bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Behaviour Evaluation of Natural Draught Cooling Towers under the Consideration of Shell-Geometric Parameters
Authors: Noh Sam Young , Lee Sang Yun
Published: March 2013

In the design procedure of the cooling tower the form-finding of the shell is the most important process, because the shape of the shell determines the sensitivity of dynamic behavior of the whole tower against wind excitation. The purpose of the study is the investigation of the influences of the geometric parameters of the cooling tower shell on the structural behavior. The geometric parameters - height of throat, angle of base lintel and radius of top lintel - were analyzed in detail. In the linear analysis the influence of each geometrical parameter will be evaluated by the required amount of the reinforcement steel. The realistic behaviours of the towers with various geometries, found out by geometrically and physically non-linear analysis, will be discussed in detail. Each geometry parameter influence will be evaluated by the comparison of the damage index developments in the tower under increasing wind effect. Herein a damage indicator is defined by means of the modal parameters; natural frequencies and mode shapes varying according to the damage state. As a result, a hyperbolic rotational shell with the small radius overall will yield the shell geometry with a higher first natural frequency and thus a wind-insensitive structure. Linearly and nonlinearly numerical simulations demonstrate influence of the shell-geometric parameters on structural behaviours. The results of this study may be informative for the form-finding of the cooling tower shell.
Strength Performance of T-Headed Rebar in Concrete
Authors: Chiu Chien Kuo , Chi Kai Ning , Lin Ker Chun
Published: March 2013

In recent years, the T-Headed bar has been gradually applied to bridge and building structures. However, until Year 2008, a debut of the headed bar in the ACI 318 Design Code was found. There were six limitations on materials’ strength properties, bearing area of head and concrete-cover thickness and spacing of the reinforcement with the head to be made in the Section 12.6 of the ACI 318-08 Code. This paper concerns some issues that were difficult application for the practical engineering or had potential to be improved. They include the clear spacing of the headed bars not less than 4 times the diameter of the bars, the bearing area of head of the headed bar not less than 4 times cross-sectional area of the bars and concrete limit on normal-weight and its effective compression strength not more than 42 MPa. In this study, a total of 43 specimens with a CCT node (Compression-Compression-Tension Node) experimental model were conducted to evaluate anchored performance of the headed bars. Study parameters in this work included strength of concrete, size of reinforcement, bearing area of T head, spacing of bars and confinement condition provided by horizontal reinforcement. Additionally, some benchmark specimens those placed straight bars, and standard 90º and 180º hook bars were carried out for comparison. Test results showed that for anchorage performance, the T-headed bars could provide better than the standard 90º and 180º hook bars. Test results also indicated that the headed bars with head bearing area of three times sectional area of the bar were able to perform as well anchored behavior as their head bearing area with four times sectional area of the bar. In addition, comparing the test results of specimens their spacing having 1.5 and 4 times diameter of the bar, it was found that their anchored strength capacities were similar.
Numerical Modelling of Stiffness and Strength Behaviour of Top-Seat Flange-Cleat Connection for Cold-Formed Double Channel Section
Authors: Lee Yeong Huei , Siang Tan Cher , Lee Yee Ling , Tahir M.Md. , Mohammad Shahrin , Shek Poi Ngian
Published: March 2013

Prediction of structural behaviour by numerical modelling can reduce the cost in conducting full-scaled experiments. This paper studies the stiffness and strength behaviour of top-seat flange-cleat connection for cold-formed steel double channel sections using finite element method. In this investigation, cold-formed channel sections are assembled back-to-back to form I-shape beam and column members. The 2 mm cold-formed bracket and 6 mm hot-rolled angle are used to connect the members. The results were collected from different beam depth ranged 150 mm, 200 mm and 250 mm. The rotational stiffness and strength obtained from the numerical modelling are then compared to the design requirements from BS EN 1993-1-8 and experimental data. The comparison of moment-rotation behaviour for top-seat flange-cleat connection has shown not more than 35% difference for strength behaviour and 50% difference for rotational stiffness behaviour between numerical modelling and experimental data. However, there is a noticeable difference between finite element models and analytical calculation. The differences are recorded from 18% to 65% for strength behaviour and between 1% and 153% for stiffness behaviour. The differences obtained between finite element analysis and experimental investigation are caused by edge stiffener while differences from finite element models and analytical models are due to strain hardening.
Impact Characteristics of CFRP Hat-Shaped Members According to Changes in Outer Layer under the Hygrothermal Environment
Authors: Yang Yong Jun , Yeo In Goo , Hwang Woo Chae , Kook Hyun , Yang In Young
Published: March 2013

CFRP composite material, which is reinforced with carbon fiber, features superior heat and corrosion resistance, and these benefits enables the gradual applications on aerospace industries and sports-entertainment business. However, guarantee on superior strength and rigidity on harsh condition, such as hot moisture environment and collision load is extremely difficult. Therefore, in study moisture absorption test was conducted until complete moisture absorption in test specimen using hygrothermal heat chamber to evaluate strength degradation in CFRP composite under hygrothermal environment. As a result, the effect of moisture absorption and impact loads of approximately 50% reduction in strength are shown.
Mountain Roads Design Using Ecological Engineering Methods and Traditional Engineering Methods Comparison Study
Authors: Chen Tung Tsan , Hsu Yao T.
Published: March 2013

This study shows that the traditional engineering method of mountain road construction has not only caused local ecological disturbance directly, but also through each of the stages of the preparation, such as material gathering, construction, continual maintenance, and the diminishing of recycling potential, whereas ecological engineering method, with safety as its main priority, could offer a better ecological condition for construction projects. Through studying the local environmental features and using the proper construction method, the most suitable, corresponding engineering method ought to be adopted. This research uses Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with surveys completed by field experts. This research contains three dimensions: Road Characteristics, Roadside Characteristics, Biological Characteristics. Additionally, actual samples of practical application of ecological engineering would also be discussed to further prove the result and the accuracy of the AHP. Research shows that in the overall planning of a mountain road construction project, ecological engineering method serves to be the better approach.
Live Load Distribution in Prestressed Concrete Girder Bridges with Curved Slab
Authors: Cho Doo Yong , Park Sun Kyu , Kim Woo Seok
Published: March 2013

This paper presents the live load distribution in straight prestressed concrete (PSC) girder bridges with curved deck slab utilizing finite element analyses. Numerical modeling methodology was established and calibrated based on field testing results. A parametric study of 73 cases with varying 6 critical parameters was used to determine a trend over each parameter. Through live load girder distribution factor (GDF) comparisons between the AASHTO LRFD, AASHTO Standard factors and finite element analyses results, both AASHTO live load distribution predicted conservatively in most bridges considered in the parametric study. However, in the bridges with curved slab, GDF was underestimated due to curvature influences. This study proposes a new live load distribution formula to predict rational and conservative live load distribution in PSC girder bridges with curved slab for a preliminary design purpose. The proposed live load distribution provides better live load analysis for the PSC girder bridge with curved slab and ensures the GDF is not underestimated.
Sequestration of CO2 in Geological Media: A Case Study of the Saline Reservoir Using Parallel Computing for Multi-Well Injection
Authors: Tseng Chien Hao , Kuo Chia Chen , Su Wei Chih , Lai Chuan Lin
Published: March 2013

Carbon-Dioxide Capture and Storage (CCS) in deep saline aquifers is one of the most feasible techniques for reducing anthropogenic emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). In this paper, a high-performance parallel computing is used to simulate the large-scale and long-term CO2 geologic storage in the saline aquifer (Sleipner Vest field in the Norwegian) based on the ECO2N module of the flow/transport simulator TOUGH2-MP, which is the parallel version of TOUGH2 implemented by the MPI. We have developed a complex three-dimensional heterogeneous model to study the spatial and temporal distribution and storage of CO2 injection into the sands of the Utsira formation, at the Sleipner Vest field in the Norway. Simulation results demonstrate that the high-speed parallel computing enhanced the capability on handling the large-scale model and the long-term studies. Furthermore, in order to avoid the problems of overpressure in the saline reservoir, the case study employs multi-well (ten-well) injection model, which has been proven to be able to reduce the reservoir pressure effectively when compared to the single-well injection model.
Recycling Applications of Microalgal Carbon Fixation Conducted by Taipower
Authors: Chen Fung Fei , Chou Seng Cho , Chen Hsiao Wei
Published: March 2013

The impact of climate change and the pressure of environmental awareness have caused the concepts of energy conservation, carbon reduction, and the sustainable engagement of a production model involving green ecology to become common development goals in power utilities worldwide. This study examines the recycling application framework of microalgal carbon fixation developed by Taipower, which has been used for the past decade, and evaluates the framework using a social survey on the social acceptability of the biotech skincare products that were exploited by microalgal carbon fixation. Research results show that Taipower’s engagement in carbon fixation using microalgae is practicable in reducing carbon, providing an additional production model of circular economy to power business development. The application of microalgal carbon fixation is projected to have numerous benefits, such as tangible profit benefit through future mass production, the intangible benefit from the image of enterprise environmental protection, and the benefit through social promotion. Therefore, focus on the sustainable development of microalgal carbon fixation is worthwhile. This study provides a guideline for future development of the recycling application of microalgal carbon fixation at Taipower and other power utilities.
Mission Track Coordination Based Multi-Objective Optimization for Multi-Satellite Imaging Scheduling
Authors: Li Sheng Yi , Yeh Yi Yao , Hwang Feng Tai
Published: March 2013

Satellite imaging scheduling is a complicated task been developed to ideally satisfy all requests under various constraints. A considerable amount of theoretical work has been carried out on single- or multi-satellite scheduling problems based on single-objective optimization. On the other hand, concerning multi-objective optimization in a multi-satellite scheduling scenario, few theoretical analyses have been performed. In this paper, we propose a novel imaging scheduling algorithm of multi-objective optimization for multi-satellite (MOO-MS). The concept of orbit coordination is introduced and the geometry analysis is incorporated to obtain the Pareto front as a set of trade-off solutions. Moreover, a truncated Cauchy probability distribution function (TCPDF) search algorithm is developed to efficiently obtain a sequence of tasking areas with imaging time. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm avoids large amount of calculation and provides high quality solution within a short period of time by comparing with the single- or multi-satellite optimization scheme.
Design and Development of Oral Appliance for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Lai Yu Bin , Huang Durn Yuan , Hwang Sheng Jye , Lee Huei Huang , Chang Yi San
Published: March 2013

There are more than 20 different types of current commercially available mandibular advancement devices (MAD). Although there are so many different types of MAD available in the market, these designs are often not flexible enough to be adjusted to fit these devices to all possible cases. The aim of this study was to design and develop a new type of mandibular advancement device which used friction effect to achieve mandibular forward, and ensure it would not slide back during sleeping. The new type of mandibular advancement device could be quickly adjusted, and had 3-degree of freedom. ANSYS software was used to simulate whether the new design was strong enough. From the simulation it was found that the new innovative design was reliable and easy to be used for obstructive sleep apnea patients.
Relationships and Comparisons of Finger Surface Temperature Measurements from Three Different Kinds of Temperature Sensors
Authors: Jang Fong Lin , Lin Chyun Chau
Published: March 2013

Temperature biofeedback has been used in behavioral medicine for more than three decades. Traditional temperature biofeedback uses the contact sensor of a thermistor to measure one’s finger surface temperature. The goal of this study is to discover new valid sensors for temperature biofeedback. Sixteen healthy young adult volunteers (23.1±2.0 years old) practiced cognitive imagery muscle relaxation with three kinds of temperature sensors (thermography imaging, thermistor, and infrared thermopile) to measure their finger surfaces simultaneously. The temperature readings from different sensors were synchronically videotaped and converged to video files for analyses. The data were selected every half a minute from a fixed section of the muscle relaxation procedure to show the outline of the temperature variation. Twenty-eight means of skin temperature measurements from each sensor resulted in overall correlation coefficients of R=0.98 (p<0.001) between the thermistor and thermography imaging sensors, R=0.95 (p<0.001) between thermography imaging and infrared thermopile sensors, and R=0.96 (p<0.001) between thermistor and infrared thermopile sensors. These results suggest that contact and non-contact temperature sensors could demonstrate good synchronous temperature covariance in measuring finger surface temperature. This study also proposes specific setups for instrumentation of finger surface temperature monitoring.
The Non-Invasive Measurement of Geometry of Human Ossicles
Authors: Yu Jen Fang , Fan Chia Lun
Published: March 2013

This study is to reconstruct the 3D model of ossicles by the smoothing technique that fitted to the human ossicles. The length of the geometry of the model was then measured. The image of human ossicles was obtained by the micro computed tomography scan. The 3D model of human ossicles was reconstructed by image processing, and then the length of the geometry of the 3D model was measured. The 3D model of human ossicles was reconstructed by image processing and by surface smoothing technique in this study. The surface of the ossicles model was smoothed by Smoothsurface. The length of the short process of the incus was 1.8 mm. The length of the long process of the incus was 5.2 mm. Based on the results obtained by this study, there was almost no difference for the measurements of the lengths of the cadaver malleus and incus between by observation and by image processing. Therefore, the image processing method was convenient and reliable. By the 3D model of ossicles, the clinician could know the structure of middle ear and could diagnose the middle ear disease more exactly.
Application of Electronic Nose Technology in Breath Tests for Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Lee Chien Nan
Published: March 2013

The study established a set of gas detectors that helped transform exhaled breath into electronic signals, and through wave filtering, A/D transformation, and feature extraction. The fuzzy pattern classification system was then adopted to analyze and recognize the acetone level in breathing to diagnose whether someone has diabetes.
A Bridging Method between 2D and 3D Cephalometry Using Computed Tomography Synthesized Cephalograms
Authors: Fang Jing Jing , Liu Jia Kuang , Chang Chia Wei , Lin Yu Cheng
Published: March 2013

Traditional cephalograms are X-ray films, which provide either frontal or lateral overlapped perspective medical imaging. Although computed tomography imaging provides more information in 3-dimensional anatomy, the landmarks for cephalometry are located in space which does not carry normal standards in 3-D cephalometry. The CT natural imaging method is different from X-ray in that they respectively use orthogonal and perspective projections. Thus, we cannot apply the statistical normal values gathered from traditional 2D cephometry to 3D cephalometry. This study makes use of calibrated synthesized cephalograms from computed tomography to construct a cephalometry bridge between 2-D and 3-D. In this thesis, we first review the imaging model of a specific X-ray machine (Asahi OrthoStage AUTO IIIN) by a camera calibration method. We then construct a reference system for a virtual head, and synthesize calibrated X-ray cephalograms using the volume rendering algorithm. System accuracy for the synthesis X-ray cephalograms is verified through an interactive corresponding landmark system between 2-D and 3-D. An experimental clinician was invited to manually place 17 landmarks on the X-rays and their corresponding, shuffled in random order. The systematic error, average error, and standard deviation of landmark positions are 0.15 mm, 0.97 mm, and 0.45 mm, respectively. The interactive system bridges the transformation from orthogonal 3-D to perspective 2-D cephalometry.
An Improved Demon Registration with Mutual Information for Non-Rigid Medical Images
Authors: Xie Xiao Hui , Ma Cui , Sun Qiang , Du Ruxu
Published: March 2013

Non-rigid image registration plays an important role in medical imaging. Classic Demons algorithm is a good method for image registration in some domain. One disadvantage of classic Demons algorithm is that the topological preservation can not be ensured, and it can only adapt to deal with the single modality image registration. In medical image analysis, the different modal images comparison and fusion are needed to give the doctor enough information for making a decision. The mutual information algorithm has been validated useful for multi-modality image registration. By analyzing the critical points of Demons registration like mis-registration, an improved Demons algorithm with mutual information evaluation is proposed. Experiment results on liver images between CT and MRI modality show that the proposed algorithm can deal with multi-modality image registration well and it can hold the abilities even faces the noise and distortion.
The Study on the Correlation of Vibration Stimulation Intensity and Muscle Activity
Authors: So Ha Ju , Oh Han Young , Kim Seong Hyun , Kim Dong Wook
Published: March 2013

The present study was conducted to determine the strength of somatosensory stimuli applied to the human body as a method for recovery of musculoskeletal function deterioration vibration, to perform a mutual comparison of the threshold-measuring methods which allow physical quantification of the vibration sense, and to verify the accuracy and reliability of the measured threshold through the activity of the muscles. According to the results of experiments conducted on men, the threshold intensity obtained via the ascent and descent methods showed a 1.09-fold difference in size and a 0.43-fold deviation. In addition, the difference in muscular activity found through the comparison of EMG and ultrasound imaging, a 1.43-fold activity difference was observed. The results of the present study can be utilized for the threshold intensity setting of the sensory stimulation vibration and can be used as the basis for the integration of various thresholds measurements.
Spatial Imaging of the Human Tympanic Membrane
Authors: Yu Jen Fang , Fan Chia Lun
Published: March 2013

The goal of the study is to non-invasively image the tympanic membrane in vivo, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). 8 subjects between the ages of 20 and 26 (4 male and 4 female) were recruited for the study. A comparison was made between the results of imaging the right tympanic membrane by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and MRI. The experiment employed the techniques of HRCT and MRI to produce images of the human tympanic membrane, in vivo. The experiment also involved analyzing the performance of the multi-slice single echo (MSSE) sequence of MRI, and an evaluation of their respective image qualities and differences. This study has helped to establish an in vivo imaging procedure for the human tympanic membrane. The study has revealed that HRCT images have a higher resolution and SNR as compared to MRI images. This could be due to the inherent tissue composition of the tympanic membrane and/or the higher background noise encountered in MRI systems. As HRCT imaging systems contribute to patient radiation dose, MRI and surface coil were employed to generate in vivo human tympanic membrane images. We are able to clearly observe the 3D spatial boundaries and structures of the human tympanic membrane in vivo, indicating that our technology can provide valuable information, which can aid clinical diagnosis and patient management after myringoplasty.
Physical Rehabilitation Assistant System Based on Kinect
Authors: Liu Tsun Te , Hsieh Ching Tang , Chung Ruei Chi , Wang Yuan Sheng
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we present a physical rehabilitation assistant system based on skeleton detection with Kinect. The users do not have to install the detectors on the exercise equipment anymore. And then, they can just use the rehabilitation equipment with Kinect using the skeleton detection technique. In this study, we build a normalized three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates location of correct postures under OpenNI system. We find out 15 human skeleton joints with three dimensional coordinates and calculate the feature values, than we use support vector machine (SVM) as classifier to define the accuracy of posture. Finally, the system can judge the correct degree of user’s postures. Also, we can have the rehabilitation purpose.
Location-Based Service (LBS) Falling-Detection and Alarm System by Smartphone
Authors: Lo Bird C.
Published: March 2013

Up to date, smart phone with built-in sensors (tri-accelerometer, GPS) and Internet access has become a useful kit for many purpose using. In this paper, we present the design and the implementation a combine approach for the detection of falls by smartphone. It used analyzing of body postures, mobility and falling location to recognize falls happened. In this paper, we present a system with real-time classification of human movements based on built-in sensor of smartphone. At the same time, it is able to classify the data for falling recognition. In our algorithm, it is not only to analysis of body postures by tri-accelerometer, but also to analysis of falling location by GPS sensor. We used a parameter called falling-risk (FR) to measure falling risk at different location. The FR is based on falling history at GPS location (x, y). It will alarm falling with fall location when falling and it will notice when user entered the high risk area. The major advantage of the proposed system is the novel application of smartphone which already have the necessary sensors and can monitor fall ubiquitously without any additional devices. We develop an Android application that monitors the phone’s built-in sensors, detects falls, and generates high risk alerts when user passes through the high risk area. We test the application against a number of Activities of Daily Life (ADLs) and fall events, and present the results.
Tracking Contrast Agents from Ultrasound Image Using Texture Preserving Optical Flow Estimation
Authors: Lee Ju Hwan , Kim Sung Min
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we proposed a novel texture preserving optical flow technique to estimate the motion patterns of contrast agent on the ultrasound image. The proposed method estimated the motion fields based on three major steps. Firstly, the proposed method recomposed the original image based on the weighted structure-texture decomposition. Secondly, we applied a slightly non-convex approximation approach by utilizing the spline interpolation based coarse-to-fine warping scheme to handle the motion discontinuities in ultrasound image. Lastly, after each warping step, we employed the bilateral filter into the numerical framework to minimize the tracking errors in motion estimates. To evaluate the tracking performance of our method, we estimated the motion fields of microbubbles for the tissue mimicking phantom, and compared its results to those of the existing methods. As a result, it was found that the proposed technique provides the most reliable motion patterns of microbubbles, and reduces computational loads, simultaneously. We also confirmed the potential usefulness of our estimation scheme for the microbubble based diagnostic analysis.
A Low Cost and Efficient Volumetric-Error Measurement Method for Five-Axis Machine Tools
Authors: Wang Shih Ming , Yu Han Jen , Liao Hung Wei
Published: March 2013

Error compensation is an effective and inexpensive way that can further enhance the machining accuracy of a multi-axis machine tool. The volumetric error measurement method is an essential of the error compensation method. The measurement of volumetric errors of a 5-axis machine tool is very difficult to be conducted due to its complexity. In this study, a volumetric-error measurement method using telescoping ball-bar was developed for the three major types of 5-axis machines. With the use of the three derived error models and the two-step measurement procedures, the method can quickly determine the volumetric errors of the three types of 5-axis machine tools. Comparing to the measurement methods currently used in industry, the proposed method provides the advantages of low cost, easy setup, and high efficiency.
A Wave-Powered Technique for Water Column Profiling
Authors: Jiang Jing Bo , Ni Zuo Tao , Li Si Ren , Gong De Jun
Published: March 2013

A technique using surface wave energy to move a sensor platform up and down a mooring wire is introduced in this paper. It permits a complete vertical profile to be obtained with a single sensor, eliminating the need for multiple sensors on the mooring line. The sensor platform can be pre-programmed to dwell at depth for set periods of time. The platform can be configured to carry a variety of payloads including CTD, optical and acoustic sensors.
An Adaptive Nonlinear Trajectory Tracking Design for Mobile Robots and it’s Practical Implementation
Authors: Chen Yung Hsiang , Li Tzuu Hseng S. , Chen Yung Yue
Published: March 2013

An adaptive nonlinear trajectory tracking design for mobile robot and its practical implementation are presented in this paper. The design objective is to specify one nonlinear controller with a parameter adaptive law that satisfies the adaptive H2 optimal performance. In general, it is hard to obtain the closed-form solution from this nonlinear trajectory-tracking problem. Fortunately, based on the property of the trajectory tracking system of the nonholonomic mobile robot, the adaptive H2 trajectory tracking problems can be reduced to solving one nonlinear time varying Riccati-like equations. Furthermore, one closed-form solution to this nonlinear time varying Riccati-like equation can be obtained with very simple forms for the preceding control design. Finally, there are two practical testing conditions: circular and S type reference trajectories are used for performance verification.
Backstepping Adaptive Iterative Learning Control for Robotic Systems
Authors: Wang Ying Chung , Chien Chiang Ju , Chuang Chi Nan
Published: March 2013

A backstepping adaptive iterative learning control for robotic systems with repetitive tasks is proposed in this paper. The backstepping-like procedure is introduced to design the AILC. A fuzzy neural network is applied for compensation of the unknown certainty equivalent controller. Using a Lyapunov like analysis, we show that the adjustable parameters and internal signals remain bounded, the tracking error will asymptotically converge to zero as iteration goes to infinity.
Bayesian Estimation Algorithm Applying in Gas Detection Modules
Authors: Su Kuo Lan , Shiau Sheng Wen , Liao Yi Lin , Guo J.H.
Published: March 2013

The paper develops gas detection modules for the intelligent building. The modules use many gas sensors to detect environment of the home and building. The gas sensors of the detection modules are classified two types. One is competitiveness gas detection module, and uses the same sensors to detect gas leakage. The other is complementation gas detection module, and uses variety sensors to classify multiple gases. The paper uses Bayesian estimation algorithm to be applied in competitiveness gas detection module and complementation gas detection module, and implement the proposed algorithm to be nice for variety gas sensor combination method. In the competitiveness gas detection module, we use two gas sensors to improve the proposed algorithm to be right. In the complementation gas detection module, we use a NH3 sensor, an air pollution sensor, an alcohol sensor, a HS sensor, a smoke sensor, a CO sensor, a LPG sensor and a nature gas sensor, and can classify variety gases using Bayesian estimation algorithm. The controller of the two gas detection modules is HOLTEK microchip. The modules can communicate with the supervised computer via wire series interface or wireless RF interface, and cautions the user by the voice module. Finally, we present some experimental results to measure know and unknown gas using the two gas detection modules on the security system of the intelligent building.
Blowers of Vacuum Cleaners Utilizing Coreless and Sensorless Axial-Flux Motors with Edge-Wire Coils
Authors: Yu Hsing Cheng , Wang Chih Chiang , Jang Chau Shin , Peng Wen Yang , Liu T.S.
Published: March 2013

Axial-flux motors (AFM) generally have higher torque and power densities, smaller volume and weight, larger diameter to length ratio, and compact construction for the same power level than radial-flux motors (RFM). Hence, AFM are attractive alternative to conventional RFM for applying in low torque and speed servo control systems. Additionally, magnetic Hall-effect sensors and commutation circuits are unsuitable for environment with high temperature and restricted space, so sensorless driving control method of AFM by detecting zero-crossing of back-EMF signals has been achieved. Furthermore, coreless design can reduce motor total weight, normal attractive force and torque pulsation and can increase efficiency of machines as compared with conventional design with cores. Thus, this study focuses on sensorless AFM design applying for blowers in vacuum cleaners to follow the concepts of axial-flux, edge-wire with high space-utilization factors, and stators without ferromagnetic cores. The closed-loop velocity controller designs by adopting proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and fuzzy logic control (FLC) algorithms have been demonstrated effectively for the design sensorless AFM of blowers in vacuum cleaners. As a result, the settling time of velocity closed-loop control methods can be converged within 1.0 second; i.e. the vacuum cleaners can switch and operate in various speeds with different operational environment rapidly. Therefore, the system characteristics and lifetime of the designed sensorless AFM have been enhanced and satisfied the demands of blowers to employ in vacuum cleaners.
Design and Application of Low Cost Redundancy Interface for UAV Distributed Servo System
Authors: An Bin , Zhang Xiao Lin
Published: March 2013

The paper presents the low cost redundancy interface applied in distributed servo system of unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV).Digital bus and analog dual-redundancy control interface is implemented, it can switchs to analog interface automatically when the digital bus works abnormally, the reliability and the antijamming capability of servo system are made to be promoted. CAN bus is chosen to be the UAV digital bus after analyzing the distributed servo system structure and servo equipments work condition. The operating principle of redundancy interface is expatiated, the hardware interfaces and the software process are provided，and the communication network performance is also analyzed. Both ground test and flight test indicate that the redundancy interface works steadily, CAN bus channel can switch to analog channel fast and smoothly, it can meet the needs of UAV flight control system.
Development of an Onboard Automatic Tire-Wear Warning System
Authors: Shiao Yao Jung , Shiao Chi Wei , Shiao Chi Shan
Published: March 2013

Over worn tires in a vehicle endanger vehicle operation and driving safety. Vehicles with worn tires frequently have flat tires in highway, and then result in fatal traffic accidents. This research developed a RFID-based automatic tire-wear detection system. A tire-wear detection RFID cell, which contains RFID tag, isolation layer and noninterference layer, was buried in specified depth of a tire. The RFID cell can provide a signal to controller to issue a tire-wear warning if the tire is over worn. The wear detection system has benefits of small size, no battery, no maintenance, low cost and low false alarm. Bench test results confirm that this system can achieve real-time and effective detection for worn tires to enhance driving safety.
Development of the Searching Algorithm with Complexity Environment for Mobile Robots
Authors: Lin Yung Chin , Su Kuo Lan , Chang Chih Hung
Published: March 2013

The article programs the shortest path searching problems of the mobile robot in the complexity unknown environment, and uses the mobile robot to present the movement scenario from the start point to the target point in a collision-free space. The complexity environment contains variety obstacles, such as road, tree, river, gravel, grass, highway and unknown obstacle. We set the relative dangerous grade for variety obstacles. The mobile robot searches the target point to locate the positions of unknown obstacles, and avoids these obstacles moving in the motion platform. We develop the user interface to help users filling out the positions of the mobile robot and the obstacles on the supervised computer, such the initial point of the mobile robot, the start point and the target point. The supervised computer programs the motion paths of the mobile robot according to A* searching algorithm, flood-fill algorithm and 2-op exchange algorithm The simulation results present the proposed algorithms that program the shortest motion paths from the initial point approach to the target point for the mobile robot. The supervised computer controls the mobile robot that follows the programmed motion path moving to the target point in the complexity environment via wireless radio frequency (RF) interface.
Dynamic Characteristics and Finite Element Model Updating of Micromachined Torsion Structures
Authors: Gau Wei Hsin , Chen Kun Nan , Hwang Yunn Lin
Published: March 2013

In this paper, two experimental techniques, Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry and Stroboscopic Interferometry, and two different finite element analysis packages are used to measure or to analyze the frequencies and mode shapes of a micromachined, cross-shaped torsion structure. Four sets of modal data are compared and shown having a significant discrepancy in their frequency values, although their mode shapes are quite consistent. Inconsistency in the frequency results due to erroneous inputs of geometrical and material parameters to the finite element analysis can be salvaged by applying the finite element model updating procedure. Two updating cases show that the optimization sequences converge quickly and significant improvements in frequency prediction are achieved. With the inclusion of the thickness parameter, the second case yields a maximum of under 0.4% in frequency difference, and all parameters attain more reliable updated values.
Embedded Force Control Gripper for Frangible Fruit Robotic Manipulation
Authors: Huang Shiuh Jer , Chang Wei Han , Lin Janq Yann
Published: March 2013

Here a low cost embedded robotic gripper with force control function is designed for frangible fruit manipulation. This embedded control gripper is integrated with a Mitsubishi robot based on FPGA control structure. The model-free intelligent fuzzy sliding mode control strategy is employed to design the position controller of each joint and gripper force controller, respectively. Experimental results of pick-and-place frangible small tomato and banana fruit are shown by pictures to evaluate this embedded position/force hybrid control system performance.
Mechatronic System Design for Science/Work Class ROV
Authors: Mu Ling Ji , Chen Edward , Huang Sheng Wei , Chen Kun Lin , Chao Jui Chun , Shih Cyuan Si , Chen Chin Yin , Yang Wen Chang , Guo Jen Hwa
Published: March 2013

Marine environments cover most of the earth’s surface, and average depth more than 3800m. It is rich in biological resources and mineral resources. With the depletion of land resources, marine resources development and utilization is increasingly apparent. However, accompanied by the development of marine resources such as oil, natural gas from offshore extension to the deep ocean, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for its safety, high efficiency, large range of operating depths, work long hours, is increasingly becoming the development of marine resources important tool. In this study, the science/work-class ROV which design by Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI) and Built from Perry is discussed.
Micro Pressure, Temperature and Flow Sensors for Integration in Micro Methanol Reformer
Authors: Lee Chi Yuan , Lee Shuo Jen , Cheng Yen Ting , Chang Yu Ming
Published: March 2013

In recent years, the development of fuel cells has proceeded rapidly, and so the reforming of methanol to produce hydrogen has become a serious problem. Supplying hydrogen from a micro methanol reformer to fuel cells is an important topic. The structure of a micro flow channel must support the transfer of external heat to the reform reaction, facilitating the diffusion of methanol vapor into the catalyst layer, increasing the rate of transfer of hydrogen. In this investigation, the micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technique is utilized to fabricate micro pressure, temperature and flow sensors. Polyimide film (PI) exhibits high temperature resistance and stress corrosion resistance, and is adopted herein as a flexible substrate. In future work, such micro sensors will be embedded in a micro methanol reformer for in-situ diagnosis.
Partial Discharge Characteristics of Natural Rubber Blends with Inorganic Nanofiller as Electrical Insulating Material
Authors: Arief Yanuar Z. , Ismail Mohd. Izairi , Makmud Mohamad Zul Hilmey , Aulia Aulia , Adzis Zuraimy , Muhamad Nor Asiah
Published: March 2013

In electrical engineering, electrical discharge can occur in gaseous, liquid or solid insulating medium. Localized dielectric breakdown that occur at a small portion of a solid or fluid electrical insulation under high voltage stress is called partial discharge (PD). This phenomenon can cause the material to breakdown if there is no proper action taken. Usually it begins within voids, cracks, or inclusions within a solid dielectric, at conductor-dielectric interfaces within solid and in bubbles within liquid dielectrics. In order to modify electrical properties of the original structure then nanocomposite need to be introduced. Nanocomposite is the original structure that has been inserted by nano component (nanofiller) such as silicone dioxide and titanium dioxide. Nanocomposites are also found in nature, for example in the structure of the abalone shell and bone. By adding nano component inside the original component, it can change the mechanical and electric properties. In this study, PD characteristics of polymer-natural rubber blends nanocomposite have been investigated. The samples of nanocomposites were developed by using extrusion method. The high voltage is applied at the electrode arrangement of the test sample. The signals of partial discharges are detected by CIGRE Method II and RC detector and the signals are transferred to the personal computer using LabViewTM software. The result from the software is analyzed to find out the PD characteristics. The results revealed that the highest PD numbers are compositions with no filler while the lowest PD numbers come from sample that use 4% SiO2 as its nanofiller. The physical morphology observation is also conducted to investigate the degradation of the samples.
Piezo-Actuated Micro-Drilling Process Control by Using an Adaptive Sliding Controller with Fuzzy Compensation
Authors: Chen Hung Yi
Published: March 2013

A model-free adaptive sliding controller with fuzzy compensation is proposed for a piezo-actuated micro-drilling process control in this paper. Due to the system’s nonlinear and time-varying characteristics, this control strategy employs the functional approximation technique to establish the unknown function for releasing the model-based requirement of the sliding mode control. In addition, a fuzzy scheme with online learning ability is augmented to compensate for the finite approximation error and facilitate the controller design. The important advantages of this approach are to achieve the sliding mode controller design without the system dynamic model requirement and release the trial-and-error work of selecting approximation function. The Lyapunov direct method is applied to find adaptive laws for updating coefficients in the approximating series and tuning parameter in the fuzzy compensator to guarantee the control system stability.
A Channel Reuse Procedure in Clustering Sensor Networks
Authors: Wu Mary , Ahn Byung Chul , Kim Chong Gun
Published: March 2013

Sensor nodes having the limited resource, energy efficiency is an important issue. Clustering on the sensor networks reduces the volume of inter-node communications and raises energy efficiency by transmitting the data collected from members by a cluster head to a sink node. But, due to radio frequency characteristics, interference and collision can occur between neighbor clusters, the resulted re-transmission is more energy consuming. The interference and collision occurred among adjacent clusters can be resolved by assigning non-overlapping channels among neighbor clusters. In this paper, we propose a channel reuse procedure which shows practical steps to assign dynamically channels among adjacent clusters in sensor networks. This method is expected to perform successfully the allocation process of non-overlapping channels for various cluster topologies.
A Learning Concentration Detection System by Using an Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Su Yen Ning , Hsu Chia Cheng , Chen Hsin Chin , Huang Kuo Kuang , Huang Yueh Min
Published: March 2013

This study presents an application of sensing technology in a teaching and learning environment. In a general instruction environment, most instructors teach and manage about thirty students in a classroom. However, a teacher cannot control the degree of concentration and learning status for each student simultaneously, which causes ineffective learning for some students. For this reason, this study utilizes a learning concentration detection system through a combination of sensor and context aware technology in the learning environment. This system includes a pressure detection sensor and facial detection sensor to detect facial expressions, eye activities and body movements. This system utilizes an artificial bee colony algorithm to optimize the system performance to help a teacher immediately understand the degree of concentration and learning status of students. Based on this, an instructor can give appropriate guidance to several unfocused students at the same time. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method improves the searching process and enables the system to achieve better performance.
A Low Cost System for 3D Motion Analysis Using Microsoft Kinect
Authors: Pham Hai Trieu , Kim Jung Ja , Won Yong Gwan
Published: March 2013

Many motion analysis systems which have been introduced in the past few years are currently receiving interests from researchers and developers due to their usefulness and wide application capability in the future. However, many of those systems meet with difficulties for the real applications because of high cost for the implementation and less accuracy. This paper introduces a new 3D motion analysis system which can be implemented at a lower cost and acceptable accuracy for various applications. The key component of our new system is the use of the MSK (Microsoft Kinect) sensor system which is equipped with both visual camera and infrared camera. It can provide the color image, the 3D depth image and the 3D skeleton data without wearing any marker device on the human body while it can provide acceptable accuracy in 3D motion trace at low cost. Our system can be exploited for a base framework for various 3D motion-based applications such as physical rehabilitation support, sport motion analysis and biomechanical applications.
A Study on the Gelation Properties and Rheological Behavior of Gellan Gum
Authors: Meng Yue Cheng , Hong Lun Bo , Jin Jian Qiu
Published: March 2013

The effects of gellan gum and calcium ions concentration on gelation characteristics and rheological behavior were investigated using TA(texture analysis)and mechanical rheometer which monitored respectively press strength and the evolution of G′. At a premium gellan gum content of 0.02g in 100ml buffer solution, increasing calcium ions concentration led to an increase in the gelation strength, but when calcium ions content reached a critical concentration values range from 0.015% to 0.02%, gelation strength begin to decrease. While in the same content of calcium ions, calcium lactate exhibits grater effects on gelation strength than calcium chloride. The temperature at the onset of gelation and the gelation rates showed an increase with the increasing of gellen and calcium ions content. At the same calcium ions concentration, the evolution of modulus storage (G′), gel temperature and rate are higher with the addition of calcium lactate than using calcium chloride. Our study indicated exponential relationship between gelling temperature (gelling rate) and calcium concentration.