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This paper presents OptimaLink, a MATLAB-based code to facilitate the teaching/learning of design of mechanisms and intelligent optimization methods. The current version of OptimaLink accommodates dimensional synthesis, analysis, and animation of four-bar (RRRR) mechanisms. Dimensional synthesis includes both precision-point and optimum synthesis methods. The paper begins by introducing the objective function for synthesis of the RRRR mechanism, followed by a summary of the intelligent search methods coded in OptimaLink, namely Simulated Annealing, Genetic, Algorithm and Tabu Search. OptimaLink's structure and its use are then briefly outlined and on application example is provided to demonstrate the usefulness of the code. Finally, possible didactic uses of the code are proposed. Although dedicated to mechanism design, the user can tap into the optimization algorithms coded in OptimaLink to solve other design problems by coding the corresponding user-interface module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An orthographic projections-based algorithm was investigated for the traffic monitoring application of tracking a truck moving across a bridge through a sequence of video image frames. The two-dimensional position of a specific marker on the truck for each video frame is found using color thresholding-based segmentation. A coordinate transformation process provides the real-world, three-dimensional location of the marker position for tracking the truck. The procedure is experimentally illustrated with a field bridge. This paper presents the experimental bridge setup, the marker identification technique, the orthographic coordinate transformation algorithm, and web-accessible laboratory exercises developed for image processing and related curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a distance laboratory that enables the remote testing of coupled and non-coupled Control algorithms in robot manipulators. The developed laboratory allows the users to use predefined controllers or design their own controllers using the Matlab-Simulink environment. The targeted controllers (designed by the users) can use S-Functions, which they can create themselves using C language; this functionality permits the creation and testing of complex controllers in an easy and fast way. This system uses Matlab-Simulink for practice processing and the Real Time Workshop Toolbox (RTW) such as real time kernel. The laboratory allows simple integration of new robots for control experiments. At present it has a robot manipulator with five degrees of freedom in Cuba, which uses two degrees of freedom for carrying out experiments. The laboratory has been used since year 2003 in identification and control theory in undergraduate courses in Universidad Central 'Marta Abreu' de las Villas and Universidad de Cienfuegos in Cuba, and in robotics and advanced control postgraduate courses in Instituto Tecnológico de Minatitlán in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests are not used widely in engineering subjects as a summative assessment methodology, largely because of the poor compatibility between the MCQ scores and conventional percentage marks. This paper develops algorithms for converting raw scores of MCQ tests to conventional marks based on probability theory. The algorithms are independent of class size and historical data and can be easily implemented in a spreadsheet programme by using a conversion table. The converted marks are compatible with the conventional marking scheme and can therefore be used standalone or as assessment units of a course. The algorithm for four-choice questions has been applied for a course with a satisfactory outcome. The issues concerned with the applications of the algorithms are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a Simulink laboratory package for teaching adaptive filtering concepts. Each lab is designed to convey certain important features of a particular adaptive filter, and to provide comparisons with similar adaptive filtering algorithms. The filters covered include the LMS, nLMS, RLS, and GAL, as well as three members of the Kalman filter family and the particle filter. In addition to learning adaptive filtering concepts, these labs also help to ensure a greater familiarity with Simulink on the part of the student. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a control strategy and LabVIEW 6.1 computer program for the design and real-time implementation of an adaptive control system of a fed-batch fermentation process run in a Biostat® C fermentation unit. The methods used for modelling, parameter estimation, optimization and controller design are discussed Algorithms for integration with the unit communication protocol through LabVIEW VIs are described and the VIs are given. The programs and control system are implemented on a standard PC, running Windows 98, and connected to the fermentation unit through a standard RS232/RS422 converter. The program is used to control a yeast production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]