Haptics interface for modelling and simulation of flexible cables

Virtual reality systems are becoming a must for product and process design, training practices and ergonomic analysis in many manufacturing industries. The automotive sector is considered to be the leader in applying virtual reality (VR) solutions for real-world, non-trivial, problems. Although, a number of commercial 3D engineering tools for digital mockups exist, most of them lack intuitive direct manipulation of the digital mockups. The majority of these 3D engineering tools are constrained to the interaction mainly with rigid objects which is just half the story. To bridge this gap, we have developed a haptics interface for modelling and simulation of flexible objects. The graphical and haptic user interface developed allows the creation of multiple one dimensional (1D) flexible objects, such as hoses, cables and harnesses. The user is required to provide the mechanical properties of the material such as Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, material density, damping factors, as well as dimensional properties such as length, and inner and outer diameters of the flexible object. Flexilution solver is employed to estimate and simulate the dynamic behaviour of flexible objects in response to external user interaction, whereas Nvidia's generic physics engine is used to simulate the behaviour of rigid objects. A generic communication interface is developed to accommodate a variety of devices without the reconfiguration of the simulation platform.

Method and apparatus for haptic control

The present invention provides remote interfacing utilising haptic technology. In a first aspect there is provided a haptic grasping interface comprising a plurality of finger interaction points, with actuators connected at one end to an actuator control mechanism. The mechanism is mounted remotely from the grasping interface, inverse to the finger interaction points, for manipulation of these points. The grasping points comprise pulleys which route the actuators through a cable tension and transmission system. A second aspect provides haptic augmentation to an operator, which indicates to the operator the state of a control input to a controlled device. A third aspect provides a means of simulating motion where haptic feedback is provided to a user in correspondence with the movement of the user within a pod environment.

Method and apparatus for haptic control

The present invention provides remote interfacing utilising haptic technology. In a first aspect there is provided a haptic grasping interface comprising a plurality of finger interaction points, with actuators connected at one end to an actuator control mechanism. The mechanism is mounted remotely from the grasping interface, inverse to the finger interaction points, for manipulation of these points. The grasping points comprise pulleys which route the actuators through a cable tension and transmission system. A second aspect provides haptic augmentation to an operator, which indicates to the operator the state of a control input to a controlled device. A third aspect provides a means of simulating motion where haptic feedback is provided to a user in correspondence with the movement of the user within a pod environment.

Analysis of lightning current characteristics to investigate lightning strike damages to energy pipeline

Australia is one of the most lightning prone area on earth. Lightning strikes have been identified as one of the most common cause of energy pipeline damage in Australia. Therefore, a suitable protection schemes and mitigation strategies against lighting strike damage is very important for Australian pipeline industry. There are a number of research on lighting protection of establishment such as, power systems, buildings, and telecommunications systems, however, very few publications could be found which discuss about protection of pipeline from lightning strike. Assessment of effects in buried pipeline, due to lighting strikes is important. Existing models do not account adequately the effect of the characteristics of soil breakdown channels intercepted by the buried object. This paper aims to investigate the characteristics of lightning current on metal object under the soil of strike point so that lighting attachment to energy pipeline could be understand and a protection technique could be developed. Along with lightning current characteristics, lightning attachment process, distribution method, soil resistivity, propagation of lightning current in soil with a buried pipeline, pipeline electrical properties and other related areas and technologies is explored. The study shows that though there are some research on characteristics of induced on simple buried structures like narrow telephone cable or residential gas pipe, but no substantial research have been done on large comparatively complex structures like buried energy pipelines. Also dynamic behavior of soil and the object to be protected not been considered in protections schemes and experiments.

Use of anthropogenic sea floor structures by Australian fur seals: potential positive ecological impacts of marine industrial development?

Human-induced changes to habitats can have deleterious effects on many species that occupy them. However, some species can adapt and even benefit from such modifications. Artificial reefs have long been used to provide habitat for invertebrate communities and promote local fish populations. With the increasing demand for energy resources within ocean systems, there has been an expansion of infrastructure in near-shore benthic environments which function as de facto artificial reefs. Little is known of their use by marine mammals. In this study, the influence of anthropogenic sea floor structures (pipelines, cable routes, wells and shipwrecks) on the foraging locations of 36 adult female Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) was investigated. For 9 (25%) of the individuals, distance to anthropogenic sea floor structures was the most important factor in determining the location of intensive foraging activity. Whereas the influence of anthropogenic sea floor structures on foraging locations was not related to age and mass, it was positively related to flipper length/standard length (a factor which can affect manoeuvrability). A total of 26 (72%) individuals tracked with GPS were recorded spending time in the vicinity of structures (from <1% to >75% of the foraging trip duration) with pipelines and cable routes being the most frequented. No relationships were found between the amount of time spent frequenting anthropogenic structures and individual characteristics. More than a third (35%) of animals foraging near anthropogenic sea floor structures visited more than one type of structure. These results further highlight potentially beneficial ecological outcomes of marine industrial development.