New ways of using the Internet are constantly being developed. Working with Innovative Technologies in Education Limited (ITE) and Micro-Process we have extended the online training concept. The courseware we developed with ITE included a "virtual" electrical circuit. A "virtual" multimeter was used to measure the voltage at various points in the circuit.
Using Real Measuring Equipment with the Internet| The concept has been extended. Interactive Presentations together with Innovative Technologies in Education (ITE) have developed software and hardware that will allow the student's to use a REAL MULTIMETER or OSCILLOSCOPE to measure the voltage around a "Virtual Circuit". Current and resistance measurements can also be made. |
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The Actual Hardware
| The REAL system is shown here. This image shows the Signal Interface Unit connected to a digital multimeter and the computer. Click on the image to see an enlarged view. |
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The Signal Interface Unit.
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Voltages, currents and resistances are generated by the Signal Interface Unit. This Unit is connected directly to the PC via the 232 interface. Interface software has been created to link the Computer Based Training (CBT) software with the Signal Interface Unit. This unit has been developed for use with a digital multimeter or an oscilloscope. Other Signal Interface Units can be developed for other test equipment. In 2006 a development of the Signal Interface Unit won an eLearning Award. |
Using the Signal Interface Unit - Multimeter.
| The output of the Signal Interface Unit is controlled by the CBT software. This photograph shows the virtual circuit with the SCREEN or virtual multimeter measuring the voltage across the light bulb. The student actually measures the voltage using the REAL multimeter.Click on the image to see an enlarged view. |
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Using the Interface Unit - Oscilloscope.
| The concept has been further developed to create variable voltage levels that can be measured using an oscilloscope. In this application the hardware is designed to be able to reproduce the voltages around a vehicle ignition system.Click on the image to find out more and see an enlarged view. |
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A Triangular Waveform
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Another example of a waveform generated, is the triangular wave. This image shows a close up of the wave actually produced by the oscilloscope.Click on the image to find out more and see an enlarged view. |
Example of Course Software for the Signal Interface Unit
To see the example below you will need to have a browser capable of viewing Dynamic HTML (Explorer 5.5, Netscape 8.1.2, FireFox 1.5 and later). You will need to allow "pop-up".
These two examples were developed for car mechanics and are used to impart and test both theoretical knowledge and procedural knowledge of the students. These examples are the same coursework and assessment displayed in "Aspects of eLearning" -> "eAssessment" except extra screens have been added to allow the student to interface with hardware (REAL multimeters and oscilloscopes). Click on the firstimage to see the example of the coursework that is adapted for use with the Signal Interface Unit. The student is shown a three dimensional circuit and uses a virtual voltmeter to measure the voltage at various points in the circuit. Instead of the reading being displayed on the screen multimeter it would be generated by the Signal Interface Unit. The second example is an assessment of the coursework presented in the first example. |
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Fault Insertion Unit
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Interactive Presentations has also linked the Internet to a relay box, which has inserts faults into an automobile engine management system. Faults can be inserted remotely and the student’s performance monitored. The fault insertion unit can actually be used as a part of a remote examination process. |
To find out how computer based training, using REAL equipment, can benefit your organisation, click here.
For more details contact:Interactive Presentations Limited