The Use And Redesign Of Data Acquisition Software In Python

Elaina Stuckey

School Name

Governor's School for Science and Math

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Math and Computer Science

Presentation Type

Mentored

Mentor

Mentor: Dr. Caicedo; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina

Abstract

Many fields use data acquisition systems to collect data from sensors. However, using the software for these systems can be difficult for users because the program may not have the needed flexibility for a project, especially if the program uses a drag and drop interface for coding. Not only does the lack of flexibility cause problems but many interfaces hide the code for a test, keeping the user from fixing a problem or increasing the flexibility of the interface. The solution to this problem is to create a new version of data acquisition software that allows for more flexibility while making the user interface user friendly. This new program needs to collect data after sensors are triggered, store that data for analysis and allow users with little experience to use the software easily. It should also pull parameters for each sensor from a database and store data automatically, making it easier for the operator. My research deals with designing and implementing this program for use in various projects. Existing Matlab code and a user guide for the Data Acquisition hardware were used to give both a general structure and the specific syntax for different features. To create this program, two vertical sensors and one horizontal sensor were triggered to collect data. The code was developed using Git, allowing other users to continue to develop the program for their own purposes.

Location

Owens 207

Start Date

4-16-2016 11:30 AM

COinS
 
Apr 16th, 11:30 AM

The Use And Redesign Of Data Acquisition Software In Python

Owens 207

Many fields use data acquisition systems to collect data from sensors. However, using the software for these systems can be difficult for users because the program may not have the needed flexibility for a project, especially if the program uses a drag and drop interface for coding. Not only does the lack of flexibility cause problems but many interfaces hide the code for a test, keeping the user from fixing a problem or increasing the flexibility of the interface. The solution to this problem is to create a new version of data acquisition software that allows for more flexibility while making the user interface user friendly. This new program needs to collect data after sensors are triggered, store that data for analysis and allow users with little experience to use the software easily. It should also pull parameters for each sensor from a database and store data automatically, making it easier for the operator. My research deals with designing and implementing this program for use in various projects. Existing Matlab code and a user guide for the Data Acquisition hardware were used to give both a general structure and the specific syntax for different features. To create this program, two vertical sensors and one horizontal sensor were triggered to collect data. The code was developed using Git, allowing other users to continue to develop the program for their own purposes.