Design and implementation of remote data acquisition for a college-level laboratory course

Wu Ping-huang
Tungnan University
Taipei, Taiwan

Kuo Chin-hwa
Tamkamg University
Tamshui, Taiwan

Yen Ching-zon
National Taipei University of Education
Taipei, Taiwan

Wu Tsung-han
National Taiwan Ocean University
Keelung City, Taiwan

In this research, a remote data acquisition method has been developed for a college-level training course. The study integrates teaching materials in interdisciplinary areas, including computing, communication and control technology, and focuses on a power monitoring course. Another application of this remote data acquisition is in industrial laboratory control, such as flexible manufacturing systems, and systems for building automation management and temperature and humidity monitoring.

We have designed a power monitoring system using a PC-based controller. Visual Basic (VB) is used to develop the graphic monitoring software, which uses a multi-function meter to collect electrical data. With a designed human machine interface (HMI) and data transmission via the Internet, the system can retrieve data remotely and control electricity usage effectively. Power monitoring systems provide not only efficient power supply, power control and real-time data monitoring, but also perform historic data monitoring and produce reports. As computer hardware becomes less expensive and software interfaces more user-friendly, graphic monitoring offers more than a traditional control interface, as it can now display customized contents and is more cost-effective.

The e-learning material is publicly available through the Internet at http://e-learn.tnit.edu.tw. After students study the lecture materials on the website and learn more about these subjects at their own pace, they can design another operating interface for remote data acquisition based on the model program. Also, after customizing the interface, students can control laboratory equipment remotely at any time. Our study, which integrates teaching materials, communication, the computer and control technology, can act as a reference for other areas of vocational education.