Heavy materials handling requires a sophisticated tool for efficient and optimum operations. In recent times, gantry cranes are considered as a dependable choice in terms of handling capacity, effectiveness, timeliness and safety. However, positioning of a trolley to the desired set point as fast as possible within minimum time without overshoot and payload induced oscillation have remained obstacles in crane dynamic control. Several control algorithms have been proposed, tested and implemented based on classical control. Recently, vision control has been introduced in the field of mechatronics as a bridging gap with little or no impact. In this paper, a vision based software control model is proposed such that webcam serves as a capturing sensor and the National Instrument LabVIEW is used as a programming tool for both image processing and crane control. Subsequently, the results of the proposed algorithm are experimentally validated by step increase in the trolley position. According to the results analysis, it is evident that the webcam performance is at an optimum level when compared with the installed sensor in positioning the trolley and minimizing the payload oscillation.

This work uses NS3 simulation to study the effect of mobility speed on the performance of three handover algorithms in Long Term Evolution (LTE) Networks. A realistic multi-cell LTE network was set up using NS3 simulation software. Mobility models were used to vary the location of the User Equipment (UE), hence triggering handover events across the network. The performance was measured using Signal Interference Noise Ratio (SINR) and number of completed handovers. Result revealed that at a speed between the ranges of 0 -3 km/h, the Integrative algorithm performed best while at 4 -60km/h, the performance of the A3RSRP algorithm was the best with an average value of 95dB. Also, at an increased speed within the range of 60 -120 km/h, the Integrative algorithm had a slightly better performance than the A3RSRP. However, at a speed above 120 km/h, the integrative algorithm performed best with an SINR of 120dB. In terms of completed handovers, the Integrative algorithm had the least number of completed handovers throughout the entire range of considered speeds. Thus, we establish that mobility speed has a significant effect on the performance of handover algorithms. The Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system was designed with the aim of providing a higher data rates and lower latency under various mobility conditions (Dimou et al., 2009). According to (3GPP TR 25.913), the LTE system is expected to provide mobility support for User Equipment (UE) up to speeds of 500 km/h while maintaining an uninterrupted provision of high data rates and services. Mobility at high speed has always been a challenge in wireless networks and LTE was designed to overcome this challenge. To accomplish this purpose, LTE must minimize delay and packet loss in voice transmission and ensure reliability in data transmission during high-speed scenarios. In lieu of this, optimizing the handover procedure to get the required performance is considered as one important issue in mobile networks (Hämäläinen, 2011). LTE Handover is a process that transfers a UE from one evolved NodeB (eNodeB) to another eNodeB or one sector to another sector within the same eNodeB due to perceived better cell coverage from the target eNodeB (Lin et al, 2011a). This goal is achieved by analyzing a periodic or event triggered downlink received signal strength (RSS) and carrier-tointerference ratio (CIR) measurements from the UEs. The eNodeB then decides based on the received parameters on whether to handover the UE to the neighboring eNodeB or keep the UE connected to it. The decision-making process is controlled by an efficient handover algorithm as it enhances the system capacity and the service quality cost effectiveness. The performance of the LTE handover scheme depends majorly on the handover algorithm in use (Hans et al, 2014). Due to this fact, researchers have channeled efforts at optimizing existing algorithms while some new ones have been developed. Three of the numerous algorithms that have become popular in LTE networks include (i) Power Budget Handover ...

The inimitable features of multivariable, instability, non-minimum phase and non-linearity has established an inverted pendulum system as benchmark to investigate and test new emerging control schemes. In this paper, the objectives are to explicitly model the system dynamics of an inverted pendulum and implement different control algorithms that will stabilize the pendulum in the upright vertical position by controlling the input force applied to the cart in the horizontal position. The mathematical model is derived based on the energy property of Lagrange approach and the control algorithms are expanded on the derived mathematical model in MATLAB-SIMULINK environment. Hence, we proposed four different controls algorithms proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID), pole placement feedback controller (PPFC), linear quadratic regulator controller (LQR) and linear quadratic regulator with estimator (LQR+Estimator) for the control of the linearized inverted pendulum system. The study compares the proposed control algorithms in terms of system response and performance.

The process industry has always been faced with the challenging tasks of determining the overall unavailability of safety instrumented systems (SISs). The unavailability of the safety instrumented system is quantified by considering the average probability of failure on demand. To mitigate these challenges, the IEC 61508 has established analytical formulas for estimating the average probability of failure on demand for K-out-of-N (KooN) architectures. However, these formulas are limited to the system with identical components and this limitation has not been addressed in many researches. Hence, this paper proposes an unavailability model based on Markov Model for different redundant system architectures with non-identical components and generalised formulas are established for non-identical k-out-of-n and n-out-of-n configurations. Furthermore, the proposed model incorporates undetected failure rate and evaluates its impact on the unavailability quantification of SIS. The accuracy of the proposed model is verified with the existing unavailability methods and it is shown that the proposed approach provides a sufficiently robust result for all system architectures.

The Couple Tank (CT) system remains as a benchmark to investigate and test new emerging control schemes in the process industry since its dynamic emulates many factual system in the field of process control. In this paper, we examine the performance evaluation of two control algorithms, proportional derivative controller (PD) and proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID). The dynamics of the CT system is experimentally derived by system identification method and validated with a mathematical model that depicts the dynamic behaviour of the coupled tank system. Furthermore, the control schemes are expanded on the model obtained through system identification method. The simulation results showed that the PD controller did not meet all the specified control objectives. To improve the response an integral controller was incorporated to the PD controller and the response was compared to that of the PID controller and uncompensated system. The results revealed that the PID controller satisfied all the control goals. However, the PD controller was more satisfactory in terms of time response criteria.