Engineering Systems and Environment - Report Example

Name : Tutor : Title : Industrial Systems and environment Institution : @2016 Abstract The report details the design and development of an engineering system that helps in ensuring an automated vehicle control. The system gives details of the design of each component as well as the parameter interpretation of each component. The mode of operation of the system is also detailed in the report. The stepwise approach to system design is detailed here in. This report will help scholars develop vehicle control systems based on tracked control mechanism Contents Abstract 2 Introduction 1 Background Information 2 Selection of System 2 Characterization of System under Study 3 Systems Objectives/Purpose 4 Environment 4 Sub-Systems Objectives/Purpose 4 Steering control subsystem 4 Speed control system 5 Collision Detection Systems 5 Elements of the Sub-Systems and their Attributes 6 Camera 6 Speedometer 6 Control Circuit 7 Tracking Circuit 7 System Relationships 8 System: Between Each of its Sub-Systems 8 Sub-System: Between Each of its Elements 9 System Complexity 9 Dynamics of System 10 Problem/Challenge Identification 10 Problem/Challenge Description 10 Unanticipated occurrences 10 The cost of developing the system. 11 Regulations and standards variations 11 Electrical component malfunction 11 Problem Context 11 Stakeholders/Players 12 Selection of System Methodology 12 Hard versus Soft Systems Methodologies 12 Application of System Methodology 12 Brief description of the systems methodology 12 Examination of Each Stage in the context of the problem/challenge 13 Design of tracking unit 13 Design of obstacle detection system 15 The algorithm of the system 16 Control unit algorithm 16 Tracking algorithm 16 Obstacle handling algorithm 16 Implementation Issues 17 Conclusion 17 References 18 Introduction A system can be defined as a combination various elements that interact together in a manner that they achieve one or more common goals. Systems engineering is a common phenomenon used in designing some of the most efficient systems currently is use. It refers to a diverse approach through which successful and most efficient systems are developed. Systems engineering employs the use of a standard and well-structured approach right from conceptual design to implementation and documentation of a successful system (Benjamin, 2004). This report covers system design of an automated vehicle control system by use of a computerized navigation systems to avoid collision of vehicles as a result of driver`s errors, mistakes or misjudgments. Vehicle control, in this case, refers to the navigation of vehicle through its path from the start point to its destination. Currently, most of the vehicles control systems largely depend on the driver`s judgment, and the success of vehicle navigation throughout its path depends on the expertise and experience of the driver. Background Information Smart systems are in use in every part of our life right from domestic to industrial systems, and most of the task we perform are either partially or fully electronically assisted. One of the tasks whose electronic assistance is on the verge of being fully implemented is driving a vehicle. Most companies have made various attempts to develop systems that are electronically assisted. However, its success has never been realized fully (Howard, 2002). Vehicle control system is a large field that is composed of many other subsystems that act together to ensure that the vehicle is under control. Vehicle control, in this case, refer to; Stability control Fuel consumption. Engine speed control. Navigation control/steering control Selection of System Most road traffic accidents have majorly attributed the loss of control. Loss of control could be as a result of poor driver`s judgments or could be due to unanticipated traffic occurrence like collisions. Other causes of accidents are attributed to vehicles stability alteration as a result of overloading or alteration of the center of gravity. Figure 1: Vehicle control system components Thus, vehicle control system is one engineering field whose success in designing would help save lives of many road users. The selection of vehicle control system would give an opportunity of designing one system that would be beneficial to most people Characterization of System under Study The following features characterize the vehicle control systems; They are composed of many other subsystems that work together to achieve the common goal of vehicle control. The other subsystems work in unison and optimization is necessary to obtain the most effective performance of the system. The system is dynamic, and its patterns and behavior keeps changing depending on time, location or occurrence. The system behavior can be manipulated to behave in a predetermined manner depending on the adjustments of its subsystems or system parameters. Systems Objectives/Purpose To identify a system whose purpose is critical and directly applicable in the day to day life. To design the system from conceptualization and give a factual documentation of its importance. Give a detailed analysis of the relevance as well as achievement of the system. Environment The system`s boundaries are within the vehicles navigation as a mode of ensuring stability and safety. The system under consideration controls the vehicle navigation, detects oncoming vehicles or obstacles and initiates collision evasion mechanism. Safety and control are majorly limited to control of collisions while the vehicle is on the move. Stability and fuel consumptions are not within the boundaries of this system (Newrat, 2015). Sub-Systems Objectives/Purpose Each of the vehicle control subsystems is to be designed to achieve the following objectives respectively. Steering control subsystem The steering control should achieve the following main objectives; Ensure that the vehicle is navigated through the right side of the road i.e. putting into consideration the conventional side of the drive at all times. Help in evasion of collision of vehicles by navigating the vehicle through when steering to a safer or collision-free location. Ensure stability of the vehicle by optimizing steering angle of the vehicle depending on the angle of the curve as well as the speed of the vehicle at any instance. Speed control system A speed control as a subsystem should be designed in such a way that it helps achieve the following objectives. Regulate the speed of the vehicle depending on the terrain and presence or absence of obstacles or other vehicles on the road. Optimize the speed of the vehicle depending on the terrain so as to optimize fuel consumption. Ensure stability of the vehicle by regulating the speed of the vehicle while engaging curves, corners, junctions or banked road surfaces. Collision Detection Systems The collision detection systems within the vehicle control systems should be designed to help achieve the following goals. To detect oncoming vehicles or obstacles within the path of the vehicle under consideration. To detect curves or road variations within the path of the vehicle. To detect and determine the terrain of the road at any instance of the vehicle navigation. Elements of the Sub-Systems and their Attributes All the above subsystems work in a synchronized manner other elements of the subsystems to achieve the main goal of vehicle control. Each of the elements should have specific attributes or features that would give the desired output in the whole vehicle control process. Some of the elements of the subsystems includes; Camera The camera will be used as the eye of the vehicle at any instance. The camera, in this case, will act as the primary eye of the vehicle while the driver`s eyes act as the secondary eyes of the system. The camera should have the following attributes; The camera should be of a very high resolution so as to ensure clear vision within the field of view. The camera should have a wide area of view. The camera captures clear images at an interval of 0.1 seconds. The camera should, at least, have a depth of 2 bits, thus, it means that the camera can only comprehend four colors and thus help in cost reduction. Detect and comprehend the type of obstacle within the path of travel of the vehicle. Speedometer Speed reading at any instance is converted into a digital output and fed into the control unit for use in vehicle control. The element should possess the following properties. The element should have the capabilities of determining accurate speed measurements at any time. The element should also give a digital output of the speed reading at any time. Control Circuit This is the main part of the vehicle control system and acts as the heart and brain of the whole system. The control circuit operated by executing a high-end program embedded within its memory. The control circuit as an element of the vehicle control subsystem should possess the following attributes; The control unit should have the capabilities of performing image processing at a high speed. The system should coordinate all the subsystems effectively at a high speed enough to enable faster reaction to uncertainties and thus achievement of effective control. The unit should be able to call an appropriate action for the data input obtained from the camera and the speedometer at any instance. Tracking Circuit The tracking unit help in maintaining the vehicle in the side of the road at all times during travel. The system helps in avoiding overtaking where inappropriate or inappropriate change of lanes. The tracking unit should possess the following attributes; The camera should be able to comprehend black and white as its primary colors where black is the color of the road (Tarmac) while white is the road lane marker. The system should comprehend and understand all the color inputs from the camera and should give an appropriate output effect. The unit should be fast in processing and output. System Relationships All the subsystems, as well as the elements of the systems, are related in some way and work in unison to achieve the common goal of vehicle control. The diagram below summarizes the relationships between the system subsystems as well as the elements (Dereck, 2004). System: Between Each of its Sub-Systems The following block diagram shows the relationship between each of the vehicle control subsystems components with each other. Figure 2: System and subsystems relationship Sub-System: Between Each of its Elements The various elements that make up the subsystem are all related in a manner that results in a subsystem that works under its functions (Falangas, 2016). The block diagram below shows the relationship between the various elements within the subsystems. Figure 3: The relationship between the various elements in subsystems. System Complexity Vehicle control is a complex concept due to its functionality as well as the relationship between its subsystems and elements. To achieve vehicle control, the control unit should obtain data from all the elements of the subsystems, consolidate the data, process and call an output function that initiates the vehicle control parameter. Vehicle control is achieved by adjusting the various component of the vehicle hardware such as the wheels, engine speed among other. The actual amount of adjustment of these components depends on the magnitude of input data obtained from elements such as the camera and speedometer (Ulsoy et al., 2012). The control unit that acts as the brain of the whole vehicle control system operates by executing a high-end complex program. The program is based on appropriated representation of vehicle control algorithm. Conversion of raw data from the camera images and speedometer and conversion of such data into a format that or output that the control unit can understand requires extensive optimization and interpretation. Dynamics of System To design an effective and a near perfect system, understanding of the system dynamics is paramount. The system should, therefore, have the capabilities of adjusting its performance depending on the unprecedented environmental occurrence. Problem/Challenge Identification Unanticipated occurrences. The cost of developing the system. Regulations and standards variations in different parts of the world. Electrical malfunctions Problem/Challenge Description Unanticipated occurrences One major problem with the vehicle control system is the system's inability to counteract the unanticipated occurrences. Such occurrences include such situations such as the existence of an obstacle in an area that is outside the field of view of the obstacle detection system. In such a case, the vehicle control system will not be able to protect the vehicle from a collision. The cost of developing the system. Individual components required to develop the system are expensive. The cost of developing the entire system right from design to implementation is expensive. Thus, the system may not be affordable to a larger part of vehicle users. Regulations and standards variations There are varying standards in various control on the use of the roads and the type of vehicles for use on their roads. Some countries hinder the use of vehicles with such high-end controls as a way of regulating the road use. Thus implementing such a system in such a location poses a lot of challenges. Electrical component malfunction One major challenge with any electrical based system is an occurrence of malfunctions. When such a system experiences malfunctions without proper manual override transition, a lot of damage is likely to occur (Aslasken & Belcher, 1991). Problem Context More than 56% of the death in the world are as a result of road accidents. Such accidents are caused by various occurrences some of which are avoidable. Obstacles within the road, over speeding, loss of control, malfunction of some vehicle control systems such as the brakes are some of the causes of road accidents. Thus to reduce life loss as a result of accidents, there is need to develop an efficient system that can act quickly and effectively to help protect the road users from accidents. Stakeholders/Players The vehicle manufacturers play a major role in the implementation of this vehicle control system by integrating the recommended system in their designs. Car buyers should also consider purchasing vehicles whose features includes incorporation of such vehicle control systems. The drivers should also ensure that the vehicle control systems are online every time they are driving as a way of ensuring their safety (Falangas, 2016). Selection of System Methodology Hard versus Soft Systems Methodologies Since the system is based on achievement of specific goals, hard system methodologies would not be appropriate in this case. Thus, for the methodologies to give a favorable outcome, soft system methodologies would be employed. Application of System Methodology The concept of vehicle control system is designed and implemented stepwise by putting into consideration all the step in system development life cycle. Brief description of the systems methodology The vehicle control system is developed by designing and developing the obstacle detection system. The speed control system is also developed as well as well as steering control system is designed. All the above subsystems are optimized and tested to ensure optimal performance. All the subsystems are integrated into the control unit and an executable program developed to control the performance of each subsystem. The algorithm of the control unit, tracking unit algorithm as well as obstacle handling algorithms are carefully designed to give the most appropriate and the most effective vehicle control system. Examination of Each Stage in the context of the problem/challenge Design of tracking unit The track under consideration should have a white strip painted on a conventional black tarmac road. An ideal track should look as shown in the figure below. This type of painting helps to form the basic principle on which the system works (Bevley, 2010). Figure 4: The track painting criteria A high-resolution camera (Primary eye of the car) will focus on the road, and a perspective image as shown below will be obtained by the camera. The camera can view the long distance images as well as the nearer path. The distant path is utilized for purposes of obstacle detection program while the nearer image of the strip is used in executing the computer program that determines where to turn the two-wheeler. Figure 5: Perspective image as perceive by the camera The painted tracks form the reference point to assist in vehicle movement. Thus, the two-wheeler is required to move in between an imaginary line between the two paths and it is the purpose of the program to facilitate this requirement (Falangas, 2016). The existence of any deviations are detected by the image processing software are minimized by the feedback control system. A servo motor on the steering column is driven to bring the deviation to minimal and bring the vehicle to the right position of the road. In the case of turns the image processor detect the change and in such cases, the vehicle speed has to be reduced to facilitate easy and stabilization of the vehicle while turning. Speed control is achieved by controlling the level of throttling. In cases where there are no turns, speed should also be increased gradually to a certain maximum limit determined to be safe depending on the terrain. Figure 6: Steering control for a two wheeler The camera image is interpreted, and the steering is controlled by use of a servo motor that turns a disk just above the front wheel (Newrat, 2015). The steering control can be represented as shown in the block diagram below. Figure 7: Steering control block diagram Design of obstacle detection system In a case where an obstacle along the road e.g. another vehicle appears within the field of view of the high-resolution camera and its occurrence is within a distance that is safe for driving, then the image obtained from the image processing unit will be as shown below. Figure 8: Obstacle on a critical distance along the path From this image, the speed control mechanism determines the distance from the vehicle and initiates the braking mechanism at a magnitude that is safe and much enough to stop the vehicle before hitting the obstacle and without affecting vehicle stability (Newrat, 2015). This phenomenon can be represented by the figure shown below. The algorithm of the system Control unit algorithm The system is turned on by a user when the vehicle is on the road. An image input from the camera if fed into the image processor. The image processing program is executed. The level of shift of the wheels is determined from the images. In a case of a shift from the path, the tracking subroutine is called by the algorithm. If an obstacle exists, then vehicle detection algorithm is called. If tracking and obstacle detection systems do not portray any deviation, then only speed control algorithm is called. Tracking algorithm The amount from which the vehicle has shifted from the path is determined by the image processing unit. Speed is decreased depending on the value of the shift. Turning mechanism is actuated to give the right amount of turning. Obstacle handling algorithm Input from the main control unit is input into the obstacle handling system. The speed reading of the vehicle is converted into a digital signal and input into the system. The distance from the obstacle is determined from the image processing system. The amount by which the speed is to be reduced is determined. Acceleration is stopped, and the braking signal is sent to the brakes. Control is the returned to the main program. Implementation Issues Implementation of this system is solely the responsibility of the manufacturers. However, manufacturers design and develop vehicle systems that meet their customers' demands. Thus implementing such a system may not be instantly accepted by the manufacturer due to fear of their customers' acceptance. However, to implement such a system, a careful design of each system to suit the vehicles design is important. The design should also take into consideration the area of use of the vehicle. Conclusion Manufacture of vehicles with collision detection and evasion systems should be highly appreciated. Such systems play a major role in the reduction of accidents that claims lives of many road users. Human drivers are prone to various road errors and misjudgments that are the main cause of accidents. Thus, existence of electronic driver assistance should be in use in all vehicles. Such systems help drivers in counteracting a possible accident occurrence. References IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY. (2006). Systems engineering. [Idaho Falls, Idaho], Idaho National Laboratory. http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS103765. INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON SYSTEMS ENGINEERING. (1998). Systems engineering the journal of the International Council on Systems Engineering. [New York, N.Y.], John Wiley & Sons. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1520-6858. ASLAKSEN, E., & BELCHER, W. (1991). Systems engineering. New York, Prentice Hall. SEIFERT, W. W., & STEEG, C. W. (1960). Control systems engineering. New York, McGraw-Hill. BEVLY, D. M. (2010). GNSS for vehicle control. Boston, Artech House. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10421845. KIENCKE, U., & NIELSEN, L. (2005). Automotive control systems for engine, driveline, and vehicle. Berlin, Springer. http://www.books24x7.com/marc.asp?bookid=16208. FALANGAS, E. T. (2016). Performance evaluation and design of flight vehicle control systems. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1107216. NAWRAT, A. M. (2015). Innovative control systems for tracked vehicle platforms. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10837800. ULSOY, A. G., PENG, H., & ÇAKMAKCI, M. (2012). Automotive Control Systems. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511844577. Blanchard, Benjamin S. (2004) System Engineering Management, 3rd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ. Eisner, Howard (2002) Essentials of Project and Systems Engineering Management 2nd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York. Hitchins, Derek (2004) Advanced Systems: Thinking, Engineering and Management, ArtTech House. 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