Ormco
The client requested development of software and integration of hardware and software for a system used to characterize the tensile strength and failure characteristics of orthodontic brackets. The system controls a stepper motor using a Microlynx controller communicating with the PC via RS-232, measures load using a load cell and a Futek meter by measuring the analog output of the meter, and position using by using a counter to measure encoded pulses from a Mitutoyo displacement meter. Mr. Weekley developed software to make and scale analog and counter measurements with a National Instruments M Series data acquisition board, to communicate with the Microlynx controller, and to perform user interface and control. The software also features thresholding logic for data recording and display, a real time X-Y plot as the test is conducted, and a highly configurable system interface. The software was implemented using LabVIEW Component Oriented Design (LCOD).
USC Medical
The client
requested software development and integration for a kinesiology
study. The objective of the study was to characterize the effects of
disease and injury upon motor tracking skills The software features
a waveform generator and acquisition and recording capabilities. The
subject is presented a waveform for a period of time and then must
duplicate the waveform by moving a control arm. The conductor of the
experiment can select waveform sets and condition sets that vary
display factors and the type of feedback. The software scales the
subject waveform to the target waveform and records the error
information for analytical purposes.
Advanced Sterilization Products – Johnson & Johnson
The client
requested completion of a control and measurement system for a
sterilization system utilizing a hydrogen peroxide plasma applied to
biological indicators in multiple chambers with precise control of
vacuum, RF level, concentration, and temperature. The system is used
as a biomedical research device. The control and display software is
a very large application with many controls, multiple plots, and a
completely graphical process sequence builder. The operator can
switch between various sets of controls, indicators, and plots using
a tabbed control. Hardware is a 96 channel DIO board, a
counter-timer, a 16 channel data acquisition system, and a great deal
of custom circuitry to control valves, motors, pumps, and generators.
Mr. Weekley assumed the project after a series of programmers had
been unable to complete the project with the minimum features and
reliability desired by the client. Mr. Weekley successfully repaired
and completed the software.
USC Medical.
The client requested
software development and integration for a kinesiology study. The
objective of the study was to characterize the effects of disease and
injury upon motor tracking skills. The patients were presented with
a moving dot on the computer screen, and attempted to track the dot
by moving a cursor using a custom made control arm. Tracking
waveforms were generated using various polynomial equations. The
waveforms were generated in three segments so the effects of
repetition and variation of waveform segments could be studied.
Waveforms could be generated using either fixed or randomly varying
coefficients. The waveform generation software had adjustable limit
thresholds for amplitude, velocity and acceleration. Mr. Weekley
developed software to automatically generate and manage tracking
waveforms, record the target waveform and the patient’s
response
waveform for each run, and retrieve, view, and compare recorded
waveforms. Waveforms can be generated in sets while simultaneously
displaying in real time graphs of the three waveform segments as well
as graphs of velocity and acceleration.