Chia-Ming Lin

Development of Remote Monitoring and a Control System Based on PLC and WebAccess for Learning Mechatronics

This study develops a novel method for learning mechatronics using remote monitoring and control, based on a programmable logic controller (PLC) and WebAccess. A mechatronics module, a Web-CAM and a PLC were integrated with WebAccess software to organize a remote laboratory. The proposed system enables users to access the Internet for remote monitoring and control of the mechatronics module via a web browser, thereby enhancing work flexibility by enabling personnel to control mechatronics equipment from a remote location. Mechatronics control and long-distance monitoring were realized by establishing communication between the PLC and WebAccess. Analytical results indicate that the proposed system is feasible. The suitability of this system is demonstrated in the department of industrial education and technology at National Changhua University of Education, Taiwan. Preliminary evaluation of the system was encouraging and has shown that it has achieved success in helping students understand concepts and master remote monitoring and control techniques.

Developing a Novel USB-PLC Controller for a Mechatronics Cloud Laboratory

This study proposes the development and implementation of a novel Universal Serial Bus (USB)-Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), called a USB-PLC controller, for a mechatronics cloud laboratory. The aim of a mechatronics cloud laboratory is to provide state of the art research quality equipment to students, allowing them to conduct hands-on experiments via the Internet. One objective of the cloud laboratory is to not only provide equipment for conducting set experiments, but also to provide a means for students to access research equipment in order to conduct individual research experiments. The proposed controller for these cloud laboratory experiments has been chosen in order to expose the students to as many different engineering and technology disciplines as possible.

Sensor platform system based on graphical monitoring and control techniques

The aim of this study was to develop a temperature-sensing USB I/O sensor platform system based on graphical monitoring and control techniques. Simple installation, built-in signal conditioning, and free supporting software make our USB I/O interface extremely easy-to-use. Additionally, this paper shed light on the contribution of applying the platform system for teaching students to understand the principles, functions, and applications of a temperature sensor and providing user experiences for them to acquire how to put it to use. Specifically, students used this platform to design a graphical program in advance to monitor the temperature sensor modules. The most important part of the proposed system is the implementation of the experimental USB I/O module in laboratory sessions.

Web-based system in mechatronics learning: Views of undergraduate engineering students

This work concerns a Web-based system for learning some principles and methods in a mechatronics system that can be accessed remotely over the Internet, at any time and from any location. The investigation involves a case study to illustrate a manufacturing process and evaluate the remote experimental procedure. The main aim reported here is to determine students’ perceptions towards Web-based versus traditional experiments and identify any differences in final grade point averages. The experiment was performed at National Changhua University of Education, Taiwan, with an implementation period covering six semesters and a total of 226 students divided randomly into ‘traditional’ and ‘Web-based’ groups. The Web-based system helped students understand the concepts and master the technologies associated with Web-based mechatronic monitoring and control. Four out of six semesters surveyed recorded statistically significant differences between student perceptions of traditional and Web-based experimentation.