scholarly journals Robust, real-time and autonomous monitoring of ecosystems with an open, low-cost, networked device

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarab S. Sethi ◽  
Robert M. Ewers ◽  
Nick S. Jones ◽  
C. David L. Orme ◽  
Lorenzo Picinali
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Mobile Network ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Automated Analysis ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
List Type ◽  
Ecosystem Monitoring

AbstractAutomated methods of monitoring ecosystems provide a cost-effective way to track changes in natural system’s dynamics across temporal and spatial scales. However, methods of recording and storing data captured from the field still require significant manual effort.Here we introduce an open source, inexpensive, fully autonomous ecosystem monitoring unit for capturing and remotely transmitting continuous data streams from field sites over long time-periods. We provide a modular software framework for deploying various sensors, together with implementations to demonstrate proof of concept for continuous audio monitoring and time-lapse photography.We show how our system can outperform comparable technologies for fractions of the cost, provided a local mobile network link is available. The system is robust to unreliable network signals and has been shown to function in extreme environmental conditions, such as in the tropical rainforests of Sabah, Borneo.We provide full details on how to assemble the hardware, and the open-source software. Paired with appropriate automated analysis techniques, this system could provide spatially dense, near real-time, continuous insights into ecosystem and biodiversity dynamics at a low cost.

scholarly journals Arduino based platform for process control learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 0585-0593
Author(s):  
Bruna Couto Molinar Henrique ◽  
Leonardo Couto Molinar Henrique ◽  
Humberto Molinar Henrique
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Control Unit ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Internal Model Control ◽  
Pid Controllers ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Source Codes ◽  
Model Control

This work deals with implementation of an experimental flowrate control unit using free and low-cost hardware and software. The open-source software Processing was used to develop the source codes and user graphical interface and the open-source electronic prototyping platform Arduino was used to acquire data from an experimental unit. Work presents descriptions of the experimental setup, the real-time PID controllers used and theoretical/conceptual issues of Arduino. PID controllers based on internal model control, minimization of the integral of time-weighted absolute error, Ziegler-Nichols, and others were tuned for setpoint and load changes and real-time runs were carried out in order to make real-time use of  control theory learned in academy. Results showed the developed platform proved to be suitable for use in experimental setups allowing users compare their ideas and expectations with the experimental evidence in a real and low-cost fashion. In addition, the instrumentation is simple to configure with acceptable level noise and particularly useful for control/automation learning with educational purposes.

scholarly journals Real-time structural health monitoring for concrete beams: a cost-effective ‘Industry 4.0’ solution using piezo sensors

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arka Ghosh ◽  
David John Edwards ◽  
M. Reza Hosseini ◽  
Riyadh Al-Ameri ◽  
Jemal Abawajy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Health Monitoring ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Concrete Beams ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structural Health ◽  
Non Destructive

PurposeThis research paper adopts the fundamental tenets of advanced technologies in industry 4.0 to monitor the structural health of concrete beam members using cost-effective non-destructive technologies. In so doing, the work illustrates how a coalescence of low-cost digital technologies can seamlessly integrate to solve practical construction problems.Design/methodology/approachA mixed philosophies epistemological design is adopted to implement the empirical quantitative analysis of “real-time” data collected via sensor-based technologies streamed through a Raspberry Pi and uploaded onto a cloud-based system. Data was analysed using a hybrid approach that combined both vibration-characteristic-based method and linear variable differential transducers (LVDT).FindingsThe research utilises a novel digital research approach for accurately detecting and recording the localisation of structural cracks in concrete beams. This non-destructive low-cost approach was shown to perform with a high degree of accuracy and precision, as verified by the LVDT measurements. This research is testament to the fact that as technological advancements progress at an exponential rate, the cost of implementation continues to reduce to produce higher-accuracy “mass-market” solutions for industry practitioners.Originality/valueAccurate structural health monitoring of concrete structures necessitates expensive equipment, complex signal processing and skilled operator. The concrete industry is in dire need of a simple but reliable technique that can reduce the testing time, cost and complexity of maintenance of structures. This was the first experiment of its kind that seeks to develop an unconventional approach to solve the maintenance problem associated with concrete structures. This study merges industry 4.0 digital technologies with a novel low-cost and automated hybrid analysis for real-time structural health monitoring of concrete beams by fusing several multidisciplinary approaches into one integral technological configuration.

LZER0: GNSS cost-effective real-time positioning applied to landslide monitoring

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavinia Tunini ◽  
David Zuliani ◽  
Paolo Fabris ◽  
Marco Severin
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Single Frequency ◽  
Landslide Monitoring ◽  
Natural Risk ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Landslide Event ◽  
Wide Range

<p>The Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) provide a globally extended dataset of primordial importance for a wide range of applications, such as crustal deformation, topographic measurements, or near surface processes studies. However, the high costs of GNSS receivers and the supporting software can represent a strong limitation for the applicability to landslide monitoring. Low-cost tools and techniques are strongly required to face the plausible risk of losing the equipment during a landslide event.</p><p>Centro di Ricerche Sismologiche (CRS) of Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale OGS in collaboration with SoluTOP, in the last years, has developed a cost-effective GNSS device, called LZER0, both for post-processing and real-time applications. The aim is to satisfy the needs of both scientific and professional communities which require low-cost equipment to increase and improve the measurements on structures at risk, such as landslides or buildings, without losing precision.</p><p>The landslide monitoring system implements single-frequency GNSS devices and open source software packages for GNSS positioning, dialoguing through Linux shell scripts. Furthermore a front-end web page has been developed to show real-time tracks. The system allows measuring real-time surface displacements with a centimetre precision and with a cost ten times minor than a standard RTK GPS operational system.</p><p>This monitoring system has been tested and now applied to two landslides in NE- Italy: one near Tolmezzo municipality and one near Brugnera village. Part of the device development has been included inside the project CLARA 'CLoud plAtform and smart underground imaging for natural Risk Assessment' funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR).</p>

scholarly journals Underwater Hyperspectral Imaging (UHI): A Review of Systems and Applications for Proximal Seafloor Ecosystem Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 3451
Author(s):  
Juan C. Montes-Herrera ◽  
Emiliano Cimoli ◽  
Vonda Cummings ◽  
Nicole Hill ◽  
Arko Lucieer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hyperspectral Imaging ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Marine Ecosystem ◽  
Sediment Cores ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Underwater Imaging ◽  
Ecosystem Monitoring ◽  
Ecosystem Research ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Functional Features

Marine ecosystem monitoring requires observations of its attributes at different spatial and temporal scales that traditional sampling methods (e.g., RGB imaging, sediment cores) struggle to efficiently provide. Proximal optical sensing methods can fill this observational gap by providing observations of, and tracking changes in, the functional features of marine ecosystems non-invasively. Underwater hyperspectral imaging (UHI) employed in proximity to the seafloor has shown a further potential to monitor pigmentation in benthic and sympagic phototrophic organisms at small spatial scales (mm–cm) and for the identification of minerals and taxa through their finely resolved spectral signatures. Despite the increasing number of studies applying UHI, a review of its applications, capabilities, and challenges for seafloor ecosystem research is overdue. In this review, we first detail how the limited band availability inherent to standard underwater cameras has led to a data analysis “bottleneck” in seafloor ecosystem research, in part due to the widespread implementation of underwater imaging platforms (e.g., remotely operated vehicles, time-lapse stations, towed cameras) that can acquire large image datasets. We discuss how hyperspectral technology brings unique opportunities to address the known limitations of RGB cameras for surveying marine environments. The review concludes by comparing how different studies harness the capacities of hyperspectral imaging, the types of methods required to validate observations, and the current challenges for accurate and replicable UHI research.

scholarly journals Democratising “Microscopi”: a 3D printed automated XYZT fluorescence imaging system for teaching, outreach and fieldwork

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Wincott ◽  
Andrew Jefferson ◽  
Ian M. Dobbie ◽  
Martin J. Booth ◽  
Ilan Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Fluorescence Imaging ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Dark Field ◽  
List Type ◽  
Image Capture ◽  
Fluorescence Imaging System ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Open Source Hardware

ABSTRACTCommercial fluorescence microscope stands and fully automated XYZt fluorescence imaging systems are generally beyond the limited budgets available for teaching and outreach. We have addressed this problem by developing “Microscopi”, an accessible, affordable, DIY automated imaging system that is built from 3D printed and commodity off-the-shelf hardware, including electro-mechanical, computer and optical components. Our design features automated sample navigation and image capture with a simple web-based graphical user interface, accessible with a tablet or other mobile device. The light path can easily be switched between different imaging modalities. The open source Python-based control software allows the hardware to be driven as an integrated imaging system. Furthermore, the microscope is fully customisable, which also enhances its value as a learning tool. Here, we describe the basic design and demonstrate imaging performance for a range of easily sourced specimens.HighlightsPortable, low cost, self-build from 3D printed and commodity componentsMultimodal imaging: bright field, dark field, pseudo-phase and fluorescenceAutomated XYZt imaging from a tablet or smartphone via a simple GUIWide ranging applications in teaching, outreach and fieldworkOpen source hardware and software design, allowing user modification

scholarly journals Open source modules for tracking animal behavior and closed-loop stimulation based on Open Ephys and Bonsai

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Paolo Buccino ◽  
Mikkel Elle Lepperød ◽  
Svenn-Arne Dragly ◽  
Philipp Häfliger ◽  
Marianne Fyhn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Closed Loop ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Data Formats ◽  
Behavioral Tracking ◽  
Real Time Tracking ◽  
Set Up ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Closed Loop Stimulation

AbstractObjectiveA major goal in systems neuroscience is to determine the causal relationship between neural activity and behavior. To this end, methods that combine monitoring neural activity, behavioral tracking, and targeted manipulation of neurons in closed-loop are powerful tools. However, commercial systems that allow these types of experiments are usually expensive and rely on non-standardized data formats and proprietary software which may hinder user-modifications for specific needs. In order to promote reproducibility and data-sharing in science, transparent software and standardized data formats are an advantage. Here, we present an open source, low-cost, adaptable, and easy to set-up system for combined behavioral tracking, electrophysiology and closed-loop stimulation.ApproachBased on the Open Ephys system (www.open-ephys.org) we developed multiple modules to include real-time tracking and behavior-based closed-loop stimulation. We describe the equipment and provide a step-by-step guide to set up the system. Combining the open source software Bonsai (bonsai-rx.org) for analyzing camera images in real time with the newly developed modules in Open Ephys, we acquire position information, visualize tracking, and perform tracking-based closed-loop stimulation experiments. To analyze the acquired data we provide an open source file reading package in Python.Main resultsThe system robustly visualizes real-time tracking and reliably recovers tracking information recorded from a range of sampling frequencies (30-1000Hz). We combined electrophysiology with the newly-developed tracking modules in Open Ephys to record place cell and grid cell activity in the hippocampus and in the medial entorhinal cortex, respectively. Moreover, we present a case in which we used the system for closed-loop optogenetic stimulation of entorhinal grid cells.SignificanceExpanding the Open Ephys system to include animal tracking and behavior-based closed-loop stimulation extends the availability of high-quality, low-cost experimental setup within standardized data formats serving the neuroscience community.

scholarly journals Research on a Low-Cost, Open-Source, and Remote Monitoring Data Collector to Predict Livestock’s Habits Based on Location and Auditory Information: A Case Study from Vietnam

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ha Quang Thinh Ngo ◽  
Thanh Phuong Nguyen ◽  
Hung Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Real Time ◽  
High Speed ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Monitoring Data ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Auditory Information ◽  
Fast Tracking ◽  
Data Collector

The supervision and feeding of grazing livestock are always difficult missions. Since animals act based on habits, the real-time monitoring data logger has become an indispensable instrument to assist farmers in recognizing the status of livestock. Position-tracked and acoustic monitoring have become commonplace as two of the best methods to characterize feeding performance in ruminants. Previously, the existing methods were limited to desktop computers and lacked a sound-collecting function. These restrictions impacted the late interventions from feeders and required a large-sized data memory. In this work, an open-source framework for a data collector that autonomously captures the health information of farm animals is introduced. In this portable hardware, a Wireless Location Acoustic Sensing System (WiLASS) is integrated to infer the health status through the activities and abnormal phenomena of farming livestock via chew–bite sound identification. WiLASS involves the open modules of ESP32-WROOM, GPS NEO-6M, ADXL335 accelerometer, GY-MAX4466 amplifier, temperature sensors, and other signal processing circuits. By means of wireless communication, the ESP32-WROOM Thing micro-processor offers high speed transmission, standard protocol, and low power consumption. Data are transferred in a real-time manner from the attached sensing modules to a digital server for further analysis. The module of GPS NEO-6M Thing brings about fast tracking, high precision, and a strong signal, which is suitable for highland applications. Some computations are incorporated into the accelerometer to estimate directional movement and vibration. The GY-MAX4466 Thing plays the role of microphone, which is used to store environmental sound. To ensure the quality of auditory data, they are recorded at a minimum sampling frequency of 10 KHz and at a 12-bit resolution. Moreover, a mobile software in pocket devices is implemented to provide extended mobility and social convenience. Converging with a cloud-based server, the multi-Thing portable platform can provide access to simultaneously supervise. Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol with low bandwidth, high reliability, and bi-direction, and which is appropriate for most operating systemsOS, is embedded into the system to prevent data loss. From the experimental results, the feasibility, effectiveness, and correctness of our approach are verified. Under the changes of climate, the proposed framework not only supports the improvement of farming techniques, but also provides a high-quality alternative for poor rural areas because of its low cost and its ability to carry out a proper policy for each species.

Development and validation of a low-cost mobile robotics testbed

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Johnson ◽  
Martin Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Mobile Robotics ◽  
Vision System ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Video Tracking ◽  
Research And Education ◽  
Development And Validation

AbstractThis paper considers the design, construction and validation of a low-cost experimental robotic testbed, which allows for the localisation and tracking of multiple robotic agents in real time. The testbed system is suitable for research and education in a range of different mobile robotic applications, for validating theoretical as well as practical research work in the field of digital control, mobile robotics, graphical programming and video tracking systems. It provides a reconfigurable floor space for mobile robotic agents to operate within, while tracking the position of multiple agents in real-time using the overhead vision system. The overall system provides a highly cost-effective solution to the topical problem of providing students with practical robotics experience within severe budget constraints. Several problems encountered in the design and development of the mobile robotic testbed and associated tracking system, such as radial lens distortion and the selection of robot identifier templates are clearly addressed. The testbed performance is quantified and several experiments involving LEGO Mindstorm NXT and Merlin System MiaBot robots are discussed.

scholarly journals MIRRA: A Modular and Cost-Effective Microclimate Monitoring System for Real-Time Remote Applications

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 4615
Author(s):  
Olivier Pieters ◽  
Emiel Deprost ◽  
Jonas Van Der Donckt ◽  
Lore Brosens ◽  
Pieter Sanczuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Real Time Data ◽  
Microclimate Monitoring ◽  
Weather Stations

Monitoring climate change, and its impacts on ecological, agricultural, and other societal systems, is often based on temperature data derived from official weather stations. Yet, these data do not capture most microclimates, influenced by soil, vegetation and topography, operating at spatial scales relevant to the majority of organisms on Earth. Detecting and attributing climate change impacts with confidence and certainty will only be possible by a better quantification of temperature changes in forests, croplands, mountains, shrublands, and other remote habitats. There is an urgent need for a novel, miniature and simple device filling the gap between low-cost devices with manual data download (no instantaneous data) and high-end, expensive weather stations with real-time data access. Here, we develop an integrative real-time monitoring system for microclimate measurements: MIRRA (Microclimate Instrument for Real-time Remote Applications) to tackle this problem. The goal of this platform is the design of a miniature and simple instrument for near instantaneous, long-term and remote measurements of microclimates. To that end, we optimised power consumption and transfer data using a cellular uplink. MIRRA is modular, enabling the use of different sensors (e.g., air and soil temperature, soil moisture and radiation) depending upon the application, and uses an innovative node system highly suitable for remote locations. Data from separate sensor modules are wirelessly sent to a gateway, thus avoiding the drawbacks of cables. With this sensor technology for the long-term, low-cost, real-time and remote sensing of microclimates, we lay the foundation and open a wide range of possibilities to map microclimates in different ecosystems, feeding a next generation of models. MIRRA is, however, not limited to microclimate monitoring thanks to its modular and wireless design. Within limits, it is suitable or any application requiring real-time data logging of power-efficient sensors over long periods of time. We compare the performance of this system to a reference system in real-world conditions in the field, indicating excellent correlation with data collected by established data loggers. This proof-of-concept forms an important foundation to creating the next version of MIRRA, fit for large scale deployment and possible commercialisation. In conclusion, we developed a novel wireless cost-effective sensor system for microclimates.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document