Designing a Structured Serial Communication Between Arduino and LabVIEW for Conveyor Automation

In the mini conveyor sorting system, LabVIEW acts as a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that receives real-time data from Arduino Nano and transmits control commands back to the embedded controller. The communication is implemented using USB serial and VISA-based data handling.

Serial Communication Architecture

As shown in the LabVIEW block diagram, communication begins with:

• VISA Configure Serial Port
• Baud rate configuration
• USB port selection

The system continuously monitors the serial buffer using Bytes at Port, ensuring that LabVIEW only reads available data.

This prevents partial-frame parsing and buffer overflow.

Data Reception and Parsing

Arduino transmits sensor data as raw comma-separated numeric values.

In LabVIEW:

1. VISA Read captures the full string.
2. Match Pattern validates data frame termination.
3. Scan From String converts CSV string into numeric values.
4. Parsed values are mapped to:
   • RED
   • GREEN
   • BLUE
   • OTHERS
   • HEIGHT (CM)
   • Conveyor Status

The block diagram clearly shows numeric conversion blocks feeding into indicator terminals such as:

• RED COUNT
• GREEN COUNT
• BLUE COUNT
• OTHERS COUNT

This structured parsing ensures consistent UI updates.

Indicator and State Handling

The block diagram uses Case Structures to control:

• RUN indicator
• STOP indicator
• Color detection state (True/False logic)
• Object detection validation

When detection is TRUE, the corresponding case block activates:

• Color LED indicator
• Counter increment logic

This prevents false increments during idle conditions.

Parameter Transmission from LabVIEW to Arduino

The right side of the block diagram shows numeric controls for:

• Conveyor Speed
• Minimum Height Detect
• Minimum Height Object
• Maximum Height Object
• Delay Check

When RUN or STOP buttons are pressed, LabVIEW transmits command strings via VISA Write.

Commands include:

• Start operation
• Stop operation
• Reset counter
• Speed update

The RESET COUNT button triggers a confirmation dialog before sending reset command.

Communication Stability Measures

Based on the implementation:

• Data reading only occurs when "Read" boolean is TRUE.
• Transmission is separated from parsing loop.
• Case structures isolate command execution from monitoring logic.
• Baud rate is configurable from the front panel.

This design prevents:

• Data overlap
• Blocking UI execution
• Serial buffer corruption

Engineering Insight

The integration of VISA Read, Scan From String, and structured case logic provides:

• Deterministic parsing
• Real-time visualization
• Stable bidirectional control
• Clean separation between monitoring and command logic

This architecture demonstrates a practical approach to PC-based industrial automation using LabVIEW and embedded controllers.

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