Unit Testing for Command and Control Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, Joshua

2018-01-01

Unit tests were created to evaluate the functionality of a Data Generation and Publication tool for a command and control system. These unit tests are developed to constantly evaluate the tool and ensure it functions properly as the command and control system grows in size and scope. Unit tests are a crucial part of testing any software project and are especially instrumental in the development of a command and control system. They save resources, time and costs associated with testing, and catch issues before they become increasingly difficult and costly. The unit tests produced for the Data Generation and Publication tool to be used in a command and control system assure the users and stakeholders of its functionality and offer assurances which are vital in the launching of spacecraft safely.

Interferometric correction system for a numerically controlled machine

DOEpatents

Burleson, Robert R.

1978-01-01

An interferometric correction system for a numerically controlled machine is provided to improve the positioning accuracy of a machine tool, for example, for a high-precision numerically controlled machine. A laser interferometer feedback system is used to monitor the positioning of the machine tool which is being moved by command pulses to a positioning system to position the tool. The correction system compares the commanded position as indicated by a command pulse train applied to the positioning system with the actual position of the tool as monitored by the laser interferometer. If the tool position lags the commanded position by a preselected error, additional pulses are added to the pulse train applied to the positioning system to advance the tool closer to the commanded position, thereby reducing the lag error. If the actual tool position is leading in comparison to the commanded position, pulses are deleted from the pulse train where the advance error exceeds the preselected error magnitude to correct the position error of the tool relative to the commanded position.

The Command and Control of the Grand Armee: Napoleon as Organizational Designer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

AUTHOR(S) Norman L. Durham 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 7 . PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA 93943-5000...served as the framework for a highly effective command and control system. This command and control network allowed Napoleon to dominate a war with...within his organizational design was a vast information network that served as the framework for a highly effective command and control system. This

Total energy based flight control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lambregts, Antonius A. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

An integrated aircraft longitudinal flight control system uses a generalized thrust and elevator command computation (38), which accepts flight path angle, longitudinal acceleration command signals, along with associated feedback signals, to form energy rate error (20) and energy rate distribution error (18) signals. The engine thrust command is developed (22) as a function of the energy rate distribution error and the elevator position command is developed (26) as a function of the energy distribution error. For any vertical flight path and speed mode the outerloop errors are normalized (30, 34) to produce flight path angle and longitudinal acceleration commands. The system provides decoupled flight path and speed control for all control modes previously provided by the longitudinal autopilot, autothrottle and flight management systems.

Step 1: Human System Integration Simulation and Flight Test Progress Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

The Access 5 Human Systems Integration Work Package produced simulation and flight demonstration planning products for use throughout the program. These included: Test Objectives for Command, Control, Communications; Pilot Questionnaire for Command, Control, Communications; Air Traffic Controller Questionnaire for Command, Control, Communications; Test Objectives for Collision Avoidance; Pilot Questionnaire for Collision Avoidance; Plans for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Control Station Simulations Flight Requirements for the Airspace Operations Demonstration

AI challenges for spacecraft control programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lightfoot, Patricia

1986-01-01

The application of AI technology to the spacecraft and experiment command and control systems environment is proposed. The disadvantages of the present methods for analyzing and resolving spacecraft experiment command and control problems are discussed. The potential capabilities and advantages of using AI for the spacecraft and experiment command and control systems are described.

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Process for Requesting Waiver of Mandatory Separation Age for a Federal Aviation Administration...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Stations, Enroute or Terminal Facilities, and the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center... Stations, Enroute or Terminal Facilities, and the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center..., enroute facilities, terminal facilities, or at the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command...

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Process for Requesting Waiver of Mandatory Separation Age for a Federal Aviation Administration...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Stations, Enroute or Terminal Facilities, and the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center... Stations, Enroute or Terminal Facilities, and the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center..., enroute facilities, terminal facilities, or at the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command...

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Process for Requesting Waiver of Mandatory Separation Age for a Federal Aviation Administration...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Stations, Enroute or Terminal Facilities, and the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center... Stations, Enroute or Terminal Facilities, and the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center..., enroute facilities, terminal facilities, or at the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command...

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Process for Requesting Waiver of Mandatory Separation Age for a Federal Aviation Administration...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Stations, Enroute or Terminal Facilities, and the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center... Stations, Enroute or Terminal Facilities, and the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command Center..., enroute facilities, terminal facilities, or at the David J. Hurley Air Traffic Control System Command...

Financial Audit: Financial Reporting and Internal Controls at the Air Force Systems Command

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

As part of GAO’S audits of the Air Force’s financial management and operations for fiscal years 1988 and 1989, GAO evaluated the Air Force Systems Command’s internal accounting controls and financial reporting systems. For fiscal year 1988 and 1989, the Systems Command received about $26.7 billion and $32.4 billion, respectively, in appropriated funds. This report discusses the results of our audits of the Systems Command.

System-wide power management control via clock distribution network

DOEpatents

Coteus, Paul W.; Gara, Alan; Gooding, Thomas M.; Haring, Rudolf A.; Kopcsay, Gerard V.; Liebsch, Thomas A.; Reed, Don D.

2015-05-19

An apparatus, method and computer program product for automatically controlling power dissipation of a parallel computing system that includes a plurality of processors. A computing device issues a command to the parallel computing system. A clock pulse-width modulator encodes the command in a system clock signal to be distributed to the plurality of processors. The plurality of processors in the parallel computing system receive the system clock signal including the encoded command, and adjusts power dissipation according to the encoded command.

Common command-and-control user interface for current force UGS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stolovy, Gary H.

2009-05-01

The Current Force Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) comprise the OmniSense, Scorpion, and Silent Watch systems. As deployed by U.S. Army Central Command in 2006, sensor reports from the three systems were integrated into a common Graphical User Interface (GUI), with three separate vendor-specific applications for Command-and-Control (C2) functions. This paper describes the requirements, system architecture, implementation, and testing of an upgrade to the Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination back-end server to incorporate common remote Command-and-Control capabilities.

COMMAND-AND-CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT DECISION MAKING,

DTIC Science & Technology

Reports that the development of command-and-con trol systems in support of decision making and action taking has been accomplished by military...methods applicable to management systems. Concludes that the command-and-control type system for top management decision making is a man-machine system having as its core an on going, dynamic operation. (Author)

Bi-directional power control system for voltage converter

DOEpatents

Garrigan, Neil Richard; King, Robert Dean; Schwartz, James Edward

1999-01-01

A control system for a voltage converter includes: a power comparator for comparing a power signal on input terminals of the converter with a commanded power signal and producing a power comparison signal; a power regulator for transforming the power comparison signal to a commanded current signal; a current comparator for comparing the commanded current signal with a measured current signal on output terminals of the converter and producing a current comparison signal; a current regulator for transforming the current comparison signal to a pulse width modulator (PWM) duty cycle command signal; and a PWM for using the PWM duty cycle command signal to control electrical switches of the converter. The control system may further include: a command multiplier for converting a voltage signal across the output terminals of the converter to a gain signal having a value between zero (0) and unity (1), and a power multiplier for multiplying the commanded power signal by the gain signal to provide a limited commanded power signal, wherein power comparator compares the limited commanded power signal with the power signal on the input terminals.

Bi-directional power control system for voltage converter

DOEpatents

Garrigan, N.R.; King, R.D.; Schwartz, J.E.

1999-05-11

A control system for a voltage converter includes: a power comparator for comparing a power signal on input terminals of the converter with a commanded power signal and producing a power comparison signal; a power regulator for transforming the power comparison signal to a commanded current signal; a current comparator for comparing the commanded current signal with a measured current signal on output terminals of the converter and producing a current comparison signal; a current regulator for transforming the current comparison signal to a pulse width modulator (PWM) duty cycle command signal; and a PWM for using the PWM duty cycle command signal to control electrical switches of the converter. The control system may further include: a command multiplier for converting a voltage signal across the output terminals of the converter to a gain signal having a value between zero (0) and unity (1), and a power multiplier for multiplying the commanded power signal by the gain signal to provide a limited commanded power signal, wherein power comparator compares the limited commanded power signal with the power signal on the input terminals. 10 figs.

Fuel cell system logic for differentiating between rapid and normal shutdown commands

DOEpatents

Keskula, Donald H.; Doan, Tien M.; Clingerman, Bruce J.

2000-01-01

A method of controlling the operation of a fuel cell system wherein each shutdown command for the system is subjected to decision logic which determines whether the command should be a normal shutdown command or rapid shutdown command. If the logic determines that the shutdown command should be a normal shutdown command, then the system is shutdown in a normal step-by-step process in which the hydrogen stream is consumed within the system. If the logic determines that the shutdown command should be a rapid shutdown command, the hydrogen stream is removed from the system either by dumping to atmosphere or routing to storage.

Helicopter force-feel and stability augmentation system with parallel servo-actuator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoh, Roger H. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A force-feel system is implemented by mechanically coupling a servo-actuator to and in parallel with a flight control system. The servo-actuator consists of an electric motor, a gearing device, and a clutch. A commanded cockpit-flight-controller position is achieved by pilot actuation of a trim-switch. The position of the cockpit-flight-controller is compared with the commanded position to form a first error which is processed by a shaping function to correlate the first error with a commanded force at the cockpit-flight-controller. The commanded force on the cockpit-flight-controller provides centering forces and improved control feel for the pilot. In an embodiment, the force-feel system is used as the basic element of stability augmentation system (SAS). The SAS provides a stabilization signal that is compared with the commanded position to form a second error signal. The first error is summed with the second error for processing by the shaping function.

Control apparatus and method for efficiently heating a fuel processor in a fuel cell system

DOEpatents

Doan, Tien M.; Clingerman, Bruce J.

2003-08-05

A control apparatus and method for efficiently controlling the amount of heat generated by a fuel cell processor in a fuel cell system by determining a temperature error between actual and desired fuel processor temperatures. The temperature error is converted to a combustor fuel injector command signal or a heat dump valve position command signal depending upon the type of temperature error. Logic controls are responsive to the combustor fuel injector command signals and the heat dump valve position command signal to prevent the combustor fuel injector command signal from being generated if the heat dump valve is opened or, alternately, from preventing the heat dump valve position command signal from being generated if the combustor fuel injector is opened.

Servo control booster system for minimizing following error

DOEpatents

Wise, William L.

1985-01-01

A closed-loop feedback-controlled servo system is disclosed which reduces command-to-response error to the system's position feedback resolution least increment, .DELTA.S.sub.R, on a continuous real-time basis for all operating speeds. The servo system employs a second position feedback control loop on a by exception basis, when the command-to-response error .gtoreq..DELTA.S.sub.R, to produce precise position correction signals. When the command-to-response error is less than .DELTA.S.sub.R, control automatically reverts to conventional control means as the second position feedback control loop is disconnected, becoming transparent to conventional servo control means. By operating the second unique position feedback control loop used herein at the appropriate clocking rate, command-to-response error may be reduced to the position feedback resolution least increment. The present system may be utilized in combination with a tachometer loop for increased stability.

Integrated command, control, communications and computation system functional architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooley, C. G.; Gilbert, L. E.

1981-01-01

The functional architecture for an integrated command, control, communications, and computation system applicable to the command and control portion of the NASA End-to-End Data. System is described including the downlink data processing and analysis functions required to support the uplink processes. The functional architecture is composed of four elements: (1) the functional hierarchy which provides the decomposition and allocation of the command and control functions to the system elements; (2) the key system features which summarize the major system capabilities; (3) the operational activity threads which illustrate the interrelationahip between the system elements; and (4) the interfaces which illustrate those elements that originate or generate data and those elements that use the data. The interfaces also provide a description of the data and the data utilization and access techniques.

The Combat Vehicle Command and Control System. Combat Performance of Armor Battalions Using Interactive Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-31

ncluded the Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer and a Command and Control display. Using 1 tank simulators in the Mounted Warfare Test Bed at Fort...CCD), the Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV), and digital TOC workstations. Using autoloading tank simulators in the Mounted Warfare Test...identifying ways that the CVCC system might best benefit the battlefield commander, and potential modifications to mounted warfare TTPs. Another area of

History of Command and Control at KSC: Kennedy Engineering Academy Series

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurt, George Richard

2007-01-01

Agenda for this presentation is: Evolution of Command and Control (C&C), C&C history, Launch Processing System overview, Core System Overview, Checkout & Launch Control System, Overview and Commercial-Off-The-Shelf guidelines

An intelligent automated command and control system for spacecraft mission operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoffel, A. William

1994-01-01

The Intelligent Command and Control (ICC) System research project is intended to provide the technology base necessary for producing an intelligent automated command and control (C&C) system capable of performing all the ground control C&C functions currently performed by Mission Operations Center (MOC) project Flight Operations Team (FOT). The ICC research accomplishments to date, details of the ICC, and the planned outcome of the ICC research, mentioned above, are discussed in detail.

Fuzzy Finite-Time Command Filtered Control of Nonlinear Systems With Input Saturation.

PubMed

Yu, Jinpeng; Zhao, Lin; Yu, Haisheng; Lin, Chong; Dong, Wenjie

2017-08-22

This paper considers the fuzzy finite-time tracking control problem for a class of nonlinear systems with input saturation. A novel fuzzy finite-time command filtered backstepping approach is proposed by introducing the fuzzy finite-time command filter, designing the new virtual control signals and the modified error compensation signals. The proposed approach not only holds the advantages of the conventional command-filtered backstepping control, but also guarantees the finite-time convergence. A practical example is included to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Real-Time Reconfigurable Adaptive Speech Recognition Command and Control Apparatus and Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salazar, George A. (Inventor); Haynes, Dena S. (Inventor); Sommers, Marc J. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

An adaptive speech recognition and control system and method for controlling various mechanisms and systems in response to spoken instructions and in which spoken commands are effective to direct the system into appropriate memory nodes, and to respective appropriate memory templates corresponding to the voiced command is discussed. Spoken commands from any of a group of operators for which the system is trained may be identified, and voice templates are updated as required in response to changes in pronunciation and voice characteristics over time of any of the operators for which the system is trained. Provisions are made for both near-real-time retraining of the system with respect to individual terms which are determined not be positively identified, and for an overall system training and updating process in which recognition of each command and vocabulary term is checked, and in which the memory templates are retrained if necessary for respective commands or vocabulary terms with respect to an operator currently using the system. In one embodiment, the system includes input circuitry connected to a microphone and including signal processing and control sections for sensing the level of vocabulary recognition over a given period and, if recognition performance falls below a given level, processing audio-derived signals for enhancing recognition performance of the system.

2015 Assessment of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-01

performance and test adequacy of the BMDS, its four autonomous BMDS systems, and its sensor/command and control architecture. The four autonomous BMDS...Patriot. The Command and Control , Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) element anchors the sensor/command and control architecture. This...Warfare operations against a cruise missile surrogate. Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD). GMD has demonstrated capability against small

The Design and Transfer of Advanced Command and Control (C2) Computer-Based Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-31

TECHNICAL REPORT 80-02 QUARTERLY TECHNICAL REPORT: THE DESIGN AND TRANSFER OF ADVANCED COMMAND AND CONTROL (C 2 ) COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEMS ARPA...The Tasks/Objectives and/or Purposes of the overall project are connected with the design , development, demonstration and transfer of advanced...command and control (C2 ) computer-based systems; this report covers work in the computer-based design and transfer areas only. The Technical Problems thus

Application Of Optical Techniques To Command, Control, And Communications (C3) Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinberg, M.; Steensma, P. D.

1981-02-01

This paper identifies and discusses specific applications of the optical transmission technology to various Command Control and Communications (C3) systems. Candidate C3 systems will first be identified and discussed briefly. These will include: 407L/485L Tactical Air Defense Systems (USAF) TAOC-85 Tactical Air Operations Central (USMC) SACDIN Strategic Air Command Digital Integrated Network (USAF) MX-C3 Missile "X" Command Control Communications Network The first tr are classified as tactical C3 systems while the latter two are classified as strategic C systems. Potential optical applications will be identified along with the benefits derived. Each application will be discussed with key parameters, cost performance benefits, potential problem areas, time frame for development identified.

[Network Design of the Spaceport Command and Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Teijeiro, Antonio

2017-01-01

I helped the Launch Control System (LCS) hardware team sustain the network design of the Spaceport Command and Control System. I wrote the procedure that will be used to satisfy an official hardware test for the hardware carrying data from the Launch Vehicle. I installed hardware and updated design documents in support of the ongoing development of the Spaceport Command and Control System and applied firewall experience I gained during my spring 2017 semester to inspect and create firewall security policies as requested. Finally, I completed several online courses concerning networking fundamentals and Unix operating systems.

Detonation command and control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mace, Jonathan Lee; Seitz, Gerald J.; Echave, John A.

The detonation of one or more explosive charges and propellant charges by a detonator in response to a fire control signal from a command and control system comprised of a command center and instrumentation center with a communications link therebetween. The fire control signal is selectively provided to the detonator from the instrumentation center if plural detonation control switches at the command center are in a fire authorization status, and instruments, and one or more interlocks, if included, are in a ready for firing status. The instrumentation and command centers are desirably mobile, such as being respective vehicles.

Detonation command and control

DOEpatents

Mace, Jonathan L.; Seitz, Gerald J.; Echave, John A.; Le Bas, Pierre-Yves

2015-11-10

The detonation of one or more explosive charges and propellant charges by a detonator in response to a fire control signal from a command and control system comprised of a command center and instrumentation center with a communications link therebetween. The fire control signal is selectively provided to the detonator from the instrumentation center if plural detonation control switches at the command center are in a fire authorization status, and instruments, and one or more interlocks, if included, are in a ready for firing status. The instrumentation and command centers are desirably mobile, such as being respective vehicles.

Detonation command and control

DOEpatents

Mace, Jonathan L.; Seitz, Gerald J.; Echave, John A.; Le Bas, Pierre-Yves

2016-05-31

The detonation of one or more explosive charges and propellant charges by a detonator in response to a fire control signal from a command and control system comprised of a command center and instrumentation center with a communications link there between. The fire control signal is selectively provided to the detonator from the instrumentation center if plural detonation control switches at the command center are in a fire authorization status, and instruments, and one or more interlocks, if included, are in a ready for firing status. The instrumentation and command centers are desirably mobile, such as being respective vehicles.

Servo control booster system for minimizing following error

DOEpatents

Wise, W.L.

1979-07-26

A closed-loop feedback-controlled servo system is disclosed which reduces command-to-response error to the system's position feedback resolution least increment, ..delta..S/sub R/, on a continuous real-time basis, for all operational times of consequence and for all operating speeds. The servo system employs a second position feedback control loop on a by exception basis, when the command-to-response error greater than or equal to ..delta..S/sub R/, to produce precise position correction signals. When the command-to-response error is less than ..delta..S/sub R/, control automatically reverts to conventional control means as the second position feedback control loop is disconnected, becoming transparent to conventional servo control means. By operating the second unique position feedback control loop used herein at the appropriate clocking rate, command-to-response error may be reduced to the position feedback resolution least increment. The present system may be utilized in combination with a tachometer loop for increased stability.

A universal computer control system for motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szakaly, Zoltan F. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A control system for a multi-motor system such as a space telerobot, having a remote computational node and a local computational node interconnected with one another by a high speed data link is described. A Universal Computer Control System (UCCS) for the telerobot is located at each node. Each node is provided with a multibus computer system which is characterized by a plurality of processors with all processors being connected to a common bus, and including at least one command processor. The command processor communicates over the bus with a plurality of joint controller cards. A plurality of direct current torque motors, of the type used in telerobot joints and telerobot hand-held controllers, are connected to the controller cards and responds to digital control signals from the command processor. Essential motor operating parameters are sensed by analog sensing circuits and the sensed analog signals are converted to digital signals for storage at the controller cards where such signals can be read during an address read/write cycle of the command processing processor.

User guide to a command and control system; a part of a prelaunch wind monitoring program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cowgill, G. R.

1976-01-01

A set of programs called Command and Control System (CCS), intended as a user manual, is described for the operation of CCS by the personnel supporting the wind monitoring portion of the launch mission. Wind data obtained by tracking balloons is sent by electronic means using telephone lines to other locations. Steering commands are computed from a system called ADDJUST for the on-board computer and relays this data. Data are received and automatically stored in a microprocessor, then via a real time program transferred to the UNIVAC 1100/40 computer. At this point the data is available to be used by the Command and Control system.

Exploring the Impact of Fuel Data Acquisition Technology on the USMC Expeditionary Energy Command and Control System

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

suggested interventions that may reduce inefficient energy practices (Salem & Gallenson, 2014). The E2O selected a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) wireless ...IMPACT OF FUEL DATA ACQUISITION TECHNOLOGY ON THE USMC EXPEDITIONARY ENERGY COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM by Jeremy F. Thomas September 2016...ON THE USMC EXPEDITIONARY ENERGY COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 6. AUTHOR(S) Jeremy F. Thomas 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S

Distance Learning Methodologies. TRANSCOM Regulating and Command & Control Evacuation System (TRAC2ES).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bloomquist, Carroll R.

The TRANSCOM (Transportation Command) Regulating Command and Control Evacuation System (TRAC2ES), which applies state-of-the-art technology to manage global medical regulating (matching patients to clinical availability) and medical evacuation processes, will be installed at all Department of Defense medical locations globally. A combination of…

Multi-agent autonomous system and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fink, Wolfgang (Inventor); Dohm, James (Inventor); Tarbell, Mark A. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A method of controlling a plurality of crafts in an operational area includes providing a command system, a first craft in the operational area coupled to the command system, and a second craft in the operational area coupled to the command system. The method further includes determining a first desired destination and a first trajectory to the first desired destination, sending a first command from the command system to the first craft to move a first distance along the first trajectory, and moving the first craft according to the first command. A second desired destination and a second trajectory to the second desired destination are determined and a second command is sent from the command system to the second craft to move a second distance along the second trajectory.

Apollo Command and Service Module Propulsion Systems Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Interbartolo, Michael A.

2009-01-01

An overview of the Apollo Command and Service Module (CSM) propulsion systems is provided. The systems for CSM propulsion and control are defined, the times during the mission when each system is used are listed, and, the basic components and operation of the service propulsion system, SM reaction control system and CM reaction control system are described.

77 FR 27202 - 36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-09

... includes: Electronic Warfare Systems, Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence/Communication, Navigational and Identifications (C4I/CNI), Autonomic Logistics Global Support System (ALGS... Systems, Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence/Communication, Navigational and...

The Combat Vehicle Command and Control System: Combat Performance of Armor Battalions Using Interactive Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-01

Command and Control display. Using Ml tank simulators in the Mounted Warfare Test Bed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, the researchers evaluated tank battalion... Warfare Test Bed (MWTB) at Fort Knox, Kentucky, eight MOS-qualified armor crews (battalion commander, battalion opera- tions officer, three company...concerned with identifying ways that the CVCC system might best benefit the battlefield commander, and potential modifications to mounted warfare TTPs

Pendulation control system and method for rotary boom cranes

DOEpatents

Robinett, III, Rush D.; Groom, Kenneth N.; Feddema, John T.; Parker, Gordon G.

2002-01-01

A command shaping control system and method for rotary boom cranes provides a way to reduce payload pendulation caused by real-time input signals, from either operator command or automated crane maneuvers. The method can take input commands and can apply a command shaping filter to reduce contributors to payload pendulation due to rotation, elevation, and hoisting movements in order to control crane response and reduce tangential and radial payload pendulation. A filter can be applied to a pendulation excitation frequency to reduce residual radial pendulation and tangential pendulation amplitudes.

Benefit Analysis of the Automated Flow Control Function of the Air Traffic Control Systems Command Center

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-06-01

This report summarizes the findings of a benefit analysis study of the present and proposed Air Traffic Control Systems Command Center automation systems. The benefits analyzed were those associated with Fuel Advisory Departure and Quota Flow procedu...

TRICCS: A proposed teleoperator/robot integrated command and control system for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Will, R. W.

1985-01-01

Robotic systems will play an increasingly important role in space operations. An integrated command and control system based on the requirements of space-related applications and incorporating features necessary for the evolution of advanced goal-directed robotic systems is described. These features include: interaction with a world model or domain knowledge base, sensor feedback, multiple-arm capability and concurrent operations. The system makes maximum use of manual interaction at all levels for debug, monitoring, and operational reliability. It is shown that the robotic command and control system may most advantageously be implemented as packages and tasks in Ada.

Neural Flight Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gundy-Burlet, Karen

2003-01-01

The Neural Flight Control System (NFCS) was developed to address the need for control systems that can be produced and tested at lower cost, easily adapted to prototype vehicles and for flight systems that can accommodate damaged control surfaces or changes to aircraft stability and control characteristics resulting from failures or accidents. NFCS utilizes on a neural network-based flight control algorithm which automatically compensates for a broad spectrum of unanticipated damage or failures of an aircraft in flight. Pilot stick and rudder pedal inputs are fed into a reference model which produces pitch, roll and yaw rate commands. The reference model frequencies and gains can be set to provide handling quality characteristics suitable for the aircraft of interest. The rate commands are used in conjunction with estimates of the aircraft s stability and control (S&C) derivatives by a simplified Dynamic Inverse controller to produce virtual elevator, aileron and rudder commands. These virtual surface deflection commands are optimally distributed across the aircraft s available control surfaces using linear programming theory. Sensor data is compared with the reference model rate commands to produce an error signal. A Proportional/Integral (PI) error controller "winds up" on the error signal and adds an augmented command to the reference model output with the effect of zeroing the error signal. In order to provide more consistent handling qualities for the pilot, neural networks learn the behavior of the error controller and add in the augmented command before the integrator winds up. In the case of damage sufficient to affect the handling qualities of the aircraft, an Adaptive Critic is utilized to reduce the reference model frequencies and gains to stay within a flyable envelope of the aircraft.

Flight test results for a separate surface stability augmented Beech model 99

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenks, G. E.; Henry, H. F.; Roskam, J.

1977-01-01

A flight evaluation of a Beech model 99 equipped with an attitude command control system incorporating separate surface stability augmentation (SSSA) was conducted to determine whether an attitude command control system could be implemented using separate surface controls, and to determine whether the handling and ride qualities of the aircraft were improved by the SSSA attitude command system. The results of the program revealed that SSSA is a viable approach to implementing attitude command and also that SSSA has the capability of performing less demanding augmentation tasks such as yaw damping, wing leveling, and pitch damping. The program also revealed that attitude command did improve the pilot rating and ride qualities of the airplane while flying an IFR mission in turbulence. Some disadvantages of the system included the necessity of holding aileron force in a banked turn and excessive stiffness in the pitch axis.

Joint Command and Control of Cyber Operations: The Joint Force Cyber Component Command (JFCCC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-04

relies so heavily on complex command and control systems and interconnectivity in general, cyber warfare has become a serious topic of interest at the...defensive cyber warfare into current and future operations and plans. In particular, Joint Task Force (JTF) Commanders must develop an optimum method to

Development of the Macro Command Editing Executive System for Factory Workers-Oriented Programless Visual Inspection System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anezaki, Takashi; Wakitani, Kouichi; Nakamura, Masatoshi; Kubo, Hiroyasu

Because visual inspection systems are difficult to tune, they create many problems for the kaizen process. This results in increased development costs and time to assure that the inspection systems function properly. In order to improve inspection system development, we designed an easy-tuning system called a “Program-less” visual inspection system. The ROI macro command which consisted of eight kinds of shape recognition macro commands and decision, operation, control commands was built. Furthermore, the macro command editing executive system was developed by the operation of only the GUI without editing source program. The validity of the ROI macro command was proved by the application of 488 places.

Command Filtering-Based Fuzzy Control for Nonlinear Systems With Saturation Input.

PubMed

Yu, Jinpeng; Shi, Peng; Dong, Wenjie; Lin, Chong

2017-09-01

In this paper, command filtering-based fuzzy control is designed for uncertain multi-input multioutput (MIMO) nonlinear systems with saturation nonlinearity input. First, the command filtering method is employed to deal with the explosion of complexity caused by the derivative of virtual controllers. Then, fuzzy logic systems are utilized to approximate the nonlinear functions of MIMO systems. Furthermore, error compensation mechanism is introduced to overcome the drawback of the dynamics surface approach. The developed method will guarantee all signals of the systems are bounded. The effectiveness and advantages of the theoretic result are obtained by a simulation example.

System and method for islanding detection and prevention in distributed generation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bhowmik, Shibashis; Mazhari, Iman; Parkhideh, Babak

Various examples are directed to systems and methods for detecting an islanding condition at an inverter configured to couple a distributed generation system to an electrical grid network. A controller may determine a command frequency and a command frequency variation. The controller may determine that the command frequency variation indicates a potential islanding condition and send to the inverter an instruction to disconnect the distributed generation system from the electrical grid network. When the distributed generation system is disconnected from the electrical grid network, the controller may determine whether the grid network is valid.

Command and Control: An Introduction

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-01

34 [Ref. 13:p. 31) F. SUMMARY With an understanding of the architecture of generic command and control sytems , it is now time to examine the 146 methods...Center ABM Antiballistic Missile ACCS Army Command and Control System ACE Aviation Combat Element ADP Automatic Data Processing AFB Air Force Base AFM Air

Redundant arm control in a supervisory and shared control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Backes, Paul G.; Long, Mark K.

1992-01-01

The Extended Task Space Control approach to robotic operations based on manipulator behaviors derived from task requirements is described. No differentiation between redundant and non-redundant robots is made at the task level. The manipulation task behaviors are combined into a single set of motion commands. The manipulator kinematics are used subsequently in mapping motion commands into actuator commands. Extended Task Space Control is applied to a Robotics Research K-1207 seven degree-of-freedom manipulator in a supervisory telerobot system as an example.

Multi-agent autonomous system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fink, Wolfgang (Inventor); Dohm, James (Inventor); Tarbell, Mark A. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A multi-agent autonomous system for exploration of hazardous or inaccessible locations. The multi-agent autonomous system includes simple surface-based agents or craft controlled by an airborne tracking and command system. The airborne tracking and command system includes an instrument suite used to image an operational area and any craft deployed within the operational area. The image data is used to identify the craft, targets for exploration, and obstacles in the operational area. The tracking and command system determines paths for the surface-based craft using the identified targets and obstacles and commands the craft using simple movement commands to move through the operational area to the targets while avoiding the obstacles. Each craft includes its own instrument suite to collect information about the operational area that is transmitted back to the tracking and command system. The tracking and command system may be further coupled to a satellite system to provide additional image information about the operational area and provide operational and location commands to the tracking and command system.

Modeling and Simulation of Avionics Systems and Command, Control and Communications Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

analytical and operational talent into a cohesive study group . This group becomes our critical mass for innovative analysis. For command and control problems...that focusing small integrated groups on specific aspects of a command and control problem sucoseds best. For example, Air Force Studies and Analyses...phase so called " study groups " should define "tactical requirement-papers", These study groups will be supported by operational analyses and by

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pasquale, David A.; Hansen, Richard G.

This paper discusses command and control issues relating to the operation of Incident Command Posts (ICPs) and Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in the surrounding area jurisdictions following the detonation of an Improvised Nuclear Device (IND). Although many aspects of command and control will be similar to what is considered to be normal operations using the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the IND response will require many new procedures and associations in order to design and implement a successful response. The scope of this white paper is to address the following questions: • Would themore » current command and control framework change in the face of an IND incident? • What would the management of operations look like as the event unfolded? • How do neighboring and/or affected jurisdictions coordinate with the state? • If the target area’s command and control infrastructure is destroyed or disabled, how could neighboring jurisdictions assist with command and control of the targeted jurisdiction? • How would public health and medical services fit into the command and control structure? • How can pre-planning and common policies improve coordination and response effectiveness? • Where can public health officials get federal guidance on radiation, contamination and other health and safety issues for IND response planning and operations?« less

Apollo experience report. Guidance and control systems: Command and service module stabilization and control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Littleton, O. P.

1974-01-01

The concepts, design, development, testing, and flight results of the command and service module stabilization and control system are discussed. The period of time covered was from November 1961 to December 1972. Also included are a functional description of the system, a discussion of the major problems, and recommendations for future programs.

Methods, systems and apparatus for controlling operation of two alternating current (AC) machines

DOEpatents

Gallegos-Lopez, Gabriel [Torrance, CA; Nagashima, James M [Cerritos, CA; Perisic, Milun [Torrance, CA; Hiti, Silva [Redondo Beach, CA

2012-06-05

A system is provided for controlling two alternating current (AC) machines via a five-phase PWM inverter module. The system comprises a first control loop, a second control loop, and a current command adjustment module. The current command adjustment module operates in conjunction with the first control loop and the second control loop to continuously adjust current command signals that control the first AC machine and the second AC machine such that they share the input voltage available to them without compromising the target mechanical output power of either machine. This way, even when the phase voltage available to either one of the machines decreases, that machine outputs its target mechanical output power.

Command and control interfaces for advanced neuroprosthetic applications.

PubMed

Scott, T R; Haugland, M

2001-10-01

Command and control interfaces permit the intention and situation of the user to influence the operation of the neural prosthesis. The wishes of the user are communicated via command interfaces to the neural prosthesis and the situation of the user by feedback control interfaces. Both these interfaces have been reviewed separately and are discussed in light of the current state of the art and projections for the future. It is apparent that as system functional complexity increases, the need for simpler command interfaces will increase. Such systems will demand more information to function effectively in order not to unreasonably increase user attention overhead. This will increase the need for bioelectric and biomechanical signals in a comprehensible form via elegant feedback control interfaces. Implementing such systems will also increase the computational demand on such neural prostheses.

Integration and Testing of LCS Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, John

2014-01-01

Kennedy Space Center is in the midst of developing a command and control system for the launch of the next generation manned space vehicle. The Space Launch System (SLS) will launch using the new Spaceport Command and Control System (SCCS). As a member of the Software Integration and Test (SWIT) Team, command scripts, and bash scripts were written to assist in integration and testing of the Launch Control System (LCS), which is a component of SCCS. The short term and midterm tasks are for the most part completed. The long term tasks if time permits will require a presentation and demonstration.

Flight evaluation of advanced controls and displays for transition and landing on the NASA V/STOL systems research aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Franklin, James A.; Stortz, Michael W.; Borchers, Paul F.; Moralez, Ernesto, III

1996-01-01

Flight experiments were conducted on Ames Research Center's V/STOL Systems Research Aircraft (VSRA) to assess the influence of advanced control modes and head-up displays (HUD's) on flying qualities for precision approach and landing operations. Evaluations were made for decelerating approaches to hover followed by a vertical landing and for slow landings for four control/display mode combinations: the basic YAV-8B stability augmentation system; attitude command for pitch, roll, and yaw; flightpath/acceleration command with translational rate command in the hover; and height-rate damping with translational-rate command. Head-up displays used in conjunction with these control modes provided flightpath tracking/pursuit guidance and deceleration commands for the decelerating approach and a mixed horizontal and vertical presentation for precision hover and landing. Flying qualities were established and control usage and bandwidth were documented for candidate control modes and displays for the approach and vertical landing. Minimally satisfactory bandwidths were determined for the translational-rate command system. Test pilot and engineer teams from the Naval Air Warfare Center, the Boeing Military Airplane Group, Lockheed Martin, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce, and the British Defense Research Agency participated in the program along with NASA research pilots from the Ames and Lewis Research Centers. The results, in conjunction with related ground-based simulation data, indicate that the flightpath/longitudinal acceleration command response type in conjunction with pursuit tracking and deceleration guidance on the HUD would be essential for operation to instrument minimums significantly lower than the minimums for the AV-8B. It would also be a superior mode for performing slow landings where precise control to an austere landing area such as a narrow road is demanded. The translational-rate command system would reduce pilot workload for demanding vertical landing tasks aboard ship and in confined land-based sites.

A direct application of the non-linear inverse transformation flight control system design on a STOVL aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, W. W.; Mcneill, W. E.; Stortz, M. W.

1993-01-01

The nonlinear inverse transformation flight control system design method is applied to the Lockheed Ft. Worth Company's E-7D short takeoff and vertical land (STOVL) supersonic fighter/attack aircraft design with a modified General Electric F110 engine which has augmented propulsive lift capability. The system is fully augmented to provide flight path control and velocity control, and rate command attitude hold for angular axes during the transition and hover operations. In cruise mode, the flight control system is configured to provide direct thrust command, rate command attitude hold for pitch and roll axes, and sideslip command with turn coordination. A control selector based on the nonlinear inverse transformation method is designed specifically to be compatible with the propulsion system's physical configuration which has a two dimensional convergent-divergent aft nozzle, a vectorable ventral nozzle, and a thrust augmented ejector. The nonlinear inverse transformation is used to determine the propulsive forces and nozzle deflections, which in combination with the aerodynamic forces and moments (including propulsive induced contributions), and gravitational force, are required to achieve the longitudinal and vertical acceleration commands. The longitudinal control axes are fully decoupled within the propulsion system's performance envelope. A piloted motion-base flight simulation was conducted on the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS) at NASA Ames Research Center to examine the handling qualities of this design. Based on results of the simulation, refinements to the control system have been made and will also be covered in the report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hessell, Steven M.; Morris, Robert L.; McGrogan, Sean W.

A powertrain including an engine and torque machines is configured to transfer torque through a multi-mode transmission to an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain includes employing a closed-loop speed control system to control torque commands for the torque machines in response to a desired input speed. Upon approaching a power limit of a power storage device transferring power to the torque machines, power limited torque commands are determined for the torque machines in response to the power limit and the closed-loop speed control system is employed to determine an engine torque command in response to the desiredmore » input speed and the power limited torque commands for the torque machines.« less

Marine Tactical Command and Control System (MTACCS) Field Development System-1 (FDS-1) assessment: Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Avery, L.W.; Hunt, S.T.; Savage, S.F.

1992-04-01

The United State Marine Corps (USMC) is continuing the development and fielding of the Marine Corps Tactical Command and Control System (MTACCS), a system which exists in varying states of development, fielding, or modernization. MTACCS is currently composed of the following components: Tactical Combat Operations System (TCO) for ground command and control (C2), Intelligence Analysis System (IAS) with a Genser terminal connected to a TCO workstation for intelligence C2, Marine Integrated Personnel System (MIPS) and a TCO workstation using the Marine Combat Personnel System (MCPERS) software for personnel C2, Marine Integrated Logistics System (MILOGS) which is composed of the Landingmore » Force Asset Distribution System (LFADS), the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) II, and a TCO terminal using the Marine Combat Logistics System (MCLOG) for logistics C2, Marine Corps Fire Support System (MCFSS) for fire support C2, and Advanced Tactical Air Command Central (ATACC) and the Improved Direct Air Support Central for aviation C2.« less

Re-engineering the Multimission Command System at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, Scott; Biesiadecki, Jeff; Cox, Nagin; Murphy, Susan C.; Reeve, Tim

1994-01-01

The Operations Engineering Lab (OEL) at JPL has developed the multimission command system as part of JPL's Advanced Multimission Operations System. The command system provides an advanced multimission environment for secure, concurrent commanding of multiple spacecraft. The command functions include real-time command generation, command translation and radiation, status reporting, some remote control of Deep Space Network antenna functions, and command file management. The mission-independent architecture has allowed easy adaptation to new flight projects and the system currently supports all JPL planetary missions (Voyager, Galileo, Magellan, Ulysses, Mars Pathfinder, and CASSINI). This paper will discuss the design and implementation of the command software, especially trade-offs and lessons learned from practical operational use. The lessons learned have resulted in a re-engineering of the command system, especially in its user interface and new automation capabilities. The redesign has allowed streamlining of command operations with significant improvements in productivity and ease of use. In addition, the new system has provided a command capability that works equally well for real-time operations and within a spacecraft testbed. This paper will also discuss new development work including a multimission command database toolkit, a universal command translator for sequencing and real-time commands, and incorporation of telecommand capabilities for new missions.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beaver, Justin M; Borges, Raymond Charles; Buckner, Mark A

Critical infrastructure Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems were designed to operate on closed, proprietary networks where a malicious insider posed the greatest threat potential. The centralization of control and the movement towards open systems and standards has improved the efficiency of industrial control, but has also exposed legacy SCADA systems to security threats that they were not designed to mitigate. This work explores the viability of machine learning methods in detecting the new threat scenarios of command and data injection. Similar to network intrusion detection systems in the cyber security domain, the command and control communications in amore » critical infrastructure setting are monitored, and vetted against examples of benign and malicious command traffic, in order to identify potential attack events. Multiple learning methods are evaluated using a dataset of Remote Terminal Unit communications, which included both normal operations and instances of command and data injection attack scenarios.« less

Methods, systems and apparatus for adjusting modulation index to improve linearity of phase voltage commands

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gallegos-Lopez, Gabriel; Perisic, Milun; Kinoshita, Michael H.

2017-03-14

Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems and apparatus for controlling operation of a multi-phase machine in a motor drive system. The disclosed embodiments provide a mechanism for adjusting modulation index of voltage commands to improve linearity of the voltage commands.

Component Control System for a Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Chunhao J. (Inventor); Fraser-Chanpong, Nathan (Inventor); Vitale, Robert L. (Inventor); Akinyode, Akinjide Akinniyi (Inventor); Dawson, Andrew D. (Inventor); Guo, Raymond (Inventor); Waligora, Thomas M. (Inventor); Spain, Ivan (Inventor); Bluethmann, William J. (Inventor); Reed, Ryan M. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A vehicle includes a chassis, a modular component, and a central operating system. The modular component is supported by the chassis. The central operating system includes a component control system, a primary master controller, and a secondary master controller. The component control system is configured for controlling the modular component. The primary and secondary master controllers are in operative communication with the component control system. The primary and secondary master controllers are configured to simultaneously transmit commands to the component control system. The component control system is configured to accept commands from the secondary master controller only when a fault occurs in the primary master controller.

Situational Awareness During Mass-Casualty Events: Command and Control

PubMed Central

Demchak, Barry; Chan, Theordore C.; Griswold, William G.; Lenert, Leslie

2006-01-01

In existing Incident Command systems1, situational awareness is achieved manually through paper tracking systems. Such systems often produce high latencies and incomplete data, resulting in inefficient and ineffective resource deployment. The WIISARD2 system collects much more data than a paper-based system, dramatically reducing latency while increasing the kinds and quality of information available to Incident Commanders. The WIISARD Command Center solves the problem of data overload and uncertainty through the careful use of limited screen area and novel visualization techniques. PMID:17238524

An Artificially Intelligent Physical Model-Checking Approach to Detect Switching-Related Attacks on Power Systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El Hariri, Mohamad; Faddel, Samy; Mohammed, Osama

Decentralized and hierarchical microgrid control strategies have lain the groundwork for shaping the future smart grid. Such control approaches require the cooperation between microgrid operators in control centers, intelligent microcontrollers, and remote terminal units via secure and reliable communication networks. In order to enhance the security and complement the work of network intrusion detection systems, this paper presents an artificially intelligent physical model-checking that detects tampered-with circuit breaker switching control commands whether, due to a cyber-attack or human error. In this technique, distributed agents, which are monitoring sectionalized areas of a given microgrid, will be trained and continuously adapted tomore » verify that incoming control commands do not violate the physical system operational standards and do not put the microgrid in an insecure state. The potential of this approach has been tested by deploying agents that monitor circuit breakers status commands on a 14-bus IEEE benchmark system. The results showed the accuracy of the proposed framework in characterizing the power system and successfully detecting malicious and/or erroneous control commands.« less

Passepartout Sherpa - A low-cost, reusable transportation system into the stratosphere for small experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taraba, M.; Fauland, H.; Turetschek, T.; Stumptner, W.; Kudielka, V.; Scheer, D.; Sattler, B.; Fritz, A.; Stingl, B.; Fuchs, H.; Gubo, B.; Hettrich, S.; Hirtl, A.; Unger, E.; Soucek, A.; Frischauf, N.; Grömer, G.

2014-12-01

The Passepartout sounding balloon transportation system for low-mass (< 1200 g) experiments or hardware for validation to an altitude of 35 km is described. We present the general flight configuration, set-up of the flight control system, environmental and position sensors, power system, buoyancy considerations as well as the ground control infrastructure including recovery operations. In the telemetry and command module the integrated airborne computer is able to control the experiment, transmit telemetry and environmental data and allows for a duplex communication to a control centre for tele-commanding. The experiment module is mounted below the telemetry and command module and can either work as a standalone system or be controlled by the airborne computer. This spacing between experiment- and control unit allows for a high flexibility in the experiment design. After a parachute landing, the on-board satellite based recovery subsystems allow for a rapid tracking and recovery of the telemetry and command module and the experiment. We discuss flight data and lessons learned from two representative flights with research payloads.

Transformational Communications Architecture for the Unit Operations Center (UOC); Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S); and Command and Control On-the-Move Network, Digital Over-the-Horizon Relay (CONDOR)

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-01

CAPABILITY SETS..............................................................................11 Figure 6. T3 DESIGN ...Radio System (JTRS) in 2008 and beyond. JTRS is being designed to provide a flexible new approach to meet diverse warfighter communications needs...Command and Control On-the-Move Network, Digital Over the Horizon Relay (CoNDOR) The CoNDOR Capability Set is an Architectural Approach designed to

LABORATORY PROCESS CONTROLLER USING NATURAL LANGUAGE COMMANDS FROM A PERSONAL COMPUTER

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Will, H.

1994-01-01

The complex environment of the typical research laboratory requires flexible process control. This program provides natural language process control from an IBM PC or compatible machine. Sometimes process control schedules require changes frequently, even several times per day. These changes may include adding, deleting, and rearranging steps in a process. This program sets up a process control system that can either run without an operator, or be run by workers with limited programming skills. The software system includes three programs. Two of the programs, written in FORTRAN77, record data and control research processes. The third program, written in Pascal, generates the FORTRAN subroutines used by the other two programs to identify the user commands with the user-written device drivers. The software system also includes an input data set which allows the user to define the user commands which are to be executed by the computer. To set the system up the operator writes device driver routines for all of the controlled devices. Once set up, this system requires only an input file containing natural language command lines which tell the system what to do and when to do it. The operator can make up custom commands for operating and taking data from external research equipment at any time of the day or night without the operator in attendance. This process control system requires a personal computer operating under MS-DOS with suitable hardware interfaces to all controlled devices. The program requires a FORTRAN77 compiler and user-written device drivers. This program was developed in 1989 and has a memory requirement of about 62 Kbytes.

Implementation of a low-cost, commercial orbit determination system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corrigan, Jim

1994-11-01

Traditional satellite and launch control systems have consisted of custom solutions requiring significant development and maintenance costs. These systems have typically been designed to support specific program requirements and are expensive to modify and augment after delivery. The expanding role of space in today's marketplace combined with the increased sophistication and capabilities of modern satellites has created a need for more efficient, lower cost solutions to complete command and control systems. Recent technical advances have resulted in commercial-off-the-shelf products which greatly reduce the complete life-cycle costs associated with satellite launch and control system procurements. System integrators and spacecraft operators have, however, been slow to integrate these commercial based solutions into a comprehensive command and control system. This is due, in part, to a resistance to change and the fact that many available products are unable to effectively communicate with other commercial products. The United States Air Force, responsible for the health and safety of over 84 satellites via its Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN), has embarked on an initiative to prove that commercial products can be used effectively to form a comprehensive command and control system. The initial version of this system is being installed at the Air Force's Center for Research Support (CERES) located at the National Test Facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The first stage of this initiative involved the identification of commercial products capable of satisfying each functional element of a command and control system. A significant requirement in this product selection criteria was flexibility and ability to integrate with other available commercial products. This paper discusses the functions and capabilities of the product selected to provide orbit determination functions for this comprehensive command and control system.

Implementation of a low-cost, commercial orbit determination system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corrigan, Jim

1994-01-01

Traditional satellite and launch control systems have consisted of custom solutions requiring significant development and maintenance costs. These systems have typically been designed to support specific program requirements and are expensive to modify and augment after delivery. The expanding role of space in today's marketplace combined with the increased sophistication and capabilities of modern satellites has created a need for more efficient, lower cost solutions to complete command and control systems. Recent technical advances have resulted in commercial-off-the-shelf products which greatly reduce the complete life-cycle costs associated with satellite launch and control system procurements. System integrators and spacecraft operators have, however, been slow to integrate these commercial based solutions into a comprehensive command and control system. This is due, in part, to a resistance to change and the fact that many available products are unable to effectively communicate with other commercial products. The United States Air Force, responsible for the health and safety of over 84 satellites via its Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN), has embarked on an initiative to prove that commercial products can be used effectively to form a comprehensive command and control system. The initial version of this system is being installed at the Air Force's Center for Research Support (CERES) located at the National Test Facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The first stage of this initiative involved the identification of commercial products capable of satisfying each functional element of a command and control system. A significant requirement in this product selection criteria was flexibility and ability to integrate with other available commercial products. This paper discusses the functions and capabilities of the product selected to provide orbit determination functions for this comprehensive command and control system.

A learning controller for nonrepetitive robotic operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, W. T., III

1987-01-01

A practical learning control system is described which is applicable to complex robotic and telerobotic systems involving multiple feedback sensors and multiple command variables. In the controller, the learning algorithm is used to learn to reproduce the nonlinear relationship between the sensor outputs and the system command variables over particular regions of the system state space, rather than learning the actuator commands required to perform a specific task. The learned information is used to predict the command signals required to produce desired changes in the sensor outputs. The desired sensor output changes may result from automatic trajectory planning or may be derived from interactive input from a human operator. The learning controller requires no a priori knowledge of the relationships between the sensor outputs and the command variables. The algorithm is well suited for real time implementation, requiring only fixed point addition and logical operations. The results of learning experiments using a General Electric P-5 manipulator interfaced to a VAX-11/730 computer are presented. These experiments involved interactive operator control, via joysticks, of the position and orientation of an object in the field of view of a video camera mounted on the end of the robot arm.

Method and system for redundancy management of distributed and recoverable digital control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stange, Kent (Inventor); Hess, Richard (Inventor); Kelley, Gerald B (Inventor); Rogers, Randy (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A method and system for redundancy management is provided for a distributed and recoverable digital control system. The method uses unique redundancy management techniques to achieve recovery and restoration of redundant elements to full operation in an asynchronous environment. The system includes a first computing unit comprising a pair of redundant computational lanes for generating redundant control commands. One or more internal monitors detect data errors in the control commands, and provide a recovery trigger to the first computing unit. A second redundant computing unit provides the same features as the first computing unit. A first actuator control unit is configured to provide blending and monitoring of the control commands from the first and second computing units, and to provide a recovery trigger to each of the first and second computing units. A second actuator control unit provides the same features as the first actuator control unit.

The Galileo scan platform pointing control system - A modern control theoretic viewpoint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sevaston, G. E.; Macala, G. A.; Man, G. K.

1985-01-01

The current Galileo scan platform pointing control system (SPPCS) is described, and ways in which modern control concepts could serve to enhance it are considered. Of particular interest are: the multi-variable design model and overall control system architecture, command input filtering, feedback compensator and command input design, stability robustness constraint for both continuous time control systems and for sampled data control systems, and digital implementation of the control system. The proposed approach leads to the design of a system that is similar to current Galileo SPPCS configuration, but promises to be more systematic.

The relevance of central command for the neural cardiovascular control of exercise.

PubMed

Williamson, J W

2010-11-01

This paper briefly reviews the role of central command in the neural control of the circulation during exercise. While defined as a feedforward component of the cardiovascular control system, central command is also associated with perception of effort or effort sense. The specific factors influencing perception of effort and their effect on autonomic regulation of cardiovascular function during exercise can vary according to condition. Centrally mediated integration of multiple signals occurring during exercise certainly involves feedback mechanisms, but it is unclear whether or how these signals modify central command via their influence on perception of effort. As our understanding of central neural control systems continues to develop, it will be important to examine more closely how multiple sensory signals are prioritized and processed centrally to modulate cardiovascular responses during exercise. The purpose of this article is briefly to review the concepts underlying central command and its assessment via perception of effort, and to identify potential areas for future studies towards determining the role and relevance of central command for neural control of exercise.

The relevance of central command for the neural cardiovascular control of exercise

PubMed Central

Williamson, J W

2010-01-01

This paper briefly reviews the role of central command in the neural control of the circulation during exercise. While defined as a feedfoward component of the cardiovascular control system, central command is also associated with perception of effort or effort sense. The specific factors influencing perception of effort and their effect on autonomic regulation of cardiovascular function during exercise can vary according to condition. Centrally mediated integration of multiple signals occurring during exercise certainly involves feedback mechanisms, but it is unclear whether or how these signals modify central command via their influence on perception of effort. As our understanding of central neural control systems continues to develop, it will be important to examine more closely how multiple sensory signals are prioritized and processed centrally to modulate cardiovascular responses during exercise. The purpose of this article is briefly to review the concepts underlying central command and its assessment via perception of effort, and to identify potential areas for future studies towards determining the role and relevance of central command for neural control of exercise. PMID:20696787

Apollo Experience Report: Command and Service Module Reaction Control Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taeuber, Ralph J.; Weary, Dwayne P.

1973-01-01

The reaction control systems of the Apollo command and service module were developed and modified between July 1961 and July 1969. The successful development of these systems, as part of the Apollo Program, was the result of extensive testing, retesting, and modifications of the hardware to ensure system capability and intrasystem compatibility.

Situation awareness system for Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, Andrew

1999-07-01

Situation awareness encompasses a knowledge of orders, plans and current knowledge of friendly force actions. Knowing where you are and being able to transmit that information in near real-time to other friendly forces provides the ability to exercise precise command and control over those forces. With respect to current command and control using voice methods, between 40 percent and 60 percent of Combat Net Radio traffic relates to location reporting of some sort. Commanders at Battle Group and below spend, on average, 40 percent of their total time performing position and navigation related functions. The need to rapidly transfer own force location information throughout a force and to process the received information quickly, accurately and reliably provides the rationale for the requirement for an automated situation awareness system. This paper describes the Situation Awareness System (SAS) being developed by Computing Devices Canada for the Canadian Department of National Defence as a component of the Position Determination and Navigation for Land Forces program. The SAS is being integrated with the Iris Tactical Command, Control, Communications System, which is also being developed by Computing Devices. The SAS software provides a core operating environment onto which command and control functionality can be easily added to produce general and specialist battlefield management systems.

Dynamical Motor Control Learned with Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Conventional models of motor control exploit the spatial representation of the controlled system to generate control commands. Typically, the control command is gained with the feedback state of a specific instant in time, which behaves like an optimal regulator or spatial filter to the feedback state. Yet, recent neuroscience studies found that the motor network may constitute an autonomous dynamical system and the temporal patterns of the control command can be contained in the dynamics of the motor network, that is, the dynamical system hypothesis (DSH). Inspired by these findings, here we propose a computational model that incorporates this neural mechanism, in which the control command could be unfolded from a dynamical controller whose initial state is specified with the task parameters. The model is trained in a trial-and-error manner in the framework of deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG). The experimental results show that the dynamical controller successfully learns the control policy for arm reaching movements, while the analysis of the internal activities of the dynamical controller provides the computational evidence to the DSH of the neural coding in motor cortices. PMID:29666634

Dynamical Motor Control Learned with Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient.

PubMed

Shi, Haibo; Sun, Yaoru; Li, Jie

2018-01-01

Conventional models of motor control exploit the spatial representation of the controlled system to generate control commands. Typically, the control command is gained with the feedback state of a specific instant in time, which behaves like an optimal regulator or spatial filter to the feedback state. Yet, recent neuroscience studies found that the motor network may constitute an autonomous dynamical system and the temporal patterns of the control command can be contained in the dynamics of the motor network, that is, the dynamical system hypothesis (DSH). Inspired by these findings, here we propose a computational model that incorporates this neural mechanism, in which the control command could be unfolded from a dynamical controller whose initial state is specified with the task parameters. The model is trained in a trial-and-error manner in the framework of deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG). The experimental results show that the dynamical controller successfully learns the control policy for arm reaching movements, while the analysis of the internal activities of the dynamical controller provides the computational evidence to the DSH of the neural coding in motor cortices.

Simulation evaluation of two VTOL control/display systems in IMC approach and shipboard landing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merrick, V. K.

1984-01-01

Two control/display systems, which differed in overall complexity but were both designed for VTOL flight operations to and from small ships in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), were tested using the Ames Flight Simulator for Advanced Aircraft (FSAA). Both systems have attitude command in transition and horizontal-velocity command in hover; the more complex system also has longitudinal-acceleration and flightpath-angle command in transition, and vertical-velocity command in hover. The most important overall distinction between the two systems for the viewpoint of implementation is that in one - the more complex - engine power and nozzle position are operated indirectly through flight controllers, whereas in the other they are operated directly by the pilot. Simulated landings were made on a moving model of a DD 963 Spruance-class destroyer. Acceptable transitions can be performed in turbulence of 3 m/sec rms using either system. Acceptable landings up to sea state 6 can be performed using the more complex system, and up to sea state 5 using the other system.

The next generation of command post computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnold, Ross D.; Lieb, Aaron J.; Samuel, Jason M.; Burger, Mitchell A.

2015-05-01

The future of command post computing demands an innovative new solution to address a variety of challenging operational needs. The Command Post of the Future is the Army's primary command and control decision support system, providing situational awareness and collaborative tools for tactical decision making, planning, and execution management from Corps to Company level. However, as the U.S. Army moves towards a lightweight, fully networked battalion, disconnected operations, thin client architecture and mobile computing become increasingly essential. The Command Post of the Future is not designed to support these challenges in the coming decade. Therefore, research into a hybrid blend of technologies is in progress to address these issues. This research focuses on a new command and control system utilizing the rich collaboration framework afforded by Command Post of the Future coupled with a new user interface consisting of a variety of innovative workspace designs. This new system is called Tactical Applications. This paper details a brief history of command post computing, presents the challenges facing the modern Army, and explores the concepts under consideration for Tactical Applications that meet these challenges in a variety of innovative ways.

Entertainment and Pacification System For Car Seat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elrod, Susan Vinz (Inventor); Dabney, Richard W. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

An entertainment and pacification system for use with a child car seat has speakers mounted in the child car seat with a plurality of audio sources and an anti-noise audio system coupled to the child car seat. A controllable switching system provides for, at any given time, the selective activation of i) one of the audio sources such that the audio signal generated thereby is coupled to one or more of the speakers, and ii) the anti-noise audio system such that an ambient-noise-canceling audio signal generated thereby is coupled to one or more of the speakers. The controllable switching system can receive commands generated at one of first controls located at the child car seat and second controls located remotely with respect to the child car seat with commands generated by the second controls overriding commands generated by the first controls.

Propulsion controlled aircraft computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cogan, Bruce R. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A low-cost, easily retrofit Propulsion Controlled Aircraft (PCA) system for use on a wide range of commercial and military aircraft consists of an propulsion controlled aircraft computer that reads in aircraft data including aircraft state, pilot commands and other related data, calculates aircraft throttle position for a given maneuver commanded by the pilot, and then displays both current and calculated throttle position on a cockpit display to show the pilot where to move throttles to achieve the commanded maneuver, or is automatically sent digitally to command the engines directly.

Improving Control of Two Motor Controllers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toland, Ronald W.

2004-01-01

A computer program controls motors that drive translation stages in a metrology system that consists of a pair of two-axis cathetometers. This program is specific to Compumotor Gemini (or equivalent) motors and the Compumotor 6K-series (or equivalent) motor controller. Relative to the software supplied with the controller, this program affords more capabilities and is easier to use. Written as a Virtual Instrument in the LabVIEW software system, the program presents an imitation control panel that the user can manipulate by use of a keyboard and mouse. There are three modes of operation: command, movement, and joystick. In command mode, single commands are sent to the controller for troubleshooting. In movement mode, distance, speed, and/or acceleration commands are sent to the controller. Position readouts from the motors and from position encoders on the translation stages are displayed in marked fields. At any time, the position readouts can be recorded in a file named by the user. In joystick mode, the program yields control of the motors to a joystick. The program sends commands to, and receives data from, the controller via a serial cable connection, using the serial-communication portion of the software supplied with the controller.

PointCom: semi-autonomous UGV control with intuitive interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohde, Mitchell M.; Perlin, Victor E.; Iagnemma, Karl D.; Lupa, Robert M.; Rohde, Steven M.; Overholt, James; Fiorani, Graham

2008-04-01

Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) will play an important role in the nation's next-generation ground force. Advances in sensing, control, and computing have enabled a new generation of technologies that bridge the gap between manual UGV teleoperation and full autonomy. In this paper, we present current research on a unique command and control system for UGVs named PointCom (Point-and-Go Command). PointCom is a semi-autonomous command system for one or multiple UGVs. The system, when complete, will be easy to operate and will enable significant reduction in operator workload by utilizing an intuitive image-based control framework for UGV navigation and allowing a single operator to command multiple UGVs. The project leverages new image processing algorithms for monocular visual servoing and odometry to yield a unique, high-performance fused navigation system. Human Computer Interface (HCI) techniques from the entertainment software industry are being used to develop video-game style interfaces that require little training and build upon the navigation capabilities. By combining an advanced navigation system with an intuitive interface, a semi-autonomous control and navigation system is being created that is robust, user friendly, and less burdensome than many current generation systems. mand).

Detecting Controller Malfunctions in Electromagnetic Environments. Part 1; Modeling and Estimation of Nominal System Function

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinstein, Bernice

1999-01-01

A strategy for detecting control law calculation errors in critical flight control computers during laboratory validation testing is presented. This paper addresses Part I of the detection strategy which involves the use of modeling of the aircraft control laws and the design of Kalman filters to predict the correct control commands. Part II of the strategy which involves the use of the predicted control commands to detect control command errors is presented in the companion paper.

Development of an expert system prototype for determining software functional requirements for command management activities at NASA Goddard

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liebowitz, J.

1985-01-01

The development of an expert system prototype for determining software functional requirements for NASA Goddard's Command Management System (CMS) is described. The role of the CMS is to transform general requests into specific spacecraft commands with command execution conditions. The CMS is part of the NASA Data System which entails the downlink of science and engineering data from NASA near-earth satellites to the user, and the uplink of command and control data to the spacecraft. Subjects covered include: the problem environment of determining CMS software functional requirements; the expert system approach for handling CMS requirements development; validation and evaluation procedures for the expert system.

Expert Systems and Command, Control, and Communication System Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-01

Systems and Command, Control, and Communicaton System Acquisition 12 Personal Author(s) James E. Minnema 13a Type of Report 13b Time Covered 14 Date...isolated strategic planning, unstructured problems, the author feels that this category should also include problems involving the integration of...distinct operational or management control, and structured or semi-structured problem efforts. The reason for this is that integration of a number of

Re-Engineering of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to Reduce Operational Costs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garvis, Michael; Dougherty, Andrew; Whittier, Wallace

1996-01-01

Satellite telemetry processing onboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is carried out using dedicated software and hardware. The current ground system is expensive to operate and maintain. The mandate to reduce satellite ground system operations and maintenance costs by the year 2000 led NASA to upgrade the command and control systems in order to improve the data processing capabilities, reduce operator experience levels and increase system standardization. As a result, a command and control system product development team was formed to redesign and develop the HST ground system. The command and control system ground system development consists of six elements. The results of the prototyping phase carried out for the following of these elements are presented: the front end processor; middleware, and the graphical user interface.

An Investigation of Distributed Communications Systems and Their Potential Applications to Command and Control Structure of the Marine Corps.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-12-01

The Marine Corps Tactical Command and Control System (MTACCS) is expected to provide increased decision making speed and power through automated ... processing and display of data which previously was processed manually. The landing Force Organizational Systems Study (LFOSS) has challenged Marines to

Reusable Launch Vehicle Control In Multiple Time Scale Sliding Modes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shtessel, Yuri; Hall, Charles; Jackson, Mark

2000-01-01

A reusable launch vehicle control problem during ascent is addressed via multiple-time scaled continuous sliding mode control. The proposed sliding mode controller utilizes a two-loop structure and provides robust, de-coupled tracking of both orientation angle command profiles and angular rate command profiles in the presence of bounded external disturbances and plant uncertainties. Sliding mode control causes the angular rate and orientation angle tracking error dynamics to be constrained to linear, de-coupled, homogeneous, and vector valued differential equations with desired eigenvalues placement. Overall stability of a two-loop control system is addressed. An optimal control allocation algorithm is designed that allocates torque commands into end-effector deflection commands, which are executed by the actuators. The dual-time scale sliding mode controller was designed for the X-33 technology demonstration sub-orbital launch vehicle in the launch mode. Simulation results show that the designed controller provides robust, accurate, de-coupled tracking of the orientation angle command profiles in presence of external disturbances and vehicle inertia uncertainties. This is a significant advancement in performance over that achieved with linear, gain scheduled control systems currently being used for launch vehicles.

Human factors in command and control for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

PubMed

Harper, W R

1974-03-01

Ergonomics owes much of its operations and systems heritage to military research. Since public safety systems such as police, fire departments and civil defence organisations are quasi-military in nature, one may reasonably use the findings from military ergonomics research to extrapolate design data for use in a decision-making system. This article discusses a case study concerning Human Factors in command and control for the Los Angeles Fire Department. The case involved transfer from a manual dispatch system involving three geographic areas of metropolitan Los Angeles to one central computer-aided command and control system. Comments are made on console mock-ups, environmental factors in the Control Centre placement of the consoles. Because of extreme delays in procurement of the recommended hardware it is doubtful that empirical testing of the ergonomics aspect of the system will take place.

Control Software for Advanced Video Guidance Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Richard T.; Book, Michael L.; Bryan, Thomas C.

2006-01-01

Embedded software has been developed specifically for controlling an Advanced Video Guidance Sensor (AVGS). A Video Guidance Sensor is an optoelectronic system that provides guidance for automated docking of two vehicles. Such a system includes pulsed laser diodes and a video camera, the output of which is digitized. From the positions of digitized target images and known geometric relationships, the relative position and orientation of the vehicles are computed. The present software consists of two subprograms running in two processors that are parts of the AVGS. The subprogram in the first processor receives commands from an external source, checks the commands for correctness, performs commanded non-image-data-processing control functions, and sends image data processing parts of commands to the second processor. The subprogram in the second processor processes image data as commanded. Upon power-up, the software performs basic tests of functionality, then effects a transition to a standby mode. When a command is received, the software goes into one of several operational modes (e.g. acquisition or tracking). The software then returns, to the external source, the data appropriate to the command.

A Message Exchange Protocol in Command and Control Systems Integration, using the JC3IEDM

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

19TH International Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium C2 Agility: Lessons Learned from Research and Operations. A Message...distribution unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Presented at the 18th International Command & Control Research & Technology Symposium (ICCRTS) held 16...presents approaches of integration, compares their technologies , points out their advantages, proposes requirements, and provides the design of a protocol

Flight test evaluation of a separate surface attitude command control system on a Beech 99 airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gee, S. W.; Jenks, G. E.; Roskam, J.; Stone, R. L.

1976-01-01

A joint NASA/university/industry program was conducted to flight evaluate a potentially low cost separate surface implementation of attitude command in a Beech 99 airplane. Saturation of the separate surfaces was the primary cause of many problems during development. Six experienced professional pilots made simulated instrument flight evaluations in light-to-moderate turbulence. They were favorably impressed with the system, particularly with the elimination of control force transients that accompanied configuration changes. For ride quality, quantitative data showed that the attitude command control system resulted in all cases of airplane motion being removed from the uncomfortable ride region.

The Integration of COTS/GOTS within NASA's HST Command and Control System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfarr, Thomas; Reis, James E.; Obenschain, Arthur F. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

NASA's mission critical Hubble Space Telescope (HST) command and control system has been re-engineered with COTS/GOTS and minimal custom code. This paper focuses on the design of this new HST Control Center System (CCS) and the lessons learned throughout its development. CCS currently utilizes 31 COTS/GOTS products with an additional 12 million lines of custom glueware code; the new CCS exceeds the capabilities of the original system while significantly reducing the lines of custom code by more than 50%. The lifecycle of COTS/GOTS products will be examined including the pack-age selection process, evaluation process, and integration process. The advantages, disadvantages, issues, concerns, and lessons teamed for integrating COTS/GOTS into the NASA's mission critical HST CCS will be examined in detail. Command and control systems designed with traditional custom code development efforts will be compared with command and control systems designed with new development techniques relying heavily on COTS/COTS integration. This paper will reveal the many hidden costs of COTS/GOTS solutions when compared to traditional custom code development efforts; this paper will show the high cost of COTS/GOTS solutions including training expenses, consulting fees, and long-term maintenance expenses.

Vertical and Horizontal Forces: A Framework for Understanding Airpower Command and Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-22

failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ...ABSTRACT The Air Force has long maintained the tenet of “centralized control , decentralized execution.” Changes in the contextual environment and...help commanders understand how command and control (C2) systems work best today. The proposed cognitive framework moves beyond centralization

Network command processing system overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nam, Yon-Woo; Murphy, Lisa D.

1993-01-01

The Network Command Processing System (NCPS) developed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ground Network (GN) stations is a spacecraft command system utilizing a MULTIBUS I/68030 microprocessor. This system was developed and implemented at ground stations worldwide to provide a Project Operations Control Center (POCC) with command capability for support of spacecraft operations such as the LANDSAT, Shuttle, Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, and Nimbus-7. The NCPS consolidates multiple modulation schemes for supporting various manned/unmanned orbital platforms. The NCPS interacts with the POCC and a local operator to process configuration requests, generate modulated uplink sequences, and inform users of the ground command link status. This paper presents the system functional description, hardware description, and the software design.

Command and Control of Joint Air Operations through Mission Command

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

and outlines the C2 architecture systems, processes, and philosophy of com- mand required to enable mission command effectively. Mission Command...General Dempsey highlights the fact that “trust is the moral sinew that binds the distributed Joint Force 2020 together” and observes that “unless...con- fident about how their subordinates will make decisions and adapt to the dynamic battlespace environment. Processes, Systems, and Philosophy of

Commander Wilcutt works at the commander's workstation during STS-106

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-11

STS106-352-009 (8-20 September 2000) --- Astronaut Terrence W. Wilcutt, STS-106 mission commander, performs a firing of the reaction control system on the flight deck of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Earth’s horizon is visible through the commander’s window.

Man's role in integrated control and information management systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nevins, J. L.; Johnson, I. S.

1972-01-01

Display control considerations associated with avionics techniques are discussed. General purpose displays and a prototype interactive display/command design featuring a pushplate CRT overlay for command input are considered.

An evaluation of automatic control system concepts for general aviation airplanes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, E. C.; Ragsdale, W. A.; Wunschel, A. J.

1988-01-01

A piloted simulation study of automatic longitudinal control systems for general aviation airplanes has been conducted. These automatic control systems were designed to make the simulated airplane easy to fly for a beginning or infrequent pilot. Different control systems are presented and their characteristics are documented. In a conventional airplane control system each cockpit controller commands combinations of both the airspeed and the vertical speed. The best system in the present study decoupled the airspeed and vertical speed responses to cockpit throttle inputs. That is, the cockpit throttle lever commanded only airspeed responses, and the longitudinal wheel position commanded only vertical speed responses. This system significantly reduced the pilot workload throughout an entire mission of the airplane from takeoff to landing. An important feature of the automatic system was that neither changing flap position nor maneuvering in steeply banked turns affected either the airspeed or the vertical speed. All the pilots who flew the control system simulation were favorably impressed with the very low workload and the excellent handling qualities of the simulated airplane.

Employment of Command and Control Systems within the U.S. Marine Corps

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lang, Aaron B.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify potential barriers to the effective employment of command and control (C2) systems to enhance warfighter readiness. Five research hypotheses guided this study, which addressed the perception of the effective employment of Marine Corps C2 systems based on demographic characteristics, which included:…

A local network integrated into a balloon-borne apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imori, Masatosi; Ueda, Ikuo; Shimamura, Kotaro; Maeno, Tadashi; Murata, Takahiro; Sasaki, Makoto; Matsunaga, Hiroyuki; Matsumoto, Hiroshi; Shikaze, Yoshiaki; Anraku, Kazuaki; Matsui, Nagataka; Yamagami, Takamasa

A local network is incorporated into an apparatus for a balloon-borne experiment. A balloon-borne system implemented in the apparatus is composed of subsystems interconnected through a local network, which introduces modular architecture into the system. The network decomposes the balloon-borne system into subsystems, which are similarly structured from the point of view that the systems is kept under the control of a ground station. The subsystem is functionally self-contained and electrically independent. A computer is integrated into a subsystem, keeping the subsystem under the control. An independent group of batteries, being dedicated to a subsystem, supplies the whole electricity of the subsystem. The subsystem could be turned on and off independently of the other subsystems. So communication among the subsystems needs to be based on such a protocol that could guarantee the independence of the individual subsystems. An Omninet protocol is employed to network the subsystems. A ground station sends commands to the balloon-borne system. The command is received and executed at the system, then results of the execution are returned to the ground station. Various commands are available so that the system borne on a balloon could be controlled and monitored remotely from the ground station. A subsystem responds to a specific group of commands. A command is received by a transceiver subsystem and then transferred through the network to the subsystem to which the command is addressed. Then the subsystem executes the command and returns results to the transceiver subsystem, where the results are telemetered to the ground station. The network enhances independence of the individual subsystems, which enables programs of the individual subsystems to be coded independently. Independence facilitates development and debugging of programs, improving the quality of the system borne on a balloon.

A Generic Guidance and Control Structure for Six-Degree-of-Freedom Conceptual Aircraft Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cotting, M. Christopher; Cox, Timothy H.

2005-01-01

A control system framework is presented for both real-time and batch six-degree-of-freedom simulation. This framework allows stabilization and control with multiple command options, from body rate control to waypoint guidance. Also, pilot commands can be used to operate the simulation in a pilot-in-the-loop environment. This control system framework is created by using direct vehicle state feedback with nonlinear dynamic inversion. A direct control allocation scheme is used to command aircraft effectors. Online B-matrix estimation is used in the control allocation algorithm for maximum algorithm flexibility. Primary uses for this framework include conceptual design and early preliminary design of aircraft, where vehicle models change rapidly and a knowledge of vehicle six-degree-of-freedom performance is required. A simulated airbreathing hypersonic vehicle and a simulated high performance fighter are controlled to demonstrate the flexibility and utility of the control system.

Close up view of the Commander's Seat on the Flight ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Close up view of the Commander's Seat on the Flight Deck of the Orbiter Discovery. Toward the right of the view and in front of te seat is the commander's Rotational Hand Controller. The pilot station has an identical controller. These control the acceleration in the roll pitch and yaw directions via the reaction control system and/or the orbiter maneuvering system while outside of Earth's atmosphere or via the orbiter's aerosurfaces wile in Earth's atmosphere when the atmospheric density permits the surfaces to be effective. There are a number of switches on the controller, most notably a trigger switch which is a push-to-talk switch for voice communication and a large button on top of the controller which is a switch to engage the backup flight system. This view was taken at Kennedy Space Center. - Space Transportation System, Orbiter Discovery (OV-103), Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, Harris County, TX

Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV): Proposed command, control, communications (C3) structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hughes, R. L.; Evans, W. K.; Howard, W. G.; Wallace, A. S.

1982-01-01

The currently proposed command, control, and communications (C3) structure associated with the RPV system, potential problem areas in the transfer of information to and from the RPV system, and options for improving information transfer and estimate the degree of improvement to be expected were identified.

Command Generation and Control of Momentum Exchange Electrodynamic Reboost Tethered Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robertson, Michael J.

2005-01-01

The research completed for this NASA Graduate Student Research Program Fellowship sought to enhance the current state-of-the-art dynamic models and control laws for Momentum Exchange Electrodynamic Reboost satellite systems by utilizing command generation, specifically Input Shaping. The precise control of tethered spacecraft with flexible appendages is extremely difficult. The complexity is magnified many times when the satellite must interact with other satellites as in a momentum exchange via a tether. The Momentum Exchange Electronic Reboost Tether (MXER) concept encapsulates all of these challenging tasks [l]. Input Shaping is a command generation technique that allows flexible spacecraft to move without inducing residual vibration [2], limit transient deflection [3] and utilize fuel-efficient actuation [4]. Input shaping is implemented by convolving a sequence of impulses, known as the input shaper, with a desired system command to produce a shaped input that is then used to drive the system. This process is demonstrated in Figure 1. The shaped command is then use to drive the system without residual vibration while meeting many other performance specifications. The completed work developed tether control algorithms for retrieval. A simple model of the tether response has been developed and command shaping was implemented to minimize unwanted dynamics. A model of a flexible electrodynamic tether has been developed to investigate the tether s response during reboost. Command shaping techniques have been developed to eliminate the tether oscillations and reduce the tether s deflection to pre-specified levels during reboost. Additionally, a model for the spin-up of a tethered system was developed. This model was used in determining the parameters for optimization the resulting angular velocity.

The Influence of Future Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) on Doctrine and the Operational Commander's Decision-Making Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mayer, Michael G.

1996-01-01

Future C4 systems will alter the traditional balance between force and information, having a profound influence on doctrine and the operational commander's decision making process. The Joint Staff's future vision of C4 is conceptualized in 'C4I for the Warrior' which envisions a joint C4I architecture providing timely sensor to shoot information direct to the warfighter. C4 system must manage and filter an overwhelming amount of information; deal with interoperability issues; overcome technological limitations; meet emerging security requirements; and protect against 'Information Warfare.' Severe budget constraints necessitate unified control of C4 systems under singular leadership for the common good of all the services. In addition, acquisition policy and procedures must be revamped to allow new technologies to be fielded quickly; and the commercial marketplace will become the preferred starting point for modernization. Flatter command structures are recommended in this environment where information is available instantaneously. New responsibilities for decision making at lower levels are created. Commanders will have to strike a balance between exerting greater control and allowing subordinates enough flexibility to maintain initiative. Clearly, the commander's intent remains the most important tool in striking this balance.

Training augmentation device for the Air Force satellite Control Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shoates, Keith B.

1993-01-01

From the 1960's and into the early 1980's satellite operations and control were conducted by Air Force Systems Command (AFSC), now Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), out of the Satellite Control Facility at Onizuka AFB, CA. AFSC was responsible for acquiring satellite command and control systems and conducting routine satellite operations. The daily operations, consisting of satellite health and status contacts and station keeping activities, were performed for AFSC by a Mission Control Team (MCT) staffed by civilian contractors who were responsible for providing their own technically 'qualified' personnel as satellite operators. An MCT consists of five positions: mission planner, ground controller, planner analyst, orbit analyst, and ranger controller. Most of the training consisted of On-the-Job-Training (OJT) with junior personnel apprenticed to senior personnel until they could demonstrate job proficiency. With most of the satellite operators having 15 to 25 years of experience, there was minimal risk to the mission. In the mid 1980's Air Force Space Command (AFSPACOM) assumed operational responsibility for a newly established control node at Falcon AFB (FAFB) in CO. The satellites and ground system program offices (SPO's) are organized under AFSC's Space and Missiles Systems Center (SMC) to function as a systems engineering and acquisition agency for AFSPACECOM. The collection of the satellite control nodes, ground tracking stations, computer processing equipment, and connecting communications links is referred to as the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN).

Engines-only flight control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burcham, Frank W. (Inventor); Gilyard, Glenn B (Inventor); Conley, Joseph L. (Inventor); Stewart, James F. (Inventor); Fullerton, Charles G. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A backup flight control system for controlling the flightpath of a multi-engine airplane using the main drive engines is introduced. The backup flight control system comprises an input device for generating a control command indicative of a desired flightpath, a feedback sensor for generating a feedback signal indicative of at least one of pitch rate, pitch attitude, roll rate and roll attitude, and a control device for changing the output power of at least one of the main drive engines on each side of the airplane in response to the control command and the feedback signal.

Cost efficient command management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandt, Theresa; Murphy, C. W.; Kuntz, Jon; Barlett, Tom

1996-01-01

The design and implementation of a command management system (CMS) for a NASA control center, is described. The technology innovations implemented in the CMS provide the infrastructure required for operations cost reduction and future development cost reduction through increased operational efficiency and reuse in future missions. The command management design facilitates error-free operations which enables the automation of the routine control center functions and allows for the distribution of scheduling responsibility to the instrument teams. The reusable system was developed using object oriented methodologies.

Organizational Systems Theory and Command and Control Concepts

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

Decentralized C2 • Problem is determinable • Many solutions • Predictable results • Low Risk • Slow feedback loop • Plans: Engineered or designed • C2...of these concepts in the Art of Command and the Science of Control, but lacks a proper model to assist commanders in determining how to correctly...commanders in determining how to correctly apply the concepts based on the operational environment. The paper concludes with a recommendation that the

Use of Semi-Autonomous Tools for ISS Commanding and Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brzezinski, Amy S.

2014-01-01

As the International Space Station (ISS) has moved into a utilization phase, operations have shifted to become more ground-based with fewer mission control personnel monitoring and commanding multiple ISS systems. This shift to fewer people monitoring more systems has prompted use of semi-autonomous console tools in the ISS Mission Control Center (MCC) to help flight controllers command and monitor the ISS. These console tools perform routine operational procedures while keeping the human operator "in the loop" to monitor and intervene when off-nominal events arise. Two such tools, the Pre-positioned Load (PPL) Loader and Automatic Operators Recorder Manager (AutoORM), are used by the ISS Communications RF Onboard Networks Utilization Specialist (CRONUS) flight control position. CRONUS is responsible for simultaneously commanding and monitoring the ISS Command & Data Handling (C&DH) and Communications and Tracking (C&T) systems. PPL Loader is used to uplink small pieces of frequently changed software data tables, called PPLs, to ISS computers to support different ISS operations. In order to uplink a PPL, a data load command must be built that contains multiple user-input fields. Next, a multiple step commanding and verification procedure must be performed to enable an onboard computer for software uplink, uplink the PPL, verify the PPL has incorporated correctly, and disable the computer for software uplink. PPL Loader provides different levels of automation in both building and uplinking these commands. In its manual mode, PPL Loader automatically builds the PPL data load commands but allows the flight controller to verify and save the commands for future uplink. In its auto mode, PPL Loader automatically builds the PPL data load commands for flight controller verification, but automatically performs the PPL uplink procedure by sending commands and performing verification checks while notifying CRONUS of procedure step completion. If an off-nominal condition occurs during procedure execution, PPL Loader notifies CRONUS through popup messages, allowing CRONUS to examine the situation and choose an option of how PPL loader should proceed with the procedure. The use of PPL Loader to perform frequent, routine PPL uplinks offloads CRONUS to better monitor two ISS systems. It also reduces procedure performance time and decreases risk of command errors. AutoORM identifies ISS communication outage periods and builds commands to lock, playback, and unlock ISS Operations Recorder files. Operation Recorder files are circular buffer files of continually recorded ISS telemetry data. Sections of these files can be locked from further writing, be played back to capture telemetry data that occurred during an ISS loss of signal (LOS) period, and then be unlocked for future recording use. Downlinked Operation Recorder files are used by mission support teams for data analysis, especially if failures occur during LOS. The commands to lock, playback, and unlock Operations Recorder files are encompassed in three different operational procedures and contain multiple user-input fields. AutoORM provides different levels of automation for building and uplinking the commands to lock, playback, and unlock Operations Recorder files. In its automatic mode, AutoORM automatically detects ISS LOS periods, then generates and uplinks the commands to lock, playback, and unlock Operations Recorder files when MCC regains signal with ISS. AutoORM also features semi-autonomous and manual modes which integrate CRONUS more into the command verification and uplink process. AutoORMs ability to automatically detect ISS LOS periods and build the necessary commands to preserve, playback, and release recorded telemetry data greatly offloads CRONUS to perform more high-level cognitive tasks, such as mission planning and anomaly troubleshooting. Additionally, since Operations Recorder commands contain numerical time input fields which are tedious for a human to manually build, AutoORM's ability to automatically build commands reduces operational command errors. PPL Loader and AutoORM demonstrate principles of semi-autonomous operational tools that will benefit future space mission operations. Both tools employ different levels of automation to perform simple and routine procedures, thereby offloading human operators to perform higher-level cognitive tasks. Because both tools provide procedure execution status and highlight off-nominal indications, the flight controller is able to intervene during procedure execution if needed. Semi-autonomous tools and systems that can perform routine procedures, yet keep human operators informed of execution, will be essential in future long-duration missions where the onboard crew will be solely responsible for spacecraft monitoring and control.

Application of an integrated flight/propulsion control design methodology to a STOVL aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garg, Sanjay; Mattern, Duane L.

1991-01-01

Results are presented from the application of an emerging Integrated Flight/Propulsion Control (IFPC) design methodology to a Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft in transition flight. The steps in the methodology consist of designing command shaping prefilters to provide the overall desired response to pilot command inputs. A previously designed centralized controller is first validated for the integrated airframe/engine plant used. This integrated plant is derived from a different model of the engine subsystem than the one used for the centralized controller design. The centralized controller is then partitioned in a decentralized, hierarchical structure comprising of airframe lateral and longitudinal subcontrollers and an engine subcontroller. Command shaping prefilters from the pilot control effector inputs are then designed and time histories of the closed loop IFPC system response to simulated pilot commands are compared to desired responses based on handling qualities requirements. Finally, the propulsion system safety and nonlinear limited protection logic is wrapped around the engine subcontroller and the response of the closed loop integrated system is evaluated for transients that encounter the propulsion surge margin limit.

Control system and method for payload control in mobile platform cranes

DOEpatents

Robinett, III, Rush D.; Groom, Kenneth N.; Feddema, John T.; Parker, Gordon G.

2002-01-01

A crane control system and method provides a way to generate crane commands responsive to a desired payload motion to achieve substantially pendulation-free actual payload motion. The control system and method apply a motion compensator to maintain a payload in a defined payload configuration relative to an inertial coordinate frame. The control system and method can further comprise a pendulation damper controller to reduce an amount of pendulation between a sensed payload configuration and the defined payload configuration. The control system and method can further comprise a command shaping filter to filter out a residual payload pendulation frequency from the desired payload motion.

Semantic definitions of space flight control center languages using the hierarchical graph technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zaghloul, M. E.; Truszkowski, W.

1981-01-01

In this paper a method is described by which the semantic definitions of the Goddard Space Flight Control Center Command Languages can be specified. The semantic modeling facility used is an extension of the hierarchical graph technique, which has a major benefit of supporting a variety of data structures and a variety of control structures. It is particularly suited for the semantic descriptions of such types of languages where the detailed separation between the underlying operating system and the command language system is system dependent. These definitions were used in the definition of the Systems Test and Operation Language (STOL) of the Goddard Space Flight Center which is a command language that provides means for the user to communicate with payloads, application programs, and other ground system elements.

M1A2 tank commander's independent thermal viewer optics: system engineering perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratcliff, David D.

1993-08-01

As successful as the M1A1 Abrams tank was in the Gulf War, a program has been under way for several years to improve and modernize the M1A1 to keep pace with new threats and to take advantage of new technology. This program has resulted in the M1A2 upgrade program which significantly improves the survivability and lethality of the tank. First, the point-to-point wiring and analog signal processing was replaced with digital processing and control with a modern, aircraft-style digital data bus. Additional command and control aspects of the upgrade greatly improved the situational awareness of the M1A2 commander. Finally, an additional thermal imaging system was added for the commander. This system, the M1A2 Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) is the topic of the following paper, which details the design from a system engineering perspective, and a companion paper that presents the optical design perspective.

Methods and Systems for Authorizing an Effector Command in an Integrated Modular Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sunderland, Dean E. (Inventor); Ahrendt, Terry J. (Inventor); Moore, Tim (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Methods and systems are provided for authorizing a command of an integrated modular environment in which a plurality of partitions control actions of a plurality of effectors is provided. A first identifier, a second identifier, and a third identifier are determined. The first identifier identifies a first partition of the plurality of partitions from which the command originated. The second identifier identifies a first effector of the plurality of effectors for which the command is intended. The third identifier identifies a second partition of the plurality of partitions that is responsible for controlling the first effector. The first identifier and the third identifier are compared to determine whether the first partition is the same as the second partition for authorization of the command.

Designing to Support Command and Control in Urban Firefighting

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

complex human- machine systems. Keywords: Command and control, firefighting, cognitive systems engineering, cognitive task analysis 1...Elm, W. (2000). Bootstrapping multiple converging cognitive task analysis techniques for system design. In J.M.C. Schraagen, S.F. Chipman, & V.L...Shalin, (Eds.), Cognitive Task Analysis . (pp. 317-340). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum. Rasmussen, J., Pejtersen, A., Goodman, L. (1994). Cognitive

Built-In Diagnostics (BID) Of Equipment/Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Granieri, Michael N.; Giordano, John P.; Nolan, Mary E.

1995-01-01

Diagnostician(TM)-on-Chip (DOC) technology identifies faults and commands systems reconfiguration. Smart microcontrollers operating in conjunction with other system-control circuits, command self-correcting system/equipment actions in real time. DOC microcontroller generates commands for associated built-in test equipment to stimulate unit of equipment diagnosed, collects and processes response data obtained by built-in test equipment, and performs diagnostic reasoning on response data, using diagnostic knowledge base derived from design data.

Secure Web-based Ground System User Interfaces over the Open Internet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langston, James H.; Murray, Henry L.; Hunt, Gary R.

1998-01-01

A prototype has been developed which makes use of commercially available products in conjunction with the Java programming language to provide a secure user interface for command and control over the open Internet. This paper reports successful demonstration of: (1) Security over the Internet, including encryption and certification; (2) Integration of Java applets with a COTS command and control product; (3) Remote spacecraft commanding using the Internet. The Java-based Spacecraft Web Interface to Telemetry and Command Handling (Jswitch) ground system prototype provides these capabilities. This activity demonstrates the use and integration of current technologies to enable a spacecraft engineer or flight operator to monitor and control a spacecraft from a user interface communicating over the open Internet using standard World Wide Web (WWW) protocols and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. The core command and control functions are provided by the COTS Epoch 2000 product. The standard WWW tools and browsers are used in conjunction with the Java programming technology. Security is provided with the current encryption and certification technology. This system prototype is a step in the direction of giving scientist and flight operators Web-based access to instrument, payload, and spacecraft data.

LQC control for the Mini-Mast experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montgomery, R. C.; Ghosh, D.

1988-01-01

The Mini-Mast system is briefly reviewed, and results of a simulation study of the LQG control for the Mini-Mast experiment are reported. In particular, attention is given to problems and limitations related to the testing of control laws using reaction mass actuators, such as accounting for force and stroke limits of these devices. The local controller used in the study and the algorithm for converting the force commands of the LQG algorithm to position commands for the reaction mass device are described. It is shown that the LQG generated damping is reduced when a local controller is used and the position command is not saturated; it drops still further when the position command is saturated.

A self-learning rule base for command following in dynamical systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsai, Wei K.; Lee, Hon-Mun; Parlos, Alexander

1992-01-01

In this paper, a self-learning Rule Base for command following in dynamical systems is presented. The learning is accomplished though reinforcement learning using an associative memory called SAM. The main advantage of SAM is that it is a function approximator with explicit storage of training samples. A learning algorithm patterned after the dynamic programming is proposed. Two artificially created, unstable dynamical systems are used for testing, and the Rule Base was used to generate a feedback control to improve the command following ability of the otherwise uncontrolled systems. The numerical results are very encouraging. The controlled systems exhibit a more stable behavior and a better capability to follow reference commands. The rules resulting from the reinforcement learning are explicitly stored and they can be modified or augmented by human experts. Due to overlapping storage scheme of SAM, the stored rules are similar to fuzzy rules.

Stability Properties and Cross Coupling Performance of the Control Allocation Scheme CAPIO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yildiz, Yildiray; Kolmanovsky, Ilya V.

2010-01-01

This paper presents a stability analysis and an application of a recently developed Control Allocator for recovery from Pilot Induced Oscillations (CAPIO). When actuators are rate-saturated due to either aggressive pilot commands, high gain ight control systems or some anomaly in the system, the effective delay in the control loop may increase. This effective delay increase manifests itself as a phase shift between the commanded and actual system signals and can instigate Pilot induced Oscillations (PIO). CAPIO reduces the e ective time delay by minimizing the phase shift between the commanded and the actual attitude accelerations. We present a stability analysis of CAPIO for a scalar system. In addition, we present simulation results for aircraft with cross-coupling which demonstrates the potential of CAPIO serving as an effective PIO handler in adverse conditions.

Voice Controlled Wheelchair

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Michael Condon, a quadraplegic from Pasadena, California, demonstrates the NASA-developed voice-controlled wheelchair and its manipulator, which can pick up packages, open doors, turn a TV knob, and perform a variety of other functions. A possible boon to paralyzed and other severely handicapped persons, the chair-manipulator system responds to 35 one-word voice commands, such as "go," "stop," "up," "down," "right," "left," "forward," "backward." The heart of the system is a voice-command analyzer which utilizes a minicomputer. Commands are taught I to the computer by the patient's repeating them a number of times; thereafter the analyzer recognizes commands only in the patient's particular speech pattern. The computer translates commands into electrical signals which activate appropriate motors and cause the desired motion of chair or manipulator. Based on teleoperator and robot technology for space-related programs, the voice-controlled system was developed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory under the joint sponsorship of NASA and the Veterans Administration. The wheelchair-manipulator has been tested at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, Downey, California, and is being evaluated at the VA Prosthetics Center in New York City.

Field experiments using SPEAR: a speech control system for UGVs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chhatpar, Siddharth R.; Blanco, Chris; Czerniak, Jeffrey; Hoffman, Orin; Juneja, Amit; Pruthi, Tarun; Liu, Dongqing; Karlsen, Robert; Brown, Jonathan

2009-05-01

This paper reports on a Field Experiment carried out by the Human Research and Engineering Directorate at Ft. Benning to evaluate the efficacy of using speech to control an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) concurrently with a handcontroller. The SPEAR system, developed by Think-A-Move, provides speech-control of UGVs. The system picks up user-speech in the ear canal with an in-ear microphone. This property allows it to work efficiently in high-noise environments, where traditional speech systems, employing external microphones, fail. It has been integrated with an iRobot PackBot 510 with EOD kit. The integrated system allows the hand-controller to be supplemented with speech for concurrent control. At Ft. Benning, the integrated system was tested by soldiers from the Officer Candidate School. The Experiment had dual focus: 1) Quantitative measurement of the time taken to complete each station and the cognitive load on users; 2) Qualitative evaluation of ease-of-use and ergonomics through soldier-feedback. Also of significant benefit to Think-A-Move was soldier-feedback on the speech-command vocabulary employed: What spoken commands are intuitive, and how the commands should be executed, e.g., limited-motion vs. unlimited-motion commands. Overall results from the Experiment are reported in the paper.

Network device interface for digitally interfacing data channels to a controller via a network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellerbrock, Philip J. (Inventor); Grant, Robert L. (Inventor); Winkelmann, Joseph P. (Inventor); Konz, Daniel W. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A communications system and method are provided for digitally connecting a plurality of data channels, such as sensors, actuators, and subsystems, to a controller using a network bus. The network device interface interprets commands and data received from the controller and polls the data channels in accordance with these commands. Specifically, the network device interface receives digital commands and data from the controller, and based on these commands and data, communicates with the data channels to either retrieve data in the case of a sensor or send data to activate an actuator. Data retrieved from the sensor is converted into digital signals and transmitted to the controller. Network device interfaces associated with different data channels can coordinate communications with the other interfaces based on either a transition in a command message sent by the bus controller or a synchronous clock signal.

Intelligent tutoring in the spacecraft command/control environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Truszkowski, Walter F.

1988-01-01

The spacecraft command/control environment is becoming increasingly complex. As we enter the era of Space Station and the era of more highly automated systems, it is evident that the critical roles played by operations personnel in supervising the many required control center system components is becoming more cognitively demanding. In addition, the changing and emerging roles in the operations picture have far-reaching effects on the achievement of mission objectives. Thus highly trained and competent operations personnel are mandatory for success. Keeping pace with these developments has been computer-aided instruction utilizing various artificial intelligence technologies. The impacts of this growing capability on the stringent requirements for efficient and effective control center operations personnel is an area of much concentrated study. Some of the research and development of automated tutoring systems for the spacecraft command/control environment is addressed.

A Control Allocation Technique to Recover From Pilot-Induced Oscillations (CAPIO) Due to Actuator Rate Limiting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yildiz, Yildiray; Kolmanovsky, Ilya V.

2010-01-01

This paper proposes a control allocation technique that can help pilots recover from pilot induced oscillations (PIO). When actuators are rate-saturated due to aggressive pilot commands, high gain flight control systems or some anomaly in the system, the effective delay in the control loop may increase depending on the nature of the cause. This effective delay increase manifests itself as a phase shift between the commanded and actual system signals and can instigate PIOs. The proposed control allocator reduces the effective time delay by minimizing the phase shift between the commanded and the actual attitude accelerations. Simulation results are reported, which demonstrate phase shift minimization and recovery from PIOs. Conversion of the objective function to be minimized and constraints to a form that is suitable for implementation is given.

Advanced transport operating system software upgrade: Flight management/flight controls software description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clinedinst, Winston C.; Debure, Kelly R.; Dickson, Richard W.; Heaphy, William J.; Parks, Mark A.; Slominski, Christopher J.; Wolverton, David A.

1988-01-01

The Flight Management/Flight Controls (FM/FC) software for the Norden 2 (PDP-11/70M) computer installed on the NASA 737 aircraft is described. The software computes the navigation position estimates, guidance commands, those commands to be issued to the control surfaces to direct the aircraft in flight based on the modes selected on the Advanced Guidance Control System (AGSC) mode panel, and the flight path selected via the Navigation Control/Display Unit (NCDU).

Audit Oversight: Quality Control System at U.S. Special Operations Command Inspector General Audit Division

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-08-21

The Audit Division provides the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) with professional auditing services to safeguard, account for...and ensure the proper use of special operations forces assets in accomplishing the USSOCOM mission. The Audit Division reports to the USSOCOM Inspector...U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Naval Special Warfare Command, and the Joint Special Operations Command. Appendix A contains a summary of the Audit Division policy and procedures.

Cognitive Systems Modeling and Analysis of Command and Control Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norlander, Arne

2012-01-01

Military operations, counter-terrorism operations and emergency response often oblige operators and commanders to operate within distributed organizations and systems for safe and effective mission accomplishment. Tactical commanders and operators frequently encounter violent threats and critical demands on cognitive capacity and reaction time. In the future they will make decisions in situations where operational and system characteristics are highly dynamic and non-linear, i.e. minor events, decisions or actions may have serious and irreversible consequences for the entire mission. Commanders and other decision makers must manage true real time properties at all levels; individual operators, stand-alone technical systems, higher-order integrated human-machine systems and joint operations forces alike. Coping with these conditions in performance assessment, system development and operational testing is a challenge for both practitioners and researchers. This paper reports on research from which the results led to a breakthrough: An integrated approach to information-centered systems analysis to support future command and control systems research development. This approach integrates several areas of research into a coherent framework, Action Control Theory (ACT). It comprises measurement techniques and methodological advances that facilitate a more accurate and deeper understanding of the operational environment, its agents, actors and effectors, generating new and updated models. This in turn generates theoretical advances. Some good examples of successful approaches are found in the research areas of cognitive systems engineering, systems theory, and psychophysiology, and in the fields of dynamic, distributed decision making and naturalistic decision making.

An improved lateral control wheel steering law for the Transport Systems Research Vehicle (TSRV)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ragsdale, W. A.

1992-01-01

A lateral control wheel steering law with improved performance was developed for the Transport Systems Research Vehicle (TSRV) simulation and used in the Microwave Landing System research project. The control law converted rotational hand controller inputs into roll rate commands, manipulated ailerons, spoilers, and the rudder to achieve the desired roll rates. The system included automatic turn coordination, track angle hold, and autopilot/autoland modes. The resulting control law produced faster roll rates (15 degrees/sec), quicker response to command reversals, and safer bank angle limits, while using a more concise program code.

A Framework for Optimal Control Allocation with Structural Load Constraints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frost, Susan A.; Taylor, Brian R.; Jutte, Christine V.; Burken, John J.; Trinh, Khanh V.; Bodson, Marc

2010-01-01

Conventional aircraft generally employ mixing algorithms or lookup tables to determine control surface deflections needed to achieve moments commanded by the flight control system. Control allocation is the problem of converting desired moments into control effector commands. Next generation aircraft may have many multipurpose, redundant control surfaces, adding considerable complexity to the control allocation problem. These issues can be addressed with optimal control allocation. Most optimal control allocation algorithms have control surface position and rate constraints. However, these constraints are insufficient to ensure that the aircraft's structural load limits will not be exceeded by commanded surface deflections. In this paper, a framework is proposed to enable a flight control system with optimal control allocation to incorporate real-time structural load feedback and structural load constraints. A proof of concept simulation that demonstrates the framework in a simulation of a generic transport aircraft is presented.

Moving base simulation evaluation of translational rate command systems for STOVL aircraft in hover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Franklin, James A.; Stortz, Michael W.

1996-01-01

Using a generalized simulation model, a moving-base simulation of a lift-fan short takeoff/vertical landing fighter aircraft has been conducted on the Vertical Motion Simulator at Ames Research Center. Objectives of the experiment were to determine the influence of system bandwidth and phase delay on flying qualities for translational rate command and vertical velocity command systems. Assessments were made for precision hover control and for landings aboard an LPH type amphibious assault ship in the presence of winds and rough seas. Results obtained define the boundaries between satisfactory and adequate flying qualities for these design features for longitudinal and lateral translational rate command and for vertical velocity command.

Survey of Command Execution Systems for NASA Spacecraft and Robots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verma, Vandi; Jonsson, Ari; Simmons, Reid; Estlin, Tara; Levinson, Rich

2005-01-01

NASA spacecraft and robots operate at long distances from Earth Command sequences generated manually, or by automated planners on Earth, must eventually be executed autonomously onboard the spacecraft or robot. Software systems that execute commands onboard are known variously as execution systems, virtual machines, or sequence engines. Every robotic system requires some sort of execution system, but the level of autonomy and type of control they are designed for varies greatly. This paper presents a survey of execution systems with a focus on systems relevant to NASA missions.

Decomposition and control of complex systems - Application to the analysis and control of industrial and economic systems /energy production/ with limited supplies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Coligny, M.

Optimized control strategies are developed for industrial installations where many variables of energy supply and storage are involved, with a particular focus on characteristics of a solar central tower power plant. It is shown that optimal regulation resides in controlling all disturbances which occur in a limited domain of the entire system, using robust control schemes. Choosing a command is then dependent on defining precise operational limits as constraints on the machines' performances. Attention is given to the development of variational principles used for the elements of the command logic. Particular consideration is given to a limited supply in storage in spatial and temporal terms. Commands for alterations in functions are then available on-line, and discontinuities are not a feature of the control system. The strategy is applied to the case of a field of heliostats and a central tower themal receiver showing that management is possible on the basis of a sliding horizon.

Status of Centrifugal Impeller Internal Aerodynamics: Experiments and Calculations

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-02-01

Dan Adler February 1979 TJ Approved for public release; distribution unlimited 267.5 16 Prepared for: A35 Naval Air Systems Command Washington...The work reported herein was supported by the Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, DC. Reproduction of all or part of this report is authorized...6115 3N; N00019-79-WR-91115 II. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS Naval Air Systems Command Washington, DC 20361 12. REPORT DATE

Pattern Recognition Control Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gambone, Elisabeth A.

2018-01-01

Spacecraft control algorithms must know the expected vehicle response to any command to the available control effectors, such as reaction thrusters or torque devices. Spacecraft control system design approaches have traditionally relied on the estimated vehicle mass properties to determine the desired force and moment, as well as knowledge of the effector performance to efficiently control the spacecraft. A pattern recognition approach was used to investigate the relationship between the control effector commands and spacecraft responses. Instead of supplying the approximated vehicle properties and the thruster performance characteristics, a database of information relating the thruster ring commands and the desired vehicle response was used for closed-loop control. A Monte Carlo simulation data set of the spacecraft dynamic response to effector commands was analyzed to establish the influence a command has on the behavior of the spacecraft. A tool developed at NASA Johnson Space Center to analyze flight dynamics Monte Carlo data sets through pattern recognition methods was used to perform this analysis. Once a comprehensive data set relating spacecraft responses with commands was established, it was used in place of traditional control methods and gains set. This pattern recognition approach was compared with traditional control algorithms to determine the potential benefits and uses.

Multi-community command and control systems in law enforcement: An introductory planning guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sohn, R. L.; Garcia, E. A.; Kennedy, R. D.

1976-01-01

A set of planning guidelines for multi-community command and control systems in law enforcement is presented. Essential characteristics and applications of these systems are outlined. Requirements analysis, system concept design, implementation planning, and performance and cost modeling are described and demonstrated with numerous examples. Program management techniques and joint powers agreements for multicommunity programs are discussed in detail. A description of a typical multi-community computer-aided dispatch system is appended.

Roadside-based communication system and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bachelder, Aaron D. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A roadside-based communication system providing backup communication between emergency mobile units and emergency command centers. In the event of failure of a primary communication, the mobile units transmit wireless messages to nearby roadside controllers that may take the form of intersection controllers. The intersection controllers receive the wireless messages, convert the messages into standard digital streams, and transmit the digital streams along a citywide network to a destination intersection or command center.

Neural network application to aircraft control system design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Troudet, Terry; Garg, Sanjay; Merrill, Walter C.

1991-01-01

The feasibility of using artificial neural networks as control systems for modern, complex aerospace vehicles is investigated via an example aircraft control design study. The problem considered is that of designing a controller for an integrated airframe/propulsion longitudinal dynamics model of a modern fighter aircraft to provide independent control of pitch rate and airspeed responses to pilot command inputs. An explicit model following controller using H infinity control design techniques is first designed to gain insight into the control problem as well as to provide a baseline for evaluation of the neurocontroller. Using the model of the desired dynamics as a command generator, a multilayer feedforward neural network is trained to control the vehicle model within the physical limitations of the actuator dynamics. This is achieved by minimizing an objective function which is a weighted sum of tracking errors and control input commands and rates. To gain insight in the neurocontrol, linearized representations of the nonlinear neurocontroller are analyzed along a commanded trajectory. Linear robustness analysis tools are then applied to the linearized neurocontroller models and to the baseline H infinity based controller. Future areas of research are identified to enhance the practical applicability of neural networks to flight control design.

Neural network application to aircraft control system design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Troudet, Terry; Garg, Sanjay; Merrill, Walter C.

1991-01-01

The feasibility of using artificial neural network as control systems for modern, complex aerospace vehicles is investigated via an example aircraft control design study. The problem considered is that of designing a controller for an integrated airframe/propulsion longitudinal dynamics model of a modern fighter aircraft to provide independent control of pitch rate and airspeed responses to pilot command inputs. An explicit model following controller using H infinity control design techniques is first designed to gain insight into the control problem as well as to provide a baseline for evaluation of the neurocontroller. Using the model of the desired dynamics as a command generator, a multilayer feedforward neural network is trained to control the vehicle model within the physical limitations of the actuator dynamics. This is achieved by minimizing an objective function which is a weighted sum of tracking errors and control input commands and rates. To gain insight in the neurocontrol, linearized representations of the nonlinear neurocontroller are analyzed along a commanded trajectory. Linear robustness analysis tools are then applied to the linearized neurocontroller models and to the baseline H infinity based controller. Future areas of research identified to enhance the practical applicability of neural networks to flight control design.

Investigation of interactions between limb-manipulator dynamics and effective vehicle roll control characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, D. E.; Mcruer, D. T.

1986-01-01

A fixed-base simulation was performed to identify and quantify interactions between the pilot's hand/arm neuromuscular subsystem and such features of typical modern fighter aircraft roll rate command control system mechanization as: (1) force sensing side-stick type manipulator; (2) vehicle effective role time constant; and (3) flight control system effective time delay. The simulation results provide insight to high frequency pilot induced oscillations (PIO) (roll ratchet), low frequency PIO, and roll-to-right control and handling problems previously observed in experimental and production fly-by-wire control systems. The simulation configurations encompass and/or duplicate actual flight situations, reproduce control problems observed in flight, and validate the concept that the high frequency nuisance mode known as roll ratchet derives primarily from the pilot's neuromuscular subsystem. The simulations show that force-sensing side-stick manipulator force/displacement/command gradients, command prefilters, and flight control system time delays need to be carefully adjusted to minimize neuromuscular mode amplitude peaking (roll ratchet tendency) without restricting roll control bandwidth (with resulting sluggish or PIO prone control).

Flight test experience and controlled impact of a remotely piloted jet transport aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horton, Timothy W.; Kempel, Robert W.

1988-01-01

The Dryden Flight Research Center Facility of NASA Ames Research Center (Ames-Dryden) and the FAA conducted the controlled impact demonstration (CID) program using a large, four-engine, remotely piloted jet transport airplane. Closed-loop primary flight was controlled through the existing onboard PB-20D autopilot which had been modified for the CID program. Uplink commands were sent from a ground-based cockpit and digital computer in conjunction with an up-down telemetry link. These uplink commands were received aboard the airplane and transferred through uplink interface systems to the modified PB-20D autopilot. Both proportional and discrete commands were produced by the ground system. Prior to flight tests, extensive simulation was conducted during the development of ground-based digital control laws. The control laws included primary control, secondary control, and racetrack and final approach guidance. Extensive ground checks were performed on all remotely piloted systems; however, piloted flight tests were the primary method and validation of control law concepts developed from simulation. The design, development, and flight testing of control laws and systems required to accomplish the remotely piloted mission are discussed.

Unified Desktop for Monitoring & Control Applications - The Open Navigator Framework Applied for Control Centre and EGSE Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brauer, U.

2007-08-01

The Open Navigator Framework (ONF) was developed to provide a unified and scalable platform for user interface integration. The main objective for the framework was to raise usability of monitoring and control consoles and to provide a reuse of software components in different application areas. ONF is currently applied for the Columbus onboard crew interface, the commanding application for the Columbus Control Centre, the Columbus user facilities specialized user interfaces, the Mission Execution Crew Assistant (MECA) study and EADS Astrium internal R&D projects. ONF provides a well documented and proven middleware for GUI components (Java plugin interface, simplified concept similar to Eclipse). The overall application configuration is performed within a graphical user interface for layout and component selection. The end-user does not have to work in the underlying XML configuration files. ONF was optimized to provide harmonized user interfaces for monitoring and command consoles. It provides many convenience functions designed together with flight controllers and onboard crew: user defined workspaces, incl. support for multi screens efficient communication mechanism between the components integrated web browsing and documentation search &viewing consistent and integrated menus and shortcuts common logging and application configuration (properties) supervision interface for remote plugin GUI access (web based) A large number of operationally proven ONF components have been developed: Command Stack & History: Release of commands and follow up the command acknowledges System Message Panel: Browse, filter and search system messages/events Unified Synoptic System: Generic synoptic display system Situational Awareness : Show overall subsystem status based on monitoring of key parameters System Model Browser: Browse mission database defintions (measurements, commands, events) Flight Procedure Executor: Execute checklist and logical flow interactive procedures Web Browser : Integrated browser reference documentation and operations data Timeline Viewer: View master timeline as Gantt chart Search: Local search of operations products (e.g. documentation, procedures, displays) All GUI components access the underlying spacecraft data (commanding, reporting data, events, command history) via a common library providing adaptors for the current deployments (Columbus MCS, Columbus onboard Data Management System, Columbus Trainer raw packet protocol). New Adaptors are easy to develop. Currently an adaptor to SCOS 2000 is developed as part of a study for the ESTEC standardization section ("USS for ESTEC Reference Facility").

Natural language interface for command and control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuler, Robert L., Jr.

1986-01-01

A working prototype of a flexible 'natural language' interface for command and control situations is presented. This prototype is analyzed from two standpoints. First is the role of natural language for command and control, its realistic requirements, and how well the role can be filled with current practical technology. Second, technical concepts for implementation are discussed and illustrated by their application in the prototype system. It is also shown how adaptive or 'learning' features can greatly ease the task of encoding language knowledge in the language processor.

A program to evaluate a control system based on feedback of aerodynamic pressure differentials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levy, D. W.; Finn, P.; Roskam, J.

1981-01-01

The use of aerodynamic pressure differentials to position a control surface is evaluated. The system is a differential pressure command loop, analogous to a position command loop, where the surface is commanded to move until a desired differential pressure across the surface is achieved. This type of control is more direct and accurate because it is the differential pressure which causes the control forces and moments. A frequency response test was performed in a low speed wind tunnel to measure the performance of the system. Both pressure and position feedback were tested. The pressure feedback performed as well as position feedback implying that the actuator, with a break frequency on the order of 10 Rad/sec, was the limiting component. Theoretical considerations indicate that aerodynamic lags will not appear below frequencies of 50 Rad/sec, or higher.

Human factors optimization of virtual environment attributes for a space telerobotic control station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lane, Jason Corde

2000-10-01

Remote control of underwater vehicles and other robotic systems has, up until now, proved to be a challenging task for the human operator. With technology advancements in computers and displays, computer interfaces can be used to alleviate the workload on the operator. This research introduces the concept of a commanded display, which is a graphical simulation that shows the commands sent to the actual system in real-time. The primary goal of this research was to show a commanded display as an alternative to the traditional predictive display for reducing the effects of time delay. Several experiments were used to investigate how subjects compensated for time delay under a variety of conditions while controlling a 7-degree of freedom robotic manipulator. Results indicate that time delay increased completion time linearly; this linear relationship occurred even at different manipulator speeds, varying levels of error, and when using a commanded display. The commanded display alleviated the majority of time delay effects, up to 91% reduction. The commanded display also facilitated more accurate control, reducing the number of inadvertent impacts to the task worksite, even when compared to no time delay. Even with a moderate error between the commanded and actual displays, the commanded display was still a useful tool for mitigating time delay. The way subjects controlled the manipulator with the input device was tracked and their control strategies were extracted. A correlation between the subjects' use of the input device and their task completion time was determined. The importance of stereo vision and head tracking was examined and shown to improve a subject's depth perception within a virtual environment. Reports of simulator sickness induced by display equipment, including a head mounted display and LCD shutter glasses, were compared. The results of the above testing were used to develop an effective virtual environment control station to control a multi-arm robot.

Evaluating the Performance of the NASA LaRC CMF Motion Base Safety Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupton, Lawrence E.; Bryant, Richard B., Jr.; Carrelli, David J.

2006-01-01

This paper describes the initial measured performance results of the previously documented NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Cockpit Motion Facility (CMF) motion base hardware safety devices. These safety systems are required to prevent excessive accelerations that could injure personnel and damage simulator cockpits or the motion base structure. Excessive accelerations may be caused by erroneous commands or hardware failures driving an actuator to the end of its travel at high velocity, stepping a servo valve, or instantly reversing servo direction. Such commands may result from single order failures of electrical or hydraulic components within the control system itself, or from aggressive or improper cueing commands from the host simulation computer. The safety systems must mitigate these high acceleration events while minimizing the negative performance impacts. The system accomplishes this by controlling the rate of change of valve signals to limit excessive commanded accelerations. It also aids hydraulic cushion performance by limiting valve command authority as the actuator approaches its end of travel. The design takes advantage of inherent motion base hydraulic characteristics to implement all safety features using hardware only solutions.

Spaceport Command and Control System Automated Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, Meriel

2017-01-01

The Spaceport Command and Control System (SCCS) is the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) launch control system for the Orion capsule and Space Launch System, the next generation manned rocket currently in development. This large system requires high quality testing that will properly measure the capabilities of the system. Automating the test procedures would save the project time and money. Therefore, the Electrical Engineering Division at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has recruited interns for the past two years to work alongside full-time engineers to develop these automated tests, as well as innovate upon the current automation process.

Spaceport Command and Control System Automation Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hwang, Andrew

2017-01-01

The Spaceport Command and Control System (SCCS) is the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) launch control system for the Orion capsule and Space Launch System, the next generation manned rocket currently in development. This large system requires high quality testing that will properly measure the capabilities of the system. Automating the test procedures would save the project time and money. Therefore, the Electrical Engineering Division at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has recruited interns for the past two years to work alongside full-time engineers to develop these automated tests, as well as innovate upon the current automation process.

WMAP C&DH Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cudmore, Alan; Leath, Tim; Ferrer, Art; Miller, Todd; Walters, Mark; Savadkin, Bruce; Wu, Ji-Wei; Slegel, Steve; Stagmer, Emory

2007-01-01

The command-and-data-handling (C&DH) software of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) spacecraft functions as the sole interface between (1) the spacecraft and its instrument subsystem and (2) ground operations equipment. This software includes a command-decoding and -distribution system, a telemetry/data-handling system, and a data-storage-and-playback system. This software performs onboard processing of attitude sensor data and generates commands for attitude-control actuators in a closed-loop fashion. It also processes stored commands and monitors health and safety functions for the spacecraft and its instrument subsystems. The basic functionality of this software is the same of that of the older C&DH software of the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) spacecraft, the main difference being the addition of the attitude-control functionality. Previously, the C&DH and attitude-control computations were performed by different processors because a single RXTE processor did not have enough processing power. The WMAP spacecraft includes a more-powerful processor capable of performing both computations.

Navigation-synchronized multimodal control wheelchair from brain to alternative assistive technologies for persons with severe disabilities.

PubMed

Puanhvuan, Dilok; Khemmachotikun, Sarawin; Wechakarn, Pongsakorn; Wijarn, Boonyanuch; Wongsawat, Yodchanan

2017-04-01

Currently, electric wheelchairs are commonly used to improve mobility in disabled people. In severe cases, the user is unable to control the wheelchair by themselves because his/her motor functions are disabled. To restore mobility function, a brain-controlled wheelchair (BCW) would be a promising system that would allow the patient to control the wheelchair by their thoughts. P300 is a reliable brain electrical signal, a component of visual event-related potentials (ERPs), that could be used for interpreting user commands. This research aimed to propose a prototype BCW to allowed severe motor disabled patients to practically control a wheelchair for use in their home environment. The users were able to select from 9 possible destination commands in the automatic mode and from 4 directional commands (forward, backward, turn left and right) in the shared-control mode. These commands were selected via the designed P300 processing system. The wheelchair was steered to the desired location by the implemented navigation system. Safety of the user was ensured during wheelchair navigation due to the included obstacle detection and avoidance features. A combination of P300 and EOG was used as a hybrid BCW system. The user could fully operate the system such as enabling P300 detection system, mode shifting and stop/cancelation command by performing a different consecutive blinks to generate eye blinking patterns. The results revealed that the prototype BCW could be operated in either of the proposed modes. With the new design of the LED-based P300 stimulator, the average accuracies of the P300 detection algorithm in the shared-control and automatic modes were 95.31 and 83.42% with 3.09 and 3.79 bits/min, respectively. The P300 classification error was acceptable, as the user could cancel an incorrect command by blinking 2 times. Moreover, the proposed navigation system had a flexible design that could be interfaced with other assistive technologies. This research developed 3 alternative input modules: an eye tracker module and chin and hand controller modules. The user could select the most suitable assistive technology based on his/her level of disability. Other existing assistive technologies could also be connected to the proposed system in the future using the same protocol.

The Commanding Officer’s Perspective on Protecting Shipboard IT Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

potential checklist for protecting Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ( SCADA ) systems. “A SCADA system is the software that controls networks such as...NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA THESIS Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited THE COMMANDING... for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instruction, searching existing data

Description and theory of operation of the computer by-pass system for the NASA F-8 digital fly-by-wire control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

A triplex digital flight control system was installed in a NASA F-8C airplane to provide fail operate, full authority control. The triplex digital computers and interface circuitry process the pilot commands and aircraft motion feedback parameters according to the selected control laws, and they output the surface commands as an analog signal to the servoelectronics for position control of the aircraft's power actuators. The system and theory of operation of the computer by pass and servoelectronics are described and an automated ground test for each axis is included.

Automation of the Lowell Observatory 0.8-m Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buie, M. W.

2001-11-01

In the past year I have converted the Lowell Observatory 0.8-m telescope from a classically scheduled and operated telescope to an automated facility. The new setup uses an existing CCD camera and the existing telescope control system. The key steps in the conversion were writing a new CCD control and data acquisition module plus writing communication and queue control software. The previous CCD control program was written for DOS and much of the code was reused for this project. The entire control system runs under Linux and consists of four daemons: MOVE, PCCD, CMDR, and PCTL. The MOVE daemon is a process that communciates with the telescope control system via an RS232 port, keeping track of its state and forwarding commands from other processes to the telescope. The PCCD daemon controls the CCD camera and collects data. The CMDR daemon maintains a FIFO queue of commands to be executed during the night. The PCTL daemon receives notification from any other deamon of execution failures and sends an error code to the on-duty observer via a numeric pager. This system runs through the night much as you would traditionally operate a telescope. However, this system permits queuing up all the commands for a night and they execute one after another in sequence. Additional commands are needed to replace the normal human interaction during observing (ie., target acquisition, field registration, focusing). Also, numerous temporal synchronization commands are required so that observations happen at the right time. The system was used for this year's photometric monitoring of Pluto and Triton and is in general use for 2/3 of time on the telescope. Pluto observations were collected on 30 nights out of a potential pool of 90 nights. Detailed system design and capabilites plus sample observations will be presented. Also, a live demonstration will be provided if the weather is good. This work was supported by NASA Grant NAG5-4210 and the NSF REU Program grant to NAU.

Design considerations of manipulator and feel system characteristics in roll tracking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, Donald E.; Aponso, Bimal L.

1988-01-01

A fixed-base simulation was performed to identify and quantify interactions between the pilot's hand/arm neuromuscular subsystem and such control system features of typical modern fighter aircraft roll rate command mechanizations as: (1) force versus displacement sensing side-stick type manipulator, (2) feel force/displacement gradient, (3) feel system versus command prefilter dynamic lag, and (4) flight control system effective time delay. The experiment encompassed some 48 manipulator/filter/aircraft configurations. Displacement side-stick experiment results are given and compared with the previous force sidestick experiment results. Attention is focused on control bandwidth, excitement (peaking) of the neuromuscular mode, feel force/displacement gradient effects, time delay effects, etc. Section 5 is devoted to experiments with a center-stick in which force versus displacement sensing, feel system lag, and command prefilter lag influences on tracking performance and pilot preference are investigated.

Lock-up control system for an automatic transmission

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Higashi, H.; Yashiki, S.; Waki, K.

A lock-up control system is described for an automatic transmission including a torque converter coupled with the output portion on an engine, and a power transmitting gear arrangement coupled with the output portion of the torque converter and controlled to vary the transmitting gear ratio therein by gear ratio control means in accordance with a shifting up or down command supplied to the latter. A lock-up clutch is provided for locking up the output portion of the torque converter to the output portion of the engine. The lock-up control system comprises: lock-up operation control means for controlling the lock-up clutchmore » to be in its operative state and in its inoperative state selectively, and for causing the lock-up clutch to be in the inoperative state thereof when the gear ratio control means performs the control with the shifting up or down command, and lock-up command means for preventing the lock-up operation control means from causing the lock-up clutch to be in the inoperative state thereof until a predetermined reductive variation in the speed of the output portion of the torque converter arises after the shifting up command is supplied to the gear ratio control means under the condition in which the lock-up clutch is in operation to hold a lock-up state.« less

Applicability of Performance Assessment Tools to Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force C4 System of Systems Performance Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

application of existing assessment tools that may be applicable to Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Command, Control, Communications and...of existing assessment tools that may be applicable to Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4...assessment tools and analysis concepts that may be extended to the Marine Corps’ C4 System of Systems assessment methodology as a means to obtain a

Spaceport Command and Control System User Interface Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huesman, Jacob

2016-01-01

The Spaceport Command and Control System will be the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's newest system for launching commercial and government owned spacecraft. It's a large system with many parts all in need of testing. To improve upon testing already done by NASA engineers, the Engineering Directorate, Electrical Division (NE-E) of Kennedy Space Center has hired a group of interns each of the last few semesters to develop novel ways of improving the testing process.

Atmosphere Explorer control system software (version 1.0)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Villasenor, A.

1972-01-01

The basic design is described of the Atmosphere Explorer Control System (AECS) software used in the testing, integration, and flight contol of the AE spacecraft and experiments. The software performs several vital functions, such as issuing commands to the spacecraft and experiments, receiving and processing telemetry data, and allowing for extensive data processing by experiment analysis programs. The major processing sections are: executive control section, telemetry decommutation section, command generation section, and utility section.

Control definition study for advanced vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lapins, M.; Martorella, R. P.; Klein, R. W.; Meyer, R. C.; Sturm, M. J.

1983-01-01

The low speed, high angle of attack flight mechanics of an advanced, canard-configured, supersonic tactical aircraft designed with moderate longitudinal relaxed static stability (Static Margin, SM = 16% C sub W at M = 0.4) was investigated. Control laws were developed for the longitudinal axis (""G'' or maneuver and angle of attack command systems) and for the lateral/directional axes. The performance of these control laws was examined in engineering simulation. A canard deflection/rate requirement study was performed as part of the ""G'' command law evaluation at low angles of attack. Simulated coupled maneuvers revealed the need for command limiters in all three aircraft axes to prevent departure from controlled flight. When modified with command/maneuver limiters, the control laws were shown to be adequate to prevent aircraft departure during aggressive air combat maneuvering.

Test and control computer user's guide for a digital beam former test system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexovich, Robert E.; Mallasch, Paul G.

1992-01-01

A Digital Beam Former Test System was developed to determine the effects of noise, interferers and distortions, and digital implementations of beam forming as applied to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite 2 (TDRS 2) architectures. The investigation of digital beam forming with application to TDRS 2 architectures, as described in TDRS 2 advanced concept design studies, was conducted by the NASA/Lewis Research Center for NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. A Test and Control Computer (TCC) was used as the main controlling element of the digital Beam Former Test System. The Test and Control Computer User's Guide for a Digital Beam Former Test System provides an organized description of the Digital Beam Former Test System commands. It is written for users who wish to conduct tests of the Digital Beam forming Test processor using the TCC. The document describes the function, use, and syntax of the TCC commands available to the user while summarizing and demonstrating the use of the commands wtihin DOS batch files.

Flight test evaluation of a separate surface attitude command control system on a Beech 99 airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gee, S. W.; Jenks, G. E.; Roskam, J.; Stone, R. L.

1976-01-01

A joint NASA/university/industry program was conducted to flight evaluate a potentially low cost separate surface implementation of attitude command in a Beech 99 airplane. Saturation of the separate surfaces was the primary cause of many problems during development. Six experienced professional pilots who made simulated instrument flight evaluations experienced improvements in airplane handling qualities in the presence of turbulence and a reduction in pilot workload. For ride quality, quantitative data show that the attitude command control system results in all cases of airplane motion being removed from the uncomfortable ride region.

Evaluation of Digital Checklists for Command and Control Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

EVALUATION OF DIGITAL CHECKLISTS FOR COMMAND AND CONTROL OPERATIONS Christopher K. McClernon 1 , Victor S. Finomore 2 , Terence S. Andre 3...the potential effectiveness of a digital system that could take the place of the paper system that is currently being used. A between groups...assessments of each system were analyzed and compared. The data showed that a linear digital checklist takes a longer amount of time than both a paper

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Physical device safety is typically implemented locally using embedded controllers, while operations safety is primarily performed in control centers. Safe operations can be enhanced by correct design of device-level control algorithms, and protocols, procedures and operator training at the control-room level, but all can fail. Moreover, these elements exchange data and issue commands via vulnerable communication layers. In order to secure these gaps and enhance operational safety, we believe monitoring of command sequences must be combined with an awareness of physical device limitations and automata models that capture safety mechanisms. One way of doing this is by leveraging specification-based intrusionmore » detection to monitor for physical constraint violations. The method can also verify that physical infrastructure state is consistent with monitoring information and control commands exchanged between field devices and control centers. This additional security layer enhances protection from both outsider attacks and insider mistakes. We implemented specification-based SCADA command analyzers using physical constraint algorithms directly in the Bro framework and Broccoli APIs for three separate scenarios: a water heater, an automated distribution system, and an over-current protection scheme. To accomplish this, we added low-level analyzers capable of examining control system-specific protocol packets for both Modbus TCP and DNP3, and also higher-level analyzers able to interpret device command and data streams within the context of each device's physical capabilities and present operational state. Thus the software that we are making available includes the Bro/Broccoli scripts for these three scenarios, as well as simulators, written in C, of those scenarios that generate sample traffic that is monitored by the Bro/Broccoli scripts. In addition, we have also implemented systems to directly pull cyber-physical information from the OSIsoft PI historian system. We have included the Python scripts used to perform that monitoring.« less

Velocity-based planning of rapid elbow movements expands the control scheme of the equilibrium point hypothesis.

PubMed

Suzuki, Masataka; Yamazaki, Yoshihiko

2005-01-01

According to the equilibrium point hypothesis of voluntary motor control, control action of muscles is not explicitly computed, but rather arises as a consequence of interaction between moving equilibrium position, current kinematics and stiffness of the joint. This approach is attractive as it obviates the need to explicitly specify the forces controlling limb movements. However, many debatable aspects of this hypothesis remain in the manner of specification of the equilibrium point trajectory and muscle activation (or its stiffness), which elicits a restoring force toward the planned equilibrium trajectory. In this study, we expanded the framework of this hypothesis by assuming that the control system uses the velocity measure as the origin of subordinate variables scaling descending commands. The velocity command is translated into muscle control inputs by second order pattern generators, which yield reciprocal command and coactivation commands, and create alternating activation of the antagonistic muscles during movement and coactivation in the post-movement phase, respectively. The velocity command is also integrated to give a position command specifying a moving equilibrium point. This model is purely kinematics-dependent, since the descending commands needed to modulate the visco-elasticity of muscles are implicitly given by simple parametric specifications of the velocity command alone. The simulated movements of fast elbow single-joint movements corresponded well with measured data performed over a wide range of movement distances, in terms of both muscle excitations and kinematics. Our proposal on a synthesis for the equilibrium point approach and velocity command, may offer some insights into the control scheme of the single-joint arm movements.

Literature review on medical incident command.

PubMed

Rimstad, Rune; Braut, Geir Sverre

2015-04-01

It is not known what constitutes the optimal emergency management system, nor is there a consensus on how effectiveness and efficiency in emergency response should be measured or evaluated. Literature on the role and tasks of commanders in the prehospital emergency services in the setting of mass-casualty incidents has not been summarized and published. This comprehensive literature review addresses some of the needs for future research in emergency management through three research questions: (1) What are the basic assumptions underlying incident command systems (ICSs)? (2) What are the tasks of ambulance and medical commanders in the field? And (3) How can field commanders' performances be measured and assessed? A systematic literature search in MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, International Security & Counter Terrorism Reference Center, Current Controlled Trials, and PROSPERO covering January 1, 1990 through March 1, 2014 was conducted. Reference lists of included literature were hand searched. Included papers were analyzed using Framework synthesis. The literature search identified 6,049 unique records, of which, 76 articles and books where included in qualitative synthesis. Most ICSs are described commonly as hierarchical, bureaucratic, and based on military principles. These assumptions are contested strongly, as is the applicability of such systems. Linking of the chains of command in cooperating agencies is a basic difficulty. Incident command systems are flexible in the sense that the organization may be expanded as needed. Commanders may command by direction, by planning, or by influence. Commanders' tasks may be summarized as: conducting scene assessment, developing an action plan, distributing resources, monitoring operations, and making decisions. There is considerable variation between authors in nomenclature and what tasks are included or highlighted. There are no widely acknowledged measurement tools of commanders' performances, though several performance indicators have been suggested. The competence and experience of the commanders, upon which an efficient ICS has to rely, cannot be compensated significantly by plans and procedures, or even by guidance from superior organizational elements such as coordination centers. This study finds that neither a certain system or structure, or a specific set of plans, are better than others, nor can it conclude what system prerequisites are necessary or sufficient for efficient incident management. Commanders need to be sure about their authority, responsibility, and the functional demands posed upon them.

Pattern Recognition Control Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gambone, Elisabeth

2016-01-01

Spacecraft control algorithms must know the expected spacecraft response to any command to the available control effectors, such as reaction thrusters or torque devices. Spacecraft control system design approaches have traditionally relied on the estimated vehicle mass properties to determine the desired force and moment, as well as knowledge of the effector performance to efficiently control the spacecraft. A pattern recognition approach can be used to investigate the relationship between the control effector commands and the spacecraft responses. Instead of supplying the approximated vehicle properties and the effector performance characteristics, a database of information relating the effector commands and the desired vehicle response can be used for closed-loop control. A Monte Carlo simulation data set of the spacecraft dynamic response to effector commands can be analyzed to establish the influence a command has on the behavior of the spacecraft. A tool developed at NASA Johnson Space Center (Ref. 1) to analyze flight dynamics Monte Carlo data sets through pattern recognition methods can be used to perform this analysis. Once a comprehensive data set relating spacecraft responses with commands is established, it can be used in place of traditional control laws and gains set. This pattern recognition approach can be compared with traditional control algorithms to determine the potential benefits and uses.

Advanced Transport Operating System (ATOPS) Flight Management/Flight Controls (FM/FC) software description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolverton, David A.; Dickson, Richard W.; Clinedinst, Winston C.; Slominski, Christopher J.

1993-01-01

The flight software developed for the Flight Management/Flight Controls (FM/FC) MicroVAX computer used on the Transport Systems Research Vehicle for Advanced Transport Operating Systems (ATOPS) research is described. The FM/FC software computes navigation position estimates, guidance commands, and those commands issued to the control surfaces to direct the aircraft in flight. Various modes of flight are provided for, ranging from computer assisted manual modes to fully automatic modes including automatic landing. A high-level system overview as well as a description of each software module comprising the system is provided. Digital systems diagrams are included for each major flight control component and selected flight management functions.

Commanding and Controlling Satellite Clusters (IEEE Intelligent Systems, November/December 2000)

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-01

real - time operating system , a message-passing OS well suited for distributed...ground Flight processors ObjectAgent RTOS SCL RTOS RDMS Space command language Real - time operating system Rational database management system TS-21 RDMS...engineer with Princeton Satellite Systems. She is working with others to develop ObjectAgent software to run on the OSE Real Time Operating System .

National IVHS Architecture Development Strategy

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-01-27

NATIONAL INFORMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS ARE EMERGING THAT REQUIRE SYSTEM ARCHITECTURES FOR DEPLOYMENT ACROSS THE NATION, E.G., AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS, MILITARY COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS, AND OTHER NATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS. THE REQUIRED CH...

Computers for Command and Control: An Airland Battle Requirement!

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-05-01

systems can enhance communications, improve data management, and support decision making through information display (SEE REVERSE) JAN 173 E~lNOS~SIISLT...organizations to improve communications, enhance data management, and support decision making through graphical display techniques and mathematical...tactical commander’s control of maneuver forces. There are many reasons for the Army’s apparent inability to develop and field these systems. Among the

SPARCCS - Smartphone-Assisted Readiness, Command and Control System

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

and database needs. By doing this SPARCCS takes advantage of all the capabilities cloud computing has to offer, especially that of disbursed data...40092829/ Microsoft. (2011). Cloud Computing . Retrieved September 24, 2011, http ://www.microsoft.com/industry/government/guides/cloud_computing/2...Command, and Control System) to address these issues. We use smartphones in conjunction with cloud computing to extend the benefits of collaborative

Error Correction, Control Systems and Fuzzy Logic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Earl B.

2004-01-01

This paper will be a discussion on dealing with errors. While error correction and communication is important when dealing with spacecraft vehicles, the issue of control system design is also important. There will be certain commands that one wants a motion device to execute. An adequate control system will be necessary to make sure that the instruments and devices will receive the necessary commands. As it will be discussed later, the actual value will not always be equal to the intended or desired value. Hence, an adequate controller will be necessary so that the gap between the two values will be closed.

Aircraft landing control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lambregts, Antonius A. (Inventor); Hansen, Rolf (Inventor)

1982-01-01

Upon aircraft landing approach, flare path command signals of altitude, vertical velocity and vertical acceleration are generated as functions of aircraft position and velocity with respect to the ground. The command signals are compared with corresponding actual values to generate error signals which are used to control the flight path.

Global Radius of Curvature Estimation and Control System for Segmented Mirrors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rakoczy, John M. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

An apparatus controls positions of plural mirror segments in a segmented mirror with an edge sensor system and a controller. Current mirror segment edge sensor measurements and edge sensor reference measurements are compared with calculated edge sensor bias measurements representing a global radius of curvature. Accumulated prior actuator commands output from an edge sensor control unit are combined with an estimator matrix to form the edge sensor bias measurements. An optimal control matrix unit then accumulates the plurality of edge sensor error signals calculated by the summation unit and outputs the corresponding plurality of actuator commands. The plural mirror actuators respond to the actuator commands by moving respective positions of the mixor segments. A predetermined number of boundary conditions, corresponding to a plurality of hexagonal mirror locations, are removed to afford mathematical matrix calculation.

Digital intelligent booster for DCC miniature train networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ursu, M. P.; Condruz, D. A.

2017-08-01

Modern miniature trains are now driven by means of the DCC (Digital Command and Control) system, which allows the human operator or a personal computer to launch commands to each individual train or even to control different features of the same train. The digital command station encodes these commands and sends them to the trains by means of electrical pulses via the rails of the railway network. Due to the development of the miniature railway network, it may happen that the power requirement of the increasing number of digital locomotives, carriages and accessories exceeds the nominal output power of the digital command station. This digital intelligent booster relieves the digital command station from powering the entire railway network all by itself, and it automatically handles the multiple powered sections of the network. This electronic device is also able to detect and process short-circuits and overload conditions, without the intervention of the digital command station.

Study and development of techniques for automatic control of remote manipulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaket, E.; Leal, A.

1976-01-01

An overall conceptual design for an autonomous control system of remote manipulators which utilizes feedback was constructed. The system consists of a description of the high-level capabilities of a model from which design algorithms are constructed. The autonomous capability is achieved through automatic planning and locally controlled execution of the plans. The operator gives his commands in high level task-oriented terms. The system transforms these commands into a plan. It uses built-in procedural knowledge of the problem domain and an internal model of the current state of the world.

A Long Range Science Rover For Future Mars Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayati, Samad

1997-01-01

This paper describes the design and implementation currently underway at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of a long range science rover for future missions to Mars. The small rover prototype, called Rocky 7, is capable of long traverse. autonomous navigation. and science instrument control, carries three science instruments, and can be commanded from any computer platform and any location using the World Wide Web. In this paper we describe the mobility system, the sampling system, the sensor suite, navigation and control, onboard science instruments. and the ground command and control system.

Apparatus and method for data communication in an energy distribution network

DOEpatents

Hussain, Mohsin; LaPorte, Brock; Uebel, Udo; Zia, Aftab

2014-07-08

A system for communicating information on an energy distribution network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a local supervisor on a communication network, wherein the local supervisor can collect data from one or more energy generation/monitoring devices. The system also includes a command center on the communication network, wherein the command center can generate one or more commands for controlling the one or more energy generation devices. The local supervisor can periodically transmit a data signal indicative of the data to the command center via a first channel of the communication network at a first interval. The local supervisor can also periodically transmit a request for a command to the command center via a second channel of the communication network at a second interval shorter than the first interval. This channel configuration provides effective data communication without a significant increase in the use of network resources.

Amplifying human ability through autonomics and machine learning in IMPACT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dzieciuch, Iryna; Reeder, John; Gutzwiller, Robert; Gustafson, Eric; Coronado, Braulio; Martinez, Luis; Croft, Bryan; Lange, Douglas S.

2017-05-01

Amplifying human ability for controlling complex environments featuring autonomous units can be aided by learned models of human and system performance. In developing a command and control system that allows a small number of people to control a large number of autonomous teams, we employ an autonomics framework to manage the networks that represent mission plans and the networks that are composed of human controllers and their autonomous assistants. Machine learning allows us to build models of human and system performance useful for monitoring plans and managing human attention and task loads. Machine learning also aids in the development of tactics that human supervisors can successfully monitor through the command and control system.

Review of Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) Tools for Verifying Command and Control Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aguilar, Michael L.; Bonanne, Kevin H.; Favretto, Jeffrey A.; Jackson, Maddalena M.; Jones, Stephanie L.; Mackey, Ryan M.; Sarrel, Marc A.; Simpson, Kimberly A.

2014-01-01

The Exploration Systems Development (ESD) Standing Review Board (SRB) requested the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) conduct an independent review of the plan developed by Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) for identifying models and emulators to create a tool(s) to verify their command and control software. The NESC was requested to identify any issues or weaknesses in the GSDO plan. This document contains the outcome of the NESC review.

A High Efficiency System for Science Instrument Commanding for the Mars Global Surveyor Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jr., R. N. Brooks

1995-01-01

The Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) mission will return to Mars to re- cover most of the science lost when the ill fated Mars Observer space- craft suffered a catastrophic anomaly in its propulsion system and did not go into orbit. Described in detail are the methods employed by the MGS Sequence Team to accelerate science command processing by using standard command generation process and standard UNIX control scripts.

Design of multifunction anti-terrorism robotic system based on police dog

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Bo; Liu, Suju; Xu, Jun; Li, Dongjie

2007-11-01

Aimed at some typical constraints of police dogs and robots used in the areas of reconnaissance and counterterrorism currently, the multifunction anti-terrorism robotic system based on police dog has been introduced. The system is made up of two parts: portable commanding device and police dog robotic system. The portable commanding device consists of power supply module, microprocessor module, LCD display module, wireless data receiving and dispatching module and commanding module, which implements the remote control to the police dogs and takes real time monitor to the video and images. The police dog robotic system consists of microprocessor module, micro video module, wireless data transmission module, power supply module and offence weapon module, which real time collects and transmits video and image data of the counter-terrorism sites, and gives military attack based on commands. The system combines police dogs' biological intelligence with micro robot. Not only does it avoid the complexity of general anti-terrorism robots' mechanical structure and the control algorithm, but it also widens the working scope of police dog, which meets the requirements of anti-terrorism in the new era.

A Method for Exploiting Redundancy to Accommodate Actuator Limits in Multivariable Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litt, Jonathan; Roulette, Greg

1995-01-01

This paper introduces a new method for accommodating actuator saturation in a multivariable system with actuator redundancy. Actuator saturation can cause significant deterioration in control system performance because unmet demand may result in sluggish transients and oscillations in response to setpoint changes. To help compensate for this problem, a technique has been developed which takes advantage of redundancy in multivariable systems to redistribute the unmet control demand over the remaining useful effectors. This method is not a redesign procedure, rather it modifies commands to the unlimited effectors to compensate for those which are limited, thereby exploiting the built-in redundancy. The original commands are modified by the increments due to unmet demand, but when a saturated effector comes off its limit, the incremental commands disappear and the original unmodified controller remains intact. This scheme provides a smooth transition between saturated and unsaturated modes as it divides up the unmet requirement over any available actuators. This way, if there is sufficiently redundant control authority, performance can be maintained.

Multi-Agent Diagnosis and Control of an Air Revitalization System for Life Support in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malin, Jane T.; Kowing, Jeffrey; Nieten, Joseph; Graham, Jeffrey s.; Schreckenghost, Debra; Bonasso, Pete; Fleming, Land D.; MacMahon, Matt; Thronesbery, Carroll

2000-01-01

An architecture of interoperating agents has been developed to provide control and fault management for advanced life support systems in space. In this adjustable autonomy architecture, software agents coordinate with human agents and provide support in novel fault management situations. This architecture combines the Livingstone model-based mode identification and reconfiguration (MIR) system with the 3T architecture for autonomous flexible command and control. The MIR software agent performs model-based state identification and diagnosis. MIR identifies novel recovery configurations and the set of commands required for the recovery. The AZT procedural executive and the human operator use the diagnoses and recovery recommendations, and provide command sequencing. User interface extensions have been developed to support human monitoring of both AZT and MIR data and activities. This architecture has been demonstrated performing control and fault management for an oxygen production system for air revitalization in space. The software operates in a dynamic simulation testbed.

Modeling the data systems role of the scientist (for the NEEDS Command and Control Task)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hei, D. J., Jr.; Winter, W. J., Jr.; Brookes, R.; Locke, M.

1981-01-01

Research was conducted into the command and control activities of the scientists for five space missions: International Ultraviolet Explorer, Solar Maximum Mission, International Sun-Earth Explorer, High-Energy Astronomy Observatory 1, and Atmospheric Explorer 5. A basis for developing a generalized description of the scientists' activities was obtained. Because of this characteristic, it was decided that a series of flowcharts would be used. This set of flowcharts constitutes a model of the scientists' activities within the total data system. The model was developed through three levels of detail. The first is general and provides a conceptual framework for discussing the system. The second identifies major functions and should provide a fundamental understanding of the scientists' command and control activities. The third level expands the major functions into a more detailed description.

Functional integration of vertical flight path and speed control using energy principles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lambregts, A. A.

1984-01-01

A generalized automatic flight control system was developed which integrates all longitudinal flight path and speed control functions previously provided by a pitch autopilot and autothrottle. In this design, a net thrust command is computed based on total energy demand arising from both flight path and speed targets. The elevator command is computed based on the energy distribution error between flight path and speed. The engine control is configured to produce the commanded net thrust. The design incorporates control strategies and hierarchy to deal systematically and effectively with all aircraft operational requirements, control nonlinearities, and performance limits. Consistent decoupled maneuver control is achieved for all modes and flight conditions without outer loop gain schedules, control law submodes, or control function duplication.

Terrain Commander: a next-generation remote surveillance system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finneral, Henry J.

2003-09-01

Terrain Commander is a fully automated forward observation post that provides the most advanced capability in surveillance and remote situational awareness. The Terrain Commander system was selected by the Australian Government for its NINOX Phase IIB Unattended Ground Sensor Program with the first systems delivered in August of 2002. Terrain Commander offers next generation target detection using multi-spectral peripheral sensors coupled with autonomous day/night image capture and processing. Subsequent intelligence is sent back through satellite communications with unlimited range to a highly sophisticated central monitoring station. The system can "stakeout" remote locations clandestinely for 24 hours a day for months at a time. With its fully integrated SATCOM system, almost any site in the world can be monitored from virtually any other location in the world. Terrain Commander automatically detects and discriminates intruders by precisely cueing its advanced EO subsystem. The system provides target detection capabilities with minimal nuisance alarms combined with the positive visual identification that authorities demand before committing a response. Terrain Commander uses an advanced beamforming acoustic sensor and a distributed array of seismic, magnetic and passive infrared sensors to detect, capture images and accurately track vehicles and personnel. Terrain Commander has a number of emerging military and non-military applications including border control, physical security, homeland defense, force protection and intelligence gathering. This paper reviews the development, capabilities and mission applications of the Terrain Commander system.

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Robotic Processing System Program Automation Systems, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dobbs, M. E.

1991-01-01

Topics related to robot operated materials processing in space (RoMPS) are presented in view graph form. Some of the areas covered include: (1) mission requirements; (2) automation management system; (3) Space Transportation System (STS) Hitchhicker Payload; (4) Spacecraft Command Language (SCL) scripts; (5) SCL software components; (6) RoMPS EasyLab Command & Variable summary for rack stations and annealer module; (7) support electronics assembly; (8) SCL uplink packet definition; (9) SC-4 EasyLab System Memory Map; (10) Servo Axis Control Logic Suppliers; and (11) annealing oven control subsystem.

The design of digital-adaptive controllers for VTOL aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stengel, R. F.; Broussard, J. R.; Berry, P. W.

1976-01-01

Design procedures for VTOL automatic control systems have been developed and are presented. Using linear-optimal estimation and control techniques as a starting point, digital-adaptive control laws have been designed for the VALT Research Aircraft, a tandem-rotor helicopter which is equipped for fully automatic flight in terminal area operations. These control laws are designed to interface with velocity-command and attitude-command guidance logic, which could be used in short-haul VTOL operations. Developments reported here include new algorithms for designing non-zero-set-point digital regulators, design procedures for rate-limited systems, and algorithms for dynamic control trim setting.

New information technology tools for a medical command system for mass decontamination.

PubMed

Fuse, Akira; Okumura, Tetsu; Hagiwara, Jun; Tanabe, Tomohide; Fukuda, Reo; Masuno, Tomohiko; Mimura, Seiji; Yamamoto, Kaname; Yokota, Hiroyuki

2013-06-01

In a mass decontamination during a nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) response, the capability to command, control, and communicate is crucial for the proper flow of casualties at the scene and their subsequent evacuation to definitive medical facilities. Information Technology (IT) tools can be used to strengthen medical control, command, and communication during such a response. Novel IT tools comprise a vehicle-based, remote video camera and communication network systems. During an on-site verification event, an image from a remote video camera system attached to the personal protective garment of a medical responder working in the warm zone was transmitted to the on-site Medical Commander for aid in decision making. Similarly, a communication network system was used for personnel at the following points: (1) the on-site Medical Headquarters; (2) the decontamination hot zone; (3) an on-site coordination office; and (4) a remote medical headquarters of a local government office. A specially equipped, dedicated vehicle was used for the on-site medical headquarters, and facilitated the coordination with other agencies. The use of these IT tools proved effective in assisting with the medical command and control of medical resources and patient transport decisions during a mass-decontamination exercise, but improvements are required to overcome transmission delays and camera direction settings, as well as network limitations in certain areas.

CCSDS Mission Operations Action Service Core Capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reynolds, Walter F.; Lucord, Steven A.; Stevens, John E.

2009-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the operations concepts of the command (action) services. Since the consequences of sending the wrong command are unacceptable, the command system provides a collaborative and distributed work environment for flight controllers and operators. The system prescribes a review and approval process where each command is viewed by other individuals before being sent to the vehicle. The action service needs additional capabilities to support he operations concepts of manned space flight. These are : (1) Action Service methods (2) Action attributes (3) Action parameter/argument attributes (4 ) Support for dynamically maintained action data. (5) Publish subscri be capabilities.

Land Ahoy! Understanding Submarine Command and Control During the Completion of Inshore Operations.

PubMed

Roberts, Aaron P J; Stanton, Neville A; Fay, Daniel

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to use multiple command teams to provide empirical evidence for understanding communication flow, information pertinence, and tasks undertaken in a submarine control room when completing higher- and lower-demand inshore operation (INSO) scenarios. The focus of submarine operations has changed, and submarines are increasingly required to operate in costal littoral zones. However, submarine command team performance during INSO is not well understood, particularly from a sociotechnical systems perspective. A submarine control-room simulator was built. The creation of networked workstations allowed a team of nine operators to perform tasks completed by submarine command teams during INSO. The Event Analysis of Systematic Teamwork method was used to model the social, task, and information networks and to describe command team performance. Ten teams were recruited for the study, affording statistical comparisons of how command-team roles and level of demand affected performance. Results indicated that the submarine command-team members are required to rapidly integrate sonar and visual data as the periscope is used, periodically, in a "duck-and-run" fashion, to maintain covertness. The fusion of such information is primarily completed by the operations officer (OPSO), with this operator experiencing significantly greater demand than any other operator. The OPSO was a bottleneck in the command team when completing INSO, experiencing similar load in both scenarios, suggesting that the command team may benefit from data synthesis tasks being more evenly distributed within the command team. The work can inform future control-room design and command-team ways of working by identifying bottlenecks in terms of information and task flow between operators.

Stepper motor control that adjusts to motor loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, David E. (Inventor); Nola, Frank J. (Inventor)

2000-01-01

A system and method are provided for controlling a stepper motor having a rotor and a multi-phase stator. Sinusoidal command signals define a commanded position of the motor's rotor. An actual position of the rotor is sensed as a function of an electrical angle between the actual position and the commanded position. The actual position is defined by sinusoidal position signals. An adjustment signal is generated using the sinusoidal command signals and sinusoidal position signals. The adjustment signal is defined as a function of the cosine of the electrical angle. The adjustment signal is multiplied by each sinusoidal command signal to generate a corresponding set of excitation signals, each of which is applied to a corresponding phase of the multi-phase stator.

Command Disaggregation Attack and Mitigation in Industrial Internet of Things

PubMed Central

Zhu, Pei-Dong; Hu, Yi-Fan; Cui, Peng-Shuai; Zhang, Yan

2017-01-01

A cyber-physical attack in the industrial Internet of Things can cause severe damage to physical system. In this paper, we focus on the command disaggregation attack, wherein attackers modify disaggregated commands by intruding command aggregators like programmable logic controllers, and then maliciously manipulate the physical process. It is necessary to investigate these attacks, analyze their impact on the physical process, and seek effective detection mechanisms. We depict two different types of command disaggregation attack modes: (1) the command sequence is disordered and (2) disaggregated sub-commands are allocated to wrong actuators. We describe three attack models to implement these modes with going undetected by existing detection methods. A novel and effective framework is provided to detect command disaggregation attacks. The framework utilizes the correlations among two-tier command sequences, including commands from the output of central controller and sub-commands from the input of actuators, to detect attacks before disruptions occur. We have designed components of the framework and explain how to mine and use these correlations to detect attacks. We present two case studies to validate different levels of impact from various attack models and the effectiveness of the detection framework. Finally, we discuss how to enhance the detection framework. PMID:29065461

Command Disaggregation Attack and Mitigation in Industrial Internet of Things.

PubMed

Xun, Peng; Zhu, Pei-Dong; Hu, Yi-Fan; Cui, Peng-Shuai; Zhang, Yan

2017-10-21

A cyber-physical attack in the industrial Internet of Things can cause severe damage to physical system. In this paper, we focus on the command disaggregation attack, wherein attackers modify disaggregated commands by intruding command aggregators like programmable logic controllers, and then maliciously manipulate the physical process. It is necessary to investigate these attacks, analyze their impact on the physical process, and seek effective detection mechanisms. We depict two different types of command disaggregation attack modes: (1) the command sequence is disordered and (2) disaggregated sub-commands are allocated to wrong actuators. We describe three attack models to implement these modes with going undetected by existing detection methods. A novel and effective framework is provided to detect command disaggregation attacks. The framework utilizes the correlations among two-tier command sequences, including commands from the output of central controller and sub-commands from the input of actuators, to detect attacks before disruptions occur. We have designed components of the framework and explain how to mine and use these correlations to detect attacks. We present two case studies to validate different levels of impact from various attack models and the effectiveness of the detection framework. Finally, we discuss how to enhance the detection framework.

Spaceport Command and Control System Software Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glasser, Abraham

2017-01-01

The Spaceport Command and Control System (SCCS) is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) launch control system for the Orion capsule and Space Launch System, the next generation manned rocket currently in development. This large system requires a large amount of intensive testing that will properly measure the capabilities of the system. Automating the test procedures would save the project money from human labor costs, as well as making the testing process more efficient. Therefore, the Exploration Systems Division (formerly the Electrical Engineering Division) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has recruited interns for the past two years to work alongside full-time engineers to develop these automated tests, as well as innovate upon the current automation process.

STS-41 Voice Command System Flight Experiment Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salazar, George A.

1981-01-01

This report presents the results of the Voice Command System (VCS) flight experiment on the five-day STS-41 mission. Two mission specialists,Bill Shepherd and Bruce Melnick, used the speaker-dependent system to evaluate the operational effectiveness of using voice to control a spacecraft system. In addition, data was gathered to analyze the effects of microgravity on speech recognition performance.

Output control using feedforward and cascade controllers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seraji, H.

1987-01-01

An open-loop solution to the output control problem in SISO (single-input, single-output) systems by means of feedforward and cascade controllers is investigated. A simple characterization of feedforward controllers, which achieve steady-state disturbance rejection, is given in a transfer-function setting. Cascade controllers which cause steady-state command tracking are characterized. Disturbance decoupling and command matching controllers are identified. Conditions for existence of feedforward and cascade controllers are given. For unstable systems, it is shown that a stabilizing feedback controller can be used without affecting the feedforward and cascade controllers used for output control; hence, the three controllers can be designed independently. Output control by a combination of feedforward and feedback is discussed.

Closed-loop torque feedback for a universal field-oriented controller

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

De Doncker, R.W.A.A.; King, R.D.; Sanza, P.C.

A torque feedback system is employed in a universal field-oriented (UFO) controller to tune a torque-producing current command and a slip frequency command in order to achieve robust torque control of an induction machine even in the event of current regulator errors and during transitions between pulse width modulated (PWM) and square wave modes of operation. 1 figure.

Closed-loop torque feedback for a universal field-oriented controller

DOEpatents

De Doncker, R.W.A.A.; King, R.D.; Sanza, P.C.; Haefner, K.B.

1992-11-24

A torque feedback system is employed in a universal field-oriented (UFO) controller to tune a torque-producing current command and a slip frequency command in order to achieve robust torque control of an induction machine even in the event of current regulator errors and during transitions between pulse width modulated (PWM) and square wave modes of operation. 1 figure.

Closed-loop torque feedback for a universal field-oriented controller

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

De Doncker, Rik W. A. A.; King, Robert D.; Sanza, Peter C.

A torque feedback system is employed in a universal field-oriented (UFO) controller to tune a torque-producing current command and a slip frequency command in order to achieve robust torque control of an induction machine even in the event of current regulator errors and during transitions between pulse width modulated (PWM) and square wave modes of operation.

Trends in Nuclear Proliferation, 1975-1995. Projections, Problems, and Policy Options

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-05-15

Communications and Services Section, Washington, DC 20451. AUTHORITY usacda ltr, 18 may 1978 THIS PAGE IS UNCLASSIFIED TOHIS REPORT HAS BEEN DELIMITED AND CLEARED...Bureaucratic Politics .. .. .. ... . .. ... .... 88 Command, Control, and Communication .. .. .. ... . .... 89 Controlling Against Unauthorized or...survivable command, control, and communication system may well exceed the resources of many Nth countries, Preemptive pressures and the risk of

The Compass Paradigm for the Systematic Evaluation of U.S. Army Command and Control Systems Using Neural Network and Discrete Event Computer Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-01

interest has a large variance so that excessive run lengths are required. This naturally invokes the interest for searches for effective variance ...years since World War II the nature , organization, and mode of the operation of command organizations within the Army has remained virtually...Laboratory began a series of studies and projects focused on investigating the nature of military command and control (C2) operations. The questions

GSFC Systems Test and Operation Language (STOL) functional requirements and language description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Desjardins, R.; Hall, G.; Mcguire, J.; Merwarth, P.; Mocarsky, W.; Truszkowski, W.; Villasenor, A.; Brosi, F.; Burch, P.; Carey, D.

1978-01-01

The Systems Tests and Operation Language (STOL) provides the means for user communication with payloads, applications programs, and other ground system elements. It is a systems operation language that enables an operator or user to communicate a command to a computer system. The system interprets each high level language directive from the user and performs the indicated action, such as executing a program, printing out a snapshot, or sending a payload command. This document presents the following: (1) required language features and implementation considerations; (2) basic capabilities; (3) telemetry, command, and input/output directives; (4) procedure definition and control; (5) listing, extension, and STOL nucleus capabilities.

System and method for transferring telemetry data between a ground station and a control center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Timothy J. (Inventor); Ly, Vuong T. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and tangible computer-readable media for coordinating communications between a ground station, a control center, and a spacecraft. The method receives a call to a simple, unified application programmer interface implementing communications protocols related to outer space, when instruction relates to receiving a command at the control center for the ground station generate an abstract message by agreeing upon a format for each type of abstract message with the ground station and using a set of message definitions to configure the command in the agreed upon format, encode the abstract message to generate an encoded message, and transfer the encoded message to the ground station, and perform similar actions when the instruction relates to receiving a second command as a second encoded message at the ground station from the control center and when the determined instruction type relates to transmitting information to the control center.

Automated Operations Development for Advanced Exploration Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haddock, Angie; Stetson, Howard K.

2012-01-01

Automated space operations command and control software development and its implementation must be an integral part of the vehicle design effort. The software design must encompass autonomous fault detection, isolation, recovery capabilities and also provide single button intelligent functions for the crew. Development, operations and safety approval experience with the Timeliner system on-board the International Space Station (ISS), which provided autonomous monitoring with response and single command functionality of payload systems, can be built upon for future automated operations as the ISS Payload effort was the first and only autonomous command and control system to be in continuous execution (6 years), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week within a crewed spacecraft environment. Utilizing proven capabilities from the ISS Higher Active Logic (HAL) System [1] , along with the execution component design from within the HAL 9000 Space Operating System [2] , this design paper will detail the initial HAL System software architecture and interfaces as applied to NASA s Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) in support of the Advanced Exploration Systems, Autonomous Mission Operations project. The development and implementation of integrated simulators within this development effort will also be detailed and is the first step in verifying the HAL 9000 Integrated Test-Bed Component [2] designs effectiveness. This design paper will conclude with a summary of the current development status and future development goals as it pertains to automated command and control for the HDU.

Automated Operations Development for Advanced Exploration Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haddock, Angie T.; Stetson, Howard

2012-01-01

Automated space operations command and control software development and its implementation must be an integral part of the vehicle design effort. The software design must encompass autonomous fault detection, isolation, recovery capabilities and also provide "single button" intelligent functions for the crew. Development, operations and safety approval experience with the Timeliner system onboard the International Space Station (ISS), which provided autonomous monitoring with response and single command functionality of payload systems, can be built upon for future automated operations as the ISS Payload effort was the first and only autonomous command and control system to be in continuous execution (6 years), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week within a crewed spacecraft environment. Utilizing proven capabilities from the ISS Higher Active Logic (HAL) System, along with the execution component design from within the HAL 9000 Space Operating System, this design paper will detail the initial HAL System software architecture and interfaces as applied to NASA's Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) in support of the Advanced Exploration Systems, Autonomous Mission Operations project. The development and implementation of integrated simulators within this development effort will also be detailed and is the first step in verifying the HAL 9000 Integrated Test-Bed Component [2] designs effectiveness. This design paper will conclude with a summary of the current development status and future development goals as it pertains to automated command and control for the HDU.

SimBOX: a scalable architecture for aggregate distributed command and control of spaceport and service constellation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, Guru; Jayaram, Sanjay; Ward, Jami; Gupta, Pankaj

2004-08-01

In this paper, Aximetric proposes a decentralized Command and Control (C2) architecture for a distributed control of a cluster of on-board health monitoring and software enabled control systems called SimBOX that will use some of the real-time infrastructure (RTI) functionality from the current military real-time simulation architecture. The uniqueness of the approach is to provide a "plug and play environment" for various system components that run at various data rates (Hz) and the ability to replicate or transfer C2 operations to various subsystems in a scalable manner. This is possible by providing a communication bus called "Distributed Shared Data Bus" and a distributed computing environment used to scale the control needs by providing a self-contained computing, data logging and control function module that can be rapidly reconfigured to perform different functions. This kind of software-enabled control is very much needed to meet the needs of future aerospace command and control functions.

SimBox: a simulation-based scalable architecture for distributed command and control of spaceport and service constellations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, Guru; Jayaram, Sanjay; Ward, Jami; Gupta, Pankaj

2004-09-01

In this paper, Aximetric proposes a decentralized Command and Control (C2) architecture for a distributed control of a cluster of on-board health monitoring and software enabled control systems called SimBOX that will use some of the real-time infrastructure (RTI) functionality from the current military real-time simulation architecture. The uniqueness of the approach is to provide a "plug and play environment" for various system components that run at various data rates (Hz) and the ability to replicate or transfer C2 operations to various subsystems in a scalable manner. This is possible by providing a communication bus called "Distributed Shared Data Bus" and a distributed computing environment used to scale the control needs by providing a self-contained computing, data logging and control function module that can be rapidly reconfigured to perform different functions. This kind of software-enabled control is very much needed to meet the needs of future aerospace command and control functions.

Business Opportunities Guide

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

Electronic Systems Division Business Opportunities Guide. We remain committed to providing industry the best information possible on pending ESD...Commander Justific ill,):, By_ D.is’ * . ’ . Dist, : :,. ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS DIVISION BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES GUIDE The complex Command, Control...Communications (C) systems necessary for tomorrow’s Air Foice can only be developed by a stronq’ESD/industry team. Our first Business Opportunities Guide

An intelligent control and virtual display system for evolutionary space station workstation design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feng, Xin; Niederjohn, Russell J.; Mcgreevy, Michael W.

1992-01-01

Research and development of the Advanced Display and Computer Augmented Control System (ADCACS) for the space station Body-Ported Cupola Virtual Workstation (BP/VCWS) were pursued. The potential applications were explored of body ported virtual display and intelligent control technology for the human-system interfacing applications is space station environment. The new system is designed to enable crew members to control and monitor a variety of space operations with greater flexibility and efficiency than existing fixed consoles. The technologies being studied include helmet mounted virtual displays, voice and special command input devices, and microprocessor based intelligent controllers. Several research topics, such as human factors, decision support expert systems, and wide field of view, color displays are being addressed. The study showed the significant advantages of this uniquely integrated display and control system, and its feasibility for human-system interfacing applications in the space station command and control environment.

Designing minimal space telerobotics systems for maximum performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Backes, Paul G.; Long, Mark K.; Steele, Robert D.

1992-01-01

The design of the remote site of a local-remote telerobot control system is described which addresses the constraints of limited computational power available at the remote site control system while providing a large range of control capabilities. The Modular Telerobot Task Execution System (MOTES) provides supervised autonomous control, shared control and teleoperation for a redundant manipulator. The system is capable of nominal task execution as well as monitoring and reflex motion. The MOTES system is minimized while providing a large capability by limiting its functionality to only that which is necessary at the remote site and by utilizing a unified multi-sensor based impedance control scheme. A command interpreter similar to one used on robotic spacecraft is used to interpret commands received from the local site. The system is written in Ada and runs in a VME environment on 68020 processors and initially controls a Robotics Research K1207 7 degree of freedom manipulator.

Modern digital flight control system design for VTOL aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broussard, J. R.; Berry, P. W.; Stengel, R. F.

1979-01-01

Methods for and results from the design and evaluation of a digital flight control system (DFCS) for a CH-47B helicopter are presented. The DFCS employed proportional-integral control logic to provide rapid, precise response to automatic or manual guidance commands while following conventional or spiral-descent approach paths. It contained altitude- and velocity-command modes, and it adapted to varying flight conditions through gain scheduling. Extensive use was made of linear systems analysis techniques. The DFCS was designed, using linear-optimal estimation and control theory, and the effects of gain scheduling are assessed by examination of closed-loop eigenvalues and time responses.

Design Of Feedforward Controllers For Multivariable Plants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seraji, Homayoun

1989-01-01

Controllers based on simple low-order transfer functions. Mathematical criteria derived for design of feedforward controllers for class of multiple-input/multiple-output linear plants. Represented by simple low-order transfer functions, obtained without reconstruction of states of commands and disturbances. Enables plant to track command while remaining unresponsive to disturbance in steady state. Feedback controller added independently to stabilize plant or to make control system less susceptible to variations in parameters of plant.

Close up view of the Commander's Seat on the Flight ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Close up view of the Commander's Seat on the Flight Deck of the Orbiter Discovery. It appears the Orbiter is in the roll out / launch pad configuration. A protective cover is over the Rotational Hand Controller to protect it during the commander's ingress. Most notable in this view are the Speed Brake/Thrust Controller in the center right in this view and the Translational Hand Controller in the center top of the view. This image was taken at Kennedy Space Center. - Space Transportation System, Orbiter Discovery (OV-103), Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, Harris County, TX

Combat Vehicle Command and Control System Architecture Overview

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-10-01

inserted in the software. • Interactive interface displays and controls were prepared using rapidly prototyped software and were retained at the MWTB for...being simulated "* controls , sensor displays, and out-the-window displays for the crew "* computer image generators (CIGs) for out-the-window and...black hot viewing modes. The commander may access a number of capabilities of the CITV simulation, described below, from controls located around the

Apollo experience report: Command and service module sequential events control subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, G. W.

1975-01-01

The Apollo command and service module sequential events control subsystem is described, with particular emphasis on the major systems and component problems and solutions. The subsystem requirements, design, and development and the test and flight history of the hardware are discussed. Recommendations to avoid similar problems on future programs are outlined.

Collaborative Tool for Command and Control Team Effectiveness Studies: Experimental Test of Interventions to Improve Performance in Command and Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-11-01

weapons system in the United States Air Force (USAF) inventory (Garrity, Morley, Rodriguez , & Tossell, 2004). It is important for potential AOC operators...Research Division in Mesa , AZ. Additionally, cadets were able to participate in two conferences. Please see conference report at Attachment 3

Command and Control Rapid Prototyping Continuum (C2RPC): The Framework for Achieving a New C2 Strategy

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

Sync Matrix Assessing J/ADOCS (Fires) TBMCS (ATO) Executing Monitoring (SA) C2 Strategy Objectives • Provide Expanded Mission Management...Computers, and Intelligence T&E Test and Evaluation PMW150 Program Warfare Office Command and Control TBMCS Theater Battle Management Core System POR

Automated Power Systems Management (APSM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bridgeforth, A. O.

1981-01-01

A breadboard power system incorporating autonomous functions of monitoring, fault detection and recovery, command and control was developed, tested and evaluated to demonstrate technology feasibility. Autonomous functions including switching of redundant power processing elements, individual load fault removal, and battery charge/discharge control were implemented by means of a distributed microcomputer system within the power subsystem. Three local microcomputers provide the monitoring, control and command function interfaces between the central power subsystem microcomputer and the power sources, power processing and power distribution elements. The central microcomputer is the interface between the local microcomputers and the spacecraft central computer or ground test equipment.

On Cyber Warfare Command and Control Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-01

longer adequate to rely solely on the now traditional defense-in-depth strategy. We must recognize that we are engaged in a form of warfare, cyber warfare , and... warfare . This causes security devices to be used ineffectively and responses to be untimely. Cyber warfare then becomes a one-sided battle where the... cyber warfare strategy and tactics requires a cyber warfare command and control system. Responses to cyber attacks do not require offensive measures

Decision Support Systems for Operational Level Command and Control

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-04-30

business -based. These definitions still have applicability to military command and control - the business of military operations. A synthesis of the...other hand, there are such studies that were conducted in business environments. An eight week empincal study39 was 37 bd, pp 8-1 I. 38 Ranesh Shada...pp 139-158. 19 conducted and the groups with access to decision support system made significantly more effective decisions :n a business simulation

NATO initial common operational picture capability project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fanti, Laura; Beach, David

2002-08-01

The Common Operational Picture (COP) capability can be defined as the ability to display on a single screen integrated views of the Recognized Maritime, Air and Ground Pictures, enriched by other tactical data, such as theater plans, assets, intelligence and logistics information. The purpose of the COP capability is to provide military forces a comprehensive view of the battle space, thereby enhancing situational awareness and the decision-making process across the military command and control spectrum. The availability of a COP capability throughout the command structure is a high priority operational requirement in NATO. A COP capability for NATO is being procured and implemented in an incremental way within the NATO Automated Information System (Bi-SC AIS) Functional Services programme under the coordination of the NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency (NC3A) Integrated Programme Team 5 (IPT5). The NATO Initial COP (iCOP) capability project, first step of this evolutionary procurement, will provide an initial COP capability to NATO in a highly pragmatic and low-risk fashion, by using existing operational communications infrastructure and NATO systems, i.e. the NATO-Wide Integrated Command and Control Software for Air Operations (ICC), the Maritime Command and Control Information System (MCCIS), and the Joint Operations and Intelligence Information System (JOIIS), which will provide respectively the Recognized Air, Maritime and Ground Pictures. This paper gives an overview of the NATO Initial COP capability project, including its evolutionary implementation approach, and describes the technical solution selected to satisfy the urgent operational requirement in a timely and cost effective manner.

Distributed and recoverable digital control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stange, Kent (Inventor); Hess, Richard (Inventor); Kelley, Gerald B (Inventor); Rogers, Randy (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A real-time multi-tasking digital control system with rapid recovery capability is disclosed. The control system includes a plurality of computing units comprising a plurality of redundant processing units, with each of the processing units configured to generate one or more redundant control commands. One or more internal monitors are employed for detecting data errors in the control commands. One or more recovery triggers are provided for initiating rapid recovery of a processing unit if data errors are detected. The control system also includes a plurality of actuator control units each in operative communication with the computing units. The actuator control units are configured to initiate a rapid recovery if data errors are detected in one or more of the processing units. A plurality of smart actuators communicates with the actuator control units, and a plurality of redundant sensors communicates with the computing units.

Test Telemetry And Command System (TTACS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fogel, Alvin J.

1994-01-01

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has developed a multimission Test Telemetry and Command System (TTACS) which provides a multimission telemetry and command data system in a spacecraft test environment. TTACS reuses, in the spacecraft test environment, components of the same data system used for flight operations; no new software is developed for the spacecraft test environment. Additionally, the TTACS is transportable to any spacecraft test site, including the launch site. The TTACS is currently operational in the Galileo spacecraft testbed; it is also being provided to support the Cassini and Mars Surveyor Program projects. Minimal personnel data system training is required in the transition from pre-launch spacecraft test to post-launch flight operations since test personnel are already familiar with the data system's operation. Additionally, data system components, e.g. data display, can be reused to support spacecraft software development; and the same data system components will again be reused during the spacecraft integration and system test phases. TTACS usage also results in early availability of spacecraft data to data system development and, as a result, early data system development feedback to spacecraft system developers. The TTACS consists of a multimission spacecraft support equipment interface and components of the multimission telemetry and command software adapted for a specific project. The TTACS interfaces to the spacecraft, e.g., Command Data System (CDS), support equipment. The TTACS telemetry interface to the CDS support equipment performs serial (RS-422)-to-ethernet conversion at rates between 1 bps and 1 mbps, telemetry data blocking and header generation, guaranteed data transmission to the telemetry data system, and graphical downlink routing summary and control. The TTACS command interface to the CDS support equipment is nominally a command file transferred in non-real-time via ethernet. The CDS support equipment is responsible for metering the commands to the CDS; additionally for Galileo, TTACS includes a real-time-interface to the CDS support equipment. The TTACS provides the basic functionality of the multimission telemetry and command data system used during flight operations. TTACS telemetry capabilities include frame synchronization, Reed-Solomon decoding, packet extraction and channelization, and data storage/query. Multimission data display capabilities are also available. TTACS command capabilities include command generation verification, and storage.

Incident Specific Preparedness Review (ISPR) of the Response to the Houston Oil Spill

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-07-30

The focus areas used for this ISPR were: Area Contingency Plan; : Command, Control, Communications/Incident Command System (C3/ICS); Interagency Coordination and Public Affairs; Logistics; Finance; and Miscellaneous.

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Thruster Control Mode Design and Flight Experience

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsu, Oscar C.

2010-01-01

National Aeronautics and Space Administration s (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD, designed, built, tested, and launched the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on June 18, 2009. The LRO spacecraft is the first operational spacecraft designed to support NASA s return to the Moon, as part of the Vision for Space Exploration. LRO was launched aboard an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle into a direct insertion trajectory to the Moon. Twenty-four hours after separation the propulsion system was used to perform a mid-course correction maneuver. Four days after the mid-course correction a series of propulsion maneuvers were executed to insert LRO into its commissioning orbit. The commission period lasted eighty days and this followed by a second set of thruster maneuvers that inserted LRO into its mission orbit. To date, the spacecraft has been gathering invaluable data in support of human s future return to the moon. The LRO Attitude Control Systems (ACS) contains two thruster based control modes: Delta-H and Delta-V. The design of the two controllers are similar in that they are both used for 3-axis control of the spacecraft with the Delta-H controller used for momentum management and the Delta-V controller used for orbit adjust and maintenance maneuvers. In addition to the nominal purpose of the thruster modes, the Delta-H controller also has the added capability of performing a large angle slew maneuver. A suite of ACS components are used by the thruster based control modes, for both initialization and control. For initialization purposes, a star tracker or the Kalman Filter solution is used for providing attitude knowledge and upon entrance into the thruster based control modes attitude knowledge is provided via rate propagation using a inertial reference unit (IRU). Rate information for the controller is also supplied by the IRU. Three-axis control of the spacecraft in the thruster modes is provided by eight 5-lbf class attitude control thrusters configured in two sets of four thrusters for redundancy purposes. Four additional 20-lbf class thrusters configured in two sets of two thrusters are used for Lunar Orbit Insertion maneuvers. The propulsion system is one the few systems on-board the LRO spacecraft that has built in redundancy. The Delta-H controller consists of a Proportional-Derivative (PD) controller with a structural filter on the thrusters and a Proportional controller on the reaction wheels. The PD control that employs the thrusters is used for attitude and rate control. The Proportional controller on the reaction wheels is used for commanding the wheels to a new momentum state. The ground commands used for the Delta-H controller are the system momentum vector, reaction wheel momentum, maximum expected command time, and which set of attitude control thrusters to use. The ability to command both the system momentum vector and reaction wheel momentum in the Delta-H controller provides both a capability and an additional source of operator error. Large angle slews via the Delta-H controller is achievable via this commands because these commands are used for the exit mode criteria. Setting these commands to non-consistent values prevents the mode from exiting nominally.

The Battle Command Sustainment Support System: The Army’s Command and Control System for Logistics

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-21

threaten the Austrian forward element near Ulm. 3 Later in the 19 th century, railroads played a key role in the U.S. Civil War. Gauge disparities on...and accuracy of those reports played an integral role in the decisions the commander chose to make. The Army began making a concerted effort to...40 Dave Cammons, John Tisserand, Duane Williams, Alan Seise and Dough Lindsay, ―Network Centric Warfare Case Study: U.S. V Corps

Apollo Recovery Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Interbartolo, Michael

2009-01-01

Objectives include: a) Describe the organization of recovery force command and control and landing areas; b) Describe the function and timeline use of the Earth Landing System (ELS); c) Describe Stable 1 vs Stable 2 landing configurations and the function of the Command Module Uprighting System; d) Explain the activities of the helicopter and swimmer teams in egress and recovery of the crew; e)Explain the activities of the swimmer teams and primary recovery ship in recovery of the Command Module; and f) Describe several landing incidents that occurred during Apollo.

Control System for Prosthetic Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozeman, Richard J. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A control system and method for prosthetic devices is provided. The control system comprises a transducer for receiving movement from a body part for generating a sensing signal associated with that of movement. The sensing signal is processed by a linearizer for linearizing the sensing signal to be a linear function of the magnitude of the distance moved by the body part. The linearized sensing signal is normalized to be a function of the entire range of body part movement from the no-shrug position of the moveable body part through the full-shrg position of the moveable body part. The normalized signal is divided into a plurality of discrete command signals. The discrete command signals are used by typical converter devices which are in operational association with the prosthetic device. The converter device uses the discrete command signals for driving the moveable portions of the prosthetic device and its sub-prosthesis. The method for controlling a prosthetic device associated with the present invention comprises the steps of receiving the movement from the body part, generating a sensing signal in association with the movement of the body part, linearizing the sensing signal to be a linear function of the magnitude of the distance moved by the body part, normalizing the linear signal to be a function of the entire range of the body part movement, dividing the normalized signal into a plurality of discrete command signals, and implementing the plurality of discrete command signals for driving the respective moveable prosthesis device and its sub-prosthesis.

Control system and method for prosthetic devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozeman, Richard J., Jr. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A control system and method for prosthetic devices is provided. The control system comprises a transducer for receiving movement from a body part for generating a sensing signal associated with that movement. The sensing signal is processed by a linearizer for linearizing the sensing signal to be a linear function of the magnitude of the distance moved by the body part. The linearized sensing signal is normalized to be a function of the entire range of body part movement from the no-shrug position of the movable body part through the full-shrug position of the movable body part. The normalized signal is divided into a plurality of discrete command signals. The discrete command signals are used by typical converter devices which are in operational association with the prosthetic device. The converter device uses the discrete command signals for driving the movable portions of the prosthetic device and its sub-prosthesis. The method for controlling a prosthetic device associated with the present invention comprises the steps of receiving the movement from the body part, generating a sensing signal in association with the movement of the body part, linearizing the sensing signal to be a linear function of the magnitude of the distance moved by the body part, normalizing the linear signal to be a function of the entire range of the body part movement, dividing the normalized signal into a plurality of discrete command signals, and implementing the plurality of discrete command signals for driving the respective movable prosthesis device and its sub-prosthesis.

Evaluation of the lambda model for human postural control during ankle strategy.

PubMed

Micheau, Philippe; Kron, Aymeric; Bourassa, Paul

2003-09-01

An accurate modeling of human stance might be helpful in assessing postural deficit. The objective of this article is to validate a mathematical postural control model for quiet standing posture. The postural dynamics is modeled in the sagittal plane as an inverted pendulum with torque applied at the ankle joint. The torque control system is represented by the physiological lambda model. Two neurophysiological command variables of the central nervous system, designated lambda and micro, establish the dynamic threshold muscle at which motoneuron recruitment begins. Kinematic data and electromyographic signals were collected on four young males in order to measure small voluntary sway and quiet standing posture. Validation of the mathematical model was achieved through comparison of the experimental and simulated results. The mathematical model allows computation of the unmeasurable neurophysiological commands lambda and micro that control the equilibrium position and stability. Furthermore, with the model it is possible to conclude that low-amplitude body sway during quiet stance is commanded by the central nervous system.

Concurrent simulation of a parallel jaw end effector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bynum, Bill

1985-01-01

A system of programs developed to aid in the design and development of the command/response protocol between a parallel jaw end effector and the strategic planner program controlling it are presented. The system executes concurrently with the LISP controlling program to generate a graphical image of the end effector that moves in approximately real time in response to commands sent from the controlling program. Concurrent execution of the simulation program is useful for revealing flaws in the communication command structure arising from the asynchronous nature of the message traffic between the end effector and the strategic planner. Software simulation helps to minimize the number of hardware changes necessary to the microprocessor driving the end effector because of changes in the communication protocol. The simulation of other actuator devices can be easily incorporated into the system of programs by using the underlying support that was developed for the concurrent execution of the simulation process and the communication between it and the controlling program.

Flight demonstration of a self repairing flight control system in a NASA F-15 fighter aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Urnes, James M.; Stewart, James; Eslinger, Robert

1990-01-01

Battle damage causing loss of control capability can compromise mission objectives and even result in aircraft loss. The Self Repairing Flight Control System (SRFCS) flight development program directly addresses this issue with a flight control system design that measures the damage and immediately refines the control system commands to preserve mission potential. The system diagnostics process detects in flight the type of faults that are difficult to isolate post flight, and thus cause excessive ground maintenance time and cost. The control systems of fighter aircraft have the control power and surface displacement to maneuver the aircraft in a very large flight envelope with a wide variation in airspeed and g maneuvering conditions, with surplus force capacity available from each control surface. Digital flight control processors are designed to include built-in status of the control system components, as well as sensor information on aircraft control maneuver commands and response. In the event of failure or loss of a control surface, the SRFCS utilizes this capability to reconfigure control commands to the remaining control surfaces, thus preserving maneuvering response. Correct post-flight repair is the key to low maintainability support costs and high aircraft mission readiness. The SRFCS utilizes the large data base available with digital flight control systems to diagnose faults. Built-in-test data and sensor data are used as inputs to an Onboard Expert System process to accurately identify failed components for post-flight maintenance action. This diagnostic technique has the advantage of functioning during flight, and so is especially useful in identifying intermittent faults that are present only during maneuver g loads or high hydraulic flow requirements. A flight system was developed to test the reconfiguration and onboard maintenance diagnostics concepts on a NASA F-15 fighter aircraft.

OpenPET Hardware, Firmware, Software, and Board Design Files

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abu-Nimeh, Faisal; Choong, Woon-Sengq; Moses, William W.

OpenPET is an open source, flexible, high-performance, and modular data acquisition system for a variety of applications. The OpenPET electronics are capable of reading analog voltage or current signals from a wide variety of sensors. The electronics boards make extensive use of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to provide flexibility and scalability. Firmware and software for the FPGAs and computer are used to control and acquire data from the system. The command and control flow is similar to the data flow, however, the commands are initiated from the computer similar to a tree topology (i.e., from top-to-bottom). Each node inmore » the tree discovers its parent and children, and all addresses are configured accordingly. A user (or a script) initiates a command from the computer. This command will be translated and encoded to the corresponding child (e.g., SB, MB, DB, etc.). Consecutively, each node will pass the command to its corresponding child(ren) by looking at the destination address. Finally, once the command reaches its desired destination(s) the corresponding node(s) execute(s) the command and send(s) a reply, if required. All the firmware, software, and the electronics board design files are distributed through the OpenPET website (http://openpet.lbl.gov).« less

Innovation for integrated command environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perry, Amie A.; McKneely, Jennifer A.

2000-11-01

Command environments have rarely been able to easily accommodate rapid changes in technology and mission. Yet, command personnel, by their selection criteria, experience, and very nature, tend to be extremely adaptive and flexible, and able to learn new missions and address new challenges fairly easily. Instead, the hardware and software components of the systems do no provide the needed flexibility and scalability for command personnel. How do we solve this problem? In order to even dream of keeping pace with a rapidly changing world, we must begin to think differently about the command environment and its systems. What is the correct definition of the integrated command environment system? What types of tasks must be performed in this environment, and how might they change in the next five to twenty-five years? How should the command environment be developed, maintained, and evolved to provide needed flexibility and scalability? The issues and concepts to be considered as new Integrated Command/Control Environments (ICEs) are designed following a human-centered process. A futuristic model, the Dream Integrated Command Environment (DICE) will be described which demonstrates specific ICE innovations. The major paradigm shift required to be able to think differently about this problem is to center the DICE around the command personnel from its inception. Conference participants may not agree with every concept or idea presented, but will hopefully come away with a clear understanding that to radically improve future systems, designers must focus on the end users.

Stable Direct Adaptive Control of Linear Infinite-dimensional Systems Using a Command Generator Tracker Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balas, M. J.; Kaufman, H.; Wen, J.

1985-01-01

A command generator tracker approach to model following contol of linear distributed parameter systems (DPS) whose dynamics are described on infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces is presented. This method generates finite dimensional controllers capable of exponentially stable tracking of the reference trajectories when certain ideal trajectories are known to exist for the open loop DPS; we present conditions for the existence of these ideal trajectories. An adaptive version of this type of controller is also presented and shown to achieve (in some cases, asymptotically) stable finite dimensional control of the infinite dimensional DPS.

Telescience Resource Kit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Michelle

2003-01-01

This viewgraph representation provides an overview of the Telescience Resource Kit. The Telescience Resource Kit is a pc-based telemetry and command system that will be used by scientists and engineers to monitor and control experiments located on-board the International Space Station (ISS). Topics covered include: ISS Payload Telemetry and Command Flow, kit computer applications, kit telemetry capabilities, command capabilities, and training/testing capabilities.

User acceptance of a touchless sterile system to control virtual orthodontic study models.

PubMed

Wan Hassan, Wan Nurazreena; Abu Kassim, Noor Lide; Jhawar, Abhishek; Shurkri, Norsyafiqah Mohd; Kamarul Baharin, Nur Azreen; Chan, Chee Seng

2016-04-01

In this article, we present an evaluation of user acceptance of our innovative hand-gesture-based touchless sterile system for interaction with and control of a set of 3-dimensional digitized orthodontic study models using the Kinect motion-capture sensor (Microsoft, Redmond, Wash). The system was tested on a cohort of 201 participants. Using our validated questionnaire, the participants evaluated 7 hand-gesture-based commands that allowed the user to adjust the model in size, position, and aspect and to switch the image on the screen to view the maxillary arch, the mandibular arch, or models in occlusion. Participants' responses were assessed using Rasch analysis so that their perceptions of the usefulness of the hand gestures for the commands could be directly referenced against their acceptance of the gestures. Their perceptions of the potential value of this system for cross-infection control were also evaluated. Most participants endorsed these commands as accurate. Our designated hand gestures for these commands were generally accepted. We also found a positive and significant correlation between our participants' level of awareness of cross infection and their endorsement to use this system in clinical practice. This study supports the adoption of this promising development for a sterile touch-free patient record-management system. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mature data transport and command management services for the Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carper, R. D.

1986-01-01

The duplex space/ground/space data services for the Space Station are described. The need to separate the uplink data service functions from the command functions is discussed. Command management is a process shared by an operation control center and a command management system and consists of four functions: (1) uplink data communications, (2) management of the on-board computer, (3) flight resource allocation and management, and (4) real command management. The new data service capabilities provided by microprocessors, ground and flight nodes, and closed loop and open loop capabilities are studied. The need for and functions of a flight resource allocation management service are examined. The system is designed so only users can access the system; the problems encountered with open loop uplink access are analyzed. The procedures for delivery of operational, verification, computer, and surveillance and monitoring data directly to users are reviewed.

Using Concept Mapping to Define Problems and Identify Key Kernels during the Development of a Decision Support System

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-06-01

The problem chosen was an intriguing look at the question; ’When should a theater level commander request authorization for the use of tactical nuclear ...years experience in strategic nuclear missile systems, established ourselves as the best experts available. The literature search revealed the existence...CONTROL DSS Introduction This paper contains the storyboards of the DSS for the command and control of theater nuclear weapons. The storyboards are

Command and Control, Cyber, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (CRISR) and Cyber Tactical Measures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

between U.S. bases and the theater of operations. • Cyber Attack capabilities designed to disrupt U.S. command and control systems and critical...operational area. Key area-denial capabilities include: • Air forces and air defense systems, both fixed and mobile, designed to deny local U.S. air...Precision-guided rockets, artillery, missiles, and mortars (G-RAMM) designed to attack surface targets, including landing forces, with much greater accuracy

Versatile simulation testbed for rotorcraft speech I/O system design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, Carol A.

1986-01-01

A versatile simulation testbed for the design of a rotorcraft speech I/O system is described in detail. The testbed will be used to evaluate alternative implementations of synthesized speech displays and speech recognition controls for the next generation of Army helicopters including the LHX. The message delivery logic is discussed as well as the message structure, the speech recognizer command structure and features, feedback from the recognizer, and random access to controls via speech command.

A Spoken Dialogue System for Command and Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

Previous work in this domain focused on the formal representation of linguistic concepts in ontologies for data integration. His doctoral...20 2.8 Ongoing and Future Work .................................................................................... 20 2.8.1 Dynamic... work , we developed grammars with broader coverage for the domain of Livespace room-control. The goal was to provide commands and queries to be

Joint Interdiction

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-09

law enforcement detachment (USCG) LEO law enforcement operations LOC line of communications MACCS Marine air command and control system MAS...enemy command and control [C2], intelligence, fires, reinforcing units, lines of communications [ LOCs ], logistics, and other operational- and tactical...enemy naval, engineering, and personnel resources to the tasks of repairing and recovering damaged equipment, facilities, and LOCs . It can draw the

Shuttle Payload Ground Command and Control: An Experiment Implementation Combustion Module-2 Software Development, STS-107

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carek, David Andrew

2003-01-01

This presentation covers the design of a command and control architecture developed by the author for the Combustion Module-2 microgravity experiment, which flew aboard the STS-107 Shuttle mission, The design was implemented to satisfy a hybrid network that utilized TCP/IP for both the onboard segment and ground segment, with an intermediary unreliable transport for the space to ground segment. With the infusion of Internet networking technologies into Space Shuttle, Space Station, and spacecraft avionics systems, comes the need for robust methodologies for ground command and control. Considerations of high bit error links, and unreliable transport over intermittent links must be considered in such systems. Internet protocols applied to these systems, coupled with the appropriate application layer protections, can provide adequate communication architectures for command and control. However, there are inherent limitations and additional complexities added by the use of Internet protocols that must be considered during the design. This presentation will discuss the rationale for the: framework and protocol algorithms developed by the author. A summary of design considerations, implantation issues, and learned lessons will be will be presented. A summary of mission results using this communications architecture will be presented. Additionally, areas of further needed investigation will be identified.

Attitude controls for VTOL aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pauli, F. A.

1971-01-01

Systems consist of single duct system with two sets of reaction control nozzles, one linked mechanically to pilot's controls, and other set driven by electric servomotors commanded by preselected combinations of electrical signals.

Robot Task Commander with Extensible Programming Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart, Stephen W (Inventor); Wightman, Brian J (Inventor); Dinh, Duy Paul (Inventor); Yamokoski, John D. (Inventor); Gooding, Dustin R (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A system for developing distributed robot application-level software includes a robot having an associated control module which controls motion of the robot in response to a commanded task, and a robot task commander (RTC) in networked communication with the control module over a network transport layer (NTL). The RTC includes a script engine(s) and a GUI, with a processor and a centralized library of library blocks constructed from an interpretive computer programming code and having input and output connections. The GUI provides access to a Visual Programming Language (VPL) environment and a text editor. In executing a method, the VPL is opened, a task for the robot is built from the code library blocks, and data is assigned to input and output connections identifying input and output data for each block. A task sequence(s) is sent to the control module(s) over the NTL to command execution of the task.

Incident command structure using a daily management system and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Patient Notification Toolkit drives effective response to an infection control breach.

PubMed

Schoonover, Heather; Haydon, Kristin

2018-06-14

When breaches in infection control occur, it is imperative that organizations respond in a manner that is effective, efficient, and rebuilds trust with patients. Readers will learn how the incident command structure, daily management system, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Patient Notification Toolkit were used to drive an effective response to an infection control breach-resulting in 92% of affected patients completing the recommended testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus. © 2018 American Society for Healthcare Risk Management of the American Hospital Association.

Enhanced Control for Local Helicity Injection on the Pegasus ST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierren, C.; Bongard, M. W.; Fonck, R. J.; Lewicki, B. T.; Perry, J. M.

2017-10-01

Local helicity injection (LHI) experiments on Pegasus rely upon programmable control of a 250 MVA modular power supply system that drives the electromagnets and helicity injection systems. Precise control of the central solenoid is critical to experimental campaigns that test the LHI Taylor relaxation limit and the coupling efficiency of LHI-produced plasmas to Ohmic current drive. Enhancement and expansion of the present control system is underway using field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology for digital logic and control, coupled to new 10 MHz optical-to-digital transceivers for semiconductor level device communication. The system accepts optical command signals from existing analog feedback controllers, transmits them to multiple devices in parallel H-bridges, and aggregates their status signals for fault detection. Present device-level multiplexing/de-multiplexing and protection logic is extended to include bridge-level protections with the FPGA. An input command filter protects against erroneous and/or spurious noise generated commands that could otherwise cause device failures. Fault registration and response times with the FPGA system are 25 ns. Initial system testing indicates an increased immunity to power supply induced noise, enabling plasma operations at higher working capacitor bank voltage. This can increase the applied helicity injection drive voltage, enable longer pulse lengths and improve Ohmic loop voltage control. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Tools virtualization for command and control systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piszczek, Marek; Maciejewski, Marcin; Pomianek, Mateusz; Szustakowski, Mieczysław

2017-10-01

Information management is an inseparable part of the command process. The result is that the person making decisions at the command post interacts with data providing devices in various ways. Tools virtualization process can introduce a number of significant modifications in the design of solutions for management and command. The general idea involves replacing physical devices user interface with their digital representation (so-called Virtual instruments). A more advanced level of the systems "digitalization" is to use the mixed reality environments. In solutions using Augmented reality (AR) customized HMI is displayed to the operator when he approaches to each device. Identification of device is done by image recognition of photo codes. Visualization is achieved by (optical) see-through head mounted display (HMD). Control can be done for example by means of a handheld touch panel. Using the immersive virtual environment, the command center can be digitally reconstructed. Workstation requires only VR system (HMD) and access to information network. Operator can interact with devices in such a way as it would perform in real world (for example with the virtual hands). Because of their procedures (an analysis of central vision, eye tracking) MR systems offers another useful feature of reducing requirements for system data throughput. Due to the fact that at the moment we focus on the single device. Experiments carried out using Moverio BT-200 and SteamVR systems and the results of experimental application testing clearly indicate the ability to create a fully functional information system with the use of mixed reality technology.

Astronaut James McDivitt photographed inside Command Module during Apollo 9

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-06

AS09-20-3154 (3-13 March 1969) --- This close-up view of astronaut James A. McDivitt shows several days' beard growth. The Apollo 9 mission commander was onboard the Lunar Module (LM) "Spider" in Earth orbit, near the end of the flight. He was joined on the mission by astronauts David R. Scott, command module pilot, and Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot. Schweickart took this picture while Scott remained in the Command Module (CM) "Gumdrop." In Earth orbit, the three tested the transposition and docking systems of the lunar module and command module. On a scheduled lunar landing mission later this year, a team of three astronauts and ground controllers will use what this crew and its support staff have learned in handling the systems of the two spacecraft.

The Road to a New Unified Command

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

The Directorate of Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) Systems is chartered with information architecture (including in Africa...Friday afternoon cinema presentations where a documentary or feature film covering an African historic event was played, followed by dialogue

International Space Station Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ijames, Gayleen N.

2012-01-01

Objectives and Goals: Maintain and operate the POIC and support integrated Space Station command and control functions. Provide software and hardware systems to support ISS payloads and Shuttle for the POIF cadre, Payload Developers and International Partners. Provide design, development, independent verification &validation, configuration, operational product/system deliveries and maintenance of those systems for telemetry, commanding, database and planning. Provide Backup Control Center for MCC-H in case of shutdown. Provide certified personnel and systems to support 24x7 facility operations per ISS Program. Payloads CoFR Implementation Plan (SSP 52054) and MSFC Payload Operations CoFR Implementation Plan (POIF-1006).

Control system health test system and method

DOEpatents

Hoff, Brian D.; Johnson, Kris W.; Akasam, Sivaprasad; Baker, Thomas M.

2006-08-15

A method is provided for testing multiple elements of a work machine, including a control system, a component, a sub-component that is influenced by operations of the component, and a sensor that monitors a characteristic of the sub-component. In one embodiment, the method is performed by the control system and includes sending a command to the component to adjust a first parameter associated with an operation of the component. Also, the method includes detecting a sensor signal from the sensor reflecting a second parameter associated with a characteristic of the sub-component and determining whether the second parameter is acceptable based on the command. The control system may diagnose at least one of the elements of the work machine when the second parameter of the sub-component is not acceptable.

Domain specific software architectures: Command and control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Braun, Christine; Hatch, William; Ruegsegger, Theodore; Balzer, Bob; Feather, Martin; Goldman, Neil; Wile, Dave

1992-01-01

GTE is the Command and Control contractor for the Domain Specific Software Architectures program. The objective of this program is to develop and demonstrate an architecture-driven, component-based capability for the automated generation of command and control (C2) applications. Such a capability will significantly reduce the cost of C2 applications development and will lead to improved system quality and reliability through the use of proven architectures and components. A major focus of GTE's approach is the automated generation of application components in particular subdomains. Our initial work in this area has concentrated in the message handling subdomain; we have defined and prototyped an approach that can automate one of the most software-intensive parts of C2 systems development. This paper provides an overview of the GTE team's DSSA approach and then presents our work on automated support for message processing.

The Next Generation of Ground Operations Command and Control; Scripting in C no. and Visual Basic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritter, George; Pedoto, Ramon

2010-01-01

Scripting languages have become a common method for implementing command and control solutions in space ground operations. The Systems Test and Operations Language (STOL), the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Scripting Language Processor (SLP), and the Spacecraft Control Language (SCL) offer script-commands that wrap tedious operations tasks into single calls. Since script-commands are interpreted, they also offer a certain amount of hands-on control that is highly valued in space ground operations. Although compiled programs seem to be unsuited for interactive user control and are more complex to develop, Marshall Space flight Center (MSFC) has developed a product called the Enhanced and Redesign Scripting (ERS) that makes use of the graphical and logical richness of a programming language while offering the hands-on and ease of control of a scripting language. ERS is currently used by the International Space Station (ISS) Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) Cadre team members. ERS integrates spacecraft command mnemonics, telemetry measurements, and command and telemetry control procedures into a standard programming language, while making use of Microsoft's Visual Studio for developing Visual Basic (VB) or C# ground operations procedures. ERS also allows for script-style user control during procedure execution using a robust graphical user input and output feature. The availability of VB and C# programmers, and the richness of the languages and their development environment, has allowed ERS to lower our "script" development time and maintenance costs at the Marshall POIC.

Heliostat control

DOEpatents

Kaehler, James A.

1984-01-01

An improvement in a system and method of controlling heliostat in which the heliostat is operable in azimuth and elevation by respective stepper motors and including the respective steps or means for calculating the position for the heliostat to be at a commanded position, determining the number of steps in azimuth and elevation for each respective motor to get to the commanded position and energizing both the azimuth and elevation stepper motors to run in parallel until predetermined number of steps away from the closest commanded position in azimuth and elevation so that the closest position has been achieved, and thereafter energizing only the remaining motor to bring it to its commanded position. In this way, the heliostat can be started from a stowed position in the morning and operated by a computer means to its commanded position and kept correctly oriented throughout the day using only the time of the day without requiring the usual sensors and feedback apparatus. A computer, or microprocessor, can then control a plurality of many heliostats easily and efficiently throughout the day.

Inertial Pointing and Positioning System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yee, Robert (Inventor); Robbins, Fred (Inventor)

1998-01-01

An inertial pointing and control system and method for pointing to a designated target with known coordinates from a platform to provide accurate position, steering, and command information. The system continuously receives GPS signals and corrects Inertial Navigation System (INS) dead reckoning or drift errors. An INS is mounted directly on a pointing instrument rather than in a remote location on the platform for-monitoring the terrestrial position and instrument attitude. and for pointing the instrument at designated celestial targets or ground based landmarks. As a result. the pointing instrument and die INS move independently in inertial space from the platform since the INS is decoupled from the platform. Another important characteristic of the present system is that selected INS measurements are combined with predefined coordinate transformation equations and control logic algorithms under computer control in order to generate inertial pointing commands to the pointing instrument. More specifically. the computer calculates the desired instrument angles (Phi, Theta. Psi). which are then compared to the Euler angles measured by the instrument- mounted INS. and forms the pointing command error angles as a result of the compared difference.

Application of the Modular Command and Control Evaluation Structure to a Strategic Defense Initiative Command and Control System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-01

environment . Actions within the process loop is initiated by a perceived divergence from a desired state and the sensed environmental state. Definitions of the...initiated environmental effect. An action by our own forces as well as by the enemy forces can create an alteration to the overall environment . The DESIRED...Additionally, the model would accommodate the entire C2 system, including physical entities, structure, and its environment . The objective was to

Common Aviation Command and Control System Increment 1 (CAC2S Inc 1)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

Command and Control System Increment 1 ( CAC2S Inc 1) DoD Component Navy United States Marine Corps Responsible Office Program Manager References MAIS ...facilities for planning and execution of Marine Aviation missions within the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). CAC2S Increment I will eliminate...approved by ASN (RDA), the MDA, in a Program Decision Memorandum (PDM), “ CAC2S Increment I,” May 05, 2009. As the result of the PDM, the independent

Spaceport Command and Control System Automation Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plano, Tom

2017-01-01

The goal of automated testing is to create and maintain a cohesive infrastructure of robust tests that could be run independently on a software package in its entirety. To that end, the Spaceport Command and Control System (SCCS) project at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has brought in a large group of interns to work side-by-side with full time employees to do just this work. Thus, our job is to implement the tests that will put SCCS through its paces.

Pegasus power system facility upgrades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewicki, B. T.; Kujak-Ford, B. A.; Winz, G. R.

2008-11-01

Two key Pegasus systems have been recently upgraded: the Ohmic-transformer IGCT bridge control system, and the plasma-gun injector power system. The Ohmic control system contains two new microprocessor controlled components to provide an interface between the PWM controller and the IGCT bridges. An interface board conditions the command signals from the PWM controller. A splitter/combiner board routes the conditioned PWM commands to an array of IGCT bridges and interprets IGCT bridge status. This system allows for any PWM controller to safely control IGCT bridges. Future developments will include a transition to a polyphasic bridge control. This will allow for 3 to 4 times the present pulse length and provide a much higher switching frequency. The plasma gun injector system now includes active current feedback control on gun bias current via PWM buck type power supplies. Near term goals include a doubling or tripling of the applied bias voltage. Future arc bias system power supplies may include a simpler boost type system which will allow access to even higher voltages using existing low voltage energy storage systems.

Canadian digitization: radical beginning and pragmatic follow-on

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grant, Terrill K.

2000-08-01

The Canadian Army, like most Western armies, spent a lot of time soul-searching about the application of technology to its Command and Control processes during the height of the Cold War in the 70's and 80's. In the late 1980's, these efforts were formalized in a program called the Tactical Command, Control and Communications System (TCCCS). As envisioned, the project would replace in one revolutionary Big Bang all of the tactical communications employed in the Canadian field forces. It would also add significant capabilities such as a long range satellite communications system, a universal tactical e-mail system, and a command and control system for the commander and his staff from division to unit HQ. In 1989, the project was scaled back due to budgetary constraints by removing the divisional trunk communications system and the command and control system. At this point a contract was let to Computing Devices Canada for the core communications functionality. During the next 6 years, the Canadian Army expanded on this digitization effort by amending the contract to add in a trunk system and a situational awareness system. As well, in 1996, Computing Devices received a contract to develop and integrate a C2 system with the communications system thereby restoring the final two Cs of TCCCS. This paper discusses the architecture and implementation of the TCCCS as the revolutionary enabler of the Canadian Army's digitization effort for the early 2000 era. The choice of a hybrid approach of using commercial standards supplemented by appropriate NATO communications standards allowed for an easy addition of the trunk system. As well, conformance to the emerging NATO Communications architecture for Land Tactical Communications in the Post 2000 era will enhance interoperability with Canada's allies. The paper also discusses the pragmatic approach taken by the Canadian Army in inserting C2 functionally into TCCCS, and presents the ultimate architecture and functionality. This paper concludes with a review of some of the areas of concern that will need to be addressed to complete a baseline digitization capability for the Canadian Army.

Implementation of an Adaptive Controller System from Concept to Flight Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larson, Richard R.; Burken, John J.; Butler, Bradley S.; Yokum, Steve

2009-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) has been conducting flight-test research using an F-15 aircraft (figure 1). This aircraft has been specially modified to interface a neural net (NN) controller as part of a single-string Airborne Research Test System (ARTS) computer with the existing quad-redundant flight control system (FCC) shown in figure 2. The NN commands are passed to FCC channels 2 and 4 and are cross channel data linked (CCDL) to the other computers as shown. Numerous types of fault-detection monitors exist in the FCC when the NN mode is engaged; these monitors would cause an automatic disengagement of the NN in the event of a triggering fault. Unfortunately, these monitors still may not prevent a possible NN hard-over command from coming through to the control laws. Therefore, an additional and unique safety monitor was designed for a single-string source that allows authority at maximum actuator rates but protects the pilot and structural loads against excessive g-limits in the case of a NN hard-over command input. This additional monitor resides in the FCCs and is executed before the control laws are computed. This presentation describes a "floating limiter" (FL) concept that was developed and successfully test-flown for this program (figure 3). The FL computes the rate of change of the NN commands that are input to the FCC from the ARTS. A window is created with upper and lower boundaries, which is constantly "floating" and trying to stay centered as the NN command rates are changing. The limiter works by only allowing the window to move at a much slower rate than those of the NN commands. Anywhere within the window, however, full rates are allowed. If a rate persists in one direction, it will eventually "hit" the boundary and be rate-limited to the floating limiter rate. When this happens, a persistent counter begins and after a limit is reached, a NN disengage command is generated. The tunable metrics for the FL are (1) window size, (2) drift rate, and (3) persistence counter. Ultimate range limits are also included in case the NN command should drift slowly to a limit value that would cause the FL to be defeated. The FL has proven to work as intended. Both high-g transients and excessive structural loads are controlled with NN hard-over commands. This presentation discusses the FL design features and presents test cases. Simulation runs are included to illustrate the dramatic improvement made to the control of NN hard-over effects. A mission control room display from a flight playback is presented to illustrate the neural net fault display representation. The FL is very adaptable to various requirements and is independent of flight condition. It should be considered as a cost-effective safety monitor to control single-string inputs in general.

Astronaut Russell Schweickart photographed during EVA

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-06

AS09-19-2983 (6 March 1969) --- Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot, operates a 70mm Hasselblad camera during his extravehicular activity (EVA) on the fourth day of the Apollo 9 Earth-orbital mission. The Command and Service Modules (CSM) and Lunar Module (LM) "Spider" are docked. This view was taken from the Command Module (CM) "Gumdrop". Schweickart, wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), is standing in "golden slippers" on the LM porch. On his back, partially visible, are a Portable Life Support System (PLSS) and an Oxygen Purge System (OPS). Astronaut James A. McDivitt, Apollo 9 commander, was inside the "Spider". Astronaut David R. Scott, command module pilot, remained at the controls in the CM.

Autonomic responses to exercise: where is central command?

PubMed

Williamson, J W

2015-03-01

A central command is thought to involve a signal arising in a central area of the brain eliciting a parallel activation of the autonomic nervous system and skeletal muscle contraction during exercise. Although much of the neural circuitry involved in autonomic control has been identified, defining the specific higher brain region(s) serving in a central command capacity has proven more challenging. Investigators have been faced with redundancies in regulatory systems, feedback mechanisms and the complexities ofhuman neural connectivity. Several studies have attempted to address these issues and provide more definitive neuroanatomical information. However, none have clearly answered the question, "where is central command?" Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Commander Kenneth D. Bowersox posing with Supply Tank and FCPA as part of the ITCS

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-18

ISS006-E-39460 (18 March 2003) --- Astronaut Kenneth D. Bowersox, Expedition Six mission commander, is pictured in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS). The supply tank and Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA), which are a part of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS), are visible floating freeing above Bowersox.

Command module/service module reaction control subsystem assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weary, D. P.

1971-01-01

Detailed review of component failure histories, qualification adequacy, manufacturing flow, checkout requirements and flow, ground support equipment interfaces, subsystem interface verification, protective devices, and component design did not reveal major weaknesses in the command service module (CSM) reaction control system (RCS). No changes to the CSM RCS were recommended. The assessment reaffirmed the adequacy of the CSM RCS for future Apollo missions.

Networking the Global Maritime Partnership

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

how do the navies of disparate nations that desire to operate together at sea obtain the requisite, compatible C4ISR (command, control, communications ...compatible C4ISR (command, control, communications , computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) systems that will enable them to truly...partnership. Coalition Naval Operations Maritime coalitions have existed for two and one-half millennia and navies have communicated at sea for

Direct Fault Tolerant RLV Altitude Control: A Singular Perturbation Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, J. J.; Lawrence, D. A.; Fisher, J.; Shtessel, Y. B.; Hodel, A. S.; Lu, P.; Jackson, Scott (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

In this paper, we present a direct fault tolerant control (DFTC) technique, where by "direct" we mean that no explicit fault identification is used. The technique will be presented for the attitude controller (autopilot) for a reusable launch vehicle (RLV), although in principle it can be applied to many other applications. Any partial or complete failure of control actuators and effectors will be inferred from saturation of one or more commanded control signals generated by the controller. The saturation causes a reduction in the effective gain, or bandwidth of the feedback loop, which can be modeled as an increase in singular perturbation in the loop. In order to maintain stability, the bandwidth of the nominal (reduced-order) system will be reduced proportionally according to the singular perturbation theory. The presented DFTC technique automatically handles momentary saturations and integrator windup caused by excessive disturbances, guidance command or dispersions under normal vehicle conditions. For multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) systems with redundant control effectors, such as the RLV attitude control system, an algorithm is presented for determining the direction of bandwidth cutback using the method of minimum-time optimal control with constrained control in order to maintain the best performance that is possible with the reduced control authority. Other bandwidth cutback logic, such as one that preserves the commanded direction of the bandwidth or favors a preferred direction when the commanded direction cannot be achieved, is also discussed. In this extended abstract, a simplistic example is proved to demonstrate the idea. In the final paper, test results on the high fidelity 6-DOF X-33 model with severe dispersions will be presented.

Wisconsin Test Facility Ground Terminal Corrosion Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-04-01

The technical effort reported herein is intended to support development of the Navy’s ELF Submarine Command and Control Communications System. The... ELF Extremely Low Frequency Ground System Corros ion Investigations of ELF ground system corrosion at the Navy’s Wisconsin Te’st Facility were...the Special Communications Project Office of the U. S. Naval Electronic Systems Command by lIT Research Institute, as part of Contract N00039-76-C-0141

Integrated flight/propulsion control system design based on a centralized approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garg, Sanjay; Mattern, Duane L.; Bullard, Randy E.

1989-01-01

An integrated flight/propulsion control system design is presented for the piloted longitudinal landing task with a modern, statically unstable, fighter aircraft. A centralized compensator based on the Linear Quadratic Gaussian/Loop Transfer Recovery methodology is first obtained to satisfy the feedback loop performance and robustness specificiations. This high-order centralized compensator is then partitioned into airframe and engine sub-controllers based on modal controllability/observability for the compensator modes. The order of the sub-controllers is then reduced using internally-balanced realization techniques and the sub-controllers are simplified by neglecting the insignificant feedbacks. These sub-controllers have the advantage that they can be implemented as separate controllers on the airframe and the engine while still retaining the important performance and stability characteristics of the full-order centralized compensator. Command prefilters are then designed for the closed-loop system with the simplified sub-controllers to obtain the desired system response to airframe and engine command inputs, and the overall system performance evaluation results are presented.

Touch sensors and control.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, J. W.; Sword, A. J.

1973-01-01

Description of the equipment employed and results obtained in experiments with tactile feedback and different levels of automatic control. In the experiments described tactile feedback was investigated by incorporating a touch sensing and touch display system into a teleoperator, while the levels of automatic control were investigated by incorporating supervisory control features in the teleoperator control system. In particular, a hand contact system which senses and reproduces to the operator the contact between the end-effector and the object being touched or manipulated is described, as well as a jaw contact system which senses and reproduces to the operator the shape and location of the object held in the remote jaws, and an arm control system consisting of a control station where the operator controls the motion of the arm by transmitting commands, a remote station that accepts the commands and uses them, and a communications link that limits information flow. In addition, an algorithmic language for remote manipulation is described, and the desired features that an automatic arm controller should possess are reviewed.

AIROscope: Ames infrared balloon-borne telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koontz, O. L.; Scott, S. G.

1974-01-01

A balloon-borne telescope system designed for astronomical observations at infrared wavelengths is discussed. The telescope is gyro-stabilized with updated pointing information derived from television, star tracker, or ground commands. The television system furnishes both course and fine acquisition after initial orientation using a pair of fluxgate servo compasses. Command and control is by a UHF link with 256 commands available. Scientific and engineering data are telemetered to the ground station via narrow band F.M. in the L band. The ground station displays all scientific, engineering and status information during the flights and records the command and telemetry digital bit stream for detailed analysis. The AIROscope telescope has a 28-inch diameter primary mirror and Dall-Kirkham optics. The beam is modulated by oscillating a secondary mirror at 11 or 25 Hz with provision for left or right beam fixed positions by command.

A Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion Predictor-Based Model Reference Adaptive Controller for a Generic Transport Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Stefan F.; Kaneshige, John T.

2010-01-01

Presented here is a Predictor-Based Model Reference Adaptive Control (PMRAC) architecture for a generic transport aircraft. At its core, this architecture features a three-axis, non-linear, dynamic-inversion controller. Command inputs for this baseline controller are provided by pilot roll-rate, pitch-rate, and sideslip commands. This paper will first thoroughly present the baseline controller followed by a description of the PMRAC adaptive augmentation to this control system. Results are presented via a full-scale, nonlinear simulation of NASA s Generic Transport Model (GTM).

Distributed Common Ground System-Navy Increment 2 (DCGS-N Inc 2)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

15 minutes Enter and be Managed in the Network: Reference SvcV-7, Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services ( CANES ) CDD, DCGS-N Inc 2...Red, White , Gray Data and Tracks to Command and Control System. Continuous Stream from SCI Common Intelligence Picture to General Service (GENSER...AIS - Automatic Information System AOC - Air Operations Command CANES - Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services CID - Center for

Battlespace awareness and the Australian Army battlefield command support system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaertner, Paul S.; Slade, Mark; Bowden, Fred; Stagg, Bradley; Huf, Samuel

2000-08-01

Effective battlespace awareness is essential for any defence operation; this is especially true in the increasingly complex and dynamic land component of the military environment. Because of its relatively small force size dispersed piece-wise across a large and largely vacant landmass, the Defence of Australia presents a somewhat unique challenge for the development of systems that support command decision-making. The intent of this paper is to first examine the digitisation effort under way in Australia and describe the Army Battlefield Command Support System (BCSS) being developed for use in the tactical arena. BCSS is essentially a suite of commercial-off-the-shelf and government-off-the-shelf software components provided via a standard operating environment to aid decision-making. Then, we present the development of a Tactical Land C4I Assessment Capability (TLCAC) synthetic environment which is being used to undertake controlled performance evaluations of the various elements of the BCSS suite and provide impact assessments of new technological advances. The TLCAC provides a capacity to assess in near real-time Brigade and below level command post exercise activities. That is, when deployed it provides a mechanism to automatically collect command and control and manoeuvre data, which can aid in the after action review process.

Embedded CLIPS for SDI BM/C3 simulation and analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gossage, Brett; Nanney, Van

1990-01-01

Nichols Research Corporation is developing the BM/C3 Requirements Analysis Tool (BRAT) for the U.S. Army Strategic Defense Command. BRAT uses embedded CLIPS/Ada to model the decision making processes used by the human commander of a defense system. Embedding CLlPS/Ada in BRAT allows the user to explore the role of the human in Command and Control (C2) and the use of expert systems for automated C2. BRAT models assert facts about the current state of the system, the simulated scenario, and threat information into CLIPS/Ada. A user-defined rule set describes the decision criteria for the commander. We have extended CLIPS/Ada with user-defined functions that allow the firing of a rule to invoke a system action such as weapons release or a change in strategy. The use of embedded CLIPS/Ada will provide a powerful modeling tool for our customer at minimal cost.

Summary of Research 1997, Interdisciplinary Academic Groups.

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-01-01

Os 656-3775 iosmundson @npsinavy.mii Channel, Ralph N. Senior Lecturer NS/Ch 656-2409 nchannell @nps.navv.mil Kemple, William G. Assistant...Research) Lieutenant Commander Steven J. Iatrou, USN (Information Warfare) Professor Carl R. Jones (Systems Management) Associate Professor William G...to assess the effectiveness of the newly developed decision support system. Adaptive Architectures for Command and Control William Kemple and

The Next Generation of Ground Operations Command and Control; Scripting in C Sharp and Visual Basic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritter, George; Pedoto, Ramon

2010-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the use of scripting languages in Ground Operations Command and Control. It describes the use of scripting languages in a historical context, the advantages and disadvantages of scripts. It describes the Enhanced and Redesigned Scripting (ERS) language, that was designed to combine the features of a scripting language and the graphical and IDE richness of a programming language with the utility of scripting languages. ERS uses the Microsoft Visual Studio programming environment and offers custom controls that enable an ERS developer to extend the Visual Basic and C sharp language interface with the Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) telemetry and command system.

Loss-of-Control-Inhibitor Systems for Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

AHarrah, Ralph C.

2007-01-01

Systems to provide improved tactile feedback to aircraft pilots are being developed to help the pilots maintain harmony between their control actions and the positions of aircraft control surfaces, thereby helping to prevent loss of control. A system of this type, denoted a loss-of-control-inhibitor system (LOCIS) can be implemented as a relatively simple addition to almost any pre-existing flight-control system. The LOCIS concept offers at least a partial solution to the problem of (1) keeping a pilot aware of the state of the control system and the aircraft and (2) maintaining sufficient control under conditions that, as described below, have been known to lead to loss of control. Current commercial aircraft exhibit uneven responses of primary flight-control surfaces to aggressive pilot control commands, leading to deterioration of pilots ability to control their aircraft. In severe cases, this phenomenon can result in loss of control and consequent loss of aircraft. For an older aircraft equipped with a purely mechanical control system, the loss of harmony between a pilot s command action and the control- surface response can be attributed to compliance in the control system (caused, for example, by stretching of control cables, flexing of push rods, or servo-valve distortion). In a newer aircraft equipped with a fly-by-wire control system, the major contributions to loss of harmony between the pilot and the control surfaces are delays attributable to computer cycle time, control shaping, filtering, aliasing, servo-valve distortion, and actuator rate limiting. In addition, a fly-by-wire control system provides no tactile feedback that would enable the pilot to sense such features of the control state as surface flutter, surface jam, position limiting, actuator rate limiting, and control limiting imposed by the aircraft operational envelope. Hence, for example, when a pilot is involved in aggressive closed-loop maneuvering, as when encountering a wake-vortex upset on final landing approach, the control-surface delay can lead to loss of control. Aggressive piloting can be triggered and exacerbated by control-system anomalies, which the pilot cannot diagnose because of the lack of symptoms caused by the absence of feedback through the controls. The purpose served by a LOCIS is to counteract these adverse effects by providing real-time feedback that notifies the pilot that the aircraft is tending to lag the pilot s commands. A LOCIS (see figure) includes cockpit control input-position sensors, control-surface output-position sensors, variable dampers (for example, shock absorbers containing magneto-rheological fluids such that the damping forces can be varied within times of the order of milliseconds by varying applied magnetic fields) attached to the cockpit control levers, electromagnet coils to apply the magnetic fields, and feedback control circuits to drive the electromagnet coils. The feedback control gains are chosen so that the current applied to each electromagnet coil results in a damping force that increases in a suitable nonlinear manner (e.g., exponentially) with the difference between the actual and commanded positions of the affected control surface. The increasing damping force both alerts the pilot to the onset of a potentially dangerous situation and resists the pilot s effort to command a control surface to change position at an excessive rate

Advanced Command Destruct System (ACDS) Enhanced Flight Termination System (EFTS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tow, David

2009-01-01

NASA Dryden started working towards a single vehicle enhanced flight termination system (EFTS) in January 2008. NASA and AFFTC combined their efforts to work towards final operating capability for multiple vehicle and multiple missions simultaneously, to be completed by the end of 2011. Initially, the system was developed to support one vehicle and one frequency per mission for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at NASA Dryden. By May 2008 95% of design and hardware builds were completed, however, NASA Dryden's change of software safety scope and requirements caused delays after May 2008. This presentation reviews the initial and final operating capabilities for the Advanced Command Destruct System (ACDS), including command controller and configuration software development. A requirements summary is also provided.

Apollo experience report: Guidance and control systems: Command and service module entry monitor subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reina, B., Jr.; Patterson, H. G.

1975-01-01

The conceptual aspects of the command and service module entry monitor subsystem, together with an interpretation of the displays and their associated relationship to entry trajectory control, are presented. The entry monitor subsystem is described, and the problems encountered during the developmental phase and the first five manned Apollo flights are discussed in conjunction with the design improvements implemented.

Enhancing Command and Control (C2) Assessment through Semantic Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

distribution unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Presented at the 16th International Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium (ICCRTS 2011...University Press, Washington, D.C., April 2008) 3 present complex contingencies that will require significant capabilities in which the power of the...cycle elements are not being brought forward and presented in ways that effectively frame and support good decisions that maximize achievement of

A unified flight control methodology for a compound rotorcraft in fundamental and aerobatic maneuvering flight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thorsen, Adam

This study investigates a novel approach to flight control for a compound rotorcraft in a variety of maneuvers ranging from fundamental to aerobatic in nature. Fundamental maneuvers are a class of maneuvers with design significance that are useful for testing and tuning flight control systems along with uncovering control law deficiencies. Aerobatic maneuvers are a class of aggressive and complex maneuvers with more operational significance. The process culminating in a unified approach to flight control includes various control allocation studies for redundant controls in trim and maneuvering flight, an efficient methodology to simulate non-piloted maneuvers with varying degrees of complexity, and the setup of an unconventional control inceptor configuration along with the use of a flight simulator to gather pilot feedback in order to improve the unified control architecture. A flight path generation algorithm was developed to calculate control inceptor commands required for a rotorcraft in aerobatic maneuvers. This generalized algorithm was tailored to generate flight paths through optimization methods in order to satisfy target terminal position coordinates or to minimize the total time of a particular maneuver. Six aerobatic maneuvers were developed drawing inspiration from air combat maneuvers of fighter jet aircraft: Pitch-Back Turn (PBT), Combat Ascent Turn (CAT), Combat Descent Turn (CDT), Weaving Pull-up (WPU), Combat Break Turn (CBT), and Zoom and Boom (ZAB). These aerobatic maneuvers were simulated at moderate to high advance ratios while fundamental maneuvers of the compound including level accelerations/decelerations, climbs, descents, and turns were investigated across the entire flight envelope to evaluate controller performance. The unified control system was developed to allow controls to seamlessly transition between manual and automatic allocations while ensuring that the axis of control for a particular inceptor remained constant with flight regime. An energy management system was developed in order to manage performance limits (namely power required) to promote carefree maneuvering and alleviate pilot workload. This system features limits on pilot commands and has additional logic for preserving control margins and limiting maximum speed in a dive. Nonlinear dynamic inversion (NLDI) is the framework of the unified controller, which incorporates primary and redundant controls. The inner loop of the NLDI controller regulates bank angle, pitch attitude, and yaw rate, while the outer loop command structure is varied (three modes). One version uses an outer loop that commands velocities in the longitudinal and vertical axes (velocity mode), another commands longitudinal acceleration and vertical speed (acceleration mode), and the third commands longitudinal acceleration and transitions from velocity to acceleration command in the vertical axis (aerobatic mode). The flight envelope is discretized into low, cruise, and high speed flight regimes. The unified outer loop primary control effectors for the longitudinal and vertical axes (collective pitch, pitch attitude, and propeller pitch) vary depending on flight regime. A weighted pseudoinverse is used to phase either the collective or propeller pitch in/out of a redundant control role. The controllers were evaluated in Penn State's Rotorcraft Flight Simulator retaining the cyclic stick for vertical and lateral axis control along with pedal inceptors for yaw axis control. A throttle inceptor was used in place of the pilot's traditional left hand inceptor for longitudinal axis control. Ultimately, a simple rigid body model of the aircraft was sufficient enough to design a controller with favorable performance and stability characteristics. This unified flight control system promoted a low enough pilot workload so that an untrained pilot (the author) was able to pilot maneuvers of varying complexity with ease. The framework of this unified system is generalized enough to be able to be applied to any rotorcraft with redundant controls. Minimum power propeller thrust shares ranged from 50% - 90% in high speed flight, while lift shares at high speeds tended towards 60% wing and 40% main rotor.

Realization of Intelligent Measurement and Control System for Limb Rehabilitation Based on PLC and Touch Screen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiangquan

According to the treatment needs of patients with limb movement disorder, on the basis of the limb rehabilitative training prototype, function of measure and control system are analyzed, design of system hardware and software is completed. The touch screen which is adopt as host computer and man-machine interaction window is responsible for sending commands and training information display; The PLC which is adopt as slave computer is responsible for receiving control command from touch screen, collecting the sensor data, regulating torque and speed of motor by analog output according to the different training mode, realizing ultimately active and passive training for limb rehabilitation therapy.

Commercial applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Togai, Masaki

1990-01-01

Viewgraphs on commercial applications of fuzzy logic in Japan are presented. Topics covered include: suitable application area of fuzzy theory; characteristics of fuzzy control; fuzzy closed-loop controller; Mitsubishi heavy air conditioner; predictive fuzzy control; the Sendai subway system; automatic transmission; fuzzy logic-based command system for antilock braking system; fuzzy feed-forward controller; and fuzzy auto-tuning system.

Advanced communications technology satellite high burst rate link evaluation terminal experiment control and monitor software user's guide, version 1.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinhart, Richard C.

1992-01-01

The Experiment Control and Monitor (EC&M) software was developed at NASA Lewis Research Center to support the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) High Burst Rate Link Evaluation Terminal (HBR-LET). The HBR-LET is an experimenter's terminal to communicate with the ACTS for various investigations by government agencies, universities, and industry. The EC&M software is one segment of the Control and Performance Monitoring (C&PM) software system of the HBR-LET. The EC&M software allows users to initialize, control, and monitor the instrumentation within the HBR-LET using a predefined sequence of commands. Besides instrument control, the C&PM software system is also responsible for computer communication between the HBR-LET and the ACTS NASA Ground Station and for uplink power control of the HBR-LET to demonstrate power augmentation during rain fade events. The EC&M Software User's Guide, Version 1.0 (NASA-CR-189160) outlines the commands required to install and operate the EC&M software. Input and output file descriptions, operator commands, and error recovery procedures are discussed in the document.

Voice-on-Target: A New Approach to Tactical Networking and Unmanned Systems Control via the Voice Interface to the SA Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

Blackberry handheld) device. After each voice command activation, the medic provided voice comments to be recorded in Observer Notepad over Voice...vial (up-right corner of picture) upon voice activation from the medic’s Blackberry handheld. The NPS UAS which was controlled by voice commands...Voice Portal using a standard Blackberry handheld with a head set. The results demonstrated sufficient accuracy for controlling the tactical sensor

Astronaut Russell Schweickart photographed during EVA

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-06

AS09-19-2994 (6 March 1969) --- Astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot, is photographed from the Command Module (CM) "Gumdrop" during his extravehicular activity (EVA) on the fourth day of the Apollo 9 Earth-orbital mission. He holds, in his right hand, a thermal sample which he is retrieving from the Lunar Module (LM) exterior. The Command and Service Modules (CSM) and LM "Spider" are docked. Schweickart, wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), is standing in "golden slippers" on the LM porch. Visible on his back are the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) and Oxygen Purge System (OPS). Astronaut James A. McDivitt, Apollo 9 commander, was inside the "Spider". Astronaut David R. Scott, command module pilot, remained at the controls in the CM "Gumdrop".

A global spacecraft control network for spacecraft autonomy research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kitts, Christopher A.

1996-01-01

The development and implementation of the Automated Space System Experimental Testbed (ASSET) space operations and control network, is reported on. This network will serve as a command and control architecture for spacecraft operations and will offer a real testbed for the application and validation of advanced autonomous spacecraft operations strategies. The proposed network will initially consist of globally distributed amateur radio ground stations at locations throughout North America and Europe. These stations will be linked via Internet to various control centers. The Stanford (CA) control center will be capable of human and computer based decision making for the coordination of user experiments, resource scheduling and fault management. The project's system architecture is described together with its proposed use as a command and control system, its value as a testbed for spacecraft autonomy research, and its current implementation.

Control system and method for a hybrid electric vehicle

DOEpatents

Phillips, Anthony Mark; Blankenship, John Richard; Bailey, Kathleen Ellen; Jankovic, Miroslava

2001-01-01

A vehicle system controller (20) is presented for a LSR parallel hybrid electric vehicle having an engine (10), a motor (12), wheels (14), a transmission (16) and a battery (18). The vehicle system controller (20) has a state machine having a plurality of predefined states (22-32) that represent operating modes for the vehicle. A set of rules is defined for controlling the transition between any two states in the state machine. The states (22-32) are prioritized according to driver demands, energy management concerns and system fault occurrences. The vehicle system controller (20) controls the transitions from a lower priority state to a higher priority state based on the set of rules. In addition, the vehicle system controller (20) will control a transition to a lower state from a higher state when the conditions no longer warrant staying in the current state. A unique set of output commands is defined for each state for the purpose of controlling lower level subsystem controllers. These commands serve to achieve the desire vehicle functionality within each state and insure smooth transitions between states.

32 CFR 158.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... routinely are put in place to provide support to many newly fielded weapons systems, including aircraft, land combat vehicles, and automated command and control systems. Systems support contracting authority... generally has less control over systems support contracts than other types of contracts. Theater business...

32 CFR 158.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... routinely are put in place to provide support to many newly fielded weapons systems, including aircraft, land combat vehicles, and automated command and control systems. Systems support contracting authority... generally has less control over systems support contracts than other types of contracts. Theater business...

32 CFR 158.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... routinely are put in place to provide support to many newly fielded weapons systems, including aircraft, land combat vehicles, and automated command and control systems. Systems support contracting authority... generally has less control over systems support contracts than other types of contracts. Theater business...

Control method for prosthetic devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozeman, Richard J., Jr. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A control system and method for prosthetic devices is provided. The control system comprises a transducer for receiving movement from a body part for generating a sensing signal associated with that movement. The sensing signal is processed by a linearizer for linearizing the sensing signal to be a linear function of the magnitude of the distance moved by the body part. The linearized sensing signal is normalized to be a function of the entire range of body part movement from the no-shrug position of the moveable body part. The normalized signal is divided into a plurality of discrete command signals. The discrete command signals are used by typical converter devices which are in operational association with the prosthetic device. The converter device uses the discrete command signals for driving the moveable portions of the prosthetic device and its sub-prosthesis. The method for controlling a prosthetic device associated with the present invention comprises the steps of receiving the movement from the body part, generating a sensing signal in association with the movement of the body part, linearizing the sensing signal to be a linear function of the magnitude of the distance moved by the body part, normalizing the linear signal to be a function of the entire range of the body part movement, dividing the normalized signal into a plurality of discrete command signals, and implementing the plurality of discrete command signals for driving the respective moveable prosthesis device and its sub-prosthesis.

AMO EXPRESS: A Command and Control Experiment for Crew Autonomy Onboard the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stetson, Howard K.; Frank, Jeremy; Cornelius, Randy; Haddock, Angie; Wang, Lui; Garner, Larry

2015-01-01

NASA is investigating a range of future human spaceflight missions, including both Mars-distance and Near Earth Object (NEO) targets. Of significant importance for these missions is the balance between crew autonomy and vehicle automation. As distance from Earth results in increasing communication delays, future crews need both the capability and authority to independently make decisions. However, small crews cannot take on all functions performed by ground today, and so vehicles must be more automated to reduce the crew workload for such missions. NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems Program funded Autonomous Mission Operations (AMO) project conducted an autonomous command and control experiment on-board the International Space Station that demonstrated single action intelligent procedures for crew command and control. The target problem was to enable crew initialization of a facility class rack with power and thermal interfaces, and involving core and payload command and telemetry processing, without support from ground controllers. This autonomous operations capability is enabling in scenarios such as initialization of a medical facility to respond to a crew medical emergency, and representative of other spacecraft autonomy challenges. The experiment was conducted using the Expedite the Processing of Experiments for Space Station (EXPRESS) rack 7, which was located in the Port 2 location within the U.S Laboratory onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Activation and deactivation of this facility is time consuming and operationally intensive, requiring coordination of three flight control positions, 47 nominal steps, 57 commands, 276 telemetry checks, and coordination of multiple ISS systems (both core and payload). Utilization of Draper Laboratory's Timeliner software, deployed on-board the ISS within the Command and Control (C&C) computers and the Payload computers, allowed development of the automated procedures specific to ISS without having to certify and employ novel software for procedure development and execution. The procedures contained the ground procedure logic and actions as possible to include fault detection and recovery capabilities.

Balloonborne lidar experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shepherd, O.; Aurilio, G.; Bucknam, R. D.; Brooke, R. W.; Hurd, A. G.

1980-12-01

The object of this contract was to design a balloonborne lidar experiment capable of performing nightime atmospheric density measurements in the 10 to 40 km altitude domain with a resolution of 100 meters. The payload includes a frequency-tripled Nd:YAG laser with outputs at 353 and 1064 nm, a telescoped receiver with PMT detectors, a command-controlled optical pointing system, and support systems, including thermal control, telemetry, command, and power. Density measurements would be made using the back-scattered 353 nm radiation data with aerosol corrections obtained from 1064 nm radiation scatterings.

Flight evaluation of stabilization and command augmentation system concepts and cockpit displays during approach and landing of powered-lift STOL aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Franklin, J. A.; Innis, R. C.; Hardy, G. H.

1980-01-01

A flight research program was conducted to assess the effectiveness of manual control concepts and various cockpit displays in improving altitude (pitch, roll, and yaw) and longitudinal path control during short takeoff aircraft approaches and landings. Satisfactory flying qualities were demonstrared to minimum decision heights of 30 m (100 ft) for selected stabilization and command augmentation systems and flight director combinations. Precise landings at low touchdown sink rates were achieved with a gentle flare maneuver.

Frequency division multiplex technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brey, H. (Inventor)

1973-01-01

A system for monitoring a plurality of condition responsive devices is described. It consists of a master control station and a remote station. The master control station is capable of transmitting command signals which includes a parity signal to a remote station which transmits the signals back to the command station so that such can be compared with the original signals in order to determine if there are any transmission errors. The system utilizes frequency sources which are 1.21 multiples of each other so that no linear combination of any harmonics will interfere with another frequency.

Rule-Based Expert Systems in the Command Estimate: An Operational Perspective

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

control measures. 5. Prepare COA statement(s) and sketch(es). The key inputs for developing courses of action are the DFD process of IPB, data stores...mission, or a change of information provides new direction to this process for that particular operation." Formal scientific analysis of the command...30 5. Delivery of outside news . This feature contributes to the commanders insatiable need for current information. Artificial intelligence ana rule

SCORPION persistent surveillance system with universal gateway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coster, Michael; Chambers, Jon; Winters, Michael; Belesi, Joe

2008-04-01

This paper addresses benefits derived from the universal gateway utilized in Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation's (NGSC) SCORPION, a persistent surveillance and target recognition system produced by the Xetron campus in Cincinnati, Ohio. SCORPION is currently deployed in Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF). The SCORPION universal gateway is a flexible, field programmable system that provides integration of over forty Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) types from a variety of manufacturers, multiple visible and thermal electro-optical (EO) imagers, and numerous long haul satellite and terrestrial communications links, including the Army Research Lab (ARL) Blue Radio. Xetron has been integrating best in class sensors with this universal gateway to provide encrypted data exfiltration and remote sensor command and control since 1998. SCORPION data can be distributed point to point, or to multiple Common Operational Picture (COP) systems, including Command and Control Personal Computer (C2PC), Common Data Interchange Format for the Situational Awareness Display (CDIF/SAD), Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2), Defense Common Ground Systems (DCGS), and Remote Automated Position Identification System (RAPIDS).

Microfluidic Pneumatic Logic Circuits and Digital Pneumatic Microprocessors for Integrated Microfluidic Systems

PubMed Central

Rhee, Minsoung

2010-01-01

We have developed pneumatic logic circuits and microprocessors built with microfluidic channels and valves in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The pneumatic logic circuits perform various combinational and sequential logic calculations with binary pneumatic signals (atmosphere and vacuum), producing cascadable outputs based on Boolean operations. A complex microprocessor is constructed from combinations of various logic circuits and receives pneumatically encoded serial commands at a single input line. The device then decodes the temporal command sequence by spatial parallelization, computes necessary logic calculations between parallelized command bits, stores command information for signal transportation and maintenance, and finally executes the command for the target devices. Thus, such pneumatic microprocessors will function as a universal on-chip control platform to perform complex parallel operations for large-scale integrated microfluidic devices. To demonstrate the working principles, we have built 2-bit, 3-bit, 4-bit, and 8-bit microprecessors to control various target devices for applications such as four color dye mixing, and multiplexed channel fluidic control. By significantly reducing the need for external controllers, the digital pneumatic microprocessor can be used as a universal on-chip platform to autonomously manipulate microfluids in a high throughput manner. PMID:19823730

Experiments in cooperative manipulation: A system perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Stanley A.; Cannon, Robert H., Jr.

1989-01-01

In addition to cooperative dynamic control, the system incorporates real time vision feedback, a novel programming technique, and a graphical high level user interface. By focusing on the vertical integration problem, not only these subsystems are examined, but also their interfaces and interactions. The control system implements a multi-level hierarchical structure; the techniques developed for operator input, strategic command, and cooperative dynamic control are presented. At the highest level, a mouse-based graphical user interface allows an operator to direct the activities of the system. Strategic command is provided by a table-driven finite state machine; this methodology provides a powerful yet flexible technique for managing the concurrent system interactions. The dynamic controller implements object impedance control; an extension of Nevill Hogan's impedance control concept to cooperative arm manipulation of a single object. Experimental results are presented, showing the system locating and identifying a moving object catching it, and performing a simple cooperative assembly. Results from dynamic control experiments are also presented, showing the controller's excellent dynamic trajectory tracking performance, while also permitting control of environmental contact force.

Honeywell optical investigations on FLASH program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Rourke, Ken; Peterson, Eric; Yount, Larry

1995-05-01

The increasing performance and reduction of life cycle cost requirements placed on commercial and military transport aircraft are resulting in more complex, highly integrated aircraft control and management systems. The use of fiber optic data transmission media can make significant contributions in achieving these performance and cost goals. The Honeywell portion of Task 2A on the Fly-by-Light Advanced System Hardware (FLASH) program is evaluating a Primary Flight Control System (PFCS) using pilot and copilot inputs from Active Hand Controllers (AHC) which are optically linked to the primary flight Control Computers (PFCC). Customer involvement is an important element of the Task 2A activity. Establishing customer requirements and perspectives on productization of systems developed under FLASH are key to future product success. The Honeywell elements of the PFCS demonstrator provide a command path that is optically interfaced from crew inputs to commands of distributed, smart actuation subsystems commands. Optical communication architectures are implemented using several protocols including the new AS-1773A 20 Mbps data bus standard. The interconnecting fiber optic cable plant is provided by our Task 1A teammate McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (West). Fiber optic cable plant fabrication uses processed, tools and materials reflecting necessary advances in manufacturing required to make fly-by-light avionics systems marketable.

Automated CPX support system preliminary design phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bordeaux, T. A.; Carson, E. T.; Hepburn, C. D.; Shinnick, F. M.

1984-01-01

The development of the Distributed Command and Control System (DCCS) is discussed. The development of an automated C2 system stimulated the development of an automated command post exercise (CPX) support system to provide a more realistic stimulus to DCCS than could be achieved with the existing manual system. An automated CPX system to support corps-level exercise was designed. The effort comprised four tasks: (1) collecting and documenting user requirements; (2) developing a preliminary system design; (3) defining a program plan; and (4) evaluating the suitability of the TRASANA FOURCE computer model.

High angle of attack flying qualities criteria for longitudinal rate command systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, David J.; Citurs, Kevin D.; Davidson, John B.

1994-01-01

This study was designed to investigate flying qualities requirements of alternate pitch command systems for fighter aircraft at high angle of attack. Flying qualities design guidelines have already been developed for angle of attack command systems at 30, 45, and 60 degrees angle of attack, so this research fills a similar need for rate command systems. Flying qualities tasks that require post-stall maneuvering were tested during piloted simulations in the McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Manned Air Combat Simulation facility. A generic fighter aircraft model was used to test angle of attack rate and pitch rate command systems for longitudinal gross acquisition and tracking tasks at high angle of attack. A wide range of longitudinal dynamic variations were tested at 30, 45, and 60 degrees angle of attack. Pilot comments, Cooper-Harper ratings, and pilot induced oscillation ratings were taken from five pilots from NASA, USN, CAF, and McDonnell Douglas Aerospace. This data was used to form longitudinal design guidelines for rate command systems at high angle of attack. These criteria provide control law design guidance for fighter aircraft at high angle of attack, low speed flight conditions. Additional time history analyses were conducted using the longitudinal gross acquisition data to look at potential agility measures of merit and correlate agility usage to flying qualities boundaries. This paper presents an overview of this research.

14 CFR 415.127 - Flight safety system design and operation data.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Expendable Launch Vehicle From a Non-Federal Launch Site § 415.127 Flight safety system design and operation...: flight termination system; command control system; tracking; telemetry; communications; flight safety... control system. (7) Flight termination system component storage, operating, and service life. A listing of...

Commander Kenneth D. Bowersox and Flight Engineer Donald R. Pettit are relaxing in the U.S. Lab

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-03-18

ISS006-E-39461 (18 March 2003) --- Astronauts Donald R. Pettit (left), Expedition 6 NASA ISS Science Officer, and Kenneth D. Bowersox, mission commander, are pictured in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS). The supply tank and Fluid Control Pump Assembly (FCPA), which are a part of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS), are visible floating freeing above them.

Proceedings of the Workshop on Mobility and Control in Challenging Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-20

1.18 h (V) -3.48 Electronic Nervous Systems Activating Nitinol With Electronic Neurons Controlling Walking With EN Networks ele dep prot ret forward...command backward command Myomorphic Actuators •Artificial Muscle Nitinol : 50/50 Alloy of Nickel and Titanium. • Two stable crystalline states • State...an electrical current through it causing conversion to austenite and shorteningText Kevlar “Tendon” Crimp Connector Teflon Coated Nitinol Current

A Generalized-Compliant-Motion Primitive

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Backes, Paul G.

1993-01-01

Computer program bridges gap between planning and execution of compliant robotic motions developed and installed in control system of telerobot. Called "generalized-compliant-motion primitive," one of several task-execution-primitive computer programs, which receives commands from higher-level task-planning programs and executes commands by generating required trajectories and applying appropriate control laws. Program comprises four parts corresponding to nominal motion, compliant motion, ending motion, and monitoring. Written in C language.

A novel command signal for motor neuroprosthetic control.

PubMed

Moss, Christa W; Kilgore, Kevin L; Peckham, P Hunter

2011-01-01

Neuroprostheses can restore functions such as hand grasp or standing to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) using electrical stimulation to elicit movements in paralyzed muscles. Implanted neuroprostheses currently use electromyographic (EMG) activity from muscles above the lesion that remain under volitional control as a command input. Systems in development use a networked approach and will allow for restoration of multiple functions but will require additional command signals to control the system, especially in individuals with high-level tetraplegia. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using muscles innervated below the injury level as command sources for a neuroprosthesis. Recent anatomical and physiological studies have demonstrated the presence of intact axons across the lesion, even in those diagnosed with a clinically complete SCI; hence, EMG activity may be present in muscles with no sign of movement. Twelve participants with motor complete SCI were enrolled and EMG was recorded with surface electrodes from 8 muscles below the knee in each leg. Significant activity was evident in 89% of the 192 muscles studied during attempted movements of the foot and lower limb. At least 2 muscles from each participant were identified as potential command signals for a neuroprosthesis based on 2-state, threshold classification. Results suggest that voluntary activity is present and recordable in below lesion muscles even after clinically complete SCI.

Space tracking and data systems; Proceedings of the Symposium, Arlington, VA, June 16-18, 1981

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grey, J. (Editor); Hamdan, L. A.

1981-01-01

The AIAA/NASA Symposium on Space Tracking and Data Systems, held in Pentagon City, Virginia, on June 16-18, 1981, had the purpose of reviewing international activities in space tracking and data systems for civil use in the 1980-2000 time frame. Participants included 225 representatives from industrial and government organizations in eight nations. The nations represented include the United States, France, Germany, India, Japan, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. The major functions of the systems described at the Symposium are related to the initial downlink of telemetry and spacecraft status data, attendant tracking activities, and uplink of spacecraft commands; communication between the associated acquisition sites and central processing and control stations; formulation and implementation of commands that control the spacecraft and its payload; and processing of spacecraft data needed to make command decisions. Attention is given to an overview of current activities and plans, and supporting developments, taking into account the time from 1980 to 1990. New developments are also considered.

14 CFR Appendix D to Part 25 - Appendix D to Part 25

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., electronic controls, pressurization system controls, and engine controls. (2) The accessibility and... considered: (1) Flight path control. (2) Collision avoidance. (3) Navigation. (4) Communications. (5) Operation and monitoring of aircraft engines and systems. (6) Command decisions. (b) Workload factors. The...

14 CFR Appendix D to Part 25 - Appendix D to Part 25

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., electronic controls, pressurization system controls, and engine controls. (2) The accessibility and... considered: (1) Flight path control. (2) Collision avoidance. (3) Navigation. (4) Communications. (5) Operation and monitoring of aircraft engines and systems. (6) Command decisions. (b) Workload factors. The...

14 CFR Appendix D to Part 25 - Appendix D to Part 25

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., electronic controls, pressurization system controls, and engine controls. (2) The accessibility and... considered: (1) Flight path control. (2) Collision avoidance. (3) Navigation. (4) Communications. (5) Operation and monitoring of aircraft engines and systems. (6) Command decisions. (b) Workload factors. The...

14 CFR Appendix D to Part 25 - Appendix D to Part 25

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

..., electronic controls, pressurization system controls, and engine controls. (2) The accessibility and... considered: (1) Flight path control. (2) Collision avoidance. (3) Navigation. (4) Communications. (5) Operation and monitoring of aircraft engines and systems. (6) Command decisions. (b) Workload factors. The...

System and method for determining stator winding resistance in an AC motor using motor drives

DOEpatents

Lu, Bin; Habetler, Thomas G; Zhang, Pinjia

2013-02-26

A system and method for determining the stator winding resistance of AC motors is provided. The system includes an AC motor drive having an input connectable to an AC source and an output connectable to an input terminal of an AC motor, a pulse width modulation (PWM) converter having switches therein to control current flow and terminal voltages in the AC motor, and a control system connected to the PWM converter. The control system generates a command signal to cause the PWM converter to control an output of the AC motor drive corresponding to an input to the AC motor, selectively generates a modified command signal to cause the PWM converter to inject a DC signal into the output of the AC motor drive, and determines a stator winding resistance of the AC motor based on the DC signal of at least one of the voltage and current.

The structure of control and data transfer management system for the GAMMA-400 scientific complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arkhangelskiy, A. I.; Bobkov, S. G.; Serdin, O. V.; Gorbunov, M. S.; Topchiev, N. P.

2016-02-01

A description of the control and data transfer management system for scientific instrumentation involved in the GAMMA-400 space project is given. The technical capabilities of all specialized equipment to provide the functioning of the scientific instrumentation and satellite support systems are unified in a single structure. Control of the scientific instruments is maintained using one-time pulse radio commands, as well as program commands in the form of 16-bit code words, which are transmitted via onboard control system and scientific data acquisition system. Up to 100 GByte of data per day can be transferred to the ground segment of the project. The correctness of the proposed and implemented structure, engineering solutions and electronic elemental base selection has been verified by the experimental working-off of the prototype of the GAMMA-400 scientific complex in laboratory conditions.

Ada (Trade Name) Foundation Technology. Volume 4. Software Requirements for WIS (WWMCCS (World Wide Military Command and Control System) Information System) Text Processing Prototypes

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

graphics : The package allows a character set which can be defined by users giving the picture for a character by designating its pixels. Such characters...type lonts and gsei-oriented "help" messages tailored to the operations being performed and user expertise In general, critical design issues...other volumes include command language, software design , description and analysis tools, database management system operating systems; planning and

CAMAC driver for the RSX-11M V3 operating system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tippie, J. W.; Cannon, P. H.

1977-01-01

A driver for Kinetic Systems 3911A dedicated crate controller and 3992 serial highway driver for RSX-11M is described. The implementation includes a modified UCB structure. With this structure, multiple active I/O requests are supported to a single controller. The completion of an I/O request may be tied to external events via a WAIT-FOR-LAM command. Features of the driver include the ability to pass a list of FNA's in a single QIO call, serial highway overhead transparent at the QIO level, and special control commands to the driver passed in the FNA list. 1 figure.

Sliding mode disturbance observer-based control of a twin rotor MIMO system.

PubMed

Rashad, Ramy; El-Badawy, Ayman; Aboudonia, Ahmed

2017-07-01

This work proposes a robust tracking controller for a helicopter laboratory setup known as the twin rotor MIMO system (TRMS) using an integral sliding mode controller. To eliminate the discontinuity in the control signal, the controller is augmented by a sliding mode disturbance observer. The actuator dynamics is handled using a backstepping approach which is applicable due to the continuous chattering-free nature of the command signals generated using the disturbance observer based controller. To avoid the complexity of analytically differentiating the command signals, a first order sliding mode differentiator is used. Stability analysis of the closed loop system and the ultimate boundedness of the tracking error is proved using Lyapunov stability arguments. The proposed controller is validated by several simulation studies and is compared to other schemes in the literature. Experimental results using a hardware-in-the-loop system validate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed controller. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A piloted simulator study on augmentation systems to improve helicopter flying qualities in terrain flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, R. T. N.; Talbot, P. D.; Gerdes, R. M.; Dugan, D. C.

1979-01-01

Four basic single-rotor helicopters, one teetering, on articulated, and two hingeless, which were found to have a variety of major deficiencies in a previous fixed-based simulator study, were selected as baseline configurations. The stability and control augmentation systems (SCAS) include simple control augmentation systems to decouple pitch and yaw responses due to collective input and to quicken the pitch and roll control responses; SCAS of rate-command type designed to optimize the sensitivity and damping and to decouple the pitch-roll due to aircraft angular tate; and attitude-command type SCAS. Pilot ratings and commentary are presented as well as performance data related to the task. SCAS control usages and their gain levels associated with specific rotor types are also discussed.

Compliance control with embedded neural elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venkataraman, S. T.; Gulati, S.

1992-01-01

The authors discuss a control approach that embeds the neural elements within a model-based compliant control architecture for robotic tasks that involve contact with unstructured environments. Compliance control experiments have been performed on actual robotics hardware to demonstrate the performance of contact control schemes with neural elements. System parameters were identified under the assumption that environment dynamics have a fixed nonlinear structure. A robotics research arm, placed in contact with a single degree-of-freedom electromechanical environment dynamics emulator, was commanded to move through a desired trajectory. The command was implemented by using a compliant control strategy.

JCMT observatory control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rees, Nicholas P.; Economou, Frossie; Jenness, Tim; Kackley, Russell D.; Walther, Craig A.; Dent, William R. F.; Folger, Martin; Gao, Xiaofeng; Kelly, Dennis; Lightfoot, John F.; Pain, Ian; Hovey, Gary J.; Redman, Russell O.

2002-12-01

The JCMT, the world's largest sub-mm telescope, has had essentially the same VAX/VMS based control system since it was commissioned. For the next generation of instrumentation we are implementing a new Unix/VxWorks based system, based on the successful ORAC system that was recently released on UKIRT. The system is now entering the integration and testing phase. This paper gives a broad overview of the system architecture and includes some discussion on the choices made. (Other papers in this conference cover some areas in more detail). The basic philosophy is to control the sub-systems with a small and simple set of commands, but passing detailed XML configuration descriptions along with the commands to give the flexibility required. The XML files can be passed between various layers in the system without interpretation, and so simplify the design enormously. This has all been made possible by the adoption of an Observation Preparation Tool, which essentially serves as an intelligent XML editor.

Remote control radioactive-waste removal system uses modulated laser transmitter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burcher, E. E.; Kopia, L. P.; Rowland, C. W.; Sinclair, A. R.

1971-01-01

Laser remote control system consists of transmitter, auto tracker, and receiver. Transmitter and tracker, packaged together and bore sighted, constitute control station, receiver is slave station. Model has five command channels and optical link operating range of 110 m.

Autorotation flight control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bachelder, Edward N. (Inventor); Aponso, Bimal L. (Inventor); Lee, Dong-Chan (Inventor)

2011-01-01

The present invention provides computer implemented methodology that permits the safe landing and recovery of rotorcraft following engine failure. With this invention successful autorotations may be performed from well within the unsafe operating area of the height-velocity profile of a helicopter by employing the fast and robust real-time trajectory optimization algorithm that commands control motion through an intuitive pilot display, or directly in the case of autonomous rotorcraft. The algorithm generates optimal trajectories and control commands via the direct-collocation optimization method, solved using a nonlinear programming problem solver. The control inputs computed are collective pitch and aircraft pitch, which are easily tracked and manipulated by the pilot or converted to control actuator commands for automated operation during autorotation in the case of an autonomous rotorcraft. The formulation of the optimal control problem has been carefully tailored so the solutions resemble those of an expert pilot, accounting for the performance limitations of the rotorcraft and safety concerns.

The Evolution of U.S. Strategic Command and Control and Warning, 1945-1972,

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-06-01

steps were taken in these years to ration - alize the command and control structure. These efforts were in part inspired by the poor performance of...Secretary of the NSC finally submitted a report (NSC 30) to the NSC on "US Policy on Atomic Warfare." It dealt with the feasibility of formulating at...1950, plans were formulated for the con- struction and activation of the Strategic Operational Control System (SOCS). This net made use of a

ADST Software Design Document for the BDS-D VIDS-equipped M1

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-10

system responds to perceived threats in the following ways:I a. by displaying visual icons on the Commander’s Controls Display Panel (CCDP). b. by...also referred to as the Soldier Machine Interface (SMI) and the Commander’s Controls Display Panel (CCDP). 3.2.1. VIDS-GT CSC The VIDS-GT CSC handles...countermeasure will be activated first in Individual_CM_Simul. 4.1.3.4.3. IndividualCMSimul CSU IndividualCM-Simul controls the activation and deactivation of

An in flight investigation of pitch rate flight control systems and application of frequency domain and time domain predictive criteria

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berthe, C. J.; Chalk, C. R.; Sarrafian, S.

1984-01-01

The degree of attitude control provided by current integral-proportional pitch rate command-type control systems, while a prerequisite for flared landing, is insufficient for 'Level 1' performance. The pilot requires 'surrogate' feedback cues to precisely control flight path in the landing flare. Monotonic stick forces and pilot station vertical acceleration are important cues which can be provided by means of angle-of-attack and pitch rate feedback in order to achieve conventional short period and phugoid characteristics. Integral-proportional pitch rate flight control systems can be upgraded to Level 1 flared landing performance by means of lead/lag and washout prefilters in the command path. Strong pilot station vertical acceleration cues can provide Level 1 flared landing performance even in the absence of monotonic stick forces.

Go Deeper, Go Deeper: Understanding submarine command and control during the completion of dived tracking operations.

PubMed

Roberts, Aaron P J; Stanton, Neville A; Fay, Daniel T

2018-05-01

This is a world's first-of-a-kind study providing empirical evidence for understanding submarine control room performance when completing higher and lower demand Dived Tracking (DT) scenarios. A submarine control room simulator was built, using a non-commercial version of Dangerous Waters as the simulation engine. The creation of networked workstations allowed a team of nine operators to perform tasks completed by submarine command teams during DT. The Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork (EAST) method was used to model the social, task and information networks and describe command team performance. Ten teams were recruited for the study, affording statistical comparisons of how command team roles and level of demand affected performance. Results indicate that command teams can covertly DT a contact differently depending on demand (e.g. volume of contacts). In low demand it was possible to use periscope more often than in high demand, in a 'duck-and-run' fashion. Therefore, the type of information and frequency of particular task completion, was significantly different between the higher and lower demand conditions. This resulted in different operators in the command team experiencing greater demand depending on how the DT mission objective was completed. Potential bottlenecks in the command team were identified and implications are discussed alongside suggestions for future work. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integrated Component Fluidic Servovalves and Position Control Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-04-01

35807 ATTN DRSMI- RG , WILLIAM GRIFFITHATTN DRSMI-TGC, J. C. DUNAWAY ATTN DRCPM-TOE, FRED J. CHEPLEN REDSTONE ARSENAL, AL 35898 77 hyJ DISTRIBUT10N (Cont...ARMY TANK AUTOMOTIVE COMMAND ARMOR & COOP DIV, DRDTA-RKT COMMANDER BLDG 215 NAVAL SHIP ENGINEERING CESTER ATTN K. WHITMORE PHILADELPHIA DIVISION WARREN

High Bandwidth Communications Links Between Heterogeneous Autonomous Vehicles Using Sensor Network Modeling and Extremum Control Approaches

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

In future network-centric warfare environments, teams of autonomous vehicles will be deployed in a coorperative manner to conduct wide-area...of data back to the command station, autonomous vehicles configured with high bandwidth communication system are positioned between the command

Kennedy Space Center's Command and Control System - "Toasters to Rocket Ships"

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lougheed, Kirk; Mako, Cheryle

2011-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the history of the development of the command and control system at Kennedy Space Center. From a system that could be brought to Florida in the trunk of a car in the 1950's. Including the development of larger and more complex launch vehicles with the Apollo program where human launch controllers managed the launch process with a hardware only system that required a dedicated human interface to perform every function until the Apollo vehicle lifted off from the pad. Through the development of the digital computer that interfaced with ground launch processing systems with the Space Shuttle program. Finally, showing the future control room being developed to control the missions to return to the moon and Mars, which will maximize the use of Commercial-Off-The Shelf (COTS) hardware and software which was standards based and not tied to a single vendor. The system is designed to be flexible and adaptable to support the requirements of future spacecraft and launch vehicles.

Fast Low-Cost Multiple Sensor Readout System

DOEpatents

Carter-Lewis, David; Krennich, Frank; Le Bohec, Stephane; Petry, Dirk; Sleege, Gary

2004-04-06

A low resolution data acquisition system is presented. The data acquisition system has a plurality of readout modules serially connected to a controller. Each readout module has a FPGA in communication with analog to digital (A/D) converters, which are connected to sensors. The A/D converter has eight bit or lower resolution. The FPGA detects when a command is addressed to it and commands the A/D converters to convert analog sensor data into digital data. The digital data is sent on a high speed serial communication bus to the controller. A graphical display is used in one embodiment to indicate if a sensor reading is outside of a predetermined range.

Navy Occupational Health Information Management System (NOHIMS). Hazardous Materials Control Module. Users’ Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-16

Occupational Health Information Management System (NOHIMS) 6 Hazardous Materials Control Module (HMC) User’s Manual 7. Author(s) 8. Performing Organization...Materials Control (HMC) module of the Naval Medical Command’s (NAVMED) Navy Occupational Health Information Management System (NOHIMS). After presenting

Mathematical model of unmanned aerial vehicle used for endurance autonomous monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chelaru, Teodor-Viorel; Chelaru, Adrian

2014-12-01

The paper purpose is to present some aspects regarding the control system of unmanned aerial vehicle - UAV, used to local observations, surveillance and monitoring interest area. The calculus methodology allows a numerical simulation of UAV evolution in bad atmospheric conditions by using nonlinear model, as well as a linear one for obtaining guidance command. The UAV model which will be presented has six DOF (degrees of freedom), and autonomous control system. This theoretical development allows us to build stability matrix, command matrix and control matrix and finally to analyse the stability of autonomous UAV flight. A robust guidance system, based on uncoupled state will be evaluated for different fly conditions and the results will be presented. The flight parameters and guidance will be analysed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chelaru, Teodor-Viorel, E-mail: teodor.chelaru@upb.ro; Chelaru, Adrian, E-mail: achelaru@incas.ro

The paper purpose is to present some aspects regarding the control system of unmanned aerial vehicle - UAV, used to local observations, surveillance and monitoring interest area. The calculus methodology allows a numerical simulation of UAV evolution in bad atmospheric conditions by using nonlinear model, as well as a linear one for obtaining guidance command. The UAV model which will be presented has six DOF (degrees of freedom), and autonomous control system. This theoretical development allows us to build stability matrix, command matrix and control matrix and finally to analyse the stability of autonomous UAV flight. A robust guidance system,more » based on uncoupled state will be evaluated for different fly conditions and the results will be presented. The flight parameters and guidance will be analysed.« less

Risk Identification in a Smart Monitoring System Used to Preserve Artefacts Based on Textile Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diaconescu, V. D.; Scripcariu, L.; Mătăsaru, P. D.; Diaconescu, M. R.; Ignat, C. A.

2018-06-01

Exhibited textile-materials-based artefacts can be affected by the environmental conditions. A smart monitoring system that commands an adaptive automatic environment control system is proposed for indoor exhibition spaces containing various textile artefacts. All exhibited objects are monitored by many multi-sensor nodes containing temperature, relative humidity and light sensors. Data collected periodically from the entire sensor network is stored in a database and statistically processed in order to identify and classify the environment risk. Risk consequences are analyzed depending on the risk class and the smart system commands different control measures in order to stabilize the indoor environment conditions to the recommended values and prevent material degradation.

Multi-processing control system for the SEL 840MP (MPCS/1) users guide. Volume 2: Operations guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The generation and operational use of the SEL 840MP multiprocessing control system (MPCS) are considered. System initialization, job task table generation, the MPCS command language, display library generation, and system error summary are reviewed.

Design of a mixer for the thrust-vectoring system on the high-alpha research vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pahle, Joseph W.; Bundick, W. Thomas; Yeager, Jessie C.; Beissner, Fred L., Jr.

1996-01-01

One of the advanced control concepts being investigated on the High-Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) is multi-axis thrust vectoring using an experimental thrust-vectoring (TV) system consisting of three hydraulically actuated vanes per engine. A mixer is used to translate the pitch-, roll-, and yaw-TV commands into the appropriate TV-vane commands for distribution to the vane actuators. A computer-aided optimization process was developed to perform the inversion of the thrust-vectoring effectiveness data for use by the mixer in performing this command translation. Using this process a new mixer was designed for the HARV and evaluated in simulation and flight. An important element of the Mixer is the priority logic, which determines priority among the pitch-, roll-, and yaw-TV commands.

Linear quadratic servo control of a reusable rocket engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Musgrave, Jeffrey L.

1991-01-01

A design method for a servo compensator is developed in the frequency domain using singular values. The method is applied to a reusable rocket engine. An intelligent control system for reusable rocket engines was proposed which includes a diagnostic system, a control system, and an intelligent coordinator which determines engine control strategies based on the identified failure modes. The method provides a means of generating various linear multivariable controllers capable of meeting performance and robustness specifications and accommodating failure modes identified by the diagnostic system. Command following with set point control is necessary for engine operation. A Kalman filter reconstructs the state while loop transfer recovery recovers the required degree of robustness while maintaining satisfactory rejection of sensor noise from the command error. The approach is applied to the design of a controller for a rocket engine satisfying performance constraints in the frequency domain. Simulation results demonstrate the performance of the linear design on a nonlinear engine model over all power levels during mainstage operation.

Investigation of Optimal Control Allocation for Gust Load Alleviation in Flight Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frost, Susan A.; Taylor, Brian R.; Bodson, Marc

2012-01-01

Advances in sensors and avionics computation power suggest real-time structural load measurements could be used in flight control systems for improved safety and performance. A conventional transport flight control system determines the moments necessary to meet the pilot's command, while rejecting disturbances and maintaining stability of the aircraft. Control allocation is the problem of converting these desired moments into control effector commands. In this paper, a framework is proposed to incorporate real-time structural load feedback and structural load constraints in the control allocator. Constrained optimal control allocation can be used to achieve desired moments without exceeding specified limits on monitored load points. Minimization of structural loads by the control allocator is used to alleviate gust loads. The framework to incorporate structural loads in the flight control system and an optimal control allocation algorithm will be described and then demonstrated on a nonlinear simulation of a generic transport aircraft with flight dynamics and static structural loads.

Atmosphere Explorer control system software (version 2.0)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mocarsky, W.; Villasenor, A.

1973-01-01

The Atmosphere Explorer Control System (AECS) was developed to provide automatic computer control of the Atmosphere Explorer spacecraft and experiments. The software performs several vital functions, such as issuing commands to the spacecraft and experiments, receiving and processing telemetry data, and allowing for extensive data processing by experiment analysis programs. The AECS was written for a 48K XEROX Data System Sigma 5 computer, and coexists in core with the XDS Real-time Batch Monitor (RBM) executive system. RBM is a flexible operating system designed for a real-time foreground/background environment, and hence is ideally suited for this application. Existing capabilities of RBM have been used as much as possible by AECS to minimize programming redundancy. The most important functions of the AECS are to send commands to the spacecraft and experiments, and to receive, process, and display telemetry data.

A pilot's assessment of helicopter handling-quality factors common to both agility and instrument flying tasks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gerdes, R. M.

1980-01-01

A series of simulation and flight investigations were undertaken to evaluate helicopter flying qualities and the effects of control system augmentation for nap-of-the-Earth (NOE) agility and instrument flying tasks. Handling quality factors common to both tasks were identified. Precise attitude control was determined to be a key requirement for successful accomplishment of both tasks. Factors that degraded attitude controllability were improper levels of control sensitivity and damping, and rotor system cross coupling due to helicopter angular rate and collective pitch input. Application of rate command, attitude command, and control input decouple augmentation schemes enhanced attitude control and significantly improved handling qualities for both tasks. The NOE agility and instrument flying handling quality considerations, pilot rating philosophy, and supplemental flight evaluations are also discussed.

A database for TMT interface control documents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillies, Kim; Roberts, Scott; Brighton, Allan; Rogers, John

2016-08-01

The TMT Software System consists of software components that interact with one another through a software infrastructure called TMT Common Software (CSW). CSW consists of software services and library code that is used by developers to create the subsystems and components that participate in the software system. CSW also defines the types of components that can be constructed and their roles. The use of common component types and shared middleware services allows standardized software interfaces for the components. A software system called the TMT Interface Database System was constructed to support the documentation of the interfaces for components based on CSW. The programmer describes a subsystem and each of its components using JSON-style text files. A command interface file describes each command a component can receive and any commands a component sends. The event interface files describe status, alarms, and events a component publishes and status and events subscribed to by a component. A web application was created to provide a user interface for the required features. Files are ingested into the software system's database. The user interface allows browsing subsystem interfaces, publishing versions of subsystem interfaces, and constructing and publishing interface control documents that consist of the intersection of two subsystem interfaces. All published subsystem interfaces and interface control documents are versioned for configuration control and follow the standard TMT change control processes. Subsystem interfaces and interface control documents can be visualized in the browser or exported as PDF files.

In-Flight Validation of a Pilot Rating Scale for Evaluating Failure Transients in Electronic Flight Control Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalinowski, Kevin F.; Tucker, George E.; Moralez, Ernesto, III

2006-01-01

Engineering development and qualification of a Research Flight Control System (RFCS) for the Rotorcraft Aircrew Systems Concepts Airborne Laboratory (RASCAL) JUH-60A has motivated the development of a pilot rating scale for evaluating failure transients in fly-by-wire flight control systems. The RASCAL RFCS includes a highly-reliable, dual-channel Servo Control Unit (SCU) to command and monitor the performance of the fly-by-wire actuators and protect against the effects of erroneous commands from the flexible, but single-thread Flight Control Computer. During the design phase of the RFCS, two piloted simulations were conducted on the Ames Research Center Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS) to help define the required performance characteristics of the safety monitoring algorithms in the SCU. Simulated failures, including hard-over and slow-over commands, were injected into the command path, and the aircraft response and safety monitor performance were evaluated. A subjective Failure/Recovery Rating (F/RR) scale was developed as a means of quantifying the effects of the injected failures on the aircraft state and the degree of pilot effort required to safely recover the aircraft. A brief evaluation of the rating scale was also conducted on the Army/NASA CH-47B variable stability helicopter to confirm that the rating scale was likely to be equally applicable to in-flight evaluations. Following the initial research flight qualification of the RFCS in 2002, a flight test effort was begun to validate the performance of the safety monitors and to validate their design for the safe conduct of research flight testing. Simulated failures were injected into the SCU, and the F/RR scale was applied to assess the results. The results validate the performance of the monitors, and indicate that the Failure/Recovery Rating scale is a very useful tool for evaluating failure transients in fly-by-wire flight control systems.

Wisdom Appliance Control System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendrick; Jheng, Jyun-Teng; Tsai, Chen-Chai; Liou, Jia-Wei; Wang, Zhi-Hao; Jong, Gwo-Jia

2017-07-01

Intelligent appliances wisdom involves security, home care, convenient and energy saving, but the home automation system is still one of the core unit, and also using micro-processing electronics technology to centralized and control the home electrical products and systems, such as: lighting, television, fan, air conditioning, stereo, it composed of front-controller systems and back-controller panels, user using front-controller to control command, and then through the back-controller to powered the device.

Naval Postgraduate School Research. Volume 8, Number 3, October 1998

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-10-01

the Bangor Submarine Base: “Understanding Racism ” and “Under- standing Sexism .” These two-day workshops are part of a four workshop series on Managing...organization theory and complex- ity theory and shaping them into design guidelines for mapping command and control processes to the needs of specific missions...Intranet- based decision support for the ACE. The methodol- ogy combines systems development life cycle (SDLC) practices, command and control theory , an

HOME - An application of fault-tolerant techniques and system self-testing. [independent computer for helicopter flight control command monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holden, D. G.

1975-01-01

Hard Over Monitoring Equipment (HOME) has been designed to complement and enhance the flight safety of a flight research helicopter. HOME is an independent, highly reliable, and fail-safe special purpose computer that monitors the flight control commands issued by the flight control computer of the helicopter. In particular, HOME detects the issuance of a hazardous hard-over command for any of the four flight control axes and transfers the control of the helicopter to the flight safety pilot. The design of HOME incorporates certain reliability and fail-safe enhancement design features, such as triple modular redundancy, majority logic voting, fail-safe dual circuits, independent status monitors, in-flight self-test, and a built-in preflight exerciser. The HOME design and operation is described with special emphasis on the reliability and fail-safe aspects of the design.

An analysis of the input-output properties of neuroprosthetic hand grasps.

PubMed

Memberg, W D; Crago, P E

2000-01-01

We measured the input-output properties of the hand grasps of 14 individuals with tetraplegia at the C5/C6 level who had received an implanted upper limb neuroprosthesis. The data provide a quantitative description of grasp-opening and grasp-force control with neuroprosthetic hand grasp systems. Static properties were estimated by slowly ramping the command (input) from 0 to 100%. A hand-held sensor monitored the outputs: grasp force and grasp opening. Trials were performed at different wrist positions, with two different-sized objects being held, and with both grasp modes (lateral and palmar grasps). Larger forces were produced when grasping larger objects, and greater opening was achieved with the wrist in flexion. Although active grasp force increased with wrist extension, it was not significant statistically. Lateral grasp produced larger forces than the palmar grasp. The command range can be divided into a portion that controls grasp opening and a portion that controls grasp force. The portion controlling force increased with spacer size, but did not depend significantly on grasp mode or wrist position. The force-command relationships were more linear than the position-command relationships. Grasp opening decreased significantly over a one-year period, while no significant change in grasp force was observed. These quantitative descriptions of neuroprosthetic hand grasps under varying conditions provide useful information about output capabilities that can be used to gauge the effectiveness of different control schemes and to design future control systems.

Structural Pain Compensating Flight Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Chris J.

2014-01-01

The problem of control command and maneuver induced structural loads is an important aspect of any control system design. Designers must design the aircraft structure and the control architecture to achieve desired piloted control responses while limiting the imparted structural loads. The classical approach is to build the structure with high margins, restrict control surface commands to known good combinations, and train pilots to follow procedural maneuvering limitations. With recent advances in structural sensing and the continued desire to improve safety and vehicle fuel efficiency, it is both possible and desirable to develop control architectures that enable lighter vehicle weights while maintaining and improving protection against structural damage.

Functions of peptide CNP4, encoded by the HCS2 gene, in the nervous system of Helix lucorum.

PubMed

Korshunova, T A; Malyshev, A Yu; Zakharov, I S; Ierusalimskii, V N; Balaban, P M

2006-03-01

The aims of the present work were to study the role of neuropeptide CNP4, encoded by the HCS2 gene (which is expressed mainly in parietal command interneurons), in controlling the activity of the respiratory system, and also to study the effects of this neuropeptide on isolated defensive behavior neurons in prolonged culture. The influence of the command interneuron on the pneumostoma included a direct effect consisting of closure and a delayed effect consisting of intensification of respiratory movements. Application of neuropeptide CNP4 produced a pattern similar to the delayed effects seen on stimulation of the command interneuron, i.e., significant increases in the frequency and intensity of pneumostoma movements and strengthening of the rhythmic activity of the pneumostoma motoneuron. Studies of the effects of neuropeptide CNP4 on isolated neurons after prolonged culture showed that neuron process growth correlated with the presence of the neuropeptide in the medium. Identification of the location of the HCS2 precursor protein and neuropeptide CNP4 in isolated command interneurons after prolonged culture showed that that only those parts of the cell showing active process growth were immunopositive. Thus, neuropeptide CNP4 appears to be a secreted neuropeptide controlling respiratory system activity, which may also be involved in rearrangements of the network controlling defensive behavior in Helix snails.

Plan execution monitoring with distributed intelligent agents for battle command

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, James P.; Barry, Kevin P.; McCormick, John M.; Paul, Ross A.

2004-07-01

As military tactics evolve toward execution centric operations the ability to analyze vast amounts of mission relevant data is essential to command and control decision making. To maintain operational tempo and achieve information superiority we have developed Vigilant Advisor, a mobile agent-based distributed Plan Execution Monitoring system. It provides military commanders with continuous contingency monitoring tailored to their preferences while overcoming the network bandwidth problem often associated with traditional remote data querying. This paper presents an overview of Plan Execution Monitoring as well as a detailed view of the Vigilant Advisor system including key features and statistical analysis of resource savings provided by its mobile agent-based approach.

Development of display design and command usage guidelines for Spacelab experiment computer applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodson, D. W.; Shields, N. L., Jr.

1979-01-01

Individual Spacelab experiments are responsible for developing their CRT display formats and interactive command scenarios for payload crew monitoring and control of experiment operations via the Spacelab Data Display System (DDS). In order to enhance crew training and flight operations, it was important to establish some standardization of the crew/experiment interface among different experiments by providing standard methods and techniques for data presentation and experiment commanding via the DDS. In order to establish optimum usage guidelines for the Spacelab DDS, the capabilities and limitations of the hardware and Experiment Computer Operating System design had to be considered. Since the operating system software and hardware design had already been established, the Display and Command Usage Guidelines were constrained to the capabilities of the existing system design. Empirical evaluations were conducted on a DDS simulator to determine optimum operator/system interface utilization of the system capabilities. Display parameters such as information location, display density, data organization, status presentation and dynamic update effects were evaluated in terms of response times and error rates.

Reusable Launch Vehicle Control in Multiple Time Scale Sliding Modes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shtessel, Yuri

1999-01-01

A reusable launch vehicle control problem during ascent is addressed via multiple-time scaled continuous sliding mode control. The proposed sliding mode controller utilizes a two-loop structure and provides robust, de-coupled tracking of both orientation angle command profiles and angular rate command profiles in the presence of bounded external disturbances and plant uncertainties. Sliding mode control causes the angular rate and orientation angle tracking error dynamics to be constrained to linear, de-coupled, homogeneous, and vector valued differential equations with desired eigenvalues placement. The dual-time scale sliding mode controller was designed for the X-33 technology demonstration sub-orbital launch vehicle in the launch mode. 6DOF simulation results show that the designed controller provides robust, accurate, de-coupled tracking of the orientation angle command profiles in presence of external disturbances and vehicle inertia uncertainties. It creates possibility to operate the X-33 vehicle in an aircraft-like mode with reduced pre-launch adjustment of the control system.

Quick response airborne command post communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blaisdell, Randy L.

1988-08-01

National emergencies and strategic crises come in all forms and sizes ranging from natural disasters at one end of the scale up to and including global nuclear warfare at the other. Since the early 1960s the U.S. Government has spent billions of dollars fielding airborne command posts to ensure continuity of government and the command and control function during times of theater conventional, theater nuclear, and global nuclear warfare. Unfortunately, cost has prevented the extension of the airborne command post technology developed for these relatively unlikely events to the lower level, though much more likely to occur, crises such as natural disasters, terrorist acts, political insurgencies, etc. This thesis proposes the implementation of an economical airborne command post concept to address the wide variety of crises ignored by existing military airborne command posts. The system is known as the Quick Response Airborne Command Post (QRAC Post) and is based on the exclusive use of commercially owned and operated aircraft, and commercially available automated data processing and communications resources. The thesis addresses the QRAC Post concept at a systems level and is primarily intended to demonstrate how current technology can be exploited to economically achieve a national objective.

Network, system, and status software enhancements for the autonomously managed electrical power system breadboard. Volume 3: Commands specification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckee, James W.

1990-01-01

This volume (3 of 4) contains the specification for the command language for the AMPS system. The volume contains a requirements specification for the operating system and commands and a design specification for the operating system and command. The operating system and commands sits on top of the protocol. The commands are an extension of the present set of AMPS commands in that the commands are more compact, allow multiple sub-commands to be bundled into one command, and have provisions for identifying the sender and the intended receiver. The commands make no change to the actual software that implement the commands.

A model for the control mode man-computer interface dialogue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chafin, R. L.

1981-01-01

A four stage model is presented for the control mode man-computer interface dialogue. It consists of context development, semantic development syntactic development, and command execution. Each stage is discussed in terms of the operator skill levels (naive, novice, competent, and expert) and pertinent human factors issues. These issues are human problem solving, human memory, and schemata. The execution stage is discussed in terms of the operators typing skills. This model provides an understanding of the human process in command mode activity for computer systems and a foundation for relating system characteristics to operator characteristics.

Analysis, design, and testing of a low cost, direct force command linear proof mass actuator for structural control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slater, G. L.; Shelley, Stuart; Jacobson, Mark

1993-01-01

In this paper, the design, analysis, and test of a low cost, linear proof mass actuator for vibration control is presented. The actuator is based on a linear induction coil from a large computer disk drive. Such disk drives are readily available and provide the linear actuator, current feedback amplifier, and power supply for a highly effective, yet inexpensive, experimental laboratory actuator. The device is implemented as a force command input system, and the performance is virtually the same as other, more sophisticated, linear proof mass systems.

Reconfigurable Software for Controlling Formation Flying

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Joseph B.

2006-01-01

Software for a system to control the trajectories of multiple spacecraft flying in formation is being developed to reflect underlying concepts of (1) a decentralized approach to guidance and control and (2) reconfigurability of the control system, including reconfigurability of the software and of control laws. The software is organized as a modular network of software tasks. The computational load for both determining relative trajectories and planning maneuvers is shared equally among all spacecraft in a cluster. The flexibility and robustness of the software are apparent in the fact that tasks can be added, removed, or replaced during flight. In a computational simulation of a representative formation-flying scenario, it was demonstrated that the following are among the services performed by the software: Uploading of commands from a ground station and distribution of the commands among the spacecraft, Autonomous initiation and reconfiguration of formations, Autonomous formation of teams through negotiations among the spacecraft, Working out details of high-level commands (e.g., shapes and sizes of geometrically complex formations), Implementation of a distributed guidance law providing autonomous optimization and assignment of target states, and Implementation of a decentralized, fuel-optimal, impulsive control law for planning maneuvers.

Buffet induced structural/flight-control system interaction of the X-29A aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voracek, David F.; Clarke, Robert

1991-01-01

High angle-of-attack flight regime research is currently being conducted for modern fighter aircraft at the NASA Ames Research Center's Dryden Flight Research Facility. This flight regime provides enhanced maneuverability to fighter pilots in combat situations. Flight research data are being acquired to compare and validate advanced computational fluid dynamic solutions and wind-tunnel models. High angle-of-attack flight creates unique aerodynamic phenomena including wing rock and buffet on the airframe. These phenomena increase the level of excitation of the structural modes, especially on the vertical and horizontal stabilizers. With high gain digital flight-control systems, this structural response may result in an aeroservoelastic interaction. A structural interaction on the X-29A aircraft was observed during high angle-of-attack flight testing. The roll and yaw rate gyros sensed the aircraft's structural modes at 11, 13, and 16 Hz. The rate gyro output signals were then amplified through the flight-control laws and sent as commands to the flaperons and rudder. The flight data indicated that as the angle of attack increased, the amplitude of the buffet on the vertical stabilizer increased, which resulted in more excitation to the structural modes. The flight-control system sensors and command signals showed this increase in modal power at the structural frequencies up to a 30 degree angle-of-attack. Beyond a 30 degree angle-of-attack, the vertical stabilizer response, the feedback sensor amplitude, and control surface command signal amplitude remained relatively constant. Data are presented that show the increased modal power in the aircraft structural accelerometers, the feedback sensors, and the command signals as a function of angle of attack. This structural interaction is traced from the aerodynamic buffet to the flight-control surfaces.

Flight test experience and controlled impact of a large, four-engine, remotely piloted airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kempel, R. W.; Horton, T. W.

1985-01-01

A controlled impact demonstration (CID) program using a large, four engine, remotely piloted transport airplane was conducted. Closed loop primary flight control was performed from a ground based cockpit and digital computer in conjunction with an up/down telemetry link. Uplink commands were received aboard the airplane and transferred through uplink interface systems to a highly modified Bendix PB-20D autopilot. Both proportional and discrete commands were generated by the ground pilot. Prior to flight tests, extensive simulation was conducted during the development of ground based digital control laws. The control laws included primary control, secondary control, and racetrack and final approach guidance. Extensive ground checks were performed on all remotely piloted systems. However, manned flight tests were the primary method of verification and validation of control law concepts developed from simulation. The design, development, and flight testing of control laws and the systems required to accomplish the remotely piloted mission are discussed.

Remotely controlling of mobile robots using gesture captured by the Kinect and recognized by machine learning method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Roy CHaoming; Jian, Jhih-Wei; Lin, Chih-Chuan; Lai, Chien-Hung; Liu, Cheng-Ting

2013-01-01

The main purpose of this paper is to use machine learning method and Kinect and its body sensation technology to design a simple, convenient, yet effective robot remote control system. In this study, a Kinect sensor is used to capture the human body skeleton with depth information, and a gesture training and identification method is designed using the back propagation neural network to remotely command a mobile robot for certain actions via the Bluetooth. The experimental results show that the designed mobile robots remote control system can achieve, on an average, more than 96% of accurate identification of 7 types of gestures and can effectively control a real e-puck robot for the designed commands.

Distributed environmental control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cleveland, Gary A.

1992-01-01

We present an architecture of distributed, independent control agents designed to work with the Computer Aided System Engineering and Analysis (CASE/A) simulation tool. CASE/A simulates behavior of Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS). We describe a lattice of agents capable of distributed sensing and overcoming certain sensor and effector failures. We address how the architecture can achieve the coordinating functions of a hierarchical command structure while maintaining the robustness and flexibility of independent agents. These agents work between the time steps of the CASE/A simulation tool to arrive at command decisions based on the state variables maintained by CASE/A. Control is evaluated according to both effectiveness (e.g., how well temperature was maintained) and resource utilization (the amount of power and materials used).

The Astronautics Laboratory of the Air Force Systems Command electric propulsion projects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanks, T.M.; Andrews, J.C.

1989-01-01

Ongoing projects at the Astronautics Laboratory (AL) of the USAF Systems Command are described. Particular attention is given to experiments with arcjets, magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters, ion engines, and the Electric Insertion Transfer Experiment (ELITE). ELITE involves the integration of high-power ammonia arcjets, low-power xenon ion thrusters, advanced photovoltaic solar arrays, and an autononomous flight control system. It is believed that electric propulsion will become a dominant element in the military and industrial use of space. 6 refs.

Tools for automating spacecraft ground systems: The Intelligent Command and Control (ICC) approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoffel, A. William; Mclean, David

1996-01-01

The practical application of scripting languages and World Wide Web tools to the support of spacecraft ground system automation, is reported on. The mission activities and the automation tools used at the Goddard Space Flight Center (MD) are reviewed. The use of the Tool Command Language (TCL) and the Practical Extraction and Report Language (PERL) scripting tools for automating mission operations is discussed together with the application of different tools for the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory ground system.

Design, implementation and flight testing of PIF autopilots for general aviation aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broussard, J. R.

1983-01-01

The designs of Proportional-Integrated-Filter (PIF) auto-pilots for a General Aviation (NAVION) aircraft are presented. The PIF autopilot uses the sampled-data regulator and command generator tracking to determine roll select, pitch select, heading select, altitude select and localizer/glideslope capture and hold autopilot modes. The PIF control law uses typical General Aviation sensors for state feedback, command error integration for command tracking, digital complementary filtering and analog prefiltering for sensor noise suppression, a control filter for computation delay accommodation and the incremental form to eliminate trim values in implementation. Theoretical developments described in detail, were needed to combine the sampled-data regulator with command generator tracking for use as a digital flight control system. The digital PIF autopilots are evaluated using closed-loop eigenvalues and linear simulations. The implementation of the PIF autopilots in a digital flight computer using a high order language (FORTRAN) is briefly described. The successful flight test results for each PIF autopilot mode is presented.

Apollo experience report: Crew station integration. Volume 2: Crew station displays and controls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langdoc, W. A.; Nassman, D. A.

1975-01-01

The functional requirements for the Apollo displays and controls system are presented. The configuration of the displays, controls, and panels for both the command module and the lunar module are described, and the design development and operational experience of the displays and controls system are discussed. Pertinent recommendations for future displays and controls system design efforts are made.

Commanding the Direction of Passive Whole-Body Rotations Facilitates Egocentric Spatial Updating

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fery, Yves-Andre; Magnac, Richard; Israel, Isabelle

2004-01-01

In conditions of slow passive transport without vision, even tenuous inertial signals from semi-circular canals and the haptic-kinaesthetic system should provide information about changes relative to the environment provided that it is possible to command the direction of the body's movements voluntarily. Without such control, spatial updating…

A Basis for a Command, Control and Communications (C3) System Architecture for the Argentine Army

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-01

needed on the bat- tlefield, Most commanders derive important situational clues by listening to how their subordinates sound in their verbal reports. F...0142 2 Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA 93943-5002 3. Estado Mayor General del Ejercito Argentino 5 Direccion de Comunicaciones Azopardo 250

Utilization of a Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Building Effective Command Centers: Process and Products

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-01

cognitive task analysis , organizational information dissemination and interaction, systems engineering, collaboration and communications processes, decision-making processes, and data collection and organization. By blending these diverse disciplines command centers can be designed to support decision-making, cognitive analysis, information technology, and the human factors engineering aspects of Command and Control (C2). This model can then be used as a baseline when dealing with work in areas of business processes, workflow engineering, information management,

A Shot to the Space Brain: The Vulnerability of Command and Control of Non-Military Space Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-03-01

development by USAF/CV.18 Its current focus is on broad area and multispectral imagery. Physically , it consists of a receiving antenna and two vans for...them high power. A high-power transponder (e.g., 40 watts) can be downlinked to a dish which is physically smaller (e.g., 10 feet) than lower-wattage...Forces,” in Operational Structures Coursebook , Air Command and Staff College, (Maxwell Air Force Base, AL: Air Education and Training Command, November

Adaptive model-based control systems and methods for controlling a gas turbine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brunell, Brent Jerome (Inventor); Mathews, Jr., Harry Kirk (Inventor); Kumar, Aditya (Inventor)

2004-01-01

Adaptive model-based control systems and methods are described so that performance and/or operability of a gas turbine in an aircraft engine, power plant, marine propulsion, or industrial application can be optimized under normal, deteriorated, faulted, failed and/or damaged operation. First, a model of each relevant system or component is created, and the model is adapted to the engine. Then, if/when deterioration, a fault, a failure or some kind of damage to an engine component or system is detected, that information is input to the model-based control as changes to the model, constraints, objective function, or other control parameters. With all the information about the engine condition, and state and directives on the control goals in terms of an objective function and constraints, the control then solves an optimization so the optimal control action can be determined and taken. This model and control may be updated in real-time to account for engine-to-engine variation, deterioration, damage, faults and/or failures using optimal corrective control action command(s).

Open multi-agent control architecture to support virtual-reality-based man-machine interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freund, Eckhard; Rossmann, Juergen; Brasch, Marcel

2001-10-01

Projective Virtual Reality is a new and promising approach to intuitively operable man machine interfaces for the commanding and supervision of complex automation systems. The user interface part of Projective Virtual Reality heavily builds on latest Virtual Reality techniques, a task deduction component and automatic action planning capabilities. In order to realize man machine interfaces for complex applications, not only the Virtual Reality part has to be considered but also the capabilities of the underlying robot and automation controller are of great importance. This paper presents a control architecture that has proved to be an ideal basis for the realization of complex robotic and automation systems that are controlled by Virtual Reality based man machine interfaces. The architecture does not just provide a well suited framework for the real-time control of a multi robot system but also supports Virtual Reality metaphors and augmentations which facilitate the user's job to command and supervise a complex system. The developed control architecture has already been used for a number of applications. Its capability to integrate sensor information from sensors of different levels of abstraction in real-time helps to make the realized automation system very responsive to real world changes. In this paper, the architecture will be described comprehensively, its main building blocks will be discussed and one realization that is built based on an open source real-time operating system will be presented. The software design and the features of the architecture which make it generally applicable to the distributed control of automation agents in real world applications will be explained. Furthermore its application to the commanding and control of experiments in the Columbus space laboratory, the European contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), is only one example which will be described.

GFAST Software Demonstration

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-17

NASA engineers and test directors gather in Firing Room 3 in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, to watch a demonstration of the automated command and control software for the agency's Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft. The software is called the Ground Launch Sequencer. It will be responsible for nearly all of the launch commit criteria during the final phases of launch countdowns. The Ground and Flight Application Software Team (GFAST) demonstrated the software. It was developed by the Command, Control and Communications team in the Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) Program. GSDO is helping to prepare the center for the first test flight of Orion atop the SLS on Exploration Mission 1.

Voice control of the space shuttle video system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bejczy, A. K.; Dotson, R. S.; Brown, J. W.; Lewis, J. L.

1981-01-01

A pilot voice control system developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to test and evaluate the feasibility of controlling the shuttle TV cameras and monitors by voice commands utilizes a commercially available discrete word speech recognizer which can be trained to the individual utterances of each operator. Successful ground tests were conducted using a simulated full-scale space shuttle manipulator. The test configuration involved the berthing, maneuvering and deploying a simulated science payload in the shuttle bay. The handling task typically required 15 to 20 minutes and 60 to 80 commands to 4 TV cameras and 2 TV monitors. The best test runs show 96 to 100 percent voice recognition accuracy.

Resilient Multi-Domain Command and Control: Enabling Solutions for 2025 with Virtual Reality

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-16

AIR WAR COLLEGE AIR UNIVERSITY RESILIENT MULTI-DOMAIN COMMAND AND CONTROL : ENABLING SOLUTIONS FOR 2025 WITH VIRTUAL REALITY by...monolithic, command and control (C2) sites, such as the theater Air Operation Centers (AOC), at risk. The Multi-Domain Command and Control (MDC2...Air Force respond to the these threats, considering the use of new and existing weapons and concepts, to ensure our ability to command, control and

Maritime Homeland Command Control: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-02-04

Security, Command and Control, Navy, Coast Guard, Customs Service, Centralized Control, Decentralized Execution, Organization by Objectives 15.Abstract...primarily responsible for the maritime homeland, the Navy, the Coast guard, the Customs Service, should provide resources and command capabilities to a...Coast Guard, the Customs Service, should provide resources and command capabilities to a unified command and control structure. Coast Guard forces and

Open-systems architecture of a standardized command interface chip-set for switching and control of a spacecraft power bus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruiz, Ian B.; Burke, Gary R.; Lung, Gerald; Whitaker, William D.; Nowicki, Robert M.

2004-01-01

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed a command interface chip-set that primarily consists of two mixed-signal ASICs'; the Command Interface ASIC (CIA) and Analog Interface ASIC (AIA). The Open-systems architecture employed during the design of this chip-set enables its use as both an intelligent gateway between the system's flight computer and the control, actuation, and activation of the spacecraft's loads, valves, and pyrotechnics respectfully as well as the regulator of the spacecraft power bus. Furthermore, the architecture is highly adaptable and employed fault-tolerant design methods enabling a host of other mission uses including reliable remote data collection. The objective of this design is to both provide a needed flight component that meets the stringent environmental requirements of current deep space missions and to add a new element to a growing library that can be used as a standard building block for future missions to the outer planets.

Knowledge acquisition and representation for the Systems Test and Operations Language (STOL) Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seamster, Thomas L.; Eike, David R.; Ames, Troy J.

1990-01-01

This presentation concentrates on knowledge acquisition and its application to the development of an expert module and a user interface for an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS). The Systems Test and Operations Language (STOL) ITS is being developed to assist NASA control center personnel in learning a command and control language as it is used in mission operations rooms. The objective of the tutor is to impart knowledge and skills that will permit the trainee to solve command and control problems in the same way that the STOL expert solves those problems. The STOL ITS will achieve this object by representing the solution space in such a way that the trainee can visualize the intermediate steps, and by having the expert module production rules parallel the STOL expert's knowledge structures.

Cyber Security for the Spaceport Command and Control System: Vulnerability Management and Compliance Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gunawan, Ryan A.

2016-01-01

With the rapid development of the Internet, the number of malicious threats to organizations is continually increasing. In June of 2015, the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) had a data breach resulting in the compromise of millions of government employee records. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is not exempt from these attacks. Cyber security is becoming a critical facet to the discussion of moving forward with projects. The Spaceport Command and Control System (SCCS) project at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) aims to develop the launch control system for the next generation launch vehicle in the coming decades. There are many ways to increase the security of the network it uses, from vulnerability management to ensuring operating system images are compliant with securely configured baselines recommended by the United States Government.

Joint Forward Operating Base Elements of Command and Control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Summers, William C.

2002-01-01

Since the 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Act directed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop doctrine for the joint employment of the armed forces, tactics, techniques, and procedures have evolved at different rates depending on the competency. Whereas the command of joint air forces is well prescribed within the structure of the air operations center and its associated leadership, command of air assets at a joint forward operating base lacks guidance. Today, the United States prosecutes an air war over Afghanistan from bases in Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Elements of the United States Army, Air Force, and Marines combine at these geographically minute locations, each bringing a certain complement of support and command and control. Evidence from operations during the 1999 air war for Kosovo at Tirana Rinas Airport in Albania suggests that when these service elements meet at the airfield for the first time, there are problems associated with local procedure. At best, time is wasted creating local joint systems to overcome the difficulties. At worst, safety and mission accomplishment are jeopardized. This thesis will address the need to develop doctrine and a jointly integrated organization to support the command and control function at a forward operating base.

The instant sequencing task: Toward constraint-checking a complex spacecraft command sequence interactively

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horvath, Joan C.; Alkalaj, Leon J.; Schneider, Karl M.; Amador, Arthur V.; Spitale, Joseph N.

1993-01-01

Robotic spacecraft are controlled by sets of commands called 'sequences.' These sequences must be checked against mission constraints. Making our existing constraint checking program faster would enable new capabilities in our uplink process. Therefore, we are rewriting this program to run on a parallel computer. To do so, we had to determine how to run constraint-checking algorithms in parallel and create a new method of specifying spacecraft models and constraints. This new specification gives us a means of representing flight systems and their predicted response to commands which could be used in a variety of applications throughout the command process, particularly during anomaly or high-activity operations. This commonality could reduce operations cost and risk for future complex missions. Lessons learned in applying some parts of this system to the TOPEX/Poseidon mission will be described.

The Combat Vehicle Command and Control System. Combat Performance of Armor Battalions Using Distributed Interactive Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-15

and Control disqlay. Using M1 tank simulators in the Mounted Warfare Test Bed at Fort Knox, KY, the evaluation focused on tank battalion oierations...and digital TOC workstations. Using autoloading tank simulators in the Mounted Warfare Test Bed (MWTB) at Fort Knox, Kentucky, eight MOS-qualified...might best benefit the battlefield commander, and potential modifications to mounted warfare TTPs. Another area of interest is the implication for

C2 of C3: Command and Control of Command, Control, Communication Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-22

capabilities the Army has not yet realized the full benefit of the new technology--largely because of deficiencies in the operational management of these newly...managers frequently constructed CEOI’s by drawing available frequencies or letter/number combinations (for unit callsigns) from a Bingo creel--which was...rapidly occurring changes, with subordinate units. At last, units were beginning to see the benefits of operating from a commonly shared data base. Up to

Space Internet-Embedded Web Technologies Demonstration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foltz, David A.

2001-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center recently demonstrated the ability to securely command and control space-based assets by using the Internet and standard Internet Protocols (IP). This is a significant accomplishment because future NASA missions will benefit by using Internet standards-based protocols. The benefits include reduced mission costs and increased mission efficiency. The Internet-Based Space Command and Control System Architecture demonstrated at the NASA Inspection 2000 event proved that this communications architecture is viable for future NASA missions.

Adaptive Control with Reference Model Modification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stepanyan, Vahram; Krishnakumar, Kalmanje

2012-01-01

This paper presents a modification of the conventional model reference adaptive control (MRAC) architecture in order to improve transient performance of the input and output signals of uncertain systems. A simple modification of the reference model is proposed by feeding back the tracking error signal. It is shown that the proposed approach guarantees tracking of the given reference command and the reference control signal (one that would be designed if the system were known) not only asymptotically but also in transient. Moreover, it prevents generation of high frequency oscillations, which are unavoidable in conventional MRAC systems for large adaptation rates. The provided design guideline makes it possible to track a reference commands of any magnitude from any initial position without re-tuning. The benefits of the method are demonstrated with a simulation example

Evaluation of control and display configurations for helicopter shipboard operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paulk, C. H., Jr.; Donley, S. T.; Hollis, M. K.

1983-01-01

A simulation evaluation of several approach and landing flight-control configurations and of two out-of-the-cockpit display devices (a head-up display and a helmet-mounted display) was performed for the task of landing a helicopter on a destroyer in adverse weather. The results indicated that the ship airwake turbulence was the most significant environmental variable affecting hover performance. In addition, to achieve adequate landing performance, attitude-command control compensation was required for the pilot regardless of the display used. For improved performance with reduced pilot effort, a velocity-command, position-hold control system was desired.

Neural Net Safety Monitor Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larson, Richard R.

2007-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) has been conducting flight-test research using an F-15 aircraft (figure 1). This aircraft has been specially modified to interface a neural net (NN) controller as part of a single-string Airborne Research Test System (ARTS) computer with the existing quad-redundant flight control system (FCC) shown in figure 2. The NN commands are passed to FCC channels 2 and 4 and are cross channel data linked (CCDL) to the other computers as shown. Numerous types of fault-detection monitors exist in the FCC when the NN mode is engaged; these monitors would cause an automatic disengagement of the NN in the event of a triggering fault. Unfortunately, these monitors still may not prevent a possible NN hard-over command from coming through to the control laws. Therefore, an additional and unique safety monitor was designed for a single-string source that allows authority at maximum actuator rates but protects the pilot and structural loads against excessive g-limits in the case of a NN hard-over command input. This additional monitor resides in the FCCs and is executed before the control laws are computed. This presentation describes a floating limiter (FL) concept1 that was developed and successfully test-flown for this program (figure 3). The FL computes the rate of change of the NN commands that are input to the FCC from the ARTS. A window is created with upper and lower boundaries, which is constantly floating and trying to stay centered as the NN command rates are changing. The limiter works by only allowing the window to move at a much slower rate than those of the NN commands. Anywhere within the window, however, full rates are allowed. If a rate persists in one direction, it will eventually hit the boundary and be rate-limited to the floating limiter rate. When this happens, a persistent counter begins and after a limit is reached, a NN disengage command is generated. The tunable metrics for the FL are (1) window size, (2) drift rate, and (3) persistence counter. Ultimate range limits are also included in case the NN command should drift slowly to a limit value that would cause the FL to be defeated. The FL has proven to work as intended. Both high-g transients and excessive structural loads are controlled with NN hard-over commands. This presentation discusses the FL design features and presents test cases. Simulation runs are included to illustrate the dramatic improvement made to the control of NN hard-over effects. A mission control room display from a flight playback is presented to illustrate the neural net fault display representation. The FL is very adaptable to various requirements and is independent of flight condition. It should be considered as a cost-effective safety monitor to control single-string inputs in general.

A pilot's assessment of helicopter handling-quality factors common to both agility and instrument flying tasks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gerdes, R. M.

1980-01-01

Results from a series of simulation and flight investigations undertaken to evaluate helicopter flying qualities and the effects of control system augmentation for nap-of-the-earth (NOE) agility and instrument flying tasks were analyzed to assess handling-quality factors common to both tasks. Precise attitude control was determined to be a key requirement for successful accomplishment of both tasks. Factors that degraded attitude controllability were improper levels of control sensitivity and damping and rotor-system cross-coupling due to helicopter angular rate and collective pitch input. Application of rate-command, attitude-command, and control-input decouple augmentation schemes enhanced attitude control and significantly improved handling qualities for both tasks. NOE agility and instrument flying handling-quality considerations, pilot rating philosophy, and supplemental flight evaluations are also discussed.

Methods, systems and apparatus for adjusting duty cycle of pulse width modulated (PWM) waveforms

DOEpatents

Gallegos-Lopez, Gabriel; Kinoshita, Michael H; Ransom, Ray M; Perisic, Milun

2013-05-21

Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems and apparatus for controlling operation of a multi-phase machine in a vector controlled motor drive system when the multi-phase machine operates in an overmodulation region. The disclosed embodiments provide a mechanism for adjusting a duty cycle of PWM waveforms so that the correct phase voltage command signals are applied at the angle transitions. This can reduce variations/errors in the phase voltage command signals applied to the multi-phase machine so that phase current may be properly regulated thus reducing current/torque oscillation, which can in turn improve machine efficiency and performance, as well as utilization of the DC voltage source.

Open-systems Architecture of a Standardized Command Interface Chip-set for Switching and Control of a Spacecraft Power Bus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruiz, B. Ian; Burke, Gary R.; Lung, Gerald; Whitaker, William D.; Nowicki, Robert M.

2004-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews the architecture of the The CIA-AlA chip-set is a set of mixed-signal ASICs that provide a flexible high level interface between the spacecraft's command and data handling (C&DH) electronics and lower level functions in other spacecraft subsystems. Due to the open-systems architecture of the chip-set including an embedded micro-controller a variety of applications are possible. The chip-set was developed for the missions to the outer planets. The chips were developed to provide a single solution for both the switching and regulation of a spacecraft power bus. The Open-Systems Architecture allows for other powerful applications.

Optimization of armored fighting vehicle crew performance in a net-centric battlefield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKeen, William P.; Espenant, Mark

2002-08-01

Traditional display, control and situational awareness technologies may not allow the fighting vehicle commander to take full advantage of the rich data environment made available in the net-centric battle field of the future. Indeed, the sheer complexity and volume of available data, if not properly managed, may actually reduce crew performance by overloading or confusing the commander with irrelevant information. New techniques must be explored to understand how to present battlefield information and provide the commander with continuous high quality situational awareness without significant cognitive overhead. Control of the vehicle's many complex systems must also be addressed the entire Soldier Machine Interface must be optimized if we are to realize the potential performance improvements. Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and General Dynamics Canada Ltd. have embarked on a joint program called Future Armoured Fighting Vehicle Systems Technology Demonstrator, to explore these issues. The project is based on man-in-the-loop experimentation using virtual reality technology on a six degree-of-freedom motion platform that simulates the motion, sights and sounds inside a future armoured vehicle. The vehicle commander is provided with a virtual reality vision system to view a simulated 360 degree multi-spectrum representation of the battlespace, thus providing enhanced situational awareness. Graphic overlays with decision aid information will be added to reduce cognitive loading. Experiments will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual control systems. The simulations are carried out in a virtual battlefield created by linking our simulation system with other simulation centers to provide a net-centric battlespace where enemy forces can be engaged in fire fights. Survivability and lethality will be measured in successive test sequences using real armoured fighting vehicle crews to optimize overall system effectiveness.

Wheel slide protection control using a command map and Smith predictor for the pneumatic brake system of a railway vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Nam-Jin; Kang, Chul-Goo

2016-10-01

In railway vehicles, excessive sliding or wheel locking can occur while braking because of a temporarily degraded adhesion between the wheel and the rail caused by the contaminated or wet surface of the rail. It can damage the wheel tread and affect the performance of the brake system and the safety of the railway vehicle. To safeguard the wheelset from these phenomena, almost all railway vehicles are equipped with wheel slide protection (WSP) systems. In this study, a new WSP algorithm is proposed. The features of the proposed algorithm are the use of the target sliding speed, the determination of a command for WSP valves using command maps, and compensation for the time delay in pneumatic brake systems using the Smith predictor. The proposed WSP algorithm was verified using experiments with a hardware-in-the-loop simulation system including the hardware of the pneumatic brake system.

A Cloud-based, Open-Source, Command-and-Control Software Paradigm for Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melton, R.; Thomas, J.

With the rapid growth in the number of space actors, there has been a marked increase in the complexity and diversity of software systems utilized to support SSA target tracking, indication, warning, and collision avoidance. Historically, most SSA software has been constructed with "closed" proprietary code, which limits interoperability, inhibits the code transparency that some SSA customers need to develop domain expertise, and prevents the rapid injection of innovative concepts into these systems. Open-source aerospace software, a rapidly emerging, alternative trend in code development, is based on open collaboration, which has the potential to bring greater transparency, interoperability, flexibility, and reduced development costs. Open-source software is easily adaptable, geared to rapidly changing mission needs, and can generally be delivered at lower costs to meet mission requirements. This paper outlines Ball's COSMOS C2 system, a fully open-source, web-enabled, command-and-control software architecture which provides several unique capabilities to move the current legacy SSA software paradigm to an open source model that effectively enables pre- and post-launch asset command and control. Among the unique characteristics of COSMOS is the ease with which it can integrate with diverse hardware. This characteristic enables COSMOS to serve as the command-and-control platform for the full life-cycle development of SSA assets, from board test, to box test, to system integration and test, to on-orbit operations. The use of a modern scripting language, Ruby, also permits automated procedures to provide highly complex decision making for the tasking of SSA assets based on both telemetry data and data received from outside sources. Detailed logging enables quick anomaly detection and resolution. Integrated real-time and offline data graphing renders the visualization of the both ground and on-orbit assets simple and straightforward.

Space Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-06

enabling precise blue force tracking (BFT), enhancing joint force situational awareness, maneuverability, and command and control (C2... spacecraft , transmits the status of those systems to the control segment on the ground, and receives and processes instructions from the control segment...missions include the tracking , telemetry, and control operations of: (1) Ultrahigh frequency (UHF) follow-on satellite system and fleet

Web-based interactive drone control using hand gesture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhenfei; Luo, Hao; Song, Guang-Hua; Chen, Zhou; Lu, Zhe-Ming; Wu, Xiaofeng

2018-01-01

This paper develops a drone control prototype based on web technology with the aid of hand gesture. The uplink control command and downlink data (e.g., video) are transmitted by WiFi communication, and all the information exchange is realized on web. The control command is translated from various predetermined hand gestures. Specifically, the hardware of this friendly interactive control system is composed by a quadrotor drone, a computer vision-based hand gesture sensor, and a cost-effective computer. The software is simplified as a web-based user interface program. Aided by natural hand gestures, this system significantly reduces the complexity of traditional human-computer interaction, making remote drone operation more intuitive. Meanwhile, a web-based automatic control mode is provided in addition to the hand gesture control mode. For both operation modes, no extra application program is needed to be installed on the computer. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed system, including control accuracy, operation latency, etc. This system can be used in many applications such as controlling a drone in global positioning system denied environment or by handlers without professional drone control knowledge since it is easy to get started.

Web-based interactive drone control using hand gesture.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhenfei; Luo, Hao; Song, Guang-Hua; Chen, Zhou; Lu, Zhe-Ming; Wu, Xiaofeng

2018-01-01

This paper develops a drone control prototype based on web technology with the aid of hand gesture. The uplink control command and downlink data (e.g., video) are transmitted by WiFi communication, and all the information exchange is realized on web. The control command is translated from various predetermined hand gestures. Specifically, the hardware of this friendly interactive control system is composed by a quadrotor drone, a computer vision-based hand gesture sensor, and a cost-effective computer. The software is simplified as a web-based user interface program. Aided by natural hand gestures, this system significantly reduces the complexity of traditional human-computer interaction, making remote drone operation more intuitive. Meanwhile, a web-based automatic control mode is provided in addition to the hand gesture control mode. For both operation modes, no extra application program is needed to be installed on the computer. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed system, including control accuracy, operation latency, etc. This system can be used in many applications such as controlling a drone in global positioning system denied environment or by handlers without professional drone control knowledge since it is easy to get started.

Orion Entry Flight Control Stability and Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strahan, Alan L.; Loe, Greg R.; Seiler, Pete

2007-01-01

The Orion Spacecraft will be required to perform entry and landing functions for both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Lunar return missions, utilizing only the Command Module (CM) with its unique systems and GN&C design. This paper presents the current CM Flight Control System (FCS) design to support entry and landing, with a focus on analyses that have supported its development to date. The CM FCS will have to provide for spacecraft stability and control while following guidance or manual commands during exo-atmospheric flight, after Service Module separation, translational powered flight required of the CM, atmospheric flight supporting both direct entry and skip trajectories down to drogue chute deploy, and during roll attitude reorientation just prior to touchdown. Various studies and analyses have been performed or are on-going supporting an overall FCS design with reasonably sized Reaction Control System (RCS) jets, that minimizes fuel usage, that provides appropriate command following but with reasonable stability and control margin. Results from these efforts to date are included, with particular attention on design issues that have emerged, such as the struggle to accommodate sub-sonic pitch and yaw control without using excessively large jets that could have a detrimental impact on vehicle weight. Apollo, with a similar shape, struggled with this issue as well. Outstanding CM FCS related design and analysis issues, planned for future effort, are also briefly be discussed.

Investigation, development and application of optimal output feedback theory. Volume 2: Development of an optimal, limited state feedback outer-loop digital flight control system for 3-D terminal area operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broussard, J. R.; Halyo, N.

1984-01-01

This report contains the development of a digital outer-loop three dimensional radio navigation (3-D RNAV) flight control system for a small commercial jet transport. The outer-loop control system is designed using optimal stochastic limited state feedback techniques. Options investigated using the optimal limited state feedback approach include integrated versus hierarchical control loop designs, 20 samples per second versus 5 samples per second outer-loop operation and alternative Type 1 integration command errors. Command generator tracking techniques used in the digital control design enable the jet transport to automatically track arbitrary curved flight paths generated by waypoints. The performance of the design is demonstrated using detailed nonlinear aircraft simulations in the terminal area, frequency domain multi-input sigma plots, frequency domain single-input Bode plots and closed-loop poles. The response of the system to a severe wind shear during a landing approach is also presented.

Digital frequency control of satellite frequency standards. [Defense Navigation Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nichols, S. A.

1973-01-01

In the Frequency and Time Standard Development Program of the TIMATION System, a new miniaturized rubidium vapor frequency standard has been tested and analyzed for possible use on the TIMATION 3A launch, as part of the Defense Navigation Satellite Development Program. The design and construction of a digital frequency control was required to remotely control this rubidium vapor frequency standard as well as the quartz oscillator in current use. This control must be capable of accepting commands from a satellite telemetry system, verify that the correct commands have been sent and control the frequency to the requirements of the system. Several modifications must be performed to the rubidium vapor frequency standard to allow it to be compatible with the digital frequency control. These include the addition of a varactor to voltage tune the coarse range of the flywheel oscillator, and a modification to supply the C field current externally. The digital frequency control for the rubidium vapor frequency standard has been successfully tested in prototype form.

Numerical Evaluation of the "Dual-Kernel Counter-flow" Matric Convolution Integral that Arises in Discrete/Continuous (D/C) Control Theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nixon, Douglas D.

2009-01-01

Discrete/Continuous (D/C) control theory is a new generalized theory of discrete-time control that expands the concept of conventional (exact) discrete-time control to create a framework for design and implementation of discretetime control systems that include a continuous-time command function generator so that actuator commands need not be constant between control decisions, but can be more generally defined and implemented as functions that vary with time across sample period. Because the plant/control system construct contains two linear subsystems arranged in tandem, a novel dual-kernel counter-flow convolution integral appears in the formulation. As part of the D/C system design and implementation process, numerical evaluation of that integral over the sample period is required. Three fundamentally different evaluation methods and associated algorithms are derived for the constant-coefficient case. Numerical results are matched against three available examples that have closed-form solutions.

77 FR 3029 - Twentieth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 203, Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-20

... Aircraft Systems. The agenda will include the following: February 21, 2012 Welcome, Introductions, and... Breakout Sessions Systems Engineering Workgroup Command & Control Workgroup Sense & Avoid Workgroup Safety...

Fast Grasp Contact Computation for a Serial Robot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hargrave, Brian (Inventor); Shi, Jianying (Inventor); Diftler, Myron A. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A system includes a controller and a serial robot having links that are interconnected by a joint, wherein the robot can grasp a three-dimensional (3D) object in response to a commanded grasp pose. The controller receives input information, including the commanded grasp pose, a first set of information describing the kinematics of the robot, and a second set of information describing the position of the object to be grasped. The controller also calculates, in a two-dimensional (2D) plane, a set of contact points between the serial robot and a surface of the 3D object needed for the serial robot to achieve the commanded grasp pose. A required joint angle is then calculated in the 2D plane between the pair of links using the set of contact points. A control action is then executed with respect to the motion of the serial robot using the required joint angle.

A Database of Systems Management Cases

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

of weapons systems that effectively meet threats and national strategic objectives (28). Vanguard was the responsibility of HQ AFSC/ XRP , the Long...control of the process located in XRP . These areas were strategic offense; strategic defense; tactical; command, control, and communication (C3

Distinct neural circuits for control of movement vs. holding still

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

In generating a point-to-point movement, the brain does more than produce the transient commands needed to move the body part; it also produces the sustained commands that are needed to hold the body part at its destination. In the oculomotor system, these functions are mapped onto two distinct circuits: a premotor circuit that specializes in generating the transient activity that displaces the eyes and a “neural integrator” that transforms that transient input into sustained activity that holds the eyes. Different parts of the cerebellum adaptively control the motor commands during these two phases: the oculomotor vermis participates in fine tuning the transient neural signals that move the eyes, monitoring the activity of the premotor circuit via efference copy, whereas the flocculus participates in controlling the sustained neural signals that hold the eyes, monitoring the activity of the neural integrator. Here, I review the oculomotor literature and then ask whether this separation of control between moving and holding is a design principle that may be shared with other modalities of movement. To answer this question, I consider neurophysiological and psychophysical data in various species during control of head movements, arm movements, and locomotion, focusing on the brain stem, motor cortex, and hippocampus, respectively. The review of the data raises the possibility that across modalities of motor control, circuits that are responsible for producing commands that change the sensory state of a body part are distinct from those that produce commands that maintain that sensory state. PMID:28053244

Evaluation of Electromechanical Systems Dynamically Emulating a Candidate Hydrokinetic Turbine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cavagnaro, Robert J.; Neely, Jason C.; Fay, Franois-Xavier

The use of controllable motor-generator sets to emulate the dynamics of a hydrokinetic turbine is evaluated as an alternative to field testing a prototype. The emulator control dynamic equations are presented, methods for scaling turbine parameters are examined, and experimental results are presented from three electromechanical emulation machines (EEMs) programmed to emulate the same vertical-axis fixed-pitch turbine. Although hardware platforms and control implementations varied, results show that each EEM is successful in emulating the turbine model, thus demonstrating the general feasibility of the approach. However, performance of motor control under torque command, current command or speed command differed. In onemore » of the EEMs evaluated, the power take off controller tracks the maximum power-point of the turbine in response to turbulence. Utilizing realistic inflow conditions and control laws, the emulator dynamic speed response is shown to agree well at low frequencies with numerical simulation but to deviate at high frequencies.« less

Evaluation of Electromechanical Systems Dynamically Emulating a Candidate Hydrokinetic Turbine

DOE PAGES

Cavagnaro, Robert J.; Neely, Jason C.; Fay, Franois-Xavier; ...

2016-11-06

The use of controllable motor-generator sets to emulate the dynamics of a hydrokinetic turbine is evaluated as an alternative to field testing a prototype. The emulator control dynamic equations are presented, methods for scaling turbine parameters are examined, and experimental results are presented from three electromechanical emulation machines (EEMs) programmed to emulate the same vertical-axis fixed-pitch turbine. Although hardware platforms and control implementations varied, results show that each EEM is successful in emulating the turbine model, thus demonstrating the general feasibility of the approach. However, performance of motor control under torque command, current command or speed command differed. In onemore » of the EEMs evaluated, the power take off controller tracks the maximum power-point of the turbine in response to turbulence. Utilizing realistic inflow conditions and control laws, the emulator dynamic speed response is shown to agree well at low frequencies with numerical simulation but to deviate at high frequencies.« less

UAV Data Exchange Test Bed for At-Sea and Ashore Information Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-02

29 3.2 Visualization using NASA World Wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 3.3 Visualization using Quantum GIS...Data Server and the Global Positioning Warehouse 37 4.1 Naval Position Repository Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 4.2...4.4 Data Exchange between CSD and NPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 5 Maritime Tactical Command and Control 43 5.1 Global Command

Cash Management Improvement in the Navy Stock Fund.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-03-01

Command, Aviation Supply Office, Fisca.l Ya 1,985 Material Budget Execution Plan , September 1984. 44 Naval Supply Systems Command, Code 60... Material . .. .. .. ... 57 3. Inventory Augmentation Appropriated Funds. .. .. ... 57 I V. CURRENT NAVY STOCK FUND CASH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES . ..59 A...Control Center, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 13 * Fleet Material Support Office, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania Aviation Supply Off Ice, Philadelphia

The Digital Motion Control System for the Submillimeter Array Antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunter, T. R.; Wilson, R. W.; Kimberk, R.; Leiker, P. S.; Patel, N. A.; Blundell, R.; Christensen, R. D.; Diven, A. R.; Maute, J.; Plante, R. J.; Riddle, P.; Young, K. H.

2013-09-01

We describe the design and performance of the digital servo and motion control system for the 6-meter parabolic antennas of the Submillimeter Array (SMA) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The system is divided into three nested layers operating at a different, appropriate bandwidth. (1) A rack-mounted, real-time Unix system runs the position loop which reads the high resolution azimuth and elevation encoders and sends velocity and acceleration commands at 100 Hz to a custom-designed servo control board (SCB). (2) The microcontroller-based SCB reads the motor axis tachometers and implements the velocity loop by sending torque commands to the motor amplifiers at 558 Hz. (3) The motor amplifiers implement the torque loop by monitoring and sending current to the three-phase brushless drive motors at 20 kHz. The velocity loop uses a traditional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm, while the position loop uses only a proportional term and implements a command shaper based on the Gauss error function. Calibration factors and software filters are applied to the tachometer feedback prior to the application of the servo gains in the torque computations. All of these parameters are remotely adjustable in the software. The three layers of the control system monitor each other and are capable of shutting down the system safely if a failure or anomaly occurs. The Unix system continuously relays the antenna status to the central observatory computer via reflective memory. In each antenna, a Palm Vx hand controller displays the complete system status and allows full local control of the drives in an intuitive touchscreen user interface. The hand controller can also be connected outside the cabin, a major convenience during the frequent reconfigurations of the interferometer. Excellent tracking performance ( 0.3‧‧ rms) is achieved with this system. It has been in reliable operation on 8 antennas for over 10 years and has required minimal maintenance.

Implementation of a medical command and control team in Switzerland.

PubMed

Carron, Pierre-Nicolas; Reigner, Philippe; Vallotton, Laurent; Clouet, Jean-Gabriel; Danzeisen, Claude; Zürcher, Mathias; Yersin, Bertrand

2014-04-01

In case of a major incident or disaster, the advance medical rescue command needs to manage several essential tasks simultaneously. These include the rapid deployment of ambulance, police, fire and evacuation services, and their coordinated activity, as well as triage and emergency medical care on site. The structure of such a medical rescue command is crucial for the successful outcome of medical evacuation at major incidents. However, little data has been published on the nature and structure of the command itself. This study presents a flexible approach to command structure, with two command heads: one emergency physician and one experienced paramedic. This approach is especially suitable for Switzerland, whose federal system allows for different structures in each canton. This article examines the development of these structures and their efficiency, adaptability and limitations with respect to major incident response in the French-speaking part of the country. © 2014 The Author(s). Disasters © Overseas Development Institute, 2014.

TRI-SERVICE ELF COMMUNICATIONS - VOL. II, BIBLIOGRAPHY.

DTIC Science & Technology

BIBLIOGRAPHIES, UNDERGROUND ANTENNAS , ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE, UNDERGROUND , COSTS, VERY LOW FREQUENCY, LOW FREQUENCY, PROPAGATION, NOISE(RADIO)....EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY), (*COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS, COMMUNICATION AND RADIO SYSTEMS), (* COMMUNICATION AND RADIO SYSTEMS, MILITARY RESEARCH

The ingestible thermal monitoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cutchis, Protagoras N.; Hogrefe, Arthur F.; Lesho, Jeffery C.

1988-01-01

A thermal monitoring system for measuring body core temperatures was developed that contains an ingestible pill which is both commandable and rechargeable, and which uses magnetic induction for command and telemetry as well as for recharging. The pill electronics consist of a battery power source, a crystal-controlled oscillator that drives a small air coil, and a command detection circuit. The resulting 262-kHz magnetilc field can be easily detected from a distance of 1 m. The pill oscillator functions at voltages less than 1 V, supplied by a single Ni-Cd battery, which must be recharged after 72 h of continuous transmission. The pill can be recalibrated periodically to compensate for long-term drift.

Command and data handling of science signals on Spacelab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccain, H. G.

1975-01-01

The Orbiter Avionics and the Spacelab Command and Data Management System (CDMS) combine to provide a relatively complete command, control, and data handling service to the instrument complement during a Shuttle Sortie Mission. The Spacelab CDMS services the instruments and the Orbiter in turn services the Spacelab. The CDMS computer system includes three computers, two I/O units, a mass memory, and a variable number of remote acquisition units. Attention is given to the CDMS high rate multiplexer, CDMS tape recorders, closed circuit television for the visual monitoring of payload bay and cabin area activities, methods of science data acquisition, questions of transmission and recording, CDMS experiment computer usage, and experiment electronics.

Data Center Energy Efficiency Technologies and Methodologies: A Review of Commercial Technologies and Recommendations for Application to Department of Defense Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-01

provided by a stand-alone desktop or hand held computing device. This introduces into the discussion a large number of mobile , tactical command...control, communications, and computer (C4) systems across the Services. A couple of examples are mobile command posts mounted on the back of an M1152... infrastructure (DCPI). This term encompasses on-site backup generators, switchgear, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution units

The hospital incident command system: modified model for hospitals in iran.

PubMed

Djalali, Ahmadreza; Hosseinijenab, Vahid; Peyravi, Mahmoudreza; Nekoei-Moghadam, Mahmood; Hosseini, Bashir; Schoenthal, Lisa; Koenig, Kristi L

2015-03-27

Effectiveness of hospital management of disasters requires a well-defined and rehearsed system. The Hospital Incident Command System (HICS), as a standardized method for command and control, was established in Iranian hospitals, but it has performed fairly during disaster exercises. This paper describes the process for, and modifications to HICS undertaken to optimize disaster management in hospitals in Iran. In 2013, a group of 11 subject matter experts participated in an expert consensus modified Delphi to develop modifications to the 2006 version of HICS. The following changes were recommended by the expert panel and subsequently implemented: 1) A Quality Control Officer was added to the Command group; 2) Security was defined as a new section; 3) Infrastructure and Business Continuity Branches were moved from the Operations Section to the Logistics and the Administration Sections, respectively; and 4) the Planning Section was merged within the Finance/Administration Section. An expert consensus group developed a modified HICS that is more feasible to implement given the managerial organization of hospitals in Iran. This new model may enhance hospital performance in managing disasters. Additional studies are needed to test the feasibility and efficacy of the modified HICS in Iran, both during simulations and actual disasters. This process may be a useful model for other countries desiring to improve disaster incident management systems for their hospitals.

Strategic command, control, communications, and intelligence.

PubMed

Zraket, C A

1984-06-22

Command, control, communications, and intelligence (C(3)l) for nuclear forces are essential elements in the deterrence of nuclear war. The present C(3)l) system has vulnerabilities associated with its reliability, survivability, and endurance under attack, thereby weakening deterrence by increasing the ambiguity in our capabilities. Development of a reliable and enduring C(3)l) system would reduce this ambiguity. Its reliable, positive control of nuclear forces would give the national leadership more time to assess situations, ensure discriminate retaliation, and improve our ability to manage crises in general. These capabilities could help to stop a war rapidly should one start. A reliable and enduring C(3)1) system will be needed for a long time to come, even if a freeze on strategic nuclear forces is accomplished or other arms control successes achieved. Indeed, C(3)l) may be the best source today of confidence-building measures to reduce tensions and the threat of nuclear catastrophe.

Active optical control system design of the SONG-China Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Yu; Kou, Songfeng; Niu, Dongsheng; Li, Cheng; Wang, Guomin

2012-09-01

The standard SONG node structure of control system is presented. The active optical control system of the project is a distributed system, and a host computer and a slave intelligent controller are included. The host control computer collects the information from wave front sensor and sends commands to the slave computer to realize a closed loop model. For intelligent controller, a programmable logic controller (PLC) system is used. This system combines with industrial personal computer (IPC) and PLC to make up a control system with powerful and reliable.

Enhancing the Operational Art: The Influence of the Information Environment on the Command-and-Control of Airpower

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-06-01

appropriate working definition. Whereas command takes the form of art , control borders closely on the realm of science . One source holds control to be: [The......OPERATIONAL ART 6 3 COMMAND, CONTROL, AND AIRPOWER 15 4 CASE STUDIES IN THE COMMAND-AND-CONTROL OF AIRPOWER 30 5 CONCLUSIONS 78 6 IMPLICATIONS 87 GLOSSARY

Gesture-Controlled Interfaces for Self-Service Machines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohen, Charles J.; Beach, Glenn

2006-01-01

Gesture-controlled interfaces are software- driven systems that facilitate device control by translating visual hand and body signals into commands. Such interfaces could be especially attractive for controlling self-service machines (SSMs) for example, public information kiosks, ticket dispensers, gasoline pumps, and automated teller machines (see figure). A gesture-controlled interface would include a vision subsystem comprising one or more charge-coupled-device video cameras (at least two would be needed to acquire three-dimensional images of gestures). The output of the vision system would be processed by a pure software gesture-recognition subsystem. Then a translator subsystem would convert a sequence of recognized gestures into commands for the SSM to be controlled; these could include, for example, a command to display requested information, change control settings, or actuate a ticket- or cash-dispensing mechanism. Depending on the design and operational requirements of the SSM to be controlled, the gesture-controlled interface could be designed to respond to specific static gestures, dynamic gestures, or both. Static and dynamic gestures can include stationary or moving hand signals, arm poses or motions, and/or whole-body postures or motions. Static gestures would be recognized on the basis of their shapes; dynamic gestures would be recognized on the basis of both their shapes and their motions. Because dynamic gestures include temporal as well as spatial content, this gesture- controlled interface can extract more information from dynamic than it can from static gestures.

Army Airspace Command and Control (A2C2): Action Plan for Issue Resolution

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

INFO Information INTEL Intelligence IPR In-Process Review IVIS Inter-Vehicular Information System JACC Joint Airspace Control Center JAOC Joint Air...base, centralized such as intelligence at Fort Huachuca and combat service support at Fort Lee , or a combination of both. It is no longer efficient to...Regiment (ATS) Ft. Bragg, NC 28307 ATTN: AFZF-ATS-C (LTC Ledbetter ) (919) 396-8899/7649 Bldg 87009, 16th Street Ft. Hood, TX 76544 Commander, 1st

Flair-fleet location and information reporting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norman, E. R.; Dunlap, M. E.

1974-01-01

The FLAIR system, as now produced, automatically updates each vehicle's location and corresponding officer's status once each two seconds and presents this information to police dispatchers in the command and control center. The position of all vehicles available for assignment is displayed on a color video map at each dispatcher's console to an accuracy of 50 feet. This gives the dispatcher a continuous picture of the deployment of the total available force and thus complete command and control of all police under his responsibility.

KSC-2011-7004

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-16

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the newly remodeled Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineering directorate personnel demonstrate the recently added Space Command & Control System which will be used for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen in April 1981. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2011-7001

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-16

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the newly remodeled Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineering directorate personnel demonstrate the recently added Space Command & Control System which will be used for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen in April 1981. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2011-7003

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-16

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the newly remodeled Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineering directorate personnel demonstrate the recently added Space Command & Control System which will be used for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen in April 1981. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2011-7002

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-16

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the newly remodeled Launch Control Center's Young-Crippen Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineering directorate personnel demonstrate the recently added Space Command & Control System which will be used for launches of future human spaceflight vehicles. Known as Firing Room 1 in the Apollo era, it was re-named as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Program's first crewed mission, STS-1, which was flown by Commander John W. Young and Pilot Robert L. Crippen in April 1981. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Research Needs for Artificial Intelligence Applications in Support of C3 (Command, Control, and Communication).

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-01

system. The reconstruction process is Simply data fusion after allA data are in. After reconstruction, artifcial intelligence (Al) techniques may be...14. CATE OF fhPM~TVW MWtvt Ogv It PAWE COMN Interim __100 -_ TO December 1984 24 MILD ON" s-o Artificial intelligence Command control Data fusion...RD-Ai5O 867 RESEARCH NEEDS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS i/i IN SUPPORT OF C3 (..(U) NAVAL OCEAN SVSTEIIS CENTER SAN DIEGO CA R R DILLARD

A Framework for Architecture-Based Planning and Assessment to Support Modeling and Simulation of Network-Centric Command and Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-02-17

included system-unique specifications derived to counter these threats. But the international security environment has changed --- and it will continue... Netowrk -Centric Command and Control 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK...contains color images. 14. ABSTRACT 15. SUBJECT TERMS 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 20 19a. NAME

Interaction of feel system and flight control system dynamics on lateral flying qualities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, R. E.; Knotts, L. H.

1990-01-01

An experimental investigation of the influence of lateral feel system characteristics on fighter aircraft roll flying qualities was conducted using the variable stability USAF NT-33. Forty-two evaluation flights were flown by three engineering test pilots. The investigation utilized the power approach, visual landing task and up-and-away tasks including formation, gun tracking, and computer-generated compensatory attitude tracking tasks displayed on the Head-Up Display. Experimental variations included the feel system frequency, force-deflection gradient, control system command type (force or position input command), aircraft roll mode time constant, control system prefilter frequency, and control system time delay. The primary data were task performance records and evaluation pilot comments and ratings using the Cooper-Harper scale. The data highlight the unique and powerful effect of the feel system of flying qualities. The data show that the feel system is not 'equivalent' in flying qualities influence to analogous control system elements. A lower limit of allowable feel system frequency appears warranted to ensure good lateral flying qualities. Flying qualities criteria should most properly treat the feel system dynamic influence separately from the control system, since the input and output of this dynamic element is apparent to the pilot and thus, does not produce a 'hidden' effect.

The use of commercial off-the-shelf equipment and its impact on C3 (Command, Control and Communications EMP (electromagnetic pulse) survivability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoke, Melvin D., Jr.

1988-04-01

The President's Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management has recommended that the military should make greater use of off-the-shelf components, systems, and services (also know as Non-Developmental Items or NDI). This recommendation, if blindly implemented, could have an adverse impact on the survivability of critical command, control, and communications assets. The study evaluates how the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) survivability of a strategic, time-urgent, fixed, ground-based, Command, Control, and Communications (C3) facility would be impacted by the use of off-the-shelf C3 equipments. The study concludes that to have a quantifiable measure of confidence in the facility's EMP survivability, the piece of off-the-shelf equipment under consideration will first have to be subjected to some degree of EMP testing.

Spacelab data management subsystem phase B study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The Spacelab data management system is described. The data management subsystem (DMS) integrates the avionics equipment into an operational system by providing the computations, logic, signal flow, and interfaces needed to effectively command, control, monitor, and check out the experiment and subsystem hardware. Also, the DMS collects/retrieves experiment data and other information by recording and by command of the data relay link to ground. The major elements of the DMS are the computer subsystem, data acquisition and distribution subsystem, controls and display subsystem, onboard checkout subsystem, and software. The results of the DMS portion of the Spacelab Phase B Concept Definition Study are analyzed.

Unmanned ground vehicles for integrated force protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carroll, Daniel M.; Mikell, Kenneth; Denewiler, Thomas

2004-09-01

The combination of Command and Control (C2) systems with Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) provides Integrated Force Protection from the Robotic Operation Command Center. Autonomous UGVs are directed as Force Projection units. UGV payloads and fixed sensors provide situational awareness while unattended munitions provide a less-than-lethal response capability. Remote resources serve as automated interfaces to legacy physical devices such as manned response vehicles, barrier gates, fence openings, garage doors, and remote power on/off capability for unmanned systems. The Robotic Operations Command Center executes the Multiple Resource Host Architecture (MRHA) to simultaneously control heterogeneous unmanned systems. The MRHA graphically displays video, map, and status for each resource using wireless digital communications for integrated data, video, and audio. Events are prioritized and the user is prompted with audio alerts and text instructions for alarms and warnings. A control hierarchy of missions and duty rosters support autonomous operations. This paper provides an overview of the key technology enablers for Integrated Force Protection with details on a force-on-force scenario to test and demonstrate concept of operations using Unmanned Ground Vehicles. Special attention is given to development and applications for the Remote Detection Challenge and Response (REDCAR) initiative for Integrated Base Defense.

Automated control of hierarchical systems using value-driven methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pugh, George E.; Burke, Thomas E.

1990-01-01

An introduction is given to the Value-driven methodology, which has been successfully applied to solve a variety of difficult decision, control, and optimization problems. Many real-world decision processes (e.g., those encountered in scheduling, allocation, and command and control) involve a hierarchy of complex planning considerations. For such problems it is virtually impossible to define a fixed set of rules that will operate satisfactorily over the full range of probable contingencies. Decision Science Applications' value-driven methodology offers a systematic way of automating the intuitive, common-sense approach used by human planners. The inherent responsiveness of value-driven systems to user-controlled priorities makes them particularly suitable for semi-automated applications in which the user must remain in command of the systems operation. Three examples of the practical application of the approach in the automation of hierarchical decision processes are discussed: the TAC Brawler air-to-air combat simulation is a four-level computerized hierarchy; the autonomous underwater vehicle mission planning system is a three-level control system; and the Space Station Freedom electrical power control and scheduling system is designed as a two-level hierarchy. The methodology is compared with rule-based systems and with other more widely-known optimization techniques.

A combined stochastic feedforward and feedback control design methodology with application to autoland design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halyo, Nesim

1987-01-01

A combined stochastic feedforward and feedback control design methodology was developed. The objective of the feedforward control law is to track the commanded trajectory, whereas the feedback control law tries to maintain the plant state near the desired trajectory in the presence of disturbances and uncertainties about the plant. The feedforward control law design is formulated as a stochastic optimization problem and is embedded into the stochastic output feedback problem where the plant contains unstable and uncontrollable modes. An algorithm to compute the optimal feedforward is developed. In this approach, the use of error integral feedback, dynamic compensation, control rate command structures are an integral part of the methodology. An incremental implementation is recommended. Results on the eigenvalues of the implemented versus designed control laws are presented. The stochastic feedforward/feedback control methodology is used to design a digital automatic landing system for the ATOPS Research Vehicle, a Boeing 737-100 aircraft. The system control modes include localizer and glideslope capture and track, and flare to touchdown. Results of a detailed nonlinear simulation of the digital control laws, actuator systems, and aircraft aerodynamics are presented.

Saguaro: a distributed operating system based on pools of servers. Annual report, 1 January 1984-31 December 1986

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andrews, G.R.

1986-03-03

Prototypes of components of the Saguaro distributed operating system were implemented and the design of the entire system refined based on the experience. The philosophy behind Saguaro is to support the illusion of a single virtual machine while taking advantage of the concurrency and robustness that are possible in a network architecture. Within the system, these advantages are realized by the use of pools of server processes and decentralized allocation protocols. Potential concurrency and robustness are also made available to the user through low-cost mechanisms to control placement of executing commands and files, and to support semi-transparent file replication andmore » access. Another unique aspect of Saguaro is its extensive use of type system to describe user data such as files and to specify the types of arguments to commands and procedures. This enables the system to assist in type checking and leads to a user interface in which command-specific templates are available to facilitate command invocation. A mechanism, channels, is also provided to enable users to construct applications containing general graphs of communication processes.« less

Airport Information Retrieval System (AIRS) System Support Manual

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1973-01-01

This handbook is a support manual for prototype air traffic flow control automation system developed for the FAA's Systems Command Center. The system is implemented on a time-sharing computer and is designed to provide airport traffic load prediction...

Airport Information Retrieval System (AIRS) System Design

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-07-01

This report presents the system design for a prototype air traffic flow control automation system developed for the FAA's Systems Command Center. The design was directed toward the immediate automation of airport data for use in traffic load predicti...

Exact nonlinear command generation and tracking for robot manipulators and spacecraft slewing maneuvers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dywer, T. A. W., III; Lee, G. K. F.

1984-01-01

In connection with the current interest in agile spacecraft maneuvers, it has become necessary to consider the nonlinear coupling effects of multiaxial rotation in the treatment of command generation and tracking problems. Multiaxial maneuvers will be required in military missions involving a fast acquisition of moving targets in space. In addition, such maneuvers are also needed for the efficient operation of robot manipulators. Attention is given to details regarding the direct nonlinear command generation and tracking, an approach which has been successfully applied to the design of control systems for V/STOL aircraft, linearizing transformations for spacecraft controlled with external thrusters, the case of flexible spacecraft dynamics, examples from robot dynamics, and problems of implementation and testing.

Apollo experience report: Guidance and control systems. Mission control programmer for unmanned missions AS-202, Apollo 4, and Apollo 6

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holloway, G. F.

1975-01-01

An unmanned test flight program required to evaluate the command module heat shield and the structural integrity of the command and service module/Saturn launch vehicle is described. The mission control programer was developed to provide the unmanned interface between the guidance and navigation computer and the other spacecraft systems for mission event sequencing and real-time ground control during missions AS-202, Apollo 4, and Apollo 6. The development of this unmanned programer is traced from the initial concept through the flight test phase. Detailed discussions of hardware development problems are given with the resulting solutions. The mission control programer functioned correctly without any flight anomalies for all missions. The Apollo 4 mission control programer was reused for the Apollo 6 flight, thus being one of the first subsystems to be reflown on an Apollo space flight.

Command control for functional electrical stimulation hand grasp systems using miniature accelerometers and gyroscopes.

PubMed

Tong, K Y; Mak, A F T; Ip, W Y

2003-11-01

Recent commercially available miniature sensors have the potential to improve the functions of functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems in terms of control, reliability and robustness. A new control approach using a miniature gyroscope and an accelerometer was studied. These sensors were used to detect the linear acceleration and angular velocity of residual voluntary movements on upper limbs and were small and easy to put on. Five healthy subjects and three cervical spinal cord injured subjects were recruited to evaluate this controller. Sensors were placed on four locations: the shoulder, upper arm, wrist and hand. A quick forward-and-backward movement was employed to produce a distinctive waveform that was different from general movements. A detection algorithm was developed to generate a command signal by identifying this distinctive waveform through the detection of peaks and valleys in the sensor's signals. This command signal was used to control different FES hand grasp patterns. With a specificity of 0.9, the sensors had a success rate of 85-100% on healthy subjects and 82-97% on spinal cord injured subjects. In terms of sensor placement, the gyroscope was better as a control source than the accelerometer for wrist and hand positions, but the reverse was true for the shoulder.

Command and Service Module Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Interbartolo, Michael

2009-01-01

This viewgraph presentation examines Command and Service Module (CSM) Communications. The communication system's capabilities are defined, including CSM-Earth, CSM-Lunar Module and CSM-Extravehicular crewman communications. An overview is provided for S-band communications, including data transmission and receiving rates, operating frequencies and major system components (pre-modulation processors, unified S-band electronics, S-band power amplifier and S-band antennas). Additionally, data transmission rates, operating frequencies and the capabilities of VHF communications are described. Major VHF components, including transmitters and receivers, and the VHF multiplexer and antennas are also highlighted. Finally, communications during pre-launch, ascent, in-flight and entry are discussed. Overall, the CSM communication system was rated highly by flight controllers and crew. The system was mostly autonomous for both crew and flight controllers and no major issues were encountered during flight.

Multinational Experiment 7. Outcome 3 - Cyber Domain Objective 3.1: Threats and Vulnerability Methodology Version 1.0

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-09

often  operators  of command and control  systems  within critical infrastructures, and  can in some ways be considered critical assets themselves. The...application layer makes up the  command and control  system  for the critical infrastructure. That includes  operating   systems  and  applications for users and...Determine how to achieve secure synchronization between primary and secondary  systems .  • Ensure alternatives are  operating , trained for, and practiced

Simulation study of two VTOL control/display systems in IMC approach and landing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merrick, V. K.

1981-01-01

Both systems had full attitude command; the more complex system (Type 1) also had translational velocity command. The systems were applied to existing models of a VTOL lift-fan transport and the AV-8A Harrier. Simulated landings were made on a model of a DD963 Spruance-class destroyer. It was concluded that acceptable transitions and vertical landings can be performed, using the Type 1 system, in free-air turbulence up to 2.5 m/sec and sea state 6 and, using the Type 2 system, in free-air turbulence up to 1.5 m/sec and sea state 4.

An expert system that performs a satellite station keepimg maneuver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linesbrowning, M. Kate; Stone, John L., Jr.

1987-01-01

The development and characteristics of a prototype expert system, Expert System for Satellite Orbit Control (ESSOC), capable of providing real-time spacecraft system analysis and command generation for a geostationary satellite are described. The ESSOC recommends appropriate commands that reflect both the changing spacecraft condition and previous procedural action. An internal knowledge base stores satellite status information and is updated with processed spacecraft telemetry. Procedural structure data are encoded in production rules. Structural methods of knowledge acquisition and the design and performance-enhancing techniques that enable ESSOC to operate in real time are also considered.

61. SAC control center command post construction, March 2, 1956, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

61. SAC control center command post construction, March 2, 1956, looking northeast - Offutt Air Force Base, Strategic Air Command Headquarters & Command Center, Headquarters Building, 901 SAC Boulevard, Bellevue, Sarpy County, NE

Command and Control Software Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallace, Michael

2018-01-01

The future of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) depends on its innovation and efficiency in the coming years. With ambitious goals to reach Mars and explore the vast universe, correct steps must be taken to ensure our space program reaches its destination safely. The interns in the Exploration Systems and Operations Division at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) have been tasked with building command line tools to ease the process of managing and testing the data being produced by the ground control systems while its recording system is not in use. While working alongside full-time engineers, we were able to create multiple programs that reduce the cost and time it takes to test the subsystems that launch rockets to outer space.

Overcoming Robot-Arm Joint Singularities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barker, L. K.; Houck, J. A.

1986-01-01

Kinematic equations allow arm to pass smoothly through singular region. Report discusses mathematical singularities in equations of robotarm control. Operator commands robot arm to move in direction relative to its own axis system by specifying velocity in that direction. Velocity command then resolved into individual-joint rotational velocities in robot arm to effect motion. However, usual resolved-rate equations become singular when robot arm is straightened.

The effects of time delays on a telepathology user interface.

PubMed Central

Carr, D.; Hasegawa, H.; Lemmon, D.; Plaisant, C.

1992-01-01

Telepathology enables a pathologist to examine physically distant tissue samples by microscope operation over a communication link. Communication links can impose time delays which cause difficulties in controlling the remote device. Such difficulties were found in a microscope teleoperation system. Since the user interface is critical to pathologist's acceptance of telepathology, we redesigned the user interface for this system, built two different versions (a keypad whose movement commands operated by specifying a start command followed by a stop command and a trackball interface whose movement commands were incremental and directly proportional to the rotation of the trackball). We then conducted a pilot study to determine the effect of time delays on the new user interfaces. In our experiment, the keypad was the faster interface when the time delay is short. There was no evidence to favor either the keypad or trackball when the time delay was longer. Inexperienced participants benefitted by allowing them to move long distances over the microscope slide by dragging the field-of-view indicator on the touchscreen control panel. The experiment suggests that changes could be made to the trackball interface which would improve its performance. PMID:1482878

33 CFR 154.802 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... FACILITIES TRANSFERRING OIL OR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IN BULK Vapor Control Systems § 154.802 Definitions. As used in this subpart: Certifying entity means an individual or organization accepted by the Commandant (CG-522) to review plans and calculations for vapor control system designs, and to conduct initial...

33 CFR 154.802 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... FACILITIES TRANSFERRING OIL OR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IN BULK Vapor Control Systems § 154.802 Definitions. As used in this subpart: Certifying entity means an individual or organization accepted by the Commandant (CG-522) to review plans and calculations for vapor control system designs, and to conduct initial...

BROADBAND DIGITAL GEOPHYSICAL TELEMETRY SYSTEM.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Seeley, Robert L.; Daniels, Jeffrey J.

1984-01-01

A system has been developed to simultaneously sample and transmit digital data from five remote geophysical data receiver stations to a control station that processes, displays, and stores the data. A microprocessor in each remote station receives commands from the control station over a single telemetry channel.

A Computer Program Functional Design of the Simulation Subsystem of an Automated Central Flow Control System

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-08-01

This report contains a functional design for the simulation of a future automation concept in support of the ATC Systems Command Center. The simulation subsystem performs airport airborne arrival delay predictions and computes flow control tables for...

Cybersecurity Technology R&D | Energy Systems Integration Facility | NREL

Science.gov Websites

and development (R&D) in cybersecurity is focused on distributed energy resources and the control equipment. The team is focusing on integrity for command and control messages in transit to and from systems and control architectures. Moving Target Defense In collaboration with Kansas State University

Simultaneously firing two cylinders of an even firing camless engine

DOEpatents

Brennan, Daniel G

2014-03-11

A valve control system includes an engine speed control module that determines an engine speed and a desired engine stop position. A piston position module determines a desired stopping position of a first piston based on the desired engine stop position. A valve control module receives the desired stopping position, commands a set of valves to close at the desired stopping position if the engine speed is less than a predetermined shutdown threshold, and commands the set of valves to reduce the engine speed if the engine speed is greater than the predetermined shutdown threshold.

Step 1: Human System Integration (HSI) FY05 Pilot-Technology Interface Requirements for Command, Control, and Communications (C3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

The document provides the Human System Integration(HSI) high-level functional C3 HSI requirements for the interface to the pilot. Description includes (1) the information required by the pilot to have knowledge C3 system status, and (2) the control capability needed by the pilot to obtain C3 information. Fundamentally, these requirements provide the candidate C3 technology concepts with the necessary human-related elements to make them compatible with human capabilities and limitations. The results of the analysis describe how C3 operations and functions should interface with the pilot to provide the necessary C3 functionality to the UA-pilot system. Requirements and guidelines for C3 are partitioned into three categories: (1) Pilot-Air Traffic Control (ATC) Voice Communications (2) Pilot-ATC Data Communications, and (3) command and control of the unmanned aircraft (UA). Each requirement is stated and is supported with a rationale and associated reference(s).

Technology and the Evolution of the Strategic Air Command and the Air Force Space Command.

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-04-01

agree for the most part that technology is having a major effect upon national security and that it should be encouraged and even pushed in the key areas... effecting defense. (7 :7 ) America’s leadership is linked directly to its ability to adapt to technological innovations which have improved its...naviq,.tion, propulsion systems, electronic warfare systems, Ladars, and cockpit controls and displays much work still needs to be done. Pave Pillar is

Joint Command Decision Support for the 21st Century (JCDS 21) Technology Demonstration (TD) Project: Concept of Operations (CONOPs)

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-08

decision making. It 29 identified that it is equally critical for a Command and Control system to facilitate temporal mixing (the ability to integrate...Decision Superiority. They might well be characterized as a set of stocks. It follows that a holistic appreciation, continuous monitoring of market ...retained the following working defintion of EBO: “Operations designed to influence the long- or short-term state of a system through the achievement of

Applicability of Existing C3 (Command, Control and Communications) Vulnerability and Hardness Analyses to Sentry System Issues.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-13

Naval .1 Ordnance Systems Command ) codes are detailed propagation simulations mostly at lower frequencies . These are combined with WEPH code phenomenology...AD B062349L. Scope /Abstract: This report describes a simple model for predicting the loads on box-like target structures subject to air blast. A... model and applying it to targets which can be approximated by a series of rectangular parallelopipeds. In this report the physical phenomena of high

Marshall Space Flight Center Telescience Resource Kit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wade, Gina

2016-01-01

Telescience Resource Kit (TReK) is a suite of software applications that can be used to monitor and control assets in space or on the ground. The Telescience Resource Kit was originally developed for the International Space Station program. Since then it has been used to support a variety of NASA programs and projects including the WB-57 Ascent Vehicle Experiment (WAVE) project, the Fast Affordable Science and Technology Satellite (FASTSAT) project, and the Constellation Program. The Payloads Operations Center (POC), also known as the Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC), provides the capability for payload users to operate their payloads at their home sites. In this environment, TReK provides local ground support system services and an interface to utilize remote services provided by the POC. TReK provides ground system services for local and remote payload user sites including International Partner sites, Telescience Support Centers, and U.S. Investigator sites in over 40 locations worldwide. General Capabilities: Support for various data interfaces such as User Datagram Protocol, Transmission Control Protocol, and Serial interfaces. Data Services - retrieve, process, record, playback, forward, and display data (ground based data or telemetry data). Command - create, modify, send, and track commands. Command Management - Configure one TReK system to serve as a command server/filter for other TReK systems. Database - databases are used to store telemetry and command definition information. Application Programming Interface (API) - ANSI C interface compatible with commercial products such as Visual C++, Visual Basic, LabVIEW, Borland C++, etc. The TReK API provides a bridge for users to develop software to access and extend TReK services. Environments - development, test, simulations, training, and flight. Includes standalone training simulators.

Baroreflex regulation of blood pressure during dynamic exercise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raven, P. B.; Potts, J. T.; Shi, X.; Blomqvist, C. G. (Principal Investigator)

1997-01-01

From the work of Potts et al. Papelier et al. and Shi et al. it is readily apparent that the arterial (aortic and carotid) baroreflexes are reset to function at the prevailing ABP of exercise. The blood pressure of exercise is the result of the hemodynamic (cardiac output and TPR) responses, which appear to be regulated by two redundant neural control systems, "Central Command" and the "exercise pressor reflex". Central Command is a feed-forward neural control system that operates in parallel with the neural regulation of the locomotor system and appears to establish the hemodynamic response to exercise. Within the central nervous system it appears that the HLR may be the operational site for Central Command. Specific neural sites within the HLR have been demonstrated in animals to be active during exercise. With the advent of positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), the anatomical areas of the human brain related to Central Command are being mapped. It also appears that the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius and the ventrolateral medulla may serve as an integrating site as they receive neural information from the working muscles via the group III/IV muscle afferents as well as from higher brain centers. This anatomical site within the CNS is now the focus of many investigations in which arterial baroreflex function, Central Command and the "exercise pressor reflex" appear to demonstrate inhibitory or facilitatory interaction. The concept of whether Central Command is the prime mover in the resetting of the arterial baroreceptors to function at the exercising ABP or whether the resetting is an integration of the "exercise pressor reflex" information with that of Central Command is now under intense investigation. However, it would be justified to conclude, from the data of Bevegard and Shepherd, Dicarlo and Bishop, Potts et al., and Papelier et al. that the act of exercise results in the resetting of the arterial baroreflex. In addition, if, as we have proposed, the cardiopulmonary baroreceptors primarily monitors and reflexly regulates cardiac filling volume, it would seem from the data of Mack et al. and Potts et al. that the cardiopulmonary baroreceptor is also reset at the beginning of exercise. Therefore, investigations of the neural mechanisms of regulation involving Central Command and cardiopulmonary afferents, similar to those being undertaken for the arterial baroreflex, need to be established.

A WebGIS-based command control system for forest fire fighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jianyu; Ming, Dongping; Zhang, Xiaodong; Huang, Haitao

2006-10-01

Forest is a finite resource and fire prevention is crucial work. However, once a forest fire or accident occurs, timely and effective fire-fighting is the only necessary measure. The aim of this research is to build a computerized command control system based on WEBGIS to direct fire-fighting. Firstly, this paper introduces the total technique flow and functional modules of the system. Secondly, this paper analyses the key techniques for building the system, and they are data obtaining, data organizing & management, architecture of WebGIS and sharing & interoperation technique. In the end, this paper demonstrates the on line martial symbol editing function to show the running result of system. The practical application of this system showed that it played very important role in the forest fire fighting work. In addition, this paper proposes some strategic recommendations for the further development of the system.

Joint Fire Support

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-30

intelligence application package for theater battle management core system ( TBMCS ) functionality at wing and squadron levels. The automated four... TBMCS , Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (Ground Control Station), and Global Command and Control System, as well as with Allied FA...The TBMCS is a force level integrated air C2 system. TBMCS provides hardware, software, and communications interfaces to support the preparation

Airport Information Retrieval System (AIRS) User's Guide

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1973-08-01

The handbook is a user's guide for a prototype air traffic flow control automation system developed for the FAA's System Command Center. The system is implemented on a time-sharing computer and is designed to provide airport traffic load predictions ...

Limiting vibration in systems with constant amplitude actuators through command preshaping. M.S Thesis - MIT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, Keith Eric

1994-01-01

The basic concepts of command preshaping were taken and adapted to the framework of systems with constant amplitude (on-off) actuators. In this context, pulse sequences were developed which help to attenuate vibration in flexible systems with high robustness to errors in frequency identification. Sequences containing impulses of different magnitudes were approximated by sequences containing pulses of different durations. The effects of variation in pulse width on this approximation were examined. Sequences capable of minimizing loads induced in flexible systems during execution of commands were also investigated. The usefulness of these techniques in real-world situations was verified by application to a high fidelity simulation of the space shuttle. Results showed that constant amplitude preshaping techniques offer a substantial improvement in vibration reduction over both the standard and upgraded shuttle control methods and may be mission enabling for use of the shuttle with extremely massive payloads.

Controlling Laboratory Processes From A Personal Computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Will, H.; Mackin, M. A.

1991-01-01

Computer program provides natural-language process control from IBM PC or compatible computer. Sets up process-control system that either runs without operator or run by workers who have limited programming skills. Includes three smaller programs. Two of them, written in FORTRAN 77, record data and control research processes. Third program, written in Pascal, generates FORTRAN subroutines used by other two programs to identify user commands with device-driving routines written by user. Also includes set of input data allowing user to define user commands to be executed by computer. Requires personal computer operating under MS-DOS with suitable hardware interfaces to all controlled devices. Also requires FORTRAN 77 compiler and device drivers written by user.

A piloted simulator investigation of augmentation systems to improve helicopter nap-of-the-earth handling qualities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, R. T. N.; Talbot, P. D.; Gerdes, R. M.; Dugan, D. C.

1978-01-01

A piloted simulation study assessed various levels of stability and control augmentation designed to improve the handling qualities of several helicopters in nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flight. Five basic single rotor helicopters - one teetering, two articulated, and two hingeless - which were found to have a variety of major deficiencies in a previous fixed-based simulator study were selected as baseline configurations. The stability and control augmentation systems (SCAS) include simple control augmentation systems (CAS) to decouple pitch and yaw responses due to collective input and to quicken the pitch and roll control responses; SCAS of rate command type designed to optimize the sensitivity and damping and to decouple the pitch-roll due to aircraft angular rate; and attitude command type SCAS. Pilot ratings and commentary are presented as well as performance data related to the task. SCAS control usage and their gain levels associated with specific rotor type are also discussed.

Soldier experiments and assessments using SPEAR speech control system for UGVs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Jonathan; Blanco, Chris; Czerniak, Jeffrey; Hoffman, Brian; Hoffman, Orin; Juneja, Amit; Ngia, Lester; Pruthi, Tarun; Liu, Dongqing

2010-04-01

This paper reports on a Soldier Experiment performed by the Army Research Lab's Human Research Engineering Directorate (HRED) Field Element located at the Maneuver Center of Excellence, Ft. Benning, and a Limited Use Assessment conducted by the Marine Corps Forces Pacific Command Experimentation Center (MEC) at Camp Pendleton evaluating the effectiveness of using speech commands to control an Unmanned Ground Vehicle. SPEAR, developed by Think-A-Move, Ltd., provides speech control of UGVs. SPEAR detects user speech in the ear canal with an earpiece containing an in-ear microphone. The system design provides up to 30 dB of passive noise reduction, enabling it to work well in high-noise environments, where traditional speech systems, using external microphones, fail; it also utilizes a proprietary speech recognition engine. SPEAR has been integrated with iRobot's PackBot 510 with FasTac Kit, and with Multi-Robot Operator Control Unit (MOCU), developed by SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific. These integrated systems allow speech to supplement the hand-controller for multi-modal control of different UGV functions simultaneously. HRED's experiment measured the impact of SPEAR on reducing the cognitive load placed on UGV Operators and the time to complete specific tasks. Army NCOs and Officer School Candidates participated in this experiment, which found that speech control was faster than manual control to complete tasks requiring menu navigation, as well as reducing the cognitive load on UGV Operators. The MEC assessment examined speech commands used for two different missions: Route Clearance and Cordon and Search; participants included Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians and Combat Engineers. The majority of the Marines thought it was easier to complete the mission scenarios with SPEAR than with only using manual controls, and that using SPEAR improved their situational awareness. Overall results of these Assessments are reported in the paper, along with possible applications to autonomous mine detection systems.