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1 – 10 of over 184000
Article
Publication date: 1 May 2002

B.L. MacCarthy and Thananya Wasusri

The principal application domain for statistical process control (SPC) charts has been for process control and improvement in manufacturing businesses. However, the number of…

5068

Abstract

The principal application domain for statistical process control (SPC) charts has been for process control and improvement in manufacturing businesses. However, the number of applications reported in domains outside of conventional production systems has been increasing in recent years. Implementing SPC chart approaches in non‐standard applications gives rise to many potential complications and poses a number of challenges. This paper reviews non‐standard applications of SPC charts reported in the literature from the period 1989 to 2000, inclusive. Non‐standard applications are analysed with respect to application domain, data sources used and control chart techniques employed. Applications are classified into five groups according to the types of problem to which control chart techniques have been applied. For each group the nature of the applications is described and analysed. The review does not show a paradigm shift in the types of SPC control chart applications but does show clearly that the application boundaries extend considerably beyond manufacturing and that the range of problems to which SPC control chart techniques can be applied is much wider than commonly assumed. The paper highlights the critical fundamental and technical issues that need to be addressed when applying SPC chart techniques in a range of non‐standard applications. Wider managerial issues of importance for successful implementations in non‐standard applications of SPC control charts are also discussed.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2018

Mahmud Akhter Shareef, Yogesh K. Dwivedi, Vinod Kumar, Gareth Davies, Nripendra Rana and Abdullah Baabdullah

The purpose of this paper is to understand the integrated impact of the application of protection measures against identity theft on consumers’ synergistic perception of trust…

2924

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the integrated impact of the application of protection measures against identity theft on consumers’ synergistic perception of trust, the cost of products/services and operational performance (OP) – all of which in turn is postulated to contribute to purchase intention (PI) when shopping online.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to accomplish the specified aim, this study first conducted an experiment by involving the students from a university in Bangladesh. Then a survey was conducted to capture their opinion based on the previous experiment.

Findings

The study identified that in e-commerce, OP and trust have potential impact on pursuing consumers’ PI. Traditionally, price is always an issue in marketing; however, for e-commerce, this issue does not have direct impact on PI.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is that a less established e-commerce example was utilized to conduct the experiment and survey for validating the model. Also, the study was conducted only in the context of Bangladesh and a student sample was utilized. Future studies can test the model in different contexts (particularly to verify the impact of privacy) by utilizing data from consumers.

Practical implications

This study has resolved a controversial issue by generating clear guidelines that the overall conjoint effect of OP, trust, and price on PI is neither negative nor neutral. Synergistically, the application of these controlling tools of identity theft can substantially enhance consumers’ trust, which is the single most predictor to pursue consumer PI.

Originality/value

This study has provided in-depth insight into the impact of different controlling measures in e-commerce PI. Practitioners have potential learning from this study that if consumers find the application of different controlling mechanisms against cybercrimes, particularly identity theft, enhancing the reliability, authenticity and security of transactions in this virtual medium, they do not mind paying a higher price. Such insights have not been provided by existing studies on this topic. Developing trust on e-commerce purchase is the driving force, not the price.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2016

Sarath Tomy and Eric Pardede

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the problem of privacy disclosure of third party applications in online social networks (OSNs) through Facebook, investigate the…

2206

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the problem of privacy disclosure of third party applications in online social networks (OSNs) through Facebook, investigate the limitations in the existing models to protect users privacy and propose a permission-based access control (PBAC) model, which gives users complete control over users’ data when accessing third party applications.

Design/methodology/approach

A practical model based on the defined permission policies is proposed to manage users information accessed by third party applications and improve user awareness in sharing sensitive information with them. This model is a combination of interfaces and internal mechanisms which can be adopted by any OSN having similar architecture to Facebook in managing third party applications, without much structural changes. The model implemented in Web interface connects with Facebook application programming interface and evaluates its efficacy using test cases.

Findings

The results show that the PBAC model can facilitate user awareness about privacy risks of data passed on to third party applications and allow users who are more concerned about their privacy from releasing such information to those applications.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides further research in protecting users’ privacy in OSNs and thus avoid the risks associated with that, thereby increasing users’ trust in using OSNs.

Originality/value

The research has proven to be useful in improving user awareness on the risk associated with sharing private information on OSNs, and the practically implemented PBAC model guarantees full user privacy from unwanted disclosure of personal information to third party applications.

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2008

U. Hagn, M. Nickl, S. Jörg, G. Passig, T. Bahls, A. Nothhelfer, F. Hacker, L. Le‐Tien, A. Albu‐Schäffer, R. Konietschke, M. Grebenstein, R. Warpup, R. Haslinger, M. Frommberger and G. Hirzinger

Surgical robotics can be divided into two groups: specialized and versatile systems. Versatile systems can be used in different surgical applications, control architectures and…

4895

Abstract

Purpose

Surgical robotics can be divided into two groups: specialized and versatile systems. Versatile systems can be used in different surgical applications, control architectures and operating room set‐ups, but often still based on the adaptation of industrial robots. Space consumption, safety and adequacy of industrial robots in the unstructured and crowded environment of an operating room and in close human robot interaction are at least questionable. The purpose of this paper is to describe the DLR MIRO, a new versatile lightweight robot for surgical applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The design approach of the DLR MIRO robot focuses on compact, slim and lightweight design to assist the surgeon directly at the operating table without interference. Significantly reduced accelerated masses (total weight 10 kg) enhance the safety of the system during close interaction with patient and user. Additionally, MIRO integrates torque‐sensing capabilities to enable close interaction with human beings in unstructured environments.

Findings

A payload of 30 N, optimized kinematics and workspace for surgery enable a broad range of possible applications. Offering position, torque and impedance control on Cartesian and joint level, the robot can be integrated easily into telepresence (e.g. endoscopic surgery), autonomous or soft robotics applications, with one or multiple arms.

Originality/value

This paper considers lightweight and compact design as important design issues in robotic assistance systems for surgery.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 February 2021

S. Sarath and P. Sam Paul

A new cutting tool is always well-defined and sharp at the onset of the metal cutting process and gradually losses these properties as the machining process advances. Similarly…

Abstract

Purpose

A new cutting tool is always well-defined and sharp at the onset of the metal cutting process and gradually losses these properties as the machining process advances. Similarly, at the beginning of the machining process, amplitude of tool vibrations is considerably low and it increases gradually and peaks at the end of the service period of the cutting tool while machining. It is significant to provide a corresponding real-time varying damping to control this chatter, which directly influences accuracy and quality of productivity. This paper aims to review the literature related to the application of smart fluid to control vibration in metal cutting and also focused on the challenges involved in the implementation of active control system during machining process.

Design/methodology/approach

Smart dampers, which are used as semi-active and active dampers in metal cutting, were reviewed and the research studies carried out in the field of the magnetorheological (MR) damper were concentrated. In smart materials, MR fluids possess some disadvantages because of their sedimentation of iron particles, leakage and slow response time. To overcome these drawbacks, new MR materials such as MR foam, MR elastomers, MR gels and MR plastomers have been recommended and suggested. This review intents to throw light into available literature which exclusively deals with controlling chatter in metal cutting with the help of MR damping methods.

Findings

Using an MR damper popularly known for its semi-active damping characteristics is very adaptable and flexible in controlling chatter by providing damping to real-time amplitudes of tool vibration. In the past, many researchers have attempted to implement MR damper in metal cutting to control vibration and were successful. Various methods with the help of MR fluid are illustrated.

Research limitations/implications

A new cutting tool is always well-defined and sharp at the onset of metal cutting process and gradually losses these properties as the machining process advances. Similarly, at the beginning of the machining process, amplitude of tool vibrations is considerably low and it increases gradually and peaks at the end of service period of cutting tool while machining. Application of MR damper along with the working methodology in metal cutting is presented, challenges met are analyzed and a scope for development is reviewed.

Practical implications

This study provides corresponding real-time varying damping to control tool vibration which directly influences accuracy and quality of productivity. Using an MR damper popularly known for its semi-active damping characteristics is very adaptable and flexible in controlling chatter by providing damping to real-time amplitudes of tool vibration.

Social implications

This study attempts to implement smart damper in metal cutting to control vibrations.

Originality/value

It is significant to provide corresponding real-time varying damping to control tool vibration which directly influences accuracy and quality of productivity.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Irwanto Widyatri, Afan Galih Salman and Bayu Kanigoro

The purpose of this study is to build the Android-based applications for parent to supervise, control and restrict the children’s usage of the smartphone and tablet.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to build the Android-based applications for parent to supervise, control and restrict the children’s usage of the smartphone and tablet.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is the method of analysis, i.e. collection of necessary data. The data are collected from journals, articles, books, questionnaires and the similar application analysis.

Findings

The GPS tracking feature of the parental control application facilitates searching the children’s location by indicating the location where they used their Android device. The history feature of the parental control facilitates finding out what application was accessed by their children through their Android-based application, and the time limit feature of the parental control application facilitates restriction on time that the children spend on their Android-based gadgets, so that they will not be addicted to the gadget.

Originality/value

The parental control application for the Android platform provides users or parents a means for managing the young generation’s usage of an Android-based mobile device.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 May 2014

Mohsen Moradi Dalvand and Saeid Nahavandi

The purpose of this paper is to analyse teleoperation of an ABB industrial robot with an ABB IRC5 controller. A method to improve motion smoothness and decrease latency using the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse teleoperation of an ABB industrial robot with an ABB IRC5 controller. A method to improve motion smoothness and decrease latency using the existing ABB IRC5 robot controller without access to any low-level interface is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed control algorithm includes a high-level proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID) controller used to dynamically generate reference velocities for different travel ranges of the tool centre point (TCP) of the robot. Communication with the ABB IRC5 controller was performed utilising the ABB PC software development kit. The multitasking feature of the IRC5 controller was used to enhance the communication frequency between the controller and the remote application. Trajectory tracking experiments of a pre-defined three-dimensional trajectory were carried out and the benefits of the proposed algorithm were demonstrated. The robot was intentionally installed on a wobbly table and its vibrations were recorded using a six-degrees-of-freedom force/torque sensor fitted to the tool mounting interface of the robot. The robot vibrations were used as a measure of the smoothness of the tracking movements.

Findings

A communication rate of up to 250 Hz between the computer and the controller was established using C# .Net. Experimental results demonstrating the robot TCP, tracking errors and robot vibrations for different control approaches were provided and analysed. It was demonstrated that the proposed approach results in the smoothest motion with tracking errors of < 0.2 mm.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed approach may be employed to produce smooth motion for a remotely operated ABB industrial robot with the existing ABB IRC5 controller. However, to achieve high-bandwidth path following, the inherent latency of the controller must be overcome, for example by utilising a low-level interface. It is particularly useful for applications including a large number of short manipulation segments, which is typical in teleoperation applications.

Social implications

Using the proposed technique, off-the-shelf industrial robots can be used for research and industrial applications where remote control is required.

Originality/value

Although low-level control interface for industrial robots seems to be the ideal long-term solution for teleoperation applications, the proposed remote control technique allows out-of-the-box ABB industrial robots with IRC5 controllers to achieve high efficiency and manipulation smoothness without requirements of any low-level programming interface.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2013

Z.Q. Zhu and Jiabing Hu

Power‐electronic systems have been playing a significant role in the integration of large‐scale wind turbines into power systems due to the fact that during the past three decades…

8452

Abstract

Purpose

Power‐electronic systems have been playing a significant role in the integration of large‐scale wind turbines into power systems due to the fact that during the past three decades power‐electronic technology has experienced a dramatic evolution. This second part of the paper aims to focus on a comprehensive survey of power converters and their associated control systems for high‐power wind energy generation applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Advanced control strategies, i.e. field‐oriented vector control and direct power control, are initially reviewed for wind‐turbine driven doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) systems. Various topologies of power converters, comprising back‐to‐back (BTB) connected two‐ and multi‐level voltage source converters (VSCs), BTB current source converters (CSCs) and matrix converters, are identified for high‐power wind‐turbine driven PMSG systems, with their respective features and challenges outlined. Finally, several control issues, viz., basic control targets, active damping control and sensorless control schemes, are elaborated for the machine‐ and grid‐side converters of PMSG wind generation systems.

Findings

For high‐power PMSG‐based wind turbines ranging from 3 MW to 5 MW, parallel‐connected 2‐level LV BTB VSCs are the most cost‐effective converter topology with mature commercial products, particularly for dual 3‐phase stator‐winding PMSG generation systems. For higher‐capacity wind‐turbine driven PMSGs rated from 5 MW to 10 MW, medium voltage multi‐level converters, such as 5‐level regenerative CHB, 3‐ and 4‐level FC BTB VSC, and 3‐level BTB VSC, are preferred. Among them, 3‐level BTB NPC topology is the favorite with well‐proven technology and industrial applications, which can also be extensively applicable with open‐end winding and dual stator‐winding PMSGs so as to create even higher voltage/power wind generation systems. Sensorless control algorithms based on fundamental voltages/currents are suggested to be employed in the basic VC/DPC schemes for enhancing the robustness in the entire PMSG‐based wind power generation system, due to that the problems related with electromagnetic interferences in the position signals and the failures in the mechanical encoders can be avoided.

Originality/value

This second part of the paper for the first time systematically reviews the latest state of arts with regard to power converters and their associated advanced control strategies for high‐power wind energy generation applications. It summarizes a variety of converter topologies with pros and cons highlighted for different power ratings of wind turbines.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1997

N.P. Mahalik and P.R. Moore

During recent years, in the field of real‐time instrumentation and process control, there has been a trend away from centralized control system. Distributed control by using…

Abstract

During recent years, in the field of real‐time instrumentation and process control, there has been a trend away from centralized control system. Distributed control by using fieldbus technology is only the first step to application of intelligence in the field devices. Compares centralized systems with the distributed systems, differentiates the conventional LANs from the fieldbus technology and reviews the related technology and the current status of the international fieldbus standards. Describes some of the standard fieldbuses. Highlights the advantages of using fieldbuses in the real‐time process control and discusses what are the points to be considered before selecting a fieldbus. Highlights fieldbus‐based design development methodology involved in order to build a real‐time industrial distributed control system (RIDCS). Presents a case study with the LonWorks Technology; a fieldbus category system.

Details

Integrated Manufacturing Systems, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-6061

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

Heribert Bieler

Aerodynamics drives the aircraft performance and, thus, influences fuel consumption and environmental compatibility. Further, optimization of aerodynamic shapes is an ongoing…

Abstract

Purpose

Aerodynamics drives the aircraft performance and, thus, influences fuel consumption and environmental compatibility. Further, optimization of aerodynamic shapes is an ongoing design activity in industrial offices; this will lead to incremental improvements. More significant step changes in performance are not expected from pure passive shape design. However, active flow control is a key technology, which has the potential to realize a drastic step change in performance. Flow control targets two major goals: low speed performance enhancements mainly for start and landing phase via control of separation and drag reduction at high speed conditions via skin friction and shock wave control.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper highlights flow control concepts and Airbus involvements for both items. To mature flow control systematically, local applications of separation control technology are of major importance for Airbus. In parallel, but at lower maturity level, investigations are ongoing to reduce the turbulent skin friction at cruise. A popular concept to delay separation at low speed conditions is the implementation of jet actuation control systems flush mounted to the wall of aerodynamic components.

Findings

In 2006, DLR (in collaboration with universities Berlin, Braunschweig and industrial partner Airbus) started to study active flow control for separation delay towards application. Based on basic proof of concepts (achieved in national projects), further flow control hardware developments and wind tunnel and lab testing took place in European funded projects.

Originality/value

Significant lift enhancements were realized via flow control applied to the wing leading edge and the flap.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 89 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 184000