Sascha Kahl

A Zoomable User Interface for Presenting Hierarchical Diagrams on Large Screens

We present the design, implementation and initial evaluation of a zoomable interface dedicated to present a large hierarchical design model of a complex mechatronic system. The large hierarchical structure of the model is illustrated by means of a visual notation and consists of over 800 elements. An efficient presentation of this complex model is realized by means of a zoomable user interface that is rendered on a large Virtual Reality wall with a high resolution (3860 x 2160). We assume that this visualization set-up combined with dedicated interaction techniques for selection and navigation reduces the cognitive workload of a passive audience and supports the understanding of complex hierarchical structures. To validate this assumption we have designed a small experiment that compares the traditional visualization techniques PowerPoint and paper sheets with this new presentation form.

Development of Self-Optimizing Systems: Domain-Spanning and Domain-Specific Models Exemplified by an Air Gap Adjustment System for Autonomous Vehicles

Future mechanical engineering systems will consist of configurations of many highly distributed system elements with inherent partial intelligence. The complexity of self optimizing systems will grow enormously. These complex mechanical systems are characterized by the strong integration of the domains mechanical-, electrical-, control-, and software-engineering. One of the main problems while developing such a system is the coordinated way of specifying the overall systems specification and the systematic way of mapping this overall specification in the specific domains. In this paper we present the end to end development of a self-optimizing air gap adjustment system, beginning with the overall specification towards the domain-specific approach of the software engineering. First, we show the overall specification by the so called “principle solution”. Basing on this principle solution we specify the software of the system. Additional to the self-optimizing aspect, we consider also safety aspects which are typical for these systems, too.Copyright

Architecture and Design Methodology of Self-Optimizing Mechatronic Systems

The conceivable development of information and communication technology will enable mechatronic systems with inherent partial intelligence. We refer to this by using the term “self-optimization”. Self-Optimizing systems react autonomously and flexibly on changing operation conditions. They are able to learn and optimize their behavior at runtime. The development of mechatronic and especially self-optimizing systems is still a challenge. A significant milestone within the development is the principle solution. It determines the basic structure as well as the operation mode of the system and is the result of the conceptual design. Additionally it is the basis for the concretization of the system which involves experts from several domains, such as mechanics, electrical engineering/electronics, control engineering and software engineering. This contribution presents a new specification technique for the conceptual design of mechatronic and self-optimizing systems. It also uses the railway technology as a complex example, to demonstrate how to use this specification technique and in which way it profits for the development of future mechanical engineering systems.

Interactive Visualisation of Development Processes in Mechatronic Engineering

The products of mechanical engineering and related industrial sectors, such as the automotive industry, are often based on the close interaction of mechanics, electronic/electronics and software engineering, which is expressed by the term mechatronics. The design of such systems is an interdisciplinary task. Mechanical, electrical, control and software engineers are involved and have to be coordinated. To approach this challenge, we present the design, implementation and preliminary evaluation of an interactive visualisation tool to illustrate and manage complex development processes of mechatronic system. This is realised by means of a zoomable user interface that is rendered on a high resolution projection system (3860 x 2160).

Tool-Based Approach for the Develepment of Self-Optimizing Systems With Solution Patterns

Machines are omnipresent. They produce, they transport. Machines facilitate work and assist. The increasing penetration of mechanical engineering by information technology enables considerable benefits. This circumstance is expressed by the term mechatronics, which means the close interaction of mechanics, electronics, control engineering and software engineering to improve the behavior of a technical system. The progressive integration of information technology will enable mechatronic systems with partial intelligence. We refer to such systems as self-optimizing systems. Self-optimizing systems have the ability to react autonomously and flexibly on changing operation conditions. The design of such systems is an even more interdisciplinary task than the design of conventional mechatronic systems. Additionally to mechanical, electrical, control and software engineers also experts from mathematical optimization and artificial intelligence are involved. As a consequence a domain-spanning methodology is necessary in order to guarantee an effective work flow between the participating developers from various domains and their domain-specific methods, terminologies and solutions. This contribution presents such a methodology. The main focus, however, lies on harnessing of experimental knowledge for the development of self-optimizing systems. This includes the generation and storage of once proven design solutions as well as a tool for the effective and domain-spanning reuse.Copyright