Using the Teabag Boxing System Simulator

 The Teabag Boxing System Mechanical-process simulator is composed of two modules:  

1. The Teabag Boxing System Mechanical-Process graphical simulator

(file: TBSMPSimulator.exe) 

2. An HMI module that is used for controlling the Teabag Boxing System MP graphical simulator (file: TBSMPSimHMI.exe).

Click here to download the TBSSimulatorPackage that includes the above files. Both applications have been developed using C# and require .NET framework v1.1 to be executed. 

 A. The TBS Mechanical-Process graphical simulator.

 This application simulates the Mechanical process of the Teabag Boxing System. It provides visualization of the TBS mechanical process and a socket interface for interfacing with sensors and actuators (see ArchimedesTBSExample1_4.pdf.)

To execute the application use the following command from windows command prompt:

 tbs_simulator <SPIFB IP>

 where

<SPIFB IP> defines the IP address of the device where the Simulated Process Interface Function Blocks (SPIFBs) that are incorporated in the TBS Controller are located. SPIFBs are used in the development process of the TBS controller to allow its test with the TBSMPSimulator. 

B. The TBSMPSimHMI module.

 This application provides a command prompt interface for the user to manually issue commands to the TBSMPSimulator.

The TBSMPSimHMI application should be executed on the same machine with the TBSMPSimulator.

TBSMPSimHMI allows the user to:

1.      Generate one teabag that enters the teabag boxing process.

Command: factory <type> 

Where

<type> can be either pass or fail and determines whether the generated teabag will pass weight control or not. 

2.      Periodically generate teabags that enter the teabag boxing process.

 Command: gen <type> <period>

 Where

<type> can be either pass, fail or mix and determines whether the generated teabags are all valid, all invalid or randomly mixed accordingly.

<period> determines the time interval between two successive teabag generations. Period is measured in tenths of a second. A value of -1 is used to stop the generation of teabags. 

3.      Issue commands to actuators (motors).

 Command: <motor_name> <TBSMPcommand>

 Where

<motor_name> can be one of  arm, sbelt, belt1, belt2 and belt3 and

 <TBSMPcommand> can be forwards, backwards and stop.

Examples:

> gen mix 40

For the teabag producer to provide teabags every 4 seconds. Generated Teabags  are randomly valid and invalid (regarding weight).

 > gen mix -1

To stop the generation of teabags.

 > arm forwards

For the arm (feeder) to move forwards.

 > arm backwards

For the arm (feeder) to move backwards.

 > arm stop

For the arm (feeder) to stop moving.