Network based remote stepper motors control

number: 
2007
English
Degree: 
Author: 
Omar Mohammad W. Al-Khashab
Supervisor: 
Dr. Mumtaz Mohammed Ali
year: 
2008

Abstract: The virtual lab is one of the new fields developed to enhance the remote learning programs which have proved useful in terms of time and place bounds that come with the traditional learning systems. It provides students with access to execute experiments on remote laboratories via internet or network connections. A Virtual Lab system consists of three major parts: The server PC, the client PC and the lab devices. The server is connected to the client via Internet/network connection, and it’s also connected to the lab devices via a hardware port (such as the Parallel Port). The client accesses a webpage stored in the server which includes the software needed to control the lab devices. This webpage also receives a live video feed of the lab that is captured and broadcasted using a webcam connected to the server. In this project, the client and the server were connected to a network. The server used web-server software to simulate Internet and a media server to provide live video broadcasting. While the client used only a network connection and a web browser equipped with java and flash plug-ins. This allowed the client to be platform-independent which increased usability. The designed Virtual Lab system is secured with a log-in screen to prevent unauthorized entities from using the lab devices. In addition, it allows only one user to use the lab at a given time to prevent conflicts between users. It also writes a detailed log to keep a record of the users and the time in which they used the laboratory. The client had control over the lab devices (two stepper motors) in terms of speed, direction and time of running. The results were observed instantly using live video.