Design and application of thickness measurement calibration system based on laser displacement sensor

This study aims to improve the accuracy and safety of steel plate thickness calibration.A differential noncontact thickness measurement calibration system based on laser displacement sensors was designed to address the problems of low precision of traditional contact thickness gauges and radiation risks of radiation-based thickness gauges.First,the measurement method and measurement structure of the thickness calibration system were introduced.Then,the hardware circuit of the thickness system was established based on the STM32 core chip.Finally,the system software was designed to implement system control to filter algorithms and human-computer interaction.Experiments have proven the excellent performance of the differential noncontact thickness measurement calibration system based on laser displacement sensors,which not only considerably improves measurement accuracy but also effectively reduces safety risks during the measurement process.The system offers guiding significance and application value in the field of steel plate production and processing.

Multifunctional Flexible Humidity Sensor Systems Towards Noncontact Wearable Electronics

In the past decade,the global industry and research attentions on intelligent skin-like electronics have boosted their applications in diverse fields including human healthcare,Internet of Things,human–machine interfaces,artificial intelligence and soft robotics.Among them,flexible humidity sensors play a vital role in noncontact measurements relying on the unique property of rapid response to humidity change.This work presents an overview of recent advances in flexible humidity sensors using various active functional materials for contactless monitoring.Four categories of humidity sensors are highlighted based on resistive,capacitive,impedance-type and voltage-type working mechanisms.Furthermore,typical strategies including chemical doping,structural design and Joule heating are introduced to enhance the performance of humidity sensors.Drawing on the noncontact perception capability,human/plant healthcare management,human-machine interactions as well as integrated humidity sensor-based feedback systems are presented.The burgeoning innovations in this research field will benefit human society,especially during the COVID-19 epidemic,where cross-infection should be averted and contactless sensation is highly desired.

Experimental seismic behavior of squat shear walls with precast concrete hollow moulds

This study proposes an innovative precast shear wall system, called an EVE precast hollow shear wall structure (EVE-PHSW). Precast panels in EVE-PHSW are simultaneously precast with vertical and horizontal holes. Noncontact lap splices of rebars are used in vertical joints connecting adjacent precast panels for automated prefabrication and easy in situ erection. The seismic behavior of EVE walls was examined through a series of tests on six wall specimens with aspect ratios of 1.0~1.3. Test results showed that EVE wall specimens with inside cast-in situ concrete achieved the desired “strong bending and weak shear” and failed in shear mode. Common main diagonal cracks and brittle shear failure in squat cast-in situ walls were prevented. Inside cast-in situ concrete could signifi cantly improve the shear strength and stiff ness of EVE walls. The details of boundary elements (cast-in situ or prefabricated) and vertical joints (contiguous or spaced) had little eff ect on the global behavior of EVE walls. Noncontact lap splices in vertical joints could enable EVE walls to exhibit stable load-carrying capacity through extensive deformations. Evaluation on design codes revealed that both JGJ 3-2010 and ACI 318-14 provide conservative estimation of shear strength of EVE walls, and EVE walls achieved shear strength reserves comparative to cast-in situ walls. The recommended eff ective stiff ness for cast-in situ walls in ASCE 41-17 appeared to be appropriate for EVE walls.

Wall slip behavior of cemented paste backfill slurry during pipeline based on noncontact experimental detection

Wall slip is a microscopic phenomenon of cemented paste backfill(CPB)slurry near the pipe wall,which has an important influence on the form of slurry pipe transport flow and velocity distribution.Directly probing the wall slip characteristics using conventional experimental methods is difficult.Therefore,this paper established a noncontact experimental platform for monitoring the microscopic slip layer of CPB pipeline transport independently based on particle image velocimetry(PIV)and analyzed the effects of slurry temperature,pipe diameter,solid concentration,and slurry flow on the wall slip velocity of the CPB slurry,which refined the theory of the effect of wall slip characteristics on pipeline transport.The results showed that the CPB slurry had an extensive slip layer at the pipe wall with significant wall slip.High slurry temperature improved the degree of particle Brownian motion within the slurry and enhanced the wall slip effect.Increasing the pipe diameter was not conducive to the formation of the slurry slip layer and led to a transition in the CPB slurry flow pattern.The increase in the solid concentration raised the interlayer shear effect of CPB slurry flow and the slip velocity.The slip velocity value increased from 0.025 to 0.056 m·s^(-1)when the solid content improved from 55wt%to 65wt%.When slurry flow increased,the CPB slurry flocculation structure changed,which affected the slip velocity,and the best effect of slip layer resistance reduction was achieved when the transported flow rate was 1.01 m^(3)·h^(-1).The results had important theoretical significance for improving the stability and economy of the CPB slurry in the pipeline.

Physical Properties of Liquid Terbium Measured by Levitation Techniques

To understand the nature and behavior of rare earth metals in their liquid phases, accurate values of their physical properties are essential. However, to measure their physical properties, the samples should be maintained in liquid phases for prolonged time, and this raises a formidable challenge. This is mainly explained by their high melting temperatures （e.g., 1629 K for Tb）, high vapor pressure, and the risk of melt contamination with a crucible or support. An electrostatic levitation furnace alleviated these difficulties and allowed the determination of density, surface tension, and viscosity of several metals above their melting temperature. Here, first, the levitation furnace facility and the noncontact diagnostic procedures were briefly discussed, followed by the explanation of their thermophysical property measurements over wide temperature ranges. The density was obtained using an ultraviolet-based imaging technique that allowed excellent illumination, even at elevated temperatures. Over the 1615 to 1880 K temperature span, the density measurements could be expressed as p（T） =7.84 × 10^3 -0.47 （T - Tm） （kg · m^-3） with Tm = 1629 K, yielding a volume expansion coefficient a（T） = 6.0 × 10^-5 （K^-1）. In addition, the surface tension and the viscosity could be determined by inducing a drop oscillation to a molten sample. Using this technique, the surface tension data could be expressed as σ（T） = 8.93 × 10^2 - 0.10 （T - Tm）（mN· m^-1） and those for viscosity as η（T） =0.583 exp [4.1 × 10^4/（RT）] （MPa·s） over the 1690 to 1980 K temperature range

Automated Phase-measuring Profilometry of 3-D Diffuse Objects Using a Single Phase Step Method

The technique of phase measuring profilometry using a single phase step method is proposed.This method can automatically obtain phase value at each pixel by using a discret cosine transform algorithm.The method is able to automatically recognize any position between depression and elevation on an object surface.Theoretical analysis and experimental verification are presented.

Non-Contact Terahertz Inspection of Water Content in Concrete of Infrastructure Buildings

Concrete is the most widely used for construction materials in the world. Water content of concrete is an important parameter in terms durability of concrete structures. Terahertz (THz) waves, for which concrete is a porous and absorbable material, have been studied in order to establish a new non-contact inspection technology for maintenance of concrete structures. In this study, THz transmittance and reflectance of concrete in drying process were measured with a 60 GHz GUNN diode and absorption coefficient is analyzed for concrete with various water contents. It is shown that quantitative detection below 10% is possible for the water content at surface area of concrete.

Datamining and Its Applications

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are widely applied in all domain applications today,including noncontact vital sign monitoring,data mining and denoising,data analysis,and application as traffic simulation and green finance.We briefly introduce the noncontact vital sign monitoring using video data and the solutions to this problem supplied by Artificial intelligence and machine learning.Then,we present the five papers selected in the related areas for this journal issue.

Fast radial scanning probe system on KTX

A fast radial scanning probe system was constructed for the Keda Torus eXperiment(KTX)to measure the profiles of boundary plasma parameters such as floating potential,electron density,temperature,transport fluxes,etc.The scanning probe system is driven by slow and fast motion mechanisms,corresponding to the stand-by movement of a stepping motor and the fast scanning movement of a high-torque servo-motor,respectively.In fast scanning,the scanner drives the probe radially up to 20 cm at a maximum velocity of 4.0 m s-1.A noncontact magnetic grating ruler with a high spatial resolution of 5μm is used for the displacement measurement.New scanning probe can reach the center of plasmas rapidly.The comparison of plasma floating potential profiles obtained by a fixed radial rake probe and the single scanning probe suggests that the high-speed scanning probe system is reliable for measuring edge plasma parameter profiles on the KTX device.

Experimental study of noncontact ultrasonic motor with non-symmetrical electrode

We have proposed a novel noncontact ultrasonic motor based on non-syinmetrical electrode driving. The configuration of this electrode and the fabrication process of rotors are presented. Its vibration characteristics are computed and analysed by using the finite element method and studied experimentally. Good agreement between them is obtained. Moreover, it is also shown that this noncontact ultrasonic motor is operated in antisymmetric radial vibration mode of B21 mode. The maximum revolution speed for three-blade and six-blade rotors are 5100 and 3700r/min at an input voltage of 20V, respectively. Also, the noncontact high-speed revolution of the rotors can be realized by the parts of Ⅰ, Ⅲ of the electrode or Ⅱ, Ⅳ of the electrode. The levitation distance between the s tator and rotor is about 140μm according to the theoretical calculation and the experimental measurement.

Substrate tuned reconstructed polymerization of naphthalocyanine on Ag(110)

The linkage structures between monomers make great influence on the properties of polymers.The synthesis of some special linkage structures can be challenging,which is often overcome by employing special reaction conditions.Here,we build dihydropentalene linkage in poly-naphthalocyanine on Ag(110)surface.Scanning tunneling microscopy(STM)and non-contact atomic force microscopy(nc-AFM)measurements confirm the dihydropentalene linkage structure and a possible formation path with reconstruction steps is proposed.The controlled experiment on Ag(100)surface shows no dihydropentalene structures formed,which indicates the grooved substrate is necessary for the reconstruction.This work provides insights into the surface restricted reactions that can yield special structures in organic polymers.

Effects of baffie and intraocular pressure on aerosols generated in the noncontact tonometer measurement during COVID-19

AIM: To investigate the effects of baffle and intraocular pressure(IOP) on the aerosols generated in the noncontact tonometer(NCT) measurement and provide recommendations for the standardized use of the NCT during coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19). METHODS: This clinical trial included 252 subjects(312 eyes) in The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University from March 7, 2020, to March 28, 2020. Sixty subjects(120 eyes) with normal IOP were divided into two groups. One group used an NCT without a baffle, another group used an NCT with a baffle. Another 192 subjects(192 eyes) were divided into four groups: Group A;(without a baffle+normal IOP), Group A;(without a baffle+high IOP), Group B;(with a baffle+normal IOP) and Group B;(with a baffle+high IOP). Particulate matter(PM) 2.5 and PM10 generated by all subjects were quantified during the NCT measurement. The IOP values were recorded simultaneously. Effects of baffle and IOP on aerosols generated during the NCT measurement were analyzed.RESULTS: In the normal eye group with a baffle, the aerosol density decreased in a wave-like shape near the NCT with the increase in the number of people measured for IOP, demonstrating no cumulative effect. However, in the normal eye group without a baffle, there was a cumulative effect. PM2.5 and PM10 in Group A;were higher than Group A;(both P<0.001). The PM2.5 and PM10 in Group B;were higher than Group B;(P<0.01, P<0.001 respectively). The PM10 of Group B;was lower than Group A;(P<0.01). PM2.5 in Group B;were lower than Group A;(P<0.01). The median of per capita PM2.5 and PM10 in the combined Group A;+A;were 0.80 and 1.10 μg/m;respectively, which were higher than 0.20 and 0.60 μg/m;in the combined Group B;+B;(both P<0.01). The median of per capita PM2.5 and PM10 in the combined Group A;+B;were 0.10 and 0.20 μg/m;respectively, which were lower than 1.30 and 1.70 μg/m;in the combined Group A;+B;(both P<0.001).CONCLUSION: More aerosols could be generated in patients with high IOP. After the NCT is equipped with a baffle, per capita aerosol density generated decreased significantly near the NCT;And with the increase in the number of people measured for IOP, the aerosols gradually dissipated near the NCT, demonstrating no cumulative effect. Therefore, it is suggested that the NCT should be equipped with a baffle, especially for patients with high IOP.

High-speed all-optic optical coherence tomography and photoacoustic microscopy dual-modal system for microcirculation evaluation

We propose a high-speed all-optic dual-modal system that integrates spectral domain optical coherence tomography and photoacoustic microscopy(PAM).A 3*3 coupler-based interfer-ometer is used to remotely detect the surface vibration caused by photoacoustic(PA)waves.Three outputs of the interferometer are acquired simultaneously with a multi-channel data ac-quisition card.One channel data with the highest PA signal detection sensitivity is selected for sensitivity compensation.Experiment on the phantom demonstrates that the proposed method can sucessfully compensate for the loss of intensity caused by sensitivity variation.The imaging speed of the PAM is improved compared to our previous system.The total time to image a sample with 256×256 pixels is~20s.Using the proposed system,the microvasculature in the mouse auricle is visualized and the blood flow state is accessed.

Performance of Array-Type Noncontact End Gripper Based on Coanda Mechanism for Gripping Garment Fabrics

To increase the gripping area of noncontact end grippers(NCEGs), an array-type NCEG based on the Coanda mechanism is proposed, and its performance in gripping different garment fabrics(GFs) is studied. Firstly, the structure and the working mechanism of a single Coanda-based NCEG were analyzed. Secondly, four such grippers were arranged in array to form a minimum gripping unit. Then, the structure of the connecting plate(CP) to the gripper was optimized by simulation analysis to exclude airflow interference, and the adsorption performance of GFs with different fabric parameters was measured. Finally, the experimental results were analyzed to verify the scientific validity and the feasibility of the array-type arrangement. The results show that compared with other NCEGs, the array-type ones based on the Coanda mechanism are better at gripping various large-area GFs and offer better adsorption performance. This innovation provides a new solution to the problem of insufficient gripping area in GF gripping and is very important for improving the production efficiency of garment processing.

Terahertz Non-Contact Monitoring of Cocoa Butter in Chocolate

Chocolate is widely enjoyed in many sweets and foods all over the world. In cocoa butter, fatty acids combine together and give cocoa butter 6 different types of crystals: γ, α, β’(III), β’(IV), β(V) and β(VI). In the industry, the β(V) form that is required, is metastable and gives chocolate its marketable properties. The β(VI) form is also stable but not desirable, because of fat bloom. The objective of this study is to characterize these polytypes by terahertz(THz) spectroscopy. THz spectroscopy is expected to be a new tool in food industry, as THz energy corresponds to collective molecular macro-vibrations. Two chocolates from different factories were inspected with optical microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and THz spectroscopy. Optical microscope showed different surface aspects, XRD showed the same species in the two brands and THz spectroscopy showed different features. These differences may be due to fatty acids combination of chocolate.

Noncontact Driving System Using Induction-Based Method and Integrated Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Transducers

Integrated Ultrasonic Transducers (IUTs) have been developed for high-temperature nondestructive evaluation applications. In many field, it would be helpful if a pipe covered by a protective layer of about 10 cm thickness, which is under operation at several hundred Celsius, could be inspected from above the protective layer by an IUT. As a first step toward achieving the inspection of such a pipeline, an induction-based method using coils is presented together with IUTs. This study focuses on the effects of the separation distance (liftoff) between the coils on the ultrasonic signal strength and bandwidth of the IUTs. Ultrasonic signals were generated and received by the IUTs on a steel plate with a sufficient strength for thickness measurements when the liftoff was 20 cm. It was also shown that a ferrite disc together with the coils enhanced the received signal strength even when the liftoff was over 10 cm.

A Single-Finger Operated Noncontact User Interface

A noncontact user interface using image processing for people with neuromuscular diseases is presented in this paper. The user interface is composed of a Web camera and a PC, and allows users to manipulate the PC using small movements of single finger. By using image processing techniques with the Web camera, the finger is appropriately detected from the images captured by it. Control boxes for pointing and text input functions are also made. To verify performances of the interface, some tasks are experimentally performed by three able-bodied subjects and a person suffering from spinal muscular atrophy. It was clear from the experimental results that all the subjects could smoothly nerforrn the t,~k~

Noncontact Monitoring of Relative Changes in Blood Pressure Using Microwave Radar Sensors

This study aims to confirm whether noncontact monitoring of relative changes in blood pressure can be estimated using microwave radar sensors. First, an equation to estimate blood pressure was derived, after which, the effectiveness of the estimation equation was confirmed using data obtained by a noncontact method while inducing variations in blood pressure. We considered that the Bramwell-Hill equation, which contains some parameters that directly indicate changes in blood pressure, would be an appropriate reference to construct an estimation equation for the noncontact method, because measurements using microwave radar sensors can measure minute scale motion on the skin surface induced by the pulsation of blood vessels. In order to estimate relative changes in blood pressure, we considered a simple equation including the pulse transit time (PTT), amplitude of signals and body dimensions as parameters. To verify the effectiveness of the equation for estimating changes in blood pressure, two experiments were conducted: a cycling task using an ergometer, which induces blood pressure fluctuations because of changes in cardiac output, and a task using the Valsalva maneuver, which induces blood pressure fluctuations because of changes in vascular resistance. The results obtained from the two experiments suggested that the proposed equation using microwave radar sensors can accurately estimate relative changes of blood pressure. In particular, relatively favorable results were obtained for the changes in blood pressure induced by the changes in cardiac volume. Although many issues remain, this method could be expected to contribute to the continuous evaluation of cardiac function while reducing the burden on patients.

Noncontact photoacoustic lipid imaging by remote sensing on first overtone of the C-H bond

Lipid imaging by conventional photoacoustic microscopy subjects to direct contact sensing with relatively low detection bandwidth and sensitivity,which induces superficial imaging depth and low signalto-noise ratio(SNR)in practical imaging scenarios.Herein,we present a photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy for lipid distribution mapping in bio-tissue,featuring noncontact implementation,broad detection bandwidth,deep penetration depth,and high SNR.A tailored high-energy pulsed laser source with a spectrum centered at 1750 nm is used as the excitation beam,while a cofocused 1550 nm continuous-wave beam is used as the probe signal.The pump wavelength is selected to overlap the first overtone of the C-H bond in response to the intensive absorption of lipid molecules,which introduces a much-enhanced SNR(55 dB)onto photoacoustic remote sensing(PARS)signals.Meanwhile,the optical sensing scheme of the photoacoustic signals provides broadband detection compared to the acoustic transducer and refrains the bio-samples from direct contact operations by eliminating the ultrasonic coupling medium.Taking merits of the high detection sensitivity,deep penetration depth,broadband detection,and high resolution of the PARS system,high-quality tissue scale lipid imaging is demonstrated in a model organism and brain slice.

Flexible piezoelectret film sensor for noncontact mechanical signal capture by multiple transmission media

Mechanical signal capture without physical contact has emerged as a highly promising research field and attracted tremendous attention due to its prosperous applications in household medical care,lifestyle monitoring and remote operation,offering users high level of safety,convenience and comfort.Moreover,noncontact sensing is ideal to maximize the immersive user experience in the human–machine interaction(HMI),eliminating interference to human activities and mechanical fatigue to the sensor,simultaneously.Herein,we report a self-powered flexible sensor integrated with irradiation cross-linked polypropylene(IXPP)piezoelectret film for noncontact sensing,featuring multi-functions to detect mechanical signals transmitted through solid,liquid and gaseous media and would facilitate their versatile practical applications.The folded-structure configuration of the sensor facilitates the improvement of the noncontact sensing sensitivity.For solid media,such as the rectangular wooden stick used in this study,the sensor can detect mechanical stimulus exerted at a distance of 100 cm.A system detection sensitivity up to 57 pC/kPa with a low detection limit of 0.6 kPa is achieved at a noncontact distance of 10 cm.Even when partly or completely immersed in water,the sensor effectively traces movement signals of human bodies underwater,demonstrating great advantages for non-inductive aquatic fitness training monitoring.Furthermore,due to the low acoustic impedance of piezoelectret film,speech recognition through gaseous medium is also achieved.We further introduce application demonstrations of the developed film sensors to monitor exercise postures and physiological signals without direct contact between human body and the sensor,displaying great potential to be incorporated into future smart electronics.This study commendably expands the application scope of piezoelectret materials,which will have profound implications for exploring novel intelligent human–machine interactions.