REMLABNET IV – LTI Federated Remote Laboratory Management System with Embedded Multiparameter Simulations

The recent progress in REMLABNET (www.remlabnet.eu ), namely its LTI Federation possibilities with other systems and multiparameter simulations embedded, is presented together with the main recent features of REMLABNET (as a Remote Laboratory Management System). At present the available real remote experiments have been provided for Go-Lab EU FP 7 project. The system with about 20 remote experiments has been with success running since 2013 and has been since constantly improved thanks to the project of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) “SCOPES”. Keywords—Internet School Experimental System, Remote Laboratory Management System, REMLABNET, remote experiments, LTI connectivity, embedded simulations 1 Context Introduction Federated remote laboratory management system, REMLABNET IV (version 2017), for the integrating and management of remote experiments, is presented. Its building was initiated both from the extensive use and expertise in Internet School Experimental System (ISES) and the lack of a similar system for secondary schools in Europe. The history and reasons for RLMS system REMLABNET are to be found in the original paper [1]. The system uses new features added to REMLABNET in 2016, namely: ! Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) federation to any arbitrary system as, e.g. LMS system MOODLE (inclusive Go-Lab), into one cooperating system sharing remote experiments, ! New Measureserver (2016) with the ability to embed multi parameter simulations to model remote experiment data. The paper is a free continuation of the papers on Remote Laboratory Management System (RLMS) REMLABNET II published in REV 2015 in Bangkok [2] designed for integrating and management of remote experiments (REs) for secondary schools iJOE ‒ Vol. 13, No. 10, 2017 103 Paper—REMLABNET IV – LTI Federated Remote Laboratory Management System with Embed... and the university level with the special focus on its role in researchbased teaching and REMLABNET III published in REV 2016 in Madrid, where we dealt with the problem of Go-Lab federation [3]. 2 Purpose of REMLABNET General purpose of the Remote Laboratory Management System (RLMS) is to provide the arbitrary client with REs contained in the system of the Trnava University (http://www.remlabnet.eu/list.pdf) with REs of the Consortium [4] from Trnava, Zlin and Prague. The experiments are provided with double level diagnostics and in progress is embedding of multiparameter simulations, accompanying the REs. 3 Functionality and approach of REMABNET 3.1 Federation and LTI of RLMS In 2015 we succeeded in two basic steps, in cooperation with the technical committee of the EU FP 7 Go-Lab we devised the interconnection of both Go-Lab (D. Gillet) and REMLABNET RLMS (F. Schauer) systems creating two federated remote laboratory management systems for the first time. The second step was accomplished when Consortium [4] REs were interconnected to the Go-Lab for sharing, which process continues till now (see Figure 1).Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) is the product developed by IMS Global Learning Consortium [http://www.imsglobal.org/activity/ learning-tools-interoperability ]. The principal concept of LTI is to establish a standard way of integrating rich learning applications (often remotely hosted and provided through third-party services) with platforms like learning management systems, portals, learning object repositories, or other educational environments. This approach was adopted by many big systems like a Moodle, Google course builder and many more. In LTI these LMS, or platforms, are called Tool Consumers and the learning applications are called Tools (delivered by Tool Providers) (See Figure 1). Advantage is a security which is ensured between provider and costumers. When end user is logged into costumer system there is no need to log into provider system. We adopted LTI to Remlabnet and create new API for it. At this moment there is a full integration of LTI which provides end users’ and costumer systems’ metadata. This allows us to introduce new functionality like a storing of measured data, single user statistic and direct feedback for users of the costumer system. 3.2 Multiparameter simulations embedded in remote experiments of RLMS Students have sometimes problems to understand complex phenomena behind the ISES remote experiments and the physics laws governing the experiment. To provide insight into physics of the phenomenon in question, a multiparameter simulation, working with analytical formulations of the respective physics law might be of a great 104 http://www.i-joe.org Paper—REMLABNET IV – LTI Federated Remote Laboratory Management System with Embed... Fig. 1. Schematic representation of federated remote laboratory management system (RLMS) – REMLABNET (www.remlabnet.eu), built by the consortium of Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Charles University in Prague and Trnava University in Trnava and interconnected to the Go-Lab portal (www.go-labz.eu) the connectivity to the LTI is provided Fig. 2. The general scheme for Remlabnet with the interface Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) help. For this purpose, a new module has been designed and implemented into remote experiment software, enabling simulations embedding into remote experiments outputs. This module is a part of the Measureserver (MS) called phenomena simulation module (PSM). The MS is a program core unit deployed for the data gathering, processing and distribution. It resides in underlying structure of the ISES remote experiment (RE) between the physical apparatus and the REMLABNET platform. The PSM iJOE ‒ Vol. 13, No. 10, 2017 105 Paper—REMLABNET IV – LTI Federated Remote Laboratory Management System with Embed... runs concurrently with the ISES RE as a physical model. Both models are entirely synchronized during the experimentation, the PSM enables variable model coefficients. The core of the PSM are Runge-kutta and Modified Euler solvers for ordinary differential equations of the first and second order. As an example, the RLC circuit with the artificially introduced damping was chosen (Figure 3). The circuit consists of a real capacitor and real inductor and two variable damping resistors, one in series and one in parallel with the circuit. In Figure 3 are the time domain responses of the RLC instantaneous current i(t) to a unit step voltage U perturbation both in real experiment (red) and simulation (blue). The PSM starts the solver to calculate the solution with adjusted parameters at an identical time with the remote experiment. Two situations are depicted, one with not fitted simulated data with respect to the measured data (left) and the 100% fit (right).

and the university level with the special focus on its role in research-based teaching and REMLABNET III published in REV 2016 in Madrid, where we dealt with the problem of Go-Lab federation [3].

Purpose of REMLABNET
General purpose of the Remote Laboratory Management System (RLMS) is to provide the arbitrary client with REs contained in the system of the Trnava University (http://www.remlabnet.eu/list.pdf) with REs of the Consortium [4] from Trnava, Zlin and Prague. The experiments are provided with double level diagnostics and in progress is embedding of multiparameter simulations, accompanying the REs.

3
Functionality and approach of REMABNET

Federation and LTI of RLMS
In 2015 we succeeded in two basic steps, in cooperation with the technical committee of the EU FP 7 Go-Lab we devised the interconnection of both Go-Lab (D. Gillet) and REMLABNET RLMS (F. Schauer) systems creating two federated remote laboratory management systems for the first time. The second step was accomplished when Consortium [4] REs were interconnected to the Go-Lab for sharing, which process continues till now (see Figure 1).Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) is the product developed by IMS Global Learning Consortium [http://www.imsglobal.org/activity/ learning-tools-interoperability ]. The principal concept of LTI is to establish a standard way of integrating rich learning applications (often remotely hosted and provided through third-party services) with platforms like learning management systems, portals, learning object repositories, or other educational environments. This approach was adopted by many big systems like a Moodle, Google course builder and many more. In LTI these LMS, or platforms, are called Tool Consumers and the learning applications are called Tools (delivered by Tool Providers) (See Figure 1). Advantage is a security which is ensured between provider and costumers. When end user is logged into costumer system there is no need to log into provider system. We adopted LTI to Remlabnet and create new API for it. At this moment there is a full integration of LTI which provides end users' and costumer systems' metadata. This allows us to introduce new functionality like a storing of measured data, single user statistic and direct feedback for users of the costumer system.

Multiparameter simulations embedded in remote experiments of RLMS
Students have sometimes problems to understand complex phenomena behind the ISES remote experiments and the physics laws governing the experiment. To provide insight into physics of the phenomenon in question, a multiparameter simulation, working with analytical formulations of the respective physics law might be of a great http://www.i-joe.org help. For this purpose, a new module has been designed and implemented into remote experiment software, enabling simulations embedding into remote experiments outputs. This module is a part of the Measureserver (MS) called phenomena simulation module (PSM). The MS is a program core unit deployed for the data gathering, processing and distribution. It resides in underlying structure of the ISES remote experiment (RE) between the physical apparatus and the REMLABNET platform. The PSM runs concurrently with the ISES RE as a physical model. Both models are entirely synchronized during the experimentation, the PSM enables variable model coefficients. The core of the PSM are Runge-kutta and Modified Euler solvers for ordinary differential equations of the first and second order.
As an example, the RLC circuit with the artificially introduced damping was chosen ( Figure 3). The circuit consists of a real capacitor and real inductor and two variable damping resistors, one in series and one in parallel with the circuit. In Figure 3 are the time domain responses of the RLC instantaneous current i(t) to a unit step voltage U perturbation both in real experiment (red) and simulation (blue). The PSM starts the solver to calculate the solution with adjusted parameters at an identical time with the remote experiment. Two situations are depicted, one with not fitted simulated data with respect to the measured data (left) and the 100% fit (right).

New arrangement of Remlabnet and ISES e-experiments of RLMS [1]
JavaScript redefining. Due to the restrictions, imposed on Java applets in 2013, we have had to completely rewrite the controlling programs of all our remote experiments and to impose changes in experiment themselves. In searching for more suitable web communication language we choose JavaScript and in July 2015 all our remote experiments were ready to use again. The outcomes pros outweighed the efforts exerted, as we brought to the young generation remote laboratories accessible anywhere, anytime and by any communication means ranging from smartphones to notebooks. By this step we also brought the remote laboratories nearer to schools and practical education. In Figure 4 is the front page of a new Remlabnet (see www.remlabnet.eu) and the offer of available remote experiments, and in Figure 5 an example of rewritten web page of the experiment "Simple pendulum" with Java applets (up) and JavaScript.

ISES e-experiments with two level Diagnostics of RLMS [3]
The crucial drawback of existing REs is the lack of feedback of their functionality. The clients are then disgusted and are repelled from the regular use of REs. In our current Measureserver@ we accommodated two diagnostic systems, whose flow chart diagram is in Figure 6. The System I (Figure 7) signals by the "traffic lights" the available experiment ((a) green light), occupation of the experiment (temporary or permanent) ((b) orange light) and out of order experiment -not available for the service -(red light (c)).   Figure 8b, yellow color), the corresponding report occurs and e-m message is sent to the experiment owner as request. At the beginning of the remote experiment programming the ISES components and modules of the experiment are collected in the reference list with their sensitivity or ranges (see Figure 8a).

Virtualized cloud and services of RLMS [2]
Virtualized Cloud -(Schematic functioning of virtualization is in Figure 9) To provide optimal access to all the experiments and economical exploitation of the RLMS with its all functionalities and benefits, we intend to use the virtualized cloud computing.

Fig. 9. Schematic functioning of cloud virtualization
Our idea is make two or more datacenters (DTC) with relevant data and clients connected to the nearest DTC with the lowest traffic and utilization. Because of a large number of inexperienced users may access RLMS, we need to create as secure a network environment as possible. Specific concern is the RE computer system, the software from instrument vendor, and the security of data collected.
For our work are dedicated few servers in two datacenters. Vendor of this servers are Oracle (SunFire) and Cisco (UCS). All of servers are with ESXi operating system from VMWare and with one vCenter for management of them. We can use for the purpose following features of the system [20]. Operating systems for each VMs are used by purpose (for example MS Windows desktop or server editions, Linux SLES for VMWare or Ubuntu etc.) Security of DTCs is built on several levels. First security level is based on IP (Internet Protocol) with allowed or denied IP addresses and ports. Second security concern will deal with the unauthorized access to the instrumentation and computer desktop, is user level with encrypted usernames and passwords used SSL to transmit between DTCs. Third level is IDS (intrusion detection system) and IPS (intrusion prevention system) to monitoring possible incidents. Fourth and last is SIEM (security information and event management) and Checkpoint application firewall for monitoring on the application level.

REMLABNET-feature and outcomes
In near future we will be dealing with following topics: interface recognition and connection -One of the envisaged and highly required qualities of RLMS REMLABNET is the necessity of recognizing of variety of common interfaces, the elaboratories may possess.
On applying to the RLMS, the system responds by the connecting of the corresponding transformation driver, transforming a rig´s data output to XML format. On the other hand, the system behaves in the bidirectional way, transforming the data sent by the client to the format of the rig. In such a way the system will by quite universal, removing all the communication barriers.

! Connectivity of REMLABNET to MOODLE by LTI -all running courses of
Physics in MOODLE will be provided with direct connectivity to REMLABNET, so making easy a direct approach to all RE and accompanying material during teaching without boring delays. ! Registration of RE in RLMS -As a communication protocol for the data processing with the server JSON (Java Script Object Notation) or XML (Extensible Markup Language) will be used. Once the connection is established, the system will send a crafted web page to a web server and ensure experiment inclusion in the database with all necessary information that the user enters during the experiment setup. This information should allow the inclusion of experiment in the appropriate category, describing its physical background and its functioning. Descriptions will not be restricted to mere textual information, but will allow inserting of images and videos in order to achieve the deepest possible problem understanding. By this step the experiment is included in the database and available on the web portal REMLABNET. ! Virtual Classroom -This service will allow the integration of the rig and entry of the users into a virtual classroom. The virtual class setup will also enable (student / teacher) roles allocation Virtual classroom will provide special features for testing and evaluation of knowledge of the students as well. Communication within the virtual classroom will be by the video conferencing or text-only chat. For this purpose communication protocols like VOIP (voice over Internet Protocol) and RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) will be used. ! Communication board -This service will be a simple communication window that will serve to put questions to administrator or the insertion of proposals for improvements and feedback by email. This feature will be fully automated. Communication with the administrator will be displayed on the whiteboard window. ! Entrance test -This function will restrict the access to the experiment only to those, who passed the test entered by the administrator. It will test the user's knowledge and prevent misuses of the experiment. The results of these tests will be stored and may be used for the statistical purposes. ! Transformation of rig´s data to XML. The main purpose of this transforming interface is to gather experiment configuration, current controlling values and measured data results in order to maintain particular experiment setup and repro-duce it off-line. Every rig is planned to be equipped with a separated storage space which should include the date, time, logged user and description, identifying the experiment and the measured data gathered from the experiment physical hardware (apparatus). This interface, giving data in standardized XML, will be used for a simulation process. ! Database storage and its evaluation using artificial intelligence -The system will provide storage of all information concerning experiments and enable their displaying in the form of a catalogue. In database there will be stored measured experimental data of registered users for later use.