Virtual Instrumentation

ABSTRACT:

A computer-based and highly interactive test system is described in this presentation. The presentation deals with the sensing of signals and data acquisition, which is user friendly. More advanced, more efficient, highly interactive and very user-friendly systems without using very costly custom-written software and tools can be achieved. This document describes powerful programming tools, flexible acquisition hardware and the personal computer, which are the essential components for virtual instrumentation. The synergy between them offers advantages that cannot be matched by traditional instrumentation. Furthermore, the remote area experimentation concept via Internet is described. Making a real instrument with its front panel and printed circuit boards takes time, money and typically results in a single-purpose control/test instrument. The more of the instrument can be substituted by software, the cheaper and more versatile instruments can be developed. Programming with LabView, and using a self-developed general-purpose multi-channel analog input/output interface offers an easy-to-use and learn environment to our students who routinely develop their own virtual but really working instruments. LabView demonstrates how analog and digital signals are measured and manipulated.

Beam Robotics and Nervous Networks (Emerging Trends In Robotics)

ABSTRACT:

The field of ROBOTICS has been a fascination since the advent of computational technologies. To induce life into the robots, complex and powerful electronic components are required. Hence advance knowledge and great funds are required to build even small robots. These create hurdles to the beginners in this field. These hurdles can be overcome by adopting a new philosophy called BEAM ROBOTICS formulated by Mark. W. Tilden. Here minimal electronics are used and using solar power, miniature creatures are created first from which new prototypes can be evolved. Unlike conventional robots, which use costly microprocessor controlled architecture, these have interconnection of elementary circuits called NERVOUS NETWORKS. Here a reconfigurable central network oscillator is utilized for autonomous and independent operation of components. Further it favors development of legged robots. The nervous technology provides          pulse delay  circuits (neurons), interconnected in closed loops, which generate square waves and (2) pulse neutralization circuits. The central sequencing network and limb circuits control the direction of the motor thereby the motion of their legs. The advantage is that the use of microprocessors and costly components is eliminated and the processes are localized and self-sustaining. Thus beginners and students can implement the innovative ideas without having high knowledge, skill and fund. We are very happy to place this paper before the academic fraternity. Now it will be our pleasure to receive the reader’s feedback. We feel such a feedback is vital to improving the knowledge of an efficient engineer, thereby achieving its purpose.