Revolutionizing System Monitoring
Nolan, a rising junior at NC State studying computer science and a member of the Army ROTC program, worked alongside the software team to refine the “System Monitor Foundation”. Addressing the challenge of cluttered interfaces, Nolan developed a compact version of the application that prioritizes essential data for clients.
The redesigned System Monitor Foundation serves as a “primary defense” for industrial systems. Key features of the updated platform include:
Streamlined Dashboard: Provides an immediate view of critical system and camera uptime without unnecessary clutter.
Visual Alerts: Utilizes color-coded indicators—green for optimal performance and red for system failures—to provide instant feedback to operators.
Automated Notifications: The system automatically triggers emails to both technicians and clients whenever the issues chart is updated.
Historical Tracking: Enables users to analyze performance data over days, weeks, or months to track system health over time.
Advancing Industrial Safety and Capability
Beyond software monitoring, ECS interns contributed to two other high-impact projects:
AI Safety Systems: One team collaborated with International Paper to develop a “computer vision system of the future”. This technology utilizes AI cameras to detect human presence in restricted “red zones,” significantly enhancing workplace safety.
Steam-Penetration Imaging: A third team worked on a patented technology designed to help operators see through steam on paper machines. This system employs a combination of infrared and white light to maintain visibility in challenging environments.
A Bridge Between Classroom and Industry
The internship program at ECS is designed to provide students with real-world experience that transcends traditional classroom learning. Nolan described his time with the small, experienced team as a “huge learning experience” that allowed him to develop professional skills while working on products utilized by major industrial players.
Chris Drew of the ECS software team praised the interns’ contributions, noting their ability to learn new development platforms quickly and proactively take on tasks that improve production software.
For more information on these projects, application reports are available below:
Quality Control: [reports in progress]
Workplace Safety: [reports in progress]
Infrared Light: [reports in progress]
