-time monitoring of the temperature, humidity, light, and CO 2 concentration in a greenhouse. GS1011M is regarded as the core in developing wireless terminal nodes. PC software is used to build a real-time observation platform. Sensor data are received in real time through a wireless communication network to complete the monitoring of the target area. A simulation research is also conducted. Results show that the power dissipation of the greenhouse environmental monitoring system is low, its data accuracy is high, and its operation is stable.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An advanced multi-user and realtime INTernational-REmote-LABoratory (INT-RE-LAB) architecture is presented in this paper, which offers the required flexibility and reusability for current remote laboratories.
Abstract: An advanced multi-user and realtime INTernational-REmote-LABoratory (INT-RE-LAB) architecture is presented in this paper. The INT-RE-LAB is developed and localized in four different host universities. The software part is based on the use of a free license server Node.js written in JavaScript. It offers lightweight Html/JavaScript clients. The integration of socket.io module enables a real-time operation mode of this Client/Server communication. Associated with hardware architecture, collaborative remote manipulation of resources is enabling in the same way as a chat communication used in Internet. Each remote action performed by one user is instantaneously visible in other users’web interfaces. The hardware part includes a mini-computer that executes node.js server and hosts MySQL. Mini-computer “Pcduino” directly controls specifically developed relays circuit. It offers the required flexibility and reusability for current remote laboratories. Different redundant remote practical works integrate the INT-RE-LAB have been developed for the new EOLES “Electronics and Optic e-Learning for Embedded Systems” bachelor.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A remote laboratory is developed for students programming in Python, based on such platform to improve their programming skills, overcome their difficulties in CS1 and CS2 courses, and give the ability to interact to physical world through practical examples.
Abstract: The online experimentation is in expansion in Higher Education Institutions, with a dynamic extension to all scientific areas. The integration of online labs in higher educational courses constitutes a significant financial saving way for the institutions with multiple benefits for student's learning. Without access and usage time restrictions, these labs provide a wide range of experiments, performed individually or in groups, repeated as often as needed, without any space or time restrictions, just imposing the Internet access is available and in good conditions. This paper describes a use case application of a web platform that integrates, monitors and controls different technologies, such as Wireless Sensor Networks, Virtual Sensor Networks and Data Acquisition Boards, through an Internet accessible RESTful API, using low-cost devices such as the Raspberry Pi. In this context, a remote laboratory is developed for students programming in Python, based on such platform to improve their programming skills, overcome their difficulties in CS1 and CS2 courses, and give the ability to interact to physical world through practical examples.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Test results show that the design of a greenhouse-monitoring system based on the ZigBee wireless sensor network (WSN) has the advantages of having a simple structure, flexible nodes, and low power consumption.
Abstract: To solve the topology structure of a greenhouse environment-monitoring system and the ductility of joints, this study presents a design of a greenhouse-monitoring system based on the ZigBee wireless sensor network (WSN). The hardware and software designs of the network node are provided, and the process of the ZigBee network coordinator is elucidated. The system uses the microcontroller unit PIC18F4620CC2420 wireless transceiver module to send and receive data. Data from temperature and humidity sensors are collected using an inter-integrated circuit bus through the ZigBee network transmission to the monitoring platform. Test results show that the system has the advantages of having a simple structure, flexible nodes, and low power consumption. It can effectively monitor the temperature and humidity in a wireless environment. WSNs considerably help in greenhouse environment monitoring. The use of advanced technology to control greenhouse temperature and humidity can satisfy the optimum growth environment of greenhouse crops and effectively improve the yield and quality of crops. The application of WSNs in greenhouse monitoring is significant to the development of modern and precision agriculture in China.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new method for determining the optimum active remanufacturing time is proposed, which considers both environmental and economic indicators, and is adopted for assessing the environmental impact of an oil cylinder over its entire service life.
Abstract: Optimal status and performance of the used parts can often make the difference between successful and unsuccessful remanufacturing for construction machinery. However, a used parts is remanufactured at an unreasonable time, there is a greater degree of resource waste and diseconomy. In this paper, a new method for determining the optimum active remanufacturing time is proposed, which considers both environmental and economic indicators. As an example, the life cycle assessment method was adopted for assessing the environmental impact of an oil cylinder over its entire service life, and an average annual cost model was established. Considering both the environmental index and the cost index, an optimization process was performed and the optimum active remanufacturing time for the oil cylinder was determined to be after 6.58 years of operation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The measurement results under laboratory and industrial field conditions showed that the WSN system designed met the requirements for on-site data acquisition and monitoring of low-speed machines.
Abstract: Low-speed machines play an important role in industrial production, and the condition monitoring of these machines is of great importance. Monitoring with wireless sensor network (WSN) has many advantages. To monitor the condition of low-speed machines, we need to acquire low-frequency, weak and hardly-varying physical signals. As such, we designed a WSN system for high-precision signal acquisition. Actual measurement results showed that the acquisition precision of nodes could reach 0.01 mV. When the sensor nodes continuously acquired and sent data, the energy conversion efficiency was higher than 90% and the nodes’ power consumption came to about 110mW. The WSN system was designed based on the low-power consumption 802.15.4 MAC/Zigbee, and the WSN was built through MESH topology. Data transmission was stable and the PER was lower than 1%. The measurement results under laboratory and industrial field conditions showed that the WSN system designed met the requirements for on-site data acquisition and monitoring of low-speed machines.