Real-time machines

Many real-time machines are on the market today. In general, they could be divided into two distinct categories, depending on the technique used to heat and cool the reactions. 

While steady-state data provide a snapshot of the machine, dynamic or real-time data provide a motion picture. This approach provides a better picture of the dynamics of both the machine-train and its vibration profile. Data acquired using steady-state methods would suggest that vibration profiles and amplitudes are constant. However, this is not tme. All dynamic forces, including mnning speed, vary constantly in all machine-trains. When real-time data acquisition methods are used, these variations are captured and displayed for analysis. 

With the single-channel method, data are acquired in series or one channel at a time. Normally, a series of data points are established for each machine-train and data are acquired from each point in a measurement route. While this approach is more than adequate for routine monitoring of relatively simple machines, it is based on the assumption that the machine s dynamics and the resultant vibration profile are constant throughout the entire data acquisition process. This approach hinders the ability to evaluate real-time relationships between measurement points on the machine-train and variations in process parameters such as speed, load, pressure, etc. 

In order to use the stopped-flow technique, the reaction under study must have a convenient absorbance or fluorescence that can be measured spectrophotometri-cally. Another method, called rapid quench or quench-flow, operates for enzymatic systems having no component (reactant or product) that can be spectrally monitored in real time. The quench-flow is a very finely tuned, computer-controlled machine that is designed to mix enzyme and reactants very rapidly to start the enzymatic reaction, and then quench it after a defined time. The time course of the reaction can then be analyzed by electrophoretic methods. The reaction time currently ranges from about 5 ms to several seconds. 

These complicated systems are controlled by means of a computer, which in real time monitors the various operating parameters of the column and stage position and which in addition, transfers primary pattern data directly to the electron deflection system. The rate at which the data can be transmitted to the electron optical column ultimately governs the modulation rate of the electron beam machine, i.e., flash time. Modulation rates in excess of 100 MHz have been achieved, and it is conceivable that much higher modulation rates will be attained in the future. 

Starting in 1995, a collaboration between Vivid Technologies and Gdardoni led to inclusion of real-time explosive detection in carry-on baggage machines. Heimann, EG G, and Rapiscan soon produced machines with this feature, which became known as operator assist. The FAA performed detection testing on such systems in 1997 and although the results were reasonably good, they did not meet certification... 

By employing the above subsystems, the production planning system has to be informed in real time about the availability of tools in stock as well as about the current contents of the tool magazines of the machine tools (in the case of FASs the robot hands in the end-of-arm-tool magazines) otherwise it will not be able to generate a proper production schedule. 

It must be noted that the real-time aspect is important because tools are changed in the magazines of machines (or cells), not only because they wear, but also because different part programs may need different sets of tools. (The actual tool-changing operation is done in most cases by manipulators or by robots. The tool magazine loading/unloading procedure is performed mostly by human operators, sometimes by robots or special-purpose mechanisms, such as a tool shuttle.)... 

Although other DSPs were utilized before 1982, it was the introduction of the Texas Instruments TI (Texas Instruments),TMS3 20 series that dramatically changed the environment for DSP algorithm designers. For the first time, an inexpensive, commercially available machine was capable of computing speech and modem algorithms in real-time. 

Knudsen, 1975] Knudsen, M. J. (1975). Real-Time Linear-Predictive Coding of Speech on the SPS-41 Triple-Microprocessor Machine. IEEE Trans. Acoustics Speech and Signal Processing, ASSP-23(1) 140-145. 

The crossbar interconnect is under the control of the microprocessor. The DSPs are programmed remotely, via the microprocessor by the processor s serial port (see section 5.13). The processors all run lock-step and are sample synchronous. Note that only four processors have external memory (and only 64K). This severely limits the reverberation time but in fairness, this machine was not designed for effects processing. Also note that coefficient conversion from real time inputs must take place in the host processor and then be converted into serial form and placed in the specific DSP. 

However, real-time detection requires access to a special real-time PCR cycler, which is able to detect the increase/decrease of added fluorescence labels during DNA amplification. Although these machines are more and more common for quantitative DNA analysis, their availability in clinical laboratories is still limited. Therefore, the following subsections also include a detailed overview of the classical approaches to quantitative (I)PCR amplificate, analysis which exchanges less demanding PCR equipment for additional hands-on time. The sensitivity of real-time or end-point IPCR detection is quite similar. A comparison of the influence of different endpoint detection methods to the overall sensitivity of IPCR is given in Fig. 5. 

The major drawback of the real-time method IPCR is the need for a specialized real-time cycler, preferably compatible to the microplate format. With the increasing distribution of these machines, there is also an emerging range of new opportunities for real-time IPCR. The need of an additional fluorescent probe during PCR is compensated for by the fact that all materials and reagents for post-PCR processing were no longer required. However, the need for separate discriminable fluorescence probes reduces the usefulness of real-time detection in multiplex IPCR applications. 

An operator interface is used to record data gathered by the PLC.1 The operator interface is usually another computer (sometime called the human-machine interface or HMI). The HMI uses process displays with real-time sensor readings so that the operator can quickly assess the status of the system (see Figure 6.17). The operator uses the control panel to adjust alarm settings and to turn on and off process equipment. Once running, however, the PLC controls and runs the system automatically, without further input from the operator. Common HMI status indicators are listed below ... 

The computers and communication links which are critical at flood times have specifically designated backups where all the necessary data and programs are kept on a standby basis. For example, the Cincinnati water control Harris which is the key to disseminating real time data can have its function taken over by machine in Louisville the local satellite downlink can be replaced by one in Mississippi. 

The Moldflow Shotscope process monitoring and analysis system collects critical data in real time from injection molding machines on the factory floor, then records, analyzes, reports, and allows access to the information for use in critical decision making. 

The EZ-Track system can also be used to count good parts, diverted parts, packed cases, etc. Downtime is measured automatically and can be classified into an unlimited number of causes. Once production data is collected, there is an extensive set of Web-based reports that can incorporate trend charts, tabular reports, pie charts, and Pareto charts. Finally, it is possible to interface the EZ-Track system to ERP/MRP systems via an advanced SQL database that is open, fully documented, and ODBC-compliant. Not only is the EZ-Track system scalable from small to large numbers of molding machines and other types of cyclical manufacturing equipment, it also can play an important role in sending real-time production data to company-wide ERP/MRP systems. 

---