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Issue 1, Volume 3, 2009

Adapted Auto_Reclosing Relay in a Simulated 400Kv Grid
by N. S. Rasool, M. F. Al-Kababjie

Abstract: In this paper the concept of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was implemented in constructing an Adaptive Single Phase AR (ASPAR) relay. The heart of this relay is an ANN trained to discriminate healthy system, permanent fault, transient fault and extinguishing of the secondary arc. Thus issuing right decisions. The proposed ANN method is trained only to recognize single phase to ground fault types (both transient and permanent) simulated on TL Model between Baijie Thermal Power Station and Mosul Super Grid Sub-Station 400Kv from Iraqi North Regional Grids (INRG).
Keywords:
Adaptive Auto_Reclosing, ANN, Non Discriminating Protection (NDP), Matlab power syetem simulink
Full Paper, pp. 1-9

Bringing Accessibility to Multimedia Content: using Social Web
by Fernando Paniagua-Martin, Ricardo Colomo-Palacios, Angel Garcia-Crespo, Belen Ruiz-Mezcua

Abstract: Many authors and institutions claimed for the integration of disabled individuals into society by the use of the technology. In the case of multimedia content, the problem of accessible information is not seen to be chronic or unsolvable. In the new social web scenario, an increasing number of multimedia resources are available on the internet. Unfortunately, most of them are not accessible. Given that the conversion process of such resources is human capital intensive, and not always viable from an economic point of view, new and effective solutions must be made to address this accessibility gaps. In this scenario, methods stemming from Computer-Assisted Cooperative Work (CSCW) and Social Web can be an effective way to achieve audiovisual accessibility in an affordable and effective way. The current work proposes the definition of a reference architecture which uses CSCW techniques based on social web, with the objective of converting multimedia resources into accessible resources in a quicker and more effective and efficient way.
Keywords:
Accessibility, CSCW, closed caption, audio description, multimedia
Full Paper, pp. 10-17

Data Analysis Application for Variable Message Signs Using Fuzzy Logic in Kuala Lumpur
by Arash Moradkhani Roshandeh, Othman Che Puan, Majid Joshani

Abstract: Intelligent Transportation Systems, which apply advanced technologies to surface transportation systems, are widely viewed as the solution to the transportation problems that our society faces. One of the fundamental requirements of an intelligent road vehicle is to assist the driver in finding their anticipated destination in the most economical, reliable and safe way. The use of variable message signs (VMS) is generally considered to be a powerful tool to influence route choice so as to increase safety and comfort during driving and improve network performance and to make optimum use of available capacity. Saving motorists travel time is most important parameter which should be mentioned. Fuzzy logic is powerful problem solving methodology with a myriad of applications in embedded control and information processing. The main advantages of using fuzzy logic system are the simplicity of the approach .This study attempts to simulate and design a fuzzy logic controller with archived traffic data for VMS in Kuala Lumpur to optimize the system performance and understand how the system is going to behave for the entire range of values in the input space.
Keywords:
Fuzzy Controller, Fuzzy Logic, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Rule Viewer, Variable Message Signs
Full Paper, pp. 18-27

Production Monitoring System for Monitoring the Industrial Shop Floor Performance
by S. K. Subramaniam, S. H. Husin, R. S. S. Singh, A. H. Hamidon

Abstract: Efficiency and accuracy at the production lines enables a better production and utilization of the available resources. The data available should be interpreted accurately in order to identify the various faults at production level and to immediately rectify them to improve efficiency. An accurate data management and shop floor monitoring system (PMS) is equally important in improving production performance. A number of production floors are utilizing manual methods of data collection for producing reports. Manual data compilation leaves room for both inconsistencies and inaccuracies. When manual data collection is practiced, there is usually a second step of manually compiling the data. This is most commonly accomplished by entering in the information into spreadsheets. When the data is collected without the help of a PMS then the data can be inaccurate. Where there is human intervention on the recording or collection of data, the truthfulness of the collected data is no longer reliable. This paper presents the benefits and usefulness of an automated data collection and display system for production lines. Once the data is displayed, it is transferred into computerize spreadsheet in the remote office by authorized personnel for reporting purposes. The system will generate an automated report which stays in place and the management only needs to act base on the results. This cost effective automatic data collection is the alternative to manual data collection. It significantly improves the accuracy of the valuable reports for the managements.
Keywords:
Production lines, Shop floor monitoring system, data collection, production monitoring system, automated data display system
Full Paper, pp. 28-35

Using MODIS 250 m Imagery to Estimate Total Suspended Sediment in a Tropical Open Bay
by Vilmaliz Rodriguez-Guzman, Fernando Gilbes-Santaella

Abstract: Monitoring and better understanding of sediment flux and processes in coastal environments are important to maintain water quality and geomorphologic balance. This study describes the development and validation of an algorithm to estimate total suspended sediment (TSS) based on remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) and MODIS/Terra band 1 data. Two image processing methods, based on two image analysis packages predefined routines, were evaluated and compared in order to determine the most suitable method for this study. Analyses of in situ data showed a significant relationship between TSS and Rrs at 645 nm (R2=0.73) indicating positive response of this parameter in the interested region of the spectrum. Developed algorithms were evaluated by applying resultant equations to two MODIS images from which in situ data were available. In the validation analysis the lower error was encountered when using an exponential equation, however linear equations estimations followed better the tendency of measured values. TSS estimations of all three algorithms presented values within the range of in situ observations and spatial patterns characteristic of coastal environments. Additional data and pre-processing parameters will be evaluated in order to improve validation results and produce TSS operational products for tropical coastal waters.
Keywords:
Total Suspended Sediments (TSS), Remote Sensing Reflectance (Rrs), MODIS, coastal waters, Mayaguez Bay
Full Paper, pp. 36-44

Issue 3, Volume 3, 2009

Interactions between AQM Routers in the Internet
by Pawel Mrozowski, Andrzej Chydzinski

Abstract: In this paper we present a study on mutual interactions between queue management algorithms implemented in Internet routers. The aim of this research was to detect possible issues connected with deployment of the active queue management (AQM) algorithms in the Internet. For that purpose, we simulated a network with four routers and checked its performance in different configurations of queue management algorithms. In particular, three basic configurations were considered: all routers in the network use the passive queue management, only one router in the network uses the active queue management (other routers use the passive queue management), all routers in the network use the active queue management. Six different AQM algorithms were used and tested in two congestion scenarios. In every case the performance of all bottleneck links was observed as well as the average performance of the whole network. In all the simulations, the average performance of the network, measured in terms of the queueing delay, was improved by when at least one router used an AQM algorithm. Moreover, in most cases the performance of every bottleneck link was also improved. These results give strong arguments for using AQM in the Internet. However, in some experiments we observed a performance degradation of particular bottleneck links when an AQM algorithm was used, indicating that some problems may indeed arise due to the mutual interactions of AQM routers.
Keywords:
Internet routers, Active queue management, Packet queueing, Performance evaluation
Full Paper, pp. 85-92

The Use of Linear Parametric Smoothed Curve Path Planning for Mobile Robots
by O. Hachour

Abstract: In this present work we present a linear parametric smoothed curve characteristic navigation approach of autonomous mobile robots. The proposed linear parametric curves of navigation are used for path planning where the smoothness of the trajectory around the control point is taken into account. The proposed method starts from an initial point to a target point establishing a control points for which connections are made to determine the form of the path. This algorithm provides the robot the possibility to move from the initial position to the final position (target). The robot moves within the unknown environment by sensing and avoiding the obstacles coming across its way towards the target. The obtained path is the shortest path from all possible free trajectories. This optimality is ensured by using the simulated annealing technique. The Simulation results show that the algorithm generates smooth, optimal path for the robot and the robot always successfully reaches the target. The proposed algorithm can deal with any shape obstacles even if it is the case of circular obstacles. This case is the hardest one in any navigation problem. The problem is solved by proposing some useful solutions for each situation. For any proposed environment, the robot succeeds to reach its target without collisions. The results are satisfactory to see the great number of environments treated. The results are satisfactory and promising for next developments and more design.
Keywords:
Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR), optimal path, parametric curves, and Simulated Annealing
Full Paper, pp. 93-104

The Use of the 3D Smoothed Parametric Curve Path Planning for Autonomous Mobile Robots
by O. Hachour

Abstract: In this present work we present a three dimensional 3D path planning of autonomous mobile robots. The proposed method starts from an initial point to a target point establishing a control points for which connections are made to determine the form of the path without collisions. The robot moves within the unknown environment by sensing and avoiding the obstacles coming across its way towards the target. The navigation is done in 3D environment where the planar is considered as 3D smoothed cubic B-spline surface. The obtained path is the shortest path from all possible free trajectories (the smoothness of the trajectory is done around the control point). The start point and the target point must belong to the control points constructing the smoothed surface. To describe the geometric shape of the environment we have used the technique of cubic b-splines. Theses B-spline are used to represent surfaces. They combine a low degree polynomial or rational representation of maximal smoothness with a geometrically intuitive variation of the surface in terms of the coefficients: by connecting the coefficients one obtains a mesh that roughly outlines the surface. In this context, we have used Bezier surfaces which often fulfill the requirement of generating smooth geometry. The path connecting the start point to the target point must be interpolated with a spline curve to obtain a smooth curve which fits the surface perfectly. The proposed algorithm can deal with any shape obstacles even if it is the case of circular obstacles. This case is the hardest one in any navigation problem. The problem is solved by proposing some useful solutions for each situation. The robot succeeds to reach its target without collisions. The results are satisfactory to see the great number of environments treated. The results are promising for next developments and more design.
Keywords:
Autonomous Mobile robots, Navigation, 3D Path planning, Cubic B-splines
Full Paper, pp. 105-116

Issue 2, Volume 3, 2009

Edge Based 3D Object Localization for Fast and Precise Industrial Machine Vision Applications
by O. Demuynck, C. Pacheco Cedeno, A. L. Moore

Abstract: Machine Vision for industrial applications requires simple-to-use and robust solutions. Usually industrial machine vision solutions are reduced to a simple 2D application, for which algorithm robustness has already been fully demonstrated, and where a key part of all those visual inspection systems is the efficient illumination control systems that ensure the repeatability of captured image intensity. Nevertheless these projects sometimes require the 3D information for applications such as pick and place robotics, and this field of applications is not yet covered by most of the commercial industrial vision brands. We present in this paper a new fast, precise and robust 3D localization method based on object edge. This process offers an infinite number of possible cases of industrial applications when 3D localization is required, but could also be employed for classification since 3D localized object conserves its almost whole extracted edge. For example, in case of the food industry, fruits are selected depending on their size and could require a 3D localization process because of the random distribution on a conveyor belt. The presented industrial machine vision system is easy and fast to implement. As detailed in the final part of this paper, the computed statistics demonstrate the robustness and precision of this system, which results an inexpensive solution for industrial applications.
Keywords:
3D edge localization, 3D edge classification, Industrial machine vision
Full Paper, pp. 45-52

New Aspects Providing Transformer Models
by Marius-Constantin O. S. Popescu, Nikos E. Mastorakis, Liliana N. Popescu-Perescu

Abstract: In this paper, on basis of heat transfer mechanism, some models of transformer thermal and loss of life will be studied. Thermal mechanisms are complex by their own and even more when applied to a complex system, either geometrically either physically, such as the transformer is. However, the required transformer thermal model must be as simple as possible without loosing representative ness of major phenomena involved; a compromise must then be achieved between accuracy and complexity. Based on the thermal model adopted by International Standards, small improvements to increase model accuracy are presented and a comparative study of resulted accuracy under different load and ambient temperature profiles is performed.
Keywords:
Modelling thermal parameters, Loss of life models, Transformer thermal.
Full Paper, pp. 53-63

Asynchronous Motors Drive Systems Command with Digital Signal Processor
by Marius-Constantin Popescu, Nikos E. Mastorakis, Ilie Borcosi, Liliana Popescu

Abstract: The objectives of this paper consists in developing methods and technologies of command and protection of performant static power converters for the drive systems, which meet the quality of electricity requirements, using intelligent algorithms, performance computing system and DSP platforms.
Keywords:
Asynchronous motors, Command, Digital signal processor
Full Paper, pp. 64-73

Testing and Simulation of a Motor Vehicle Suspension
by Marius-Constantin O. S. Popescu, Nikos E. Mastorakis

Abstract: The paper presents experimental results on modelling and simulation of vehicle suspension. Testing the performance practice of suspension dampers is performed using a device called Spider8, which is achieved by a mathematical model to assess the behaviour and performance suspension behaviour experimentally tested through simulation environment under MATLAB/ Simulink. From the experimental data damper, model coefficients are determined suspension. Simulation results are compared with experimental data, after which the developed model is validated.
Keywords:
Testing suspension, Modelling and simulation.
Full Paper, pp. 74-83

Issue 4, Volume 3, 2009

A Three Dimensional Collision-Free-Path Planning
by O. Hachour

Abstract: In this present work we present a 3D (three dimensional) collision free path planning of autonomous mobile robot. The planar is considered as 3D smoothed cubic B-spline surface. The 3D algorithm allows a mobile robot to navigate through static obstacles, and finding the path without collision. The proposed method can deal a wide number of environments and gives to our robot the autonomous decision of how to avoid 3D obstacles and how to attend the target. The path connecting the start point to the target point can be interpolated with a NURB-spline (nonuniform rational B-splines ) curve to obtain a smooth curve which fits the surface perfectly. The NURB-spline curves are flexible and powerful mathematical tool to design and control the shapes of three-dimensional surfaces. The proposed algorithm using NURB-spline can deal with 3D environment complexity and finds the optimal path The results are satisfactory to see the great number of environments treated. The results are satisfactory and promising. The proposed method is computationally efficient and is suitable for more 3D applications.
Keywords:
Autonomous Mobile robots, Navigation, 3D Path planning, Cubic B-splines
Full Paper, pp. 117-126

The Proposed Path Finding Strategy in Static Unknown Environments
by O. Hachour

Abstract: In this present work we present a strategy of navigation of autonomous mobile robots. The proposed path finding strategy is designed in a grid-map forming static unknown environment. We propose an algorithm that provides the robot the ability to move from the initial position to the specified target. First, the robots must perform efficiently some tasks like recognition, decision-making, and action which constitute the principal obstacle avoidance problems. They must also reduce the operator load by using natural language and common sense knowledge in order to allow easier decision making. Finally, they must operate at a human level with adaptation and learning capacities. We propose scheme for path finding from initial position to goal position. The problem can basically be divided into positioning and path planning. Navigation is a major challenge for autonomous mobile robots. Starting out from start position in the grid, the mobile robot can autonomously head for destination position in the grid to attend the target.The robot moves within the environment by sensing and avoiding the obstacles coming across its way towards the target. The proposed path finding provides the mobile robot more autonomy and intelligence. The proposed method improves the machine intelligence to bring the machine behaviour near the human one in thinking, reasoning and acting. The objective of intelligent mobile robots is to improve machine autonomy. When the mission is executed, it is necessary to plan an optimal or feasible path for itself avoiding obstructions in its way and minimizing a cost such as time, energy, and distance. The simulation part is an approach to the real expected result. The algorithms are implemented in visual basic programming language; whereby the environment is studied in a two dimensional coordinate system .The algorithm permits the robot to move from the initial position to the desired position following an estimated trajectory.
Keywords:
Autonomous Mobile robots, Navigation, Path Finding
Full Paper, pp. 127-138

Monitoring System for Electrical Measurements of Energy Distribution Stations
by Marius-Constantin Popescu, Nikos E. Mastorakis

Abstract: The system of measuring and recording electrical quantities presented in this paper is designed to achieve two goals. The first goal is to acquire specific electrical quantities to the operation of power stations (voltage, current, power, auxiliary contacts for switching elements), processing and transmission of these sizes to a higher level (dispatch, headquarters company, etc) through a support physical data transmission; the sizes taken are used to track continuously the operation of electrical distribution station. The second goal is to acquire synchronous over a specified period, a characteristic set of electrical quantities that appear in phase when the occurrence of damage in the monitored power station, the set of data saved during the deployment of the defect is then transmitted to a computer where data interpretation is made using a specialized program.
Keywords:
Data acquisition, Synchronous acquisition, Power station monitored
Full Paper, pp. 139-148