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As the desire for factory automation increases, so has the need to integrate machinery within the factory. More specifically, this integration is gaining importance in the area of manufacturing work cells. Many ideas exist about what functions a cell controller should perform and how it should interact with its environment. The functions utilized by the cell controller many vary depending on the type of machinery but similar tasks are usually performed. The complexity of the cell controller increases due to the differences in functional capability caused by machine intelligence or vendors specifications. The objective of this research was to create a framework which can be followed when developing low level machine specific cell control communications. The framework would assist the user in defining and structuring the information and functions associated with a particular device and operating environment. This framework will act as a guide in the creation of generic cell control communication functions. The purpose of the framework is to act as a guide in the development of low level base routines which interface to various classes of factory devices. It is impossible to create a completely generic base which will interact with every device. However, it is possible to develop this base following a structured format which facilitates generic work cell control. / Master of Science

Data collection on isometric forces exerted by means of the digits, is a virtually untapped research area. However, such data would prove particularly useful in areas such as hand-tool and control design, and also in medical evaluation. A standardized protocol is necessary if a sound, useful data base is to be built. This study developed such a protocol and data were collected using the defined protocol. The study also showed that occupational level (defined by tools and controls used) and gender both had significant effects on certain strength exertions of the digits. Therefore the appropriate data must be collected, depending on the intended use and user population. Regression equations were produced which predicted the strength exertions using anthropometric measurements which are commonly available. Although some particular exertions were not well predicted, the potential of prediction was verified. / Master of Science

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1978 B42 / Master of Science

Aided by advances in information technology, decision support systems (DSS) are widely used throughout organizations. These DSS are limited to support of specific structured and semi-structured management tasks for individual decision-makers and use primarily quantitative models. The next step in the evolution of DSS is to support complex, unstructured decision processes using qualitative, creativity enhancement models. The purpose of this research was to design, implement and evaluate an automated system to support complex, unstructured group decision processes. Idea generation and management in organization planning has been chosen as the domain for the system. A DSS architecture has been developed that includes a process management system component in addition to traditional data, dialogue and model management components. A group DSS and knowledge-based management system approach are central features of the system architecture. Software engineering methods were used to design, implement and evaluate the technical feasibility of the prototype system. Action research using participant and structured observation methods was used to study the (1) dynamics of the idea generation process during automated brainstorming, (2) influence of the technology on the idea generation process and (3) satisfaction of the planners with automated brainstorming for idea generation in a group setting. The findings of the research indicate that automated, networked idea generation can assist groups of planners in generating ideas during planning sessions. These ideas were accurately represented and stored and efficiently retrieved using a semantic inheritance network and frame knowledge management system implemented using a specially-designed knowledge representation language developed by the author. Over 100 planners from a variety of organizations used the system. Data indicated that computer brainstorming changed group dynamics, especially group interaction and participation. The anonymity provided by EBS neutralized social inhibitions and, in combination with the capability for parallel idea generation on the computer network, helped equalize participation. Minimal group interaction occurred. Planners using interactive computer brainstorming reported high levels of satisfaction with the process and outcome of the planning session.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Masters of Arts. / Technological advancement has changed the nature of interactions within modern man-machine systems, with workload becoming more a load on the mental capacities of the human systems component than on his/her physical capabilities. Moreover increased system capabilities may have disproportionately reduced the time available to perform these mental operations, thereby adding new and more complex cognitive tasks. A concept crucial to the evaluation of modern man-machine systems is that of the resulting implications of loading and overloading the cognitive capabilities of the human systems component, namely the measurement of mental workload. ( Abbreviation abstract ) / AC2017

A project report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. Johannesburg 1995. / Advances in digital computing technology make it possible to improve the design of the Man Machine Interface (MMI), SCADA and ALARM modules used in electrical utility control centres. to overcome the problem of control staff data overloading. A possible solution is proposed, based on-an explicit representation of a disturbed power system state in addition to quiescent conditions. The structure of modem SCADA, installations is analysed in terms of the computing power of full graphic workstations, the quantities of element data delivered to the control room and the capabilities of intelligent remote terminal units. This analysis indicates that existing designs for the presentation of SCADA data need to change to solve the data overloading-problem. The proposed philosophy moves the focus of attention from the element level up to the device level by grouping and dividing all elements into categories at the RTU and linking them to their parent device, Control staff are notified graphically on the one-line displays, next to the device in question, of the existence of abnormal elements by category. The element state details for the device are only displayed on demand, resulting in a 95% reduction of alarm text messages. Suggestions are made as to the software functions needed at tbe RTU and the workstation to assist with the display of system data. Lastly racommendations are offered to reduce maintenance by standardising and pre-ordering device element data. / AC2017

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Vita. / Bibliography: leaves 122-124. / by Frederich Nelson Tou. / M.S.

Thesis. 1975. B.S.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. / Includes bibliographical references. / by George Fawcett, Jr. / B.S.

Thesis. 1978. Ph.D. cn--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering. / Vita. / Bibliography: p. 208-212. / Ph.D.cn