naresh/master-thesis
1
0
Fork 0
Code Issues Pull Requests Actions Packages Projects Releases 11 Wiki Activity

implemented feedback and changes

Browse Source
This commit is contained in:
Nareshkumar Rao
2022-02-18 21:44:14 +01:00
parent 5e44f7535f
commit d13b09beb7
6 changed files with 156 additions and 102 deletions
Download Patch File Download Diff File Expand all files Collapse all files

31
1-Introduction/Introduction.tex
View File

@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
\chapter{Introduction}\label{chap:intro}
This chapter lays out an overview of this project and thesis. The reasoning and motivation for exploring the topic will be elaborated, followed by the parameters of the project. Finally, the chapter closes with an overview of the various stages of development of this project, from conception to completion.
\section{Motivation}
\subsection{Transportation of Bulk Material}
@ -10,17 +12,18 @@ The transportation of this bulk material typically involves the use of a conveyo
\subsection{Measuring Bulk Material Flow}
\begin{wrapfigure}[12]{R}{0.5\textwidth}
\centering
\includegraphics[width=0.45\textwidth]{photographs/beltscale}
\caption{A conventional electronic belt scale.}
\end{wrapfigure}
This transportation of bulk material flow introduces the need to accurately measure the rate at which the material is flowing. This is essential for various tasks such as keeping track of inventory or for control systems. Knowing when a belt is overloaded, running empty or broken is also an important safety concern. This work deals with the specific challenge of measuring bulk material flow on a conveyor.
\subsection{Conventional Belt Scales}
The conventional method of measuring bulk material flow in use in the industry today is the electronic belt scale. These scales use load cells to translate compression and tension into electrical signals. These signals representing weight may then be converted into measurements of volume.
The conventional method of measuring bulk material flow in use in the industry today is the electronic belt scale---as shown in \autoref{fig:beltscale}. These scales use load cells to translate compression and tension into electrical signals. These signals representing weight may then be converted into measurements of volume.
\begin{figure}[h]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=0.75\textwidth]{photographs/beltscale}
\caption{A conventional electronic belt scale.}
\label{fig:beltscale}
\end{figure}
These electronic belt scales are robust and proven in the field. However, there are also downsides with this approach.
@ -30,16 +33,16 @@ These electronic belt scales are robust and proven in the field. However, there
\item Vibration from transport and loading introduces noise into the measurements\cite{tomobe2006}
\end{enumerate}
\section{Aims of this Work}
\section{Aims of this Work}\label{sec:aims}
%\subsection{Research Question}
The central \textbf{research question} that is investigated in this work is:
\textit{How can a cheaper and easier to install measurement system for bulk material flow on a conveyor belt be designed?}
\textit{How can a cheaper and easier-to-install measurement system for bulk material flow on a conveyor belt be designed?}
\subsection{Use of Commercially-Available Products}\label{sec:useOfCommerciallyAvailableProducts}
As given by the research question above, one of the central parameters is the question of cost. Since the cost of industrial equipment can be many multiples of the cost of commercially available products, studying alternatives becomes attractive.
As given by the research question above, one of the central parameters is the question of cost. Since the cost of industrial equipment can be far greater than the cost of commercially available products, studying alternatives becomes attractive.
As an example, the cost price of the Intel RealSense L515 used in this project was \euro{380}\footnote{Due to Intel announcing that they are discontinuing their LIDAR sensor series, the price of this particular product has risen up to \euro{570} as of January 2022.}, whereas the SICK LM400 used by Fojtik\cite{fojtik2014} can cost upwards of \euro{4000}\footnote{This price is an aggregate estimate based on multiple online merchants as of January 2022}.
@ -47,11 +50,11 @@ As an example, the cost price of the Intel RealSense L515 used in this project w
The usage of the LIDAR sensor was implemented in order to fulfill the second requirement of the research question, namely that the solution must be easier to install than other conventional solutions.
As is discussed in the following section on design, the LIDAR sensor was selected primarily because it is a contactless sensor. This means that installation can be carried out with little to no adjustments to the existing conveyor belt system. The LIDAR sensor must simply be suitably positioned in order to gather and deliver data.
As will be discussed in the following section on design, the LIDAR sensor was selected primarily because it is a contactless sensor. This means that installation can be carried out with little to no adjustments to the existing conveyor belt system. The LIDAR sensor must simply be suitably positioned in order to gather and deliver data.
\subsection{Requirements \& Restrictions}
Besides fulfilling the research question, the design solution should fulfill the following restrictions and requirements as well.
Besides fulfilling the research question, the design solution should meet the following criteria as well.
\begin{itemize}
\item \textbf{Industrial Robustness} - The final product should be able to withstand the harsh environments that it would likely be installed in, i.e. in a gravel quarry. This means the product must be adequately housed and protected from the environment, against vibrations and shocks.
@ -90,9 +93,9 @@ After being able to successfully interface with the sensor, a proof-of-concept s
\end{itemize}
\subsection{Laboratory Prototype}
Once the proof-of-concept software was stable, the setup was moved into a laboratory environment in order to further develop the main functionalities of the prototype. Among the functionalities that were developed:
Once the proof-of-concept software was stable, the setup was moved into a laboratory environment in order to further develop the main functionalities of the prototype. Among the functionalities that were developed were:
\begin{itemize}
\item Remotely acquire the raw sensor data over the network
\item Remote acquisition the raw sensor data over the network
\item Image preparation (offset, rotation, skew)
\item Cross-correlation methods to determine belt velocity
\item Profinet interface to deliver processed data