Bruce E. Herring

Simulation model for an individual robotic manufacturing cell

The objective of this research is to develop a data-driven computer simulator to evaluate the performance of an individual robotic manufacturing cell by analysing the interactions between the robot and the machines in the cell. The model has been written in FORTRAN IV, utilizes the SLAM simulation language, and executes on an IBM 3033 computer. To validate the model, the simulation results were compared to the results of a mathematical queueing model. Finally, the analysis of a system wherein a deadlocked situation is expected has been provided as an example.

Selecting alabama waterway industrial sites for public development

Abstract Described is a numerical screening procedure to be used as an aid in determining which sites fronting on Alabama waterways should receive priority in the allocation of public development funds. The presented modeling procedure is an adaptation of a method for the evaluation of waterfront industrial site potential developed by the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Memphis State University. Reasons for the revisions of the REDC effort are explained. In addition, model use procedures are introduced.

A computer-aided modeling system for geobased data

Abstract A FORTRAN subroutine was developed to enable a non-programmer to access, compare, and map two or more different variables within a geobased data system. The input to this subroutine is a small specialized query language which allows the user to control the modeling process. The subroutine is then used in conjunction with a FORTRAN main program and run in batch mode.

Preparation of topographic data for computer-aided resource information systems

Abstract The Alabama Resources Information System (ARIS) has been developed to collect, store, retrieve and manipulate geographically based information concerning the State. Topographic maps, showing the various surface elevations, have long been available from the U.S. Geological Survey. Currently, the same topographic data has become available in digital form. Much effort has been expended by many potential users to convert this material to readily usable form. Such a procedure has been produced. A set of computer programs have been designed to store, retrieve and manipulate the digitized terrain data pertaining to the State of Alabama. The data is allocated to contiguous blocks (or cells) of size 500 × 500 m . From the data stored for each cell, the values of selected statistics were determined. This areal information, representing each cells terrain profile, was uniformly recorded on magnetic tape in a form convenient for input to ARIS.

A structured COBOL

Abstract A version of COBOL that permits structured programming was designed. It was implemented using a pre-processor that outputs standard COBOL. The pre-processor will indiscriminately run programs that are either structured or non-structured, or with very limited restrictions, programs with a mixture of both. A structured IF was included as a modification of the COBOL IF. In line looping was created with a redefinition of the PERFORM, maintaining all of its capabilities and adding a DO UNTIL. The PERFORM was also modified to allow a CASE construct. All new structures are completely nestable.

A computer-aided algorithm for evaluating thermograms of the hand

Abstract The incidences of musculoskeletal cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper extremities have been increasing for the past several years. Among the most prevalent of these disorders has been carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Early identification of CTS symptoms can significantly decrease the chances of injuries that are costly to the individual and to industry. One CTS diagnostic method that has gained interest is thermography. However, the interpretation of thermograms has been distinctly clinical and subjective. The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate an algorithm that could run on a personal computer at an industrial site and objectively screen and evaluate thermograms of the hands. The algorithm worked in conjunction with a gray-scale scanner. The scanner digitized the thermal information from a Polaroid ® photograph, and the algorithm constructed histograms based on the temperature distributions of the digitized thermographic data. Thermograms from the palm side of the hands of 10 female patients were made and evaluated by a physician as asymptomatic (having no symptoms) of median nerve injuries. After the algorithm calculated the temperature histograms and temperature means of the thermographic data, it then compared them statistically. Although this technique appears to hold significant promise for objectively evaluating thermograms of the hands, using color rather than gray-scale scanning technology would upgrade it substantially.

Alabama's international trade information system

Abstract This article reviews the economic benefits available from international trade and notes how current information can serve as a stimulant. The main purpose of the article is to present the data base content and user friendly operation of Alabamas Internatinal Trade Information System.

A process for computer-aided cartographic data conversion

Abstract A procedure has been developed to convert large quantities or data recorded in planer coordinates to UTM coordinates without introduction of distortion. The described method was developed to replace an earlier procedure that did produce some distortion in the boundary area of segments of the data base. The initial coordinate conversion is necessary to permit inclusion of the edited data into a coordinated planning data base.

GANDER: A Language for the Simulation of Feedback Control Systems

Abstract This paper presents the development of a new block-oriented translation language (GANDER) for the simulation of feedback control systems using Kalman filters or state reconstruction schemes. This structural approach simplifies the programming tasks involved in simulating this class of systems. In use, the system designer need only concentrate on the descriptions of the computations which define the control system. The logical structure of the feedback control system is provided in a prewritten skeletal program. Processing a combination of the two segments yields a complete FORTRAN language source program to simulate the particular control system. GANDER is a simulator, not a simulation.