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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 July 2021

Xiaochun Guan, Sheng Lou, Han Li and Tinglong Tang

Deployment of deep neural networks on embedded devices is becoming increasingly popular because it can reduce latency and energy consumption for data communication. This paper…

2537

Abstract

Purpose

Deployment of deep neural networks on embedded devices is becoming increasingly popular because it can reduce latency and energy consumption for data communication. This paper aims to give out a method for deployment the deep neural networks on a quad-rotor aircraft for further expanding its application scope.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a design scheme is proposed to implement the flight mission of the quad-rotor aircraft based on multi-sensor fusion. It integrates attitude acquisition module, global positioning system position acquisition module, optical flow sensor, ultrasonic sensor and Bluetooth communication module, etc. A 32-bit microcontroller is adopted as the main controller for the quad-rotor aircraft. To make the quad-rotor aircraft be more intelligent, the study also proposes a method to deploy the pre-trained deep neural networks model on the microcontroller based on the software packages of the RT-Thread internet of things operating system.

Findings

This design provides a simple and efficient design scheme to further integrate artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for the control system design of quad-rotor aircraft.

Originality/value

This method provides an application example and a design reference for the implementation of AI algorithms on unmanned aerial vehicle or terminal robots.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 48 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

Jivan Shrikrishna Parab, Rupesh Sadanand Paliekar Porob, Kottanal Roy Francis Joseph, Kunal Vishwanath Naik, Rajanish K. Kamat and Gourish M. Naik

Aims to design a heterogeneous embedded system with CPLD and microcontroller as co‐processors sharing a memory module.

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to design a heterogeneous embedded system with CPLD and microcontroller as co‐processors sharing a memory module.

Design/methodology/approach

The system receives external analog input signal, which is applied to the PIC 16F73 microcontroller. Upon converting the data in to digital format using the on‐chip ADC, the PIC stores the digitized version in the SRAM (HCM 6264) chip. SRAM HCM 6264 has been used as a shared memory model, of which both the PIC and CPLD can access all the locations. Once the PIC passes controls to the CPLD, the further processing is carried out by the CPLD without any intervention of the PIC. This is a true example of co‐processing of the architecturally diversified computing modules from completely different vendors with totally different programming suits.

Findings

The board has been tested with IC temperature sensors and also found to be useful for sensor array applications involving three types of processing viz. analog (through instrumentation amplifier), real‐time digital (through microcontroller) and customized reconfigurable digital (with the CPLD).

Practical implications

The system has several potential applications in avionics, military and robotic embedded systems, which have inherent real‐time constraints that need to be supported by the underlying hardware and driver programs.

Originality/value

Discusses the rare and unique combination of diversified processing core to build an embedded system.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 February 2008

Oriol Bayó‐Puxan, Josep Rafecas‐Sabaté, Oriol Gomis‐Bellmunt and Joan Bergas‐Jané

This paper seeks to describe why PLC's development tools can be used in the programming of C‐programmed microcontrollers, and an exhaustive methodology to compile Graphe…

981

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe why PLC's development tools can be used in the programming of C‐programmed microcontrollers, and an exhaustive methodology to compile Graphe Fonctionnel de Commande Etapes‐Transitions (GRAFCET) specifications into C‐code.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces an exhaustive methodology to translate a given GRAFCET into an equivalent C‐code, valid for embedded systems' microcontrollers.

Findings

The main contribution of the paper is the presented methodology, which reduces specification and programming times, while enhancing flexibility, maintenance and reusability.

Originality/value

Although this theme is not new, this paper presents a novel approach, filling the final gap: implementation into industrial systems.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2008

Paulo Iscold

The purpose of this paper is to present the research efforts of the Center of Aeronautical Studies of the Federal University of Minas Gerais – Brazil to develop a low‐cost flight…

2171

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the research efforts of the Center of Aeronautical Studies of the Federal University of Minas Gerais – Brazil to develop a low‐cost flight test data acquisition system for light aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The development of this system was based on a microcontroller, chosen in accordance with main requirements of light aircrafts flight tests. The system uses the microcontroller in order to communicate with different kinds of sensors, including a GPS, and organize this information to be sent to a PDA device, which is used to control the acquisition process and storage the data acquired. Details about the development of this system, including firmware algorithm and sensors development, are presented and discussed in the paper.

Findings

The paper presents example results obtained with this system in applications such as performance evaluation and stability and control derivatives estimation problems. Take into account all the aspects of the system and the quality of the results, the main conclusion is that this system can efficiently support the demands of the aerospace industry for light aircraft and UAEs development programs as well as the necessities of the research centers and universities developing aeronautical research and didactic programs.

Practical implications

Recently, results confirm the applicability of this system in order to perform flight tests of aircrafts in accordance with FAR‐Part 23 or CS‐VLA or Light Sport Aircrafts as required by FAA Order 8130.2F and ASTM Designation F2245‐04.

Originality/value

This paper presents details about the construction of a low‐cost data acquisition system for flight tests of light aircrafts. The main advantage of this system is the use of a PDA device in order to control and storage the acquisition, which reduce costs, weight and size of the system and permits its installation in light aircrafts or UAVs.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 80 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 November 2011

Mariamma Chacko and K. Poulose Jacob

The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach towards code validation of RISC microcontrollers, which helps to automate software debugging. A static machine code analysis…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach towards code validation of RISC microcontrollers, which helps to automate software debugging. A static machine code analysis which checks the appropriateness of instructions in a sequence to identify any logical mistakes and also to identify redundant codes appearing in a program for the target processor is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Validation is done with the help of rules of inferences formulated for the target processor. The rules govern the occurrence of illegitimate/out of place instructions and code sequences for executing the computational and integrated peripheral functions. The stipulated rules are encoded in propositional logic formulae and their compliance is tested in all possible execution paths of the application programs. An incorrect sequence of machine code pattern is identified using slicing techniques on the control flow graph generated from machine code.

Findings

The results explain that the technique is independent of compiler/assembler and contributes to early detection of software bugs that are otherwise hard to detect. Program states are identified mainly with machine code pattern, which drastically reduces the state space creation contributing to an improved state‐of‐the‐art model checking.

Research limitations/implications

Though the technique described is general, the implementation is highly architecture oriented, and hence the feasibility study is conducted only on PIC16F87X microcontrollers.

Practical implications

This validation tool can be integrated to the system development environment resulting in improved software quality and reduced debugging time.

Originality/value

It is a novel and original approach at machine code level applicable to a wide range of processors once appropriate rules are available.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 May 2007

Snježana Firšt Rogale, Dubravko Rogale, Zvonko Dragčević, Gojko Nikolić and Milivoj Bartoš

This paper seeks to examine the practical construction of a patented intelligent article of clothing with active thermal protection, outer shell with a variable thickness, system…

1035

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the practical construction of a patented intelligent article of clothing with active thermal protection, outer shell with a variable thickness, system of thermoinsulating chambers, sensors and measuring systems, microcontroller and control system, actuator system and power supply system based on hardware aspect.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on practical construction and software aspect, a measuring and control program with algorithm of intelligent behavior is presented.

Findings

An intelligent article of clothing with thermal protection like a complex technical system consisting of a very complex architecture connected by different bus types to constitute a complex system acting synchronously and effectively controlled by the microcontroller containing the program which is based on the algorithm of the intelligent behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The technical systems described represent a suitable basis for experiments and scientific research during the introduction of intelligent clothing with active thermal protection into human life.

Practical implications

Introduction of intelligent clothing into human life.

Originality/value

The prototype of an intelligent article of clothing with active thermal protection was designed and constructed. At the moment it is being subjected to the first experiments of functional investigations of intelligent clothing with active thermal protection.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 19 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2016

Deepak B.B.V.L., Soubhagya Nayak and Sandip Kumar Patra

In the capricious span of this current millennium, there is a deafening roar in the demand for modernization in the sector of robotics and technology to perform tasks in an…

Abstract

Purpose

In the capricious span of this current millennium, there is a deafening roar in the demand for modernization in the sector of robotics and technology to perform tasks in an intelligent manner. Thus to replenish such necessities, the innovations and inventions of researchers came forward as blessings on human civilization due to their sheer ingenuity and relentless and arduous efforts with each nanosecond passed from now onwards. With the same sublime goal, same resilient endeavor, same aggressive demeanor, the paper on obstacle avoiding robots comes forward. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

It exhibits how to control a differential drive robot wirelessly by analog thumb joystick module with added obstacle avoidance protection. The variations made by the user in the control of analog thumb joystick module are fed as input to the Atmega 16 microcontroller board which further transfers it wirelessly to the robot through the radio frequency (RF) transmitting module. The Arduino mega microcontroller equipped to the robot cross-checks the instructions gained through the RF receiving module and provides power accordingly to the geared motors through the motor driver board for movement along with scanning the environment to avoid obstacles present thereby.

Findings

The improvisation of RF technology in controlling the obstacle avoiding robot has enhanced its application and reliability by leaps and bounds reducing the anxiety and tension of the human controller.

Originality/value

With more advanced algorithm and genuine deployment sensors, the idea behind this research work can be used in humanoid robots which can help immensely in going to the extremely dangerous terrains, war zones and also in human rescue operations.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2017

Ter-Feng Wu, Pu-Sheng Tsai, Nien-Tsu Hu and Jen-Yang Chen

Visually impaired people have long been living in the dark. They cannot realize the colorful world with their vision, so they rely on hearing, touch and smell to feel the space…

405

Abstract

Purpose

Visually impaired people have long been living in the dark. They cannot realize the colorful world with their vision, so they rely on hearing, touch and smell to feel the space they live in. Lacking image information, they face challenges in the external environment and barrier spaces. They face danger that is hundreds of times higher than that faced by normal people. Especially during outdoor activities, they can only explore the surrounding environment aided by their hearing and crutches and then based on a vague impression speculate where they are located. To let the blind confidently take each step, this paper proposes sticking the electronic tag of the radio-frequency identification (RFID) system on the back of guide bricks.

Design/methodology/approach

Thus, the RFID reader, ultrasonic sensor and voice chip on a wheeled mobile robot link the front end to the crutch. Once the blind person nears a guide brick, the RFID will read the message on the tag through the voice broadcast system, and a voice will inform the visually impaired person of the direction to walk and information of the surrounding environment. In addition, the CMOS image sensor set up in the wheeled mobile robot is used to detect the black marking on the guide brick and to guide the blind to walk forward or turn around between the two markings. Finally, the lithium battery charging control unit was installed on the wheeled mobile robot. The ATtiny25 microcontroller conducts the battery charge and discharge control and monitoring of the current battery capacity.

Findings

The development of this system will let visually impaired people acquire environmental information, road guidance function and nearby traffic information.

Originality/value

Through rich spatial environment messages, the blind can have the confidence and courage to go outside.

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2021

Adesuwa Annabelle Ebuehi, Gift Okeoghene Eric and Benjamin Akinloye

The difficulty in winding coil-based electrical and electronic devices manually lies in the fact that it takes so much time and effort to perform. Furthermore, it is difficult to…

Abstract

Purpose

The difficulty in winding coil-based electrical and electronic devices manually lies in the fact that it takes so much time and effort to perform. Furthermore, it is difficult to achieve accuracy manually, as it is possible to lose count of the number of turns being wound. The purpose of this paper is to detail the design methods and calculations used to achieve a cost-effective, significantly accurate and more efficient method of winding coils.

Design/methodology/approach

A program flowchart was designed as a guideline for writing the program. An AT89C52 microcontroller was used to control the movement of the two direct current (DC) motors used in the construction of the machine. The circuit design obtained was then simulated using Proteus to test the functionality of the components together.

Findings

An electromechanical automatic coil winding machine for the coiling of simple, small-sized, coil-based electrical devices was successfully designed and fabricated. The machine was tested by winding a 1 kVA transformer. Diagrams, calculations, results and observations obtained during the design and construction are detailed in this paper.

Originality/value

This machine solves the problem of tediousness in coil winding, stably and precisely winding 60 turns/min at a 24 V supply and providing a keypad input method. Although portable automatic coil winding machines have been rendered previously, most have applied the use of stepper motors. The application of brushed DC motors alongside an AT89C52 microcontroller is a variation to the pool of renditions, offering better controllability and a sustained output.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2010

Louwrens J. Butler and Glen Bright

This paper aims to examine the structure of the control strategy that is being deployed on the control of the mobile materials handling platform, from the higher level onboard…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the structure of the control strategy that is being deployed on the control of the mobile materials handling platform, from the higher level onboard interface software to the low‐level control system that is tasked with the dynamic stability of the platform.

Design/methodology/approach

The application of the principle of the inverted pendulum in mobile robotics has only recently been made possible by advances in the technology of electronics. A mobile materials handling platform has been designed and built for use in manufacturing systems of the future. The principle of the inverted pendulum has been incorporated into the design. This means that the platform is able to maintain dynamic stability during specific periods of operation. The mechatronic engineering approach was adopted in the design of the platform, which produced an integrated embedded system.

Findings

Open source software being implemented onboard the platform for interfacing between the platform and remote client computers is found to be easily customisable according to the requirements of one's application. A solution to the problem of nonholonomic motion constraints that concern any differential drive mobile robot was found in a nonlinear state transformation algorithm. The algorithm was implemented on an intermediate level between the interface software and the low‐level control system. The low‐level feedback control system was designed using a linear quadratic regulator design method. Simulations of this control system showed that it was robust enough to reject predetermined disturbances in system characteristics.

Originality/value

The application of a mobile platform specifically designed for materials handling based on the principle of the inverted pendulum has not been attempted to date.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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