Interactive educational software for dynamic systems control

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2007

Authors

António Paulo Moreira (Author) FEUP; Paulo Gomes da Costa (Author) FEUP; José Lima (Author) Other; José Gonçalves (Author) Other

Conference proceedings International

Title: International Conference on Engineering and Computer Education

ICECE 2007

Sao Paulo, Brasil, March 11-14, 2007

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Process engineering > Process control

Other information

Abstract (EN): This paper describes a tool for interactive learning that can be used as a teaching aid in control systems theory. It can be used by students for problem solving and individual learning. It can also be a powerful tool for speeding up the development cycle for robot control systems. As there is no need to do any special programming or debugging, the students can focus on the control items. The developed system is ready to use and allows testing different control methods. Usually, in control theory classes, students face a system defined only as a mathematical equation. The developed application allows them to control a realistic system with almost real world dynamics. A friendly appearance based on 3D graphics captivates the student's attention and gives instant feedback on the controller performance. As a case study, an inverted pendulum is controlled while placed on an omnidirectional vehicle. The inverted pendulum poses a classical control problem, a nonlinear and unstable system, typical of a large number of devices such as Segway Human Transporter and Rocket navigation. Omnidirectional vehicles allow movements in every direction and they are widely used in robotics soccer where the extra mobility is an important advantage.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6