Sensor Review

R Bannatyne

1994 Sensor Review

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000004241

Examines the growth of a new technology called fuzzy logic and its significance for microcontroller‐based embedded control solutions. Outlines the reasons for the emergence of fuzzy logic and explains the mathematic principles behind fuzzy set theory. Using the example of an oven temperature control system, describes how fuzzy logic is applied to the practical solution of a control problem rather than a conventional solution. Concludes that fuzzy logic has been used primarily in embedded control application as a software‐based methodology in closed‐loop control systems whilst a dedicated fuzzy hardware processor would optimally be based on a parallel architecture, allowing the entire rule base to be evaluated in a parallel fashion.

Constantin von Altrock

1994 Sensor Review

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000004240

Examines a successful method which has been developed for integrating neural nets and fuzzy logic. Outlines the background of fuzzy logic and neural net design techniques, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Describes the importance of the error back propagation algorithm in neural net applications and how the difficulties of applying it to a fuzzy logic system were overcome in the NueuroFuzzy Module by using an extended fuzzy logic inference method that employs so‐called fuzzy associative memories (FAMs). Describes the development steps of NeuroFuzzy systems and gives an example application of such a system to reduce water and energy consumption of washing machines. Concludes with other applications for NeuroFuzzy systems, including the optimization of a biological fermentation process and speaker‐independent speech recognition.

Mark Hassell

1994 Sensor Review

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000004239

Examines the development of a laser‐based system for detecting the presence or absence of threads on turned components used in the automotive industry. Describes how a laser inspection station would be set up to take readings from the laser detector as the component cuts a “part present” photoswitch. Explains how all the systems’ parameters are programmable by the user through a hand‐held terminal and describes two typical applications: one to detect the presence of an external thread on an engine plug and the other to check an internal thread on an aluminium insert for a fuel injection system. Outlines the properties of laser light that makes it preferable for use over camera‐based inspection systems and lists some applications suitable for laser based systems such as checking for component features such as threads, holes, grooves and tabs.

Mike Goodwin

1994 Sensor Review

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000004238

Outlines the background to neural computing and the learning abilities of neural networks. Describes the design and operation of the Neural Instruction Set Processor (NiSP), the world’s first dedicated neural computer on a single chip. The key task performed by the NiSP, which forms the basis of most of the current applications of neural computers, is recognising patterns. This makes it deal for applications such as speech, vision and handwriting recognition, biosensing to detecting intruders, and explosive and drug identification. Ends with an example of the use of NiSP in the production of an intelligent vehicle sensor unit to help create a more effective traffic control system.

Peter Hawkes

1994 Sensor Review

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000004237

Examines the “Supertag” automatic identification system which is an innovative electronic replacement for barcodes and which can also function as an anti shoplifting device. Each Supertag is a single integrated circuit chip plus a printed flat aerial. Using radio links, Supertag readers are capable of multiple identification and counting at electronic speed. Outlines the technical developments which brought about “electronic counting” and compares them with conventional RFID systems. Describes the potential used for Supertag including its ability to “read” the entire contents of a supermarket trolley in a second, making it very attractive for use in the retail industry.

Rudi Raber

1994 Sensor Review

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000004236

Examines the problems of applying fuzzy logic to control applications where each application is different from the previous one and looks at the development of a unique system of fuzzy logic based on an existing software package. The system comes in two alternative forms; the first is a fully configurable fuzzy set for the OEM designer which, for example, could be used to control the temperature of a large oven and the second reduces the fuzzy function down to the most basic level where no process knowledge is required. Describes the tests carried out in order to determine the linguistic variables which apply to general control applications. Concludes that fuzzy logic begins to take effect in those situation to which normal control algorithms PD, PID functions have difficulty adjusting.

Graham Thomas

1994 Sensor Review

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000004251

Outlines a project undertaken by the Defence Research Agency (DRA) to produce a “gas cloud imaging” system based on optical transform image modulation (OTIM). Describes the military origins of the OTIM technology and the OTIM Remote Gas Detection Technique, including the temporal coherence measurement used in the gas detector. Lists the capabilities and key features of OTIM and explains that the exploitation of the technology for civil applications has been targeted at industrial plant safety and environmental monitoring. Concludes with an outline project plan for developing the OTIM gas cloud‐imaging system.

R.J. Dann

1994 Sensor Review

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000004250

Describes the basic optical concepts of infrared gas detection in relation to industrial applications and considers the electro optic components at the heart of the analyzers, the infrared detectors themselves. Discusses the choice of detectors for a given application and looks at the pros and cons of thermal detectors and quantum detectors. Notes the possible need to cool quantum detectors to improve their signal to noise and responsivity characteristics. Concludes with the possibility for custom configurations and lists the various application of infrared gas detection including uses in the transport industry, petrochemical industry and hospitals.